Baby Guide 2018|19, presented by WestCoast Families

Managing Editor, Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com

Assistant Editor, Bianca Bujan bianca@westcoastfamilies.com

Contributing Editor , Jodi Iverson jodi@westcoastfamilies.com

Art Director, Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com

Administration, Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com

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WESTCOASTFINDS

1) Pipsneaks Soft-Soled Shoes

Is there anything more adorable than a baby wearing stylish kicks? This newly-launched soft-soled shoe brand was developed on BC’s Sunshine Coast by new parents who wanted to create fashionforward footwear for babies and children on the move. Available in a range of bright colours and quirky prints, you’ll want to pick up more than one pair.

www.pipsneaks.ca | $45

2) Wunderkids Play Mat

Wunderkids safe baby playmat, with its modern design, complements your home decor beautifully and simply. Ideal for cushioning any hard surface area, the mats are multi-purpose and can be used for children’s play area, exercise mat, floor protection and much more. We love that the waterproof surface makes it easy to clean and its non-toxic too!

www.wunderkids.ca | $285

2

TRAVEL WITH BABY

The Benefits of Bringing Baby Abroad

by Claire Newell, Travel Best Bets

When parents take babies or young children travelling, I always hear comments like, “why bother if they won’t even remember it?” Although that is technically true, there are so many benefits for both you as a parent and your child when travelling together during their earlier years.

Travel can be unpredictable, so there may be hiccups along the way, but raising little travellers is so worth itespecially when it benefits you too!

The most basic benefit to travelling with children is the perks. Priority boarding on the airplane, advanced hotel check-in, line skips, extra space - the list goes on. People will often go out of their way to assist a family to ensure the kids are settled and everyone remains happy. Many think travelling with children is expensive or a waste of money, but keep in mind that other than the cost of plane tickets, they’re basically free. Babies and younger children don’t need their own hotel room, they get onto most public transportation for free, they’re almost never charged entrance fees, and their food is super cheap - if not free. If you splurge on a room that includes a kitchenette, you’ll save on meals, too!

Sometimes when we travel as adults, we take moments for granted. Perhaps we’re tired and just want to relax by a pool all day. However, add your kids to the trip, and you’ll be encouraged to make every moment count. In order to keep them entertained and energized, you

end up exploring the destination and taking advantage of every hotel amenity to keep them active and engaged.

Similarly, kids force us to slow down. It’s tempting to race through a city to see as many sights as possible, but we all know that isn’t going to happen with kids in tow. This can actually be a benefit. You’ll become a better observer, and will truly experience and enjoy your surroundings, instead of just snapping a picture and moving on.

Even better, if your kids are old enough, they’ll constantly be pointing things out and asking questions about everything they see things that you might otherwise have overlooked.

Another temptation when on vacation is to sleep in for far too long! But in a small hotel room, once you get the kids to sleep, there isn’t much else to do but sleep too, as you can’t exactly make noise or leave the property. You’ll all wake up early feeling refreshed and ready for a full day of sightseeing or activities.

How many times have you made friends with other adults on vacation?

Maybe some people are good at that, but most of us tend to stick to our own space. Kids are always making friends - especially in resorts, and you’ll end up interacting with the other parents as well. And if you’re the only tourists around, babies are the ultimate icebreaker, even if you don’t speak the local language. Locals will be welcoming you with open arms!

If your children are old enough to walk, they will get so much out of travelling. Not only is it a great time to bond as a family, but it makes your children more curious and instills a sense of adventure that will last a lifetime.

Travel throws them into the whirlwind adventure that is travel, and forces them to try new things, experience cultures that they didn’t know existed, and puts them outside of their comfort zone.

Even if they don’t remember the specifics of these trips when they’re older, the lessons that they’ll learn through travelling will shape them into more compassionate, curious, and adaptive adults.

Overall, it’s better to travel with kids when they’re young, when you can either carry them around while they sleep, or tap into their bundles of energy. Have you ever tried to get a teenager out of bed early so that they can go sightseeing with their parents? I think babies or toddlers might actually make easier travel companions!

Claire Newell is a travel expert, author, travel consultant on Global BC, and president of Travel Best Bets by Jubilee Tours and Travel. www.travelbestbets.com

TIME OUT FOR MOM

A Return to Self Care

by Michele Kambolis

Does it feel like it’s getting harder to decompress from that “mommy angst”? You’re not alone. Ninety six per cent of moms say they feel like they’re far more stressed out than their own mothers were. Most admit that their stress levels are probably affecting their kids. Unchecked stress can hurt our health, parenting, and peace of mind. We cannot pour from an empty cup.

