I will never forget the first moment I saw my daughter. After 24 hours of hard labour, we were no closer to the finish line than when we started, and the doctors were recommending a caesarean.
I hadn’t even realized that the procedure had begun until I heard a loud cry and realized that it was all over. After what seemed like an hour (really only a couple of minutes) I suddenly had a tightly-wrapped bundle plopped onto my chest. “Look at those cheeks!” the paediatrician beamed. I looked. And looked. And I couldn’t stop looking at this amazingly perfect little person who had suddenly, magically, appeared in my life. Three years in, and I still can’t stop looking and wondering. I cringe whenever someone says to my daughter, “You’re so lucky to have such a good mommy,” because the truth is—as any parent can attest to—I am the lucky one.
For all the hard work, sleepless nights, overwhelming exhaustion, and countless hours of frustration that we parents have encountered—and will continue to encounter—we have the amazing gift of having these joyous, vibrant, mystical beings in our lives, and sharing in their fascinating, and ever-changing, world view. And we are the richer for it.
As I write this note, my daughter is pulling on my sleeve. She has discovered a brand-new, never-seen-before (at least, not by her) rock specimen, and I need to go tell her about it RIGHT NOW. I hope you enjoy this issue. We have packed it with as much information, events, tips and cool finds as we could squeeze in. And of course, our parent resource listings are here again, full of info on services, products and activities for you and your little one.
I’m off to look at rocks. Happy Reading! e one.
westcoastfamilies.com info@westcoastfamilies.com
Publisher Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
Lovely Lou Organic offers locally handmade and 100% organic bags, bibs, and accessories that are as healthy for you as they are for the environment. Enter to WIN a Lovely Lou Organic prize basket full of beautiful 100% organic specialty baby items. Value $136.00. Basket includes:
• Organic Stroller Blanket to keep your little one snug, made of Organic Cotton/Hemp blend Fleece
• Receiving Blanket made of incredibly soft organic cotton
• Bib and Burp Pad set featuring a delightful 100% organic cotton print on front & backed with thick & soft organic terry to protect little clothes
• Reusable lunch bag, made of 100% organic cotton canvas www.lovelylouorganic.com
Eco-Friendly Disposables?
WIN a one month’s supply of eco-friendly diapering essentials from Ecobotts. Compostable and bio-degradable, you’ll never think of disposables in the same way again!
• 1 – Roll of Nature Babycare Biodegradable Diaper Sacks (50 sacks)
• 1 – Little Twig Organic Diaper Cream www.ecobotts.ca Is it a Boy or Girl?
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula
Products for Mom & Baby
WIN this great package of skin products for you and baby! Almost $40 value. Prize includes the following items from Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula line:
• Tummy Butter
• Stretch Mark Massage Cream
• Bottom Butter for Babies
• Butter Faces for Babies
• Baby Butter www.palmersworks.com
WIN a FREE Gender Assessment from 3D Baby Vision Fetal Imaging. Prize includes a five-minute non-diagnostic ultrasound session, gender assessment, listening to baby’s heartbeat, and one printed 4x6 3D photo. Value $99. www.3dbaby.ca
Do you think your baby is the cutest thing since sliced kamut bread? Then we want to hear from you! Send us a snapshot of your little one and tell us why they should be on our cover for 2010.
Email info@westcoastfamilies.com, with “Baby Guide Photo Contest” in the subject line of the email. The grand prize winner will be featured on our 2010 cover and will receive:
• A FREE photo shoot with a professional baby photographer
• A FREE 10x13 photo from the shoot
• Plus prizes from our sponsors!
for Entries: December 1, 2009
A Letter from a New Collingwood Parent:
“The added magic at Collingwood was the strong focus on the relationship between the student and teacher, which makes a child’s learning experience both profound and personal. There was a warm, positive, caring and creative feeling throughout the school, a sense that no other school we have seen possessed. We were totally and thoroughly impressed by the school, the kids, the grounds, the everything of Collingwood.” – Nancy Merritt Bell
Our Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten are lively, nurturing places with a healthy balance of instruction and play giving children a happy, con dent start to their educational career.
To apply for admission or to arrange a scheduled visit contact: Judy Wilson-Neil, Director of Admissions, Collingwood School Tel: 604.925.3016 E-mail: judy.wilson-neil@collingwood.org
www.collingwood.org
We’re bombarded with come-ons to enrol in early childhood activity programs. Infant swim, BrainGym and baby signing are three that pop to mind. Given everything a parent has to juggle today, incorporating yet another activity might be just too much. Yet several of these programs have now been shown to have beneficial effects. How do you choose, or should you? Yes, do some homework, and then start carefully. For me, the test of these programs is simply this: What is right for you and your baby? If the idea of infant yoga lights up both your and your baby’s kundalini, then it’s good. Period. Let’s keep that in mind as we explore some of these infant programs.
What’s your sign? Baby sign language has become as popular as the Suri Cruise peacoat. But the controversy around whether it helps or hinders language development leaves parents wondering if it’s sound. Linda Acredolo, a pioneer in this field, finds that talking and signing flood the baby with language, and that babies who sign generally learn to talk earlier. But parents should beware that when signing is used as the primary mode of communication, and speech is neglected, an essential contributor to verbal development is lost. If those early language benefits don’t have you sold, maybe the impact on baby’s IQ will make your ears perk up. There’s evidence that children who learned sign language early had slightly higher IQs by age 8. It’s thought that the symbolic communication, visual development exercises and parental attention are the mechanisms that make the biggest impact. If you’re more concerned with keeping tantrums at bay, you might be interested to know that signing cuts down on the exasperation kids feel at not being able to make themselves understood. A happier baby means happier parents. (So, where do I sign up?)
Is Early Enrolment a Good
Idea?
By Michele Kambolis
The right touch. Moms aren’t the only ones who need time at the spa. Babies benefit too. Massage has long been used in Asian and African cultures to ease babies' colic and fussiness, help them sleep, and aid growth and development. Now Western culture is discovering its benefits. British researchers who looked into the science behind the practice found evidence that gentle massage appears to improve infants' sleep patterns, eases crying and strengthens parent-child bonding. The positive effects seem connected to a decrease in babies' levels of certain stress hormones, including cortisol. Unlike other less substantial reports, the U.K. study found no benefits for infants' growth and development. If dreams of baby sleeping better and crying less have you bringing out the almond oil and soothing Pachebel music, keep in mind that both of you should enjoy the experience, and don’t feel pressured to do an entire massage. Stay attuned to baby’s cues by watching her facial expressions, noting any startle reflexes, and connecting to how her body responds to the pressure and strokes. If you doubt your skill, remember there’s a world of difference between learning this from a book or DVD, and from a professional. Many infant massage therapists are eager to teach parents this traditional art. Look for classes at community centres.
