Daily Mail

Published 17 Dec 2025. 

In a Daily Mail article examining toy safety concerns for infants and young children, I shared important insights on products that can pose hidden risks during early stages of development. Drawing on my expertise as a pediatric physical therapist, I discussed how a child’s motor abilities and developmental stage should guide toy selection, particularly for crawling babies and early walkers. The article highlights common hazards including small parts, water-absorbing toys, strong magnets, and products that may interfere with safe movement and exploration. I emphasized the importance of choosing age-appropriate toys, supervising play carefully, and understanding how developmental readiness impacts safety. My goal was to help parents make informed decisions that protect their children while still supporting healthy motor development.

Parent Unplugged

Episode released 20 Nov, 2025. 

I joined the Parent Unplugged podcast to talk about one of the questions I hear most from parents: “Is my baby developing normally?” As a pediatric physical therapist and the founder of Tots on Target, my goal in this conversation was to help parents better understand child development and feel more confident supporting their baby without unnecessary stress.

We talked about what the major movement milestones are in infancy and early toddlerhood, why milestones matter, and when they matter less than you might think. I also shared simple, practical ways parents can encourage their baby’s development through everyday play, without turning it into a checklist or source of pressure.

A big part of this episode focuses on managing expectations and stepping away from comparison. Every baby develops on their own timeline, and learning how to observe your child and support them where they are can make a huge difference for both parents and babies.

This episode is meant to leave parents feeling informed, reassured, and empowered as they navigate their baby’s development journey.

What I Wish I Knew

(A Podcast About Pregnancy, Parenting, and Women's Health by Christina Hunt)

Episode released 18 Nov, 2025. 

I had the opportunity to join the hosts of the What I Wish I Knew podcast to talk about baby movement milestones in a way that feels calm, practical, and reassuring for parents. As a pediatric physical therapist and the founder of Tots on Target, my goal in this conversation was to help parents understand what truly matters when babies are learning to roll, crawl, stand, and walk, especially when development does not follow a perfect timeline. We talked about why independent floor time plays such a critical role in motor development, how babies actually progress toward walking through natural stages, and common questions parents have about shoes and early movement. I also shared why watching your baby’s overall movement and comfort is far more helpful than stressing over milestone charts or comparisons. This episode is meant to help parents feel more confident and less overwhelmed, with clear guidance on how to support their baby’s development without panic. If you have ever wondered whether your baby is on track or felt unsure about what to focus on at home, this conversation will give you clarity and peace of mind.

BDA Baby (Before, During and After Baby)

Episode released 9 Oct, 2025. 

In this episode, hosted by Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, Dr. Allison Mell discusses the importance of early milestones and the most common questions she’s asked by parents every day. The conversation covers how early movement patterns lay the foundation for healthy development, provides an accessible overview of torticollis, and explores how oral ties can affect babies far beyond nursing. Listen in to this insightful discussion that helps parents better understand how every movement and milestone supports lifelong growth.

Do you want the truth? Podcast

Episode released 14 Oct, 2025. 

In this episode, Dr. Allison Mell joins hosts Sam and Zara to unpack the truth about early milestones and what parents should really be watching for in their baby’s first 18 months. They discuss rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking “windows,” how to know when to let progress unfold naturally versus when to seek extra support, and how subtle movement patterns can reveal so much about development. Dr. Mell also opens up about life with twins, reflux, oral ties, and the everyday routines that help build confidence for babies and parents alike.

Child Life On Call Podcast

Episode released 10 Sep, 2025. 

In this uplifting episode, Allison joins host Katie Taylor to share how therapy for kids can feel simple, natural, and even fun. They talk about what real progress looks like, why play is such a powerful tool for development, and how parents can integrate therapeutic moments into everyday routines without extra stress. From NICU graduates to busy toddlers, Allison's guidance reminds families that small, consistent wins lead to big milestones and that confidence grows one movement at a time.

The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Episode released 14 Aug, 2025. 

