Best for Baby | Expert Baby Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Mums

Physio Baby Ltd
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This go-to podcast for new parents offers expert advice, practical tips, and thoughtful discussions about all things baby-related! New parents will be armed and ready to tackle any niggling or overwhelming concerns they may have about their babies. Hosted by a paediatric physiotherapist (and mum!) with more than 20 years experience working with babies and children, this podcast dives into the unique challenges and joys of caring for newborns and infants. Have you been googling any of the following? * How to do tummy time? * Should I swaddle my newborn? * How to fix a flat head in babies * Why won't my baby sleep? * Reasons for late walking in babies * What is hypermobility? Google no more! Whether you're a first time parent or adding to your family, Best for Baby will answer all your baby questions. With real-life tips, interviews with healthcare professionals and parents, this podcast empowers parents with the knowledge they need to give their baby the best start in life. Tune in weekly for thoughtful advice and support, tailored to help you navigate your baby's first year with confidence and ease. www.physiobaby.co.uk

  1. 6D AGO

    E18: W-Sitting, Not Crawling or Delayed Sitting: Hypermobility (Double Jointed Babies) - the common cause of Developmental Delay

    Is your baby unusually flexible or “double-jointed”? Maybe their legs flop out like a frog when lying down… Maybe they struggle with tummy time… Or perhaps they’re not rolling, sitting or crawling yet and you’re starting to worry. In this episode of the Best For Baby Podcast, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa explains hypermobility in babies: what it is, why it happens, and how it can affect your baby’s development in the first year of life. Many parents notice their baby is bendy or slightly delayed, but few realise that hypermobile joints can make movement harder, not easier. Because their ligaments and connective tissues are stretchier, hypermobile babies often have to work much harder to build strength and stability. The good news? With the right activities and support, most hypermobile babies develop beautifully. In this episode, Lisa explains the signs parents should watch for, why some babies avoid movement, and the simple ways you can support your baby’s development at home. Signs Your Baby Might Be Hypermobile  • Very flexible or bendy joints  • Legs that flop outwards when lying down  • Difficulty holding their head up  • Disliking tummy time  • Delays in rolling, sitting or crawling   • W-sitting  • Refusing to put their feet on the ground when being helped to stand If this sounds familiar, hypermobility could be a factor in your baby’s development. How to Support a Hypermobile Baby Lisa shares simple physiotherapy principles parents can start today, including:  ✔ Encouraging plenty of tummy time  ✔ Activities that build core and shoulder strength  ✔ Helping babies practice rolling and twisting movements  ✔ Supporting crawling development (a powerful strengthening stage)  ✔ Gentle sensory activities that improve body awareness These small daily movements act like mini gym sessions for your baby’s muscles, helping them build the stability they need for future milestones like standing and walking. When Should Parents Seek Help? While many hypermobile babies simply develop a little later, it’s worth seeking a professional assessment if your baby has: Delays in multiple developmental areasVery low muscle tone or feels floppyLimited movement or interactionSignificant feeding or speech delaysEarly support can make a huge difference to confidence, strength and coordination. Link to vibrating teething ring: Here 🎧 Next Week’s Episode: We’ll explore how hypermobility affects toddlers and older children, including walking, posture, and coordination. Connect with Lisa here! For help on: Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    35 min

  2. MAR 6

    E 17b : Choking; Baby-led Weaning vs Purees; and Sleep Training: What Every Parent should Know

    Starting solids, baby sleep, choking risks and sleep training are some of the most debated topics in parenting, and the amount of conflicting advice online can leave parents feeling anxious and overwhelmed. In this episode of the Best for Baby Podcast, Lisa continues her conversation with physician Dr. Kaliley Buller, who is passionate about helping parents understand what is actually normal in the early months with a baby. We talk about the truth behind baby-led weaning vs purees, what parents should know about gagging vs choking, and why baby sleep is largely neurological — not something parents are “doing wrong.” Dr. Buller also shares practical, realistic advice about sleep training, cortisol myths, and how to make decisions that work for your own family without guilt. If you’ve ever worried that you’re doing something wrong with feeding or sleep, this episode will bring clarity and reassurance. In This Episode We Cover • Baby-led weaning vs purees and whether one is actually better  • Why gagging during solids is normal and protective  • Common choking risks parents don’t always think about  • Why some babies naturally sleep better than others                                                     • The difference between sleep training and sleep teaching  • Whether letting a baby cry briefly is harmful  • The truth about cortisol and baby sleep myths  • When babies can physiologically sleep longer stretches  • A simple “block method” approach to improving sleep  • Practical newborn life hacks (including removing baby poop stains!) work. Resources Mentioned Dr. Buller shares many resources for parents including sleep education and parenting tools on her website: Here You can also connect with me here for more support navigating baby development and early motherhood. Connect with Lisa here! For help on: Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    36 min

  3. FEB 27

    E 17: Constipation, Fever in Babies, Head Bumps, Vomiting and Diarrhoea: When to take your baby to A and E

