Whether you’re eagerly expecting a new arrival or just a parent in need of some relatable advice with a giggle along the way, we've rounded up all of our favourite parenting podcasts that get us through those long nights and days where it all feels a bit much.
From ways to help your child through anxiety to learning how to love your pregnancy body, and for those times when you want a bit of 'me-time' (having spent your day sleep-deprived, Weetabix-stained and arguing with a two-year-old who wants to eat birthday cake for breakfast, there's a podcast out there for you.
So, here are our favourite podcasts from some familiar faces that you might already recognise and some new friends too...
The best parenting podcasts
Sophie McCartney Tired and Tested
Tired and Tested is the brand-new podcast, hosted by comedian, and award-winning content creator, Sophie McCartney. Sophie will be joined by her buddy and Momager, Lucy Couldwell aka lucy with the Fringe, where they will both talk about the highs and lows of parenting in your late 30’s.
Scummy Mummies
This listen is for the less-than-perfect parent who’s eager to discuss the ups, downs and all the wacky things inbetween. Hosted by comedians Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn, recent episodes include discussions on keeping your kids safe online and how to manage screen time.
Happy Mum, Happy Baby
Happy Mum, Happy Baby is the official podcast of Giovanna Fletcher. Throughout her episodes she continues to talk about motherhood, a theme which started in her book, also titled Happy Mum, Happy Baby.
Within each episode Giovanna talks to a range of high-profile parents about all aspects of parenting, through all the highs and lows that each day can bring.
The Parent Hood
A world away from internet searches, this podcast by Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt gives answers to everything parents want to know about, from child reflux, nits or worries about going back to work.
Birth Stories in Color
This podcast aims to create a community for people of color to share and learn from birth stories of all types including adoption. Hosts Laurel Gourrier and Danielle Jackson adopt a slightly different approach to parenting by emphasising the role of storytelling as a way to equip future parents.
Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe's Parenting Hell
Not the most likely pair you'd expect to host a very successful parenting podcast, but together, Josh and Rob have drawn in a huge variety of listeners, from mums and dads to those who aren't even planning a family - it's that funny! Expect hour-long episodes of banter, hilarious anecdotes and laughs until you pee a little.
Is it normal?
The 'Is it normal?' podcast is hosted by the brilliant podcast pro and superstar singer Jessie Ware and each week, she speaks to a huge range of different experts from the world of pregnancy and parenting to answer all those burning questions you might have about your body and baby.
Sh**ged Married Annoyed
The only wayRosie and Chris Ramsey can have a conversation without being interrupted by a toddler or ending up staring at their phones is by doing a podcast. They’ll be chatting all about life, relationships, arguments, annoyances, parenting, growing up and everything in between. Each week they will answer questions from the public and a secret celebrity.
Rose and Rosie: Parental Guidance
Follow comedy duo and married couple Rose and Rosie’s most intimate adventure yet: starting a family. By speaking to friends and peers who have conquered parenthood head-on, they hope to learn how to rear their roost righteously.
Motherkind
Hosted by Zoe Blaskey, this podcast is all about helping you find your place of calm in all the chaos that comes with motherhood, with help from a wide range of wellness experts and teachers.
Happy Place
Hosted by Fearne Cotton, happy place is a podcast based on finding mindfulness in order to be happy. Whilst this podcast isn’t strictly parenting based it does give a good message to both mums and dads everywhere. Within each episode she talks with high profile guests about what makes them happy in life. This podcast will help parents take the time they need to find the positives in daily life.
LuAnna
Hosted by Anna Williamson and Luisa Zissman, the podcast contains 'words, strong opinions and rants' and is a favourite with mummas everywhere, especially as subjects broached on the bi-weeky podcast include sex after birth, parenting styles and potty training. We adore.
Spinning Plates with Sophie Ellis-Bextor
THIS is the podcast made for busy working mums who are trying to balance their career with being the best mum they can be. In the podcast, Sophie chats to a whole host of inspiring mums on just how they do it.
Mothers' Meeting
Louise Pentland hosts this relatable podcast which chats all things #MumHacks to daily struggles. Expect famous guests from both traditional media and the social media sphere. Warning: very binge-worthy!
Motherhood in Black White
Hosted by Gen X mums, Kaanji Irby and Tara Campbell. These two women - one Black and one White - come from different worlds, but have become close friends through their shared experiences as suburban ‘boy mums’, working women in male-dominated workplaces, and their love of 90s hip-hop. Listen in as they chat with each other and connect with guests about parenting and pop culture and the tragedies and triumphs of motherhood with honesty, empathy and humour.
Not Another Mummy Podcast
Not Another Mummy Podcast is one of the UK's top parenting podcasts with previous guests including Philippa Perry, Dr Rangan Chatterjee, Emma Bunton, Rosie Ramsey and Meg Mathews. Host (and Mother&Baby mumlister)Alison Perry chats to a different guest each episode about parenting and family issues.
The My Little Coco Podcast
Join the lovely Rochelle for a cuppa while you get ready in this podcast which focuses on a different theme per episode. She chats with different famous faces who'll you'll recognise to discuss all the different aspects of parenting.
#OhSh*tTwins
Georgia Martel is a mum of twins who has decided to live out loud after motherhood took the wind out of her! From finding out unexpectedly she was going to be a mother of twins, to the premature arrival of her daughters at 27 weeks, it’s a mixture of meltdowns and giggles and Black British Motherhood in all its glory.
StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast
The smart, fun, must-listen podcast for parents of kids of all ages. Created byMunchkin Inc.
Hosted by Faith Salie (CBS Sunday Morning, NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!), each episode features inspirational stories, fascinating guests, innovative parenting tips, and tons of “Wow, I have been there” moments.
The Intended Parent: Surrogacy Stories
We're big fans of The Intended Parent's Podcast, in which mums Fran and Kreena share their unconventional journeys to motherhood and in doing so explore surrogacy from the perspective of the girl next door. You can listen back to series one, and series two is on the way soon so watch this space!
The Honest Mummies Podcast
Mummy workout guru Hannah Mummy Mills and 2021 mumlister Nichola Ludlam-Raine (@mummynutrition) have joined forces for their new podcast, The Honest Mummies! Combining their health and wellbeing expertise, along with their own honest experiences of all things motherhood - expect chats on birth, surviving maternity leave, fitness and nutrition, sleep, toddler tantrums and much more!
Mum's The Word! The Parenting Podcast with Ashley James
Each week, mum Ashley James chats to fellow famous mums and experts to help us all learn more about parenting and even listeners to create a real community feel while you're listening.
Midwife Pip Podcast
Expert practicing Midwifery Sister and mum Pip speaks to special guests and leading expert voices in the world of pregnancy, birth and postpartum to bring you an evidence based podcast to support you on your journey through motherhood.
Wiggle Talk: A Podcast for Parents
Wiggle Talk - A Podcast for Parents is hosted by the familiar voices of Red Wiggle Simon Pryce and Purple Wiggle Lachy Gillespie, alongside Wiggles founding member Anthony Field. It gives parents a behind the scenes glimpse of the Wiggles family, with their personal experiences and learnings as fathers as well as expert guidance from friends to help guide all parents.
Stylist Mother Lovers Club
Charting the highs, lows and everything in-between of life as a working mum, Stylist’s Lisa Smosarski and Alex Walker chat candidly with each other and celebrity friends about the reality of the juggle and offer parenting tips for making work/mum life a little easier.
Looking for more to listen to? Try these audiobooks every pregnant woman should listen to.