Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis Product Review

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Average Ratings (from 43 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Woolworths is a brand I trust.
I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes
Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis :
4.55 out of 5 based on 43 reviews.

When the kids head back to school, keeping them well hydrated is just so important.

The Woolworths range of Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are the perfect size for lunchboxes and the perfect size for kids! Pop them in as is or freeze them to keep everything else in your lunchbox cool!

Mix up the week with Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis – a different flavour or drink each day! And have a little fun with the message label on the Spring Water Minis!

In this review, we’re asking Mums to pick up a range of Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis from the following list, trial and review in lunchboxes and then tell us what they think:

Woolworths Chocolate Flavoured Milk 250ml, Woolworths Strawberry Flavoured Milk 250ml, Fruit Juice Box Varieties 6pk – 250ml, Spring Water Minis 20pk – 250ml

woolworths_back to school review_milks juices and spring water_strawberry and chocolate milk_product image_300x200 woolworths_back to school review_milks juices and spring water_juices_product image_300x200

woolworths_back to school review_milks juices and spring water_spring water_product image_300x200

Look for these perfect kid-size drinks in the Drinks and School Snacks section or the flavoured milk fridge at Woolworths or when you shop Online. Stock up now so you’re never short of a snack when the kids are hungry or friends drop in.

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Published 23rd January 2018


  • Affordable products

    Cheap and affordable alternative compared to the expensive brands. I myself have tried these as well as my two children and we actually love these! No more purchasing just juice poppers & the milks for mornings before school on our walk to school. Highly suggest these items to anyone who’s on a budget or looking for affordable drinks! I wouldn’t buy other brands now after trying these ones as I think they are just as good as the expensive brands and very affordable for mums like myself with little ones
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • A big hit with the kids!

    My children LOVED the juice boxes, water bottles and the milks. They loved them all because of the taste but I loved them more because of the price and the fact that they fit perfectly into lunch boxes. I also snuck a few of the water bottles in my hand bag. They are a great size. We will be getting them again for sure.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Great for little hands

    I really like the size of these, the fact that it is just the right amount of liquid for a meal. It also means it fits their little hands and is not too heavy that they will drop it. Added to that there is a spot where you can write their names on, which makes it so easy when you have a birthday party and there are 20 little kids, you can tell exactly who's water bottle it is.

    What I loved about the juices are that it is easy to pack in the lunchbox, can freeze too without popping which is great for summer days. Also there are at least 4 different flavours at my local Woolies. Apple, Apple and blackcurrant, apple and raspberry and orange. I really couldn't decide which flavours to buy.

    Now the Milks, this was a bit of a shame as it is very hard to find at our local woolies, went to 5 in our local area and it wasn't stocked! My kids love chocolate and strawberry milk so I can't wait for this to hit our local Woolies.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Convenient and happy

    I would buy the woolworths mini spring waters, flavoured milks and juice boxes again. My children loved the size of the bottles and I loved that they wanted to stay hydrated, the size of the bottles is very cute. The flavour of the milk was great they have asked for them again and the juice boxes made a great addition to the lunch boxes!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Great addition to a school day lunchbox

    My child loved having a special drink in her lunchbox each school day and I would definitely buy the Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Bottles again for school, home and also for kids parties. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to try out these fantastic products.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Awesome Healthy drinks for school lunch boxes

    My children and myself tried the Woolworths juices, which they loved especially the apple and blackcurrant put in the freezer to eat as a fruit slushy. The water minis are such a great size for lunch boxes. The chocolate and strawberry milks my children loved and so convenient with a pop up top, and such great flavour
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Perfect Recess treat!

    My daughter has been asking for icey poles from the school canteen for recess. But freezing a juice box and popping it in her lunch bag has not only kept her snacks cold but has also given her a nice icey cold treat for recess too! Perfect!!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • perfect full of flavour

    my son loves these and are perfect for school
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Yummy, Delicious and a winner with the kids

    I was really excited to try these products as I am always looking for new products to add to my kids lunch boxes that are a benefit to them and not full of sugars. We purchased the Chocolate Milk and a variety of flavoured juice boxes and my kids absolutely loved them and have asked for more. I felt confident including them into my daughters school lunch boxes.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Awesome

    My children loved all of them. As soon as we got home they downed the milk and wanted more. The juice and water were a great addition to their lunch boxes. Small and convenient.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Great size and taste

