Best baby products of 2023: Tell Me Baby Award winners
We’re super excited to announce this years Tell Me Baby 2023 Award Winners!
Unlike many other awards, the Tell Me Baby Award winners aren’t chosen by a panel of judges. They are based on genuine reviews by Australian parents who have independently bought and used the products – so you know the results can be trusted.
Put simply, the highest rated baby products win.
From car seats to dummies, pregnancy tests to cots, these are the products Aussie parents genuinely recommend this year.
Best baby soother: Medela Baby Soft Silicone Soother, 4.3 stars!
Best mum nipple cream: Lansinoh Lanolin, 4.7 stars!
Best multi-use skincare: Mustela Multi-Purpose Balm, 4.6 stars!
Best baby bassinet: iL Tutto Bambini Cozee Breeze Plus Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Rocking Legs, 4.9 stars!
Best baby powder: GAIA Natural Baby Powder, 4.5 stars!
Best baby products 2022: Tell Me Baby Award winners
We’re delighted to announce the Tell Me Baby 2022 Award Winners!
Unlike many other awards, the Tell Me Baby Award winners aren’t chosen by a panel of judges. They are based on genuine reviews by Australian parents who have used the products – so you know the results can be trusted.
To be eligible to win, a product had to have received at least 25 reviews during the voting period (February 1st 2021 to January 31st, 2022). We then crunched the numbers, looking at the star ratings our review community gave to the products – awarding the prize to the highest-rated baby products during the year.
From car seats to breast pumps, pregnancy tests to vitamins, these are the products Aussie parents genuinely recommend this year.
And the winners are …
Best pram under $900: Edwards & Co Oscar Mx, 4.9 stars
Here are the most-searched baby names in Australia right now
There are baby name lists that feature names that have actually been used, and then there’s the list of names parents are mulling over.
It’s the latter we’re curious about, and thanks to baby name website Nameberry, we can take a peek into the names people are searching for around the world to see what trends are about to emerge.
In a recent blog post, Nameberry says it has parents-to-be from over 200 countries, including Australia, coming to the website for ideas. They focused on 25 of their top countries (by visitor number) and took a closer look at the names parents have viewed over the last year.
Here’s what they found.
Trends
A spike in girls? Nameberry found searches for girls’ names were more popular than boys in every country on their list, except for India.
Micro names – Luna (Latin for ‘moon’), and Arlo (a shortened version of Italian name Carlo), are two names on the rise in English-speaking countries.
Latin origin – Aurora (meaning ‘dawn’), and Atticus (meaning ‘from Attica’), are also popular in English-speaking countries.
Ancient boy names – like Atlas (meaning ‘bearer of the heavens’), Rufus (meaning ‘red-head’), and Severus (meaning ‘stern’) are on the up in Finland and Sweden.
Boy names ending in O – Internationally, this is a big trend with Arlo, Hugo (meaning ‘mind, intellect’), Leo (meaning, ‘Lion’), Milo (meaning ‘soldier or merciful’) and Santiago (meaning ‘Saint James’), all appearing on multiple top countries’ lists.
Danger – New in Namberry’s top 100 is an interesting one. Danger is a top choice for parents in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
The names Australian parents are searching on Nameberry
Breaking down their list to be country specific, here are the most-searched names in Australia.
Girl Names
Luna – Latin for ‘moon’
Isla – meaning ‘island’
Aurora – meaning ‘dawn’
Mia – a shorter version of Maria, meaning ‘mine or bitter’
Maeve – meaning ‘she who intoxicates’
Boy Names
Arlo – a shortened version of the Italian name Carlo
Hugo – meaning ‘mind, intellect’
Oscar – meaning ‘God spear’, ‘deer-lover’ or champion warrior’
Leo – meaning ‘Lion’
Theodore – meaning ‘gift of God’
Mums say this simple product saved them so much money while pregnant
By Livia Gamble
When you find out you’re pregnant, one thing is for sure: you’re going to outgrow your pants. Before you know it, you’re forking out cash for some new ones.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
If you’re looking for a way to save a little bit of money while you’re pregnant, the TummyTie is for you.
