By Livia Gamble

Baby shower games have gotten a bad rap over the years.

For many, the thought of going to a baby shower makes them cringe. Not because of the cute baby on the way, but because of the games they might be forced to play. And to that, we say they just haven’t played the right games. Until now. 

No pretend poo, no measuring anyone’s waist and definitely no opening presents: here are eight fun baby shower games that even the lurkers in the back will want to play. 

1. Baby Shower Scratchie

This game is called “Who Has The Baby Daddy?” The game is so simple, and everyone will love it because the effort required to participate is practically nothing. Just prepare the printable cards, find the daddy, scratch, and you’re done. Winning!

An Etsy listing says: “These were such a hit at my brother’s coed baby shower! Very easy to print and the quality was great!“ Easy! For more of these, visit the website. 

2. Multitasking Mama

This game only works if you’ve got a competitive bunch of people who will stop at nothing to win. We recommend reading the room before playing. That said, it’s pretty funny to watch from the sidelines. The aim of this baby shower game is to see how many nappies competitors can hang on the line in one minute while holding a baby (doll). Mums will have this in the bag. 

3. emoji Pictionary

Another game that doesn’t involve singing, dancing or publicly humiliating yourself, emoji Pictionary will keep your guests entertained from the comfort of their own seats. Buy a premade version of the game here. 

4. Guess the baby food flavour

A challenge for the taste buds. Buy 10 different types of jarred baby food and place them in numbered bowls. Ask your friends to guess the flavours and write down their answers. The person with the most correct guesses wins. Just like blind wine tasting, but not (sorry).

5. Fingerprint tree

Say goodbye to the traditional guest book and replace it with this fingerprint tree (above), a gorgeous keepsake to remember the special day. Buy a ready-to-go version here.

6. Nursery rhyme trivia

Trivia is also a great game to play with groups. And the perfect theme for your baby shower nursery rhymes. It’s a topic that everyone knows; some guests might be a little rusty. Like all trivia games, watch out for the cheats! 

7. Baby shower bingo

Who doesn’t love a game of bingo? It’s fun, it’s quick and yelling out bingo is so, so satisfying. Grab a premade baby shower bingo board. 

8. Is it a pair of boobs or a butt?

This baby shower game has been doing the rounds for a few years now. And while it might make some people cringe, once you get started, it’s actually quite fun (and a lot harder than it looks). Save time and buy a ready-made version of the game. 

Read more: 

• 7 thoughtful baby shower gift ideas
• 9 alternative gift ideas for parents who have everything
• 6 ways parents can make extra money from home

If you’re anything like me and adore everything French, then you might want to give your petit bébé a fabulous French sounding name. We named my first daughter Marguerite after French writer Marguerite Duras. We’ve only ever called her Maggie, but if she wants to sound French one day (like I always do) then she is free to do so.

There are many beautiful French names for both girls and boys that have become hugely popular in English speaking countries. Hardly surprising when they sound so cool and sophisticated – even if you don’t have the accent and stylish wardrobe to go with to go with it.

France’s Most Popular Baby Names

According to Nameberry, the most popular names in France also include many names that enjoy wide popularity throughout Europe and North America.. Taking out the country’s top 10 position in 2023 were:

Here are other chic French names :

If you’re pregnant and nearing your due date, something you might have heard about is expressing antenatally.

So what does this mean and how do you do it?

After your baby is born it might take a few days for your milk to come in. In the meantime, your body produces something called colostrum, aka liquid gold, to feed baby.

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is high in protein, helps to protect baby from illness and contains vitamins, minerals and salts to keep baby hydrated.

Although colostrum is made and collected in small amounts, it’s very high in energy and all your baby needs until your milk comes in.

In a Facebook live with TMBTV Midwife Tylah says “baby really only needs that one meal in the first 24 hours of life to survive, and that’s a really minuscule amount,” she says. “Their stomachs are only 7mL on day 1, so if you put that into perspective, a small amount of milk is going to be enough.”

Expressing colostrum antenatally

Towards the end of the third trimester, some care providers might recommend hand expressing colostrum antenatally from 36 weeks.