    My kids love the milks. DS9 likes to have the chocolate milk he takes them in his lunch box on a Friday which is canteen days. Otherwise it’s a juice box and Woolworths brands are cheaper than the Prima and golden circle brand with just as great a taste. We have brought the spring water minis numerous times for birthday parties and large family events. A great size to keep the young children hydrated also good size for refilling empty bottles for the fridge.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Prefect size

    I love that these are the perfect size for little lunch boxed. In the past I have struggled to find small drinks to pop in (other than juice). The mills are a nice alternative that I wouldn’t have previously added. I find that the smaller sized packaging is easier for the little ones to handle and results in less waste. They are also great for busy parents as you can grab and go rather than needing to fluff around filling up small drink bottles.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Affordable products

    Cheap and affordable alternative compared to the expensive brands. I myself have tried these as well as my two children and we actually love these! No more purchasing just juice poppers & the milks for mornings before school on our walk to school. Highly suggest these items to anyone who’s on a budget or looking for affordable drinks! I wouldn’t buy other brands now after trying these ones as I think they are just as good as the expensive brands and very affordable for mums like myself with little ones
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Yummy treat

    These poppers & milk drinks are perfect for a little lunchbox treat or afternoon treat. They are great value for money the packaging is really eye catching & they are quite a lot cheaper then other brands.

    There great to have in the fridge & treat the kids after school or on the weekends. There not something I’d give my kids all the time but ever now & then
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Great sizes for lunch boxes

    I loved the size of the water for the kids.I often found buying bigger sizes were being wasted but not with this size.As an added bonus they can be frozen and used to keep the lunches cold.I didn’t like that they are in the fruit juice isle in the supermarket it makes more sense to me to have it located in the water isle!

    The milk drinks were a winner in my house once again a great size for kids plus no wastage like other brands i have purchased previously.

    The fruit juices were also a hit in my house great size to fit into a kids lunchbox and not as sweet as some of the other brands.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Juices, milks and mini waters are great

    While family enjoyed trying these. I liked that the milks weren't sickly sweet so my 2yr old could have them as a treat. My 13 yr old cleared out the fruit boxes extremely fast. And I loved how convenient the mini waters are! Can fit a pop top stopper on the top so very handy having a toddler. Just would be great if you could buy these in smaller packs or individually for a quick grab and go drink for kids. We loved them all.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Perfect Recess treat!

    My daughter has been asking for icey poles from the school canteen for recess. But freezing a juice box and popping it in her lunch bag has not only kept her snacks cold but has also given her a nice icey cold treat for recess too! Perfect!!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Yummy flavoured milk!

    I picked up a few chocolate milks and strawberry milks for lunch box treats, and they didnt make it to the lunch box! Was a perfect afternoon treat after school for my girls. It tasted great and perfect size to last them until their dinner!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Great for convenience

    My kids loved the flavoured milk as it’s a great size, and the pop top means it’s convenient as a treat when we are out and about and don’t have to worry about the younger one spilling it.

    I love the variety available in the fruit juices - it meant even my picky son had different options. They loved the apple & raspberry and the tropical flavours. With it being so hot where we live lately, I’ve been giving my son a frozen one for lunch, and he is loving it as an icy treat.

    Whilst I found the water bottle handy having as a spare in my handbag for toddler emergencies when she is suddenly thirsty, I don’t think I would buy it for lunch boxes. Only due to the fact that my son drinks a lot of water at school because of the heat, and these little water bottles are just too small. But for parties for kids they would be awesome especially with the space to write their names on it!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Juice boxes

    I have been buying these juice boxes regularly for some time now, could be any flavour, all taste authentic and not to sweet.. Very handy, great for a pick me up, and an addition to my adult sons lunch box, or any visitors.. Easily stored in pantry or fridge.. Great value.. 6 pack..
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • A big hit with the kids!

