Capital Parent February 2015 by Great River Media inc.

Is your baby reaching those important milestones? page 3

Top developmental toys for babies page 11

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FEBRUARY 2015 | FREE | CapitalParent.ca | Ottawa’s Parenting Toolbox

OH BABY! Baby photography, baby wearing, best books for babies and more!

New Preschool Child Care Program • 2.5 years and older • Located at Farley Mowat Public School in Barrhaven • A quality Ministry of Education Licensed Program • Experienced, qualified Early Childhood Educators • Exciting developmentally appropriate programming • 7:00 am – 5:45 pm Monday – Friday

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From The Editor

ANDREA TOMKINS andrea@capitalparent.ca

THERE IS MORE GREAT STUFF ONLINE AT

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Welcome to our first annual baby issue! It’s been awhile since my husband and I have had babies in the house, but that doesn’t mean I love those chubby little bundles any less. Whether you’re a brand new parent or revisiting babyhood with a second or third child, we’ve got some great information for you this month. Our article from Ottawa Public Health is all about milestones. Flip to page three for some great resources to help you answer some big questions. And although you may be feeling weary during the first few days of parenthood, CP contributor Sarah Niman will inspire you to snap some great photos of your newborn, or at least hire someone who can do the job for you. (We’re not above delegating the important stuff!) Speaking of baby photos, if you answered our call on our Facebook and Twitter pages and submitted a baby photo, you will definitely want to check page 7! You will have a chuckle while reading Lynn Jatania’s column about her experience with potty training. Misty Pratt shares the scoop on babywearing, and our resident toy expert, Marcia MacQuarrie, shares some great developmental toys for babies on page 10. For the Editor’s Fave column this month I decided to focus on board books that got a lot of attention in our earliest days as a family. Reading time was always a big deal in our house (it still is!), and as eager readers ourselves, we started when our daughters were infants. My eldest was always very serious – almost studious – about reading time, even as an infant. She was always very still, so absorbed in whatever we were reading, and loved nothing more than to curl up in the crook of an arm for a book or two (or four or ten). Our youngest was different. She would never stay still for long and although the books couldn’t hold her attention in the same way, she loved reading all the same. Both girls had something in common, they both started reading later than we had anticipated. My husband and I assumed that the millions of words we’d read together would result in early readers, but this wasn’t the case. (However, they did memorize many of the books we read together, because we read them so frequently!) When they were a bit older we started with chapter books, reading one chapter out loud before bed every night. It was a wonderful opportunity to revisit all of our old favourites: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Secret Garden, Charlotte’s Web. One of the last books we read together as a family was the Harry Potter series, and then my youngest went and read them alone, starting with the first one. Happily, both girls are now avid readers who love language and really enjoy immersing themselves in a good book, just like their mum. Maybe we did something right after all?

We want to hear from you! We love to hear from our readers. Email your feedback to editor@CapitalParent.ca or leave a comment on our Facebook page. Thank you! 2 FEBRUARY 2015 | C a p i t a l P a r e n t . c a |

editor ’s

faves

EDITOR Andrea Tomkins andrea@capitalparent.ca twitter.com/capitalparent CONTRIBUTORS Katharine Fletcher • Jason Haug • Lynn Jatania • Marcia MacQuarrie • Sara McConnell • Sarah Niman • Misty Pratt

>Goodnight Moon Goodnight Moon is a classic. We loved the quiet and peaceful text. (“Say goodnight to the old lady, whispering hush.”) It’s a great choice for bedtime because it practically lulls kids to sleep.

@CapitalParent |

COPY EDITOR Judith van Berkom CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes 613-238-1818 ext. 253 creative@greatriver.ca

>Big Red Barn I wish I’d kept track of how many times we read the Big Red Barn out loud to our daughters. In hindsight I wish we had thought to make a mark on the back cover every time we were asked to read it, just so we can bring it up at their weddings later.

>My Many Colored Days This little-known Dr. Seuss book was the first board book my husband and I bought our eldest daughter when she was born. The illustrations are wonderfully evocative, and relate colours to different emotions. The book gently encourages acceptance of all colours, whether we feel like a quiet green fish in the sea or a sad purple dinosaur.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Regan van Dusen regan@greatriver.ca Jamie Dean jamie@greatriver.ca ADVERTISING Alison Stewart 613-238-1818 ext. 226 alison@obj.ca CAPITALPARENT is published by

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran V.P. SALES Don Mersereau don@greatriver.ca FINANCE Jackie Whalen 613-238-1818 ext. 250 jackie@greatriver.ca 250 CITY CENTRE DR. SUITE 500, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K7

capitalparent.ca Capital Parent Newspaper is a monthly publication. 15,000 copies of each issue are printed and distributed across Ottawa, wherever families are found.

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Mark Sutcliffe mark@greatriver.ca

For more great reads for babies, don’t miss our librarian-approved list on page 9!

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CARING FOR KIDS

Is my child on track?

A great feature of the NDDS is that you can sign up to get email alerts at key periods during a child’s development. Find out more about this tool at Ottawa.ca/ndds.

BY JASON HAUG, PROGRAM & PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICER, OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH

arents love to talk about their child’s milestones. A scroll through Facebook for example, can be full of photos and posts from parents about first spoken words, first steps, and early forays into reading and writing. These posts are encouraging, but can also be disheartening or worrying. Sometimes when you see what other children around your child’s age are doing it can leave you wondering if your own child is on track. Fortunately there are screening tools available that can help you find out if your child is developing normally. The Nippissing District Developmental Screen and the NutriSTEP® nutritional screen give parents key information about a child’s development. Early identification and follow-up of potential problems are an important way to ensure children are on track.

