Sometimes doing something good has unintended consequences.

In the early 1990s, it was determined that putting babies to sleep on their backs instead of their stomachs would help to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In fact, since the Back to Sleep campaign (now called Safe to Sleep) was launched in 1994, the rate of SIDS in the United States has dropped by 50%.

While that's fantastic news, the downside is that we've now seen that babies who sleep on their backs have slightly slower motor development and are at risk for problems like torticollis (head tilt) and plagiocephaly (flat head).

Since we clearly don't want anyone to experience SIDS, the recommendation to put babies to sleep on their backs isn't going anywhere -- and rightly so. Instead, we've got to learn what we can do to help new babies develop well and avoid any preventable problems.

Enter Whitney Burke.

Whitney Burke, MSPT, is a pediatric physical therapist whose passion is giving parents the tools they need to raise a healthy baby. She received her training at Northeastern University and began working at Blythedale Children's Hospital in Westchester, NY before she founded her own private practice in New York City's Upper East Side. Whitney has also created a parent education course called Walking with Whitney, which she teaches in New York City -- and has recently produced a video series so that she can share her insights with you (see the trailer below).

Because she has spent years working with children of all ages and with a wide range of developmental disabilities, Whitney knows how to teach parents to help their children develop to the best of their abilities, no matter where they're starting from.  She also loves to educate parents on developmentally appropriate play ideas for newborns -- play that can help to strengthen them and both prevent and treat conditions like torticollis & plagiocephaly.

I'm thrilled that Whitney has come onto The Child Repair Guide to share her ideas with you!

Take a listen, and if you know someone in your life who has a new baby, SHARE this episode with them!

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The better way to think about "tummy time" & how to work it in throughout your day
• What to do if your baby hates tummy time
• What torticollis is, which babies are most at risk, and when to seek help
• How to prevent your baby from developing flat spots on the head
• What to do if your baby already has a flat spot on the head
• How bouncy seats, swings, exersaucers, and other commonly used baby gear can affect your baby's development
• How long is "okay" for your baby to be placed in bouncy seats, swings, etc.
• What products may help prevent or improve your baby's torticollis, flat head, and more (see below)
• And much, much more!

Products & Resources

• Whitney Burke's incredible instructional video, Walking with Whitney --  Get the video here on Amazon
• Whitney's site: walkingwithwhitney.com
• Noggin Nest Baby Head Support Pillow -- Helps relieve pressure on a baby's head
• Nook LilyPad Playmate -- Breathable tummy time playmat
• Ergobaby Baby Carrier
• Moby Wrap Original Baby Carrier

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE on your favorite podcast app, and to SHARE this page & this episode with anyone with a new baby! Tag me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and show me the great ways you've used the information in this episode with your baby!

Music

• Akashic Records – Motivation
• Frame Away - Lose Heart