If you have a toddler in your home, you probably know the feeling of your child suddenly being “off the walls.” One minute they’re playing happily, and the next they’re running, shouting, or melting down—and if you’re anything like me, that energy can leave your nervous system feeling overwhelmed, too. As a pediatric physical therapist and mom of toddlers myself, I often see how sensory input can help bring a child’s body back to regulation. In this post, I’m sharing what the sensory system actually is and five simple sensory play activities you can use at home to help your toddler calm their body, regulate big emotions, and feel more grounded.

Rolling is your baby’s first big step toward independence. In this post, I explain why rolling is so important for your baby’s physical and cognitive development, when it typically happens, and how to encourage it through play. You’ll also learn what’s normal, when to seek support, and how this small milestone sets the stage for sitting, crawling, and more.

Noticing your baby crawl with one leg out or in a “janky” three-point crawl? This guide explains what hitch crawling is, why it happens, simple exercises you can try at home (including my favorite crawling tool, the Nugget Play Couch), and when it might be time to get extra support.