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It's a common 'go to' and has been around for centuries, so why are there so many questions?
Do ALL babies use pacifiers?
Are there possible risks or side effects?
What can I do INSTEAD to help my fussy baby?
In this episode I cover these questions and strategies to build your understanding, make a plan and create a strategy for each stage of your baby's first year.
All babies are not equal ... you know that, so we have to sometimes step back and look at a variety of possibilities.
While pacifiers have some benefits, there are some downsides. And since many babies often fall in love with theirs, it’s worth considering both sides of the debate before you introduce them.
After listening through to this week's episode, you'll feel much more confident and ready to ease your baby's fussiness ... with and without a pacifier.
Enjoy this episode and don’t forget to share.
EAT. TALK. PLAY.
CLICK HERE for READING GUIDE
QUESTIONS:
Email: [email protected]
RATE and REVIEW the podcast on Apple Podcasts - scroll down toward the bottom and click on "Write a Review"
Share with your friends and family and help me reach more new parents just like yourself.
SUBSCRIBE so you won't miss any of these exciting episodes by CLICKING HERE
GET 18 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO AVOID PICKY EATERS - CLICK HERE
www.HyerLearning.com
16 Gestures By 16 Months
https://firstwordsproject.com/about-16by16/
Kids and snacks go together like peanut butter and jelly, but for parents, the non-stop requests for more food can leave you frustrated and burnt-out…and perhaps wondering why?
The truth is that toddlers' bodies need plenty of healthy, nutrient-dense calories to support growth and development.
But kids also need boundaries to help them make smart, healthy choices when it comes to what (and when) they eat.
By using 5 Simple Steps like meal schedules and open discussion about hunger, you can help your toddler learn how to listen to their bodies.
In this episode we cover WHY kids end up snacking/grazing all day and HOW you can redesign your kitchen habits.
By the way, I include a few hard facts on how food companies make it feel (almost) impossible to eat healthy … but you don’t have to buy into them (pun intended).
Enjoy this episode and don’t forget to share.
EAT. TALK. PLAY.
CLICK HERE for READING GUIDE
QUESTIONS:
Email: [email protected]
RATE and REVIEW the podcast on Apple Podcasts - scroll down toward the bottom and click on "Write a Review"
Share with your friends and family and help me reach more new parents just like yourself.
SUBSCRIBE so you won't miss any of these exciting episodes by CLICKING HERE
GET 18 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO AVOID PICKY EATERS - CLICK HERE
www.HyerLearning.com
16 Gestures By 16 Months
https://firstwordsproject.com/about-16by16/
Success can look different to each of us ... but I bet you have some 'idea' of how you see your toddler in the future ... confident, curious, helpful, kind, creative?
How can we help him or her achieve that?
Well it starts with PLAY ... to explore their environment, try new things, and solve problems (through play) they build confidence, social competence, and emotional stability.
Listen to this week's episode to hone your understanding of the best form of PLAY!
OPEN-ENDED PLAY ...
It is play with no direction, no limits, rules, or interference.
It is letting your child use his imagination free from predefined limits or expectations.
No amount of technology can do for the developing child’s brain what a box, a pile of clay, or a tub of wooden blocks can do.
You don’t need expensive toys – nor do you need a lot of toys.
For engaging, self-directed learning to happen in your home, you need toys to encourage open-ended play.
Show them a few ideas ... set the stage ... and then let them run with it.
As you prepare for the holiday season ... keep it simple. Keep it healthy. Keep it fun.
EAT. TALK. PLAY.
CLICK HERE for READING GUIDE
QUESTIONS:
Email: [email protected]
RATE and REVIEW the podcast on Apple Podcasts - scroll down toward the bottom and click on "Write a Review"
Share with your friends and family and help me reach more new parents just like yourself.
SUBSCRIBE so you won't miss any of these exciting episodes by CLICKING HERE
GET 18 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO AVOID PICKY EATERS - CLICK HERE
www.HyerLearning.com
16 Gestures By 16 Months
https://firstwordsproject.com/about-16by16/
In this episode I cover some exciting NEW SCIENCE that helps us understand developmental risk factors and how much influence we have on our babies and toddlers.
If Autism is genetic, can we do anything to minimize its impact?
Are we stuck with what we have inherited, or can our environment influence how our genes unfold?
What about the Nature vs Nurture debate? Does it matter?
