Sense by Meg Faure: Real Life Parenting

What happens when decades of parenting expertise meet artificial intelligence? In this episode, Meg Faure and Tove de Chazal Gant are joined by Bertha Kgokong to take us behind the scenes of aiah, Parent Sense's AI parenting companion.They unpack how the idea began, why generic AI tools aren't enough when it comes to parenting advice and how the team is building a more reliable, expert-led solution using a carefully curated knowledge base and rigorous testing.From supporting parents at 2 am to making trusted guidance more accessible to families who might otherwise go without it, this is a conversation about the possibilities, and responsibilities, of AI in parenting.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:How the idea for aiah began, long before ChatGPT became mainstream.Why generic AI tools can be unreliable when answering parenting and health-related questions.How aiah draws on a curated library of trusted parenting resources rather than the unrestricted internet.What Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) means, and how it helps AI provide more grounded answers.Why aiah is designed to say “I don't know” when it cannot find a reliable answer.How the team tests and evaluates aiah's responses against Meg's expert knowledge.How AWS Bedrock provides an enclosed environment for the AI system.How AI could make trusted parenting support more accessible, particularly for underserved and isolated parents.What the future of personalised AI parenting support could look like.Why human expertise and robust safeguards remain essential as AI becomes part of family life.CHAPTERS00:00 Introducing aiah and the story behind its development02:00 Where the idea for an AI parenting companion began05:00 Why generic ChatGPT wasn't enough for parenting advice08:00 Building a trusted, curated knowledge base11:00 What is Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)?14:00 Why aiah needs to know when it doesn't know17:00 Testing, evaluating and refining aiah's answers20:00 Keeping the AI environment secure with AWS Bedrock23:00 The potential of AI to make parenting support more accessible26:00 The future of personalised AI parenting support 29:00 The meaning behind the name aiahABOUT THE GUESTBertha is a serial tech entrepreneur, advanced software developer and AI innovator, with 14 AWS certifications and the prestigious AWS Golden Jacket. She is the founder of MobileGPT, Skhokho, Tati Software and Skolo Online Learning, with extensive experience in building complex software solutions and making technology accessible. As the technical mind behind aiah, she brings deep expertise in AI and software development to the creation of innovative, practical technology that helps parents navigate modern parenting.FOLLOW BERTHAConnect with Bertha on LinkedIn.ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCASTSense by Meg Faure is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based guidance. Hosted by Meg Faure. The podcast is proudly associated with ⁠Parent Sense⁠, the all-in-one parenting app for routines, sleep, nutrition and expert advice.Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app with personalised support from pregnancy to five years including routines, nutrition and expert advice. Download it ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FOLLOW USMeg Faure ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Parent Sense ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠

How do children learn to manage big emotions, and what can parents do to help? In this episode of The Sense by Meg podcast, Meg Faure speaks with Kelli McDermott, a clinical social worker specialising in infant and early childhood mental health from Georgetown University, about how emotional regulation develops from infancy through the toddler years.They explore why babies need responsive caregiving, how co-regulation lays the foundation for self-regulation, and why play, language and connection are essential to helping children manage their feelings. Discover why your child doesn't need to manage every big feeling alone, how to respond when emotions run high and why reconnecting after a tantrum can be more powerful than punishment.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARNWhat emotional regulation really means: How it goes beyond being calm to managing energy, feelings and responsesCo-regulation before self-regulation: Why children learn to regulate their emotions through safe, supportive relationshipsWhy meeting your baby's needs matters: How responsive caregiving in early childhood builds the foundations for independence.Why your toddler can do something one day and struggle the next: How temperament, sleep, hunger, frustration and developmental demands affect a child's ability to regulate.Self-soothing and baby sleep: How to think about sleep through the lens of regulation.The role of play and language: How stories, songs, play and naming feelings help children practise emotional skills.Gentle parenting versus permissive parenting: Why empathy and connection can coexist with firm, appropriate boundaries.How to respond to toddler tantrums: Why connection comes before teaching, and how to help your child feel safe enough to reconnect after a difficult moment.When your child needs space: How to stay emotionally available without overwhelming a child who needs time to calm down.CHAPTERS00:00 Introducing Kelli McDermott and the importance of emotional regulation03:23 What is emotional regulation, and how does it develop?05:34 From soothing your baby to supporting an independent toddler07:04 Co-regulation: When