In order to care for others, we need to learn how to better care for ourselves. This goes beyond green juices and long baths, it means finding a balance of mind-body wellness from deep within.

However limited your time, carve out a space to learn the practice of mindful self care, with these resources and tips.

Prenatal Yoga. For new moms, it’s never too early to start building a dedicated practice for whole body health. Prenatal yoga is a great place to start. Prenatal yoga classes are deeply supportive and provide the kind of nurturing that new mothers crave. You’ll learn yoga and breathing techniques that are safe to use during pregnancy and beyond. This is a great place to meet new moms-to-be and share in the experiences that only other moms can understand. Try the prenatal yoga classes offered by Semperviva.

Mama Mondays. The Juice Truck has been supporting family health since its inception. Now they offer Mama Mondays, self-care events that focus on connecting moms with the very best in local health resources. Offerings range from Mama Mindfulness, to vegan cooking tips. They even offer pelvic floor training! Check The Juice Truck website for the full schedule of events. Support For Single Moms. If you’re a single mom who wants a little time for herself and a great way to meet other single moms, take a look at the YWCA Single Mothers’ Support Group. Connection is protection when it comes to mind-body health. This is a great way to both meet new moms and learn some valuable tools for even better parenting. A bonus: YWCA provides the child care! Connect with Joann McKinlay at 604-895-5849 to learn more. Goop Health Summit. We’ve been watching Gwyneth Paltrow for years as she curates products, podcasts, and lifestyle events with an eye towards wellness. Now a little splash of Goop is coming to Vancouver with the Goop Health Summit. This October, moms can enjoy panel discussions, seminars on wellness, and breakout sessions of yoga, workshops, and exercise classes. This smaller event will promote a more intimate, experiential day.

Get a Better Sleep. Sleep is probably the most coveted of all self-care tools and for good reason. Sleep is the gateway to our entire health; it’s linked with longevity, better overall health, and fewer mental health challenges. Sound impossible with kids waking in the night or crawling into bed with you? Hiring a sleep consultant can do wonders to help you and your child sleep better. For solving sleep problems I always turn to 10-year Sleep Expert veteran Alanna McGinn. McGinn and her team have helped families worldwide to customize a sleep plan that takes them from sleep deprived to well rested. Their sleep educators walk you through the entire process, making the whole endeavour a whole lot less daunting. Visit goodnightsleepsite.com for more information.

Mama Space. If you’re a mama looking for a deeper transformative practice of conscious mothering and some serious self care, pick up The Mama Space, a 30-day practice of self care, strengthening and renewal - it will bring you back home to self and seriously revolutionize your mothering! The Mama Space is a digital package that gives you the foundational tools to build a daily practice of self care and conscious mothering, including Mama Meditations, a systematic Mantra Practice, Conscious Mothering Journal, and more. You’ll experience 30 soul supporting days to amplify your authentic presence, emotional balance, and healing.

Michele Kambolis is a 20-year veteran child and family therapist, acclaimed author, and parenting expert. A MA/PhD (cand.) in mind-body medicine, Michele combines her knowledge and passion for integrative healing, to support parents and children through their challenges. www.michelekambolis.com

FEEDING BABY

The Scoop On Solids

by Alyssa Bauman, Nourished.ca

I’m sure there are so many emotions running through your head right now - solids already? - but feeding baby their first solid food can be thrilling! Between 4-6 months old is the optimal age for starting solids, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. But only you know your baby, so go with their signs and pay attention to their cues.

The best piece of advice that I can give you, both from a nutrition standpoint, and from my own personal experiences feeding my own three children is to flow into it with an open mind - free from anxiety - and to forgo all the ‘rules.’ Instead, fear not, jump in and enjoy this first milestone. It will make all the difference and will even increase your baby’s nutrient intake.

What to Feed Your Baby First

Keep foods as nutrient dense as possible. I am big fan of organic. Look to the Environmental Working Group for organic recommendations. Baby’s system is so pure and can only handle a little at a time, so it is important to pack in the nutrient punch. Stick to whole foods. Think mashed avocado, smashed peas, mashed banana, pureed sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots and other vegetables. Thin out vegetables by adding a little breast milk or formula to get extra nutrients and calories. There is no reason to ever feed your baby processed and packaged foods, sugary foods, high salted foods, candies, or snack foods.

