olive fertility centre announces
NEW OPTIONS for PRENATAL TESTING
on our cover... 10-month-old Jaxon explores at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park.
Photographed by Dylan Doubt www.dylandoubtphotography.com
www.baby-guide.ca
Managing Editor, Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Assistant Editor, Kelly S. Thompson kelly@westcoastfamilies.com
Contributing Editor , Jodi Iverson jodi@westcoastfamilies.com
Art Director & Layout, Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com
Administration, Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com
Accounts Receivable & Payable, Jennifer Brule finance@westcoastfamilies.com
Advertising, sales@westcoastfamilies.com
Congratulations!
The 15th Annual Baby Guide is dedicated to all the new and expecting parents, and those who plan to be one. We celebrate with you and hope that this issue can provide you with valuable information and local resources, as well as cool new products and fun thing to do with your new baby.
One of the fun parts of new parenthood is exploring the latest & greatest! This year we are giving you great ideas for the Best Shower Gifts, Cool New Products to try, and ways to Green Up Baby. We have also put together the Great Baby Guide Giveaway featuring thousands of dollars of prizes. Just head to our website to enter often!
In this issue you’ll also find information on the latest fertility programs, how to get help after baby arrives, making your own baby food, and how to decide which childcare is best for you. We’ve fit as much local resources as we can here too, but there are always more - go to www.baby-guide.
ca for hundreds more listings and weblinks.
Enjoy every moment of parenthood – it is one of the most challenging and most rewarding things you’ll ever do and we’re thrilled to be a small part of your journey.
WestCoast Families magazine is proud to bring you the Baby Guide again this year. It is our amazing local advertisers who make this all possible so we encourage you to visit their websites, and explore their products and services – don’t forget to tell them you saw them in the WestCoast Families’ Baby Guide!
4
8 6 10 14
Contests
The GREAT Baby Guide Giveaway
5
Baby Shower Gifts
Finding that special one of a kind item for baby
Homegrown Fashion
The best in local and handmade baby clothes
Fertility Choices
Advice from Olive Fertility
Help After Baby Comes Services Offering Postpartum Solutions
Childcare Options What Option Works Best for Your Family?
12 7
Green Finds
Great products that are great for the planet
9
Reource Listings
Find what you’re looking for, quick and easy
Beyond the Jar Making Your Own Baby Food
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Noppies Maternity Contest!
WIN! A $500 maternity wardrobe from Noppies Maternity! Noppies is the brand for every pregnant woman with her own individual style. Super comfy, trendy and made with love with the latest in designs and fashion. www.noppies.com
Deadline to enter: April 15, 2015
Enter at www.baby-guide.ca
For more contests each month, go to www.westcoastfamilies.com
The GREAT Baby Guide Giveaway
Each month we’ll be giving away amazing prizes from our Cool Finds. All you need to do is enter!
Go to www.baby-guide.ca to enter your name.
Enter often so you don’t miss a draw!
Participating:
Love Child Baby & Toddler Food
Coco & Tini
Bonjour Baby Baskets
Blushface Designs
Green Ladybugs Designs
Guzzie & Guss
best shower gifts!
Jo Jangles Anklet
by ONLY CHILD Handicrafts
Bell anklets are an age-old baby shower gift, and ONLY CHILD Handicrafts is reintroducing this lovely tradition to a new generation of parents and babies. Sterling silver from end to end, the anklet is adjustable so it will fit your newborn as it gets to know the sounds that the world makes, your older baby who likes to kick their legs in the air, and it is especially exciting for toddlers as they learn to walk and make these little bells jingle with each step.
http://onlychildhandicrafts.bigcartel.com | $70
Just Arrived Photography
One of the best gifts are memories, so give the new family oodles of them with a baby photography session with Just Arrived Photography. They specialize in catching baby and newborn snaps, so book a session and watch as they make first baby photos as beautiful as the new bundle of joy. Price includes a one hour studio session and private online viewing.
