Top 5 Podcasts for Parents

Unfortunately for many parents, babies don't come with user manuals. From the time they're born until (at least) they move out of the house, children offer up constant challenges that keep parents on their toes and looking for answers. In this digital age, information is just a mouse click away, but it's tough to know what to trust and what to discard. To help with that mission, here are five of the best podcasts dedicated to parenting.

PediaCast
Backed by a board-certified pediatrician ("Dr. Mike"), PediaCast is a very professional podcast that brings you expert advice about children's issues, particularly from a medical point of view. The PediaCast staff pour through medical journals to identify trending topics related to children's health and then produce podcasts to disseminate the information. Also included are audio FAQs and interviews with experts.

Manic Mommies
Manic Mommies is produced by a couple of working moms who decided that they had something to share with those experiencing the same, well, mania in balancing work and family. The podcast is the centerpiece of their extensive website and runs the gamut from funny stories to recipes to helpful hints.

Mom Talk Radio
Mom Talk Radio was founded back in 2001, before anyone really thought about podcasting. Ten years later, the show sits at the top of the mommy podcast world and offers weekly shows to help mothers with the various issues that they face. From money-saving tips to help with vacation planning to expert interviews, Mom Talk Radio delivers on its mission to make motherhood just a little easier.

The Parent's Journal
Another radio convert, "The Parent's Journal with Bobbi Conner" began as a broadcast show and maintained that format until becoming a podcast in January 2011. During that entire run, the show has been dedicated to bringing information about holistic child-rearing to parents rather than just providing quick tips here and there. Extensive interviews with medical and behavioral experts are the norm.

Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family is a Christian-based web site dedicated to helping parents with the issues of raising a family. The podcasts have a highly religious bent, but the information presented is potentially helpful and comforting to parents from all walks of life.

These podcasts serve up some of the best parenting advice available on the web, and they deliver their nuggets in an easy-to-use audio format. They're typically updated often, so check back frequently to get more tidbits to help you through your parenting journey.