How To Introduce New Foods

After you have introduced fruits, vegetables, and iron fortified cereals, add in pureed poultry and meats, legumes, whole fat plain dairylike yogurt, and kefir (keep added sugars to a minimum). When introducing new foods, remember: the slower, the better. There is no rush. Wait at least a day before introducing another food to monitor your baby’s reaction.

As far as the commonly allergenic foodseggs, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish, the old rule of thumb was to wait before introducing these until baby’s first birthday, but more relevant research suggests that introducing them earlier, between 4-6 months, may actually help prevent food allergies. Again, do it slowly. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends waiting three to five days before introducing each one of the more commonly allergenic foods.

How Much Food To Feed Per Day

By 6-7 months, baby can be eating solid foods twice a day, aiming for 3 meals a day by 8-9 months old (in between breast or formula feeding). Only you know your child, so let them guide you. By 9 months, a typical day could look like this: Breast milk/formula, iron fortified cereal like organic baby oats, pureed vegetables, fruit and protein—pureed poultry, fish and meat, lentils, plain whole fat yogurt, eggs (if not allergic).

Foods to Avoid

Cow’s Milk and Soy Milk: Both milks contain proteins that are hard for baby’s young and sensitive digestive tract, so hold off. In fact, there is no need to ever give children these milks. I know, contrary to popular belief, but more and more parents are ditching dairy completely. There are so many other calcium sources that are more readily absorbed - think kale, spinach , mustard greens, bok choy, broccoli, collard greens, edamame, organic almonds, Brazilian nuts, flax seeds, almond milk, sesame seeds , beans, herring. A green smoothie like the Nourished Go-Go Juice has more absorbable calcium than milk. So my biggest piece of advice is to start them on a green smoothie as soon as they can drink on their own. The faster they get used to the taste of greens, the more nourished they will be.

Honey: Baby’s intestinal tract can not handle potential spores honey may harbour. These spores can produce life threatening toxins. So no honey until at least 12 months.

Processed Meats: Salami, bacon, hot dogs, very processed cold cuts, smoked meats, and other highly processed meats are not only nutrient void, but contain high levels of damaging nitrates, and way too much sodium for baby’s tract.

Watch for Choking Hazards: Make sure to cut foods into at least ½-inch pieces.

Grapes, cherry tomatoes, strawberries and other vegetables are all choking hazards if not cut small. Pumpkin seeds, pits from cherries, stone fruit, watermelon, nuts, popcorn, pretzels, chips, hard candies, sticky foods like nut butters, and dried fruits can also get stuck in baby’s throat so it is best to wait on these foods altogether. This kind of goes without saying, but your baby doesn’t need gummy bears or marshmallows (and neither do you!)

Finger Foods: You will love these and so will baby. Watching your baby play with their food is part of the experience, so your patience is indeed required! Allowing your baby to use their pincer grip while picking up, smashing and throwing their foods is part of the exploration of food. The more freedom they have, the more adventurous they will be in trying new foods. So for the sake of that alone, allow them to play. Whole foods are favourite fingers foods: ½ inch cut up fruit and vegetables, scrambled or broken hard boiled eggs, cubed tofu, whole grain pastas, soft cooked beans, cubed meats, whole grain cereal pieces, and cubed cheeses.

Certified Holistic nutritionist and health consultant, Alyssa Bauman, founded Nourished {A Health Consulting Firm} six years ago when she was constantly being asked for healthy living advice. It’s not as difficult as it seems, that’s where Alyssa comes in and guides you through whatever your nutritional needs may be. When she isn’t upgrading food choices, she will be playing in the park with with her most treasured muses—her three daughters. www.nourished.ca

DISNEYLAND RESORT

Hidden gems and amazing spaces for families

by Andrea Vance

When I think of Disneyland, I remember when I was 12 years old and our family took a road trip down the I-5 to visit “The Happiest Place On Earth” for the first time. Pulling into the parking lot and seeing the massive Disneyland entrance, is one of the best memories of my childhood, as well as the thrill that we got from rides like the Matterhorn, Space Mountain and It’s a Small World.

