Western Sydney University launches ‘bowtiful’ new season of BabyLab podcast hosted by The Wiggles star Emma Watkins

Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University’s MARCS BabyLab, in partnership with LiSTNR, have launched a new season of the BabyLab podcast series, created to help parents understand how babies learn, grow and develop.

Hosted by The Wiggles star and Australian children’s entertainer, Emma Watkins, nine new episodes cover topics that are important to parents. Each episode includes conversations with parents and experts across Western Sydney University, from neuroscience experts and clinical psychologists to leaders in maternal, infant, and family health.

Professor Sue Hespos, Leader of the MARCS BabyLab said the new season is an exciting initiative that translates the current research on child development into fun, bite-sized parenting ‘hacks’ for modern Mums and Dads.

“As one of the leading infant research centres in Australia, we are excited to share the latest research and findings with parents and caregivers of young children,” said Professor Hespos.

“Here at the MARCS BabyLab, we specialise in evidence-based studies that answer the very same questions that everyday parents are asking about raising their children. We champion an integrative approach to parenting acknowledging that there is no single correct path to development.

“We marvel at the incredible things going on inside a baby’s mind and researching answers to common parenting concerns such as the positive and negative aspects of screen time, understanding the many benefits of raising a bilingual child, and knowing when your baby should be hitting certain milestones – and why it might not matter if they don’t.”

Western Sydney University experts featured in the new season of the BabyLab podcast include:

  • Dr Genevieve Quek – MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development
  • Dr Antonia Goetz – MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development
  • Professor Sue Hespos – Leader of the MARCS BabyLab; MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development
  • Dr Karen Mattock –MARCS Institute for Brain Behaviour and Development; School of Psychology
  • Professor Caroline Jones – MARCS Institute for Brain Behaviour and Development
  • Dr Liquan Liu – MARCS Institute for Brain Behaviour and Development; School of Psychology
  • Professor Paola Escudero – MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development
  • Dr Frances Doyle – MARCS Institute for Brain Behaviour and Development; School of Psychology; Translational Health Research Institute
  • Professor Jorge Serrador – MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development
  • Dr Sandra Garrido – MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development; School of Psychology
  • Professor Virginia Schmied – School of Nursing and Midwifery; Translational Health Research Institute
  • Associate Professor Elise Baker – School of Health Sciences
  • Adjunct Fellow Dr Kate Short – School of Nursing and Midwifery; South Western Sydney Local Health District

Podcast host Emma Watkins told LiSTNR she is absolutely thrilled to be hosting the second season of the BabyLab podcast.

“The work that has been done in the child development space is so important. Through this podcast I hope to make this research accessible to parents as we embark on a journey to answer the essential questions that inevitably arise from the beautiful, complex, fun, and challenging world of raising babies.”

Season two of the BabyLab podcast launches today, with each of the nine episodes dropping weekly every Wednesday morning. Listen to Episode One of the new season here via LiSTNR .

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