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

MS 3: E 1: Baby Flat Head Syndrome: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Download my free Flat Head Syndrome Quick Start Guide here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/opt-in-form-page] Have you noticed a flat spot on your baby's head? Does your baby always turn their head to one side? Are you worried about plagiocephaly and wondering whether it will correct itself? In this first episode of my Baby Flat Head Syndrome mini-series, I explain exactly what parents need to know about plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, flat spots, head-turning preferences and baby head shape correction. As a paediatric physiotherapist with over 20 years of experience, I share the most common mistakes parents make, why flat head syndrome develops, and the simple strategies that can help improve your baby's head shape naturally. In this episode you'll learn: ✓ What causes baby flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) ✓ Why some babies always turn their head to one side ✓ The difference between plagiocephaly and brachycephaly ✓ When a flat spot is likely to improve naturally ✓ Why early intervention matters ✓ The first steps you can take today to help your baby ✓ When you should seek professional advice If you're worried about your baby's head shape, this miniseries will help you understand what is happening and what to do next. 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]

E25: 5 Modern day threats to your baby's health and development

From Toxins and Poor Nutrition to Screen Time and Microplastics we are hard-up to keep our babies healthy and safe these days!! Join Lisa as she goes through what to believe (and what to do about ) this minefield of baby health topics. Today's episode explores five modern parenting habits that may be affecting your baby's physical, cognitive and long-term health, often without us even realising it. Lisa shares practical insights to help parents make informed decisions without guilt or overwhelm. Remember: this episode isn't about perfection. It's about awareness, small changes, and celebrating the wins. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✔ Why babies are exposed to more microplastics than adults ✔ How microplastics may affect hormones, gut health and long-term wellbeing ✔ Why tummy time remains one of the most important activities for baby development ✔ The surprising ways baby equipment can delay movement milestones ✔ What the latest screen time recommendations say for babies and young children ✔ How screen time impacts learning, emotional regulation and social development ✔ The role ultra-processed foods may play in children's long-term health ✔ Why family mealtimes matter more than you might think ✔ Practical ways to reduce risks without adding stress to your parenting journey The 5 Things Discussed in This Episode: 1.  Microplastics  2.  Lack of Tummy Time  3.  Overuse of Baby Equipment  4.  Screen Time  5.  Ultra-Processed Foods & Nutrition Key Takeaway Parenting in today's world is hard. The goal isn't perfection, it's making small, intentional changes that support your baby's development and long-term health. Every tummy time session, screen-free meal, outdoor play opportunity, and nutritious food choice adds up. Resources Mentioned *  Free Microplastics Reduction Checklist [https://physiobaby.co.uk/microplasticschecklist] *  Head Shape Resources [https://physiobaby.co.uk/services-229861]  * The Gentle Birth Method by Dr Gowri Motha [https://amzn.to/444DTPn] Connect With Lisa If you have questions about your baby's development, head shape, tummy time, or movement milestones, reach out and connect. You're not meant to do this alone. 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 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! [https://mamaswellbeinghub.com/] 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 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]