Some reasons for expressing colostrum antenatally are:

• when babies are born to mums who have diabetes; they may have low blood sugar after birth. Having extra colostrum on hand can help to stabilise their levels.

• when babies are diagnosed before birth with a condition that might make it hard to breastfeed (for example, a cleft lip). Mum will need to express extra breastmilk for baby – just incase.

• to prepare for breastfeeding. Getting to know your breasts and how they function is a great way to build confidence before your breastfeeding journey begins. Others might also start expressing antenatally to help  bring on labour. Just make sure you chat with your midwife or obstetrician first!

Is it safe?

A study, published in the journal Lancelot, known as the DAME (Diabetes and Antenatal Milk Expressing) study set out to research the effects of antenatal expressing on women with diabetes in pregnancy. The results found expressing antenatally was safe in a low-risk pregnancy. But as always, it’s a good idea to have a chat with your healthcare provider first.

When can I start expressing?

Women may start to express antenatally from 36 weeks (after chatting with your midwife).

To get started, spend 3-5 minutes hand expressing each breast two or three times a day. However, if you experience contractions, cramps or discomfort, you should stop expressing.

When expressing for the first time, don’t worry if you can’t collect any colostrum straight away. The amount should increase over the next few days. There is no link between expressing small amounts of colostrum antenatally and having a low milk supply.

Additionally, the average amount of colostrum expressed antenatally in the DAME study (link above), was 5 ml. So you’re really only after a small amount.

When you shouldn’t express antenatally

Women should avoid expressing antenatally if they have:

• a history of preterm labour
• experienced bleeding throughout pregnancy
• placenta praevia
• your doctor has told you not to.

How to express and store colostrum

Although it’s common to use a syringe to store colostrum, Midwife Tylah says it’s easier to grab a urine jar.

“Generally, we say to express it [colostrum] into syringes, but what I prefer over syringes is a urine jar. You can ask for them when you’re at the hospital at your antenatal appointment, or you can get them from the chemist,” says Tylah.

“Urine jars are completely sterile, so you don’t have to do any sterilisation. They’ve also got a place for you to write the date and time you’ve expressed, which is really important.”

You can add expressed colostrum into the same urine jar over the day (keeping it in the fridge), but then it needs to go in the freezer. Label the jar with the time and date you expressed the first drops of colostrum.

“Expressed milk is only going to last in the fridge for three days,” says Tylah. “But it can last in a freezer for three months and a deep freezer for six months.”

When it’s time to head to the hospital, make sure you bring some (but not too much) of your liquid gold with you.

“When you come to the hospital, you’re only really wanting to bring a little bit,” says Tylah.

“Once you take expressed milk out of the freezer, it only lasts 24 hours. So you just want to be careful to bring a little bit. You can always send someone back home to bring us some more.”

For a more detailed look at how to express colostrum antenatally, Global Health Media has a video that you can watch below.

While you can feed your baby anywhere you like, when you’re at home it helps to have the best nursing chair. 

It’s a good idea to invest in a comfortable nursing chair that will provide support for your back while feeding your little one, especially during lengthy sessions. 

The Tell Me Baby community has rated the best nursing chairs they’ve tried and shared their opinions on what has, or hasn’t, worked for them.

Based on their breastfeeding chair reviews, we’ve put together a list of the top nursing chairs our community loves.

1. Valco Baby Eurobell Glider

One of the highest rated by Tell Me Baby community is the Valco Baby Eurobell Glider. It offers a smooth gliding motion and plush padding, making it ideal for nursing and soothing your baby. Its sleek design fits well in any nursery, providing comfort during late-night feeds.

One parent shared, “It’s so comfy for middle-of-the-night feeds. The adjustable recline and 360-degree swivel make it versatile and convenient.” It’s also easy to clean and durable, ensuring long-term use​.

Read reviews here.

2. IKEA POÄNG Lysed Armchair

IKEA’s POÄNG Lysed Armchair is an excellent option for parents who are on a budget. Tell Me Baby reviewers said the chair is comfortable, lightweight and easy to clean. Many loved rocking their baby to sleep in it, but some said the arms weren’t as comfortable as they would have liked – but they would recommend it. 

Read IKEA POÄNG Lysed Armchair reviews. 