Designed so women can continue wearing their own clothes comfortably throughout their pregnancy, the TummyTie has been described as a “must-have” pregnancy item.
“Saved me so much money”
Mums in the Tell Me Baby community have reviewed this product, and they love it. Based on 40 reviews, the TummyTie currently has a 4-star rating.
“This has got to be one of the most simplest looking product, but it’s amazing. Saved me so much money in the end as I didn’t need to buy heaps of new pants,” wrote one mum in her review.
Another wrote: “Highly recommend so you don’t have to go out and buy a heap of maternity outfits.”
“Absolutely the best clothing accessory I purchased during my pregnancies as it gave me the freedom to continue wearing my own clothes,” another mum added.
The TummyTie website says, “The unique patented design is made from a simple elasticised strip and is fastened to your clothes using the existing button and buttonhole – NO bulky fabric panels needed, as your zipper stays locked in place!”
It’s also very affordable. At $19.95, the pack comes in two sizes in both black and white. The design is discrete and lies flat on your stomach, so no one will even notice you are wearing it.
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.
Reflux is often diagnosed by a doctor or child health nurse, and switching to the best formulas for reflux may help alleviate symptoms. However, parents should only change their baby’s formula under the guidance of a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, child health nurse, or dietitian.
For those who have been advised to make the switch, the Tell Me Baby community has shared their experiences and ratings of the best formulas for reflux. These are the formulas they’ve tried and found helpful in managing reflux symptoms. (Read all of our formula reviews.)
If you’re still unsure which formula is best for your baby, check out our ultimate guide to newborn formulas for helpful tips in making the right choice.
Under the WHO Code, the information presented here is free from advertising and is based on unbiased opinions from parents.
So, here are the best formulas for reflux that our community loves:
1. Aptamil Gold+ Reflux 0-12
Parents in the Tell Me Baby community highly rated the Aptamil Gold+ for babies with mild milk reflux. This premium infant formula provides nutritional support for babies from birth to 12 months. However, it should only be used under medical supervision and is not suitable for babies with a diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy.
One Tell Me Baby reviewer said, “This was a lifesaver for our refluxy baby. We started it for her at about seven months after trying many other formulas.”
Novalac Reflux is another popular choice among parents. This premium formula is specifically designed to reduce reflux in babies from 0 to 12 months. It contains a unique type of corn starch that thickens in your baby’s stomach but not in the bottle, making it easier for babies to keep the formula down.
One mum said, “Good for reflux babies, usually reflux babies grow out of it and it’s something they do on there own but this formula is great as it’s thicker and baby can’t bring it up as easy.”
Alula Gold Reflux offers complete nutrition for babies with regurgitation. It uses a tasteless, odorless corn-starch thickener that is fully digestible and thickens only in the baby’s stomach. This helps the formula stay down without thickening in the bottle.
If you think your baby might have reflux, you should take your baby to see your GP.
Have you tried any of these formulas for reflux? Join our community and share your opinion on them. By reviewing baby products you’ve tried and tested, you’ll earn points that can be exchanged for vouchers at Coles, Target, and Kmart! Sign up here and start sharing your reviews.
Infants’ Friend vs Infacol: Baby Wind Drops Compared
Wind can cause a lot of discomfort in babies. One thing that works for some babies with trapped gas is wind drops. Parents in the Tell Me Baby community have rated baby wind drops they’ve tried and shared their opinions on what has or hasn’t worked for them. Based on their reviews, we’ve compared Infants’ Friend vs Infacol.
Parents say their babies don’t seem to mind the flavour of Infants’ Friend Oral Liquid, which makes administering it a lot easier. Many said it was very helpful in reducing wind in their baby. Others said it was nice knowing they were giving bub something natural to help with wind and the discomfort that can come with it. They also liked that it’s affordable.
Cons
One parent said: “It doesn’t come with a dropper/dispenser, which is a little inconvenient if you don’t realise at the time of purchase.”