THE NIPPISSING DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT SCREEN (NDDS) The Nippissing District Development Screen (NDDS) is a free and easy-touse checklist for parents and caregivers of children aged one month to six years. It is available in English, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Spanish. The screening tool gives parents and caregivers a better understanding of a child’s development in eight key areas: • Emotional • Fine Motor (skills including use of hands and fingers – i.e. drawing) • Gross Motor (skills including use of legs and arms – i.e. running)

• Social • Self-Help • Communication • Learning and Thinking • Vision and Hearing This tool does not diagnose medical issues or developmental delays. It is used to identify potential problems that should be referred to your family doctor or a public health nurse. Sometimes parents just need some tips or activities that will help their child reach their milestones. The NDDS includes lists of activities to help children learn age-appropriate skills.

NUTRISTEP® NutriSTEP® is a free screening tool that gives parents and caregivers a better understanding of a child’s eating habits and physical activity level. There are two versions: one for toddlers (18-35 months) and one for preschoolers (3-5 years). The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and is available in eight languages: English, French, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tamil, and Vietnamese This tool is very important for your child, as food choices affect growth and development and can have long term affects such as malnutrition, obesity, behavioural difficulties, and problems with academic performance. There are a few ways you can complete the NutriSTEP® questionnaire: By phone: Complete the NutriSTEP®survey with the help of health care providers by calling the

• Preschool, Kindergarten & Elementary Grades 1-6 • Independent, Non-Profit Co-Ed School • Enriched Curriculum, Extended French & Extended Gym • Low Student-To-Teacher Ratio • Before & After School Programs

Ottawa Public Health information line at 613-580-6744 or by calling Eat Right Ontario at 1-877-510-5102 to speak with a Registered Dietitian In person: Attend a local screening clinic to meet with a public health nurse. For a list of local screenings for children from birth to age six, go to ottawa.ca/en/node/310946. Online: Complete the form online at nutritionscreen.ca and receive immediate personalized feedback. Mail: Call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-5806744 and ask to receive a free copy of the NutriSTEP® questionnaire to complete at home by mail. Do you have questions about child development, or about other parenting topics? Check out the new Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page at facebook. com/ParentinginOttawa. You can also visit ottawa.ca/health or call 613-5806744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). Connect with OPH on Facebook (facebook. com/ottawahealth), Tumblr (ottawahealth.tumblr.com) Twitter (twitter. com/OttawaHealth), and on Pinterest (pinterest.com/otthealthsante).

Now accepting registrations for the 2015-2016 school year.

613.746.0255

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50 Vaughan Street, Ottawa, ON K1M 1X1 FEBRUARY 2015 3

THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM

Toilet training a pack of party poopers LYNN JATANIA

hen you’re knee deep in the baby years – the sleepless nights, the constant laundry, the need to pack several bags’ worth of equipment just to go to the grocery store – it seems like it will never come an end and you’ll be mired in spit and drool forever. But there actually is a grand finale. A concrete, you’ve made it, all done with the baby stuff marker, and it’s this: toilet training. One last battle of parenting just to prove you’ve got the true grit to handle the looming conflict of the teen years (or to become a U.S. Marshall in the wild west, you know, whichever). We had our three kids fairly close together, and that was by design. We always swore that if we ever got to the stage where they were all out of diapers, that was it, we’d be done. Those of you who have trained one, been free, then gone back in for another round of Huggies and Pampers, I salute you – you’re made of tougher stuff than I. Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.

Over here, however, there was a time when we had two in diapers; then we moved up to one sort of mostly daytime trained, one just starting her training-resistance campaign, and one still having regular blow outs ten minutes before we had to leave the house. It was full on diaper war, and we were knee deep in the poop. One of my fondest memories is of cleaning a messy diaper at our in-bathroom change table, while walking the oldest through the process of wiping his own bottom on the potty, while my husband emergency airlifted the middle one out of the bathtub because someone had peed in it. There just wasn’t much to do but laugh, keep calm, and carry on. But all things must come to an end, and us parents, we band of brothers, must eventually bite the bullet and set the nappies aside. Deep breath; we’re going in, and we won’t be back until it’s over, over there. You’re going to need a potty, or a potty seat, or both, or several – one in every room is probably a good place to start. You’ll need books, many books, books that make flushing sound effects and that give you the giggles with their

talk of tinkles and poo poo. You’ll need a stool or a recliner or something else to sit on while you spend hours and hours in the bathroom, cajoling and pleading and threatening – maybe move your iPhone charger and your laptop into the washroom, too. No one is going to judge you if you dig out a bag of last year’s leftover Halloween candy from the depths of the pantry and leave it suggestively on the back of the toilet. You’ll be amazed at how quickly other people’s waste elimination cycles become part of your thoughts. You’ll say things to your spouse like, “We can’t leave for the mall yet, it’s ten more minutes until we have another potty time scheduled,” and your spouse will nod and understand that building your life around bathroom breaks is a perfectly normal way to live. You’ll find yourself muttering, “It’s a process,” over and over again as you wonder if putting baking soda and vinegar on the carpet is going to make the smell better or worse. And maybe, if you’re a real loose cannon like us, you’ll even attempt a road trip during the campaign, and trust me – you haven’t known excitement until you’ve made a seven hour drive