3. SOHL Furniture Ava Rocker Chair (Aldi)

Anyone who’s been at Aldi the day the SOHL Furniture Ava Rocker Chair goes on sale knows the demand is high. Parents in the Tell Me Baby community say it’s worth it every cent. 

“Not only is the Aldi rocking chair a fantastic price, but the rocking chair is also comfortable, looks great and feels nice and sturdy. I am super happy with this purchase,” wrote one parent. 

Another said: “Lining up early on a Wednesday morning at Aldi was totally worth it. I love my rocking chair, which now I use as a chair in her room – the rocking part can convert to normal chair legs. Add a cushion, and it looks like a very expensive chair!”

Read SOHL Furniture Ava Rocker Chair (Aldi) reviews.

4. Childcare Glider Rocker & Ottoman

The Childcare Glider Rocker & Ottoman is a versatile and comfortable choice for nursing and soothing your baby. It features a reclining backrest, smooth gliding motion, and a rocking ottoman. The chair’s easy-to-clean leather material and swivel function add to its convenience. One satisfied parent mentioned, “It is so relaxing and comfortable with how the chair and ottoman both rock, recline, and spin, making it easy to get in and out. Love feeding and nursing my baby on it”​

See more reviews here.

5. Bebe Care Regent Chair & Rocker

The Bebe Care Regent Chair & Rocker is a versatile and comfortable option for feeding and settling your baby. Featuring a rocking base and plush fabric, it easily transitions from a nursing chair to a stylish accent piece. One parent noted, “The rocking legs make feeding so soothing, and you can change the legs to normal ones after breastfeeding is finished. The style suits a lot of decor as well”​

Read more reviews here.

Read more:

• 6 best humidifiers and vaporisers for your baby’s nursery
• Best breastfeeding pillow comparisons
• 5 best Moses baskets for your sleepy baby

Something many new parents might not realise is that babies and toddlers actually require a lot of stuff – especially when leaving the house. Naturally, finding the best nappy bag will make a huge difference for parents.

The Tell Me Baby community has rated the best nappy bags they’ve tried and shared their opinions on what has, or hasn’t, worked for them.

Based on their nappy bag reviews, we’ve put together a list of the best nappy bags our community loves. You can also read our nappy bag comparisons to find the top-rated products. 

1. Mimco Lucid Baby Bag

Constructed with durable, washed nylon, Mimco’s Lucid Baby Bag has plenty of pockets, a change mat and wet pouch. 

One reviewer said: “The Mimco Lucid Baby Bag has been great. The bag is big and has lots of pockets. Fits in lots of baby products which is important as I needed to take lots when I left the house. The bag has handles and a detachable strap so easy to wear or put on the pushchair.”

Read Mimco Lucid Baby Bag reviews. 

2. OiOi Faux Leather Nappy Backpack

A popular choice for parents, the OiOi Faux Leather Nappy Backpack was the winner in its category for 2020 Tell Me Baby awards. It’s easy to see why parents love this bag – it has a cushioned changing mat, insulated pocket for baby’s bottle, and a zip-top purse for dirty nappies.

“It does not look like a normal mum bag,” wrote one parent in her review. “So pretty that you can take it anywhere with or without a baby lol. It is of such good quality and good design. Huge room inside and can fit all the baby essentials and spare clothes. The amazing thing is that you cannot even tell that it is a nappy bag and it does not look that big.”

Read OiOi Faux Leather Nappy Backpack reviews. 

3. Jumply Adventure Nappy Backpack

The Jumply Adventure Nappy Backpack combines specialized nappy storage with rugged, go-anywhere features. It includes 17 cleverly placed pockets for easy organization and a sleek, minimalist design suitable for both moms and dads. Highly durable and practical, one parent raves, “It is super practical! Both hands free, so much better for your back! Pockets everywhere!! Love the bottom pocket for quick access to nappies!”​ Read reviews here.

4. Country Road Multi Pocket Baby Bag

The Country Road Multi Pocket Baby Bag has plenty of pockets and compartments to keep baby essentials organised when out and about.

