Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls Product Review

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Average Ratings (from 191 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums
Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls :
4.68 out of 5 based on 191 reviews.

Mums, we’re excited to bring you the Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls review … with pure veg options too!

As mums there’s an overwhelming amount of choice in the market when it comes to baby’s first foods, and we want to make sure we’re making the right decisions, especially at the very beginning of our child’s lifelong food journey. That’s is why we’re so excited to bring back the Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls review, with pure veg options for mums to try.

Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are for tiny taste buds at the very beginning of their lifelong food journey. At Little Bellies, they believe in doing what’s natural, and so their Organic Baby Bowls have been purposefully-designed to support natural child development. The range of baby grade organic veg, fruit and grain purees help introduce budding eaters to their first flavours and textures and are served up in a bowl format to support interactive spoon-feeding, encourage mindful eating practices and make your baby’s development priority number one.

Image of Baby Bellies Organic Baby Bowls Review

Little Bellies LOVE SPOONING (#WeLoveSpooning) as spoon-feeding is especially important in aiding healthy development of oral motor skills and swallowing techniques, which helps transition your baby on to chunkier solid food. Eating with a spoon from the Little Bellies see-through bowls means true interaction between you and your baby and helps little ones see, touch and smell their food. The Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls specifically come without a spoon, as the Little Bellies team believe that using a favourite spoon helps to create a familiar ritual that’s important in helping babies become more comfortable and accepting of a wider variety of foods in their diet.

Little Bellies aim to make it easy for us mums to identify the blends that are more suited for ‘main meal’ option vs other occasions. Variants are clearly named so that the flavours represent the exact ingredients used, and in true proportions, as per the ingredients list. With Organic Baby Bowls the main ingredients on the front of the pack are the lead ingredients included in the bowl, this isn’t the case with all baby foods available, but you can be confident with these bowls it is! The range includes Veggie bowls that have been intentionally designed to contain only pure veg, with no added or hidden fruit sugars. Little Bellies do use fruit as a key ingredient in many of their bowls, but they also believe the full sensory experience of a spoonful of pureed veggies should be celebrated by these palates-in-training.

The Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls come in a combination of six simple and delicious certified organic pure veg options as well as fruit, veg and grain blends to introduce a variety of first flavours and textures to support your baby’s natural development.

  • Veggie Bowls are fruit-free purees for future veg lovers to introduce the first tastes of pure veggies to tiny taste buds.
  • Jumble Bowls are savoury blends, combining a mix of veg and grains, for main meals.
  • Goodie Bowls are wholesome fruit and grain-based blends, specially designed for those after-meal or in-between meal snacking moments.
  • Smoothie Bowls are fruit and oat-based breakfast purees for early risers.

Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are BPA free, portable, resealable, recyclable and and re-useable. Recycle the bowl, lid cardboard sleeve and dispose of plastic film thoughtfully. Or re-use the bowls to store your favourite Little Bellies snacks or to keep your own home-made purées.

Where can I buy Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls?
Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are $2.25, and are available from Woolworths and Coles stores nationally. The Sweet Potato, Pumpkin and Zucchini Veggie Bowl and the Apple, Apricot and Millet Goodie Bowl are only available at Woolworths.

What’s happening on Instagram?

#momreviewaulittlebellies #welovespooning


Published 14th September 2021


  • Delicious, Nutritious & Easy!

    We love Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls, my son is just starting to learn how to feed himself and these are so quick and easy to give him while also ensuring he is eating healthy meals.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Reusable bowl and delicious puree

    I really love the idea of a reuseable bowl. My baby has been taking these Little Bellies ‘meals’ for the last week and he has loved them! He feels just like the rest of the family with his own little bowl too! The puree is smooth and is digested well. The flavour options also give a fair variety. Will recommend them to my friends!
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Fantastic food and packaging

    My bub loves Baby Bellies organic veggie bowls. I pack them for his lunch when we are on the go and I absolutely love the fact that the bowls are reusable. I have quite a few bowls collected now to house his snacks.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • We love it!

    Corbyn (10months) loved the smoothie bowls! They were the perfect meal size and were very tasty! He is at the age where he loves to feed himself so we had a spoon each and dove straight in. We have purchased more from Woolies and would highly recommend them to other mums!
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Perfect timing for us!

    These arrived at our door in perfect timing - my little man was just about to begin his solids journey! I already loved this brand as my first was addicted to the Baby Bellies puffs, so I felt very confident to use the Baby Bellies purée pots as my baby’s first solids.

