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

Physio Baby Ltd

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. May 22

    E 23: Microplastics & Babies: 5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Baby’s Exposure

    Are babies really more exposed to microplastics than adults? In this eye-opening episode of the Best for Baby Podcast, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant explores the growing concern around microplastics in babies’ environments and what parents can realistically do to reduce exposure without stress, guilt, or perfectionism. From baby bottles and food pouches to clothing, toys, nursery dust, car seats, and feeding equipment, Lisa shares the biggest hidden sources of microplastics affecting babies today and explains why little ones may be more vulnerable than adults. Importantly, this episode is not about fear or becoming completely plastic-free. Instead, it’s about simple, affordable changes that can reduce exposure in the areas that matter most. You’ll learn: ✨ Why babies are exposed to more microplastics than adults ✨ What emerging research says about microplastics, inflammation, hormones, and gut health ✨ The surprising everyday baby items that may release microplastics ✨ Safer swaps for baby bottles, feeding, food prep, and toys ✨ How to reduce exposure without overwhelm or guilt ✨ Lisa’s practical 80/20 approach to making manageable changes In This Episode We Cover:  What microplastics are and where they come from  Why babies may absorb more microplastics than adults  Formula feeding, breast milk storage, and bottle concerns  Food prep, weaning, and hidden plastic exposure  Nursery dust, carpets, baby toys, and teething rings  Synthetic clothing and bedding  Five simple ways to reduce your baby’s exposure Resources Mentioned: The Plastic Detox documentary  FREE Microplastics Checklist for Babies 💛 Remember: this episode is about progress, not perfection. Small changes can make a meaningful difference. If this episode helped you, please share it with another mum or parent who would love practical, evidence-informed ways to support their baby’s health. Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    30 min
  2. May 15

    E 22: Tummy Time & Supervised Tummy Naps: What’s Actually Safe for Babies?

    Confused about tummy time? Worried about tummy naps after scary headlines or conflicting advice online? In this episode of the Best for Baby Podcast, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant explains what tummy time actually is, why it matters for your baby’s development, and how supervised daytime tummy naps may fit safely into your routine. After recent conversations around infant sleep safety, many parents feel frightened and unsure about what’s safe, especially when it comes to newborn tummy time and contact naps. This episode gives you clear, practical guidance without the overwhelm. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Why tummy time matters for baby development, strength, and milestones ✔️ How tummy time affects head shape and flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) ✔️ Why many babies hate tummy time, and how to make it easier ✔️ What counts as tummy time (it’s more than just floor time) ✔️ The safest ways to start tummy time from day one ✔️ How to create a safe tummy time space ✔️ The difference between night sleep and supervised daytime naps ✔️ What supervised daytime tummy naps mean and the conditions required for safety Key reminder from this episode: Overnight sleep = always on their back in a clear cot. Daytime tummy time = supervised, safe space, clear airway. This episode is designed to help parents feel calm, confident and informed especially if tummy time has been stressful or confusing. Links Mentioned: Totter and Tumble Play Mat: 10% off: Here Loved this episode? Please share it with another parent who may be worried about tummy time or feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice. 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
  3. May 1

    E 21: Struggling with Breastfeeding? Latch, Milk Supply and Newborn Feeding Explained

