The OT Mom

The OT Mom 👋 I’m Olivia, a pediatric OT & mom sharing tips to support your baby & toddler’s development.
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From feeding to fine motor, potty training to play—follow for realistic advice, helpful tools & baby gear recs that actually make sense.

02/27/2026

I’ve been there… they just won’t listen, they keep screaming, they made a giant mess etc. and your first reaction is to yell. It may seem like the most effective way to communicate your emotions in order to get them to listen…

Inspired by a post by

However, yelling at your children won’t:

💙 Teach them WHY their behavior is wrong or what they should do differently. Clear explanations and calm discussions are more effective for learning.

💙 Teach them HOW to manager their emotions. Yelling models poor emotional control, making it harder for them to learn how to handle their own feelings constructively.

💙 Address the underlying issues. Positive reinforcement and consistent consequences are more effective for long-term behavior change.

💙 Create an environment that feels safe and free of anxiety. As parents we want to build a trusting & secure parent-child relationship.

Make sure you are following for more baby & toddler tips!

02/26/2026

Toddlers Refusing to Sit for Meals? Try This!

I’m Olivia and I’m a pediatric occupational therapist and mom of one. Keep following along for more baby & toddler tips!

Ever find it challenging to get your toddler to sit down for every meal? You’re not alone! Toddlers are naturally curious and active, making it tough for them to stay seated for long periods.

One game-changing solution I’ve found is serving some meals while they stand in a toddler tower. This not only allows them to feel more independent but also keeps them engaged and excited about mealtime. Plus, it’s a great way to involve them in meal prep!

Want to know which toddler tower I use and love? Comment “tower” below, and I’ll send you the link! 🍽️✨

What are your favorite tips for keeping mealtimes stress-free? Share below! 👇

02/26/2026

What to Expect: 8-9 Month Old Baby ✨

Hi 👋🏻, I’m Olivia and I am a pediatric OT who shares baby & toddler milestones, tips & tricks and play ideas. Follow along for more!

Your little one is on the move! 🧸 At 8-9 months, babies are discovering the world in exciting new ways—from mastering the pincer grasp to pulling up to stand. Expect lots of babbling, exploring, and maybe even a little separation anxiety. Remember, every baby develops at their own pace, so celebrate each milestone, big or small! 🌟

What is your little one working on? Share below 👇🏻

02/26/2026

Iykyk

Changing a toddler’s diaper can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, especially as they become more active and independent. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:

✨ Be Prepared: Have all your supplies ready before you start—diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, diaper cream, and a distraction toy. This minimizes the time your toddler has to be on the changing table.

✨Choose the Right Location: If your toddler resists the changing table, try changing them on the floor. This can help reduce the risk of them rolling off a high surface.

✨Stay Calm and Positive: Your toddler can pick up on your emotions. Staying calm, using a soothing tone, and making diaper changes a positive experience can reduce resistance.

✨Distraction is Key: Keep a small basket of toys, books, or even a special object that they only get during diaper changes. No shame, we sometimes use a short video on our phones. Singing songs or talking to them can also help keep them engaged and distracted.

✨Involve Them: Give your toddler a “job” during the diaper change. They could hand you a wipe, hold the clean diaper, or help pull up their pants. This can make them feel involved and less likely to resist.

What are your favorite tips for diaper changes? Comment below! 👇🏻

02/26/2026

Hi 👋🏻 I’m Olivia and I’m a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and I am passion about educating parents and caregivers on all things baby & toddler.

Proprioception is our body’s ability to sense its position & movement, often referred to as body awareness. Just as we rely on our eyes to see, proprioception depends on receptors within our muscles & joints to help us understand where our body is in space.

These receptors are activated by pressure, similar to how our vision responds to bright lights or moving objects. Whenever we squeeze through a tight space, give a hug, or jump up & down, we’re receiving proprioceptive input.

Proprioceptive activities can help a child feel calm, focused, or even more alert. However, it’s important to note that not all proprioceptive activities have the same effect; different activities can produce different responses depending on the individual child.

Comment Calm and I’ll send you a free list of Calming proprioceptive activities.

