bfrom our family to yours
westcoast families westcoastfamilies.com oo!
So which child do you have – the one that had their costume decided on November 1, 2013 and is unwaivering, or the one that has changed their mind four times and will likely end up (again) being a princess fairy or Superman? No matter which one you have, there are lots of opportunities for your little ghost to strut their stuff this Fall. We’ve done our best to give you great ideas for taking the kids out to enjoy the fall festivals and Halloween spooks.
If you are a new or expecting parent, plan to be one, or know someone who is, we’ve got something special for you! This Is our annual Baby Guide issue, and it is full of cool new products, valuable information, and local resources. Feel free to pull out this middle section to keep as a handy resource for the amazing year ahead. Here at WestCoast Families, we love Fall. It’s time to pull out the boots & coats, jump in puddles, collect beautiful leaves, and make new friendships at school. It’s a time to look forward to what the year ahead will bring for our kids and watch them grow and learn.
Come back next issue for our super cool features on Family Photography and Holiday Fun!
Publisher
WCF is excited for the return of the 5th annual Readers’ Choice awards westcoast families
choice awards readers
Enter today for your chance to win AMAZING family prizes, including family passes to major attractions throughout the Lower Mainland.
Go online to www.westcoastfamilies.com for full details on all prizes and to cast your votes.
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
604.249.2866
Published by National Families Network Publisher: Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
For submissions to our community calendars, please email admin@westcoastfamilies.com
To share your feedback, please email editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Contributors
Jennifer Bryuns, Nicole Breit, Rebecca Butler, Krysta Furioso, Laura Grady, Jodi Iverson, Nicola Enright-Morin, Kelly S. Thompson, Andrea Vance
All contents copyrighted ©. Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families
Mailing address: 1215-C56 St. Box 18057 Delta, BC V4L 2M4 T 604 249 2866 | F 604 676 2802
All Aboard the Polar Express!
Explore the childhood story and movie favourite with a trip on the Polar Express! West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish is home to this ride on the rails, so don’t miss a chance to get in the chilly holiday spirit with the Polar Express. Grand Prize is a family four pack of tickets, valued at $112, plus a $50 gift certificate for the gift shop, which includes official Polar Express merchandise.
Deadline to enter: October 30, 2014
Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com
Skate On with Disney on Ice!
Win four tickets to Disney on Ice! It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe. Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits the Pacific Coliseum at the PNE from November 26 to 30!
Deadline to enter: October 30, 2014
Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com
Fall Fun at Taves Family Farm!
Enter for your chance to win a family of four fun pack for an entire day of action-packed fall fun. A day at Taves includes exploring the Corn Quest Maze, Jumping Pillow and Pumpkin Pillow, Petting Barn, Bunny Town Tractor Trail, slides, zipline, playground and Farmville, as well as pumpkins for each family member.
Deadline to enter: October 20, 2014
Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com
westcoast finds
Philips Sonicare for Kids
This high-tech toothbrush will clean your little one’s teeth to the ultimate shine and help them learn healthy cleaning habits while allowing them the option to customize their brush with fun stickers and patterns. With different brush heads for your child’s age group, healthy teeth are just a button away! www.sonicare.com | $60
Geekling Designs
Geekling Designs is full of fun clothing for your infant or toddler, infant and toddler, with creative patterns and colours that will delight any child. Their clothes are inspired by geek and pop culture and we love their Velcro toddler belts…easy to do up!
http://geeklingdesigns.storenvy.com | $10-$40
Peekabloom
Sophia Reynold Apparel
This hip, Vancouver-based company delivers well-designed hats, sweaters and dresses that are handcrafted using organic cotton yarn. These snuggly, soft items will have your little one looking cute while being ultra-soft on baby’s skin.