Aqua-adventure. While thoughts of donning a swimsuit six months after delivery may make you shudder, the benefits to baby may convince you to bravely take the plunge. Research confirms that the stimulating effect of child-paced infant swimming lessons has the potential to increase intelligence, concentration, alertness and perceptual abilities. Improvement in social, emotional and physical development has also been well documented. Reluctant parents sometimes worry that having their baby in the pool may increase risk of illness, but a new
study for the Canadian Red Cross indicates otherwise: researchers found no extra risk of colds, ear infections or other illnesses. Some parents fret that their baby may suffer hyponatremia (water intoxication), the result of infants swallowing large amounts of water while submerged. The Red Cross researchers found that none of the infants in water baby classes ingested any significant amount, and that it really takes a large amount of water to place children at risk. So, with summer around the corner, dust off the tankini -- and remember, it’s really about splashing around and having fun.
Music to my ears. Amazing links are being uncovered between early music education and other areas of learning. Fortunately for parents, enriching our baby’s lives with music is easy at home and it’s a fun way to explore the power of rhythm, melody, tonality and beat while nurturing key physical, social and intellectual skills. While our scientific understanding of music is relatively new, child development experts believe the sensory integration that music exposure promotes is a crucial factor in children's learning readiness. Whether you’re drawn to the recorder or the soul of a Martin guitar, go ahead and make a little music together.
Hit the gym. Programs like BrainGym and Gymboree use educational kinesiology to switch on and coordinate baby’s brain and body for learning. Such classes are a safe, encouraging environment where parents learn about infant development milestones and where babies gain motor skills and confidence. Activities like tummy time, sensory stimulation and storytelling stretch baby’s body and mind. While connecting with other parents to commiserate about sleep deprivation can provide some much needed adult talk, some programs can be expensive. Remember: they’re not essential to ensuring your baby has a sensory-rich environment.
So, there’s a small fistful of thoughts on early development programs. Don’t try to do it all. Keep in mind that for centuries babies have done just fine without these kiddie academies.
Michele Kambolis is the Clinical Director of Harbourside Counseling Centre and Vice Chair of BC Mental Health Foundation. You can hear Michele on the Nik & Marke Show (AM1410) every Thursday at 10:30. She can also be contacted at 604-689-9116 or www.childinfo.ca for any questions about your child’s mental health and development.
Books for Babies & Bellies
Better Baby Food: Your Essential Guide to Nutrition, Feeding & Cooking for All Babies & Toddlers
by Daina Kalnins, MSc, RD & Joanne Saab, RD
This newly revised and expanded edition of Better Baby Food from the experts at the renowned Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto contains over 250 recipes, organized by both meals and age range. Eliminate the guesswork in feeding your baby from birth to 24 months with this authoritative info on everything from food allergies, teething and tooth care, to vitamin and minerals, snacking, childhood obesity and vegetarian diets. SRP $27.95
Amazing
Baby by Desmond Morris
The astonishing story of a baby's first two years. Renowned zoologist and scholar of human behaviour Desmond Morris reveals a baby's incredible powers of development and extraordinary growth patterns. Through informed text and stunning photographs and artworks, this insightful reference surveys the biology, physics, chemistry and other forces which drive the rapid changes that occur in a baby's body every day. SRP $40
Let YO U R
Great Expectations: Twenty-Four Stories About Childbirth by
Dede Crane & Lisa C. Moore
In this exceptional collection of original essays, twenty-four celebrated writers share one of their most intimate and life-changing experiences: giving birth. Moving, uniquely honest, and transformative, these stories are sure to inspire. SRP $21.95
A Garden of Opposites
written & illustrated by Nancy Davis
Enter this beautiful garden and see what opposites you’ll find! A short caterpillar and a long garden snake, a closed bud and an open blossom. These delightful images will teach youngsters about basic opposite concepts, and about the charms and wonders of the outdoors! This simple book has a surprise treat at the end—a gatefold displaying the whole garden, with opposites galore for little ones to search for. Plus, sturdy cardstock pages make this book perfect for reading indoors or taking to the park! SRP $12.99
Baby Nose to Baby Toes by Vicky
Ceelen
From the photographer who brought you Baby! Baby! comes even more gorgeous photos featuring adorable human and animal babies. Compare your baby’s nose with that silky snout, a baby’s toes with little paws. Photos capture baby toes, baby noses, baby eyes, ears, and more in this vivid board book that both babies and parents will love. Featuring simple, rhyming text, this is a must-have for any baby’s library. SRP $7.99
Happy Birthday, Baby! by Dr. Seuss
What child’s library would be complete without Dr. Seuss? Based on Dr. Seuss’s Happy Birthday to You!, this fun-filled interactive book has elements to touch, move, and smell. Presented in the original book’s spiffy color palette of yellow and red, Happy Birthday, Baby! helps babies and toddlers celebrate their day of all days with the Great Birthday Bird and everybody else! SRP $10.99
Be B tter B b aby F Fo d od Y You
WestCoast Baby Finds
1. Fu-Shun Baby Wall Art
These eye-pooping designs are modern, cute and fun. Great for teaching little ones about colours, shapes and letters. $89 for a set of four. www.fu-shundesigns.com
2. Beetling Design 3D Wall Décor
These amazing lightweight (and local!) designs are perfect for any baby’s or child’s room. Choose from themes like Nursery Rhymes, Safari, Solar System and The Ark. Prices vary for individual pieces and complete sets. beetling.com
3. For Parent & Tots With ‘Tude
4. Organic Skin Care for Mommy & Baby
From Flaming Angels Designs come these rockin’ bibs and outfits for those not into pastel pretties. Bats, dead kitties, and leather bibs…goth goodies galore! Bibs $25, Tees $25-$30. www.flamingangels.net
Local BC company Lalabee Bathworks handcrafts organic balms, butters and bath products that utilize organic herbs and biodegradable packaging. Try the Baby Butter and Belly Butter, $11.95 each, made from organic olive and sunflower oils. www.lalabeebathworks.com
5. Fill Your Own
These carbon neutral stainless steel water bottles are BPA-free, 100% recyclable, designed by local artists, and are available with three different leak-proof caps: straw cap, sports spout cap, and twist cap with carabiner. Available in four sizes for every member of the family. $19.99-$23.99. fillyourown.ca
Group and Private Childbirth Education
Lactation/Breastfeeding Consulting
Medela Breastpump Rental and Supplies
Perinatal Counselling
For information visit our website: www.crescentmoonchildbirth.org or call 604-612-6906
HypnoBirthing® - The Mongan Method - is a unique method of relaxed, natural childbirth education, enhanced by self-hypnosis techniques. HypnoBirthing® provides the missing link that allows women to use their natural instincts to bring about a safer, easier, more comfortable birthing.
