Best for Baby | Expert Baby Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Mums
This go-to podcast for new parents offers expert advice, practical tips, and thoughtful discussions about all things baby-related. Hosted by a paediatric physiotherapist with over 20 years of experience, it covers topics like tummy time, swaddling, flat head syndrome, sleep issues, late walking, and hypermobility. The podcast features interviews with healthcare professionals and parents, empowering listeners with knowledge to give their baby the best start in life. Tune in weekly for thoughtful advice and support tailored to help navigate your baby's first year.
Episodes
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 actuall
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 1
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 a
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 hap
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
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 b
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
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, des
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
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 l
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
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 thera
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
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 physic
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 “
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
E10: Creating Harmony at Home: Featuring Kimberley Gallagher of the Feng Shui Flow
In this episode, I’m joined by Kimberley Gallagher from The Feng Shui Flow to explore how feng shui can support families, parents, and children. We discuss how the energy flow in your home can influence your child’s emotions, sleep, and sense of calm, and how small design shifts can create a peaceful, balanced environment for the whole family.Kimberley shares practical feng shui tips for kids’ bed
E 9: How to Do Infant Massage at Home, and why!
In this episode, Lisa dives into the beautiful world of baby massage — exploring how this simple, soothing practice can calm your baby, deepen your bond, and even boost development. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and research from developmental psychologist Dr. Tiffany Field, Lisa breaks down the benefits of baby massage, explains how to do infant massage safely, when you can start, and
E 8: What does breastmilk taste like? Is my baby constipated?? What is baby led weaning???
All the weird and not-so-wonderful things parents do and worry about is what today's episode is all about!Becoming a parent means doing (and thinking) things you never imagined! In this light-hearted yet informative episode of The Best for Baby Podcast, paediatric physiotherapist, Lisa shares the funny, relatable (and sometimes worrying) moments all new parents go through.From wondering “What
E 5: Is Barefoot Best?
In this episode Lisa dives into two important topics that every parent should know about:Why barefoot is best for babies and toddlersThe benefits of barefoot time for sensory development, strength, and body awareness.Simple ways to give your baby’s feet the stimulation they need — from massage to playful tapping during nappy changes.How going barefoot helps prepare children for standing, walking,
E 4: What Do You Need for a New Baby? Top Baby Products That Make Life Easier
What do you actually need for a new baby???In this episode, I’m sharing the tried-and-tested baby products I’ve used with my own little one (and with the babies I’ve worked with as a paediatric physiotherapist). These are the items that truly make life easier in those early weeks and months.Inside this episode, you’ll hear:The essentials I recommend to every new parentProducts that genuinely make
Anxiety & Postpartum Depression: My Personal Journey to Recovery in Early Motherhood
What does prenatal anxiety really feel like, and what happens when anxiety continues after your baby is born? In this personal episode of The Best for Baby Podcast, paediatric physiotherapist and mum Lisa Rogers Sergeant shares her experience of pregnancy anxiety, postnatal depression and the intrusive thoughts that made those early months of motherhood so difficult.Lisa opens up about the warning
Moses Baskets, Bouncy Chairs, Walking Rings and Slings: Can they Harm Baby Development?
Moses baskets, baby gyms, bouncy chairs, floor sitters, baby walkers and slings: most parents own at least one of these, but how many actually help a baby’s development? In this episode, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant goes through the most common pieces of baby equipment on the market and explains, honestly and without judgement, what each one does for your baby, what it does for
Miniseries E 2: How to feed a baby
Welcome back to the second instalment of this miniseries where we look at all the things no one tells you about having a baby.Today's episode is all bout feeding - mostly your newborn baby but we'll also talk about the little known aspects of milk feeds for older babies.Thought about colostrum harvesting? What about microplastics in bottles? Perhaps your thoughts are currently centred on
Miniseries: Baby Basics: What No One Tells You: E 1: How to bath a baby
Episode 1: Baby Bath TimeJoin me, Lisa Rogers as I go through a number of topics over the coming weeks covering all the common parenting pitfalls in the early days of your baby's life. This series talks you through the stuff no one tells you in books, on courses or even at the hospital! It's the tips and advice I wish I could tell every parent before they have their baby.Kicking off the
My Baby Hates Tummy Time! A physiotherapist explains how to do tummy time safely & easily.
"My baby hates tummy time” is one of the most common things paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant hears from parents, and in this episode she explains exactly why that happens, and how to fix it safely and gently.Lisa breaks down why babies today get far less tummy time than previous generations (safe back sleeping, car seats, baby gyms), what tummy time actually does for strength,
