Sense by Meg Faure

On this week's episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we dive into the incredible journey of early brain development. Our guest host, Tove Gant, joins us to explore how sensory stimulation shapes the human brain in the first thousand days. This episode is essential for parents keen on optimising their child's cognitive, emotional, and social skills. The Importance of Early Brain Development We discuss why the first thousand days of a child's life are crucial. Meg explains how sensory experiences significantly influence brain development during this period. Listeners will learn about the concept of neuroplasticity and how the brain remains moldable throughout life. Sensory Stimulation and Neuroplasticity Meg elaborates on how sensory inputs create connections between brain cells. She explains how sensory stimulation impacts the brain's development and the concept of "use it or lose it." Parents will understand the importance of providing varied sensory experiences to their children. Environmental Influence The conversation highlights the role of the environment in shaping the brain. Meg shares a compelling story about a child from Hong Kong who faced developmental delays due to limited environmental exposure. This example underscores the significance of varied and rich sensory environments. Emotional Engagement and Learning Meg and Tove discuss the impact of emotional engagement on sensory stimulation. Fun and happiness are crucial for effective learning. They explain how positive emotional interactions can foster better brain development and social skills. Balancing Stimulation and Overstimulation One of the key discussions is finding the right balance between stimulation and overstimulation. Meg emphasizes the importance of reading a baby's signals to avoid overstimulation. Parents learn how to provide appropriate sensory experiences without overwhelming their children. The TEAT Framework Meg introduces the TEAT framework (Timing, Environment, Activity, and Toys) from her Baby Sense book. This framework helps parents integrate sensory stimulation into daily routines effectively. The TEAT framework ensures that activities are appropriately timed and varied throughout the day. Practical Tips for Parents Throughout the episode, Meg offers practical tips for parents to enhance sensory stimulation. She emphasizes the importance of floor time, tummy time, and using natural environments for sensory experiences. Listeners should tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights into early brain development. Meg Faure provides actionable advice and scientific explanations, making this podcast a must-listen for new parents. By understanding and applying these principles, parents can significantly impact their child's future cognitive, emotional, and social success. This episode offers a comprehensive guide to fostering optimal brain development through sensory stimulation.

On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we delve into understanding and managing sensory seekers in children. Meg Faure, an OT infant specialist and author, hosts the episode, offering valuable insights for new parents. The podcast is brought to you by ParentSense, the app that takes the guesswork out of parenting. This episode focuses on the unique challenges and strengths of sensory seekers. Meg is joined by Tove Gant, who represents parents with many questions about raising sensory seekers. What is a Sensory Seeker? Sensory seekers are children who crave sensory and social stimulation. These children are often very active, socially engaged, and constantly seeking new sensory experiences. They are undersensitive, meaning they need more stimulation to perceive their environment fully. This behavior can be exhausting for parents but is a natural part of these children's development. Understanding Sensory Seeking Behavior Meg explains that sensory seeking is not naughtiness or hyperactivity. Sensory seekers have a higher need for sensory input, which can sometimes appear chaotic. Parents need to understand this behavior to respond empathetically and effectively. Providing appropriate sensory activities can help manage their need for stimulation. Daily Routines and Activities Meg emphasizes the importance of integrating sensory activities into daily routines. Activities like jumping on trampolines, swinging, and climbing monkey bars provide essential proprioceptive input. Proprioception involves input into muscles and joints, which is both stimulating and regulating. These activities help sensory seekers manage their need for movement and sensory input. Managing Screen Time Screens provide only visual and auditory stimulation, lacking proprioceptive input. Excessive screen time can overstimulate and dysregulate sensory seekers. Meg advises parents to limit screen time and focus on activities that provide physical and sensory engagement. This approach helps maintain a balance between stimulation and regulation. Creating Calming Spaces Meg suggests setting up a calming space or "timeout" area in the home. This space should include calming items like bean bags, vibrating toys, and sensory jars. Having a designated area for downtime helps sensory seekers regulate themselves when overstimulated. This space is crucial for preventing sensory overload and meltdowns. Recognizing Overstimulation and Responding Parents should watch for signs of overstimulation, such as increased fidgeting and irritability. Introducing proprioceptive activities can help calm sensory seekers when they are overstimulated. Understanding these cues and responding appropriately is key to managing sensory seeking behavior. When to Seek Professional Help Meg advises against early diagnoses for busy children under three. However, if a child's busyness is always destructive and unconstructive, professional advice may be necessary. Occupational therapists can provide sensory diets to help regulate sensory input. For older children, if sensory seeking interferes with learning and relationships, professional help should be sought. Listeners should tune into this podcast to gain a deeper understanding of sensory seekers and how to manage their unique needs. Meg Faure provides practical advice and empathetic insights, helping parents support their sensory seeking children. This episode offers valuable strategies to balance stimulation and regulation, ensuring a harmonious home environment.

