Do babies really need all the products marketed to parents?

In this episode of Driving Development, pediatric physical therapist Dr. Jena Schultz reviews five popular children's products she wishes didn't exist—not because they're trendy, but because the evidence raises questions about their safety, effectiveness, or developmental benefits.

From baby walkers and doorway jumpers to head-shaping pillows, baby seats, and electric scooters, you'll learn what these products are designed to do, what the research actually says, and what alternatives may better support your child's development. This episode is all about helping you make informed decisions—not perfect ones.

Questions answered in this episode:

Are baby walkers bad for development?

Are doorway jumpers safe for babies?

Do head-shaping pillows work for flat head syndrome?

Are baby seats that prop babies into sitting harmful?

Are electric scooters and hoverboards safe for young children?

What baby products do pediatric physical therapists recommend avoiding?

How can I support my baby's development without expensive gear?

Plus, don't miss this week's Unqualified Opinion on why birthday party goodie bags might be the parenting tradition we should leave behind.

Keywords: baby walkers, doorway jumpers, head shaping pillows, flat head syndrome, baby development, pediatric physical therapy, baby products, infant safety, child development, parenting podcast, developmental milestones, baby gear, evidence-based parenting.

Is Tummy Time Overrated?

Tummy time has become one of the biggest buzzwords in baby development—but has the hype gone too far?

In this episode of Driving Development, pediatric physical therapist and mom of two Dr. Jena Schultz explores where tummy time recommendations came from, what the research actually says, and why many parents feel like they're failing if their baby hates it. Spoiler: tummy time matters. But it's not magic, it's not the only way babies develop, and it's definitely not worth sacrificing your sanity over.

If you've ever stressed about hitting the "right" number of minutes or wondered whether your baby's tears mean you're doing something wrong, this episode is for you.

Driving Development Daily – daily developmental activities for your baby's first year 🎉 Use code PODCAST for 10% off the full program. Connect with Dr. Jena If this episode was helpful, share it with a parent, therapist, teacher, or caregiver who might need to hear it. Because child development isn't about finding the perfect answer. It's about finding the right answer for your family.

In the debut episode of the Driving Development Podcast, Jena introduces herself, shares a memorable parenting mishap involving a pool, stitches, and some questionable navigation skills, and explains why she created the podcast. She dives into the challenges modern parents face in an era of endless information, social media advice, and overwhelming expectations. Jena discusses the importance of evidence-based information, critical thinking, and finding solutions that work for your unique family rather than chasing one-size-fits-all parenting advice.