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. 1d ago

    Newborn not Sleeping? Baby only Naps for 30 Minutes? How to improve Infant Sleep

    If your newborn won’t stay asleep, only naps for 30 to 45 minutes at a time, or can’t fall asleep without being fed, rocked or driven around in the car, this episode is for you. Paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant combines her clinical experience with her own experience as a mum whose baby could not fall asleep, to explain why these three problems are so common and what you can actually do about them, all within safe sleep guidelines. Lisa covers why babies are born unable to link sleep cycles, why the startle reflex disrupts sleep when babies sleep safely on their backs, how to use swaddling, movement stimulation and daytime light exposure to help, and why some babies, particularly hypermobile babies, need more help than others. She also addresses day/night confusion and feeding to sleep honestly, without guilt. In this episode: Why babies wake frequently, and why it’s more common now than in previous generationsSleep cycles explained: why naps are often stuck at 45 minutesWhy babies can’t fall asleep on their own, and how that skill developsSwaddling, the startle reflex, and safe back sleepingFeeding to sleep: what’s fine, and when to be stricter (reflux, tooth decay, ear infections)Movement stimulation and why some babies, especially hypermobile babies, need more of itDay and night confusion, and how to help your baby’s body clock developCreating a dark, consistent sleep environment at nightMentioned in this episode: Lisa’s free swaddling tutorial: Swaddling Made SimpleLisa’s previous tummy time episode Recommended blackout blinds for travel and home (Affiliate Link)Find more Resources: www.physiobaby.co.uk Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

  2. 5d ago

    Early Signs of Autism, Cerebral Palsy Symptoms & Delayed Development: What’s Normal and What’s Worth Checking

    “Does my baby have autism?” “Does my baby have cerebral palsy?” “Will my baby ever walk?” In this episode, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant answers the three questions she gets asked most often by by parents of young babies. Lisa explains that there are very few reliable early signs of autism and why it’s genuinely very difficult to diagnose autism or cerebral palsy in babies under 18 months. She also looks at why reflux and so many ordinary “modern parenting” factors (reduced tummy time, baby equipment, swaddling) can mimic the signs of these conditions without a baby going on to have either diagnosis; and what to do if you’re worried.  She covers sensory processing differences, the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale for cerebral palsy, why brain scans don’t always predict outcome, and practical, reassuring steps every parent can take while they wait for clarity, even if a diagnosis is not on the cards. If you’ve ever lain awake worrying about something your baby is doing, this episode is for you. In this episode: Why it’s very hard to tell if a baby under 18 months is autistic, and what to do if your very young baby is doing things that make you worrySensory processing differences vs. autism: why they often look alikeSigns of possible cerebral palsy, and why “modern parenting” factors can mimic them (tummy time, swaddling, reflux, equipment use)Practical, reassuring activities to do with your baby regardless of outcomeWhy brain scans don’t always predict outcome: the role of stimulation, nutrition and sleep in brain plasticityWhen to seek an assessment, and from whomMentioned in this episode:Lisa’s free baby massage video download Lisa’s podcast series on development by ageLisa’s 0–3 month developmental guide (£35.00, PDF) Remote consultations and Wimbledon clinic bookings Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

  3. Oct 9

    Paediatric Physiotherapy: Private vs NHS Physio - How much treatment does your baby actually need?

    Weighing up NHS physiotherapy against private physio for your baby? Perhaps your baby is receiving private physio and you are left wondering if it really needs to be this frequent? Maybe you are accessing your NHS physiotherapy service and feeling frustrated that you aren't getting to see the therapist enough.  It's easy to worry about being taken advantage of or feel concerned that you are being neglected when you have no point of reference for how much physiotherapy your baby needs. In this episode, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant breaks down how treatment frequency really works on both sides of the system. Prompted by a recent clinic case where a baby had been seen repeatedly by private providers with no real progress, Lisa draws on two decades of experience from NHS child development services, to private hospitals in London, to training in under-resourced communities abroad, to explain why more sessions don’t always mean better care.  She covers how NHS physiotherapy prioritises and allocates appointments,  honest signs a private provider may be over-treating your baby, and when more frequent sessions genuinely are justified. In this episode: How NHS physiotherapy decides how often your baby is seen, and why it isn’t always a sign of inadequate careWhy most baby conditions respond better to parent-led, repeated-through-the-day exercises than frequent clinic visitsHonest red flags that a private provider may be recommending more sessions than your baby needsWhen more regular physio (NHS or private) genuinely is the right callMentioned in this episode: Lisa’s clinic at the Osteoperformance Practice, Wimbledon : Book hereRemote consultations: Book hereConnect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

  4. Oct 2

    Positional Talipes: Is Your Newborn's Foot Curling Inward? Here's What to Do!