www.justarrived.ca | $170
Caaocho Baby Toys and Teethers
These all natural, pure rubber toys are great for babies and toddlers, made with lots of bright colours and all-stage teething in mind. The Vancouver-based designs stimulate baby’s senses and heighten development and there’s even a line of hermetically sealed baby toys to make for bacteria-free bath time.
www.caaocho.com | $13-$20
Guzzie+Guss
This unique company, located in Delta, BC, makes strollers, high chairs and other baby gear for the modern parent. We love the Perch Hanging High Chair, which turns any table into a place for baby to eat when on the road or elsewhere.
www.guzzieandguss.com | $70
Green Ladybugs Gauze Blankets
This unique, Vancouver-based company delivers multi-ply gauze baby blankets, washcloths and baby bibs that are soft on baby’s skin while being fluffy and airy thanks to the gauze design. We love their baby blankets for softness but also for the fun patterns that seem both retro and modern at the same time!
www.greenladybugsdesigns.com | $40-$70
Mushy Books
These one-of-a-kind baby books are as beautiful as they are original. Created in Maple Ridge, they allow parents to choose a baby book that suits their child’s personality and feature modern designs that will appeal to the new millennium parent. The pages inside offer something different than those found at big box stores.
www.mushybooks.ca | $70-$85
homegrown fashion
Redcreek Handmade
Lovers of craft, antiquity and hand-worked treasures from the past, Redcreek Handmade’s sources of inspiration are abundant and include textiles, quilts, solid colours, natural and hand-worked fabrics and dyes used by the founding artisans of folk art and craft. Each piece is made to order in the Squamish Valley. redcreekhandmade.bigcartel.com | $30-$120
Beba Bean
Located in Port Coquitlam and offering online shopping, Beba Bean is full of luxurious clothing that is modern and stylish for baby. Creators of the famous Pee-pee Teepee, this brand promises snuggly bamboo clothing and a place to find the best baby gifts you can find. www.bebabean.com | $10 - $50
Petit Paris
If you’re after quality, style and comfort for your baby, check out Petit Paris, a fun collection of clothes for all ages of children. We love the Sunglasses Baby Striped Tee for both boys and girls and the variety of fun prints!
www.petitpariskids.com | $20-$90
Minimoc
These leather baby moccasins in an array of colours are made right here in Canada and are designed with an elastic opening for an easy slip-on fit that stays on busy, moving feet. They also make cute onesies that add campy style to any child.
www.minimoc.ca | $40
Electrik Kidz
These cute clothes are Montrealbased creations for children up to three years old. The funky patterns, cheeky designs and edgy prints will have parents snapping up these fun clothes, bibs and sleep sacks as soon as they can get their hands on them. We love the Prism Legging best of all! www.electrikkidz.com | $20-$50
WeeWoollies
This Victoria-based company creates unique baby clothes made from snuggly and warm merino wool. All clothes are Canadian made from the best in New Zealand wool and their designs are cute, colourful and gentle on baby’s skin.
www.weewoollies.com
$30-$60
Photo: Stephanie Lamy
green up, baby!
Love Child Organics
Love Child Organics makes nutritious, preservative-free purees and snacks for your little one, so you know they are getting the best in taste and health. Love Child Organics gives back to First Book Canada, ensuring all children get to experience the magic of books. Run by a husband and wife team out of Whistler, Love Child Organics creates great food products for your growing child.
www.lovechildorganics.com | $3.50-$5
CoCo & Tini Products
CoCo & Tini bath products are soft and safe for baby while easing fears about harsh chemicals on little one’s skin. The owners are a fantastic parent team who strive to use gentle cleansing agents and ingredients derived from natural sources in their hair and bath care line. All Coco & Tini products are manufactured in Canada and are free of sulfates, parabens, petroleum derivatives, artificial fragrance and artificial preservatives.
www.cocoandtini.com | $13-$18
Hip Baby
When in doubt about the best and safest products for baby, go to Hip Baby! They are committed to a more sustainable future without compromising style or fun.