Prenatal classes-groups/private sessions available Call: 604-616-6400 email: alison@breakthrough-hypnotherapy.com or visit: www.breakthrough-hypnotherapy.com for more information or to register.
Newbirth Mothercare
Birth and Post Partum Doula
Family support in the early months
• Breastfeeding support
• Prenatal & postnatal visits
• Teaching and assisting infant care
• Providing emotional support
www.newbirthmothercare.com
Edith MacIver 778-834-2057
WestCoast Baby Finds
1. Hip Baby Bandanas from Tsitah Threads
For laid back, playful and daring designs, look no further than the über-cool bandanas from local company Tsitah Threads. Baby and toddler bandanas in various patterns and colours. $21.99-$24.99. www.tsitah.com
2. Swim with Bouncing Babies
From the online company known for its fabulous cloth diapers, come the ultimate innovation—eco-friendly swim diapers. These cloth swim diapers keep any messes in the diaper and out of the pool. Pick from tons of cool designs. Available in three sizes (small, medium, large). $20. www.bouncingbabies.ca
3. Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush
This amazing children’s book store is a treasure trove of great reads, activities and events for the young and young at heart. And now you can create a baby shower registry at their store. Give your little one the gift of literature. www.huckleberrychildrensbooks.com
4. Bamboobino
For organic wee ones, check out this supersoft line of children’s wear and accessories made from bamboo fabric. For newborns to toddlers, plus nursing pads for Mom. Socks, baby mits, beanies, even hooded, enclosed bath wraps for baby. See website for prices and details. www.bamboobino.com
5. Organically Hatched
From one of Canada’s premier online organic retailers, come these super cute, personalized baby blankets. Available in various styles and colours. Starting at $49. www.organicallyhatched.com
Right From the Start
For Parents of
Attachment
Effective
Enhanced
ACTIVITIES & THINGS
TO DO
Aquaventures Swim Centre
Vancouver
604.736.7946
aquaventuresswim.com
Arts Umbrella
Vancouver
604.681.5268 | artsumbrella.com
Cineplex: Stars and Strollers
Multiple locations cineplex.com
Gabriela’s Movement Studio
Richmond
604.272.0607 | movementstudio.ca
Greater Vancouver Zoo
Aldergrove
604.856.6825 | gvzoo.com
Gymboree Play & Music
Vancouver 604.739.1190
Coquitlam/Tri-Cities
604.945.4967
Surrey/White Rock
604.590.5511 gymboreeclasses.com
Jump Start Music & Movement
Various locations
604.777.7179
jumpstartmusicandmovement.com
Kids Market
Granville Island
604.689.8447 | kidsmarket.ca
Koko’s Activity Centre
Port Moody
604.469.3357 | kokos.ca
Kuddles Early Infant Stimulation
North Vancouver
604.729.6538 | kuddles.ca
Maplewood Farm North Vancouver
604.929.5610 | maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
Mimic Baby Sign Language
604.687.0425 | mimicbaby.com
Music for Young Children
800.561.1692 | myc.com
Phoenix Gymnastics
Vancouver
604.737.7693
phoenixgymnastics.com
Play Paradise
Port Coquitlam
604.468.7529 | playparadise.ca
Richmond Parks & Recreation
604.276.4300 | richmond.ca
Sunset Community Centre
Vancouver
604.718.6505 | mysunset.net
Annual Resource Listings
The Arts Connection
Richmond
604.241.0141 | theartsconnection.ca
The Little Gym Langley
604.539.2543 thelittlegymlangley.com
Watermania - Richmond Aquatics
Richmond
604.718.8018 | richmond.ca
YMCA
Hocking Centre, Chilliwack | 604.792.3371
Cheam, Chilliwack | 604.824.5250
Tong Louie, Surrey | 604.575.9622
Downtown, Vancouver | 604.681.9622
Langara, Vancouver | 604.324.9622 vanymca.org
ADOPTION RESOURCES
Adoptive Families Association of BC Burnaby 604.320.7330 | bcadoption.com
BC Foster Parents Association
Maple Ridge
604.466.7487 | bcfosterparents.ca
CHOICES Adoption & Counselling
Victoria 604.682.6234 | choicesadoption.ca
Family Services of Greater Vancouver Adoption Agency
604.731.4951 | fsgv.ca
Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents
Vancouver
604.291.7091 | fafp.ca
Hope Services
Abbotsford
604.850.1002
LDS Adoptions Services of BC
Surrey
604.585.7735
Ministry for Children & Families
877.236.7807 | mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption
Society of Special Needs Adoptive Parents
604.687.3114 | snap.bc.ca
Sunrise Adoption Centre North Vancouver
604.984.2488 | sunriseadoption.com
The Adoption Centre Kelowna
800.935.4237 | adoption-bc.com
BABY CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
B-Cozy Blankets Co Online
604.224.0388 | bcozyblankets.com
Babes on 4th
Vancouver
604.739.9870
Baby Belle
Vancouver
604.537.5396
Babykins
Multiple locations & Online
604.275.2255 | babykins.com
Baby on Board
Richmond
604.273.0884 | babyonboard.ca
Baby Planet Boutique Online
888.823.6129 babyplanetboutique.com
Baby’s Best Designs Online
604.682.7281 | babysbestdesigns.com
Baby’s World Coquitlam
604.515.0888 | babysworld.ca
Beansprouts
Vancouver
604.871.9782 | beansprouts.ca
Beba Bean
Coquitlam & Online
604.552.7741 | bebabean.com
Big Bouncy Baby Online
604.542.2500 | bigbouncybaby.com
Bigfoot8 Kids Store Inc. Port Coquitlam
604.464.6388 | bigfoot8.ca
Bobbits for Kids
Vancouver
604.738.0333 | bobbitsforkids.com
Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity North Vancouver
604.984.6163 boomersandechoes.com
BorderLine Technologies Online
604.258.8301| borderlinetech.ca
Buckets of Fun Consignment Surrey
604.542.8697 | bucketsoffun.ca
Chick Pea Children’s Boutique New Westminster 604.525.2266 | chickpeakids.com
Designed for every baby scenario, Baggino proudly introduces the stylish, one-of-a-kind 3-in-1 Combination Diaper Bag-N-Changing Belt. Each bag is equipped with a conversion changing waist belt and stroller bag including a changing mat, zippered pouch for parents’ valuables, cell phone holder, baby wipes case, five interior pockets, two side pockets and a handy key clip. Chic enough for Mom, cool enough for Dad. $149. www.baggino.com
i B i dl i t Band Moms-to-B Th B b B
Belly Band Aid For Moms-to-Be
The Baby Be Mine Maternity
Belly Band is a favourite maternity accessory. Soft and easy to wear, it solves so many pregnancy wardrobe issues. It allows you to wear your pre-pregnancy clothing longer and get back into them sooner post pregnancy. The belly band also covers those unsightly elastic waistbands and expandable panels on maternity bottoms and is great as a breastfeeding cover-up too. Available in three sizes. $29.99. www.organicallyhatched.com
Hooter Hiders Nursing Cover by Bebe au Lait
Bebe au Lait Nursing Covers are award-winning nursing accessories that provide a chic and sophisticated way to nurse discreetly. Breastfeeding is beautiful. We also know that many new mothers are modest, and nursing in public may be uncomfortable for you. Nursing covers help to alleviate this nervousness, and provide the new mother with a way to feel beautiful and proud while nursing without having to worry about the wandering eyes of passers-by. Available in various colours and patterns. $39.98. www.parentingbynature.com
YOU Pillow
Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank
Every nursing mom needs some great nursing tanks! With stunning style and a full bra inside, The Essential Bravado Nursing Bra Tank was designed to make moms feel fabulous—inside and out! It’s stylish enough to wear with great accessories, a jacket or blazer when going out, yet comfy enough to wear hanging around inside. They make fantastic maternity tank tops because the fabric of the garment and the bra inside comfortably stretch, while retaining their shape after washing: making it an ideal maternity and transition garment as well. Starting at $55.
