Supporting Infant & Toddler Development Through Play – Ep 182

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Movement is one of the most powerful ways babies learn about their bodies, their environment, and even their emotions. But in today’s world of baby gear, screen time, and jam-packed schedules, purposeful movement often takes a backseat. That’s why today’s episode is all about why movement matters and how to support your baby’s physical development with simple, intentional activities and play.

To help us explore this topic, I’m joined by Dr. Allison Mell, pediatric physical therapist, founder of Tots on Target, and mom of four.

Who is Dr. Allison Mell?

Dr. Allison Mell is a pediatric physical therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience. She is the founder of Tots on Target, an online platform designed to help parents understand and support their child’s gross motor development from birth through toddlerhood. Through her expert courses, resources, and social media education, Dr. Allison is on a mission to make developmental support accessible, practical, and empowering. It’s evident that she is passionate about helping parents understand their child’s developmental milestones without feeling overwhelmed or guilty. Through her work, you’ll find that she teaches families how to turn everyday moments into powerful opportunities for growth, whether your baby is learning to roll, crawl, walk, or just explore the world around them. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and four children.

What Did We Discuss?

In this episode, Dr. Allison and I chick-chat about the biggest movement milestones in the first few years of life and what parents can do to support their child’s gross motor development confidently.

We discuss:

• What typical motor milestones look like in babies and toddlers
• Why “containers” (like swings and bouncers) may delay movement skills
• When to be concerned if a child isn’t reaching a milestone on time
• How sensory processing and emotional regulation are linked to movement
• Easy, fun, and budget-friendly ways to promote healthy motor development
• What kind of play actually helps build physical skills, and what to skip
• Why movement is about more than muscles: it’s about confidence, too
• When and how to seek physical therapy support if needed

Dr. Allison also shares her story of building Tots on Target and what inspired her to bring expert-backed, judgment-free guidance to more families, especially those who feel stuck between “just wait and see” and “you need therapy.”

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cheering on your baby’s first roll or chasing after a curious toddler, this episode is a reminder that every wiggle, reach, and stumble matters. Movement isn’t just about milestones; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and connection from the very beginning. With the right support and simple, purposeful play, you can help your child thrive in ways that last a lifetime!

Dr. Allison’s Resources

We hope you found this episode helpful. If you did and enjoyed it, please subscribe to our podcast, Chick Chat, and leave us an honest review. Links below!