For an eco-conscious toy for baby, check out Cate & Levi Upcycled puppets. Made in Canada from recycled sweaters, these cute puppets will entertain both you and your little one for hours!
www.hipbaby.com | $25
Lovey’s Tushi Wash
Lovey’s makes a great line of wipes, rash cream and their unique Tushi Wash, which will protect baby’s most tender skin with zero chemicals. Great for chaffed, chapped or diaper-rashed skin, Tushi Wash and Tushi Stick are created by a passionate mom and uses the healthiest of ingredients. Best of all, it smells great!
www.loveys.ca | $17
Monkey Doodlez
Looking for an alternative to disposable swim diapers but don’t know where to turn? Check out proudly Canadian Monkey Doodlez and their collection of cloth diapers and accessories that are safe for the environment and sourced from a variety of high-quality retailers.
www.monkeydoodlez.com | $23
Taslie Baby Products
This line of natural and healthy products for baby’s skin promises luxurious and natural cleaning and moisturizing while offering fun packaging to keep baby entertained. Their organic materials will also make the ecofriendly side of parents feel at ease when applying Taslie skin care on baby’s tender skin.
www.taslie.com | $4-$22
Prenatal Testing Options
Safe New Option for Early Prenatal Testing
by Rachel Butler, prenatal genetic counsellor at Olive Fertility Centre
anew type of prenatal testing called Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is making it possible to accurately screen for a number of genetic abnormalities just weeks into the pregnancy.
Learning that you are pregnant is exciting, but you may also worry about the health of your unborn baby. Until very recently, expectant moms have had to rely on a combination of blood tests and ultrasounds to provide information about the health of the baby. The problem with these tests is that they have up to a 5% chance of giving a “false positive” result for various genetic problems. This means that the result frequently comes back abnormal when in fact the baby is perfectly healthy.
Approximately 95% of women identified as high risk by the traditional screening are carrying a healthy baby. A “false positive” result can create a lot of anxiety for the pregnant mom, as well as unnecessary and invasive additional testing, which increases the risk of miscarriage by 0.5%-1%. In addition, results are often not available until the second trimester, which is usually when the pregnancy starts showing.
NIPT offers women and couples accurate information and choice. The great majority of women who have the test will have a normal result, which will give them peace of mind early in the pregnancy. NIPT can relieve the expectant mom’s anxiety by reliably informing her that the major chromosome abnormalities are not likely a problem for her.
What makes NIPT different from other early prenatal tests?
NIPT represents a major advancement in early prenatal testing. NIPT actually tests the DNA of the developing pregnancy as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy by using a simple blood test from the mother. This means that it is very accurate (>99%) compared to current tests, and does not have the high rate of false positives and negatives.
What
does
NIPT screen for?
NIPT measures the pregnancy’s genetic material (which is floating in the mother’s blood) to look for too few or too many copies of certain chromosomes. When a baby has three copies of a chromosome instead of the usual two, this is called a trisomy. NIPT is used to screen for:
• Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
• Sex Chromosome conditions (X, XXX, XXY, XYY)
What other early prenatal tests are available?
Serum Integrated Pregnancy Screening (SIPS) -This involves two blood tests. The first blood test is done between 9 and 13+6 weeks gestational age and the second is done between 15 and 21 weeks. SIPS is covered by our provincial health plan for all women in BC.
Integrated Pregnancy Screening (IPS) – This involves SIPS as well as an ultrasound done between 11 and 13+6 weeks gestational age (Nuchal translucency). This test is covered under our provincial health plan if you are
over 35 years old or have a high-risk pregnancy (eg: twin pregnancy, a baby from IVF, or have had a previous pregnancy with a trisomy).
First-trimester screening – This is similar to IPS without the second blood test. Therefore, results are available in the first trimester. This is not covered by our provincial health plan.
