The OT Mom

The OT Mom šŸ‘‹ I’m Olivia, a pediatric OT & mom sharing tips to support your baby & toddler’s development.
(10)

From feeding to fine motor, potty training to play—follow for realistic advice, helpful tools & baby gear recs that actually make sense.

04/22/2026

We switched to a full size bed thinking it would be such a fun milestone… but my toddler kept falling out all night šŸ˜… he moves so much in his sleep. Switching to this handmade bed from with rails has helped him stay in bed and sleep so much better.

Comment BED and I’ll send you the link

04/21/2026

As a pediatric OT, this is one of the most common potty training questions I get… when do you stop diapers or pull-ups for naps and bedtime?

Here’s what most people don’t realize. Nighttime dryness is developmental, not something you can train.

And honestly… we’re in this stage right now.

Most nights, he wakes up dry… but every once in a while, he’ll still wake up wet. And he LOVES his water before bed, so I know his body just isn’t fully there yet.

I see so many parents stress when their toddler is doing great during the day but still waking up wet, but that’s actually very normal.

Instead of rushing it, I always tell parents to look for patterns. Are they waking up dry? Staying dry during naps? Starting to hold it overnight?

If not, keep the diaper or pull-up. The pull-up gives me peace of mind, and more importantly, we both get sleep. And right now, that matters more than forcing it too early.

We’ve really been loving the super soft ones from Coterie… they’ve been a game changer for this in-between phase.

Let me know… are you currently in this phase?! What other potty training questions do you have? šŸ‘‡šŸ»

You’re not behind. You’re following your child’s readiness.

Comment POTTY and I’ll send you a list of my potty training favorites šŸ¤
Follow for more potty training tips that actually make sense

04/21/2026

When you just wanna swim… but your mom is a former lifeguard šŸ‘€

A lot of what I showed in this video are the small things most people don’t think about… but they matter more than you realize. Drowning is quick, silent, and often doesn’t look the way people expect.

A few simple reminders for pool days:
• Always keep eyes on your child, even if they ā€œcan swimā€
• Stay within arm’s reach for younger or less experienced swimmers
• Bright, high-contrast swimwear > blues and neutrals
• Know where your child is at all times, especially in busy pools

did you know about the swimwear color thing? šŸ‘€

anyway… he finally got to swim… save this for pool days

toddler water safety, pool safety tips, drowning prevention, toddler swim safety, summer safety for kids, pool day with toddler, lifeguard tips for parents, child safety, parenting tips toddler, mom life

04/19/2026

This is one of the simplest ways I work on focus, coordination, and behavior without it feeling like ā€œworkā€

Balance play does more than you think. It helps ā€œwake upā€ the brain, which is why you’ll often see better attention, more control, and fewer behavior struggles

And the best part… your toddler just thinks they’re playing

You don’t need anything fancy either. I’m using balance discs here, but cushions, pillows, or anything to step across works just as well

Comment BALANCE and I’ll send you the link šŸ¤

04/18/2026

I get it… it’s way easier to just fold the laundry yourself. But toddlers want to help, we just have to make it doable for them.

This is such a simple way I’m introducing early life skills, while also working on coordination, motor planning, and independence. It’s not about perfect folds, it’s about the practice.

Other ways your toddler (2–3 yrs) can help with laundry:
• move clothes from washer → dryer
• push buttons with you
• pull clothes out of the dryer
• match socks
• put clothes into baskets
• carry small piles
• put clothes away in drawers

Start small, keep it playful, and let them be part of it šŸ¤

Is there a chore that your toddler helps you with?

04/15/2026

I get asked all the time what you should be doing with your 3 year old every day… and honestly, it’s usually overcomplicated.

As a pediatric OT and toddler mom, these are the 3 things I focus on first because they actually support development in a real-life way.

Movement, especially outside when possible, helps regulate their body so they can focus and engage

Helping with real-life tasks builds independence and confidence

And language develops through connection, not flashcards or pressure

Most of this isn’t structured. It’s just part of your day.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start here first… then worry about the rest.

