Archive - Growing up WEIRD

Telling children stories about their microbiomes

We know that a child's microbiome supports their health, but their microbes can help you in other ways too...

Mar 31 • Guen Bradbury

Also melatonin supplements, breastfeeding and dental disease, and co-sleepers and sleep synchronisation

Mar 25 • Guen Bradbury

38:39

Why don't my children have mattresses?

Mattresses are an obligatory part of WEIRD culture. It's easy to see the benefits, but how do they affect health?

Mar 17 • Guen Bradbury

How should kids play football?

Also antibiotic prophylaxis in labour, how childhood experiences shape adult fitness, and how salt drives metabolic syndrome

Mar 10 • Guen Bradbury

36:42

When should children play football?

Industrialised football can harm children in a variety of ways. How can we set children up to get the best of the game?

Mar 3 • Guen Bradbury

February 2026

How bad is salt?

Also sorbitol and fatty liver disease, and early-life adversity and health

Feb 24 • Guen Bradbury

33:09

How much should we restrict salt for babies?

Guidelines say never feed salted food to babies. Is this always necessary?

Feb 18 • Guen Bradbury

First hundred hours of life

Also risky play, dishwasher detergents, and gaming and sleep

Feb 10 • Guen Bradbury

28:44

How do we set up a baby for better health in their first hundred hours?

Setting up better lifelong health in the first hundred hours of a baby’s life

Feb 3 • Guen Bradbury

January 2026

Also repetition and learning, vegetarian and vegan diets for children, and risk of mortality in home and hospital birth

Jan 27 • Guen Bradbury

39:36

Is tummy time necessary?

The evidence from WEIRD cultures say yes. But is it always the best way to help babies develop upper body strength and motor skills?

Jan 20 • Guen Bradbury

Better treats for children

Also stress responses, movement and school performance, and staying positive

Jan 13 • Guen Bradbury

45:09

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