Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys Product Review

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Review Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys

Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys
Average Ratings (from 118 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills
Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys :
4.6 out of 5 based on 118 reviews.
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We are thrilled to announce the Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys product review.

Because as mums, we are always on the lookout for toys that are designed to be storable, portable and adorable.

It’s as easy as Play, Stow, Go!

Hasbro has produced a range of on-the-go toys for the new Play Stow & Go range for on-the-go families. Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, or playtime at the grandparents’ house, you can keep your little ones entertained by bringing playtime almost anywhere.

In the Hasbro Playskool Toys product review, we’ll be sending selected mums one of the following toys to trial and review with their bub.

Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant

Includes elephant plush.

Fold_N_Go_Elephant_hasbro_250x300

This busy elephant plush packs big fun with lots of colours, textures, sounds and 7 activities for your baby to explore. Little ones can discover themselves in the mirror, squeeze the squeaker, shake the rattle and much more.

And don’t worry if this blue elephant friend gets dirty – just toss it into a pillow case and into the washing machine to clean. When it’s time to pack up your next adventure with your baby, you can quickly fold it up for easy storage and portability.

Playskool Stack ‘n Stow Cups

Includes base, cover and 7 cups.

Hasbro_Stack_n_Stow_Cups_250x300This adorable lion and 7 colourful cups help little ones to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they pile the cups on top of the base or nest them altogether. Easy grasp tabs and colourful cut out shapes make it simple for little hands to grab and place the cups.

When you’re on the go, nest them together and lock the base so they’re securely stowed and compact enough to fit inside a nappy bag or purse. You can even use the lion’s tail as a hook and hang it on your bag.

Playskool Pop-up Rollin’ Ramp

Includes ramp, 2 cars and instructions.

Hasbro_Pop_Up_Rollin_Ramp_250x300The Playskool Pop-Up Rollin’ Ramp toy will keep your little on entertained with action packed, imaginative fun. Kids press the launcher at the top of the ramp to send 1 of the 2 included cars zooming down the ramp. The little characters spin as the car rolls. and your toddler can also spin them by hand to develop and encourage fine motor skills ad hand-eye coordination.

When it’s time to pack up and go, simply park the cars on the base and secure them into the pegs, and then collapse the 14-inch-tall ramp down to less than 3-inches tall to fit easily into a nappy bag or storage space.

Playskool Pop-up Shape Sorter

Includes shape sorter and 4 shapes.

Hasbro_Pop_Up_Shape_Sorter_250x300The Pop-up Shape Sorter will help your little ones distinguish different shapes and colours, practice matching and hand-eye coordination, and begin to develop their fine motor movements all as they play.

Not only will the shape sorter keep your kids entertained, but as an added bonus for parents, the kitty collapses down flat to fit in a nappy bag and stores the pieces securely inside for easy home storage or portability.

 

Playskool Roll ‘n Gears Car

Includes car and 5 gears.

Hasbro_Playskool_roll_n_gears_250x300The 2-in-1 Roll ‘n Gears Car toy helps kids explore how gears work and cars move, helping to promote the development of their motor skills and understand cause and effect. The gears are also stackable for more exploration.

Then when it’s time to pack up for your next adventure, snap the gears securely inside the car or on the wheels, close it up and toss it in a nappy bag for space-saving storage and transport.

 

Where to buy Playskool Play Stow & Go Toys?

Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are available for purchase from Big W, Myer, Toys ‘R Us and Toyworld.

For more information about Playskool Play Stow & Go Toys, click here. 

Would you like to take part in the Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys product review?

Hasbro_logo_250x300In the Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys product review, selected mums and their bubs will be asked to put a Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toy through its paces, and then post their reviews and ratings on this page.

Applications to participate in the Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys product review have now closed. If you missed out this time, don’t be discouraged. There’ll be lots of opportunities for you to take part in a product review in the future. If you’re not a member, join Mouths of Mums here to receive invitations to participate in future reviews. 

Published 12th October 2015

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  • Fun to play with.

    My little has so many of these toys. we have even named his toys as ele for the elephant.... roller for the car slide. My baby instantly knows which toy is being talked about. He loves playing with Playskool toys.

    As a parent, I buy him toys which are not just interesting to play with but also improves his motor skills... hence we have so many of playskool toys.