Example review
“This was a lifesaver in our house with our firstborn who suffered both reflux and colic. It easily mixes in with his bottle of milk (or by itself), and I found it works SO quickly with a quick back rub while bubs is on the shoulder or doing bicycle legs: In addition, to be effective the taste itself isn’t offensive or displeasing.”
Infacol Wind Drops help relieve infant wind before painful colic can occur. The active ingredient is Simethicone, which causes the small bubbles of gas in the baby’s stomach to join together. This forms a larger bubble which can be quickly expelled. Each bottle comes with a convenient dosage pipette and can be used on a newborn.
Lots of parents say this product helped to remove trapped wind in babies, providing relief. Another reviewer said her baby took it without complaint and that it was easy to administer.
Cons
One parent said, “It’s difficult to see how much is in the dropper.”
Example review
“Infacol has been a lifesaver for our little man, he struggled so much with wind and then we got recommended to try Infacol. I’m so glad we tried it because it has worked wonders, it seems to settle him down a lot when he’s clearly struggling with wind. Since using Infacol, we have slowly started only using it when he needs it, which is very rare. Would highly recommend this over anything else!”
Infants’ Friend vs Infacol? Parents in the Tell Me Baby community have recommended both of these drops, and according to their star rating, both Infants’ Friend vs Infacol would be worth trying if your baby is suffering from wind and gas.
Always read the label. Follow directions for use. If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your health professional.
4 Best Dairy-Free Baby Formulas
If you’re in the market for the best dairy-free formula, you’ve come to the right place.
The Tell Me Baby community has rated the best baby formulas they’ve tried and shared their opinions on what has or hasn’t worked for them.
Before we dive into which formula products parents recommend, it’s a good idea to understand the reasons why some babies can react to cow’s milk.
If you are concerned that your baby or toddler may have a food allergy or intolerance, you should take your baby or toddler to see your GP.
Parents should also avoid switching baby formulas unless advised by their doctor, child health nurse, or dietician.
Lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergy?
If your baby is reacting to cow’s milk formula, it could be for two reasons: lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.
Lactose intolerance is when your child is unable to digest lactose, which is the sugar in milk.
A milk allergy is when the body reacts to the protein in milk.
Additionally, Pregnancy Birth & Baby says, “An allergy usually involves other parts of the body as well as the stomach, and may cause symptoms such as a skin rash or swelling of the face.”
If you think your child has either one of these intolerances, your GP will be able to run some tests to confirm.
Milk allergy
Milk allergies are very common in young children. If your child has a confirmed allergy to milk, your doctor may recommend removing dairy products completely from your child’s diet – including goat’s milk. Read our best formulas for babies with allergies article.
Pregnancy Birth & Baby says, “If your baby is formula-fed, you can use soy protein formula (unless they are also allergic to soy), extensively hydrolysed formula (EHF) or amino acid-based formula (AAF).
“Do not use formula made from cow’s milk, goat’s milk, sheep milk, HA, A2 milk or lactose-free.
“If your child is over the age of one, they can be given soy milk, calcium-enriched rice, and oat or nut milks. It is important to make sure they are getting enough calcium.”
Lactose intolerance
Babies with a diagnosed lactose intolerance may need lactose-free baby formula after seeing a doctor.
The Raising Children Network says that some lactose intolerance symptoms “are common in healthy breastfed infants.”
Additionally, the website says “most babies with lactose intolerance can still be breastfed. And if your baby is formula-fed, you can change to a low-lactose or lactose-free infant formula.” Read our article on best lactose-free formulas.
Under the WHO Code, the information presented here is free from advertising and is based on unbiased opinions from parents.
1. Karicare+ Soy Milk Formula
Karicare+ Soy Milk Formula provides an alternative for babies who can’t drink cow’s milk formula. It is based on soy protein and is free from cow’s milk protein, lactose, and sucrose.
While soy is an alternate protein to choose from. However, some babies who are allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to soy.
Parents in the Tell Me Baby community say this formula is affordable and readily available. Some say the smell is awful, but their baby drinks it without any issues.