On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we delve into the crucial topic of early development. Meg Faure welcomes Claire Stead, an educator and founder of Oliiki, to discuss the significance of the first 1000 days of life. The episode highlights the impact of early experiences, epigenetics, and the key developmental milestones that set the stage for a child’s future. The Importance of the First 1000 Days Claire Stead explains why the first 1000 days, from conception to age two, are foundational for a child’s development. These early years are when the brain undergoes rapid growth, laying the groundwork for all future learning and development. Stead emphasizes that this period not only shapes cognitive and academic outcomes but also emotional, social, and physical health. The environment and experiences during these critical years can influence factors like well-being, resilience, and stress responses later in life. Epigenetic's and Generational Impact A key theme of the episode is epigenetic's. The idea that environmental factors can switch genes on or off, influencing not just the individual but future generations. Stead shares fascinating research on how experiences during pregnancy and early childhood can affect gene expression, potentially impacting not only a child’s health and development but also that of their grandchildren. This underscores the importance of a nurturing and stress-free pregnancy, not just for the mother but for the baby’s future generations. Key Developmental Milestones The episode explores three pivotal developmental milestones: smiling, crawling, and pointing. Smiling is crucial for emotional connection, crawling is vital for physical and cognitive development, and pointing signifies communication readiness. Faure and Stead discuss why these milestones matter and how they contribute to a child’s broader developmental trajectory. Practical Parenting Tips Listeners are offered practical tips to nurture their child's development. Stead emphasizes the importance of eye contact, time spent on the floor for motor development, and limiting distractions like screens to foster engagement and connection. This episode is essential listening for any parent or caregiver who wants to give their child the best start in life. Claire Stead provides valuable insights on how simple, daily interactions can lay the foundation for lifelong success. If you want to understand how early childhood development shapes your child's future, this episode is a must-listen.

On this week's episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we explore the complex topic of milk feeding for babies. Meg Faure, an OT infant specialist and author, invites Kath McGaw, a pediatric dietician, to discuss the various methods of feeding babies milk. This episode aims to help parents navigate the challenges and benefits of breastfeeding, formula feeding, and combination feeding. Breastfeeding Benefits and Tips Breastfeeding is presented as the preferred method for feeding babies. Kath emphasizes that breast milk is dynamic, changing daily to meet the baby's needs. It provides essential immune benefits, with antibodies transferring from mother to baby. Breast milk also offers the right balance of nutrients, including high-fat content necessary for energy. Kath advises moms to ensure proper hydration, nutrition, and rest to maintain a good milk supply. She stresses the importance of a proper latch to ensure effective breastfeeding. Moms are encouraged to seek help from lactation consultants if they encounter difficulties. Formula Feeding Insights The podcast delves into formula feeding as an alternative or supplement to breastfeeding. Kath explains that formula milk is designed to mimic breast milk as closely as possible. There are different types of formula, including cow's milk protein-based, soy-based, and specialized formulas. Kath highlights the importance of looking for formulas with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and added omega-3s. She advises parents to avoid frequent formula changes and to give each new formula at least two weeks before deciding its suitability. Combination Feeding Considerations Combination feeding, which involves both breastfeeding and formula feeding, is another option discussed. Kath mentions that some moms might need to supplement breastfeeding with formula due to various reasons. She advises starting with breastfeeding and then topping up with formula if necessary. This method can help moms determine if their baby is getting enough milk. Kath also suggests maintaining a small dose of cow's milk protein weekly to prevent future allergies. Practical Tips and Challenges The episode covers practical tips for transitioning between breastfeeding and formula feeding. Parents should be aware of potential gut changes and stool variations when introducing formula. Kath emphasizes the importance of observing the baby's reactions and consulting a healthcare provider if issues arise. She discourages formula hopping and recommends seeking professional advice to ensure the baby's gut health. Listeners should tune into this episode for valuable insights into milk feeding options. Kath McGaw provides research-based advice, helping parents make informed decisions about feeding their babies. Whether you choose breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combination feeding, this episode offers practical tips and expert guidance. Download the ParentSense app for more resources and to take the guesswork out of parenting. This episode is essential for new parents navigating the early stages of their baby's life.

On this week's episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we dive into one of our favorite topics – myth-busting. In the often overwhelming world of parenting advice, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. This episode explores some of the most common myths around baby care, offering expert insights to help parents make informed decisions. Whether you're a new mom or an experienced parent, we tackle big questions that often cause confusion. Host Meg Faure and guest Tove discuss everything from baby sleep habits to feeding practices, clearing up myths that many parents face on their journey. Myth 1: Should You Wake a Sleeping Baby? A common question is whether you should ever wake a sleeping baby. Conventional wisdom says never wake them, but Meg Faure debunks this. In some cases, such as when a baby isn’t gaining weight or is born premature, it is important to wake them. Similarly, allowing a baby to nap too close to bedtime may disrupt their night’s sleep. Understanding your baby’s sleep cycles and needs helps to create a healthy routine. Myth 2: Does Starting Solids Help Babies Sleep Better? Another common belief is that starting solids early can improve a baby’s sleep. Meg explains that this is a myth. Food and sleep aren’t as strongly linked as many think. While nutritional needs are important, starting solids won’t be a magic solution to sleep challenges. Parents should introduce solids when their baby shows readiness signs, not as a method to get better sleep. Myth 3: Do Teething Babies Get Fevers and Diarrhea? Many parents associate teething with fever, diarrhea, and rash. Meg confirms that while teething causes drooling and a change in bowel movements, it doesn't directly cause high fevers or illness. Parents should not dismiss fever or severe symptoms as teething; instead, they should consult a doctor. This episode of Sense by Meg Faure is a must-listen for parents who want clear, expert guidance amidst conflicting advice. By understanding the difference between myth and fact, parents can confidently care for their baby. Meg’s practical advice is invaluable in helping you navigate your parenting journey with fewer doubts and more confidence.