A parent said, “The fabric is so easy to clean, and there are so many compartments to put bottles, baby food, clothes. The lot! It even comes with a change mat which is great. You even have the option of getting it embroidered with your name or initials. I’ve had mine for almost 2 years now and it’s still in great condition. Ready for baby no 2.”

Read Country Road Multi Pocket Baby Bag reviews. 

5. Skip Hop Duo Signature Diaper Bag

Featuring a whopping ten pockets, the Skip Hop Duo Signature Diaper Bag has room for all your baby’s things – and some of yours too!

One parent said, “Love this nappy bag comes with so many pockets great to hold all the small things you need in the nappy bag. Love the straps that make it so easy to clip on to the pram and keep it off the ground and away from your legs. The colour is nice. It has small straps, and a long shoulder strap makes it easy to carry.”

Read Skip Hop Duo Signature Diaper Bag reviews. 

6. Babymel George Backpack Nappy Bag

The Babymel George Backpack Nappy Bag is a stylish and practical solution for parents on the go. Made from water-resistant fabric with faux leather trim, it features a large zipped front pocket, an easy-wipes side pocket, and a padded tech pocket for your tablet or laptop. One parent noted, “It is very spacious with lots of pockets and sections both inside and outside. The straps have an extra Velcro bit so you can attach the bag to your pram really easily.”​ Read reviews here.

7. VANCHI Indie Holdall Baby Nappy Bag

The VANCHI Indie Holdall Baby Nappy Bag is a stylish and practical choice for parents, crafted from 100% animal/PVC-free pebbled leatherette. It features multiple pockets for organizing baby essentials and can be used as a handbag or attached to a pram with its adjustable strap. One reviewer praised its functionality, saying, “It has some great compartments to store all your baby essentials while still looking nice. You can simply attach it to the handles of your pram, leaving your hands free.”​ Read reviews here.

Read more:

• Nappy guide: how to choose the right nappy for your baby
• Mum’s top tip for eliminating nappy rash
• 7 useful nappy changing tips for new parents

By Sara Keli

If you’re expecting a baby and have done any research on labour and delivery, you will have likely seen the word ‘doula’ pop up here and there. Maybe someone even suggested you hire a doula yourself for your childbirth. But what is a doula? Here is the lowdown. 

Doula vs midwife

A doula is someone who offers support to a woman during childbirth. Unlike a midwife, a doula’s support is non-medical in nature and is instead focussed on ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of the woman during labour.

A doula doesn’t replace a doctor or midwife, but rather works alongside your medical team to guide you emotionally through the experience of childbirth. She can work with you throughout your pregnancy and into early motherhood, giving you information, support and physical help when you need it. 

Doula services

A doula will understand massage and breathing techniques, labour and birthing positions, as well as offer emotional support to encourage and empower you throughout the birth. 

You might start working with her a few weeks before your due date, talking about what your birth plan might be, how she can best help you, and other positive ways to prepare for labour.

If you do hire a doula, you call her as soon as you go into labour so she can be there for its entirety. There can be many benefits of having a doula present during your childbirth: 

• having someone you know and trust present in the delivery suite with you throughout your entire labour, and not just popping in to check on you
• taking the pressure off your partner or support person by stepping in to help with a massage, or suggesting different positions to try
• there may also be a decrease in interventions during childbirth when a doula is present.

Is a doula expensive?

How much a doula costs varies widely. A more in-demand and experienced doula could ask for more than a doula just starting out, or a doula who sees their clients more often might be more expensive than others. The services offered will also impact cost. In Australia, overall, a typical doula package can cost anywhere from  $1000 to $3000.

This cost usually covers one or two meetings in pregnancy, attendance at birth, and a visit after birth.

How to find a doula

You may like to start by asking your doctor or midwife if they have any doulas they recommend. They may have worked with a doula in the past with other patients that they know offer the support you will need. 

Otherwise, there are various doula directories where you can search for doulas in your area. The Australian Doula College has a find a doula search on their website, as does the Doula Network Australia. 

You might like to meet with a few doulas before you make your decision and be sure to ask them questions to understand their experience and approach:

• how long have they been practising as a doula
• how many births have they attended as a doula
• what techniques do they use to support women during childbirth
• what qualifications do they have 
• why did they decide to become a doula

You will also want to make sure that you emotionally connect with the doula you choose. This is a person who will be with you during one of the most amazing moments of your life – when you meet your new baby – so be sure that you get along!