If I have NIPT, am I missing any other testing?
If you choose to have NIPT, you are not missing any other testing. However, it is recommended that every pregnant woman have a detailed anatomy scan at 18-20 weeks. This ultrasound is important to look at things like the heart and spinal cord development. NIPT, in combination with the detailed ultrasound, is currently the most effective prenatal screening available. Remember it is also not recommended to do more than one prenatal screening test.
How does NIPT accuracy compare to other prenatal screening tests?
How do I decide which test is right for me?
Many women I talk to wonder if they should have prenatal testing. Before embarking on the process, I ask them to make sure that they know what the test they are having can and cannot test for, and to think about what they would do with that information.
Meeting with a genetic counsellor can be very helpful, as your counsellor will take the time to review you and your partner’s history, review basic genetics, and go over the test options in detail. They will help you determine which test is best and help you interpret the results of your test. Ultimately, every woman needs to choose which screening test is best for her.
Rachel Butler, BSc, MSc, CGC, CCGC, is the prenatal genetic counsellor at Olive Fertility Centre. Rachel is both Canadian and American Board Certified and is currently a clinical Instructor at UBC. She has completed a 4-year term on the Canadian Genetic Counselling Certification Committee and was also editor of the Canadian Genetic Counselling newsletter.
ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT
Baby & Tot Show
www.babyandtotshow.com
Belly Baby & Kid Show www.bellybabykidshow.com
Burnaby Village Museum www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Fantasy Farms www.fantasyfarmsinc.ca
Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch hazelmerepumpkinpatch@shaw.ca
Healthy Family Expo healthyfamilyexpo.com
Imagine Children’s Museum www.imaginecm.org
Krause Berry Farm www.krauseberryfarms.com
Living Magic www.livingmagicentertainment.com
Pony Pals www.ponypals.ca
Science World www.scienceworld.ca
Taves Family Farms www.tavesfamilyfarms.com
Vancouver Aquarium www.vanaqua.org
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra www.vancouversymphony.ca
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 www.lllc.ca
Vancouver Breastfeeding Centre www.breastfeedingclinic.com
CHILDCARE
AB Mack Immigration
Live-in Caregiver training and recruitment www.abmackimmigration.ca
Child Care Resource and Referral www.ccrr.bc.ca
Childcare Choices Online Resource www.childcarechoices.ca
Spare Time Child Care Society www.sparetimesociety.org
UBC Childcare Services www.childcare.ubc.ca
Vancouver Society of Children’s Centres www.vsocc.org
Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre www.wstcoast.org
YMCA of Greater Vancouver www.vanymca.org/childcare
COMMUNITY
& SUPPORT
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
Burnaby Neighbourhood House Community programs and activities www.sbnh.ca
Annual Resource Listings
Canadian Pediatric Society www.caringforkids.cps.ca
Collingwood Neighbourhood House www.cnh.bc.ca
Community Centres
Check your local municipality website for the vast selection of programs at your community and recreation centres.
Family Services of Greater Vancouver www.fsgv.ca
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House www.froghollow.bc.ca
Fussy Baby www.thefussybabysite.com
Langley Children www.langleychildren.com
Maxxine Wright Early Care and Learning Centre www.atira.bc.ca
Octopus Village Parent networking, services & resources to families www.octopus-village.com posAbilities www.posabilities.ca
Provincial Government Education and Family Programs www.familiesfirstbc.ca
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
DOULAS & MIDWIFE 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
Midwifery Associates www.midwiferyassociates.ca
Midwifery Care North Shore www.midwiferycare.ca
Mother Me Home support for new mothers www.motherme.ca
The Midwifery Group www.midwiferygroup.ca
Help After Baby Arrives Services Offering Postpartum Solutions
By Laura Grady
you’ve survived nine months of pregnancy. You’ve made it through the excitement of labour and delivery, and now you’re ready to head home and begin life with your baby. Once home, reality of motherhood sinks in and can feel a bit daunting. Don’t fret. We have rounded up a list of top-notch services that will make life a little easier as you ease into parenthood.