    Part 1 with Dr Kailey Buller, Emergency Physician, Labour and Delivery Doctor. Today’s episode might genuinely be one of the most important conversations we’ve ever had on The Best For Baby Podcast. If you’ve ever sat awake at night wondering… Is this normal? Should I take my baby to A&E? Am I overreacting — or missing something serious? …then this episode is for you. I’m joined by emergency physician, family doctor, labour and delivery specialist — and mum, Dr. Kailey Buller, who spends her working life caring for sick babies, worried parents, and newborn emergencies. And today she’s breaking down, in the clearest and most reassuring way I’ve ever heard: The real signs parents should never ignoreWhat doctors actually look for in emergency departmentsAnd how to know when your instincts are rightThis episode will honestly make you feel calmer, more confident, and far more prepared as a parent. Let’s dive in... When should you take your baby to A&E? Dr. Buller shares the hospital ABC's doctors actually use to assess babies in emergencies, helping parents understand when to monitor at home and when to seek urgent medical care. In Part 1 we cover:  ✔️ Fever rules every parent should know (especially under 3 months)   ✔️ Signs your baby is struggling to breathe  ✔️ Dehydration red flags most parents miss  ✔️ Head bumps: what’s actually dangerous vs normal toddler accidents  ✔️ Vomiting and when it becomes serious  ✔️ How to safely hydrate a sick baby at home                                                             ✔️ Top tips for constipation and what's normal This episode is packed with calm, practical advice you’ll want to save and share. Resources Mentioned Dr. Kailey Buller’s parent resources & guidesDr Buller's Podcast: Surviving Tiny HumansSurviving Tiny Humans, the book ⭐ If this episode helped you feel more confident as a parent, please follow, share, or leave a review — it helps more families find evidence-based support. Connect with Lisa here! For help on: Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    36 min

  4. FEB 19

    E16: Is It Graves' Disease, Postpartum Thyroiditis… or Just Life With a Baby? Could your racing heart and anxiety be the result of a hidden thyroid disorder?

    Is it anxiety… exhaustion… or something more? In this deeply personal episode, Lisa shares her shocking diagnosis of Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that causes an overactive thyroid, and explains why it’s so often missed in new mums. Thyroid conditions, including postpartum thyroiditis, are surprisingly common in the first year after having a baby. Yet many symptoms are dismissed as “normal mum life.” Racing heart. Anxiety. Insomnia. Weight loss. Irritability. Sweating. Weakness. Sound familiar? In this episode, Lisa covers: What Graves’ disease actually is and how it affects your bodyThe difference between Graves’ disease and postpartum thyroiditisWhy thyroid problems are common after pregnancyThe key symptoms of an overactive thyroid in new mumsWhen to go to A&E The essential blood tests you MUST ask forHow thyroid conditions can impact future pregnanciesWhy you must advocate for your own follow-up careMany women suffer for months, even years thinking they are just anxious, overtired, or struggling with motherhood. But untreated thyroid disease can seriously affect your heart, mood, and overall wellbeing. Common thyroid disorder symptoms: Unexplained rapid weight lossResting heart rate over 100Severe palpitationsIntense anxiety or rageHeat intolerance and excessive sweatingShaking hands or muscle weaknessFeeling “not yourself”Please seek professional help if you have any of these symptoms, because this podcast isn’t just Best for Baby. It’s Best for Mum, too.  Connect with Lisa here! For help on: Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    33 min

  5. FEB 12

    E15: Why So Many Babies Are Falling Behind in Early Development (And How to Help Yours Thrive!)

    In this episode of The Best For Baby Podcast, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant explores the real reasons so many neurotypical babies are struggling with early development – even without any medical diagnosis. From tummy time fears to modern baby equipment, we dive into how everyday parenting practices may unintentionally impact milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling and walking. You’ll learn: Why the “Back to Sleep” campaign, while life-saving, has created a fear of tummy timeHow baby equipment like bouncers, seats and pushchairs can limit natural movementThe link between flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) and time spent on firm surfacesWhat a baby’s sensory profile is – and how it affects developmentHow flexibility, hypermobility and low muscle tone can slow progressWhy tall or heavier babies often take longer to meet milestonesAnd Most importantly, What you can do right now to support your baby’s strength and motor skills! Lisa also explains how small daily changes can make a huge difference to your baby’s development. If you’re worried your baby is behind, this episode will reassure you that there is so much you can do before jumping to worst-case conclusions. Helpful ResourcesBaby Development Mini-Series (Best for Baby Podcast) 0–3 Month Baby Development PDFRemote consultations with LisaHome visits in Greater LondonConnect with Lisa here! For help on: Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    28 min

  6. 12/19/2025

    E14: Why I Do What I Do: A Paediatric Physiotherapist’s Journey Into Baby Development, Bonding, Tummy Time, and the Power of Touch.