    Firstly, I love that they’re organic and don’t contain any added nastiest. The pot size is great, to start with I was using 1/3 pot and saving the rest into other small containers in the fridge. We’ve quickly progressed to a whole bowl at lunch now, though! I also like that some are fruit free, as I didn’t want my bub to develop a preference for only sweets at the beginning. The pea and carrot bowl has been a hit! We also love the sweet potato, carrot and brown rice.

    Since the trial, I have purchased more bowls and mixed them through spiral pasta for bub to pick up and suck. He loves it!
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Nutritious, yummy meals for bub

    We have only just started solids but my bub absolutely loves these! I’ve already bought more as they are so easy for me and tasty for him. The variety is so good and I know he’s getting lots of nutrients from these little bowls. The flavours are good for little mouths and he loves trying to feed himself too. Winner in my books!
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Great and easy for an "on the Go" Mum!

    This is a wonderful product that my boy absolutely loves, it's easy to take with while in the car or out and about. My son can be fussy but when he tried the Veggie Bowl, he guzzled it up without hesitation so it must be tasty. The fact that it's organic makes it an even healthier choice for mums and their bubs.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Perfect for Little Bubs

    I think this product is absolutely fantastic.

    My little man is eating lots of healthy foods,

    with plenty of variety, with none of the bad.

    Eating these has encouraged good eating,

    in terms of other foods that I offer him.

    I only wish it was available two years ago,

    for my daughter.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Goooood

    Is very good and yummy my little girl like it.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Little Bellies

    I highly recommend little bellies organic baby bowls for your baby. packed full of veggies he’s healthy little bowls are quick and convenient making mealtimes so much easier and best of all my baby loved the flavour. I will definitely be purchasing these in the future to keep in my cupboard for a quick healthy easy dinner
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Delicious, Nutritious & Easy!

    We love Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls, my son is just starting to learn how to feed himself and these are so quick and easy to give him while also ensuring he is eating healthy meals.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Son was not interested

    My son took one mouthful & wouldn't try it again. So looks like I wont be buying it again. I tried it myself but lacking any flavor. I love the idea of it, but just won't work for my family
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Best Pre-packed baby food

    Both my daughters loved these. Not only is the bowl handy when travelling but also reusable. My pantry was always stocked with these for on the go or just conveniently easy meal options for babies on purée.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Nice baby food

    It was a nice product, and my baby enjoyed it. I received a free sample of the organic carrot, sweet potato, and brown rice product, which had the ideal texture. She was able to eat everything in a short amount of time. Great flavours in a well-packaged package. Overall, a good baby product. .I also liked the fact that it was just the right size to fit into my nappy bag. The texture and flavour appealed to Baby.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Convenient!

    I just love how convenient they are especially if your away & staying in hotel or even someone’s house who doesn’t have babies. I thought the price was reasonable. My mother seen me find my bub and said she wishes they were available when I was a child. Would definitely recommend. My bub loved the flavours. They would also be good when your having a day out or going out to a restaurant & not having to stress about pack a bowl etc.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Bub loves it and it's healthy

    This is a great option for feeding in a rush and my bub loves it. The only downfall is the cost however it's worth it to have the peace of mind on a busy day that everything is ready to go and bub will actually eat it. I love that there are many flavors to choose from and that the bowl itself can be used to serve it so it eliminates extra work. It's nice it's reusable too! Overall a great option!
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Didn't like them

    I tried these with my son and he out right refused all of them he didn't like any of the flavours but that's him, I still would recommend them for the easy and convenient meal as sometimes my toddler wants dinner or lunch before us so having these is handy and at least you know its a healthy meal.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Love these

    I got these for my son when he started solids and he loved all the flavours. I try all the food before giving it to my son and I can say I honestly didn't mind the flavour at all, this will definitely be a staple for when my daughter is ready for solids. I love that the containers are reusable, for my son I made a few shakers with coloured rice and he still loves them
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Perfect for bub!

    My little one loves these! He was a bit slow taking to food, but absolutely enjoys these. I love that they have lids so if he doesn’t finish it all in one go, it’s easy to keep. Also fantastic design that they’re completely reusable, and I love that the ingredients are real and simple. Winner in our house ????
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Handy, tasty, healthy!