Mother Me Doula Services
Mother Me Postpartum Doula Agency provides in-home care for both you and your baby. On duty to help you through breastfeeding, meal planning, nighttime routines and sibling care.
www.motherme.ca
MamaLuv
MamaLuv provides healthy meals delivered to your door. Dishes are prepared locally and arrive frozen (so you can reheat at 2 am if you need to). Order food for a day or the week. You need to eat—so why not eat well? www.mamaluv.com/en/testimonials
Retro Mom
This “motherly-touch” cleaning service will tidy up the mess and provide you with a home cooked meal. You pick and choose what needs to be done and Retro Mom will swoop into action. www.retromomservices.ca
Best Start
Tired parents and a tired baby are not a good mix. Babies need sleep and so do you. A Hushababy sleep consultation is a dream come true for new parents. A sleep expert will assist you with scheduling, feeding and shaping your baby’s sleep habits.
www.hushababy.com/our-services
My Best Helper
My Best Helper will match you up with the right sitter. Set up like an online dating service, My Best Helper allows parents to create a job post, search babysitter profiles and find the sitter that suits their needs.
www.mybesthelper.com
Go to www.baby-guide.ca for the full article and more postpartum solution listings!
Vancouver Doula Collective www.vancouverdoulacollective.org
EDUCATION
Burnaby French Language Preschool www.bflp.org
Collingwood School
Non-denominational, university prep and private school for Grade 1 to 12 www.collingwood.org
Elite Montessori Academy Quality childcare and early childhood education www.elitemontessori.ca
Fraser Valley Elementary www.fves.bc.ca
Garderie et Prematernelle les Moussaillons www.moussaillons.ca
Jewish Community Centre Preschool www.jccgv.com
Kumon Math & Reading www.kumon.com
Little Koala Montessori Childcare, creativity and education www.littlekoalamontessori.com
Little Sunshine Preschool www.littlesunshinevancouver.com
Meta Montessori House www.metamontessori.com
Millennium Learning Advantage www.millenniumlearningadvantage.com
Montessori Mes Petits www.ourpreschool.com
North Star Montessori www.northstarmontessori.ca
Our Kids Private School Expo www.ourkidsmedia.com
Reach for the Stars Montessori Children’s learning academy www.reachforthestarsmontessori.com
Smilestones Educational junior kindergarten www.smilestones.ca
Sunny Gate Montessori www.sunnygatemontessori.com
Vancouver Bilingual Preschool www.vancouverbilingual.com
Vancouver Montessori www.vancouvermontessorischool.com
Westside Montessori Academy www.westsidemontessoriacademy.ca
Westside Montessori School www.westsidemontessori.ca
Write Choice Early Learning Centre Individualized learning and education www.writechoicelearning.com
Annual Resource Listings
Go to www.baby-guide.ca for full resource listings!
York House School Leading independent school for girls www.yorkhouse.ca
FITNESS
Bare Fit and Pregnant www.barefitandpregnant.com
Bodies by London www.bodiesbylondon.ca
Fit 4 Two www.fit4two.ca
Mommies In Motion www.mommiesinmotion.ca
Mommy Fit www.mommyfit.ca
Mommy Moves www.mommymoves.ca
Yoga Buttons www.yogabuttons.com
GEAR & CLOTHING
Active Baby www.activebaby.ca
Baby’s World www.babysworld.ca
Beansprouts www.beansprouts.ca
Crocodile Baby www.crocodilebaby.com
Dandelion Kids www.dandelionkids.ca
Ella + Elliot www.ellaandelliot.com
Beyond the Jar
Making Your Own Baby Food
by Laura Grady
making your own baby food does not have to be a time consuming labour of love. Babies eat pureed foods for just a few months and with the right tips and tools, the task can be easy and efficient. Making your own baby food is economical too. Skip the grocery aisle and avoid spending money on prepackaged baby food.