Postpartum doulas

Whether you have a doula during your childbirth or not, you can also engage a postpartum doula who will help you to transition into life with your new baby. This can be a very emotional time, and if you are living away from family or have very little support around you, it can also be very isolating and challenging.

It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes one to raise a mother as well, so a postpartum doula steps in to help with this. They can provide emotional support, meals for when you don’t have time to cook, breastfeeding or baby care support, and also assistance with cleaning around the home. They can look after the baby while you sleep, do the dishes, or just provide a friendly ear if you’d like to talk about your new life as a mum.

As with choosing a childbirth doula, you are inviting someone into your life when you are at your most vulnerable, so it’s important to choose someone you connect with and who respects your choices and wishes. 

At the end of the day, that is the role of a doula: to support you and guide you in your decisions to the most amazing experience of your life.

Read more: 

• Five positive ways to prepare for labour
• Best supplements and vitamins for pregnant and new mums
• Am I in labour?

Children grow and develop at different rates from birth to puberty, but it’s the first 1000 days that have the most significant impact on their development.  

Experts say the first 1000 days – the period between conception and age two – is when a child’s brain forms the foundations for learning, health and behaviour. It’s also when the brain is most susceptible to changes, which means parents have a unique opportunity to help their child develop and ultimately thrive. 

Here are five crucial things kids need in the first 1000 days.

Brought to you by Grass Fed Toddler Milk.

1. Good nutrition

As adults, we understand that food is our fuel, and it works the same for growing children. Establishing good nutritional foundations sets kids up for life – not to mention that healthy food gives them the nutrition they need for overall growth, immunity and development. If you’re worried about your fussy eating toddler not receiving adequate nutrients, Munchkin Grass Fed™ Formula Stage 3 is the only formula that uses milk from 100% grass fed cows with no GMO, growth hormones or antibiotics, or palm oil. The milk includes vitamins A, E, CLA, and beta carotene, and it has an ideal balance of essential fatty acids, making it ideal for a natural, better start.

Read Munchkin Grass Fed™ Formula Stage 3 reviews.

2. Love, love, love

It might sound like a no brainer, but feeling loved and developing strong, bonded relationships is vital for development. Through relationships with others – such as parents, grandparents, carers and extended family – children learn important communication, emotional and behavioural skills while interacting with those around them. Actions like responding to your baby’s cues help them learn that they are loved, safe and cared for. 

3. Feeling safe and secure 

The brain is an incredible organ – so much so that it will prioritise specific areas of development depending on how safe a baby feels. When children don’t feel safe, the brain focuses on neuronal pathways associated with survival, rather than learning and growth. When they feel safe and cared for, they can get on with developing other skills. But that’s not all – kids who feel safe have more confidence to explore their surroundings, which is a learning experience all on its own. 

4. Play

In the early years, play and development go hand in hand – it’s how children learn and discover the world around them. As they get older, providing opportunities for different types of play gives them the chance to explore, learn, watch and develop a range of skills. For a baby, even a simple game of peek-a-boo can have some huge rewards, such as stimulating senses, visual tracking, and building relationships, to name a few.

5. A healthy environment

The environment and toxins a child is exposed to can greatly affect development in the first 1000 days. Simple ways parents can reduce the number of toxins in their home include going green when you can (think about your choices of cleaning products, laundry detergents, etc), and ensuring chemicals are out of reach of children. 

Last but not least, don’t stress! All of this information can sound overwhelming at first, but if you trust your parenting instincts, you can’t go wrong.

Have an opinion about the pregnancy or baby products you’ve tried? Earn rewards by reviewing baby products from home – you’ll earn points that can be exchanged for vouchers at Coles, Target and Kmart! Sign up here to start earning.

Read more:

• 6 helpful solutions for when your child says they’re bored
• Here’s the 7 best baby feeding products that make meal times easier
• 15 easy finger food snack ideas for toddlers

If you’re pregnant or trying to have a baby, it’s probably time to give some thought to your nipples. 

That’s right, as well as preparing the nursery and packing your hospital bags, mums recommend popping into your local chemist or supermarket and picking up a tube of Lansinoh Lanolin.