www.momandbabyboutique.com
The locally made YOU Therapeutic Pillow is not just a pillow! Its unique u-shape and multi-function provide ultimate comfort and support. It adjusts to YOU and your needs, shape and size, whether sitting, lying down, working or relaxing. $104.95-$124.95. www.youpillows.com
“Helping
Pregnancy 101 for Expectant Dads
How to stay involved and on top of your game
By Shelley Ginzer
Ah, pregnancy. A joyous time when a woman becomes exquisitely attuned to the workings of her own body and the growing life within her. Strangers will complement her on her glowing looks, friends will hold open the door, and the husband will make ice cream runs at the mere hint of a craving. Oh yeah, that’s right, there’s a daddy in the picture, too.
Contrary to the woman’s experience, pregnancy can be a time of intense alienation for men. They are physically shut out from sharing in the “miracle of life,” mentally shut out by their partner’s absorption in her own physical transformation, and socially shut out by friends and relatives who often focus all of their support and congratulations on the woman. Throw in a usually decreased sex life, and it’s not hard to understand why even men who are eager to assume the “Daddy cloak” start to have feelings of resentment, disaffection and loneliness.
This, however, doesn’t have to be your story. A few simple strategies can ensure that this experience is one that you both can share, enjoy and cherish. Remember, there’s no “I” in “pregnant.”
Talk the Talk
People subconsciously react to the way we express ourselves and the words that we choose. The phrase “My wife is pregnant”—especially with a downward inflection at the end, immediately alienates you from the experience you are describing. What people hear is “She’s pregnant, and he’s not interested.” Instead try saying “We are pregnant.” Own it, baby. “We are so excited,” “I’m going to be a dad” and “We’re going to have a baby” are all phrases that imply ownership and personal involvement. The reactions you receive will be quantifiably different.
Listen Up
Your partner is constantly talking about her oddly shaped body, her swollen feet, and her aching back. She worries out loud about passing gas, the possibility of haemorrhoids and the fact that she has to pee every five minutes. Hear what she’s not saying: Do you still find me attractive? Do you still care about me even though I feel kind of gross sometimes and do things that my mother always said were unladylike? Try touching her on the spot she complains about and letting her know that you still like every part of her, including all those funny and odd things she does.
Be There
Go to as many of your partner’s prenatal appointments as you can. Ask questions, show you’re interested, and definitely, absolutely, go to the ultrasound appointment so that you can see the baby inside her. When you’re at home together, play some music, read the belly a story or just talk to it. Studies have shown that babies remember sounds they hear in utero, so why not let one of those sounds be your voice?
Beer, Schmeer
Your partner is giving up alcohol, raw fish, cultured cheese and all sorts of tasty and sinful things for the next 40 weeks. Support her by limiting your intake of those foods as well. It’s amazing how not eating ahi tuna sashimi in front of your six-months-pregnant wife can prevent phrases such as “You are the most insensitive wart I have ever had the misfortune to meet” or other words to that effect. What’s the worst that can happen? You’ll both be a little healthier and a whole lot happier with each other.
Make Decisions Together
Bring up the subject of diapers—cloth vs. disposable? Talk about breast- versus bottle-feeding, standard versus organic formula, name brand versus generic, colours for the nursery, you name it. Being a part of these decisions will not only get you more excited, it will make your partner more excited to see you so involved and will make your respective families look at you as an integral part of the process. Initiate talks about life insurance, wills and RESPs. The greatest gift you can give your partner is the knowledge that you care about the new future you are creating.
In the end, it all boils down to this: Show them you care, and you will receive that same care right back. Trust me, you’ll need it.
Meet your baby before birth with 3/4D Ultrasound & bring home pictures & video!
Offer Details: $25.00 off Premium Package- Bring this coupon to your appointment ato receive this fantastic discount! Easy online booking for an early peek at your baby at www.3dbaby.ca. Expires: NA
sq. ft. and over 6,000 items. 1300 Woolridge Street, Coquitlam BC
Offer Details: Save $10 on your next purchase of $75 or more at Bouncing Babies. Simply use coupon code: "Babyguide" at www.bouncingbabies.ca. May be combined with free shipping on purchases over $200. Expires: Dec 31, 2009
Boutique
affordable products for you and your children! Shipping is free on all orders of $100 or more.
Offer Details: Use coupon code BG0915 to receive $15 off of your next order of $100 or more! Expires: April 30, 2010
BabyEco-Friendly Showers: Celebrate big-time without a big footprint
By Wendy Helfenbaum
Suzanne Corrin was thrilled when her younger sister Michelle became pregnant, because she got to plan a baby shower and help her go green at the same time.
“My niece Madeleine came a little early, so we ended up having the shower in January, when she was a few weeks old,” says Corrin, a Port Moody mom of two girls aged five and seven.
Hosting her sister’s eco-friendly baby shower was also an ideal way to showcase products from Green Planet Parties, the newly launched web-based business Corrin co-founded with Suzanne Bertani, a mom of four. The stay-at-home mompreneurs’ goal? To introduce earthfriendly, locally-produced, artisan and handcrafted gifts, biodegradable tableware, reusable decorations and goodie bags to party planners.