    Breastfeeding is often described as “natural”—but for many mums, it’s anything but easy. In this episode, I’m joined by lactation consultant and paediatric nurse Michelle Kuteyi of the Baby Care Consultancy, who shares clear, practical strategies to help you feel confident feeding your baby, whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or combining both. We cover everything from painful latch and low milk supply to cluster feeding and newborn feeding cues, with simple explanations that will completely change how you approach feeding in those early weeks. If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or unsure if your baby is getting enough milk, this episode is for you. 🎯 What You’ll Learn:  The CHINS method for a pain-free, effective latch  How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk (without guessing) The real reason babies feed so frequently in the early days  What cluster feeding actually means  The biggest mistake affecting milk supply (and how to fix it)  Why pumping output doesn’t reflect your actual supply How to transition from breast to bottle without refusal The truth about foods, teas, and “milk-boosting” products👶 Key Takeaways:  Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mum and baby Frequent feeding in the early days is normal and necessary Milk supply works on supply and demand, not schedules A painful latch is not normal and can be fixed Babies don’t just feed for hunger - they feed for regulation and comfort🧠 Practical Tips You Can Start Today:  Feed your baby based on cues, not the clock Aim for 8–10 feeds per day in the early weeks  Use nappies (wet + dirty) to track intake  Prioritise night feeds or pumping to protect supply  Keep baby close, supported, and aligned when feeding  Don’t compare your journey to others—especially online 💛 Support & Resources: If you’re struggling with feeding, you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. You can connect with Michelle here! Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    1h 1m
  4. Apr 24

    E20: Doulas, Home Births and Hospital Births: How Doulas Support Calm, Confident Births

    In this episode of the Best For Baby Podcast, I’m joined by experienced doula Emma Inglefield, founder of By Your Side Doula, to explore how doulas can completely transform your pregnancy, birth, and postnatal experience. If you’ve ever felt anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure about childbirth, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s truly possible. Emma shares what a doula actually does, how to prepare for a calm and confident birth and the powerful role of mindset, environment, and support during labour. We also dive into birth choices, including home birth vs hospital birth, the realities of induction, and how to feel informed and in control of your decisions. Whether you’re pregnant, planning a baby, or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you feel more empowered, informed, and confident. 💛 Key Takeaway Birth doesn’t have to be something you fear. With the right preparation and support, it can be a calm, empowering, and positive experience whatever path your birth takes. 🔗 Resources & Links  Connect with Emma Inglefield: By Your Side Doula  Free virtual coffee mornings for mums  Birth partner workshops & antenatal preparation  Monthly miscarriage support group 👶 Loved This Episode? Make sure to follow the podcast and share this episode with a mum-to-be who needs to hear this 💛 Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    1h 1m
  5. Apr 16

    E19: Tongue Ties, Breastfeeding and C-Section Scars: How Osteopathy can Help Mums and Babies, with Stephanie James

    Worried about tongue tie, breastfeeding struggles, tummy time, or your baby’s head shape? Learn practical, expert advice from an osteopath on how to support your baby’s development and your recovery after birth. In this episode, Lisa is joined by Stephanie James, founder of The Osteoperformance Clinic in London. Stephanie explains how the body is deeply interconnected and why gentle, hands-on therapy can make a powerful difference for both babies and mothers. This episode focuses on the physical reasons behind common challenges and offers clear, practical guidance to help you feel more confident in what to do next. ⭐ Key Advice from This Episode  🤱 Feeding & Latching Difficulties Stephanie explains that many feeding issues are not simply due to tongue tie. Instead, they are often caused by:  Tension or restriction in the neck and jaw  Compression during birth (forceps, ventouse, or C-section)  Reduced movement affecting the nerves to the tongue 👉 Her key advice:  Don’t assume it’s tongue tie straight away  Consider a non-invasive approach like osteopathy first Remember: “Don't blame yourself—there is often a restriction in baby's body causing the difficulty”🤸‍♀️ Tummy Time (Her Biggest Advice) Stephanie explains it’s essential not just for strength but also for:  Brain development  Integration of primitive reflexes  Coordination and future learning skills She links lack of tummy time to:  Delayed development  Retained reflexes  Attention and coordination difficulties later on 👉 Important point she makes: If a baby can’t do tummy time, it’s not because they’re being difficult— it may be due to a physical restriction in the body. 🚫 Containers & Baby Movement Stephanie advises limiting time in:  Bouncers  Car seats  Other “containers” 👉 Her key message: Babies need time on the floor to:  Move freely  Explore movement  Develop properly 💛 C-Section Recovery (For Mums) Stephanie highlights that C-sections are often under-recognised in recovery. She explains that scar tissue can:  Create tightness and adhesions  Affect the pelvis, hips, and lower back  Impact overall movement 👉 Her advice:  Osteopathy can help release scar tissue—even years later  Treatment often improves movement and reduces discomfort  Emotional release during treatment can also happen, especially after traumatic births 🎯 Key Takeaway Before jumping to invasive treatments or assuming the worst, consider whether your baby’s body may just need support to move more freely. Links Mentioned: The Osteoperformance Clinic  The Tomatis Method Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    55 min
  6. Mar 25

