Cetaphil Baby Product Review

Hello!

Join Login

Review Cetaphil Baby

Cetaphil Baby
Average Ratings (from 188 ratings)
Overall star Rating
The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.
Cetaphil Baby :
4.7 out of 5 based on 188 reviews.
Post your review

Introducing the Cetaphil Baby review, with three products that make up a beautiful bath and sleep time routine for your gorgeous bub!

For the Cetaphil Baby review we’re sending mums the Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo, Daily Lotion and Massage Oil to try with their baby. We can’t wait to see what mums think of these products designed for their precious little ones.

More about the Cetaphil Baby range

Cetaphil Baby products are specially formulated for babies’ delicate skin. The range is dermatologically tested, colourant free, paraben free, and mineral oil free. It also helps soothe itchiness and discomfort associated with skin irritation and excessive dryness.

The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil can be used daily to help protect skin from dryness and retain moisture. Simply pour the oil into your hand, rub both hands together to warm oil, then gently massage oil all over baby’s body.

The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo should be poured into hands or wash cloth and applied to baby’s hair and body. Lather, rinse and towel dry. If it gets into your baby’s eyes, rinse with water.

Pour the Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion into your hand. Rub both hands together to warm lotion, then gently apply to baby’s face and body. If it gets into your baby’s eyes, rinse with water.

Cetaphil Baby Review

Six Steps© to a Happy Baby

Cetaphil Baby has an easy to follow Six Steps© to a Happy Baby guide that’s designed to calm your baby, while establishing a bath and sleep time routine. Us mums know that babies thrive with routines, so here’s hoping the lucky mums and bubs who are a part of this trial feel the positive benefits of this Happy Baby guide – because who doesn’t want a happy bubba!

Here’s the Cetaphil Baby Six Steps© to a Happy Baby guide

Step 1: Massage
Important to help parents and baby bond, through touch. Place baby on their back on a stable safe surface. Pour Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil into your hands and rub together to warm oil. Commence at the ankles in a gentle circular motion and move upwards toward the hip. Complete on both sides. Repeat this process on the arms. If the baby is comfortable place baby on their tummy (ensuring babies head it turned to one side for breathing) and massage baby with long strokes up the back and off the shoulders and then down the whole body.

Step 2: Bath
Wrap baby in a loose swaddle, then clean their head with the Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo so that they stay warm and soothed. Clean their eyes using one cotton wool for each eye and clean from “inside to outside”. Unwrap baby and hold baby length-ways in your arms ensuring you have a firm grip and to keep babies head out of the water. Gently introduce them into the water – feet first then the rest of the body. You can use the Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo which is specially formulated for baby’s delicate skin.

Step 3: Moisturise
Moisturising is important to keep baby’s skin nourished and hydrated. Gently rub Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion into baby’s skin in circular motions across the entire body. Avoid eye area.

Step 4: Feed
Feed on demand as every babies requirements are different. Breast feeding is the preferred option of most experts, however you decide what is best for your baby.

Step 5: Swaddle
Swaddling helps babies to feel safe and protected because it mimics what was in utero and to stop startle reflex ensuring better sleep for baby and you. It can take some time to learn how to swaddle in a way that suits your baby, so don’t be disheartened if they wriggle out in the first instance, simply try again.

Step 6: Sleep
The safety and wellbeing of baby during sleep is paramount. All babies must sleep on their back on a breathable surface with their feet touching the end of the cot. Ensure no hats on babies as it can cause babies to overheat and will increase risk of SIDS. Ensure the sleep space is free from bumpers, pillows and soft toys.

Where can I purchase the Cetaphil Baby Range?

The Cetaphil Baby range is available in all great supermarkets, pharmacies and some specialty stores.

More about the Cetaphil Baby Review

We’ve now chosen MoM Members for the Cetaphil Baby review, check back here to read the thoughts and opinions from the review team.

*If baby is distressed in any way during the routine, stop and give them soothing cuddles.

Should a potential adverse reaction occur, please discontinue use immediately, contact your healthcare professional, and report your experience to medinfoau@galderma.com or reviews@mouthsofmums.com.au

AU-CET-2100039

Published 16th April 2021

Share this

  • pamper with cetaphil

    After giving my baby girl a bath and washing her down with the cetaphil baby wash and shampoo, we go into her room and I papmper her by gently rubbing the cetaphil baby oil all over her little body. I love that the oil isnt at all to heavy, its a nice and light texture that does spread nice and evenly along the skin, it leaves my baby smelling so yummy too. its a delight!
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Fantastic product and will buy again!

    Thank you so much for the opportunity to review the baby Cetaphil products. Absolutely loved the ease of having the wash and shampoo all in one made bath time so much easier. The products were great for bubbas sensitive and delicate skin so I actually tried them on my four year old who has very sensitive skin and the lotion really moistened her skin. I am really impressed with these products and would definitely purchase again!!!
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Best products ever!!!