The two Suzannes have organized about 30 parties and weddings a month since launching last September, reports Corrin. “If you’re having people over, why not also educate them about a different way to entertain and feel good about it? If we each do these small things in our everyday lives, we contribute to bettering the environment.”
Get your eco-shower started by listing green baby websites, stores, gift ideas and wrapping suggestions within the invitation, so guests know that the mom-to-be prefers organic products.
No-stamp invites, or ones that bloom. Corrin used www.evite. com instead of sending paper invitations, but for those who prefer paper, why not choose ones that you can plant afterwards? Pop any of Winnipeg-based Botanical PaperWorks’ handmade invitations into some soil, and the seeds embedded in them will blossom into gorgeous wildflowers.
Long-lasting décor. Instead of buying piles of generic baby carriage inspired decorations, Corrin hung a colourful banner spelling out Madeleine’s name and laid out an elegant, locally made table runner. “Now Michelle will be on her way to making an eco-friendly first birthday party, rather than having to buy plastic tablecloths and decorations.”
String up a clothesline pinned with baby clothes and toys above the front door, or using fabric tablecloths that can be made into a baby blanket or curtains for the nursery.
Top Picks for the Table. Ditch drugstore disposables such as Styrofoam cups and plastic cutlery in favour of real dishes, glasses and silverware. Or choose disposables that are readily biodegradable. “We used corn-based cups and palm leaf dinner plates made in India by sustenance farmers who take palm leaves that have naturally fallen to the ground, and therma-press them into the shape of a plate,” says
Corrin. “They’re the most durable disposable plates you’ll ever see, and they look really cool.”
Fabulous food. Select fresh, seasonal organic food from local farmers' markets that tastes great at room temperature, to avoid having to heat or cool with energy-sucking appliances. Package leftovers in waxed paper for guests to take home.
Gifts that keep on giving. The most thoughtful gifts are time, energy and experience. Never mind that cute outfit; a freezer packed with delicious meals in reusable containers is worth a million bucks to new parents, so suggest that guests each bring a dish. Give gift certificates for a week's worth of maid service, three loads of laundry or an evening of free babysitting. Or, keep gently used baby stuff out of the landfill: make the shower a mini swap meet, asking guests to bring their children’s old baby clothes, books and toys.
It’s a wrap. Think double-duty: wrap your gift in a receiving blanket or cloth diaper. Use reusable fabric bags stuffed with baby washcloths instead of tissue paper. Corrin also recommends handmade seeded gift wrap made of vegetable dyed paper, which can then be cut up and given out as party favours to guests to plant at home.
Unique Activities. Get guests to decorate organic baby onesies with soy-based paints. Re-purpose a plain baby t-shirt by turning it into a guestbook. Ask everyone to bring something meaningful from their homes to create a funky baby mobile: set out a basket of colourful ribbons or pieces of foil to add texture and reflect light. Or, let them literally leave their mark by creating a mural in the nursery with nontoxic, milk-based paints.
Clean up, green up. Be sure to put out recycling bins, then wrap up your celebration by using non-toxic, household cleaning products and rags instead of paper towels.
Wendy Helfenbaum is a Montreal writer and television producer.
COLOUR SPECIAL
ECLIPSE Photography Award winning photographer, Kimberly Mara, has 20 years experience and is open six days a week in North Vancouver.
Offer Details: Colour Special: $200 for 35 Color Shots 0r $300 for 70 Color Shots Includes: Sitting Fee, 4x6 Unmarked Proofs, Two Hours Studio Time & Props (B/W Photo Shoots Also Available)
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Felt Fantasia www.feltfantasia.com
Felt Fantasia provides creative wall decorations for your child’s room. Suitable for kids of all ages.
Offer Details: Free shipping with no minimum purchase. Enter the coupon #012009 during the checkout process.
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The Little Gym of Langley Motor-Skill Development made fun, builds Confidence that leads to a lifetime of Success!
Offer Details: All infants between 4 and 8 months receive 4 FREE consecutive classes. Call today to register for your free classes, 604-539-2543!
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Doula, Midwife, Doctor: Which to Choose?
By Nick Major
It starts with the joyous news: "Congratulations! You're going to be a new Mom."
Now comes the hard part: the decisions that have to be made before and after the big day. One of the biggest “Paper or plastic?” decisions mothers face is whether or not to use a midwife.
For millennia, there wasn't much of a choice to be made. Mothers gave birth at home, often with deadly results for both mother and child. Around the turn of the last century, hospital births slowly became the norm in the industrialized world. The past decade, however, has seen a trend away from the perceived impersonal nature of hospitals, towards a more personal, mother-and-child centered birth.
The term midwifery refers to the team of women who assist the mother before, during and after the birth, usually in the mother's own home, but sometimes at a hospital. The exact setting and schedule of their service varies among midwives, but they provide personalized care and support, with frequent in-home visits. According to the Midwives Association of B.C., a midwife will typically visit the mother every 3 to 5 weeks for the first two trimesters, then every 2 to 3 weeks during the third trimester.
What is a doula?
A doula is an assistant who provides non-medical support to the mother before, during and after birth. Unlike a midwife, a doula does not provide medical care, and does not deliver the baby. They give the mother emotional and physical support, and assist with basic baby care, breast feeding techniques, and often housekeeping tasks as well. Doulas can be either birth doulas or post-partum doulas, with post-partum requiring more training. In B.C. doulas are represented by Doula Services Association of B.C.
“People imagine a doula as a comfort person,” says Alix Bacon, director of publicity and promotions for the Doula Services Association. In reality, according to Bacon, doulas take an active role in the birth process. "The midwife is not going to be there for the entire labour. The doula's going to provide comfort measures like massages, birthing positions, education, creating a birth plan," because the midwife is often too busy with the medical aspects of the birth. Also according to Bacon, there isn't any "rivalry" or competition between doulas and midwives, because they are two different professions with no overlap between them. "I've never met a midwife who didn't recommend a doula," she says.
“Midwives spend more time with the patient, building relationships, and give her the understanding of what we're doing,” said Julie Allen, a registered midwife in Vancouver. According to Allen, the decision to have a midwife is less about the choice of birthplace, and more about the choice of birth type. “The thing is, the majority of women still use hospitals,” she said, adding that only about 30 per cent of women give birth at home.
Many are also mistrustful of the safety of some medical procedures. The Midwifery Group of Vancouver claims that mothers who used midwives encountered lower rates of forceps use, vacuum extractions, C-sections and infections compared to those who gave birth in a doctor-assisted hospital setting.
