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From podcasts to INTERnational media, Tots On Target is leading the conversation on baby milestones
Recent Features
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.
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.Â
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.