www.sophiareynold.com | $25-$65
Peekabloom is a mother/daughter run business based out of Vancouver, making chic, and playful accessories for babes and toddlers. Peekabloom accessories are all hand cut and made from the highest quality leather, wool felt, and glitter fabric that will add serious style to your baby’s noggin! www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Peekabloombaby | $4-$14
Cuddle Up
Fall means temperatures dip down, so be sure to snuggle up with the Cuddle Up, a heated fleece throw that comes in a variety of patterns to match any décor and keeps necessary items close with a handy pocket.
www.sunbeam.ca | $200
Blushface Paper Goods
These awesome invites and stationary will make for the perfect shower invitation or baby announcement. The owner designs and creates each paper goodie and creates beautiful stationary that makes any event special.
www.blushfacepapergoods.com | $5-$20
Mixable Murals
These cute animal sticker murals can be mixed and matched to decorate any child’s wall. With fun colours, shapes and non-toxic materials, these moveable animals shapes ensure your child’s space is unique, creative and always changing!
www.mixablemurals.com | $33-$150
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
www.twitter.com/wcfmag
www.facebook.com/westcoastfamilies
www.pinterest.com/wcfmag
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.
>> CircusFest
Prepare for the CircusFest circus arts festival from 6-9 November where those in the Lower Mainland can watch artists tumble, toss, and defy gravity, thanks to presenter, Circus West. There’s something for the whole family, including shows for children and late night entertainment for parents. Circus-loving visitors can watched Montreal-based troupe, Throw2Catch or the Acrobatic Conundrum perform their tossing routine that will shock and delight audiences. Passes are $199 and offer access to all 14 shows! But there are also day passes available, so don’t miss your chance to catch all the zany fun and see all that the circus arts offers! www.circusfestvancouver.com
>> TEDxKids@BC Presents Campfire Stories
The TED Talk series, famous for providing new and exciting information to the world, also extends to kids! TEDxKids@BC invites British Columbians to the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby on November 16th, where kids will gather to listen to amazing speakers and great workshops that will engage their minds as much as their passion for life. TEDx talks encourage local venues to gather and create their own TED events to spark discussion and engage audiences throughout BC. Learn about new ideas, and be part of the magic that comes from TED! Visitors have to apply to attend so don’t miss out!
www.tedxkidsbc.com
>> G Day for Girls
For girls aged 10-12, don’t miss G Day For Girls, an event on Sunday, November 2nd at UBC Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. More than 250 girls and their caregivers will participate, listening to engaging speakers and taking part in fun, creative activities. G Day for Girls was created as a social movement to empower young women going through the tricky time of adolescence, teaching them to be empowered and confident while being kind and considerate of one another. The event is a celebration and creation of sisterhood amongst young women and is designed to show them that the future is bright and full of possibilities. There are also more than 50 volunteers to help to make this day special and educational for all the girls involved. Last year’s event was a huge success so help G Day for Girls be another positive experience for young women in the Lower Mainland. www.gdayforgirls.com
>> Royal BC Museum Online Collection
Don’t miss the selected 100 Objects of Interest that have been curated by the Royal BC Museum to be presented to the public online. These seldom-seen items, including art, specimens, records and more, can be found online to be viewed in a never before seen venue, offering an image and explanation of each item, including First World War diary entries and letters from soldiers as a means to commemorate the Great War. Over time, new items are rotated in and out of the collection to keep a fresh perspective but each will have a tie to British Columbia, celebrating our rich cultural and environmental background. “Using technology to inspire and stimulate international research into our collections will strengthen our knowledge of them and open up new opportunities for collaboration,” said Prof. Jack Lohman, CEO of the Royal BC Museum. Some of these objects have either never been seen or are rarely on display, so don’t miss them online!