Nestlé Alfamino® is a PBS listed amino acid based infant formula suitable for infants with a severe cow’s milk protein allergy, eosinophilic oesophagitis or food intolerance.
At the time of publishing this article, there was only one review for this product – but it was glowing.
Nutricia Neocate Gold For the dietary management of cow milk allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, and other conditions where an elemental diet is recommended.
At the time of writing this article, Nutricia Neocate Gold had one review from a very happy parent: “My youngest reacted to all other types of formulas and all other amino acid/allergy formulas. She can’t have dairy or soy and reacted to the corn syrup in other allergy formulas. She took to this straight away…”
4 Best Formulas For Gassy Babies
A gassy baby isn’t fun for anyone involved—especially when your baby is in pain. For parents of formula-fed babies, finding the best formulas for gassy babies becomes a top priority.
Changing formulas, in consultation with a healthcare provider, could help with your baby’s gas. However, keep in mind that some gas is normal for all babies.
Raising Children says, “Although gas can lead to gas pain, it is important to remember that gas is often normal, especially in newborns.”
Causes of gas in babies
Babies often swallow air, whether from sucking on an empty bottle or crying, which can lead to gas. It could also signal conditions like lactose intolerance, other food intolerances, certain gastro infections, coeliac disease, or irritable bowel syndrome, according to the Raising Children website.
If you’re worried about your baby’s gas, consult your GP or another healthcare professional.
Understanding milk proteins in baby formula
Whey and casein are the two main types of protein found in milk. Pregnancy Birth & Baby says, “Your baby’s first formula should usually be one that contains whey protein as the main type of protein.”
A baby formula that is higher in casein can be challenging for babies to digest.
Choosing the right formula for your gassy babies
No single formula suits all babies, so finding the right one for your baby may require some trial and error.
So, for parents who have been advised to switch formulas, the Tell Me Baby community has rated and reviewed many options. Based on their reviews, we’ve compiled a list of the best formulas for gassy babies. (Read our baby formula comparisons to find the top-rated products.)
Keep in mind that parents shouldn’t change baby formula unless advised by their doctor, child health nurse or dietician.
Under the WHO Code, the information presented here is free from advertising and is based on unbiased opinions from parents.
NAN Comfort 1, a whey-dominant starter infant formula made from cow’s milk, provides balanced, high-quality nutrition for formula-fed babies.
Many parents say this formula was gentle on baby’s tummy and didn’t cause constipation.
“Baby has been having it since he was 1 week old and it doesn’t upset his stomach or cause constipation. Only downside is that it expires 3 weeks after it’s open, so if you are like us and only use it for tops ups, there is a lot of waste involved,” wrote one reviewer.
Bellamy’s Organic Step 1 Infant Formula is loved by parents for its Australian-made and organic ingredients. While one parent notes that it’s hard to rate baby formulas because all babies are different, she adds that her daughter loved this brand.
Another parent wrote: “I bought this product as a backup formula while breastfeeding. I did quite a bit of research before buying, and I chose this brand because it’s so gentle on Bub’s tummy, organic and Australian made.”
a2 Platinum Premium Infant Formula Stage 1 contains only the naturally occurring A2 type of beta-casein protein, which may help support your baby’s natural digestion.
Some parents said in their review that their baby didn’t have any issues with this formula. Others found their baby became a little bit constipated – but like all baby formulas, it depends on the baby.
Aptamil Gold+ 1 has been used by many parents in the Tell Me Baby community. Some parents had gas issues; others said their baby guzzled this formula down.
One parent wrote: “She really loved the tastes, it was gentle on her tummy, and the price point isn’t too bad.”
Interested in receiving a curated box of pregnancy and newborn products to review? Join our popular Bump Box trial team!
Our Bump Box is jam-packed with full size and sample products for you to try, and it’s all completely free!
Do you fit in our target audience?: Second trimester to 8 weeks old
Would you like to receive an amazing range of pregnancy and baby products to review?
This Trial & Review team is for parents-to-be who are 12 weeks+ pregnant through to parents of newborns aged up to 8 weeks.
You’ll also be earning points in our rewards program, where you can earn gift cards just for reviewing products you’ve tried.