    Loved his range nice and gently on the skin, lovely light fragrant smell. Oil doesn’t leave skin greasy.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Nice smelling baby

    Makes bath time a lot more enjoyable! My daughter has very sensitive skin and I can say that this is a winner in my eyes
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Absolute essentials!

    I’ve been using these products since my newborn daughter arrived into the world. Given she’s a vomiter and can create some pretty amazing poopy messes, products to give her a thorough clean is absolutely essential. The Cetaphil baby wash and shampoo is so gentle and smells lovely. The moisturiser and massage oil have been incredible to keep that newborn flaky skin at bay, and the massage oil has become part of our bedtime routine to relax her and get her ready for sleep.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Soothing and gentle on delicate baby skin

    So happy to be able to trial this cetaphil baby range. Both baby and I feel happy after using it. I love the baby 6 steps happy guide. The massage steps its such a great way for the baby and mother to relax. I love how when I use the massage oil on her. She's so relax and happy. I love the whole bonding moment with her and knowing I am using a great gentle safe product on her. The gentle wash and shampoo it's so convenient to use as its 2 in 1. I can use it on her hair and body. It is hassle free and gentle on her skin. The lotion will protect her skin whole day. Overall really happy with cetaphil baby range and have already stock up more from the whole range.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Love it!!

    The range of products are nice and gentle and we’ve loved using it all:)

    Would recommend it to others!
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Great range, perfect for my baby!

    The cetaphil range is fantastic. Firstly the daily lotion has a nice consistency and worked wonders on my baby's dry skin. It's now silly smooth. We have even had comments on how nice his skin is!

    The wash and shampoo is gentle on their skin and we found also smells really nice.

    The massage lotion didn't feel as oily as normal ones so that was fantastic. My son enjoys the massages with this and it isn't even sticky for his clothes.

    I would definately recommend this range!
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Cetaphil Baby, thankyou!

    I was absolutely thrilled to be selected to test the Cetaphil Baby range. My newest daughter is 3 weeks old and it came in perfect time to test and see if it became a part of our night routine.

    I'm here to say YES! I'm here to say Welcome to the family, Cetaphil!

    The Gentle Wash and Shampoo is genius! A 2 in 1 combination to tackle the body and hair. The scent is sweet, it's soap free which is a bonus for sensitive skin and won't leave you fumbling your sweet kids like footballs, and come on, who DOESN'T like bubbles?! It leaves my little girls hair like soft, fluffy fuzz.

    The Daily Lotion is silky smooth and actually absorbs into the skin unlike other moisturisers I've tried where it just settles for hours. Coming into winter we can be prone to dry skin when we're staying cosy warm indoors, I feel reassured from this trial that Cetaphil's lotion will give a protective barrier.

    And the massage oil, oh heavens this is a game changer for us! My bub has belly pains especially in the evening and she calms right after a massage. The oil smells divine, and it also soaks nicely into her skin! It's not too slippery, doesn't leave residue on our favourite outfits and it's calming as a signal that bedtime is soon approaching.

    I highly highly recommend the Cetaphil range as part of your family. It's affordable, it's safe for all skin types and it works!
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Prepare for smooth calmed skin

    I love cetaphil products as not only is it amazingly soft on my babies skin but also soothing and calming. Both my babies have very sensitive skin so I need to make sure to be using the right products not to dry or irritate their skin. I certainly say to other parents to try cetaphil products out.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Love the products :)

    Loved the Cetaphil range for babies

    My little girl enjoys her massage daily :)
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Amazing! Best thing for baby skin!

    Cetaphil is amazing! I can’t rave about it enough!! I now recommend it to every customer that comes into the Pharmacy I work at. The gentle wash & shampoo has definitely made life more easier. My bub loves the massage oil & it helps relax her before bed.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Great items and will repurchase

    Love how two of the bottles have bumps on the bottles which make it easier to grip with wet hands. Please add the grips to the massage oil bottle. Could you please also change the way the liquid flows out of the bottle? It is hard to get a small amount of shampoo out of the bottle to wash the head of my newborn baby.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Great

    My youngest daughter suffers from dry skin around her feet, elbows and knees. I found this to be really helpful I would even add a bit of moisturiser in the bath it seems to clear her up quickly and stop the itching and irritation it’s reasonably priced and will most likely buy again in the future.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Cetaphil the best wash for the whole family

    The Cetaphil brand is great for the whole family. It makes the body nice and soft. It is safe for the whole family to use. Its very unique and practical.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Love the smell and the products

    I enjoyed using the Cetaphil products. The best one was the massage oil and the lotion. My babies skin is extremely dry. The massage oil and the lotion really helped the baby's skin. The shampoo I did not fancy it much. It was a bit hard to get rid off from the body and it took longer than usual in the shower.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Pamper time

    Its pamper time with Cetaphil baby massage oil! My little girl loves her all over baby massage after a nice warm bath. I love the texture of the oil its not to heavy its nice and light. Just look at that shine!
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • pamper with cetaphil

    After giving my baby girl a bath and washing her down with the cetaphil baby wash and shampoo, we go into her room and I papmper her by gently rubbing the cetaphil baby oil all over her little body. I love that the oil isnt at all to heavy, its a nice and light texture that does spread nice and evenly along the skin, it leaves my baby smelling so yummy too. its a delight!
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • We love Cetaphi

    Bonding time with baby is the best time, since receiving the Cetaphil package, bath time has become our new favourite bonding time. My girl loves to kick about and enjoy feeling the water but once I rub her head nice and gentle with the Cetaphil shampoo and body wash she always calms down and enjoys the pamper.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Fantastic product and will buy again!