    These are so convenient for road trips and quick meal stops. Love that the containers are recyclable. So handy and healthy which is fantastic. They are quite runny which can be hard for the little ones to scoop themselves. My boys both love the flavours I just wish they had more varieties but definitely recommend them.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Great for toddlers too

    My toddler son loves these too. He insisted he needed one when he saw them on the shelf so i figured why not. He loved it. He's a fussy eater so anytime I can get good food into him is a bonus. I give them to him after some meals and he considers them a treat. A great thing for both of us. He gets his treat and I know he's getting goodness too.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Reusable bowl and delicious puree

    I really love the idea of a reuseable bowl. My baby has been taking these Little Bellies ‘meals’ for the last week and he has loved them! He feels just like the rest of the family with his own little bowl too! The puree is smooth and is digested well. The flavour options also give a fair variety. Will recommend them to my friends!
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Great product but not for every kid

    These were great until my little ones started turning their noses up at some textures and flavours. Some flavour combos are a bit average but overall love that the brown is recyclable that is so important! These are convenient and easy to use. Also great for packing them in your bag for a day out’
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Great product

    My 8 month old is a big lover of food ! She absolutely loved the flavours we received. Not a mouthful left. I will definitely be purchasing the bellie bowls for her on a regular basis. Simple and easy to prepare and great flavours.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Easily accessible

    Simple and easy to use. Love that it doesn’t have much extras that aren’t needed for my baby. My baby really enjoys the flavors.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • All in one meal

    My little one absolutely devoured these! She’s been sick the past week and these have gone down a treat. It’s good to know that she’s getting all her nutrients and vitamins in just one bowl. The other thing I love is the fact that their containers are reusable! I love reusing and recycling. The less wastage the better.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Great

    These were great for my little one who enjoyed them
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Delicious and nutritious

    I loved these little bowls, so much easier than a pouch, flavours were delicious and ingredients are great! Packaging is great and I love that they are recyclable. My little man loved them and I will definitely be buying again. Highly recommend.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Perfect

    We found these to be so handy! They were a great consistency and nicely packaged.

    The variety of flavors was very good also, we will continue to buy these for my little girl.

    The amount was just right for her, not too much and not too little.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums


  • Fantastic food and packaging

    My bub loves Baby Bellies organic veggie bowls. I pack them for his lunch when we are on the go and I absolutely love the fact that the bowls are reusable. I have quite a few bowls collected now to house his snacks.
    Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls offer a range of premium and appealing organic purees for my baby
    I like that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls support interactive spoon-feeding and child development in a natural way
    The fact that Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls are both reusable and recyclable matters to me 
    I would purchase Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls
    I would recommend Little Bellies Organic Baby Bowls to other Mums

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Topics

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.

  • As a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, I’ve learned to trust my gut when something doesn’t feel right. We’ve had a few experiences where we’ve needed to go through different channels to raise concerns or frustrations with the hospital system to make sure our daughter got the care she needed. It’s great to see programs like this encouraging families to speak up, because parents often know when something isn’t quite right.

    Reply

  • As a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, I’ve learned to trust my gut when something doesn’t feel right. We’ve had a few experiences where we’ve needed to go through different channels to raise concerns or frustrations with the hospital system to make sure our daughter got the care she needed. It’s great to see programs like this encouraging families to speak up, because parents often know when something isn’t quite right.

    Reply

  • This is so true from my experience over the years.
    No matter how wonderful the medical team is, if you have any doubts speak up as a mother knows her child better than anyone.

    Reply

  • Yes and amen to this article ! I agree with always follow your gut, you know your child like no one else does. In fact you are your child’s expert and should never stop advocating for them or speaking up. Sometimes professionals are very good in waving concerns away, all it takes is a human who listens

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  • Even as a healthcare professional, when I took my soon to the ED when I was concerned, I felt awkward about speaking up, worried I was making a big deal out of nothing (even though i would never tjink this about a patient’s family if the roles were reversed). The message in this article is so important. Always stick to your guns. Always speak up and advocate for your kids – they can’t do it for themselves.

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  • And honestly, some medical staff are idiots. I vividly remember the night two doctors huddled over my son’s lung x-rays. I hadn’t been allowed to accompany him to have them taken as I was pregnant. They finally told me solemnly that they were preparing to do emergency surgery as there was something in his lungs – “we don’t know what it is, but it’s definitely man made”. I took one look at the x-rays and asked if they’d taken off the battery packs for his cochlear implants, which were pinned to the back of his shirt, before the x-ray. And of course they hadn’t, and of course that’s what appeared to be in his lungs. Honestly!

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  • We need more articles like this one. It is important for us to advocate for ourselves and our loved ones in any situation and work with professionals.

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  • I have learned many times to always listen to your gut and speak up when you don’t think something is right. This article was a great read, our kids are our world and if we don’t feel they are getting the right help, and we feel it, we need to speak up.

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  • You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.

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  • A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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!

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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

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