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

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  [https://physiobaby.co.uk/microplasticschecklist] 💛 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! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/] For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/headshapecourse] Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here! [https://go.physiobaby.co.uk/widget/form/xRUkHqF7CFyPtTX9mSLo]

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 [https://www.totterandtumble.co.uk/LISA06322] 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! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/] For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/headshapecourse] Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here! [https://go.physiobaby.co.uk/widget/form/xRUkHqF7CFyPtTX9mSLo]

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 [https://babyconsultancy.co.uk/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23414530746&gbraid=0AAAABCBYbejXexY1hc--Ztz_ECw-yRGIN&gclid=CjwKCAjwntHPBhAaEiwA_Xp6RsSfSNQzllxMbcLi4y95jGYOo-8yLhWBY-QDiEiY67aTO4eEVmZ4IBoCaVoQAvD_BwE]! Connect with Lisa here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/] For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/headshapecourse] Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here! [https://go.physiobaby.co.uk/widget/form/xRUkHqF7CFyPtTX9mSLo]

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  [https://www.byyoursidedoula.co.uk/] *  Free virtual coffee mornings for mums  [https://www.byyoursidedoula.co.uk/virtualcoffee] *  Birth partner workshops & antenatal preparation  [https://www.byyoursidedoula.co.uk/beabetterbirthpartner] *  Monthly miscarriage support group  [https://www.byyoursidedoula.co.uk/mmm] 👶 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! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/] For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/headshapecourse] Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here! [https://go.physiobaby.co.uk/widget/form/xRUkHqF7CFyPtTX9mSLo]

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  [https://osteoperformance.co.uk/] The Tomatis Method [https://www.tomatis.com/en/] Connect with Lisa here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/] For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/headshapecourse] Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here! [https://go.physiobaby.co.uk/widget/form/xRUkHqF7CFyPtTX9mSLo]