Your kitchen is already stocked with the items you need. Fresh produce, grains and meats make perfectly delicious purees. Best of all, you’ll know exactly what you’re feeding your baby. “The old recommendations of starting with rice cereal and progressing through a specific order of foods has proven to not prevent food allergy,” explains nutritionist Kristen Yarker of Vitamin K Nutrition Consulting. “So it’s actually much more fun and easy to start solids now. Starting at about six months, offer your baby foods that you eat in your family.”
Deciding to make your own baby food gets your little one used to eating what the rest of the family eats—a strategy that may help with those picky toddler years. “The goal of introducing solid foods is to have your baby grow to join you at the table,” says Yarker. “The best benefit of making your own baby food is that you get to offer your baby age-appropriate versions of your family’s foods. From the start they’re developing a taste for your family’s foods.”
Choosing the Right Foods
Take things slow and ease your way into baby food making. Nocook options are a great place to start. Bananas and avocados can be mashed and pureed quickly using a fork. “Introduce one food at a time and wait two to three days between each food,” advises Yarker. Sweet potatoes, green beans and carrots are good choices for veggies. Just cook them and mash. For fruits, try pears, peaches or plums. When it’s time to prep the fruits and veggies, you’ll want to wash them thoroughly and remove any parts that could cause a choking hazard, like seeds or stems.
“Starting at about six months babies bodies, and in particular their developing brains, need iron. Focus on iron-rich first foods. Ironrich foods include: meat; poultry such as chicken and turkey; fish and shellfish; beans and lentils and iron-fortified baby cereals,” says Yarker. Ultimately, making your own baby food does not have to be complicated. Work with the food you already have and feed your baby appropriate versions of the meals you dish up for the rest of the family.
Choosing the Right Equipment:
You’ll need a tool to grind or puree the food into a consistency safe for baby. You may already have something in your cupboard that will work such as a blender or food processor. Keep it simple or go with something more sleek and sophisticated. Pick the tool that is right for you and get started.
“A fork! Fork-mashed is a great texture even from the very start. Babies don’t need super smooth purees,” insists Yarker. “A blender can also come in handy for preparing meat and poultry. The fancy baby blenders are great but aren’t necessary. Any blender will do.”
If using a fork doesn’t get you excited about making your own baby food, here are a few fancier options to inspire you:
Beaba Babycook
This high-tech gadget has taken baby food to a whole new level. This machine lets you do both the cooking and the pureeing in the same device. Set it to steam and then when you’re satisfied that the food is soft, turn it to blend. The Beaba defrosts and reheats too.
http://www.snugglebugz.ca | $190
Oxo Good Grips Food Mill
This food mill gets the job done. Steam and chop the baby’s food first then load it into the mill. Simply turn the crank and you’ve got puree. When grinding berries, the food mill keeps seeds and skin out of the puree, thanks to the strainer.
www.sears.ca | $70
Baby Bullet
This pint-size blender has mashing power. Just like it’s bigger counterpart, this food processor will whip up baby food in a flash. Place cooked food into the Baby Bullet and fire away. The unit comes with storage containers, a bowl for large batches as well and a bowl for making just a meal or two at a time.
www.toysrus.ca | $60
Cuisinart Smart Stick
If you are short on space but still want to stir up something good for baby to eat, this handheld device works just fine. Plug it in and hold it in a bowl (any size) with food that’s steamed or otherwise ready to go. Hit the “on” switch so it can get to work making a smooth puree.
www.cuisinart.ca | $70
ONYX Ice Cube Tray
If you decide to make large batches of baby food, you will want to freeze it. The stainless steel Onyx ice cube tray does the trick. Easily remove the divider, pour your homemade baby puree in, re-insert the divider and place into the freezer. Once frozen, remove individual cubes and place in a freezer safe container (like the ONYX airtight container).
www.thetickletrunk.com/15-ice-cube-tray | $30
No matter what tool you choose to use for your baby food, it is important that your work area and equipment be cleaned and sterilized. Be sure to take apart and wash any washable parts with soapy water. Give them a rinse in some hot water and air dry. The dishwasher does a great job of keeping things clean too. Don’t forget to wash your hands.