Most people think school readiness means knowing letters, numbers, and how to sit still, but what if those are the outcomes, not the foundations? In this insightful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, pediatric physical therapist and Tots On Target founder Dr. Allison Mell uncovers the hidden building blocks that truly lay the groundwork for academic and social success. School readiness actually begins much earlier as babies roll and crawl, developing their sensory systems, crossing midline, strength, and balance that supports higher level school based skills. Join Allison and host Ginny Yurich as they share actionable strategies to nurture confident, capable learners through natural movement and why these motor skills matter more than screen time ever could.

The Untethered Podcast

Episode released 26 May 2025. 

Host Hallie Bulkin and Dr. Mell emphasize that the quality of movement is more important than the exact timing of milestones. They discuss tummy time, rolling, crawling, walking and recent changes to CDC milestone guidelines, offering practical strategies to encourage movement.

Chick Chat

In this insightful conversation, host Nina Spears of The Baby Chick and Dr. Allison Mell explore the critical role of purposeful movement and play in building babies’ motor skills, confidence, and emotional regulation. They dive into what typical early milestones look like, why "containers" like swings and bouncers may delay natural development, and when delays warrant professional evaluation. Dr. Mell shares accessible, budget-friendly movement suggestions to support healthy growth from tummy time to crawling prep, and explains when parents can confidently support development themselves versus seeking therapy. More than just milestones, this episode reminds families that every wiggle and stumble builds resilience, connection, and lifelong physical confidence.

The Birth Experience

Episode released 18 July 2025. 

Podtail’s description notes that host Trish sits down with Dr. Mell to discuss why crawling is crucial for sensory and motor development. The episode covers reasons behind baby milestones, how to spot red flags and when to seek early intervention. Dr. Mell shares her experience as a mother of four and talks about the  Tot Spot membership and how to trust parental instincts.

We Didn’t Turn Out Ok

Episode 28, released 22 July 2025. 

In this episode, host Jennie Monness sits down with Dr. Allison to explore how gross motor development can unfold naturally when we give babies the space and time they need. They dive into whether it’s ok to place children into positions they can’t yet get into (or out of) on their own, recognizing the value of “mini milestones,” and finding the balance between trusting your baby’s timeline and knowing when to seek support.

Mind, Body & Baby

Posted 24 July 2025. 

The blog features Dr. Allison discussing how early movement shapes brain development, focus and emotional regulation. She explains that she founded Tots On Target to teach parents the “why” behind milestones and that she uses her Instagram community and the

 Tot Spot membership to support parents. The article emphasizes that “movement builds the brain” and is the foundation for skills such as writing, reading and emotional regulation. It reminds parents that babies have a range of normal for milestones and urges them to focus on quality of movement rather than rushing progress.

Body+Soul

This article quotes Dr. Mell encouraging adults to spend time lying on their stomachs (adult “tummy time”) to relieve muscular tension and strengthen postural muscles, mirroring the benefits of tummy time for babies.

The Adult and Pediatric Institute Podcast

Episode released 25 Apr 2025. 

The podcast description explains that Dr. Mell talks about how movement affects emotional regulation, sensory integration and social development for autistic children. She offers practical strategies for parents to build a strong foundation for their child’s growth.

The C-Section Experience Podcast

Episode released 8 Apr 2025. 

According to the description, hosts Jen and Bethany talk with Dr. Allison about how parents, particularly those with babies born via C‑section or prematurely, can advocate for their child’s physical development. She discusses motor milestones, the benefits of tummy time and open floor play, limiting time in containers, and the differences between pediatric physical therapy and occupational therapy.

JlifeNJ

Published 1 July 2025. 

The article profiles Dr. Allison Mell and her platform Tots On Target. It explains that Mell is a pediatric physical therapist with 15 years’ experience and a mother of four. She created the Milestone Mastery continuing education course for physical and occupational therapists and Tot Spot membership to teach parents how early movement (rolling, crawling, sitting, walking) supports brain development and emotional regulation. The article notes that Tots On Target serves families in over 70 countries and emphasises that early motor skills lay the foundation for later skills like writing and attention. 

JewishLink

Article dated 22 May 2025. 

Dr. Allison wrote about the importance of early milestones. She stresses that rolling, crawling and other early movements build bilateral coordination and are crucial for later skills such as posture, attention and handwriting. Skipping or rushing milestones can lead to challenges; she urges parents to let babies explore floor time and encourage crawling before walking.