    Has your newborn been diagnosed with positional talipes? Or have you noticed their little foot (or both feet) curling inwards and staying there?  In this episode, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant breaks down everything parents need to know about this surprisingly common newborn foot condition. Lisa explains the difference between positional talipes and structural club foot, why it happens (hint: it's all about room in the womb), and why vague advice at birth often means it isn't treated effectively. She walks through her five-pronged treatment approach (massage, stretch, strengthening, stimulating, and addressing restrictive clothing or positioning) ; and explains why the condition often looks worse again during growth spurts, illness, or new physical milestones like crawling and walking, even when treatment is working well. If your baby's foot is turning in, this episode will help you understand exactly what's going on and what to do next. In this episode: The difference between positional talipes and structural club footWhy positional talipes happens (risk factors: twins, big/long babies, small mums)Does it affect walking long-term? The honest answerThe five-pronged approach: massage, stretch, strengthening, stimulation and reducing restrictionsWhy symptoms can flare during growth spurts, teething, or new skills like crawlingTreating newborns vs. older, mobile babiesWhen to see a health visitor, GP or physiotherapist instead of treating at homeMentioned in this episode: Lisa's positional talipes video tutorial for parents: Treating Tiny Feet: A step-by-step demonstration on a model and a real babyBook a Remote Consultations with LisaBook a Face to Face with Lisa at her Wimbledon clinic Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

  5. Sep 25

    Sleep Training Newborns: Should you do it? A sleep consultant answers this and all your other baby sleep questions.

    Why won't my baby sleep through the night? Is co-sleeping ever safe? Will feeding or rocking my baby to sleep create a "bad habit"?  In this episode of the Best for Baby Podcast, host Lisa Rogers Sergeant sits down with Maddy Thompson, a social worker, mum of two, and paediatric sleep consultant at Balanced Bedtime Sleep Consultancy, for an honest, guilt-free look at baby and toddler sleep. Maddy explains the enormous "normal" range for newborn sleep, why safe sleep guidelines and natural instincts to hold and comfort your baby aren't in conflict, and how to safely navigate co-sleeping and contact naps. She breaks down practical, science-backed tools like sleep pressure, light exposure and anchoring the day, and reframes "sleep training" as gentle, responsive sleep optimisation. If you've ever felt judged, confused or anxious about your baby's sleep, this conversation will leave you feeling reassured and equipped. In this episode: The huge "normal" range for newborn sleep (11–19 hours)Safe co-sleeping guidance and why the conversation has changedWhy feeding, rocking or contact-napping to sleep isn't a "bad habit"What sleep pressure is and how it drives good sleepWhy light exposure within 30 minutes of waking mattersSleep training vs. sleep optimisation: the gentler, responsive approachCommon sleep myths busted (overtiredness, "if I respond too much…", age cutoffs)Why comparing your baby to others online does more harm than goodMentioned in this episode: Maddy Thompson, Balanced Bedtime Sleep Consultancy Maddy's Safe Sleep ResourceMaddy's Blog on Red Light and SleepBook reference: French Children Don't Throw Food (Affiliate Link)Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

  6. Jul 31

    Six Ways to Reduce Risk of Traumatic Birth: Inductions, Epidurals & C-Sections (and more!)