Whether you work with a fancy baby food-making gadget or stick with a fork, you’ll be a puree professional in no time. Nothing beats feeding your little one healthy and wholesome home-cooked food.
Frogs Hollow Children’s Boutique www.frogshollow.ca
Hip Baby
Sustainable toys, clothes and baby items www.hipbaby.com
Kids Market, Granville Island www.kidsmarket.ca
Lusso Baby www.lussobaby.ca
Norwex
Products for home and personal www.lilylaverton.norwex.biz
Once Upon a Child: Kids’ Resale www.onceuponachildlangley.com
Room for 2 www.roomfor2.ca
Snugglebugz www.snugglebugz.ca
Wee Ones Reruns
Quality consignment baby and child items www.weeonesvancouver.com
Yaya Baby www.yayababy.ca
Yemaya Natural baby skincare products www.yemaya.ca
HEALTH & NUTRITION
Coco Chiropractic Integrated health & wellness clinic www.cocochiro.com
Dial-A-Dietician www.dialadietitian.org
Fraser Health Resource www.fraserhealth.ca
Healthy Canadians Online Resource www.healthycanadians.gc.ca
HealthLinkBC - Health information by phone or web www.healthlinkbc.ca
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
Olive Fertility Clinic
Caring fertility treatment and education www.olivefertility.com
Pacific West Dental www.pacificwestdental.com
Peace Arch Maternity Clinic www.peacearchmaternityclinic.ca
Pediatric Dental Group PDG Dental and orthodontic care for children www.pdgdental.com
Pollock Clinics
Infant Circumcision and Vasectomy www.circumcisionvancouver.com
South Community Birth Program www.scbp.ca
Tot 2 Teen Dental Pediatric dental services www.tot2teendental.com
UC Baby Ultrasound Caring 3D ultrasounds www.ucbaby.ca
Vancouver Coastal Health resource www.vch.ca/your_health
MATERNITY CLOTHING & EQUIP.
Bellies in Bloom www.belliesinbloommaternity.com
Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity www.boomersandechoes.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, Vancouver www.roomfor2.ca
Annual Resource Listings
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.eduhealth.ca
Lamaze International www.lamaze.org
Lower Mainland Childbearing Society www.childbearing.org
The Birth Place www.thebirthplace.ca
PROGRAMS
ABC Music Factory www.abcmusicfactory.com
Arts Umbrella www.artsumbrella.com
Gabriela’s Movement Studio www.movementstudio.ca
Jump Gymnastics www.jumpgymnastics.ca
Music for Young Children www.myc.com
Place des Arts www.placedesarts.ca
Richmond Aquatics www.richmond.ca
Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics www.phoenixgymnastics.com
YMCA www.vanymca.org
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dylan Doubt www.dylandoubt.com
Girls With Film Photography www.girlswithfilm.blogspot.ca
Just Arrived Baby Photography Beautiful baby and newborn photos www.justarrived.ca
Revival Arts www.revivalartsstudio.com
Rhonda Dent www.rhondadent.com
SAFETY
Babysafe – St. John Ambulance www.sja.ca
Baby Secure www.babysecure.ca
BCAA: Infant/Child Care Seat Information Line www.bcaa.com
Safety Station at BC Children’s Hospital www.bcchildrens.ca/safetystation
Safety Superstore www.safetysuperstore.ca
SLEEP CONSULTANT
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
Choosing The Right Childcare
What Option Works Best for Your Family?
by Nicole Breit
for most families, childcare isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. If you’re looking into childcare but aren’t sure what will work best for your family, read on! Our childcare cheat sheet will give you the lowdown on each option with pros, cons, and costs.