    Go for these!
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Compact, Fun, Enjoyable

    Going away for the weekend and each child is allowed to bring one toy, my son is taking the Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant, all our other daughters are jealous because the elephant turns in to multiple toys all in one. He will never get bored, so many things to touch, hold and play with. Love that its compact, which means easy to store in the car and doesn't take up much room and you can always enjoy the elephant for hours on end.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Compact Multifunctional Elephant

    Absolutely love the Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant, it is true it does fold to compact, great for travelling and wanting your child/baby to enjoy playing but with minimal room. I love the multi functional toys that associate with this product, my child/baby will never get bored, so many things to play with. My Child/Baby has learned already so much from this wonderful playing Elephant.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • So much fun!

    My little niece absolutely loves playing with the shape sorter, she is forever trying new ways to place them in the matching holes. Great little toy for eye-hand co-ordination and cognitive development. It's bright and colourful to and draws attention with its appearance too. I'm glad I bought this for my niece.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Who doesn't love an elephant that you can take anywhere!

    The Playskool Fold 'n Go Busy Elephant is so cute and fun! I recently gave this as a gift to my friends baby and he loved it! It seriously entertained him for so long! There are so many elements in this Elephant that Baby never seems to tire of it. I just asked my friend if she has had to wash it and she said unfortunately yes due to vomit - however it came out good as new. I would definitely purchase this toy again in the future.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant

    My 6 month old daughter has the playskool fold n go busy elephant and absolutely loves it. It has so many little toys they can play with including a small mirror which she loves. Very compact and can even fit in a handbag. We keep it at her great grandmothers house as it is so compact and easy to store.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant

    This Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant is awesome, great for any little age really, I have a 8 week old and he loves it and twin 4 year olds and they love playing with it too. They are very intrigued with the mirror especially but do like the rattle as well. One thing they all enjoy is the hugging and squeezing of the elephant, so cuddly and makes them feel happy and content. I do recommend to anyone this is a real eye giver (they love it). For myself I love the fact that all you need to do is throw into a pillow slip and easy to wash and ready for the next fun play.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Test toy

    My favourite brand is Fischer price. My niece has this and she adores it .
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Pop up.

    My 2 year old loves this, he has not stopped playing with it. It’s very easy to fold down and pop back up, and when folded, fits in a bag nicely. I love the colours, the shapes and the pictures on the shapes. It will definitely be a toy we take on the go. Its great for sensory and fine motor skills and hand-eye co-ordination. A great educational toy the whole family will love too.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Fantastic!

    This toy fast became my sons favourite. He gets so excited every time we pull it out! I am so happy with this toy and it's great to take with you when out visiting! Really impressed! Folds away nice and small and it's great that the shapes still fit inside!
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Multifunctional

    Who would have thought that a Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant would have so much to do. So many things to play with, look at and feel. It is amazing and a great toy to take away on holidays cause you just need to take the one rather than a bunch of things.

    My son absolutely loves it and still plays with it at 16 months old. You can use it as a pillow when not playing with it in the car or at home, it has multiple uses which I like.

    My son has learned so many things from just playing and interacting with it, I'd definitely recommend to anyone looking for a multifunctional toy and the fact that it's fun and enjoyable for all ages. I love that its compact and easy to store, with minimal space, great if you don't have much room.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Busy Elephant

    Miss A, 9 months, loves her Fold n Go Busy Elephant. We take it everywhere with us at it so compact and fits in my bag and is perfect to keep Miss A amused when we go out for lunch, coffee or even just for quick, mess free play around the house. This toy is definitely a favourite!
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Fun to play with.

    My little has so many of these toys. we have even named his toys as ele for the elephant.... roller for the car slide. My baby instantly knows which toy is being talked about. He loves playing with Playskool toys.

    As a parent, I buy him toys which are not just interesting to play with but also improves his motor skills... hence we have so many of playskool toys.

    Go for these!
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Great for storage, and little hands!

    I bought a couple of these for my twins, I was so impressed with how compact they are to store, and how perfect they are for little hands. I love the colours and shapes. The toys greatly benefit motor skills, especially babies who were premature that are behind in skills. I would like to add more to my range, and will be hoping to get more for Christmas.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Bub loves it!

    It has become our new ritual to buy a playskool toy whenever we go out to check the baby stores. But can't have enough of those stow and go toys. He spend time with the toys while I get things done! Definitely a hit with us. Permanent customers for some time to come.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Bubba loves them

    I was not chosen to review these toys unfortunately.. I don't know how I missed the application, they would have been great for my little one to play with in the early months. Instead, he was given some by his aunt. They are great, easy to handle, quite compact (for travelling which is great), have a great range of features and provide hours of fun.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Compact, Fun, Enjoyable

    Going away for the weekend and each child is allowed to bring one toy, my son is taking the Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant, all our other daughters are jealous because the elephant turns in to multiple toys all in one. He will never get bored, so many things to touch, hold and play with. Love that its compact, which means easy to store in the car and doesn't take up much room and you can always enjoy the elephant for hours on end.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Awesome toys