In fact, according to one mum, it will save your life and your nipples!

“Essential item for any new breastfeeding mum”

The Tell Me Baby community has rated creams and oils they have tried. Based on their cream and oil reviews, we noticed many mums are raving about Lansinoh Lanolin. At the time of writing, this product has a 4.7-star rating and 491 reviews, so it must be doing something right. (You can also look at our best skincare for mum comparisons to find the top-rated products.)

Many mums who reviewed this product say it’s a must-have when breastfeeding, but it can also be used for nappy rash and as a lip balm. Although it’s considered on the expensive side, parents say one tube will last ages.

As one parent shares in her review, Lansinoh Lanolin is “essential item for any new breastfeeding mum! One tube will last your entire breastfeeding journey.”

Another added: “This cream literally saved my life (and my nipples!). As a first-time mum I ended up with very sore, cracked nipples, and this cream was sooo helpful in between feeds, it helped ease the pain and stopped my nipples scabbing too much.”

A big bonus for many mums is that you don’t have to wash it off before breastfeeding your baby. 

“This really is a must have for every mum and mum to be! Those first few weeks of breastfeeding can be very painful while the nipples get used to it – not to mention getting cracked nipples. Lansinoh offers instant relief and you don’t need to wash it off before feeding bub! Another great use I have found is for nappy rash!” another mum says.

“Made my breastfeeding journey so much easier”

Others credit the cream to making their breastfeeding journey “easier”.

“I absolutely love this stuff. I have used it for 3 kids now and it truly has made my breastfeeding journey so much easier. It is very thick so you don’t need much of it so it makes it go so much further. I’ve tried so many other brands but this is the best.”

Sounds pretty good, right!? Read more Lansinoh Lanolin reviews. 

Keep the tube out of reach of children – the cap may be a choking hazard.

Have an opinion about the pregnancy or baby products you’ve tried? Earn rewards by reviewing baby products from home – you’ll earn points that can be exchanged for vouchers at Coles, Target and Kmart! Sign up here to start earning.

Read more:

• 5 pregnancy and breastfeeding products mums can’t live without
• 6 things that will happen when you stop breastfeeding
• Best breastfeeding pillow

They’ve revealed the official top 100 baby names of 2024, along with trends that have developed over the past year.

As McCrindle report: “Analysing baby names uncovers fascinating insights about society, with naming trends often becoming generational markers for those born within a certain time frame.” 

70,000 Babies Given Names In The Top 10

In 2023, just over 70,000 babies were born in Australia. Despite the slight decrease in births, ten new names have entered Australia’s top 100 baby names, signaling dynamic shifts in naming trends among parents.

This year’s additions represent a slight decrease from twelve newcomers in 2022 but underscore how quickly naming preferences can evolve annually. Notably, Miles made a striking debut at 48th place, vaulting from 101st in 2022, marking one of the most noteworthy new entries.

Of course, the names featured at the top of the charts are popular for a reason – they are great names.

Looking for a Unique Baby Name?

But if you’re looking for a cute name that isn’t as common, this report has some interesting findings – including names that have dropped out of the top 100. These are names that people have heard of and know how to spell, but you’re guaranteed there won’t be a classroom full of kids with that name either.

Boys’ names that exited the top 100

• Vincent
• Elias
• Ashton
• Connor
• Jaxon

Girls’ names that exited the top 100 

• Jasmine
• Claire
• Charlie
• Gracie

Baby names that had biggest fall in 2022-2023

The report also identified baby names that still appear in the top 100 but people aren’t using as much anymore.

And because we aren’t monsters, here is the full top 100 baby names for boys and girls in Australia in 2024.

By staying updated with these trends, you can find a unique and beautiful name for your baby that’s not overly common but still well-loved.

Have an opinion about the pregnancy or baby products you’ve tried? Earn rewards by reviewing baby products from home – you’ll earn points that can be exchanged for vouchers at Coles, Target and Kmart! Sign up here to start earning.

Read more:

• 100 most popular baby names of 2020 (so far)
• “I’m going with Omelette”: words that make great baby names
• 23 baby names to fill you with hope