The Baby Tribe

Is your child's mental health hiding in plain sight? This week's episode of the Baby Tribe podcast tackles the monumental subject of childhood mental health and parenting. We reflect on our own experiences growing up under protective parents and discuss how open communication can better equip children to handle life's challenges. We dive deep into cultural differences in parenting s...

Unlock the secrets of your child's respiratory health as we team up with Prof. Basil El Nazir, the paediatric respiratory physician and cystic fibrosis expert, to guide you through the maze of coughs and colds that every parent dreads. Discover the breakthrough RSV vaccine that's set to revolutionize how we protect our littlest ones from this common and sometimes serious virus. It's...

In this episode, Dr. Orla Walsh and the hosts delve into the world of children's eating habits. They explore the common issue of picky eating, sharing personal anecdotes and tips for encouraging diverse diets without pressure. They highlight the importance of patience, small portions, and involving kids in meal prep to cultivate adventurous eaters. The discussion shifts to the challenges face...

Ever felt like you needed a translator to understand what your teen is saying? Well, today's digital terrain is no less perplexing, which is why we've got a cyber psychologist, Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, on board to steer us through the maze of gaming, social media, and screen time. We're cracking the code on those baffling acronyms and emojis, while also laying down some serious groun...

As parents, we all start out with a playbook that seems destined for revision. During this episode, we can't help but chuckle over the transformations we've seen in ourselves—from the meticulous planners fretting over every sniffle our firstborns encountered, to the more assured, adaptable guardians of our later children. Our discussion traverses this relatable metamorphosis, offering su...

Discover the transformative power of touch and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting as we take you through the highs and lows of raising little ones. Our conversation brings laughter and empathy to your parenting journey, whether you're navigating the NICU or just trying to get an apology out of a toddler. We share how the simplest gestures, like the hand hugs and bonding squares in the n...

Unlock the mysteries of preterm birth and its lifelong impact on health with our latest Baby Tribe podcast episode. We're joined by an expert in adult respiratory and intensive care, who brings a wealth of paediatric knowledge to the table, and together we offer a beacon of hope to parents of preterm infants. From the laugh-inducing tales of my car's 'romance mode' to a discuss...

Some misconceptions about parenting and child development need to be put to rest. That's precisely what Katie and I tackle head-on in our latest Baby Tribe podcast episode. We zero in on one tenacious falsehood: the supposed link between vaccines and autism. We demystify the science and underscore the dangers of such misinformation, including the resurgence of preventable diseases like measle...

Listen in as we shine a light on the various types of sugars infiltrating the diets of infants and toddlers. With a paediatrician's eye for detail, we break down the definitions of free sugars and their less-known counterparts, emphasizing the importance of understanding what goes into our children's meals. From breastfeeding versus formula feeding to the introduction of solid foods, we...

Ever feel like you're running a marathon trying to keep your kids active, and you're not even the one breaking a sweat? Tune in as we tackle the hurdles of holiday health and activity with our energetic offspring. We're joined by the powerhouse herself, Anna Geary, whose athletic prowess and wisdom as a mother shine a light for us on and off the field. Together, we'll explore t...

Unlock the secrets to balancing family life with the digital world as we take a heartfelt look at parenting in the era of screens. We share relatable stories that are sure to bring a smile—from our children's amusing digital faux pas to the moments we've all guiltily handed over a tablet to buy some peace and quiet. Yet, we also tackle the tougher topics, like the research that probes in...

Unlock the secrets to bolstering your child's development through the joyous realm of play, as we share insights that traverse from rolling balls to screen time's intricate dance with young minds. This episode encapsulates the essence of nurturing cognitive growth and problem-solving skills, all while balancing the digital world with the irreplaceable benefits of physical activity. Toget...

Join us on the Baby Tribe podcast where Katie and Afif unpack the intricate tapestry of parenting styles, shaped by cultural backgrounds and generational shifts. Listen in as we share personal tales and explore how parenting techniques, such as the classic counting method, are redefined across cultures. From Irish to Arab parenting nuances, and from managing diverse disciplinary needs within a sin...