To apply for the free product box, you’ll need to be a member of our rewards program. It’s free and only takes a few seconds: sign up here. If you’re already a member, you’ll need to log in to see the form.
Once you’re logged in, the application form will show below. Then just enter your details!
If you are seeing this message, it means that you are not logged in. You need to be a Tell Me Baby member to see the form to apply for this trial team. Sign up here or log in if you’re already a member.
8 Best Pregnancy Tests Chosen by Aussie Mums
Choosing the best Pregnancy Test is so important for women who are trying to conceive. The Tell Me Baby community has rated the ones they’ve tried and shared their opinion on what has, or hasn’t, worked for them. Here are ten top pregnancy tests that our community loves: Affiliate links below.
Here are the 8 best pregnancy tests
1. First Response Instream Pregnancy Test
With its sensitive technology, the FIRST RESPONSE™ Early Result In-Stream Pregnancy Test can detect very low levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG 6 days before the day of your missed.
The First Response Pregnancy Test with patented ultra sensitive technology can detect very low levels of the pregnancy hormone, so you can know sooner.
The Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test is two tests in one. It not only does it tells you if you’re pregnant or not but also indicates how many weeks since conception occurred
Maximise your chances of becoming pregnant by predicting your two most fertile days in the month with the FIRST RESPONSE™ 7 Day Pregnancy Planning Kit.
The Pregnosis In-Stream Early Pregnancy Test does not require urine sample collection as test can be done by directly placing the device in the urine stream.
The First Response Digital Pregnancy Test is sensitive enough to give results as early as 6 days before your missed period (5 days before your expected period).
The Pregnosis Dip & Read Early Pregnancy Test is performed by dipping the test into a urine sample collected in a cup. It is economical and easy to use with fast result.
Have you tried any of these ten pregnancy tests? Join our community and share your opinion on them. By reviewing the baby products you’ve tried and tested, you will earn points that can be exchanged for vouchers at Coles, Target and Kmart! Sign up here and start sharing reviews on the baby skin care products you love too.
Clearblue VS First Response: Pregnancy Tests Compared
When you’re trying to conceive, pregnancy testing at home can be overwhelming, exciting and emotional. And with so many home pregnancy tests available, it’s important that you pick one that suits your needs and you feel comfortable using.
All home pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – the pregnancy hormone – in your urine. But not all pregnancy tests are created the same! Key features to look out for in your home pregnancy test include when you can use it, how long it takes to give you a result, and how easy the test is to read. We compared the Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test, Clearblue Plus Pregnancy Test and the First Response Early Result In-Stream Pregnancy Test to help you understand which test is best for you.
Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test
Photo from https://au.clearblue.com/
Features
The Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test has a Smart Dual Sensor™ feature. This means that it tells you, in words, if you are pregnant or not – and also tells you how far long you are (1-2, 2-3 or 3+ weeks since conception). It can detect pregnancy with 99% accuracy.
When can I use it?
You are able to use the Clearblue Digital Pregnancy test five days before a missed period (4 days before your expected period).
The Clearblue Digital Pregnancy test takes any potential confusion out of an in-home pregnancy test. Tell Me Baby readers love how simple it is to use, and liked how the test told them how far along they were.
Cons
The Clearblue Digital Pregnancy test is a more expensive option than standard pregnancy tests.
Example review
“By far the best test on the market. It saves so much guess work and second guessing by telling you your result clearly. I also love that you are given an idea of how far along you are which, in my case, was extremely accurate. Definitely worth spending the little extra on the digital tests.”
Similarly to the Clearblue digital test, the Clearblue Plus Pregnancy Test is 99% accurate, and can tell you if you are pregnant in one minute (you should wait for three minutes to confirm a “not pregnant” result).
When can I use it?
The test can be used from the day of your expected period.
The Clearblue Rapid Detection Pregnancy test can give you your result in a minute, helping take some of the stress out of waiting for a result. Our Tell Me Baby mums trust the Clearblue brand and found this product easy to use.
