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We want to give you our top tips for infants and toddlers - based on our clinical, professional experiences as well as our personal experiences! Our goal is to share information, no shame involved! Take what works for you and share with anyone you think can benefit!
We also answer a couple of listener questions at the end, so stick around!
Check out the links below for a bunch of our fav. products, our Free Primitive Reflex Webinar, and our full length course!
Full Length Primitive Reflex Digital Course
Screen Time and Children - Article
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
California Beach Co. Playtents
Book: Hunt, Gather, Parent (Amazon)
Raising infants and toddlers can be joyful, confusing, and downright overwhelming. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, you're likely inundated with conflicting advice about what you "should" or "shouldn't" do.
This guide, based on years of hands-on occupational therapy experience, shares five powerful do's and don'ts to support your child’s development from the very beginning.
Encourage plenty of floor time during your baby’s waking hours. It helps build essential motor skills, supports sensory processing, and promotes primitive reflex integration.
Tummy time can begin on your chest or using a support pillow if your baby is fussy or has reflux.
"Every time you do tummy time, you’re working on developmental milestones, sensory input, and future skills like crawling and balance."
Give your toddler space to move, climb, and fall. This will teach body awareness, balance, and resilience.
Avoid swooping in too quickly when they stumble. Instead, stay calm, observe, and model emotional regulation.
Messy play is essential for sensory and oral motor development. Whether it’s painting with yogurt, splashing during bath time, or digging in dirt, messy play fosters healthy touch processing and feeding habits.
Include all 8 sensory systems in your daily routine:
Vision: Use high-contrast cards or books.
Auditory: Vacuum while the baby is present.
Oral Motor: Finger massages on gums and tongue.
Olfactory: Smell flowers or spices.
Tactile: Vary floor textures (carpet, blankets, foil).
Vestibular:Dance with baby in your arms.
Proprioception: Gentle baby massage.
Interoception: Talk about warm vs. cold bath water.
You know your child best. If something feels off or concerning, advocate for your child and seek a second opinion. When in doubt, rule it out.
Limit screen time, especially under age 2. The AAP recommends avoiding digital media (except video calls) until 18 months; Instead, prioritize movement, exploration, and face-to-face interaction.
Let your toddler get frustrated and work through challenges, which builds problem-solving skills and emotional regulation. Use co-regulation to stay calm while they experience big feelings.
Limit time in swings, bouncers, walkers, and car seats outside of transport, as containers restrict free movement. Opt for safe floor spaces, babywearing, or a playpen-style tent.
Parenting wasn’t meant to be done alone. Reach out to family, friends, or professionals for support; Surrounding yourself with a village benefits both you and your child.
It’s okay to seek advice—just set healthy boundaries around what kind of feedback you want. No question is too small when it comes to your child’s development.
Adaptive seating (therapy balls, wobble stools).
Sensory breaks (walks, stretches).
Multisensory teaching (movement, visuals, music).
Visual schedules & timers for routine support.
Model calm, kind language.
Introduce visual supports (cards or signs to ask for a break).
Use tools like the Zones of Regulation to teach emotional intelligence.
These OT-approved do’s and don’ts are a powerful guide for any parent or professional working with young children. Small, consistent actions add up to meaningful growth.
Trust yourself, offer new sensory experiences, and always meet your child where they are.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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