    My children LOVED the juice boxes, water bottles and the milks. They loved them all because of the taste but I loved them more because of the price and the fact that they fit perfectly into lunch boxes. I also snuck a few of the water bottles in my hand bag. They are a great size. We will be getting them again for sure.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Woolworths milks, juice boxes and spring water minis

    My boys really love these and so do I. They are the perfect size for lunch boxes or just popped in the side pocket of the schoolbag. The juice boxes are great straight out of the fridge or freezer, you can drink them or eat them. Which is nice for those really hot days, and as an added bonus they keep everything in the lunchbox cool. The spring water minis are a perfect size to pop in the fridge as they are and just grab them out when you need them, the bottles can also be recycled. We didn't get to try the milks, as our Woolworths didn't have any in stock. I will certainly be purchasing the spring water minis and juice boxes regularly. Thank you Mouths Of Mums.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Popular with the Kiddies!!

    What an honour it was to participate in this review. I have always been a fan of Woolworths products and this was just another opportunity to explore new products.

    We reviewed all 3 items, the Flavoured Milks, Juice boxes & Spring Water Minis.

    Well I must say that my son was super excited to have these new goodies in his school lunch box.

    As a parent I am always conscious of what I allow into the lunch box, and our school also advocates for good lunchbox choices.

    The first product was the flavoured milks. These are a great after school treat option but not ideal for the lunch box with our hot QLD weather.

    The Juice Boxes were the biggest hit! I love that, unlike many other options on the market, they are 99% Fruit Juice & have no added sugar. The sugar content is still a little high, however my high energy 6 year old boy is sure to burn it off no trouble! Will definitely buy these again, as the flavours are also enjoyable. (We tried the Tropical & the Apple Raspberry).

    And the last one is the Spring Water Minis. While my son thought they were awesome & cute, I didn’t find them practical for the school lunch box. They are too small for a whole school day and so a bigger drink bottle is still needed to be taken. They are however great to throw in your handbag, or for just a single meal like a park picnic, etc.

    Thank you again for selecting us to participate in this review, we look forward to any future review opportunities. ????????
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Minis for my minis

    I constantly have half finished backwash filled water bottle everywhere!

    These minis from my minis were the PERFECT solution.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Small Size, Big Impressions

    The sizes are perfect for lunchboxes - not just spacewise, but also in terms of diet. The Spring Water Minis are especially good for handbags and for the console/glove compartment/etc in the car to have on the go so you can always stay hydrated.

    The range and taste of the flavours of the milks and juice boxes are fantastic, and apple raspberry is a lovely addition to the houeshold favourite apple blackcurrant. They are not overly sweet - just the right amount - and the flavour is true. Also, the chocolate milk does not have the powdery texture that some have.

    As an after school (or work!) snack, semi-freeze a juicebox so that it can be a fruity slushy. If it is too frozen to drink through the straw, cut off the top (by pulling up the side flaps) and eat with a spoon.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Great for little hands

    I really like the size of these, the fact that it is just the right amount of liquid for a meal. It also means it fits their little hands and is not too heavy that they will drop it. Added to that there is a spot where you can write their names on, which makes it so easy when you have a birthday party and there are 20 little kids, you can tell exactly who's water bottle it is.

    What I loved about the juices are that it is easy to pack in the lunchbox, can freeze too without popping which is great for summer days. Also there are at least 4 different flavours at my local Woolies. Apple, Apple and blackcurrant, apple and raspberry and orange. I really couldn't decide which flavours to buy.

    Now the Milks, this was a bit of a shame as it is very hard to find at our local woolies, went to 5 in our local area and it wasn't stocked! My kids love chocolate and strawberry milk so I can't wait for this to hit our local Woolies.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Convenient and happy

    I would buy the woolworths mini spring waters, flavoured milks and juice boxes again. My children loved the size of the bottles and I loved that they wanted to stay hydrated, the size of the bottles is very cute. The flavour of the milk was great they have asked for them again and the juice boxes made a great addition to the lunch boxes!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Fantastic products

    We loved trying these products, they were a fantastic size fit children. Especially the water for freezing in the kids lunch boxes it was defrosted and still nice and cold by lunch time. Also the same with the fruit boxes and they loved the flavours. The milks we had as a special after school treat. We will buy them again for sure
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Great products!

    We love the small size of the spring water, handy in a kindy or handbag

    The milks are a great snack, were easy to drink from mess free!

    Both my husband & daughter enjoy juice boxes as a treat, I buy another brand they both liked the flavour of the woolworths better.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • perfect full of flavour

    my son loves these and are perfect for school
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis again
    I would recommend Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis to other mums
    Woolworths Milks, Juice Boxes and Spring Water Minis are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes

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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.

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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!

    Reply

  • 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.

    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

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