children borrow our calm09:19 Why a child's ability to regulate changes from day to day11:08 Building the foundations of emotional regulation from birth13:04 Self-soothing, baby sleep and what the science tells us17:19 Sleep, family needs and the realities of modern parenting20:47 How play helps children develop emotional regulation23:58 Why naming feelings and building emotional vocabulary matter27:03 Connection, empathy and helping babies feel safe28:06 Toddler tantrums, boundaries and gentle parenting33:07 The ABC approach: Acknowledge, Boundary, Choice35:13 Why connection comes before correction36:10 Reconnecting after a tantrum without reinforcing unwanted behaviour38:22 When to offer comfort and when to give your child spaceABOUT THE GUESTKelli McDermott is a clinical social worker and mental health clinician who specialises in infant and early childhood mental health from Georgetown University. Follow Kelli on LinkedIn Want to dig deeper into regulation? Join us for the next Parent Sense Lunch & Learn for professionals on 13 November 2026. Kelli joins Meg and Beryl Smith to unpack Regulation before Education and why co-regulation has to come first. Register here. ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCASTSense by Meg Faure is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based guidance. Hosted by Meg Faure. The podcast is proudly associated with Parent Sense, the all-in-one parenting app for routines, sleep, nutrition and expert advice.Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app with personalised support from pregnancy to five years including routines, nutrition and expert advice. Download it ⁠here⁠ and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.⁠ ⁠FOLLOW USMeg Faure ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Parent Sense ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠

What does “natural” really mean when it comes to your baby’s health? In this episode of The Sense by Meg Faure, Meg chats to Michele Carelse, clinical psychologist turned entrepreneur and founder of Feelgood Health. Michele shares how a growing need for natural health alternatives in her psychology practice inspired her to develop her own remedies, eventually building a business with more than 350 products for the whole family.Together, they explore what parents should know about choosing natural products, supporting babies through common ailments and sleep challenges, and navigating the growing natural health market. Michele also opens up about the realities of motherhood and entrepreneurship, the importance of self-care and the lessons she has learnt over 25 years in business.Whether you're a parent looking for more informed ways to approach your little one's wellbeing or an aspiring entrepreneur with an idea you can't let go of, this conversation offers plenty to think about.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARNHow Michele went from clinical psychologist to founder of a growing natural health business.Why her first remedies focused on concentration, ADHD and hyperactivity in children.What the word “natural” really means and why natural doesn't automatically mean safe or effective.What parents should consider when reading product labels and choosing natural health products for their families.Why babies need particular care when it comes to essential oils and herbal remedies.How natural remedies fit into a broader approach to baby sleep, including routines, sleep hygiene and helping babies feel safe and comfortable.What Michele's experience has taught her about juggling motherhood, family life and entrepreneurship.Why being a “good enough” parent matters more than striving for perfection.The entrepreneurial lessons of persistence, consistency, curiosity and being willing to reinvent yourself.What's next for Feelgood Health as Michele looks to expand its reach in South Africa and internationally.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome: Natural health, parenting and entrepreneurship00:42 From clinical psychologist to natural health entrepreneur04:47 Michele's first remedies for concentration and hyperactivity06:10 Growing Feelgood Health into a family-focused brand07:30 Building a business while raising children10:05 What does “natural” really mean?14:47 Choosing natural products for babies safely17:42 When natural remedies aren't enough: trusting your instincts and seeking medical advice19:23 Baby sleep: a holistic approach to settling and bedtime routines23:47 Understanding Du-Du Drops and age-specific formulations26:09 What parents should look for on product labels29:36 Lessons from 25 years of entrepreneurship32:30 What's next for Feelgood Health?34:15 Closing thoughtsABOUT THE GUESTMichele Carelse | Founder of Feelgood HealthMichele Carelse is the founder of Feelgood Health, a natural health brand that grew out of her clinical psychology experience working with patients seeking alternatives to conventional approaches.Explore Feel Good Health to discover their natural health product range and learn more about the brand. Shop now | Instagram |  FacebookABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCASTSense by Meg Faure is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based guidance. Hosted by OT, author and parenting expert Meg Faure, each episode brings together expert insight and real-world experience to help parents feel informed and supported. The podcast is proudly associated with Parent Sense, the all-in-one parenting app for routines, sleep, nutrition and expert advice.Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app with personalised support from pregnancy to five years including routines, nutrition and expert advice. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. FOLLOW USMeg Faure ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Parent Sense ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠

What if one of the most powerful things you can do for your child happens around the dinner table?In this episode of Sense by Meg, Meg Faure is joined by early childhood educator and parenting expert Sue Atkins to explore why family mealtimes matter far more than we might realise. From language development and emotional connection to building lifelong family rituals, they unpack how everyday moments around the table can help children feel that they belong.They also discuss the impact of screens on mealtimes, how to navigate resistance when changing established habits, and simple ways to make eating together more enjoyable, from toddlers to teenagers.No perfect parenting required. Just small, intentional moments that help families reconnect.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARNWhy family mealtimes support language, listening, turn-taking, emotional expression and a sense of belonging.How to introduce shared mealtimes from an early age without creating pressure around food.What screens can take away from family meals, including conversation, connection and opportunities for children to tune into their hunger.Practical ways to make mealtimes playful, relaxed and engaging for children of different ages.How to transition away from screens at the table without turning it into a battle.Conversation starters that encourage children to share more than a one-word answer about their day.Why consistent family rituals can help you stay connected to your children, even through the teenage years.How to build better habits without guilt, perfectionism or a complete family routine overhaul.CHAPTERS00:00  Meet Sue Atkins: Parenting, Education and the Moments We Remember01:37 The Golden Moments of Childhood03:35 What Screens Take Away from Family Mealtimes05:36 When Should Children Start Eating with the Family?06:57 How Small Mealtime Rituals Become Lifelong Memories09:15 Screens at the Table: What Are Children Missing?11:51 Making Mealtimes Playful, Social and Enjoyable12:59 Practical Mealtime Ideas for Babies, Young Children and Teens15:49 Why Family Meals Matter During the Teenage Years17:09 Start Small: Why Consistency Beats Perfection18:10 How to Break the Screen-at-Mealtime Habit20:01 From Distraction to Connection: Practical Ideas That Work21:18 Conversation Starters That Get Children Talking22:51 Sue Atkins' Parenting Resources and the Digital Jungle24:35 Just One More Snake: Helping Children Navigate Screen Time27:08 Autoplay, Online Safety and Protecting Childhood29:00 Mindful Parenting Without the Guilt29:58 The Takeaway: Be a Real Parent, Not a Perfect OneABOUT THE GUESTSue Atkins is an experienced educator, headteacher and parenting expert with more than 22 years of teaching experience. Passionate about protecting childhood while helping families navigate an increasingly digital world, Sue creates practical resources that help parents turn research and good intentions into everyday action. Her work includes Navigating the Digital Jungle and Just One More Snake, her children's book addressing autoplay and the challenges of screen use.𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝘂𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀:LinkedIn | Website | Podcast: Listen to Navigating the Digital Jungle ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCASTSense by Meg is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based, compassionate guidance. Hosted by OT, author and parenting expert Meg Faure, each episode brings together expert insight and real-world experience to help parents feel informed and supported. The podcast is proudly associated with Parent Sense, the all-in-one parenting app for routines, sleep, nutrition and expert advice.Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. ⁠⁠⁠Download it here⁠⁠⁠ and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW USMeg Faure ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠Parent Sense ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠

In this special episode of the Sense by Meg Faure, Meg takes us behind the scenes of Parent Sense. Why she created it, the problem she set out to solve, and how the business has evolved from a direct-to-parent app into a B2B2C platform reaching parents through employers, healthcare providers, insurers and other trusted partners.Joined by Tové de Chazal Gant and Ashleigh Bouguenon, Meg explores the gaps in modern parenting support, the idea of “care deserts”, why digital care can help fill the spaces between healthcare appointments, and how Parent Sense measures whether it is genuinely making a difference in parents’ lives.The team also discusses trust, engagement, preventative care, maternal mental health, employee wellness and the ambitious goal of reaching one million parents.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARNWhy Meg first created Parent Sense and the surprising conversation that prompted her to move from books into an app.What “care deserts” are and why there are huge gaps between formal healthcare touchpoints.How digital care can support parents between appointments and reach families who struggle to access traditional healthcare.Why Parent Sense shifted from a direct-to-consumer model to a B2B2C model through trusted organisations.How partnerships with medical insurers, employers, brands and other organisations can put parenting support directly into parents’ hands.Why trust and safety are fundamental to Parent Sense.Which metrics matter when measuring the impact of a parenting support platform.How engagement data can become meaningful intelligence about parent behaviour, confidence and healthcare needs.Why supporting parents is a long-term investment and why the benefits aren't always visible in a current financial year's budget.What Parent Sense hopes to achieve next, including expanding employee wellness support and reaching underserved parents globally.Meg's North Star goal of reaching one million parents.