Which one are you already doing?

toddler development, 3 year old, toddler activities, outdoor play, gross motor play, sensory regulation, toddler independence, language development, speech development, occupational therapy, mom life, toddler tips

04/12/2026

Okay but this stroller attachment has been so helpful for the toddler stage.

Because sometimes toddlers want to be independent… and sometimes they’re suddenly too tired to take one more step šŸ˜…

I love that this one gives the option to sit or stand, so it makes outings a lot easier without having to fully commit to a double stroller. It’s been such a nice in-between option and makes walks, errands, and getting out of the house feel a little smoother.

Comment STROLL and I’ll send you the link

mockingbird stroller, stroller attachment, toddler stroller board, sit or stand attachment, stroller scooter board, toddler ride along, stroller accessory, toddler outing tips, mom hacks, toddler independence, parenting toddler tips

These bonuses are wild friends 🤪 how delulu
04/09/2026

These bonuses are wild friends 🤪 how delulu

04/09/2026

Most parents focus on bedtime… but what you do before bedtime matters more

As a pediatric OT, I’m not trying to ā€œtire my toddler outā€ before sleep
I’m helping organize his brain and body so sleep comes easier

Because when kids are dysregulated, overtired, or all over the place… bedtime turns into a battle

But when you give them the right input šŸ‘‡
• heavy work
• controlled movement
• deep pressure
• breath + oral motor

You’re helping their nervous system shift from chaos → calm

And that’s what helps them fall asleep and stay asleep

You don’t need a perfect routine
You just need the right kind of activities before bed

šŸ’™Comment SLEEP if you are interested in the tools I’m using šŸ’™

toddler bedtime routine, toddler sleep tips, calming activities before bed, sensory activities toddler, heavy work toddler, deep pressure toddler, toddler regulation, dysregulated toddler, pediatric OT tips, toddler development, fine motor toddler, breathing exercises toddler, toddler routine ideas, bedtime struggles toddler, how to calm a toddler, OT mom, toddler mom tips, realistic toddler routines

04/04/2026

I heard you just needed something that actually builds toddler skills… so here you go

This activity might look simple, but it’s targeting SO many foundational skills at once. We’re talking visual tracking, attention, cause + effect, sensory processing, fine motor skills, and even early problem solving just by letting them explore

This is exactly why I always tell parents you don’t need complicated setups or expensive toys. Simple play is where the real development happens

I’m also loving these droppers I just picked up… they’re perfect for little hands and make this activity even better

And the best part… this kept my toddler engaged for 45+ minutes šŸ™ƒ

Comment ā€œPLAYā€ for the links to the products I’m using šŸ¤

Follow for more toddler activities that actually build skills

toddler activities, toddler development, fine motor skills, sensory play, easy toddler activities, low prep toddler activities, OT mom, purposeful play, toddler learning, stay at home mom, developmental play

04/03/2026

Most rain boots are cute… but not actually made for how toddlers move.

As a pediatric OT, I’m always looking at how shoes impact balance, coordination, and overall movement. And a lot of rain boots are stiff, heavy, and have a raised heel which can throw toddlers off and make walking harder.

That’s why I look for lightweight, flexible, zero-drop options that support more natural movement and stability. These from Ten Little check those boxes, which is why they stand out to me.

Not saying you need these specifically, but knowing what to look for makes a big difference šŸ¤

Comment RAIN and I’ll send you the link to these
AND comment what product reviews you want to see next šŸ‘€

04/01/2026

Hassle-free Diaper Changes.... How to save time and tears.

1. Gather Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need within an arms reach, including diapers, wipes, creams ect.

2. Try a Standing Position.
If you're baby is now attempting to pull to stand, this is a great way to work on their balance. Try to have something for them to lean against ie coffee table, window, couch etc. Since switching to standing, Dallas is much less fussy during diaper changes.

3. Find a Distraction
Now every child is different, but find their favorite toy, a window cling, a video, or a pet, something that can distract them for at least 30 seconds.

3. Stay Calm
As parents we know our little ones can get fussy at at a flick of a switch. Sometimes diaper changes can get messy, but it's all part of caring for your baby. Stay Calm and patient.

Hope these tips were helpful! Follow for more tips from an OT mom.

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