Cons
Sometimes the blue dye can be hard to read, but Tell Me Baby reviewers were overall happy with this product and its accuracy.
Example review
“First of all, Clearblue Plus Pregnancy Test is a brand that we can trust. It is actually pretty fast to detect pregnancy. When I was trying to get pregnant, I bought pregnancy tests for different brands, and this one was effective and very easy to use. I really recommend this product.”
First Response Early Result In-Stream Pregnancy test
Photo from https://firstresponsepregnancy.com.au/
Features
The First Response Early Result In-Stream Pregnancy Test is simple to use and is 99% accurate at predicting a pregnancy. The First Response test is also great value for money, which is helpful when you are trying to conceive.
When can I use it?
You are able to use the First Response Pregnancytest six days before a missed period (five days before day of expected period).
The First Response pregnancy test’s sensitive technology can detect a low level of the hCG pregnancy hormone, helping you get an accurate result early in your pregnancy. Tell Me Baby readers find these tests easy to use, accurate and found the lines easy to read.
Cons
The First Response test will give your result in three minutes, which is a bit slower than the Clearblue Rapid test.
Example review
“This test showed a positive result just two days after a missed period for me. It is an easy test to use. The lines are clear so no confusion. The instructions are thorough and helpful. The cost is great for repeat tests. Handy to keep a few if your trying.”
Nestlé NAN Comfort 1 vs NAN Supremepro 1: Baby Formulas Compared
Baby formula has all the added vitamins, minerals, and fats that a baby needs. And while every baby formula available to purchase in Australia has to meet strict Australian standards, that doesn’t make choosing one any easier. Tell Me Baby parents have rated baby formulas they’ve tried and shared their opinions on what has or hasn’t worked for them. Based on their baby formula reviews, we’ve compared Nestlé NAN NAN COMFORT 1 and NAN SUPREMEpro 1 to help you make a better buying decision for your baby.
This article contains information about infant formulas. Under the WHO Code, the information presented here is free from advertising and is based on unbiased opinions from parents.
Nan Comfort vs Nan Supreme
When choosing newborn formula, protein should be top of mind. A cow’s milk-based formula is recommended for babies under 12 months unless they have a diagnosed milk allergy.
There are two main types of protein found in cow’s milk based baby formula (and breastmilk): whey and casein. Whey digests quickly while casein is digested more slowly. Whey dominant formulas are easier for younger babies to digest. Want to know more? Read everything you need to know about choosing a newborn formula.
Nestlé NAN SUPREMEpro 1
Features
Nestlé NAN SUPREMEpro 1 is a partially hydrolysed infant formula, from cow’s milk, so the protein is broken up making it easier for a baby to process. This product also comes with hygienic, innovative packaging – a separate storage area for the scoop, and a semi-transparent window that allows you to see how much powder is left in the can without having to open it. The Nan website says NAN Supremepro 1 SHOULD NOT be used if an infant has a diagnosed cow’s milk allergy.
Parents in the Tell Me Baby community say that this formula mixes well and is very filling. Many mums said they used this product to ‘top their baby up’ when having supply issues.
Cons
It is one of the more expensive brands of formula on the market. Some parents said their baby had awful smelling poo and wind, but overall reviewers seemed happy with this product.
Example review
“I had to top up with formula feeds as my third one was not putting on weight due to latching issues. I was recommended this by a few friends who had similar issues with their children, and it worked very well for my baby, and he soon started to put on a healthy amount of weight. Never had any constipation or diarrhoea issues though he was a bit gassy at times.”
NAN COMFORT 1 is a whey dominant starter infant formula, from cow’s milk. Similarly, this product also features the same hygienic, innovative packaging as Nestlé NAN SUPREME 1.
Parents say this was a good alternative to breastmilk when deciding to give their baby formula. Many reviewers say it’s gentle on the stomach, mixes well, and is a reasonable price.
Cons
One reviewer said they found it thick. “Keep in mind it is quite thick, so we had to go up a teat size very early due to the thickness,” they wrote.