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to a very different Sense by Meg episode00:36 Why Parent Sense needed to exist02:15 The problem Meg wanted to solve for parents03:49 What are “care deserts”?08:21 What does access for all parents really mean?09:44 From B2C to B2B2C12:24 Meet Ashleigh: Taking partnerships to the next level14:00 How partnerships multiply impact17:22 The trust circle19:24 How do you measure success?21:50 From engagement to preventative healthcare24:13 Turning data into intelligence27:52 Why isn't every organisation supporting parents?33:29 Where is Parent Sense going next?36:09 The A-team behind Parent SenseABOUT THE GUESTSTové de Chazal Gant is COO & Co-Founder of Parent Sense. She has played a key role in developing Parent Sense's B2B2C model and its partnerships with medical insurers, employers and other organisations. She is passionate about using data and preventative care to improve outcomes for parents and families.Ashleigh Bouguenon is Client, Operations & Partnerships Lead at Parent Sense. Ashleigh leads partnerships at Parent Sense, working across the business to build collaborations that benefit parents and families. She connects parents with trusted organisations, products, services and experts, while helping partners reach the families who need them most.ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCASTSense by Meg is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based, compassionate guidance. Hosted by OT, author and parenting expert Meg Faure, each episode brings together expert insight and real-world experience to help parents feel informed and supported. The podcast is proudly associated with Parent Sense, the all-in-one parenting app for routines, sleep, nutrition and expert advice.Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. ⁠⁠Download it here⁠⁠ and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FOLLOW USMeg Faure ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠Parent Sense ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

Same mum. Same home. Same breast milk. So why did one of Dr Nellie Balfour's boys turn away from the breast within weeks, while his little brother won't let go?The answer has nothing to do with the milk, and everything to do with your baby's sensory personality.In this episode, Meg Faure catches up with paediatrician and mum of two Dr Nellie Balfour as her second baby, Uyakile, turns three months old. What unfolds is a fascinating look at feeding, development and immunity through the eyes of a doctor who is also living it at home.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARNWhy slow-to-warm-up babies often pick the bottle, and why social butterflies may prefer the breastThe ingredient in breast milk your baby can't digest at all, and why scientists now believe it matters so much for gut health and immunityThe "falling in love" milestone around three months, and the simple sign that shows it's happening Why bringing two tiny hands together is one of your baby's first calming strategies How Nellie's newborn stayed well while his big brother brought every bug home from schoolGovernment vs private vaccine schedules in South Africa: what's actually different, and does the timing change?Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding or doing a bit of both, this episode will change how you see your baby's choices.Want to know your baby's sensory personality? Find out on the Parent Sense app. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome back & meeting Dr Nellie Balfour01:32 Three months with baby Uyakile02:23 Combo feeding: breast and bottle04:02 What are HMOs? Meg explains human milk oligosaccharides and their role in the baby's gut microbiome.06:43 Why Nellie chose her formula Nellie explains what caught her attention when choosing a formula 07:33 Why some babies prefer the bottle Meg explores feeding preferences through a sensory lens and compares Nellie's two babies.10:35 Baby milestones at three months Smiling, cooing, eye contact, following and bringing the hands to midline.12:29 Understanding social-emotional milestones Meg explains the developmental trajectory behind early social connection.14:48 Falling in love with your baby What happens as babies begin developing preferences for their significant people.16:22 From connection to communication Meg explains how object permanence, pointing and early social development eventually lay foundations for language.17:52 Why bringing the hands to midline matters How this movement can become an important calming and soothing strategy.19:44 Immunity, illness & vaccinations Nellie shares how her baby has managed while his older brother has been exposed to bugs at school.21:29 Government vs private vaccinations in South Africa Nellie explains the difference between the government EPI schedule and additional private vaccines.ABOUT THE GUESTDr Nellie Balfour is a paediatrician and mother of two. She returns to Sense by Meg Faure for the 6-week update, following her earlier appearances during her pregnancy and the unexpected birth. Follow ⁠Dr Nellie Balfour on Instagram⁠ ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCASTSense by Meg is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based, compassionate guidance. Hosted by OT, author and parenting expert Meg Faure, each episode brings together expert insight and real-world experience to help parents feel informed and supported. The podcast is proudly associated with Parent Sense, the all-in-one parenting app for routines, sleep, nutrition and expert advice.Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. ⁠Download it here⁠ and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.⁠ ⁠FOLLOW USMeg Faure ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Website⁠Parent Sense ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Website⁠#BabyDevelopment #BabyMilestones #Breastfeeding #ComboFeeding #BottleFeeding #BabyFeeding #BabyHealth #BabyImmunity #Vaccinations #SensoryDevelopment #NewbornBaby #ThreeMonthOldBaby #ParentingPodcast

Sam Smith returns to Sense by Meg Faure to share the next chapter of her extraordinary journey: the birth of her four babies at just over 31 weeks and their first four weeks in the NICU.Sam shares the emotional reality of her delivery, from her waters breaking in the middle of the night to a C-section involving a team of more than 20 medical professionals, followed by the weeks in the neonatal ICU.Joining Meg and Sam is Professor Welma Lubbe, a neonatal nursing expert and Parent Sense advisor, who explains how prem babies experience the world through their senses, the importance of skin-to-skin contact and how parents can support their babies as they develop.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARNWhat happened when Sam’s waters unexpectedly broke at just over 31 weeks pregnantWhat a planned C-section for premature quads looks likeWhat to expect when their babies are admitted to the neonatal ICUWhy the period between birth and being able to hold your baby can be so emotionally difficultHow skin-to-skin contact supports bonding, breastfeeding and regulationWhat premature babies need from their sensory environmentWhy light, sound, touch, smell and temperature matter so much for prem babiesHow parents can recognise signs that their baby is becoming overwhelmedHow smell can be used to create familiarity and comfort in the NICUHow breastfeeding and expressing can work when babies are too premature to feed fully at the breastWhat parents can do to prepare prem babies for the transition from tube feeding to breast or bottle feedingWhat factors doctors consider before a premature baby is ready to go homeWhy parents' confidence and readiness are also important parts of the transition homeCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome back, Sam01:04 Meet Professor Welma Lubbe03:43 The night Sam’s waters broke05:08 Arriving at hospital and preparing for delivery07:30 The quads arrive at just over 31 weeks08:33 Inside the operating theatre: a team of more than 2013:33 The first days in the NICU15:30 The emotional experience of not being able to hold your babies18:22 Skin-to-skin, cuddles and the first breastfeeding attempts21:55 Sam’s breastfeeding and expressing journey26:18 Understanding the sensory world of premature babies27:58 Using smell to comfort and prepare babies for feeding28:28 Touch, sucking and creating a womb-like environment30:22 Learning to read your premature baby’s signals31:46 When illness enters the NICU journey35:29 The incredible NICU team behind premature babies39:01 What premature babies need before leaving hospitalABOUT THE GUESTSam SmithSam is a Cape Town-based mum mom of five including her quadruplets. She previously joined Sense by Meg to share her pregnancy journey.Follow Sam Smith on Instagram | ⁠@samsmithofcapetown⁠Professor Welma LubbeProf Welma is a professor of nursing at the North-West University and a specialist voice in the field of neonates and premature babies. She is also an advisor to the Parent Sense app in the neonatal and premature-baby space.Follow Prof Welma on LinkedIn ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCASTSense by Meg is the parenting podcast from occupational therapist, parenting expert and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure.With more than 20 years of experience in occupational therapy and a special focus on infant regulation, sensory processing, attachment and early relationships, Meg brings together leading experts, researchers and parents to explore the science behind raising happy, healthy and resilient children.The podcast is part of Parent Sense, a science-backed parenting solution designed to help parents understand their children and feel more confident in their parenting journey.Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition and expert advice. Download the Parent Sense app⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.FOLLOW USMeg Faure⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Parent Sense⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