    In this eye-opening episode, Lisa is joined by Gina Mundy, a childbirth attorney who has spent more than 23 years analysing thousands of cases where childbirth complications have resulted in lifelong injury and disability. Drawing on decades of experience, Gina has transformed what she's learned into practical guidance for expectant parents. Her mission is to help families reduce the risk of birth complications before labour even begins. Together, Lisa and Gina explore the common patterns seen in traumatic births, why understanding your options during labour is so important, and how parents can confidently advocate for themselves throughout the birth process. The six key ways to reduce risk discussed in this episode: 1. Slow down oxytocin: Ask for oxytocin (also known as Syntocinon or Pitocin) to be administered slowly and kept at the lowest effective dose. 2. Prepare before labour: Learn about the birth process and your options before contractions begin. 3. Consider hiring a doula:  Discover how continuous support during labour can improve the birth experience. 4. Choose your hospital carefully: Understand why your choice of maternity unit can influence outcomes. 5. Learn to understand your baby's heart rate:  Become familiar with the terminology healthcare professionals use and what it means. 6. Know your options for assisted birth:  Understand the benefits and risks of forceps, vacuum extraction (ventouse/Kiwi cup), and emergency Caesarean section so you can make informed decisions if the situation arises. This is an invaluable episode for anyone preparing for childbirth and wanting to understand the practical steps they can take to help achieve the safest possible birth. Resources mentioned A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth by Gina Mundy (affiliate link) The Childbirth Attorney Podcast with Gina Mundy: Here If you require paediatric physiotherapy or EHCP support for your child, you can get in touch with Lisa here. Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

  7. Jul 24

    Neurodivergence, Birth Injury & Cerebral Palsy: What Parents Should Know

    Can traumatic birth cause cerebral palsy? What exactly is cerebral palsy? Can it be prevented or cured? In this deeply personal episode, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant shares a side of her career she has rarely spoken about publicly. After spending more than 25 years working with babies and children including children with complex neurological conditions, Lisa explains how cerebral palsy can be linked to traumatic birth, how neurological disorders can affect movement and development, and why there is always hope. Rather than creating fear, this episode aims to build understanding, compassion and awareness for children living with neurological disabilities and their families. Lisa also explains: • What happens when the brain is injured before, during or shortly after birth • The incredible ability of a baby's brain to adapt through neuroplasticity • How physiotherapy and early intervention can dramatically influence outcomes • What EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) are and how they support children in school • CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection during pregnancy and why every expectant parent should know about it • Why she chose an elective caesarean section after years of working with children affected by birth injuries This episode is also the introduction to a special two-part series. Next week, Lisa is joined by childbirth attorney Gina Mundy, who explains practical ways parents can reduce the risk of birth injury and discusses what every family should know before labour begins. Whether you're pregnant, planning a family, or simply want a better understanding of childhood neurological conditions, this is an episode filled with compassion, education and hope. Mentioned in this episode Gina Mundy : The Childbirth Attorney Podcast : https://www.youtube.com/@UCWk3fI8M6sQyXRuolBn5IFw  If you had a traumatic birth and would like to discuss this with Lisa, see how she can help here: https://physiobaby.co.uk/neuro-physio Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

  8. Jun 5

    E 24: Why New Mums Need More Postnatal Support: Postnatal Anxiety, Boundaries and Finding your Village with Postnatal Doula, Jade Harkness

    What happens after the midwives leave and the reality of motherhood begins? As new mums, we have all been through those moments where you feel isolated, unheard and unseen. You are "happy" to put your needs second (or third, or fourth...) as long as your baby is well. This isn't always the best way, but how do we create an environment where mum can thrive as well as the new baby, despite the sleepless nights and overwhelm. In this episode of the Best for Baby Podcast, Lisa is joined by postnatal doula Jade Harkness from the Mamas Wellbeing Hub. Jade shares her own experience of postnatal anxiety and explains how it led her to become passionate about supporting mothers through the often-overlooked fourth trimester. Together, they discuss the emotional, practical and informational support new mums need, why community matters so much in early motherhood, and how postnatal doulas can help families feel seen, heard and supported during one of life's biggest transitions. Whether you're expecting a baby, navigating the newborn stage, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers reassurance, practical advice and a reminder that mothers deserve care too. In This Episode We Discuss:  What a postnatal doula is and how they differ from birth doulas  The emotional challenges many mums face in the early weeks after birth  Why the day 3–5 hormone shift can feel overwhelming  The importance of holding space for mothers without trying to "fix" them  Setting boundaries with visitors after birth  Why community can be a lifeline in motherhood  Supporting both mums and partners through the transition to parenthood  Birth and hospital debriefs after difficult experiences  Returning to work after maternity leave  The power of skin-to-skin contact for babies, mothers and fathers  Learning to ask for — and accept — practical help Find out more about Jade and her postnatal support services through Mamas Wellbeing Hub: Connect with Jade here! Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

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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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