with a toilet training toddler. They just don’t get the idea of Effective Rest Stop Management – an hour at a scheduled stop yields nothing, only to have an emergency ten minutes down the road. So here’s my advice: get yourself a small potty and put it right in the back of the van, and be ready to leap into service at a moment’s notice. When you hear the pee-signal from the back seat – “PEE PEE MOMMY!” – pull over, pop the hatch, get the kid’s pants down, and plunk them right on that potty. Then spend the next 15 minutes at the side of the highway, huddling in the cold and rain while your toddler gleefully watches “BIG TRUCKS, MOMMY” from the sheltered comfort of the back of the van, pleading for results and explaining that no, one cannot ride home while sitting on the potty in the back, because there are no safety restraints in the cargo area. It’s still a good idea, though, trust me. You’ll just have to get used to making “vroom vroom whoosh!” noises every time your kid needs to use the potty for the next year or so, but it’s a small price to pay for diaper freedom. Good luck on the warpath!

ParENtiNg BloGs

we LOve

CHEO Moms and Dads BY LYNN JATANIA

ecoming a parent is a thrilling, amazing, and wonderful experience – but it can also be worrisome and overwhelming. That’s why we love the CHEO Moms and Dads blog (cheomoms.com), a group blog featuring help and advice from many different parents who have been in the trenches and know the way out. We’ve all wondered if our kid is normal, if we should be concerned, or how we should deal with a parenting crisis that we never saw coming. The CHEO group has plenty of calming words and sensible thoughts on everything from how to keep your kids active and prepare your home for emergencies, to dealing with the ongoing sleep disruption (yours and theirs!). There are many heartfelt, personal stories from parents of preemies, parents of kids who have been in accidents, and parents with ongoing challenges who are helped by the programs at the children’s hospital. It’s all very upbeat though – this is the place to come when you want to feel like your parenting skills really are strong, are growing, and are going to get your family through anything and every4 FEBRUARY 2015 | c a p i t a l p a r e n t . c a |

thing with fun and good humour. It’s authored by a few great local bloggers – from well-known names like Mike Reynolds of Puzzling Posts and Crystal McLeod of Ottawa Valley Moms, to new voices we’ve been excited to discover. There’s even the occasional post from a doctor at the hospital, with great information on health issues that affect every family. And the best part? Since it’s a collaborative effort, the CHEO Moms and Dads blog is always looking for new points of view to share. If you’re a blogger, or always wanted to be one, maybe now is the time to jump in. There are so many facets to the life of a parent – we can all learn something from someone else’s story.

Notable Quote

I’ve figured out the way to stop my energy from being sapped – don’t remain seated after dinner! Mary and I tidy up, and then we’re out the door - we have been walking facebook.com/CapitalParent |

Add the CHEO Moms and Dads blog (cheomoms.com) to your reading list! You will definitely find some useful information on this group blog..

to the new park together. Mary is happy to play for an hour or so, and I get some muchneeded fresh air and a bit of exercise. We’ve recently hit a milestone in our park outings. Mary walked there and back all by herself. I couldn’t be prouder. On previous outings, my daughter had developed the interesting habit that as soon as her legs felt a smidge tired, she dropped dramatically to the sidewalk and asked to be carried or pulled in the wagon. It took several weeks to build up to this moment. I would keep asking her to walk just a little bit further, until it was no

@capitalparent |

problem at all. Isn’t that exactly how adults have to reach health and exercise milestones? A little bit at a time. Slow and steady wins the race. I am happy to see that my artsy daughter is appreciating the outdoors and getting some exercise. It’s all too easy to plop her at the table with paints or in front of the TV if I am feeling low energy, but just as adults have to commit to exercise for their health, so do kids.

Read the rest of this post by contributing blogger Samantha Ball, at CHEO Moms and Dads (cheomoms.com).

p i n t e r e s t . c o m /c a p i t a l p a r e n t /

NATURE NOTES

14thannual

Find a hidden world beneath the snowy surface

CAPITALPARENT & Kids Show

Tickets on Sale Now

BY KATHARINE FLETCHER

hen we’re enjoying being outdoors we rarely give thought to what’s going on beneath our feet, skis and snowshoes. But wait a moment! When you’re out and about in winter – even in your backyard or urban parks, have you ever noticed the head of a red squirrel suddenly pop out of a hole in the snow? Have you ever been skiing along Jack Pine, Vincent Massey or Gatineau Park trails, only to have a ruffed grouse “explode” out of the snow, beside you as you ski or snowshoe by?. Even if you’ve not seen or experienced such things, start watching – and I bet you’ll notice the under-the-snow tunnels all around us.

What kind of critters around Ottawa reside in the subnivean world? Read on and find out!

Not surprisingly, this “secret” – or at least, hidden – habitat has its very own name. It’s called the subnivean world. This word is derived from Latin: “sub” means “under,” and “nives” means “snow.” (Perhaps this is why Nivea face cream takes this Latin word, too, for skin “as white and pure as snow” – don’t you think?) Many animals go under the snow, using it as shelter from the supranivean (above the snow) very bitter cold. So what kind of critters around Ottawa reside in the subnivean world? Voles, mice, red squirrels and shrews tunnel underneath the snow, using its shelter to live, breathe, and find food. (Special tip: In spring, you find these creatures’ tunnels in the earth, creeping like the effective network they truly are from a hole in the ground, snaking over the soil to a tree trunk, for instance.) IT’S A COZY WORLD Tunnels permit animals to forage for food such as roots, grass, bark, and also insects and their eggs and pupae. Natural elements, such as rocks and fallen