Now I’m all grown up with a family of my own, and I still love the adrenaline rush of the roller coaster rides. My kids, on the other hand, aren’t as into the major rides, and they don’t get stars in their eyes when they see the latest characters.

When we were invited to visit Disneyland earlier this year to check out Pixar Fest 2018, we jumped at the chance to enjoy a few days in the sunshine at the amazing Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Combined with some rides and a parade or two, this trip would be well worth it.

As a family, we’ve always been pretty easygoing travellers. We had a few highlights at Disneyland that we wanted to hit, but mostly we were looking forward to spending the time together, and just having fun.

Exploring Adventureland at Disneyland Park, the kids spotted the raft ride over to Tom Sawyer Island. Amongst all of the amazing rides and attractions of Disneyland, this lesserknown spot turned out to be a great little piece of paradise, one that gave our family hours of creative adventure.

The kids found wobbly bridges to cross, caves to explore, rocks to climb, and treasures to discover. The whole island is one outdoor play space and the kids couldn’t get enough. As parents, we were happy to sit and watch, or explore the caves and rocks with them. We saw the paddlewheeler cruising by, and spotted the displays on the shores across from the island that we would never have seen otherwise. The washrooms were easy with no lineups, and there were lots of shady spots to sit and cool off. Even with the lure of the more amazing rides and treats, it was hard to convince the kids to leave this adventure island.

The next day we headed to California Adventure Park, where we eyed up the big rides like Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land, and Fly Over California Goofy’s Sky School at Pixar Pier was a huge hit with the kids as I covered my eyes in denial. We drove bumper-style cars in A Bug’s Life and spun in circles in tractors on Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

A few hours later, we were back at the pool, sitting with beverages and food served on the deck - a welcomed break. Looking over the pool at the Grand Californian Hotel towards California Adventure Park, we could see huge rocks and bridges that we soon learned were part of the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail Curious, we checked it out the next day. Two hours later, we had to drag the kids out, only on the promise that we would return to explore some more. It was an amazing free adventure play area for the kids, featuring fun rock climbing, wobbly bridges, imaginative natural creation areas, ziplines, cargo net climbing, and learning areas focused on elements of the environment. It really was a place for all of us to relax and explore. There were no flashing lights or long lineups, and nothing electronic or fast about it. It was creative, adventurous, and fun, and we all loved it. Another spot of paradise where we could find a break from the heat and excitement of the rides and lights.

When we look back at our Disneyland Resort adventure this year, we have so many great memories of crazy fun rides, run-ins with Disney and Pixar characters, and dancing at the amazing parades. When we ask our kids about their favourite memories from our trip together, they shout out the names of rides and attractions that we initially had to drag them on, but when we remind the kids of the time we spent together, enjoying Tom Sawyer Island and the Redwood Creek Adventure Trail, they light up, squeal excitedly about how much fun we had there, too.

The shady places, the creative play, the free structure, and lack of lineups made these our favourite two spots on the whole resort. If your family is heading to Disneyland soon, be sure to add these hidden gems to your must-see list!

New This Year:

Pixar Pier - a whimsical boardwalk where Pixar stories and characters come to life. A redesigned ferris wheel, games, and Pixar themed treats. Incredicoaster - with an Incredibles storyline. A thrilling roller coaster where you join the Parr family chasing Jack-Jack.