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/100
>> BC Field Trips
This fantastic website, put together by education field volunteers in the BC region, is dedicated to providing information on the latest and greatest field trips to promote learning in various environments. The website highlights the importance of children’s education both inside and outside the classroom and encourages participation within the community by connecting venues, educators, and students. Institutions offering field trip opportunities that contribute to the BC educational curriculum, advertise on the site and offer one-stop shopping for educators to enhance their teaching. There is even information on the site to provide any and all transportation for any field trip need, offering resources, links and tips for travel. BC Field Trips also offers an annual Field Trip Fair, where participants can gather to promote their trips and educational value to both teachers and the community.
www.bcfieldtrips.ca
by Nicola Enright-Morin
The arrival of fall is always bittersweet. The cool crisp air and tumbling leaves signal farewell to the seemingly endless days of summer. But just because summer’s over, it doesn’t mean the fun has to be. Here in the Lower Mainland, we have tons of fall family activities that are sure to give the whole family a rosy, autumnal glow and leave everyone feeling thankful. For more fall activities, go to www.westcoastfamilies.com
Taves Family Farms
September 1 – October 31, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Aldor Acres Farm
Do you want to kick back and get out of the city? How about learning what it’s like to work on a farm? The Aldor Acres farm in Langley has something for everyone. From milking dairy cows to feeding a baby calf, the Anderson family hosts special family tours so that everyone can get in on the fun. Children under 2 - Free, $9 pp or $40 per family. www.aldoracres.com/family-tours
Meadows Maze
Fall would not be complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch and Applebarn is one of the Lower Mainland’s finest. Located in Abbotsford, it has something for the whole family including U pick apples, a corn quest maze (great for younger kids), jumping pillows, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and a petting barn with goats, alpacas and pigs. They also have a country store loaded with fall treats and local produce. Adults - $5.75, Children 3 – 17 - $7.25, Children under 2 are Free.
www.tavesfamilyfarms.com
September 2 – October 19 (check website for hours of operation)
One of the largest corn mazes in the Pacific North West, this is a great adventure for all the family. As well as the maze, there are also hayrides and roasted marshmallows and hot dogs at night! Adults - $13, Kids - $10, Children 2 and under are Free. www.meadowsmaze.com
fun halloween
IOCO Ghost Days
Friday, Oct 17 or Saturday, Oct 18, 6.00 pm – 7:30 pm
Wander back to yesteryear in Port Moody. Enjoy a community fair with pony rides, a best dressed pet parade, a pumpkin pageant and a theatre troupe performing through out the event.
www.portmoodymuseum.org/2014/09/14/ ioco-ghost-town-day-sunday-october5th-2014/
Stanley Park Ghost train
Orpheum Theatre
Feeling cultured? How about a trip to the Orpheum?
Toopy & Binoo
October 12 2014, 1:00 pm - 2:25 pm
In October, Toopy and Binoo are coming to Vancouver so don’t miss this fun show for hours of entertainment or check out their other show in Surrey! Ticket prices vary. www.toopyandbinooontour.com/tourdates
Chris McKhool
October 26 2014, 2:00 pm - 3:10 pm
For kids age four and up, Chris McKhool (of Sultans of String) and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra are teaming up to get kids dancing and singing to a variety of musical styles, including rumba, flamenco, classical, funk, Cape Breton fiddling and more! Ticket prices vary.
www.vancouversymphony.ca
by Nicola Enright-Morin
October 10 – November 1 (closed October 13 for Thanksgiving)
This year’s theme is “Mother Goose’s Ghastly Garden” and the ride promises to take families on a spooky ride that they won’t forget in a hurry and of course, lots of fun, train education! Adults - $11, Kids - $7, Children 2 and under – Free.
www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreationculture/ghost-train.aspx
Fort Langley Zombie Walk
Saturday, October 4, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Not for the faint-hearted, the 2nd annual Fort Langley zombie walk promises to be ghoulish fun for the whole family. Come dressed as a zombie or let the on-site make-up artists give you that zombie look you’ve always wanted. The walk starts at 3:00pm, so arrive early if you want your makeup done! Makeup by donation. www.fortlangleystudio.com/ events/2014/1/24/2nd-annual-zombie-walk
Pumpkin Fest
October 5, 10am – 3pm
Why not kick-off the fall season with some good old-fashioned fun at the West Vancouver pumpkin fest? Join in some old-fashioned games, such as the welly boot toss, sack races, scavenger hunts and scarecrowbuilding competitions. There will be pony rides and even a beer garden! www.westvanpumpkinfest.ca
More Family Fun!