branches assist these secretive tunnelers to create their networks. Trapped air allows them to breathe, and also allows filtered light to penetrate through the snow cover. As well, heat is trapped between the soil surface and bottom of the snow, which helps these mammals stay warm, and expend less energy than they would scampering about in the supranivean’s harsh winds. Remember I mentioned the openings of the tunnels? These “doorways” offer escape from supranivean predators such as domestic cats, foxes and coyotes – but they also offer another major element: ventilation. Carbon dioxide accumulates in the subnivean world, both from animals’ respiration and from carbon dioxide being released from the earth. Therefore, these doorways are important fresh-air vents. ESCAPE FROM PREDATORS? NOT SO MUCH. Life is hard for wildlife, and even though tunnels would appear to provide safety for voles, mice, shrews and squirrels, predators also use them. Now, what animal is particularly well adapted to tunnels, do you think? Weasels! With their tube-shaped, thin bodies, weasels fit into tunnels really well and are prime predators in the subnivean world. Owls, coyotes and foxes are serious predators for these small rodents, too. They all have superb hearing and can actually hear their prey scampering about beneath the snow. Owls can dive, talons-first, into snow and retrieve a mouse dinner. Foxes and coyotes will cock their heads, just like a pet dog, to detect movement, and will pounce to get a rodent meal. BE A SUBNIVEAN DETECTIVE! This winter, as you explore the outdoors, keep a watch out for clues. It’s not hard to find subnivean tunnels, and the tunnelers. The very best place to look for your first tunnel doorway to this secretive world is underneath a bird feeding station. All the rodents (voles, mice, squirrels) love birdseed and suet, and so they build tunnels to these delicious food sources. Also, watch for cats! Our two farm cats wait patiently beneath the bird feeding stations, not only for a bird, but they also wait beside a tunnel hole, hoping to catch a red squirrel. So far? Cats: 0! Squirrels: total success. No squirrels have been captured by cats! Check out the snow cover. Look for clues to the hidden, secret world beneath the snow!

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VISIT kidsfestottawa.ca FOR MORE INFORMATION @capitalparent #kidsfestOTT

THANK YOU TO OUR VALUED PARTNERS

Katharine Fletcher is a freelance writer who loves exploring her natural world. Contact her at fletcher.katharine@gmail.com. FEBRUARY 2015 5

FAMILY MATTERS

Plan to succeed. Whatever your plans, our personalized approach to financial planning can help make them a reality. Let me help you provide for the people you care about… now and over time.

This photo of Elodie Rose was taken by Daisy Ducharme of baby & belly photography, and submitted by Joelle Moffatt.

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Get advice. Contact me and get started today. ™ Trademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Investment products and services are offered through Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec, a Financial Services firm) and Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning). Investors Group Securities Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. MP1766 (10/2011)

“My wife and I definitely think this little dude’s pretty beautiful,” writes dad Dave Weatherall.

awesome authors youth writing contest

2015 Authors must be • Ages 9-17 • Library members

Meet some of Ottawa’s beautiful babies

e put the call out on Twitter and Facebook because we wanted to see your photos of your beautiful babies, and you delivered! Here are a few of our favourites. “Here is my beautiful baby boy, Dominic, at 8 days old!” writes mom Emily Ielo. This photo is by Melissa Morrissey Photography.

Meliss Bunn submitted this photo of her son William, who was 16 weeks when this was taken.

Categories • Poetry • Short Story Deadline February 16, 2015

Writing workshops Short Stories Offered by: Caroline Pignat

Poetry Offered by: JC Sulzenko

Friday, January 16, 2-3 p.m. Ages 9 to 12, Greenboro branch

Friday, January 16, 2-3 p.m. Ages 9 to 12, Centennial branch

Saturday, February 7, 2-3 p.m. Ages 13 to 17, Emerald Plaza branch

Saturday, January 10, 2-3 p.m. Ages 13 to 17, Beaverbrook branch

Online registration required

BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/AwesomeAuthors InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca 613-580-2940 6 FEBRUARY 2015 | c a p i t a l p a r e n t . c a |

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Baby photos that click BY SARAH NIMAN

bent over my fiveday-old twins, panicked with post-partum hormones, blasting their naked little bodies with the blow dryer, hoping neither would pee on the white rabbit skins upon which they lay. Good newborn pictures were so important to me, and this was not turning out like Pinterest promised. I thought my babies would fall asleep serenely, all squished together. My friend would snap away with her good camera, and we would have beautiful images of cherubic, tranquil twin babies. Instead, they were cold without clothes, wide awake, and wriggling away. Sometimes it’s easiest to go straight to the pros and hire a newborn photographer. Ottawa parents @capitalparent |

looking to hire professionals have a large pool of talented photographers from which to choose. Finding one in your location and price range, who meets your newborn’s needs, is as easy as a quick Internet search. With newborn photography increasing in popularity, friends and family can often provide recommendations. Many photographers can come to your home, and provide all necessary equipment and props. Pro tip: Take a good look through a photographer’s portfolio and their social media channels to see if you like their style. Parents who prefer to take their own pictures can set the scene in a matter of minutes, with some helpful advice from the professionals. Photographer and instructor Kristy Chapman (KristyChapmanPhotography.com) says the best Continued on page 7

p i n t e r e s t . c o m /c a p i t a l p a r e n t /

Jennifer Poitras’ daughter Éloïse is 10 months old.

Lane TomaltyTasker sent a few pictures of her son CJ. This one was a winner in our books!