I love to question science, because I was taught science is never settled. This seems especially true with early child development.
Take a listen and let me know what questions you have.
It's exciting times and I'm delighted to share my insights.
EAT. TALK. PLAY.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-023-01361-0
CLICK HERE for READING GUIDE
QUESTIONS:
Email: [email protected]
RATE and REVIEW the podcast on Apple Podcasts - On your smartphone scroll down toward the bottom and click on "Write a Review" THANK YOU!
Screenshot where you are in the episode, and tag me, @erin.hyer, on Instagram
Share with your friends and family and help me reach more new parents just like yourself.
SUBSCRIBE so you won't miss any of these exciting episodes by CLICKING HERE
GET 18 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO AVOID PICKY EATERS - CLICK HERE
Don't worry ... be happy!
How can you be sure your toddler will be ready for reading?
Wait ... he can barely speak in sentences!!
The answer rests in what you DO together in those first three years... right now!
In this episode, I share how the current reading 'methods' are changing once AGAIN, and how you can stay ahead of it - without worry or self-doubt.
You build strong reading skills through nursery rhymes, Simon Says, books, routines and dancing ... really?
YEP!
Listen up (no pun intended) and pat yourself on the back ... you've got this.
EAT. TALK. PLAY.
CLICK HERE for READING GUIDE
QUESTIONS:
Email: [email protected]
RATE and REVIEW the podcast on Apple Podcasts - scroll down toward the bottom and click on "Write a Review"
Screenshot where you are in the episode, and tag me, @erin.hyer, on Instagram
Share with your friends and family and help me reach more new parents just like yourself. Help me connect with new moms and build content that is important to YOU!
SUBSCRIBE so you won't miss any of these exciting episodes by CLICKING HERE
GET 18 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO AVOID PICKY EATERS - CLICK HERE
www.HyerLearning.com
16 Gestures By 16 Months
https://firstwordsproject.com/about-16by16/
Mornings can be a difficult period OR a brilliant opportunity.
It may often feel like a time crunch ... or is it?
In this episode, I challenge you to re-think your morning routine.
Let's walk through a healthy, effective and efficient MORNING ROUTINE that supports engagement, language learning, and fosters growth ... no matter what age your baby/toddler is... every morning is a new beginning.
Here we cover 5 Basic Morning Routines with 2 Bonus strategies that give your little one 100's of talking opportunities!
I'm sure you'll enjoy this episode.
EAT. TALK. PLAY.
QUESTIONS:
Email: [email protected]
Share with your friends and family and help me reach more new parents just like yourself. Help me connect with new moms and build content that is important to YOU!
SUBSCRIBE so you won't miss any of these exciting episodes by CLICKING HERE
Don't forget to RATE and REVIEW the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and share with me when you’re listening! Screenshot where you are in the episode, and tag me, @erin.hyer, on Instagram.
GET 18 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO AVOID PICKY EATERS - CLICK HERE
www.HyerLearning.com
Links mentioned in episode:
Ditch The Carbs (sorry, I misspoke ... it's NOT Low Carb Kids)
https://www.ditchthecarbs.com/kids/
16 Gestures By 16 Months
https://firstwordsproject.com/about-16by16/
Many of you have asked, so I am answering...
This episode I cover specific tips to focus on if you think your toddler may be "slow to talk" and you're unsure of next steps.
Always speak with your primary healthcare provider, but also call private practices in your area; ask friends and relatives for referrals.
MOST IMPORTANT take inventory of your quality time together.
How can you upgrade your daily routines, play time, and everyday activities to pull him into communication.
I'm sure you'll enjoy this episode.
EAT. TALK. PLAY.
QUESTIONS:
Email: [email protected]
Share with your friends and family and help me reach more new parents just like yourself. Help me connect with new moms and build content that is important to YOU!
SUBSCRIBE so you won't miss any of these exciting episodes by CLICKING HERE
Don't forget to RATE and REVIEW the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and share with me when you’re listening! Screenshot where you are in the episode, and tag me, @erin.hyer, on Instagram.
GET 18 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO AVOID PICKY EATERS - CLICK HERE
www.HyerLearning.com
- Terrible two's is a COMMON phrase we hear over and over again ... but is it true?
- Toddlers ALWAYS get runny noses, colds, or congestion ... but is it true?
- Babies and toddlers often get up during the night ... but is it true?
- Toddlers are just picky ... but is it true?