    The stow and go toys are a wonderful set of easy to transport toys ! They can fit in my hand bag or nappy bag which is essential when you go out and cannot take every toy but need things to keep them occupied to avoid cranky disasters. I think the price is reasonable for the toys too. I haven't had any break which is what you want, durability. All in all I would recommend these and would buy them as present for other mums and little ones ;)
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys

    Our twin daughter and son loved playing with the Playskool Play, Stow & Go car ramp while we were at a friends house, very easy set up and pack up. They are both at developmental stages but both got a lot of play from this play set.

    We are looking at buying one to keep in the car for when we travel.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Compact Multifunctional Elephant

    Absolutely love the Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant, it is true it does fold to compact, great for travelling and wanting your child/baby to enjoy playing but with minimal room. I love the multi functional toys that associate with this product, my child/baby will never get bored, so many things to play with. My Child/Baby has learned already so much from this wonderful playing Elephant.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Fantastic fun

    My 15 month old daughter loves playing with this while we were out the other day it kept her occupied for ages, it was so easy to set up and unpack. Her twin brother has development delays and loved joining in with her and loved the noises it made when I clicked it together. such a convenient you to take with us to keep the kids entertained
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Love these toys

    I love these toys and best of all do do my sons. They are incredibly bright and colourful. They are interactive and fun. With all the toys on the market it's hard to choose which ones you like best. I really love how portable these are as kids just love to take everything out with them. They're also really easy to wash :)
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Great for younger children

    My son liked the toys and had hours of fun with it. It is so easy to pack away and store when not being played with. He loved the pop up roll n ramp. Althought he is 2.5 years old he found it very fascinating and enjoyed it. Younger children will definitely enjoy these products and are great learning toys
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • So much fun!

    My little niece absolutely loves playing with the shape sorter, she is forever trying new ways to place them in the matching holes. Great little toy for eye-hand co-ordination and cognitive development. It's bright and colourful to and draws attention with its appearance too. I'm glad I bought this for my niece.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Love toys that are easy to take places

    It's a great feature to include storage concepts in the design of toys. My kids always want to take stuff when we go out and it makes a big difference if you don't have to have lots of pieces floating around in the bottom of a bag!

    The ramp is a hit with kids of all ages. Not just the cars but also balls and various other things roll down those ramps!

    I also like how this line of toys avoids narrow gender-specific marketing.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Who doesn't love an elephant that you can take anywhere!

    The Playskool Fold 'n Go Busy Elephant is so cute and fun! I recently gave this as a gift to my friends baby and he loved it! It seriously entertained him for so long! There are so many elements in this Elephant that Baby never seems to tire of it. I just asked my friend if she has had to wash it and she said unfortunately yes due to vomit - however it came out good as new. I would definitely purchase this toy again in the future.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Fine motor skills

    These toys are so awesome. I recently purchased these for my todddler twins and baby playing with them and I could see the connection between brain and body (motor skills) and they had so much fun. Good for the bath, sand pit, indoor play and they are amazing quality. Highly recommend Playskool Play, Stow and Go Toys
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Playskool Play-Stow-Go Roll N Gears Car

    I tested this on a 16 month old girl, and it proved a winner. This has become a favorite for her as she rolls it around for long periods. She hasn't gotten interested in the gears yet, but it getting her fun from rolling the toy. It is durable and is of traditional Playskool quality. It's a cute toy and helps the child's development. I do definitely recommend it. The child will have fun with it and you'll have fun watching.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant

    My 6 month old daughter has the playskool fold n go busy elephant and absolutely loves it. It has so many little toys they can play with including a small mirror which she loves. Very compact and can even fit in a handbag. We keep it at her great grandmothers house as it is so compact and easy to store.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills

  • Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant

    This Playskool Fold ‘n Go Busy Elephant is awesome, great for any little age really, I have a 8 week old and he loves it and twin 4 year olds and they love playing with it too. They are very intrigued with the mirror especially but do like the rattle as well. One thing they all enjoy is the hugging and squeezing of the elephant, so cuddly and makes them feel happy and content. I do recommend to anyone this is a real eye giver (they love it). For myself I love the fact that all you need to do is throw into a pillow slip and easy to wash and ready for the next fun play.
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are compact and portable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are easy to store
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys have great play features
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys are fun and enjoyable
    Playskool Play, Stow & Go Toys promote gross motor skills
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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

  • 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

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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!

    Reply

  • 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
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