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House Pumpkin Patch In the City with arts and crafts, games, haunted house and much more. www.froghollow.bc.ca
Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch Corn maze, pumpkin picking and fun events are all on offer at Hazelmere Pumpkin patch. Don’t miss the fainting goats! www.facebook.com/pages/Hazelmere-Pumpkin-Patch
Fantasy Farm This action-packed farm has scary Reaper’s Haunted attraction to bring the fright into Halloween for older kids and Petey’s Pumpkin Patch to entertain the little ones. By far worth the visit to Chilliwack! www.fantasyfarmsinc.ca
Burnaby Village Museum There’s no end to the education and history at Burnaby Village Museum. Don’t miss the Haunted Village 23-26 Oct!
www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Burnaby Neighbourhood House Communities and families will find hours of fun at Burnaby Neighbourhood House with great programming for all ages. www.burnabynh.ca
Science World Slumber Party November 14 – an amazing overnight experience from dusk til dawn! www.scienceworld.ca
Night Science for Kids
Friday, Oct 17 or Saturday, Oct 18, 6.00 pm – 7:30 pm
Explore VanDusen Gardens in the evening, when a new host of creatures come out to welcome you. Learn about the resident barred owls, visit the bat houses and tour the gardens, looking for signs of nocturnal life. Learn all about nocturnal pollinators, like the moth and learn which plants you can grow to invite them in to your own backyard. $15 for members and $25 for non-members.
www.vandusengarden.org/learn/children-families/monthly-familyprograms
Pumpkin Patch
Aldor Acres, Langley
September 28-October 31, 9am-5pm, rain or shine.
Visit the pumpkin patch and see many hands-on farm animal displays, then go on a hayride to the field to pick your very own pumpkin for eating or carving. Admission is $7 per person. Pumpkins are sold according to size. Rain or shine!
604.888.0788 | www.aldoracresfamilyfarm.ca
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Sunday, October 5, 2014, 10am - 5pm
Grab your family for a day of fun and free activities at the Water’s Edge festival. Go on a boat tour of English Bay, join a guided cycle tour around False Creek, paddle the shore in a kayak and first nation canoes, then check out the ocean critter touch tanks and much more. Adults - $11, Youth - $8.50, Children under 5 – Free.
www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/ event/waters-edge-day
Waters Edge Day
Vancouver Maritime Museum
October 5, 10am-5pm
Grab your family and friends for a day of free & fun activities centered around Vancouver’s shoreline, including boat and cycle tours, workshops & much more!
www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
PumpkinFest 2014
West Vancouver Community Centre
October 5, 10am-3pm
Get in the Harvest Spirit and join in for some good old fashioned family fun! The 4th Annual PumpkinFest promises to be better than ever with pony rides, pumpkin patch, live cow milking demos, hay maze, goat hill, live entertainment, beer garden, family zone, police and fire displays, free swim, skating and open gym plus much more! Admission is free.
www.westvanpumpkinfest.ca
Toopy & Binoo
October 11, Performing Arts Centre, Surrey October 12, Orpheum, Vancouver
The zaniness continues as best friends, Toopy and Binoo, return to the live stage in a brand new theatrical production, Toopy and Binoo: Fun and Games.
www.toopyandbinooontour.com
community
Vancouver Cuban Music Festival
Cartwright Street, Vancouver October 16-19
It’s an international Latin music festival featuring a collection of stars of Cuban Music coming to deliver a series of incredible concerts. Enjoy four days of Cuban culture, including live music, dance workshops, shows for children, movie screenings, and more!