    In this end-of-year episode of the Best For Baby Podcast, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa shares her personal journey and explains how to support baby development naturally through connection, positioning, and parent-led care. This episode explores Lisa’s path from training in South Africa to working in intensive care and private hospitals in London, and how these experiences shaped her approach to early intervention for babies and baby physiotherapy in the first year of life. You’ll hear powerful stories that explain why baby bonding and attachment, touch, and movement are just as important as milestones — and why many common baby issues, including baby head shape problems, are often preventable with early support. Lisa also shares her experience of becoming a mother later in life, navigating postnatal depression, and discovering first-hand how overwhelming it can feel to follow expert advice in the early days. This insight now shapes the way she teaches parents how to support baby development naturally, using a less-is-more approach. In this episode, we cover: Why parent-led baby physiotherapy creates better developmental outcomesWhy tummy time is important and how fear around tummy time impacts babiesHow chest naps and baby safety can coexist when done correctlyThe link between positioning, bonding, and preventing baby head shape problemsHow modern routines and equipment affect baby movement developmentThis episode is for parents who are worried about development or head shape, or are looking for calm, practical guidance on supporting babies in a modern world. If you’ve ever searched for how to prevent baby head shape issues, why tummy time is important, or how to help your baby develop without stress, this episode will help you understand why early, gentle intervention matters. Connect with Lisa here! For help on: Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    28 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    E13: Skipping Crawling, Bottom Shuffling and Bunny Hopping: When should you worry?

    In this episode, Lisa answers one of the most common questions parents ask: Does my baby need to crawl?  Lisa also breaks down the real developmental benefits of crawling, why some babies skip it entirely, and when (and if!) you should be concerned. She explains typical crawling patterns, unusual crawling styles, bottom shuffling and bunny hopping, and how these relate to your baby’s muscle tone, sensory processing, coordination and motor planning. You’ll learn:  ✨ Why reciprocal crawling is so beneficial for strength, balance, proprioception and brain development  ✨ When asymmetrical or “quirky” crawling is completely normal  ✨ Why some babies skip crawling but still walk perfectly on time  ✨ Early signs that a physio or osteopath might be helpful  ✨ What to do if your baby never crawled — including fun, effective ways to build shoulder stability, core strength, sensory awareness, fine motor coordination and bilateral integration at any age. This episode is packed with reassurance, clarity and actionable ideas, reminding you that movement should always feel playful, positive and empowering for your child. Links mentioned: Vibration toy for young babies: Here Vibration toy for toddlers/older children: Here I am an Amazon Affiliate and as such will receive a small commission for the sale of these products, however I do not endorse any product I have not personally used with great success! Please also refer to my episodes on how to help your baby crawl from my Developmental Activities Miniseries: MS 2: E3 and E4. Connect with Lisa here! For help on: Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    35 min

  8. 12/05/2025

    E12: The Continuum Concept: Emotional Development in Infancy

    Promoting Confidence, Calm and Independence in Children, without the "Mum Guilt". In this thought-provoking episode, Lisa dives into the Continuum Concept, the influential 1975 book by Jean Liedloff, and explores how its ideas compare to modern parenting. Lisa unpacks what the book gets right, what doesn’t apply to today’s families, and how parents can take gentle, grounding lessons from it without guilt or pressure. Drawing from her own honest reflections (including the mistakes she believes she made as a new mum), Lisa explains how historical parenting practices still influence us today and how we can tune back into our instincts, respond to our children’s needs, and nurture emotional security from infancy through early childhood. This is a powerful, reassuring episode for any parent who has ever felt torn between instinct and outdated advice. 💛 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What the Continuum Concept actually is and what Jean Liedloff observed in rural VenezuelaHow historical Western parenting (1950s–1970s) shaped our current beliefs about crying, feeding, routines, and independenceWhy parents today still feel guilt, confusion and pressure from outdated parenting cultureThe importance of physical closeness, co-regulation and responding to your baby’s cuesHow to support emotional security in babies and older childrenWhy independence develops naturally (and why you don’t have to force it)What parts of the Continuum Concept don’t hold up — and how to adapt the useful pieces for modern life🧡 Key Takeaways Babies are born expecting closeness, responsiveness and connection.Some mainstream parenting advice from the past still influences our instincts today.Mistakes are normal — what matters is how we show love, presence and connection going forward.You can nurture your child’s sense of worthiness and emotional rightness at ANY age.Parenting isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence.Connect with Lisa here! For help on: Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    46 min
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This go-to podcast for new parents offers expert advice, practical tips, and thoughtful discussions about all things baby-related! New parents will be armed and ready to tackle any niggling or overwhelming concerns they may have about their babies. Hosted by a paediatric physiotherapist (and mum!) with more than 20 years experience working with babies and children, this podcast dives into the unique challenges and joys of caring for newborns and infants. Have you been googling any of the following? * How to do tummy time? * Should I swaddle my newborn? * How to fix a flat head in babies * Why won't my baby sleep? * Reasons for late walking in babies * What is hypermobility? Google no more! Whether you're a first time parent or adding to your family, Best for Baby will answer all your baby questions. With real-life tips, interviews with healthcare professionals and parents, this podcast empowers parents with the knowledge they need to give their baby the best start in life. Tune in weekly for thoughtful advice and support, tailored to help you navigate your baby's first year with confidence and ease. www.physiobaby.co.uk

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