2018 2019

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

BC Lactation Consultant Association www.bclca.ca

BC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic www.bcwomens.ca

Breastfeeding Online www.breastfeedingonline.com

Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre Ltd www.bflrc.com

La Leche League Canada www.lllc.ca

Vancouver Breastfeeding Centre www.breastfeedingclinic.com

FAMILY RESOURCES | SUPPORT

Burnaby Neighbourhood House www.sbnh.ca

Adoptive Families Association of BC www.bcadoption.com

Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC www.anhbc.org

Baby Go Round www.babygoround.ca

BC Association of Family Resource Programs www.frpbc.ca

BC Council for Families www.bccf.ca

BC Housing www.bchousing.org

Canadian Paediatric Society www.caringforkids.cps.ca

Collingwood Neighbourhood House www.cnh.bc.ca

Community Centres

Check your local municipality website

Communitas Supportive Care Society www.communitascare.com

Family Services of Greater Vancouver www.fsgv.ca

Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House www.froghollow.bc.ca

Fussy Baby www.thefussybabysite.com

LOCAL RESOURCES

Langley Children www.langleychildren.com

Maxxine Wright Early Care and Learning Centre www.atira.bc.ca

Olive Fertility Clinic www.olivefertility.com

posAbilities www.posabilities.ca

Provincial Government education and family programs www.familiesfirstbc.ca

Steps BC www.stepsbc.com

Surrey Early Childhood www.surreyearlychildhood.ca

DIAPER SERVICES | SUPPLIES

Baby Footprint www.thebabyfootprint.com

Baby On The Way www.babyontheway.ca

Bumbini Cloth Diaper Company www.bumbini.ca

bumGenius www.bumgenius.com

Cozy Bums Diapers www.cozybums.ca

Gorgeous Baby Modern & Organic Cloth Diapers www.gorgeousbaby.ca

Green Bum Bum Cloth Diapers www.greenbumbum.com

Happy Baby Cheeks www.happybabycheeks.ca

Happy Nappy www.happynappy.ca

KaWaii Baby Diapers www.theluvyourbaby.com

Saucy Bottoms www.saucybottoms.ca

Tender Tushies www.tendertushies.ca

MIDWIFE | DOULA SERVICES

Abbotsford Doula Group www.abbotsforddoula.com

All About Birth Boutique www.allaboutbirthboutique.ca

BC Women’s Hospital Pregnancy

Birth & Newborns Clinic www.bcwomens.ca

Childbearing Society www.childbearing.org

Department of Midwifery, BC Women’s Hospital www.midwivesinvancouver.ca

DONA International Doula Association www.dona.org

Doula Services Association of BC www.bcdoulas.org

Mother Me www.motherme.ca

Midwifery Associates www.midwiferyassociates.ca

Midwifery Care North Shore www.midwiferycare.ca

Midwives Association of BC www.bcmidwives.com

The Midwifery Group www.midwiferygroup.ca

Vancouver Doula Collective www.vancouverdoulacollective.org

BABY & KIDS GEAR | CLOTHING

Dream Designs

Organic natural healthy sleep for babies, kids and adults www.dreamdesigns.ca

Mabel’s Labels

Labels that are perfect for school, camp, daycare, and home www.mabelslabels.com

Runners Bike

Balance bikes designed for toddlers, without pedals and training wheels. www.runners-bike.com

Wunder Kids

Non-toxic, easy to clean safe & stylish folding playmat 10% off with code BABYGUIDE www.wunderkids.ca

Active Baby www.activebaby.ca

Beansprouts www.beansprouts.ca

Bois Bites www.boisbites.com

Buttercups Children’s Boutique, Ladner www.buttercups.ca

Crocodile Baby www.crocodilebaby.com

Dandelion Kids www.dandelionkids.ca

Dri-Pad www.dri-line.com

Frog Hollow Children’s Boutique www.froghollow.bc.ca

Hip Baby www.hipbaby.com

Kids Market, Granville Island www.kidsmarket.ca

Lusso Baby www.lussobaby.ca

Medela www.medela.ca/breastfeeding

Mia’s Moccs www.miasmoccs.com

Next Generation Distributors www.nextgendistributors.com

Once Upon a Child: Kids’ Resale www.onceuponachildlangley.com

Oyaco Products www.oyaco.com

Room for 2 www.roomfor2.ca

Snuggle Bugz www.snugglebugz.ca

Sweet Charlie www.shopsweetcharlie.com

Tsawwassen Mills Shopping www.tsawwassenmills.ca

Yaya Baby www.yayababy.ca

Yemaya www.yemaya.ca

MATERNITY CLOTHING|EQUIPMENT

AmnioSense blue Panty-liner self-test that helps to idenitfy probable leakage of amniotic fluid. From Searchlight Pharma. www.amniosenseblue.ca

Bellies in Bloom www.belliesinbloommaternity.com

Flirty Maternity Maple Ridge www.flirtymaternity.com

Hazel & Jools www.hazelhipmoms.com

Motherhood Maternity www.motherhoodcanada.ca

Noppies Maternity www.noppies.com

Purl Mama & Baby www.purlmama.com

Room for 2 Maternity & Baby www.roomfor2.ca

Thyme Maternity www.thymematernity.com

With Child www.withchild.ca

PRENATAL EDUCATION

Adar Birth Services www.adarbirthservices.com

Belly to Baby www.bellytobaby.ca

Birthing from Within www.birthingfromwithin.com

Dancing Star Birth www.dancingstarbirth.ca

Healthiest Babies Possible www.vch.ca/locations-and-services/ find-health-services/