www.islandofmusic.com
The Baby & Tot Show 2014
Tradex – Trade & Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford
October 18 & 19, 10am-5pm
Shop & sample over 150 exhibitors. Get educated on everything you need to know from pregnancy to birth & beyond! Chat with experts behind your favorite brands & save big with show specials. Only $12 for adults. www.babyandtotshow.com
Community Resource Fair
Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge
October 18, 11am-3pm
This event brings together over 50 health and wellness professionals from local non-profits and businesses to connect residents with needed services. With a proven combination of information, fun & interactive activities, and local entertainers, the fair is a great way to spend a fall afternoon for everyone in your family. Free. www.crfconnect.org
Cassie and Friends Family Day
Telus World of Science
October 18, 9am-3:30pm
This day is specifically to help children with Juvenile Arthritis and other Rheumatic Diseases. Free to all attendees, this amazing day will host parent workshops and information sessions with noted health experts, and age-grouped children activities. Please pre-register at: www.adobeformscentral. com/?f=Ue%2ALbfLqomQBJrhPl7KICQ
Vancouver Halloween Parade
Granville St (from Drake to Robson), Downtown Vancouver
October 19, 12noon
Check out this family-friendly parade with marching bands, horses, vehicles, floats and performances. The supernaturals, heroes and villains from comics, games, sci-fi and myths all come alive!
www.VanHalloween.com
The Wiggles- Ready, Steady, Wiggle Tour
October 18, 1 & 4:30pm, Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey October 19, 1 & 4:30pm, Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver
After years of captivating children from around the globe, The Wiggles are bringing their “catchy brand of preschool pop” back to North American audiences with the “Ready, Steady, Wiggle” tour. Anthony, Emma, Simon and Lachy will be joined on stage by the lovable Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus for a wiggly good time!
www.thewiggles.com
My Fairy Lady
The Cinematheque, Vancouver October 19, 1pm
What does it take to transform a dishevelled Cockney flower girl into a refined British duchess? Why, a lesson in elocution, of course! All ages welcome. Adults are $9 & children are $6. www.thecinematheque.ca
Family Fright Fest
Sunbury Hall, Delta October 23, 4:30-7:30pm
Wear your costume and attend Family Fright Fest. Tour through the haunted forest and take part in games and activities for all ages. www.delta.ca
Bonsors Big Boo
Bonsor Recreation Complex, Burnaby October 24, 6-8:30pm
Join in for some friendly frightening family fun at Bonsor, including a haunted house, creepy crafts, ghostly games and treats for all!
www.burnaby.ca
calendar
Diwali Celebration
Firehall Centre for the Arts, 11489 84th Avenue, Delta
October 24, 1-6pm
Celebrate Diwali at the all-ages event at Firehall Centre for the Arts. Participate in Rangoli, decorate and take home your own diya, get a henna tattoo and enjoy some sweets. Cost is $2/person.
www.delta.ca
Shout! White Dragon
Astorino’s Ballroom, Vancouver
October 25
Kids will have the chance to sing along and play along to the old-time music of Professor Banjo, while parents enjoy a feature set by one of Vancouver’s favourite roots, folk, and traditional bands! To keep the kids engaged, Paul will interview the band, invite the musicians to demonstrate their instruments, and encourage kids to dance along! Tickets are $15 at the door, kids under 2 are free.
www.reverbnation.com/shoutwhitedragon
Kilby Kids Halloween
Kilby Historic Site, Harrison Mills
October 25-26, 11am-4pm
Enjoy all the traditional spooky fun of Halloween on a 1920s historic site with a Halloween party just for the kids with crafts, games, and ghoulish activities! Rain or shine.