In B.C., midwifery has been a registered practice under the Health Professions Act since 1998. The title Registered Midwife is protected by law— anyone in B.C. calling themselves one must be recognized by the College of Midwives of B.C., and must complete intensive in-class and clinical examinations. U.B.C. offers a four year Bachelor of Midwifery degree, which
involves both classroom and clinical experiences, including a requirement to attend at least 60 births. There are currently 66 registered midwives in the province, most who of whom own their own private practice. Midwife services are covered under the B.C. Medical Plan for the duration of the pregnancy until six weeks after birth; however, midwifery is only covered when it supplements the mother's family doctor.
Organizations like Birthdocs, a Vancouver-based group of obstetricians and family practice physicians, acknowledge the role midwives play in the birthing process, but highlight the advantages of a hospital birth. Obstetricians are practicing doctors who have more medical training than midwives, and are trained to handle any type of pregnancy or complication.
Midwives can handle most pregnancies and minor pregnancy-related complications. They have hospital privileges, and can refer mothers to a specialist if needed. All registered midwives abide by a code of conduct, which states that their main priority is letting the mother make her own informed decisions. Midwives are also trained to offer a full range of pain relief options, including an epidural, if requested by the mother. According to Allen, midwifery is "based on the understanding that pregnancy is not just a clinical thing, it's also a psychological and emotional experience as well."
List of Resources
Midwives Association of B.C. 604.736.5976
www.bcmidwives.com mabc@telus.net
College of Midwives of B.C. 604.742.2230
www.cmbc.bc.ca information@cmbc.bc.ca
Doula Services Association of B.C. Referral Line 604.515.5588 1.877.365.5588 www.bcdoulas.org
B.C. Women's Hospital and Health Centre 604.875.2424
1.888.300.3088 (B.C. only) www.bcwomens.ca
Birthdocs and Family Practice
Maternity Services at B.C.
Women's Hospital
604.875.2871
birthdocs.ca info@birthdocs.ca
The Midwifery Group
604.877.7766
midwiferygroup.ca info@midwiferygroup.ca
B.C. Health Guide
www.healthlinkbc.ca
Phone: 811
Lynne Williams Photography
Lynne is a Vancouver based photographer who specializes in pregnancy, newborn & child photography.
Offer Details: Bring this ad to receive 10% off your entire order.
Expires: December 31, 2009
Maplewood Farm
A municipal park/farm specializing in the display of domestic farm animals and birds.
Offer Details: Enjoy one complimentary admission when a second admission of equal or greater value is purchased. Not valid for special events or group bookings. Farm open daily Apr. thru Oct. ; Nov. thru Mar. Closed Mondays!
Expires: March 31, 2010
Not Just Nannies
Educated & Experienced live-out nannies for your family's unique needs -Find out how we are different!
Offer Details: Receive $300.00 off your first full-time placement or $200.00 off your first part-time placement. Offer does not apply to on call or temporary placements.
Expires: March 31st, 2010
My 3D Ultrasound
In association with Greig Associates Baby Bonding 3D Ultrasound clinic owned and operated by the Radiologists of Greig Associates medical Imaging Centre.
Offer Details: Enjoy saving $20 off any 3D/4D ultrasound experience with My 3D Ultrasound. *Not valid with any other discounts or promotions.
Expires: May 31, 2010
Pinky Blue
One stop destination for cool strollers, modern nursery furniture, designer clothing, diaper bags, gadgets, etc.
Offer Details: Bring this coupon and receive 15% discount (maximum of $15) on regular priced purchases. Expires: April 30, 2010
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The Case for Cloth
By Catherine Clutchey
We, as parents, are more eco-aware these days, especially when it comes to raising our kids. Parents are looking to leave a brighter future for their little ones. We are buying organic foods and clothing, eco-friendly toys, and choosing to buy closer to home to decrease using unnecessary resources. Diapering our children is no exception. Cloth diapering has changed. We have moved on from folding, pinning and dunking to Velcro, cute prints and easy washing. Keep reading to learn facts about diapering and some new lingo from the world of cloth diapering.
Facts (courtesy of Environment Canada):
• Four million disposable diapers are thrown out a day in Canada
• A child will have about 7,000 diaper changes in their lifetime
• Disposables represent the 3rd largest single product in the municipal waste system (behind newspapers and food and beverage containers). In areas that recycle it is number one!
• Disposables use 70% more energy per change than cloth
• It takes a disposable diaper 300 to 500 years to decompose
• Using cloth diapers saves a family an average of $1500 to $2500 per child
• Disposable diapers keep baby’s bottom 5 to 10 times hotter, thus increasing the risk of diaper rash
• Disposable diapers have dangerous toxins like dioxin, sodium polycrylate, organochlorines (in trace amounts) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Demystifying terminology. New styles of cloth diapers have made them more convenient for busy parents.
• Prefolds are more like your mama’s cloth diaper. They are absorbent rectangles that are thicker in the centre. They are folded around the baby and fastened with pins or a Snappi (a ‘poke free’ fastener). A diaper cover is required to make this waterproof.
• Fitted diapers are contoured to fit the baby. They fasten with snaps or Velcro and require a cover. Diaper covers are far from the plastic pants that many of us picture. They are made from PUL (a soft, breathable, waterproof fabric), fleece, wool or even waterproofed cotton.
• Pocket diapers come complete with a waterproof barrier and therefore do not require a cover. They have an opening to place an absorbent insert. The insert is removed for washing, which decreases drying time.
• All-in-One diapers have everything built in. They include a waterproof outer and an absorbent core. They fasten with snaps or Velcro. They are favourites among babysitters as they are the most like disposables.
Each type of cloth diaper comes in a variety of fabrics including cotton, hemp, bamboo or fleece, just to name a few. There are pros for each type of fabric, it is just a matter of finding what you and your baby like and need. Using a combination of cloth and disposables, especially in the beginning, is often a good routine for many families. Every little bit helps the environment and your family.
So what about the laundry? There are many suggestions on how to wash cloth diapers. Typically, it takes one extra step compared to your normal baby laundry. That is a cold soak or rinse initially, followed by your normal hot cycle and rinse. Then hang dry or dry in the dryer. Each manufacturer will have more specific instructions on washing. Fabric softeners and bleach should not to be used with cloth diapers. If you are concerned that there is more ‘yuck’ factor in cloth diapering than disposables, think again. Did you know that you are actually supposed to remove poop from disposable diapers as well and flush it down the toilet? It says so right on the package.
So where to start? Buy a diaper or two of each brand and style, try them and decide what works best for you, your baby and your family. Many cloth diaper companies can arrange cloth diaper consultations to help you see ‘in the flesh’ what cloth diapers are like. They also may have a trial package that will let you test various brands and style for two weeks or more to help you decide without making a large financial commitment.