Crawling is about so much more than getting your baby from A to B. In this episode of Sense by Meg Faure, Meg and Parent Sense COO Tové de Chazal Gant dive into why crawling is such an important developmental milestone and why parents shouldn’t be too quick to rush their baby towards walking.Meg explains how crawling supports muscle tone, vestibular and proprioceptive development, bilateral coordination, fine motor skills, spatial awareness and problem-solving. They also explore how your baby’s sensory personality can influence when and how they crawl, what parents can do to encourage crawling, and what it means if a baby skips crawling altogether.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARNWhy crawling is considered a developmental “superfood”Why the sequence of sitting → crawling → walking mattersWhen babies typically start crawlingHow crawling supports muscle tone, sensory development and coordinationHow your baby’s sensory personality can influence crawlingHow tummy time prepares babies for crawlingWhat to do if your baby skips crawlingWhat parents should know about baby walkers, walking rings and jumpersHow crawling may support later fine motor, spatial and problem-solving skillsSimple ways to encourage your baby to crawl through everyday playCHAPTERS00:00 Why is crawling a developmental “superfood”? Meg explains why crawling is much more than a milestone in itself and why so many later developmental skills are built on it.02:18 Why crawling can be harder than sitting Why crawling is a complex developmental skill 03:42 Why parents shouldn’t rush towards walking Meg explains why crawling deserves more time and attention before your baby gets upright.06:13 When should babies start crawling? The typical range for crawling and why the sequence of milestones may be more important than the exact age.07:47 Crawling, the vestibular system and muscle tone How movement stimulates the vestibular system and contributes to the muscle tone babies need to work against gravity.10:21 Proprioception: your baby’s internal body map How crawling helps babies understand where their body is in space.12:23 Bilateral integration and brain development Why reciprocal crawling matters for coordinating the two sides of the body.12:42 Your baby’s sensory personality and crawling How sensory-sensitive, sensory-seeking, slow-to-warm-up and settled babies may approach crawling differently.16:42 How to encourage your baby to crawl Practical ways parents can adapt the environment and support their baby according to their sensory needs.19:27 What if your baby skips crawling? Meg explains why some babies go from sitting to walking and what parents can do if crawling is missed.21:49 Why are more babies skipping crawling? The impact of the Back to Sleep campaign, tummy time and the modern “container culture” on opportunities for movement.23:50 Baby walkers, walking rings and jumpersMeg shares what parents should consider when using developmental equipment and why movement on the floor matters.26:20 Can crawling affect later skills?How crawling may support fine motor control, bilateral integration, spatial awareness and problem-solving.ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG FURE PODCASTSense by Meg is the parenting podcast from occupational therapist, parenting expert and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure.With more than 20 years of experience in OT and a special focus on infant regulation, sensory processing, attachment and early relationships, Meg brings together leading experts, researchers and parents to explore the science behind raising happy, healthy and resilient children.The podcast is part of Parent Sense, a science-backed parenting solution designed to help parents understand their children and feel more confident in their parenting journey.⁠⁠⁠Download the Parent Sense app⁠⁠⁠ and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.FOLLOW USMeg Faure⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ Parent Sense⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠

Technology is everywhere in family life, but does that mean it has to be all-or-nothing?In this episode, Meg speaks to Rachel Barr, researcher at Georgetown University, about what 25 years of research tells us about young children, technology and learning. They unpack why not all technology is created equal, the impact of technoference on parent-child connection, how algorithms are designed to keep us watching and why some screen experiences can be more supportive of learning than others.Rachel also shares practical ways parents can use technology more intentionally, from creating family media plans and finding natural “off-ramps” to using joint media engagement to support language and learning.Most importantly, this conversation moves away from rigid rules and parenting guilt towards something more realistic: making a plan that works for your family and revisiting it as your family changes.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARNWhy not all technology is created equalWhat technoference is and how phones, notifications and background TV can interrupt parent-child interactionsHow background television can disrupt children's play, even when they aren't actively watching itWhat an “off-ramp” is and why natural stopping points can make transitions easierWhether using screens to calm a child can affect their developing self-regulation skillsHow to create a flexible family media planWhat joint media engagement is and why parental involvement can make such a differenceWhat to look for when choosing content for young childrenRachel's one guiding principle for technology during the first 1 000 days: make a plan and revisit itCHAPTERS02:59 Is all technology created equal?05:28 What is technoference?07:18 How phones and background TV can disrupt play13:10 Designing technology with an “off-ramp”15:04 Screens, tantrums and using technology to calm children19:47 Do tech detoxes actually work?20:35 Creating a family media plan24:20 Moving beyond rigid screen-time rules27:28 Technology, language development and joint media engagement30:26 Why parental involvement can transform screen learning35:14 What makes good content for young children?36:52 Why highly stimulating content can be harder to process38:07 Rachel's one technology