I think we hear statements like these so often, we just believe them and take it as fact, but are they REALLY true?
My responsibility is to ask questions and be a 'truth teller.' It's not always what we want to hear, but it can shed light onto fixable challenges.
My goal each week is to ease your load as a new mom, and to clear some of the myths that seem to gain momentum ... yes, toddlers are exhausting, but they don't have to be chronically sick, fighting a cold, crappy sleepers or picky eaters.
Listen to this week's episode to learn a few insights your pediatrician may not have shared. Go ahead, share this episode with your health care provider ... start the conversation.
EAT. TALK. PLAY.
QUESTIONS:
Email: [email protected]
Share with your friends and family and help me reach more new parents just like yourself. Help me connect with new moms and build content that is important to YOU!
SUBSCRIBE so you won't miss any of these exciting episodes by CLICKING HERE
Don't forget to RATE and REVIEW the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and share with me when you’re listening! Screenshot where you are in the episode, and tag me, @erin.hyer, on Instagram.
GET 18 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO AVOID PICKY EATERS - CLICK HERE
www.HyerLearning.com
Why does my baby / toddler stuff his mouth?
Is it normal to just swallow without chewing?
He spits out more than he swallows.
How can I help her?
These concerns are becoming more and more common - and many parents are either baffled or assume it's just part of being a toddler.
BUT the truth is NONE of this is "typical" or "healthy" and can be avoided ... you just need a few secrets
Inside today's episode I cover the health implications associated with poor chewing, eating, swallowing and breathing.
You'll want to listen and share with others ... because all parents want happy, healthy, and engaged children, who are good eaters and talkers!
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CHEW TOYS mentioned in this episode:
www.ArkTherapeutic.com
Baby Chews & Sensory Products
www.TalkTools.com
Beckman Tri-Chew
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QUESTIONS:
Email: [email protected]
Share with your friends and family and help me reach more new parents just like yourself. Help me connect with new moms and build content that is important to YOU!
Subscribe so you won't miss any of these exciting episodes by CLICKING HERE
Don't forget to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and share with me when you’re listening! Screenshot where you are in the episode, and tag me, @erin.hyer, on Instagram.
GET 18 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO AVOID PICKY EATERS - CLICK HERE
www.HyerLearning.com
Episode 54
Decisions over which foods to eat, which products to purchase, whose ideas or methods to follow, and how to implement endless parenting suggestions...
It all culminates in DECISION FATIGUE!
Then, as a natural consequence of decision fatigue is to DO NOTHING and maintain the status quo.
In this episode I share some truths about our modern developmental challenges - and at the same time, encourage new moms and dads to know YOU GET TO CHOOSE how to proceed.
Listen to the facts.
Evaluate your lifestyle.
Open you hearts to the possibilities.
Know you matter.
Which path will you take?
QUESTIONS:
Email: [email protected]
Share with your friends and family and help me reach more new parents just like yourself. Help me connect with new moms and build content that is important to YOU!
Subscribe so you won't miss any of these exciting episodes by CLICKING HERE
Don't forget to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and share with me when you’re listening! Screenshot where you are in the episode, and tag me, @erin.hyer, on Instagram.
GET 18 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO AVOID PICKY EATERS - CLICK HERE
www.HyerLearning.com
From the publisher's feed
Calm, developmentally grounded guidance for moms of babies and toddlers.
As a mom of a baby or toddler, it can feel like everyone has an opinion - and very few answers that…
Talking Toddlers is a podcast for moms who want calm, trustworthy, developmentally grounded guidance - without fear, guilt, or unrealistic expectations.
I’m Erin Hyer, a licensed speech-language pathologist with nearly 35 years of experience supporting young children and their families. I’ve spent my career on the floor with toddlers, partnering with parents, consulting with early educators, and training graduate students to understand how children truly grow, learn, and communicate - through relationships, everyday routines, and meaningful language experiences.
This podcast breaks down how the young brain learns, why certain behaviors or challenges show up, and how parents can gently support development before small concerns become bigger ones. I believe parents are in a powerful position — not to do more, but to understand more.
Each episode offers:
My goal is simple: to help moms feel empowered and toddlers feel supported - so learning, communication, and connection can grow naturally at home.
New episodes of Talking Toddlers are released weekly.
This is a space for clarity, connection, and courage - where moms come to slow down, trust themselves, and support their child’s development with confidence.

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