We’d like to stay in touch with you Sign up for Capital Parent’s email newsletter to get the latest news, events, profiles & tips for Ottawa’s on-the-go need-to-know families. Bruce Emmett Gerald Allston was born October 10 2014. Dad Dave Allston wrote to say it was hard to pick a favorite photo!

Erin Hancock sent in this photo of Emmeline (Emmy), who was only a few days old when this was taken.

Kim Pattyson sent us this photo of her son Henry Robert Pattyson. He is 5 months old and we love his attitude. “Cute and crazy” is what mom (and Capital Parent graphic artist) Regan van Dusen calls this photo. “Since Katherine was a newborn, Nicholas has been going into her crib almost every morning. As you can see, Katherine is thrilled,” she writes.

Linh Ma Kennedy submitted this photo of her daughter Ellie.

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Are you the...

Thank you to everyone who sent in their photos. We wish we could have printed them all. Don’t miss the next call for beautiful baby photos! Follow us on Facebook for the latest news and contests from Capital Parent.

Continued from page 6 photos start with good lighting. “Place the baby near a natural light source, such as a window, and, if possible, cover the window with a sheer curtain to diffuse the light,” she says. Flash bulbs can wash out faces, making details like tiny eyelashes disappear amidst the glare. Clear the area of clutter, so babies become the focus of the picture, and not an opened box of wipes. Any camera with a zoom setting can focus in on baby’s face. “Try to fill the frame with baby,” she says. “Also, be sure to zoom into the little details, like tiny fingers and toes.” Chapman also warns parents to keep safety in mind. A picture of a baby suspend-

ed in a muslin sling looks sweet, but that doesn’t mean you should attempt it. “Many professional newborn images are photoshopped to remove the hands that are supporting the baby, or they are composite images - two images edited into one.” Expectant mama Alyssa Delle Palme plans to snap her own newborn photos, as she did with her 2-year-old son, Henry. “Have your outfits and props prepared ahead of time, so you’re organized and ready,” she says. Delle Palme says she is glad to have pictures of Henry as a newborn. “They change so quickly,” she says. “It’s incredible to see how small they were, and it’s like you get to

relive it.” Whether you hire a professional or use your camera, Chapman advises parents get in the frame. “You may feel tired, stressed or un-photogenic, but it is so important to get in those photos.” Another option becoming more popular with Ottawa parents is hiring a birth photographer. Ottawa birth photographer Amy Bundy of Amy Jay Photo (amyjayphoto. com) says inviting a professional with whom you have a good rapport relieves your partner of remembering the camera. “Handing that responsibility over to someone with the skill and talent to tell Continued on page 11

“Fostering has enriched us and our children in ways we could not imagine it would” -CAS Foster Parent Interested in learning more? Call 613-742-1620 ext.1 www.casott.on.ca

FEBRUARY 2015 7

FAMILY MATTERS

The benefits of babywearing (hint: there are many) BY MISTY PRATT

ecoming a new mom is a challenging time for many women. Lack of sleep, breastfeeding issues, and fussy babies have parents in search of ways to make the transition easier. Educators point to babywearing as a practice that can contribute to the mother-child bond and provide a way for fathers or partners to soothe fussy babies. “It is a biological norm for babies to be held” says babywearing advocate Tami Grosset. “In the early days of life, babywearing creates a womb outside the womb, which is beneficial to the baby as they learn about everyday life.” What’s more, babywearing can reduce muscle strains, and keeps hands and arms free to complete other tasks. Babywearing has been around since the beginning of time. The only way for women to continue caring for other children, cooking meals and gathering food was to strap their tiny babies onto their chests or backs using whatever materials they had on hand.

Thinking about babywearing? A good rule of thumb is to make sure your baby is visible and kissable. Easy enough to remember, right? PHOTO BY KIM BROOKS OF BREATHE IN PHOTOGRAPHY.

Parents today use car seats, bouncy chairs, cribs and playpens, which has contributed to increasing rates of hip dysplasia and plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) in infants. The design

Celebrate International Women’s Day with

Jully Black Sat. Feb. 28, 2015 7:30 pm NAC Theatre, Ottawa care.ca/events

A Night You Will Never Forget: CARE Canada and I Am Powerful Ottawa are pleased to host a fundraising concert by multiple Juno award winner and international recording artist Jully Black. This concert is a celebration in anticipation of International Women’s Day and will raise awareness and critical funds for CARE’s project to improve the health and nutrition of vulnerable women and children in Ethiopia. Tickets sold through the NAC and Ticketmaster

8 FEBRUARY 2015 | c a p i t a l p a r e n t . c a |

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of these devices often puts babies in unnatural positions for their age. Wraps, slings and carriers allow babies to sit in healthy positions, with their thighs supported and their knees bent. What’s more, carrying a baby may negate the need for “tummy time,” a practice that many babies do not enjoy. But what type of carrier is best? “I would suggest that the majority of babywearers manage perfectly well with just one carrier,” says Grosset. “Many soft structured carriers (like brands Ergo and Manduca), are ideal for carrying from newborn age all the way up to toddler and preschool ages.” Despite the practicality of babywearing, many parents are daunted by the cost, or don’t feel experienced enough to try out wraps and slings, some of which take a bit of practice to master. Fortunately, Ottawa is full of resources for parents who want more information about babywearing. Experienced staff at stores such as Milkface, Extraordinary Baby Shoppe, and Belly Laughs, can help parents choose the right type of carrier for their needs. Ottawa is also home to a large babywearing community – the Ottawa Babywearing Group (OBG) is active on Facebook and hosts regular meet-ups. The OBG also runs a “sling library,” so parents can book a carrier for a week-long loan. Despite all of this support, the cost of a good carrier can be prohibitive for some families. The OBG’s “Babies of Peace” project is designed