Lamaze International www.lamaze.org

Lower Mainland Childbearing Society www.childbearing.org

The Birth Place www.thebirthplace.ca

SAFETY

Babysafe – St. John Ambulance www.sja.ca

Baby Secure www.babysecure.ca

BCAA: Infant/Child Care Seat Information Line www.bcaa.com 1-877-247-5551

Safety Station at BC Children’s Hospital www.bcchildrens.ca/safetystation

Safety Superstore www.safetysuperstore.ca

SLEEP CONSULTING

Sleeping Child www.thesleepingchild.com

A Kiss Goodnight www.akissgoodnight.ca

Cheeky Chops www.cheekychops.ca

Helen Sands www.helensands.com

HushaBaby www.hushababy.com

Little Dreamers Consulting www.littledreamersconsulting.com

Sleep Dreams www.sleepdreams.ca

Sleep Stars Consulting www.sleepstars.ca

Sleepy Miracles www.sleepymiracles.com

HEALTH | MEDICAL | NUTRITION

AARM Dental

In your neighbourhood to make you smile www.aarm-dental.com

Bregman Circumcision

Providing gentle expert care for circumcision in Vancouver www.bregmancircumcision.com

EZ Brace

Straight teeth the natural way www.ezbrace.ca

Halykoo Swiss-inspired solutions for your little ones. www.halykoo.ca

Olive Fertility Clinic

One of Canada’s leading IVF and fertility centres www.olivefertility.com

Pediatric Dental Group PDG

Over 45 years of experience providing exceptional orthodontal care www.pdgdental.com

Bonn Chiropractic www.cocochiro.com

Dial-A-Dietician www.dialadietitian.org

Forte Whole Foods www.fortewholefoods.ca

Fraser Health - resource www.fraserhealth.ca

Halykoo Health Solutions www.halykoo.ca

Healthy Canadians - online resource www.healthycanadians.gc.ca

HealthLinkBC – Health information by phone or web www.healthlinkbc.ca

Infant Circumcision and Vasectomy www.circumcisionvancouver.com

Kids Physio www.kidsphysio.ca

Leap Clinic www.leapclinic.ca

Logan Creek Counselling and Consulting www.logancreek.ca

Nourished with Alyssa Bauman, Health Consulting www.nourished.ca

Pacific West Dental www.pacificwestdental.com

Peace Arch Maternity Clinic www.peacearchmaternityclinic.ca

Pollock Clinics www.pollockclinics.com

Smiletown Dentistry www.smiletowndentistry.com

South Community Birth Program www.scbp.ca

Steps BC www.stepsbc.com

Tot 2 Teen Dental www.tot2teendental.com

UC Baby Ultrasound www.ucbaby.ca

Vancouver Coastal Health resource www.vch.ca/your-health/women/newmother-and-baby-care/

Vancouver Pediatric & Family Wellness Chiropractor – Dr. Sabrina Chen-See www.familywellnesschiro.ca

EDUCATION

Brockton

An independent, co-educational, nondenominational, day school located in beautiful North Vancouver, BC. www.brocktonschool.com

St. Joseph’s Providing quality Catholic Education since 1922 www.saintjosephschool.ca

Fraser Academy

Leaders in the empowerment and education of students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences www.fraseracademy.ca

Millenium Learning Advantage Tutorial center for students struggling to learn, because every student deserves to succeed www.millenniumlearningadvantage.com

Rothewood Academy

Dedicated to teaching the whole child—head, hands, and heart— academically, socially, emotionally and physically. www.rothewood.com

Vancouver Learning Network

Comprehensive, flexible and engaging education program that provides an alternative to traditional in-person learning for many different profiles of students. www.vlns.ca