    E18 c: Hypermobility in Babies and Children (Part 3): Growing Pains, Clumsy Children, Flat Feet and Fatigue.

    In this final episode of our hypermobility mini-series, we’re talking about what happens after your hypermobile child starts walking. Many parents think hypermobility is something babies “grow out of”, but this episode explains why symptoms often become more obvious once children start nursery or school. If your child trips a lot, complains of leg pain at night, struggles with coordination, or seems constantly tired, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the most common reasons children in this age group are referred for physiotherapy and how parents can support them at home. In this episode, we cover:  Why hypermobility symptoms often show up between ages 3–5  The real reason some children trip and fall more than others  Flat feet in children: when it’s normal and when to seek help  Why leg pain at night is common in children with hypermobility How hypermobility can affect balance, coordination and gross motor skills  The difference between hypermobility and Developmental Coordination Disorder Why hypermobile children often appear fidgety or restless  Fatigue in hypermobile children and why everyday activities can feel exhausting  Fine motor difficulties, pencil grip and hand strength  What parents can do to support their child at home  When to seek physiotherapy supportWhy this matters Many hypermobile children are misunderstood. What looks like clumsiness, poor behaviour, or lack of concentration is often simply a body that has to work much harder than normal. The good news? With the right support and strengthening, most children improve beautifully. Worried about your little one? Book a complimentary 10 minute chat with Lisa here, or Book a 60 minute remote treatment session 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!

    35 min
  7. Mar 20

    E18 b: Hypermobility in Babies and Children (Part 2): Toe Walking, Delayed Walking, Sensory Issues & What Parents Can Do

    Is your baby not standing yet? Refusing to put their feet down? Walking on their toes? Or just feeling very floppy compared to other babies? In this episode of the Best For Baby Podcast, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa  continues the hypermobility series and explains what happens next as hypermobile babies get older and why many of them struggle with standing, walking, trips and falls. If you listened to last week’s episode, this is the next step. And if you’re currently worried that your baby isn’t hitting milestones, this episode will help you understand what’s going on and what you can do at home to support them. In this episode you’ll learn: Why hypermobile babies often struggle to stand or walkWhat it means if your baby refuses to put their feet on the groundThe real reason some hypermobile babies walk on their toesWhy delayed walking doesn’t always mean something is “wrong”How sensory sensitivity in the feet affects standing and walkingWhat physiotherapy actually focuses on for hypermobile babiesWhether shoes, insoles or “first walkers” really helpSimple ways you can help your baby at homeKey takeaways for parents Hypermobility doesn’t just affect joints, it also affects muscle strength, coordination and body awareness. That’s why many hypermobile babies struggle with standing, crawling and walking. The most important thing to remember is this: delayed walking does not automatically mean a serious problem. Many hypermobile babies simply need the right support, strengthening and sensory preparation. The goal isn’t to “force milestones” — it’s to help your baby build strength, confidence and body awareness in a calm, gentle way. This episode is part of a series, so please make sure you listen to Part 1 first! Next week’s episode will cover what happens when hypermobile children are older and begin experiencing pain, fatigue and other challenges, and what parents can do about it. Links mentioned: Trunki Harness: Link to purchase here, link for instructions here Connect with Lisa here! For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

    32 min
  8. Mar 13

    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

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About

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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