Babywearing resources for Ottawa families OTTAWA BABYWEARING GROUP (OTTAWABABYWEARINGGROUP. BLOGSPOT.CA) • You’ll find the OBG’s blog, and links to their Facebook page, sling library and Babies for Peace Project. HEALTH CANADA (HC-SC.GC.CA/ CPS-SPC/PUBS/CONS/KISSABLEVISIBLE-CALIN-ENG.PHP) • This is all the information you will need to wear your baby safely!Y ONYA BABY (ONYABABY. COM/2014/10/BABYWEARINGRESEARCH) • A local carrier company with an informative blog on the research behind babywearing.

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to provide families in need with a new carrier. Regular fundraisers are organized to raise money for the project, including the sale of a Babywearing Dads Calendar! Although online deals for carriers may seem tempting, parents should ensure that the carrier has been safety tested and meets babywearing standards. “The most important thing babywearing parents should do,” says Grosset, “is to make sure they are wearing their baby in a carrier that allows them to have baby visible and kissable.” This ensures that the baby has adequate airflow and does not get overheated. And really, is there anything better than kissing the top of baby’s head? Happy Babywearing!

Winter babywearing? It can be done!

There are two options for wearing your baby in the winter: INSIDE YOUR COAT • Dress your baby in regular, indoor clothes, and put him in the carrier. Use a large coat (maternity coats work well), and zip the coat over your baby halfway. Make sure your baby’s head remains visible, and then put a hat on him. To ensure your baby does not get overheated, touch the back of his neck – if it’s sweaty, it means he’s dressed too warmly. Remember that body heat will help keep him protected. OUTSIDE YOUR COAT • Dress baby – and yourself – warmly in winter clothing. Put baby in the carrier over top of your coat, and as always, make sure you can see his head and face. If it’s a very cold day, or there is a chilly wind, babies will prefer to face inward and stay sheltered. • Some stores sell winter coats designed for babywearing. They feature an extra section that can be unzipped to fit your baby underneath the coat. These coats are a luxury, but certainly not necessary.

p i n t e r e s t . c o m /c a p i t a l p a r e n t /

top

6 best

books

hether you’re introducing your baby to books, fondly remembering babyhood with your older child or welcoming a new baby into the family, there is something here for every age and stage at the Ottawa Public Library. Here are a few favourites, selected by Jessica Roy from OPL’s Program Development Department. The Baby Goes Beep, by Rebecca O’Connell Ages 6 mos. – 3 years

Top toy picks BY MARCIA MACQUARRIE, THE NOISE ON TOYS

Babies love to shake and chew on the Twist Teether by Green Toys. The airy design offers plenty of gripping spots, and makes for a lightweight toy that’s still big enough to rest comfortably on baby’s chest. And the rattling disks help babies learn to follow the sounds. Parents love that the toy is made from recycled food grade plastic, and safe for their little bodies.

This book is an oldie but a goody. You and your baby will enjoy exploring everyday sounds (beep, splash, kiss, yum...) with this highly interactive book about a day in a baby’s life. The fast paced and rhythmic quality makes it a great read aloud book for toddlers or even one-on-one. The noisiness ends with a quiet bedtime scene (shhh...) which makes it a perfect end-of-day read.

Jazz Baby, by Lisa Wheeler Ages 4 – 8

Jazz Baby explores sounds you can make with your mouth and offers a great opportunity for early literacy play. It’s an especially fun read if you let the text guide you to read with a HIGH VOICE or a looow voooice or sing it to the tune of Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley. Try it! This book is recommended for ages 4 – 8 but it’s great for toddlers too.

Jazzy in the Jungle, by Lucy Cousins Ages 2-5

Lucy Cousins offers a hide-and-seek adventure story for babies and toddlers. Mama Jojo has lost Jazzy, her baby lemur, and looks to her fellow jungle animals for help. You and your child will need to lift the flaps and peek through holes to help find Jazzy.

For information about other award-winning toys – or to apply to the Noise on Toys play testing program – visit thenoiseontoys.com.

VISIT ONE OF OUR MANY OTTAWA LOCATIONS 809 Bank Street

(in the Glebe shopping district)

Baby Penguins Everywhere, by Melissa Guion Ages 2-5

In this story, a lonely penguin finds a hat that produces many, MANY baby penguins. Now she’s a proud mama penguin and very, VERY busy. It’s all a lot of fun but sometimes she just needs a minute to herself. Mums and kids can probably relate!

Baby Says Moo! by JoAnn Early Macken Ages 1-5

m rs t i ggyw ink le s . c a

613-234-3836 Bayshore Shopping Centre 100 Bayshore Drive 613-721-0549 Rideau Shopping Centre 50 Rideau Street 613-230-8081 Place D’Orleans 110 Place D’Orleans Blvd 613-834-8988 315 Richmond Road

(in the Westboro shopping district)

613-761-6055

This rhyming story features animal sounds and a baby who moos. What more can you ask for?

5 6

Sprout Helps Out, by Rosie Winstead Ages 3-6 Big sister Sprout helps out with her baby sister and around the house, sort of. Despite her best intentions, she sometimes turns things into an even bigger mess but that doesn’t stop her from feeling like an important member of the family! Winstead’s pretty illustrations add to the humour and charm.