Catherine Clutchey is the owner of Bouncing Babies Cloth Diapers in Surrey, BC.
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Room for 2 Maternity and Baby
Your Pre & Post birth resource. celebrating 25 years of serving lower mainland families.
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UC Baby
UC Baby is a leader in 3D/4D ultrasound service and is dedicated to providing quality time for families in a relaxing & comfortable environment.
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Offer Details: FREE Admission - Valid for one single drop-in admission to any public swim session.
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Baby-Proofing Your Marriage
By Stephanie Maingot
Her life is all about seconds: a second house, a second kitchen renovation, a second marriage, and a second baby with her second husband—a rare second chance. Michelle Johnson* fights back tears when she talks about becoming a parent and how the stress of it finally broke her first marriage apart. She is an otherwise ordinary, active woman in her mid-thirties, raising two young children in Commercial Drive, a trendy Vancouver neighbourhood. One difference is that Tess* and Devon*—her five-year-old daughter and nineteenmonth-old son—have different fathers. She’s happily remarried now and expecting another baby with her new husband.
“Before becoming a mom, I had an okay marriage, maybe a six or seven out of ten,” says Johnson. After her daughter’s birth though, Johnson’s 6-year marriage went downhill fast. True, Tess was a ‘high needs’ baby. But she remembers, “there just wasn’t a lot of teamwork going on.” Instead of helping one another, she and her husband argued relentlessly, often about the baby’s care. Like Johnson, most people just don’t know that when they start a family, it won’t be anything close to the ‘most amazing experience of their life.’ Myths be gone. Almost all couples (92%) argue bitterly after the arrival of a baby—mostly about sex (not getting enough), money (not having enough), and who’s doing more work (who deserves the hero biscuit). One third of them will end up divorced, usually by the time their first baby turns three. That’s exactly how it happened for Johnson. Like clockwork.
Diapers and divorce are indeed a most unforgiving duo. “We have the prenatal part down, but not the prenatal couple care” observes Peter Vaughan, a talented West Vancouver therapist who’s been working with couples for over 20 years. When compared to the impact of divorce on a young family, today’s ubiquity of birth preparation class-
es and professional labour coaching services seems absurd. Johnson describes her initiation into motherhood as “exciting,” “touching,” “life changing.” But she reflects, “you don’t [also] expect to be so stressed, so anxious, so unhappy.” When thinking about the 8-week prenatal class she took at the local women’s hospital, Johnson finds it “utterly ridiculous” that participants spent almost the entire course studying the stages of labour! She doesn’t remember receiving a single shred of information about how their marriage might suffer after the baby’s birth. Yet Vaughan says it’s a “classic” finding, that “67% of couples experience a significant decline in marital well-being after the arrival of a baby.”
Unless curbed, temporary post-partum unhappiness can entrench feelings of emotional disconnection in new parents, making them vulnerable to extra-marital affairs—one of the most serious risks posed by the birth of a baby. Take Johnson. By the time their baby turned one, her first husband had already had two affairs. For her, the affairs were the ultimate deal-breaker, which also meant being abandoned at a time of highest need and greatest responsibility.
Still, there are ways to baby-proof a marriage. Relationship experts John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman confirm in their landmark research with couples, that only one third of them naturally adapt well to becoming parents. The researchers took their cue from these so-called transition “masters” to develop a program for helping pregnant couples prepare for parenthood. In their book And Baby Makes Three, the Gottmans teach couples to eliminate the ‘fend for yourself’ mentality that often prevails after the birth of a baby. This team approach to parenting—one that Johnson’s first marriage lacked—is a building block for couples to deepen their friendship and maintain a satisfying post-partum sex life. Parents-to-be also develop skills to
overcome common post-baby conflicts so that the pressures of new parenthood don’t end up dominating their marriages. New parents who remain emotionally connected after the arrival of a baby, say the Gottmans, have a higher quality relationship, experience minimal hostility, and delight more in their babies. One of the Gottman Institute’s most important findings is that what’s good for parents, is good for babies. Babies born into harmonious environments tend to flourish, whereas those born into conflict-ridden marriages tend to lag behind in areas like language acquisition.
Since a baby’s development may well lie in the balance, this is reason enough for a couple to intervene right away if their marriage deteriorates in the initial stages of parenthood. For example, as the first Gottman-Method therapist to be certified outside the U.S., Vaughan says couples can avert a post-partum crisis by “keeping friendship charged up”—a central tenet of the Gottman approach. In his practice, Vaughan administers questionnaires to measure a couple’s level of achievement in three research-derived indicators of friendship. Namely, the degree to which couples: tune-in to one another’s everyday worlds (love maps), embrace one another’s bids for closeness (turning toward), and incorporate rituals of appreciation into their married life (fondness and admiration). A high score means that a couple has what Vaughan calls “positive sentiment override” (PSO) as their primary relationship dynamic, which he describes as “a bridge between conflict and friendship.” Under Vaughan’s guidance, couples learn to process negative marital interactions in a way that preserves, and even intensifies intimacy.
Many couples argue exponentially behind closed doors after the arrival of a baby, often because they have to negotiate everything from the practical (diaper changing) to the profound (parenting styles). For Johnson and her first husband, the biggest bone of contention was their baby’s poor sleep—an issue that can affect up to 40% of new families. They ‘had it out’ about everything: how to cope with sleep deprivation, whether Tess should be sleep-trained, who should sleep where, and on and on, ad nausea. Johnson very much wanted to sleep with Tess, but her husband out-and-out refused to have the baby in their room. “He bullied me,” says Johnson. “I felt forced to parent in a style that he approved of, as opposed to trusting my own instincts as a mother.” If a volatile post-natal period is not well-managed, a couple’s friendship erodes. This is why so many new parents just can’t seem to get along anymore. And so the fighting intensifies, leaving moms increasingly isolated, and dads feeling increasingly like outsiders. It’s a negative-feedback loop that Vaughan sees repeatedly in couples with new babies.