Live-Out Nannies
This option works well for families who need full or part time help and want to enjoy the benefits of in-home care.
Pros:
• No hectic daycare drop offs and pick-ups and assistance provided in getting your children ready for school while you get ready for work.
• The close one-on-one relationship can mean more individualized care than in a group environment.
• Light housecleaning and meal prep makes family life less chaotic and more enjoyable.
Cons:
• Last minute schedule changes can be a challenge as many live out nannies have other jobs.
• This is one of the pricier childcare options.
Cost: $16-25/hour depending on number of kids, special needs, travel required, meal prep, housekeeping, and other duties.
Live-In Care
Live-in nannies offer round the clock care at an affordable price. This is a popular option for families raising more than one child.
Pros:
• When you’re run down, your kids are sick, your work schedule changes, or you want a night out, care is available.
• Tax deductions for room and board can bring down costs.
• New parents can learn a few tricks from nannies who have years of experience or kids of their own.
Cons:
• Parents may struggle when their kids turn to the nanny first for comfort, playtime, and attention.
• A compatible personality and parenting style are key to this arrangement working out, and may take time to find.
If you value family privacy, this may not be the best option.
Cost: $300-$400/40 hour week plus room, board, and overtime.
The Family Option
Many families lean on grandparents or extended family to fill gaps in childcare. Often, this is the best option cost-wise, and it also nurtures close family bonding.
Pros:
• A potential win-win for family members who have the time to spare.
• Low or no cost childcare.
Cons:
• It can be challenging for parents to communicate their care needs with family, especially those of a different generation or parenting style.
• Having family involved can place stress on relationships.
• Older family members may overestimate their ability to care for infants or busy, active kids.
Cost: Typically low or even free.
Home Based Daycare
A small in-home daycare may be the perfect solution for families with young children. Most kids enjoy being part of a group that nurtures new friendships and emphasizes play-based learning.
Pros:
• Socializing with other kids.
• Parents enjoy greater flexibility with this type of care versus larger centres (e.g. with schedule changes, administering medications, negotiating pick up times, etc.)
• A relatively affordable option.
Cons:
• Be prepared for your kids to get sick with frequent exposure to runny noses and shared toys.
• A variety of activities may be limited in homebased care (though it really depends on the daycare and its staff).
• It can be difficult to monitor what really happens in a day.
Cost: Varies with child’s age and full or part time care, but average is $40-$55/day
Daycare Centres
Group care centres offer kids and families a high degree of structure and accountability with programs for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and school age children.
Pros:
• Structured care in a child-centered learning environment.
• Choose from a wide variety of programming options including Montessori, Waldorf, fine arts, academic, language or culture-based.
• Accountability is greater with directors, managers, and trained caregivers on site.
Cons:
• Long wait lists are the norm with daycare centres, especially the really good ones.
• Be prepared for paperwork, strict rules, and policies.
• Daycare centres tend to be one of the more expensive childcare options, especially for larger families.
Cost: Varies with child’s age, full or part time care and location, but average $50/day and up.
Workplace Care
What could be more handy than taking your kids to work with you? Many families love the ease and comfort of having their little ones close in an on-site daycare facility.
Pros:
• Save time and gas money with only one stop each morning.
• Enjoy the comfort of knowing your child is being cared for close by.
• You’ll get to know your co-workers with kids and maybe even set up a few playdates.
Cons:
• If you’re not going to work or have to work late you’ll still have to get your kids to daycare or back home; a closer option may sometimes be more convenient.
• Some parents may feel pressured to stay at work when their child needs them.
• The temptation to peek in on your kids during the day can be hard to resist.
Cost: Varies, but expect to pay what you’d pay in other group daycare centres, around $50/day and up depending on the age of your child.
When it comes to choosing care for your child, nothing beats a personal referral and great references! Be sure to check out www. daycarereview.ca, a website run by parents for parents.
