Join host Nicole Pates, a pediatric physiotherapist and mother of two, on Baby Banter - a podcast dedicated to evidence-based play and development insights for parents. In this episode of our toddler series, we welcome special guest Mandy from Raised Toddlers, a toddler development specialist with a master's in child and family functioning. As an early childhood educator pursuing her PhD in respectful parenting, Mandy shares her expertise on decoding toddler behaviors and creating practical...

Toddlers at 18 months Supporting language, communication and physical development. Nicole catches up with Mon and Helen, with special guest Amelia Bell - Speech Pathologist at Western Kids Health. Now the boys are well on the move and into toddlerhood we cover all then "what's normal" questions including; what is next in their gross motor development? What about risky play? How do I support their language development.  Want to take your toddler's development to the next level? Check...

Welcome back to Baby Banter, your go-to podcast for navigating the thrilling and challenging world of toddlerhood! Join paediatric physiotherapist Nicole Pates as she continues her journey with two incredible families, diving deep into the world of toddler emotions and behaviour. Alongside expert OT Staci Grant, Nicole explores what's normal, what to expect, and how to support both your child and yourself during this exciting yet often overwhelming stage. Get ready for practical advice,...

Welcome to Baby Banter, your go-to podcast for navigating the exciting world of toddlerhood! Join paediatric physiotherapist Nicole Pates as she dives deep into the world of play, development, and parenting alongside fellow mum and OT expert Staci Grant. From gross and fine motor skills to understanding and managing toddler emotions, we've got you covered. Get practical advice, expert insights, and real-life stories from two incredible families as they navigate this incredible stage. Let's...

Is "safe" always best? This episode of Baby Banter challenges the idea. Host Nicole Pates, a paediatric physiotherapist, chats with Belinda, a mum who knows all about navigating risk. Her son Will has osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease. Belinda doesn't let OI hold Will back! She's found ways to create a world of exploration, even with the added challenge of keeping Will safe. Listen in to discover how Belinda empowers Will to assess risks and embrace outdoor...

This episode focuses on Cystic Fibrosis. Nicole Pates interviews another mom of two, Nicole Waterman, about how her daughter Felicity's diagnosis impacts their outdoor adventures. Baby Banter is your one-stop shop for exploring the world of play and development with your little one. Subscribe to hear more insightful conversations and practical tips! Listen for: Honest discussions about overcoming obstacles to outdoor play The importance of green time for development Inclusive...

This week on Baby Banter, we welcome a very special guest, Molly, mom to a beautiful 30-week-and-1-day premature baby girl named Holly. Molly connected with Nicole through an Instagram DM, sharing her story about overcoming anxieties and finding joy in taking her precious daughter outdoors. Join us as Molly opens up about her experience, from the initial anxieties after a premature birth to the journey of rediscovering the beauty and benefits of nature for both Holly and herself. Nicole and...

This week's episode is filled with heartwarming anecdotes and laughter as the moms share their unique experiences with this exciting development at the 12th month. Nicole, along with Monique and Helen, will also reflect on the incredible journey of the past few months, offering insightful tips on how to support your little one as they explore their newfound mobility. Whether your baby is already taking their first steps or eagerly awaiting that special moment, this episode is sure to resonate...

Download the Milestone Guide today! Join Monique, Helen, and Nicole on a special episode of Baby Banter Podcast as they reflect on a monumental milestone: the 12th month into motherhood and podcasting. In this exciting installment, the hosts share candid conversations about the joys, challenges, and growth experienced during this transformative journey. For Nicole, this episode holds particular significance as it marks a full year of hosting this weekly podcast—a journey filled with...

Join us on the latest episode of Baby Banter Podcast as we delve into the essential topic of identity formation in children with our hosts Helen and Mon, alongside special guests Loren and Jacqui from Level Playground. Together, we explore the challenging yet crucial question: how can we raise our children to develop personal identities that authentically reflect their true selves, fostering healthy, safe, and respectful relationships while striving towards gender equity? In this...

Join us on the latest episode of Baby Banter Podcast as we sit down with Sammy Jones-Rich for an insightful discussion on her journey as a parent of twins and the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of venturing into the great outdoors with her little ones. Sammy shares her personal experiences, offering invaluable advice and anecdotes that resonate with every parent navigating the wild terrain of twin parenting. From heartwarming moments to unexpected hurdles, this episode promises to...

In today's episode, we're delving into the vital topic of risky play and the privileges that surround it. Host Nicole Pates invites you to explore the layers of privilege inherent in allowing children to engage in risky play, shedding light on what this privilege entails and what it may look like in practice, giving her real life examples. While some aspects may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar, Nicole emphasises the importance of awareness as the first step towards understanding and promoting...