Well, we finally reconnected after what felt like an eternity, we didn't expect our catch-up to be a riotous journey through the rollercoaster of parenting. From the tender early years to the eye-rolling teen phase, we share the comical, yet profound shifts in our kids' views of us, alongside the evolution of our parenting tactics - because, let's face it, what works for child numbe...

Buckle up for an enlightening journey as we navigate the complex world of parenthood and obstetrics with the exceptional Anne Doherty, a consultant anesthesiologist specializing in high-risk obstetric anesthesia. Ever wonder how a healthcare professional, specifically an anesthesiologist, experiences the maternity ward from both sides? From the joys and challenges of raising two teenagers, to shed...

Ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of Christmas in a household with two different faiths? Join us, your hosts Katie and Afif , as we share a slice of our own life, blending our faiths during the Christmas season and even throwing a beloved Irish tradition into the mix. But that's not all, with Afif's glitter-phobia and our mutual love for the Late Late Toy Show, there's...

In this Episode, we share insights on the intricacies of antibiotics, their use and misuse, and the alarming reality of resistance that stems from overuse. Whether it's the pressure on medical practitioners to prescribe, or the misconceptions among parents about antibiotic use for their children, we're tackling it all and advocating for the crucial role of antibiotic stewardship. We also...

In this essential episode of, we delve into the critical topic of car seat safety for our littlest passengers. We unravel the complexities of choosing the right car seat, ensuring proper installation, and understanding the latest safety guidelines.  We also sit down with Minister Helen McEntee, Ireland's Minister for Justice, to explore her career in politics, her parenting journey including...

Flathead syndrome: We unravel the mystery behind plagiocephaly, a condition that causes a baby's head to appear unusually flat. We discuss the symptoms, causes, and different types of plagiocephaly: positional and craniosynostosis. Katie & Afif assure us that this condition doesn't put pressure on the baby's brain nor affect their development and also share practical advice on p...

Ever thought about the toll gestational diabetes could take on newborns? We offer an enlightening perspective on the risks of gestational diabetes such as preterm labor, larger than average babies, breathing issues, and low blood sugars.  As we navigate this complex terrain, we aim to simplify these medical matters into easy-to-understand dialogues, giving expectant mothers the much-needed reassur...

Join us this week on Baby Tribe as we immerse ourselves in a comprehensive conversation about pediatric food allergies. We're thrilled to have Professor Jonathan Hourihane, a globally recognized allergy specialist, enlightening us on this topic. As we talk about introducing solids, breastfeeding, and allergy-inducing foods, Professor Hourihane sheds light on the recent research suggesting the...

Ever wondered why the media portrays babies sleeping amidst fluffy pillows and cuddly teddy bears as adorable, when in reality, such actions could potentially increase their risk if SIDS? Let's debunk the glittering misconceptions the media feeds, and have an honest conversation about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the importance of safe sleep practices for infants. Join us as we dis...

Are you curious about the hot debate surrounding baby physiological monitors? We get into the nuances of these devices, exploring both traditional models and advanced physiological monitors, which track your baby's heart rate, oxygen levels, and more. While they may seem like a godsend for anxious parents, we uncover some  truths, questioning if they are just heightening parental anxiety and...

In this episode, we start off with a deep dive into childhood fever, debunking common myths and providing practical advice on how to monitor your child's temperature without the constant worry. Our conversation then transitions with Dr Doireann O'Leary to a reflective exploration of the unexpected surprises and challenges that come with parenthood. The involvement of grandparents, the ov...

In this episode, we explore the increasing incidence of preterm births and the difficulties they bring along, particularly in feeding. By sharing our personal experiences and emphasizing the necessity of parental education, we hope to shed light on these issues. Be it the need for supplemental feeding, watching out for symptoms of underdeveloped lungs, or the apnea of prematurity, we leave no ston...