Your Child’s Development. Your Confidence. Built Together.
Leading paediatric physiotherapist empowering parents to turn everyday moments into powerful opportunities for play, connection and development.
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About Me
Hi, I’m Nicole
I'm a paediatric physiotherapist with more than 15 years of experience, mum of two, and founder of Western Kids Health.
I'm the host of the Baby Banter Podcast, upcoming author of Purposeful Play, and National Paediatric Chair for the Australian Physiotherapy Association (2023-2026).
I've worked with thousands of families navigating those early questions about development, movement and milestones. This is where I share the resources, tools and ideas I recommend most to parents. Whether you're looking for reassurance, practical guidance or deeper support, you'll find a place to start here.
Free Resources
Completely free resources I’ve created to help parents feel more confident supporting their child’s development.
Free Milestone Guide
A beautiful visual of the mini milestones and when to check in.
Free Toy Guide
A guide to what type of toys to buy from birth to five.
Free
Reflux Guide
Positioning and play for babies with reflux.
Join Play Academy
Baby Academy and Toddler Academy are an online membership for parents who want expert guidance and support through their child’s early development.
Baby Academy
Expert support from 0 to 18 months
An online monthly membership designed for parents who want to give their baby the best start to life. Inside you’ll find practical ideas for play, movement and early communication, along with on hand support from experienced therapists.
Toddler Academy
Expert support from 15 to 36 months
An online monthly membership designed for parents who want to support and optimise their toddler’s development. You’ll find guidance on behaviour, talking, play, movement and risk play, along with on hand support from experienced therapists.
Book an appointment
Are you worried about your child or baby’s development?
My team and I at Western Kids Health are here to help. Our experienced paediatric physiotherapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists and dietitians work closely with families to understand each child’s development and provide clear, practical guidance.
LISTEN TO THE BABY BANTER PODCAST
My Top Episodes
“When Do I Start Toilet Training?” with Katrina Cadwell →
On this episode of Baby Banter we talk all things Toilet Training with special expert guest, Karina Caldwell, a paediatric continence physiotherapist.
Starting Solids with Dr. Kyla →
In month 4 Earth-side we are preparing for solids and special guest Dr Kyla, paediatric dietitian. We cover when to start, how to start, and why to start.
Reframing Risky Play And Why It Is Crucial To Development →
Join Nicole Pates on Baby Banter Podcast as she delves into the captivating world of ‘Risky Play’. Separating myths from facts, Nicole explores the benefits, challenges, and importance of embracing this concept in a child's development.
Playlists
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Join Nicole Pates on Baby Banter Podcast as she delves into the captivating world of ‘Risky Play’. Separating myths from facts, Nicole explores the benefits, challenges, and importance of embracing this concept in a child's development.
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In month 4 Earth-side we are preparing for solids and special guest Dr Kyla, paediatric dietitian, is here to answer all of Monique and Helen's questions when to start, how to start, why to start...
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Welcome to Toddlerhood! Join paediatric physiotherapist Nicole Pates as she dives deep into the world of play, development, and parenting.
Amazon Storefront
My favourite toys and books to support your little ones development.
Partnership with Tiny Sparks
Nurturing WA NICU Families
I'm thrilled to announce that Western Kids Health has partnered with Tiny Sparks to bring new playgroup and connection offerings to NICU families in 2026. Alongside the free 12-month Nurturing NICU Families Play Academy membership for WA families coming home from the neonatal intensive care unit, we now offer three ways to connect: an online Parents Circle for recently discharged families, a Baby Playgroup for NICU graduates not yet walking, and a Toddler Playgroup for little ones up to age 3. All groups have capped numbers and a Wellness Policy applies for in-person sessions.
Appreciate my Instagram?
If you want to say thanks for my content or general advice in my dm's you can now buy me a coffee.
Helpful Resources
Helpful articles and resources parents frequently ask me about.
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When your little one is diagnosed with Development Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) it can be a stressful and uncertain time. This course is chock full of helpful tips to help you feel calm and confident to support your little one with feeding, playing and sleeping whilst in the brace. You and your baby can focus on your connection and having fun. Includes explanations, images and videos. Check out the course here: https://academy.westernkidshealth.com/ddh-baby-play/
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We get hundreds of messages from parents of little ones about Tummy Time being difficult, stressful, overwhelming and well... just unenjoyable! This guide is chock full of helpful tips to help you and your baby not only enjoy tummy time, but also offer alternatives to stimulate development. Includes explanations, images and videos. Check it out the tummy time guide here: https://academy.westernkidshealth.com/tummy-time/
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Why does my baby always have their hands in their mouth? I wrote an article here to help you understand why: https://westernkidshealth.com/early-intervention/mouthing-in-babies/
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I wrote an article about the myths, the facts and when to worry. You can read it here: https://westernkidshealth.com/early-intervention/w-sitting-why-the-drama/
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Did you know your baby’s posture, position and support can influence the success of introducing solids? I wrote an article here for Stokke about Baby's Sitting Posture & its Effect on Introducing Solids. Read it here: https://stokkeshop.com.au/blogs/1/baby-posture-solids
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Do you have a little one and looking for some gumboots come winter for puddle hunting fun? Check out my favourite recommendations here: https://academy.westernkidshealth.com/blog/rain-boots/
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Recently Nicole's nearly 4 year old daughter learnt to ride a bike, without training wheels. It is a huge achievement. She was stoked. Watching her little face light up was everything. Followed up by staying at a caravan park a week later her confidence to ride and meet new friends.. this skill opened up so many new doors in her development & physical fitness. Many parents sent messages and emails asking "HOW did you teach her?! How can we encourage it?" Read how here: https://academy.westernkidshealth.com/blog/learn-to-ride/
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Check out my favourite board games for toddlers here: https://academy.westernkidshealth.com/blog/board-games/
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Are suspended jumpers safe for infants? Do they help development? Read here to find out: https://academy.westernkidshealth.com/blog/jolly-jumpers/
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Head to the Western Kids Health Website here: https://westernkidshealth.com/
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Is your child extra flexible? Been told they're "hypermobile" and not sure what that means? In this evidence-based guide, I break down what hypermobility is, the Beighton score, why we don't rush to diagnose in childhood (but we don't wait and see either), and when to check in. Plus the handwriting, flat feet, and orthotics questions I get asked every single week. Read it here: https://westernkidshealth.com/complex-care/hypermobility-normal-or-not/