Join Nicole Pates on Baby Banter Podcast as we unravel the secrets to fostering confidence and resilience in your little ones through risky play. In this enlightening episode, we break down Nicole's 12 essential tips for creating a supportive and encouraging environment. From being attentive to celebrating even the smallest steps, each tip is a building block towards instilling confidence and promoting resilience in your child. So, if you're ready to dive into the world of risky play and...

Join us for the second part of Month 11 on Baby Banter, where Nicole, Monique, and Helen discuss the latest developments in their babies' journeys. Listen to how their little ones begin to navigate their world differently, expressing their wants and needs more clearly. Gain valuable tips from Nicole, as Monique and Helen share their experiences of this exciting phase in their babies' development.  Gain access to 250+ play ideas, comprehensive milestone masterclasses, webinars by paediatric...

In this episode, we're tackling the 11th month milestone with the expertise of Dr. Aggie Bakowski, general paediatrician. Together, we'll debunk common parenting myths and provide practical advice to support you on your journey. Get ready for an insightful discussion filled with laughter, learning, and genuine support for all parents. Tune in and let's navigate parenthood together! Resource recommendations: Your social Baby by Lynn Murray The Whole Brain Child by Dan Siegal Molly...

Join us for an insightful episode of Baby Banter as we explore the joys and challenges of parenting at the 10-month mark. Host Nicole Pates welcomes Monique and Helen, two first-time moms sharing their journey with their little boys, Seb and Gio. Despite Seb's minor setback, Helen joins the conversation via Zoom, providing updates on his development. From Seb's newfound interest in standing to his adorable bouncing antics, Helen shares the exciting progress over the past month. With...

Welcome to Baby Banter, where play and development take center stage! I'm Nicole Pates, your host and a pediatric physio, business owner, and mom of two adorable kiddos. Today, we're diving into the world of first-time motherhood with Monique and Helen, sharing their adventures with Seb and Gio, two charming 10-month-old boys. In this episode, we have expert paediatrician Elise from UmiPlay joining us to navigate the transition to care. Tune in as we debunk the myths, share the truths, and...

In this episode of Baby Banter, we dive deep into the heartfelt journey of Sarah, a resilient mother of two boys, as she bravely shares her battle with postnatal OCD and the profound impact it had on her family. Joined by host Nicole, Sarah recounts the emotional challenges she faced, from the guilt of her son's differing experiences to the pivotal moment she sought professional help. Through candid conversation, listeners gain insight into the power of familial support as Sarah reflects on...

Monique and Helen discussed their journey through motherhood as they navigate the whirlwind of worries that come with raising 9-month-old babies. From ensuring the purees are prepared to fretting over sterilized water, their mental load is as vast as it is constant. In this episode, we delve into their thoughts, capturing the relentless stream of concerns that occupy their minds around the clock. Tune in as they candidly share the highs, lows, and everything in between of this exhilarating...

Gio & Seb are now 9 months old and as we discover on todays episode, there has been a *big* leap in development. How they move, how they think, how they communicate their needs... so lets chat whats normal or not and our top tips for levelling up. Gain access to 250+ play ideas, comprehensive milestone masterclasses, webinars by paediatric experts, helpful resources, a supportive community, and everything you need to nurture your baby's growth for the first 18 months: Baby Play...

Taryn, owner of FitRight HQ and womens health physiotherapist answers our questions about our pelvic floor after pregnancy & birth; when & why should you see a womens health physio? understanding the difference between a womens health physio and other physios what questions are good to ask in your appointment? abdominal separation incontinence prolapse painful sex Gain access to 250+ play ideas, comprehensive milestone masterclasses, webinars by paediatric experts,...

Join me today on Baby Banter to chat with Alison, a mum of 2, on the ups and downs of managing outdoor play with a toddler on a newborn. It can be HARD and Alison generously shares her favourite activities and tips to help you. We also chat about when others around you, such as grandparents, are not as keen on outdoor/risky play and how her family is working through this. * please note we use Australian euphemisms throughout and Alison dearly cares for her children who are safe and...

Join us in month 8 as we chat about crawling & sitting.. when do babies start crawling? how do we know they are working there way towards crawling? when should we you check in? how can you support your little ones development? We also chat early language development, risky play and Toy Libraries! Gain access to 250+ play ideas, comprehensive milestone masterclasses, webinars by paediatric experts, helpful resources, a supportive community, and everything you need to nurture...

Gio & Seb are now 8 months earthside and 2 months into starting solids. Monique & Helen ask our expert guest, paediatric dietitian and founder of Baby Mealtimes, Dr Kyla Smith, all the mealtime questions... Is he eating enough? I am so stress about allergies, what is your best advice? What is the best way to introduce new foods? How do we move on from testing the waters to meals, and when? and much more! Gain access to 250+ play ideas, comprehensive milestone masterclasses,...