Example review
“This was about the 6th formula we tried, and I wish had used it first. His wind almost completely subsidies when we use this formula, not to mention how extremely affordable it in comparison to other ones a d very easy to find at your local supermarket or chemist.”
The baby formula you use will be dependent on your individual circumstances. Both of these formulas are great options that provide essential nutrients for your baby.
We recommend that you talk to your doctor to help make the right decision for you.
Have an opinion about the pregnancy or baby products you’ve tried? Of course you do! Join our community and earn rewards by reviewing baby products from home. By reviewing products you’ve tried and tested, you’ll earn points that can be exchanged for vouchers at Coles, Target and Kmart! Sign up here and start sharing your reviews.
This TikTok Video Shows What A Cervix Looks Like In Labour
If you’re about to give birth for the first time, you might be worried about how it will all go down on the day. You might even feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. The good news is, while birthing is new for you, your body knows exactly what it’s doing—it was made for this. To visualize the process, this viral TikTok video demonstrates what a cervix looks like in a labor.
Shared by certified nurse-midwife, Sarah Pringle (@midwifemama). She used a model to give a visual demonstration of what the cervix looks like in labor.
The video shows how the cervix changes during labour in preparation for baby to enter the vagina.
And it’s safe to say that after watching this video, many people were in awe of how amazing the female body is.
One commenter wrote: “How can it stretch that much gawd leee”
Another added: “I thought that was a nipple so when it turned into a hole a genuinely gasped out loud.”
While the cervix opening doesn’t look like much fun to some, one woman said “it’s not that bad”.
“It’s literally not that bad. I would 100% rather go through labour again than deal with period cramps every period,” she said.
How the cervix changes during labour
Once your baby and body are ready for birth, your cervix will start to open slowly. Pregnancy Birth & Baby says, “You may see a clear, pink, or slightly bloody discharge (sometimes referred to as the ‘show’). This is the release of the mucus plug, that sits over the cervical canal during pregnancy.” This is also known as the first stage of labour.
When your cervix is open more than 3cm, it’s called ‘established’ labour or the ‘active phase’. This continues until the cervix is around 7 cm dilated.
Next comes the ‘transition phase’, when the cervix continues to fully open.
The first stage of labour is complete when the cervix is open. The baby will start to move through the pelvis and mum can start pushing.
If you’re concerned about cervical dilation or want to understand the process in more detail, this article offers a helpful guide to how dilation works and what to expect.
How long does the first stage of labour take?
Pregnancy Birth & Baby says “the time it takes for the cervix to open (or dilate) will vary from woman to woman and can range from several hours to days or even weeks.”
But don’t let this dishearten you – if it feels like things are moving slowly, it doesn’t mean they are – there’s still significant work going on in your cervix.
Speaking to TMB TV, Midwife Tylah says, “To explain dilatation a little bit, everyone thinks it’s about the centimetres – one to ten and that’s it. They get very disheartened if they go to the hospital and hear they’re only two centimetres – that ruins their whole mindset.”
Before labour, the cervix is around 3.5 cm to 4 cm long. Once labour starts, the cervix softens and shortens.
“You might stay one centimetre the whole time, but you’ve shortened your cervix,” says Tylah.
“And then all it has to do is sort of open and things go quite quickly from there.
“It’s realising that no work that your body is doing is a wasted effort. It all is part of the plan.”
12 Conversations To Have With Your Partner Before Your Baby Arrives
There are lots of decisions to be made when you have a baby. There are the products to choose – from the type of pram to the cot and car seat – to the bigger decisions all couples need to make before they have a baby. Because really, the last thing you want is for resentment to build because you didn’t nut out who would be doing all of those exhausting middle-of-night settles ahead of time. Here are 12 conversations to have with your partner before birth:
1. Your birth wishes and what will happen in the delivery room
If you have a birth plan, it’s very important that your partner is on board with your wishes and willing to advocate for you in the delivery room. If you don’t have one, at least talk about your options and preferences beforehand just in case Bub throws you a few surprises on the day. Think induction, pain relief, and c-section births – like the topics covered here.