    Thank you so much for the opportunity to review the baby Cetaphil products. Absolutely loved the ease of having the wash and shampoo all in one made bath time so much easier. The products were great for bubbas sensitive and delicate skin so I actually tried them on my four year old who has very sensitive skin and the lotion really moistened her skin. I am really impressed with these products and would definitely purchase again!!!
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Good smell and works well for all skin types

    Easy to apply and not oily

    helps the skin to stay hydrated and suits all skin types. It makes the skin softer, smoothier and makes it glow. recommended brand for me
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • A great product for all skin types

    If your baby has sensitive skin or if you just want to be careful this product is really the one you will want to buy. Cetaphil is a family friendly and safe product that makes the lives of parents so much easier. Parents need a safe option that they can get hold of easily as parenting is hard enough without having to worry about making choices about skin care. Having a product that you can trust is absolutely vital.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Great products

    Loved each of the products we got! They smell great,and were great on bubs skin, even on my 4year old too! Would definitely recommend to other parents with young bubs like my own. Will definitely be buying this brand !
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Best products ever!!!

    Loved his range nice and gently on the skin, lovely light fragrant smell. Oil doesn’t leave skin greasy.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Nice smelling baby

    Makes bath time a lot more enjoyable! My daughter has very sensitive skin and I can say that this is a winner in my eyes
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Absolute essentials!

    I’ve been using these products since my newborn daughter arrived into the world. Given she’s a vomiter and can create some pretty amazing poopy messes, products to give her a thorough clean is absolutely essential. The Cetaphil baby wash and shampoo is so gentle and smells lovely. The moisturiser and massage oil have been incredible to keep that newborn flaky skin at bay, and the massage oil has become part of our bedtime routine to relax her and get her ready for sleep.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Cetaphil Baby

    I did love these products the smell was lovely and kept my babies skin soft. I used the lotion every second day and the shampoo wash every other day. The massage oil definitely helped bub and I to bond as well as keeping his skin nice and soft
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Does a great job and smells lovely.

    These products from Cetaphil smell great and leave my babies skin lovely and soft after every use. The wash and shampoo leaves her hair smelling amazing and doesn’t dry out her skin, the lotion keeps her skin soft and she loves having a massage with the massage oil before bed.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • Great product

    My baby and I use Cetaphil baby lotion daily. It is a nice smelling lotion keeping me and my baby fresh all day. This lotion suits our skin. Ideal for summer too because it won’t leave your skin feeling oily/sweaty/greasy. Love the hydrating feeling after each use. It mixes easily on the skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.

  • I love Cetaphil

    Love this on my baby after a bath. It has a lovely scent which is not too strong. It’s not as thick which is great for warmer weather. Keeps my baby’s skin very soft and lasts for quite sometime on the skin after applying without rubbing off when baby does tummy time or plays. Highly recommend
    The Cetaphil Baby routine made my baby happy and my life easier.
    I recommend the Cetaphil Baby range to other parents.
    The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion soothed and protected my baby’s delicate skin.
    The Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo made bath time so much easier.
    The Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil helped me calm my baby before bedtime.
Click here to post a review

Reviews on this page have now been disabled.

To register for reviews that are not open yet and for future reviews, enter your email below and we'll send you an email as soon as a review is open for application.

Topics

Article ‘Trust Your Intuition’: How To Advocate For Your Child In Hospital

‘Trust Your Intuition’: How To Advocate For Your Child In Hospital

Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.

What if I’m overreacting?
What if I’ve got it wrong?

So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.

It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.

Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise

According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.

“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.

Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital

While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.

So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.

“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.

Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone

A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.

You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.

Leticia gets it.

“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”

But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.

Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.

“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”

Remember, we know our children better than anyone.

What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process

If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.

Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
  2. Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
  3. Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.

You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.

What should you actually look out for?

Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.

Things like:

  • Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
  • Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
  • Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
  • Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
  • Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
  • Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse

And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.

That’s enough.

“You are helping us, not bothering us”

If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.

“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.

“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”

The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.

“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”

And if you’re still worried about being judged?

“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”

Find out more, visit health.nsw.gov.au/raiseit

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with NSW Health to bring you this important article.

Share this

  • Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
    So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.

    Reply

  • This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.

    Reply

  • It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.

    Reply

  • How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!

    Reply

  • This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.

    Reply

  • This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.

    Reply

  • I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.

    Reply
Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

Join Login

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join