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www.ottawa.madscience.org FEBRUARY 2015 9

FAMILY MATTERS

The best developmental toys for babies BY MARCIA MACQUARRIE, THE NOISE ON TOYS

ost people instinctively know how to interact with babies. They move closer, talk in a high-pitched voice, exaggerate their facial expressions and respond to baby’s reactions. These early interactions are the beginning of play and all baby really needs to enrich his early development. Still, knowing about the milestones he’s reaching makes it all the more wonderful to watch your baby grow, as well as, offering insights as to how you can further enrich your baby’s early experience with the world. Researchers know a lot about how infants develop. Hearing is a newborn’s keenest sense. Toys that make sounds help baby develop his audio skills as he learns to locate the source of various noises. Baby can hear high-pitched sounds better than low-pitched ones, and soothing sounds, like a music box, are very effective for relaxing and calming him. Conversely, he is frightened by sudden, loud noises and very low-pitched sounds. Not surprisingly, baby’s favourite sounds are human voices, and he especially likes listening to rhythmic, rhyming, repetitive nursery rhymes. However, the most important language development at this age is mastering body language. Your early interactions, and games that involve turn-taking, anticipation, and exaggerating facial expressions can help develop an understanding of conversational patterns. By six months, baby will have mastered most skills needed for an adult conversation, well before he learns his first word. Newborn sight is limited to a small bubble of clear vision (at about the distance between your faces when you hold your infant), until about six weeks of age when baby learns to focus his eyes. By tracking eye movements, researchers have determined that baby is attracted to bold, high contrast patterns and bright primary colours, and prefers curved lines and shapes, rather than straight, angular patterns. In fact, faces are baby’s favourite thing to gaze at. Babies are attracted to moving stimuli, but have a hard time following objects until 2-3 months, when baby will start tracking things if you move them slowly across his field of vision. Try moving the object slowly in and out of baby’s line of sight, and closer to and further away from him so he can practice focusing as he follows the object. And use these tracking games to encourage baby to move his head so he can explore his entire field of vision.

Don’t move too fast! Baby will get bored if he can’t follow, and looming objects may scare him. In addition to these social and perceptual developments, muscular control and visualmotor co-ordination also improve during this time. As he develops better muscle control, baby learns to make the necessary postural adjustments that accompany movement and different body positions. Provide opportunities for him to move in different ways – like being carried in a sling, spending tummy time on the floor, sitting in bouncy chair, or just riding in a stroller over rough pavement. Seeing an object move when he touches it is baby’s first experience with cause and effect. And a shaking rattle alerts baby to look at his hands as he waves his arms. Baby begins reaching for objects around eight to ten weeks, and learns to connect what his eyes are seeing, to what his hands are doing by about three months. Before long, he will be grabbing everything and moving it to his mouth to suck, chew, explore. Reaching for objects at different distances helps encourage baby’s developing spatial perception. Be sure to vary the size and shape of the things he holds to enhance different grips, especially after three months of age when baby’s reflexive gripping (eg. of your finger) is replaced by more conscious hand control. Baby especially likes shiny objects, and enjoys feeling different textures, seemingly preferring roughly textured and solid objects. As his skill improves, a scattering of Cheerios may become his favourite ‘toy’, especially around nine months when he can coordinate his finger and thumb to pick things up. The Cheerios are tiny enough to challenge baby’s fine motor skill, yet dissolve easily in baby’s mouth before they can pose a choking hazard. Be aware of the many safety concerns at this age. Small objects are a choking hazard! An old style film container (or specially designed choke tube) will give you a rough idea about objects that are too small, however, supervision is always necessary if there is any doubt. Keep toys clean, and sterilize playthings that touch food since baby is particularly susceptible to food bacteria. Also keep in mind that baby isn’t very strong or coordinated yet. Rattles should be lightweight and well balanced so they don’t flop over and hurt him. And don’t let baby hold

Not surprisingly, “ baby’s favourite sounds

are human voices, and he especially likes listening to rhythmic, rhyming, repetitive nursery rhymes.

”

any pointy things, as he’s just as likely to poke his eye as he instinctively aims for his mouth. Stay tuned to baby’s developing skills. A crib mobile should be moved out of the way around five months of age, or when baby begins to reach and grab things. And it’s important to keep toys well maintained. Check plush toys to make sure they aren’t shedding fur or stuffing, and that fastenings remain securely attached. Ribbons that come untied, or fabric that frays can cause

an entanglement hazard. Even if it is too short to go around baby’s neck, it can get twisted around a finger and cut off circulation. Young babies don’t need many toys. You can certainly provide plenty of stimulation by offering a variety of household objects, although well-designed baby toys often do a better job attracting – and keeping – baby’s attention and are typically safer and easier to keep clean.

MORE Top toyS Magical Night by Tiny Love While your attention is enriching, it’s also important that baby can entertain himself. This versatile mobile keeps baby happily entertained, or lulled to sleep depending on the light and sound settings used. The unit features hanging toys, as well as lighted ceiling projections and 30 minutes of continuous music or nature sounds. Wimmer-Ferguson Double-Feature Mirror by Manhattan Toy Gazing at their reflections totally captivates young infants, and this child-safe mirror offers an extra large, distortion-free reflective surface. The reverse side features bold, black and white graphics, giving baby double the gazing pleasure. Gymini Floor Gyms by Tiny Love These classic arched fabric play mats keep baby entertained during floor and tummy time - great for helping to encourage those important back and neck muscles. Textured Balls Great for tactile stimulation and enhancing baby’s developing sense of grip, as well as early back and forth rolling-style catch games. Textured infant balls are offered by several manufacturers – look for sets that feature a variety of interesting textures and different shapes and sizes. For more information about these and other award winning infant toys – or to apply to The Noise on Toys play-testing program – visit thenoiseontoys.com.