2. Social media
How much of your baby’s life you’ll share online is something you should be on the same page about. How would you feel if all of your baby photos were online? Also consider that once you share a photo on Facebook or Instagram, there are a whole bunch of terms that mean the platform could give away or sell your photos. Read about it here.
3. Your relationship
Having a baby changes everything, including your relationship. It’s very easy for parents to get caught up in their new roles as parents without realising they’ve drifted a little. In fact, COPE says that marital quality decreases sharply for 40-67% of couples during the first year after the baby is born.
Come up with ways you can still make time for each other after the birth. Brainstorm little rituals the two of you enjoy doing now that you’ll be able to maintain later. How can you make each other feel loved? A simple compliment telling your partner they’re doing a great job can make the world of difference while you’re knee-deep in nappies.
4. Childcare
Who is going to stay home with the baby, and for how long? And if both parents work in an office (or even at home), who is going to look after the baby? Are grandparents on board for some child-minding? Or will you put your child in daycare? If so, when should you start looking at daycares? Who will do the drop-off and pickups? Whatever you decide, make sure it works for both of you.
5. Baby names
Choosing a baby name is a big decision. However, it’s not something you want to still be disagreeing about after the baby is born. Create a shortlist of names you agree on and decide which one suits your little bubba once they’ve arrived earthside.
6. Your parenting style
While you don’t have to have the exact same parenting style, it’s better if you are both on the same page about things like discipline, screen time, ‘sleep training’, using a dummy, etc, before you become parents.
7. What are you going to do if your baby doesn’t sleep?
Sleep deprivation is brutal. And it’s something no one fully understands unless they’ve been there themselves. What are you going to do if your baby is a terrible sleeper? How do you feel about co-sleeping? Is ‘sleep training’ something you will look into? And at what age are you comfortable implementing these things?
To help you and your partner cope with this, read this article about sleep and feeding.
8. Money
Having honest conversations about how you’re going to make ends meet with a baby is essential. If one parent stays home, how long can you afford for them to do that? How much would daycare cost if the primary carer went back to work? Do you have life insurance or enough money in savings to cover an emergency like a redundancy? Have you revised your budget to include all the day-to-day items your baby will need, like nappies, baby wipes, and formula if you aren’t breastfeeding?
9. Who’s cooking and who’s cleaning?
Staying home and looking after a baby is a full-time job. And if your baby is a little catnapper, then there won’t be much time for things like preparing dinner and cleaning the house. Not to mention, babies can be very unsettled in the evenings! So talk about expectations around housework before the baby arrives. Maybe you can ask friends and family for food instead of gifts, or have a meal prep day every few weeks so you’ve always got something to eat. As for the other chores, divide and conquer!
10. Baby feeding
While most mums will plan to breastfeed, for some the experience can be anything but natural. If breastfeeding is something that you really want to do, have a plan just in case any issues arise. For example, consider seeing a lactation consultant before the baby arrives, or have someone in mind for after if you are struggling with your latch or milk supply. Also, chat about how your partner can feel more involved.
If you’re planning to formula feed, discuss who will do the night feeds and settling, especially when you both return to work. For more ways of feeding a newborn, read this article.
11. Visitors and in-laws
Once you announce your baby to the world, be prepared for everyone to want to come and meet (and hold) your baby. It’s very important to set up boundaries and discuss what you’re comfortable with – and keep in mind that this might change after the birth (and that’s perfectly okay too!). Protect your newborn bubble at all costs, if that’s what you want. This mum’s strategy for visitors after birth is genius.
12. Me time
Parental burnout is very real, so it’s important to take some time out each week for some child-free self-care that doesn’t involve going to work. Discuss how you can schedule time for both parents to have a break without feeling guilty. Once everyone is settled, schedule certain days and times for each parent so no one is caught off guard.
Why These 12 Conversations Matter Before Your Baby Arrives
Preparing for a new baby involves more than just buying the essentials; it’s also about aligning with your partner on important topics that will impact your family’s future. These 12 conversations to have with your partner before birth cover everything from childcare plans to setting boundaries with visitors. Having open discussions now can help create a smoother, more supportive transition into parenthood.