CHILDCARE | PRESCHOOL Resources

Child Care Options www.childcareoptions.ca

BC Aboriginal Child Care Society www.acc-society.bc.ca

Child Care Resource & Referral programs www.childcareresource.ca

Vancouver Society of Childrens Centres www.vsocc.org

Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre www.wstcoast.org

Multiple Locations

Aboriginal Head Start Association www.ahsabc.com

Brantford Montessori Childcare www.bc-daycare.com

Brightpath Kids www.brightpathkids.com

Brightstart Children’s Academy www.brightstart.ca

CEFA www.cefa.ca

Counsel of Parent Participation Preschools www.cpppreschools.bc.ca

Developmental Disabilities Association

Inclusive Childcare www.develop.bc.ca

Fraser Montessori Daycare www.edithsmontessori.com

Jellybean Park www.jellybeanpark.com

Little Koala Montessori www.littlekoalamontessori.com

Purpose Society www.purposesociety.org

Reach for the Stars Montessori www.reachforthestarsmontessori.com

Smilestones www.smilestones.ca

YMCA of Greater Vancouver www.gv.ymca.ca

Vancouver

PJ Kids Club & Preschool French-enriched preschool, before & after school care www.pjkidsclub.com

Collingwood Neighbourhood House www.cnh.bc.ca

Creative Kids Montessori Vancouver www.creativekidsmontessori.com

Association of Neighbourhood Houses www.anhbc.org

City Hall Child Care Society www.cityhallchildcare.org

Creekview Tiny Tots Society www.creekviewtinytots.com

Developmental Disabilities Association www.develop.bc.ca

Elite Montessori Academy www.elitemontessori.ca

Family Montessori School www.familymontessori.com

Granville House Montessori www.granvillehousemontessori.com

Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver www.jccgv.com

Kerrisdale Little Owls Preschool www.kerrisdalelittleowlspreschool.com

Kiwassa Neighbourhood house www.kiwassa.ca

Meta Montessori House www.metamontessori.com

Montessori Daycare Society www.montessoridaycare.ca

Mount Pleasant Community Centre www.mountpleasantcc.ca

My Whole Earth Academy www.mywholeearth.ca

Pomme d’Api www.pommedapi.org

SPG Child Care www.spgchildcare.org

Spare Time Child Care Society www.sparetimesociety.org

UBC Childcare Services www.childcare.ubc.ca

Vancouver Bilingual Preschool www.vancouverbilingual.com

Vancouver Montessori www.vancouvermontessorischool.com

West Point Grey Community Centre www.westpointgrey.org

Westside Montessori Academy www.westsidemontessoriacademy.ca

Westside Montessori www.westsidemontessori.ca

Wonder of Learning www.wonderoflearning.ca

YWCA www.ywcavan.org

Burnaby

Aubrey Daycare Centres www.aubreydaycare.com

Burnaby French Language Preschool www.bflp.org

Burnaby Neighbourhood House Preschool www.burnabynh.ca

Birchwood Daycare www.birchwooddaycare.com

Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion www.gobaci.com

Burnaby Family Life www.burnabyfamilylife.org

Discovery Childcare Centre www.burnabychildcare.ca

Growing Minds Childcare Centre www.growingmindschildcarecenter.ca

Parkwood Childcare www.parkwoodchildcare.com

SFU Childcare Society www.sfuchildcare.ca

Starlight Child Care Centre www.starlightchildcarecentre.com

Sunflower Daycare www.sunflowerdaycare.com

Surrey

City of Surrey www.surrey.ca

A Place to Grow www.aplacetogrow.ca

A to Z Childcare Centres www.a2zchildcare.ca

Alexandrea Neighbourhood House www.alexhouse.net

Bright Eyes Academy www.brighteyesacademy.ca

Caterpillar Fun House www.caterpillarfunhouse.com

Cornerstone Montessori www.cornerstone-montessori.ca

Creative Kids Learning Centres www.creativekidslearningcenters.ca

Honey Tree The Children’s Learning Centre www.honeytree.ca

Kids Zone Child Care Centre www.kidszonechildcarecentre.com

Kidzville Learning Centres www.kidzvillelearningcenters.com

Olio Childcare www.oliochildcare.ca

Pacific Heights Montessori Children’s Centre www.phmccentre.com

Rise N Shine Childcare Centres www.rnschildcare.vpweb.ca

Roots & Wings Montessori www.rootsandwingsbc.com

Coquitlam

Bramblewood Montessori www.bramblewoodmontessori.com

Early Learning Childcare Centre www.earlylearningpoco.ca

Friendship Corner Daycare www.friendshipdaycare.com

Future Kids Daycare www.futurekidsdaycare.ca

Green Apple Daycare www.greenappledaycare.ca

Parkland Players www.parklandplayers.com