On the practical side, couples can protect the integrity of their marriage by obtaining agreement ahead of time on how they will
Resources:
Pre and Post Natal Care:
• Pomegranate Community Midwives pomegranate-midwives.com | 604.255.5556
Couples/Marriage:
• And Baby Makes Three: The Six-Step Plan for Preserving Marital Intimacy and Rekindling Romance After Baby Arrives, by John M. Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman | www.gottman.com
• Peter Vaughn | West Vancouver Therapy and Psychological Services | 604.926.0206
Post-Partum Challenges:
Breastfeeding:
• La Leche League Canada | www.lllc.ca
• Linda Good | Certified Lactation Consultant | 604.818.0888
Sleep Deprivation:
• Better Sleep For Your Baby And Child: A Parent's Step-by-Step Guide To Healthy Sleep Habits, by Shelly K. Weiss, Hospital for Sick Children
Emotional Issues/Depression:
• Pacific Post Partum Support Society | www.postpartum.org | 604.255.7999
deal with the everyday demands of ‘after-baby’ life. For her second birth, Johnson secured the support of a midwife, which meant having more thorough post-natal care. Lehe Elarar, midwife and co-owner of Pomegranate Community Midwives clinic in East Vancouver, gets her clients thinking about the nitty-gritty of new parenthood very early on. She wants to know who’s coming to help and for how long, how the couple will divide up infant care, how they will share the burden of sleep deprivation, and even how they will feed themselves and do laundry during the labour-intensive newborn period. In Elarar’s experience, “the first few weeks are tender and if we get them [couples] started off right, there’s a better chance of success.”
Couples who cope well after the birth of a baby accept that new parenthood is an equal opportunity form of suffering that manifests differently for moms and dads. They focus on finding productive ways of meeting one another’s needs, instead of fighting over whose needs are more important. In other words, they act like friends.
*names changed for reasons of privacy
#340 - 943 W.
baby guide events
Mondays for Mums
Le Petit Spa, Vancouver
Ongoing, Mondays, 10am-7pm
2009
New mums are invited on Mondays for pedicures with their new babies (under 10 months of age). Offering a warm, inviting, babyfriendly sanctuary for both mom and baby to relax in an intimate environment with a facial room converted to a private diaper change area, soothing background music, and breastfeeding-friendly surroundings.
604.224.4314 | lepetitspa.ca
Bellies To Babies Celebration
Croatian Cultural Centre
May 3, 11am-4pm
A one of a kind event offering a unique opportunity for new and expectant parents and grandparents to explore and shop for trendy baby fashions, décor and so much more! Community resources and support services will be on hand to answer questions for new and expecting parents. Admission by donation to Basics for Babies. belliestobabiescelebration.com
Welcome Wagon Baby Shower
Compass Point Inn, Surrey
June 8, 6:30pm
Guest speakers with valuable information and demonstrations designed to help you at this special time. See displays from local businesses and civic organizations, specifically with you in mind to assist you and your new baby. Best of all, receive a complimentary gift bag. Admittance is free.
866.627.6074 | welcomewagono.ca
Prenatal Yoga and Wellness Weekend in Whistler
Summit Lodge and Spa
July 10-12
Resort blending the activities of daily yoga, prenatal yoga, nature walks, meditation, nutrition sessions, and fitness. Enjoy the pleasure of nature, inspiration, learning and healing while connecting with your baby. You might call it a "baby-moon" referring to the honeymoon before baby arrives!
917.370.7288 | newmotheryogaandwellness.com
Baby Purity Conference
Sheraton Wall Centre
October 12
One day event with a great lunch in downtown Vancouver. Listen to experts discussing first foods for your baby, safe household products and good nutrition for your entire family. babypurity.com
Baby & Family Fair
Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre
October 24-25
With over 100 booths, the show offers a selection of exhibitors, seminars and hands-on demonstrations on the latest information, innovations, products and services for expecting parents and families with young children. Whether it's reliable information from industry experts, fun for the little ones in the "Big Kids Play Area," or an incredible shopping experience, this event has what parents need. 604.251.9491 | baby-fair.com
EMR: The Missing Link Between Autism and Cell Phones?
We’ve all heard of it. Electromagnetic radiation. These days it’s everywhere, thanks to cell phones, cell towers, Wi-Fi devices, etc. But according to a recent study published in the Journal of the Australasian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, there’s a darker side to EMR. These researchers suggest that EMR is an accelerating factor in autism, due to its negative affect on cell membranes. It also also heavy metal toxins, which are associated with autism, to build up in your body.
The upshot of this new theory? Maybe it’s not such a good idea to let Junior chew on your cell phone. Maybe you could find him a nice chew toy instead. Better safe and all that, right?
How Clean is Too Clean?
The market is flooded with anti-bacterial wipes, cleansers and household products. Then there are anti-viral mouthwashes, antiseptic hand sanitizers, etc. The problem? All of these anti-bacterial products simply lead to more resistant bugs, which in turn will require stronger antibacterial agents, which in turn will create even more resistant bugs, which in turn…you get the point.
The solution? Stop. Stop using cleaning agents that have elevensyllable ingredient names (what the heck is bi-ethyl-carbo-monoeuclic-hydro-oxide-compound anyway?) and try using the stuff your great-grandmother used. That’s right…soap and water. Throw in some vinegar and lemon for extra cleaning power and a nice smell, and you’re as clean as you need to be. And when your baby is crawling on your now-shiny laminate floors, you can rest easy knowing that all he’s licking is a little diluted salad dressing.
Travel Gear
Made By Angie Handmade Baby Wipe Containers
How many times a day do you pull out your baby wipes to change a diaper, wipe a messy face or clean up a spill? Why not do it in style? These über-cool cases come in a multitude of colours and styles for girls and boys, so no need for Dad to be embarrassed when he’s on diaper duty, either! $30.
www.madebyangie.com
Travelling With Wee Ones?
Vancouver-based Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals make it easier to move around. With everything available from car seats, boosters and travelling systems, to cribs, swings and safety products, you can minimize your luggage and maximize your freedom. Plus, they deliver and pick up all rentals in three cities: Vancouver, Victoria and Toronto. Prices vary. www.weetravel.ca
Moby Baby Wrap Carrier
The Moby Wrap is considered by many to be the “original” stretchy wrapstyle carrier and is often referred to as the ultimate in baby wraps. A baby wrap is the perfect newborn baby carrier providing security, warmth, vibrating sound & pleasure. When wrapped in the Moby Wrap your baby is in the perfect environment to thrive. Available in various colours. $63.98.
www.parentingbynature.com
The Raz Pak
This handy formula and snack container separates into three 6oz. snack packs. Three individual spouts reduce the chance of contamination and make it easier to pour with less spills. Each container comes with a screw on lid and a snap on cap for the spout. Containers can be used separately or combined together to make one or more multi-chambered containers. Non-toxic. BPA free. $7.99. www.organicallyhatched.com
Kelty Convertible Backpack
The popular child carrier goes from carrier to stroller and back, to suit your needs. Great for airports and festivals, with quick and easy adjustments. With a five-point harness and lots of padding, your little one will stay comfy for longer trips, and the lightweight (9 lb 3 oz) design means parents enjoy themselves too! $270. www.tjskids.com