02/25/2026

✨3-in-1 Rahoo Learn & Lounge✨

OT Approved Baby-Registry Must Haves! 👶🏼

As a Pediatric OT & Mom, I’m always on the lookout for products that support healthy development, and the 3-in-1 Rahoo Infant Lounger is one I highly recommend. Here’s why:

✨ Awake Time Lounger: The Learn & Lounge offers a safe, cozy spot for your baby to rest & visually explore their environment. It also encourages them to practice using their arms & hands.
✨ Incline Position: The incline promotes digestive comfort for baby, reducing acid reflux.
✨ Tummy Time Mat: The lounger doubles as a safe surface for supported tummy time.

Whether you’re a new parent or searching for the perfect gift, the 3-in-1 Learn & Lounge is an essential addition to your baby’s development & comfort.

Would you try the Rohoo Infant Lounger for your baby?
Comment “LOUNGE” below and I’ll send you a link 🔗

02/25/2026

Hi, I’m Olivia, pediatric OT and The OT Mom. 💛

One of the biggest things I wish parents understood is that early skills are built in layers.

Writing, reading, and sitting for structured learning sit at the very top of that pyramid. Underneath are things like hand strength, coordination, attention, language, frustration tolerance, and the ability to engage in play.

When we rush the top before the base is solid, learning often feels harder than it needs to.

I see so many parents worrying they’re behind when their child is actually doing exactly what their brain and body are supposed to be doing at this age.

Slow development isn’t a problem. Skipped foundations can be.

If you’ve been feeling pressure lately, this is your reminder that everyday play is real learning.

Comment THREE if you want to see what I’m prioritizing right now at age 3. ✨

02/25/2026

✨ Bath time hack for the win! ✨

Hi 👋🏻 I’m Olivia, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist who shares baby & toddler tips & tricks.

Ever feel like you need a cold beverage in the shower or bath to unwind after a long day? Well, think of an ice popsicle in the bath as the child equivalent! 🛁🍦

Not every day in motherhood is going to be picture-perfect. Some days are just tough—your child gets sick, mom gets sick, or everyone’s just in a mood. Trust me, I’ve had those days. One simple trick that can turn things around? A popsicle bath. 🍦🛁

Why does it work❓
The cool temperature of the popsicle can help lower body temperature, providing a soothing effect, especially for a child or adult who’s feeling overwhelmed.

The unique texture and sensation of the cold popsicle offer a sensory experience that can distract from stress or overstimulation.

A popsicle bath is also a fun, playful way to break up the day and bring a little joy back into the routine. The combination of cold temperature and sensory stimulation helps promote relaxation and calmness, giving both you and your little one a much-needed reset.

Sometimes, it’s the small things that make a big difference. 💕

Have you tried this mom hack? What helps you child reset? Share below! 👇🏻

02/25/2026

Easy Mom Hack from a Pediatric OT

Hi 👋🏻 I’m Olivia, a Pediatric OT & Mom.

Does your child’s feet dangle from their chair or high chair? No worries! You can make your own footrest at home. I’m using an exercise band, but you can also use pool noodles, Amazon boxes, books etc.

Why do you need a footrest❓

A footrest is important for several reasons, particularly when considering ergonomic seating for littles:

✨Postural Support: A footrest helps maintain proper posture by ensuring that the feet are fully supported. This is crucial for stabilizing the pelvis, which supports the spine & reduces strain on the back and legs.

✨Comfort: When feet dangle without support, it can cause discomfort & fatigue, especially over extended periods of sitting. A footrest allows for a more relaxed seating position, reducing pressure on the thighs and improving overall

✨Developmental Benefits: For children, especially when using high chairs or desks, a footrest promotes stability and proper alignment. This is essential for fine motor skills and concentration during activities like eating, writing, or playing.

✨Safety: In children’s seating, a footrest can also enhance safety by providing a stable base, reducing the risk of choking

For a child, a footrest is more than just a comfort accessory—it’s a tool that supports their physical development and helps create a safe, stable environment for learning and play.

Starting Solids? Comment FOOTREST below and I’ll send you a link to my favorite starting items!

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