Port Coquitlam Daycare Society www.pocodaycare.com

Shining Star Daycare www.shiningstardaycare.ca

Stay’N’Play Daycare www.staynplaydaycare.com

Step by Step Child Development Society www.step-by-step.ca

Sunny Gate Montessori www.sunnygatemontessori.com

Write Choice Early Learning Centre www.writechoicelearning.com

North & West Vancouver

Gatehouse Montessori www.gatehousemontessori.com

Acorn Early Education Centre www.acornearlyed.com

Apple Blossom Childcare Centre www.appleblossomchildcare.ca

BellaBee Childcare www.bellabeechildcare.com

Bluebird Group Daycare Centre www.bluebirddaycare.ca

Harbourside Children’s Centre www.harboursidechildren.ca

Highlands Preschool www.highlandspreschool.ca

Little Rascals Daycare www.littlerascals.ca

Lonsdale Creek Daycare Centre Society www.lonsdalecreekdaycare.ca

Montessori Mes Petits www.ourpreschool.com

North Star Montessori Elementary www.northstarmontessori.ca

Olive Grove Childcare ltd. www.olivegrovechildcare.ca

Park Place Daycare & Montessori www.parkplacedaycareltd.com

PJ Kids Club www.pjkidsclub.com

Smiling Stars Daycare www.smilingstarsdaycare.com

Sweet Peas Cottage www.sweetpeascottage.ca

West Vancouver Child Development Centre www.westvandaycare.org

Richmond

Aves Early Education Centre www.aveseducation.com

Butterfly Progressive Montessori School www.butterflymontessori.ca

Cityfarm Daycare www.cityfarmdaycare.com

Creative Montessori Daycare www.creativedaycare.ca

Garderie et Prematernelle les Moussaillons www.moussaillons.ca

Happy May Childcare Centre www.happymay.ca

Les Moussaillons www.moussaillons.ca

Little Wings Daycare Society www.littlewingsdaycare.ca

Raindrop Bilingual Daycare www.raindropbilingual.com

SOAR Inclusive Preschool www.soarpreschool.ca

Society of Richmond Childrens Centres www.richmondchildcare.org

ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT

Vancouver Baby & Family Fair

One-stop community event to showcase the best resources and products for parents and kids www.baby-fair.com

Imagine Children’s Museum Interactive exhibits and activites to encourage kids and families to role play, experiment, splash, think, wander, and create together. www.imaginecm.org

Taves Family Farms

U-Pick apples, pumpkin patch & corn maze, hay rides, pony rides, jumping pillow, farm animals, and more. www.tavesfamilyfarms.com

Wesbrook Village Festival www.discoverwesbrook.ca

BC Ferries www.bcferries.com

2018 2019

Bard on the Beach www.bardonthebeach.org

Bill Reid Art Gallery www.billreidgallery.ca

Burnaby Village Museum www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca

Britannia Mine Museum www.britanniaminemuseum.ca

Castle Fun Park www.castlefunpark.com

Disney on Ice www.disneyonice.com/ca/en-ca/

Greater Vancouver Zoo www.gvzoo.com

Grouse Mountain www.grousemountain.com

Gulf of Georgia Cannery www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.org

Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch www.facebook.com/Hazelmere -Pumpkin-Patch-125530080795831/

Healthy Family Expo www.healthyfamilyexpo.com

Heart-Mind Conference www.dalailamacenter.org/program/ heart-mind-conference

Kid Approved www.kidapprovedbc.com

Kidtropolos www.kidtropolis.ca

Krause Berry Farms www.krauseberryfarms.com

Living Magic www.livingmagicentertainment.com

Maplewood Farm www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca

PNE/Playland www.pne.ca

Richmond Country Farms www.countryfarms.ca

Rocky Mountain Flatbread www.rockymountainflatbread.ca

Royal BC Museum www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Science World www.scienceworld.ca

Vancouver Aquarium www.vanaqua.org

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra www.vancouversymphony.ca

West Coast Railway www.wcra.org

MORE VALUABLE SITES

Scouts BC

Fun and adventure for boys, girls, and young adults www.scouts.ca

zenGOT

Book a trusted, qualified and affordable home service provider instantly. Cleaning, yard work, handy work, errands, pet services and more. www.zengot.com

For more Childcare & Preschool listings, visit www.westcoastfamilies.com

But up to 10% of pregnant women experience leakage of amniotic fluid during their third trimester—a stressful development with serious implications for both baby and mother.1,2,3