FEBRUARY 2015 10

FAMILY FUN

S L R A E R EWS O WD P T R BOUQU R E R I A A P R RU I F TWA P I H S D A DM I R C T A C I

Vicky, Alysha, and Bailey, a family of three (soon to be four!) live near Parkdale and Scott Street in the west end.. They moved to Ottawa one year ago and absolutely love how easy it is to get around. They particularly enjoy all the museums and parks available for Bailey and are looking forward to having their second child in this beautiful city.

SEND US YOUR PICS We’d like to see your BEST family photos and selfies! Submit your favourites and you might see one or two in a future issue. For more details go to capitalparent.ca

family snap

“ Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. ”

VALENTINE LOVE BOUQUET HEART FRIENDSHIP

- Albert Einstein

OUR family

CaleNdaR

Winterlude JANUARY 30 TO FEBRUARY 16

Mark this in your calendar so you don’t miss it! There’s always a lot going on for Ottawa families during Winterlude. The 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir John A. Macdonald will be highlighted at Jacques-Cartier Park with interactive activities to celebrate the life of the first Prime Minister of Canada. This year’s line up also has a unique focus on sports. To mark the Year of Sport in Canada, visitors will be invited to admire snow sculptures; play soccer in the snow by joining Shuéme, the official mascot of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015; get introduced to downhill skiing; and learn more about ringette and other sports in Jacques-Cartier Park. In Confederation Park, visitors will also get to admire an enormous Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games ice sculpture and participate in the interactive public art exhibit. Check the full schedule of activities at winterlude. gc.ca to plan your visit.

Peter and the Wolf JANUARY 31 AND FEBRUARY 1

Peter and the Wolf has always been one of our favourite stories and musical performances. Join the fun as fearless Peter sets out to capture the big, bad wolf in the company of his trusted friends (a.k.a. trumpets, French horn, trombone, and tuba!). Performances take place at the National Arts Centre 11 FEBRUARY 2015 | C a p i t a l P a r e n t . c a |

as well as Shenkman Arts Centre and Centrepointe Theatre. For more information go to nac-cna.ca.

Ottawa Farmers’ Market Winter Market FEBRUARY 8, 15, 22

Did you know Ottawa now has a year-round, farmers’ market? With a great mix of more than 50 vendors, you can stock up on vegetables – carrots, potatoes and radishes, meats, cheeses, oats and other grains, baked goods, sweets or stop by for lunch and shop for arts and crafts. It takes place on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and it’s nestled inside the historic Aberdeen Pavilion. For a list of participating vendors and parking information go to ottawafarmersmarket.ca.

Valentine’s Day FEBRUARY 14

We’re circling this day on our family calendar with a big puffy red heart. We don’t do too much to celebrate, but we like to mark the day nonetheless. Maybe we’ll make some heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast, go skating, or share some chocolates? Check out capitalparent.ca for a few ideas as we get closer to the big day.

Ice show fundraiser with Canada’s skating sweetheart FEBRUARY 14

What better way to treat a loved one than to take them to an ice show featuring Liz Manley, Elvis Stojko, Alan Frew of Glass Tiger, and other Olympic champions? TD Place will play host to this skating facebook.com/CapitalParent |

extravaganza, featuring some of the world’s top figure skaters, extreme skaters, aerial acts and live music. A portion of proceeds will go to the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa, and D.I.F.D. courtesy of The Ottawa Senators Foundation. Tickets are now on sale at tdplace.ca.

Library Friends Monthly Mammoth Used Book Sale FEBRUARY 21

The next Friends of the Ottawa Public Library’s Monthly Mammoth book sale takes place on Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 100 Tallwood Drive. Picking up a few inexpensive books is a great way to entice reluctant readers and inspire reading veterans too. There are books for all ages and interests. Donations are welcome. Visit OttawaPublicLibraryFriends.ca for details.

Arctic Voices UNTIL MAY 3

We’re embracing Ottawa’s decidedly Arctic-like weather conditions by learning more about the Arctic at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Arctic Voices shows us our connections to the Arctic environment, people and wildlife. And as always, Continued from page 7 your birth story in a beautiful way is a decision you won’t regret,” she says. I recently visited a friend and her new baby. I was struck by how light he felt in my arms. Though I have four children, I forgot how small

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VO L A I U L HH E T B NWU T P O I E C N E I E R A E C E

I C V T QW CU RQ E R L D R F I N HR

Valent love admire bouqu heart friends flower cupid arrow card

FLOWERS CUPID ARROW CARD

this exhibition is engaging for children and parents alike. Kids can pounce, hop, push and crawl their way through learning about animal life in the Arctic. Here’s something good to know: If you visit Arctic Voices, you will receive a coupon for $2 off (per person) admission to the 3D IMAX movie Wonders of the Arctic now showing at the Canadian Museum of History. It’s a great incentive to plan a field trip with friends!

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their fingernails, their earlobes and their noses once were. I came home and looked through my own collection of newborn pictures – some professional, some taken by me – all of them a powerful testament to the love between parent and child in its most raw, budding stages.

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