guideline for the first 1,000 daysDr. Rachel shared her ultimate resource guide including infographics, research and suggested content for your little ones especially with us. Download it HERE ABOUT THE GUESTRachel Barr is a researcher at Georgetown University who has spent more than 25 years studying how babies and young children learn, particularly in relation to media and technology.Her research has explored children's learning from television and touchscreens, video chat, parent-child interactions and the ways families use technology. She is particularly interested in how parents and caregivers can support young children's learning and development in an increasingly digital world.In this conversation, Rachel brings a research-led but refreshingly nuanced perspective to a topic that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and guilty.Follow Rachel Barr on LinkedIn ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG FURE PODCASTSense by Meg is the parenting podcast from occupational therapist, parenting expert and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure.With more than 20 years of experience in OT and a special focus on infant regulation, sensory processing, attachment and early relationships, Meg brings together leading experts, researchers and parents to explore the science behind raising happy, healthy and resilient children.The podcast is part of Parent Sense, a science-backed parenting solution designed to help parents understand their children and feel more confident in their parenting journey.⁠⁠Download the Parent Sense app⁠⁠ and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.FOLLOW USMeg Faure⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠Parent Sense⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠

Let’s talk about the topic every new parent becomes obsessed with: poo. From those first sticky meconium nappies to breastfed baby poo, formula-fed stools, starting solids and the dreaded constipation, there’s a lot for parents to decode.In this episode of Sense by Meg, Meg Faure is joined by paediatric dietitian Lucy Jackman, founder of The Happy Tummy Dietitian, to unpack what’s normal, what’s not, and when your baby or child’s poo might need closer attention.Together, they explore everything from green, frothy or mucus-filled stools to blood in the nappy, infant dyschezia, true constipation, food allergies, hydration, fibre, toilet positioning and practical ways to help your little one develop healthy bowel habits.If you’ve ever found yourself staring into a nappy wondering, “Is THIS normal?”, this episode is for you.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARNWhat normal baby poo looks like at different stagesWhat green, frothy, mucus-filled or bloody stools can meanHow breastfed and formula-fed poo differWhat changes when your baby starts solidsThe difference between infant dyschezia and constipationThe signs of true constipation and when to seek helpHow food, fluids and fibre can support healthy bowel movementsPractical ways to manage constipation and establish good toilet habitsWhether teething really affects your baby’s pooCHAPTERS00:00 – Why parents obsess over poo01:10 – Your baby’s first poo: meconium03:20 – What’s normal for breastfed babies?07:50 – Mucus and blood: when to worry13:50 – Formula-fed baby poo16:00 – Poo after starting solids18:20 – Straining vs constipation20:40 – Signs of true constipation23:00 – Cow’s milk allergy and constipation24:20 – Breaking the constipation cycle26:40 – Foods, fluids and fibre28:30 – Toilet habits and positioning30:10 – Laxatives and treating constipation32:00 – Does teething change poo?ABOUT THE GUESTLucy Jackman is a registered paediatric dietitian based in London, where she leads two specialist services at Great Ormond Street Hospital: motility and neurogastroenterology, focusing on disorders of the gut-brain interaction, and complex GI allergies, including eosinophilic esophagitis and eosinophilic GI disease.Alongside her NHS work, Lucy runs The Happy Tummy Dietitian and sits on the Allied Health Professionals Committee for ESPGHAN, contributing to educational materials and position papers.Follow The Happy Tummy Dietitian:Website: ⁠https://www.thehappytummydietitian.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehappytummydietitian/⁠ ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG FURE PODCASTSense by Meg is the parenting podcast from occupational therapist, parenting expert and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure.With more than 20 years of experience in occupational therapy and a special focus on infant regulation, sensory processing, attachment and early relationships, Meg brings together leading experts, researchers and parents to explore the science behind raising happy, healthy and resilient children.From pregnancy and newborn sleep to feeding, development, behaviour, technology and family wellbeing, Sense by Meg turns expert knowledge into practical guidance that parents can actually use.The podcast is part of Parent Sense, a science-backed parenting solution designed to help parents understand their children and feel more confident in their parenting journey.⁠Download the Parent Sense app⁠ and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.FOLLOW USMeg Faure⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Website⁠Parent Sense⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Website⁠#BabyPoo #BabyPoop #BabyConstipation #InfantDyschezia #BabyGutHealth #GutHealth #ChildhoodConstipation #BabyHealth #StartingSolids #Weaning #NewParents #ParentingTips #ParentingAdvice #BabyHealth #ParentingPodcast