www.kilby.ca
Do-It-Yourself Science Science World
October 25-26, 10am-6pm
Take part in dozens of hands-on experiments and activities using everyday supplies you can find around your home. Don’t forget to watch the special Dollar Store Science show at the Peter Brown Family Centre Stage! www.scienceworld.ca
Splash and Boots
Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam
October 26, 2pm
Jump up and down and dance around with award-winning Canadian singing and dancing sensation Splash ‘N Boots! Stick around after the show for pictures with Splash ‘N Boots. www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca
VSO: Kids Concerts, Chris McKhool Orpheum Theatre
October 26, 2pm
Chris McKhool of Sultans of String gets kids clapping, dancing and singing with a fun, cool exploration of several musical styles, including Rumba, Flamenco, Gypsy-jazz, Blues, Classical, Funk, Cape Breton fiddling and more! www.vancouversymphony.ca
Heart of the City Festival
Over 25 venues throughout the Downtown Eastside
October 29-November 9
This annual cultural and heritage event, serves as a high impact, bridge-building force that gives voice to the Downtown Eastside and its low income residents, cultural communities and neighbourhoods to promote, present and facilitate the development of artists, art forms, cultural traditions, history, activism, people and great stories about Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
www.heartofthecityfestival.com
G Day for Girls
Chan Centre for Performing Arts, Vancouver
November 2
G Day is a new global social movement anchored by day-long events that celebrate and empower girls aged 10-12 as they transition into adolescence. Rather than being informationbased, G Day is a celebration whose purpose is to offer a community-based reflection of the specialness of this stage in life, as well as to intentionally cultivate Sisterhood among girls. Tickets $75 for girls, $25 for family members. www.gdayforgirls.com
CircusFest
CircusWest Performing Arts
November 6-9
This festival offers shows for audiences of all ages. Families can enjoy daytime children shows, while more mature audiences are invited to attend late night cabarets showcasing a wide range of circus arts. Full line up is available on the website. Tickets start at $60.
www.circusfestvancouver.com
Family Fright at Fort Langley
October 25 and 26, 11 am – 3 pm.
Trick-r-treat at Fort Langley National Historic Site, and discover surprises along the way! This year’s event features magic shows with Scary Gary the Pirate. Showtimes are at 11:30 pm, 12:45 pm and 2 pm each day. Decorate a pumpkin, get your face painted, and make a craft. The Full Barrel Café will be serving up a Halloween menu. Geared toward young families - wear your costumes for great photo. FREE for valid annual pass holders. Age 2 and under – Free, age 3-16 - $6.30, age 17+ - $11.70 www.brownpapertickets.com www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/index.aspx
Moo or Boo at EcoDairy October 31, 2014, 3-8pm
Don’t miss this fun event at EcoDairy, with a mad scientist laboratory, spooky Halloween movie in the theatre, photo contest, games, activities and even a mask creation station! $3 for children and free for adults. www.ecodairy.ca
Visit www.westcoastfamilies.com/events_calendar for more family friendly events in October! To have your event included in the WestCoast Families community calendar, please email your details to admin@westcoastfamilies.com. Go to www.westcoastfamilies.com to see more local and community family events in your area.
FOR MORE amazing Hallowe’en and Fall Fun events, please go to www.westcoastfamilies.com and check out our events calendar and listing pages.
Cheery Fall Bunting
by Krysta Furioso
Summer may be over, but don’t let that bum you out! Get happy (and get rid of some old jeans) with some happy, easy, recycled denim bunting!
materials
• Old jeans/denim
• Scissors
• Fabric stiffener
• Baker’s twine
• Iron
make
it!
Step 1: Cut your denim into uniform triangles. I made a simple template out of an old cereal box and traced it onto the denim with washable marker.
Step 2: Wash the denim triangles in the washing machine and put them in the dryer to fray the edges. (You can add them to a regular load of laundry)
Step 3: Iron the triangles until they’re nice and flat.
Step 4: Apply fabric stiffener and let air dry until they’re totally dry and stiff. You can apply more stiffener if they’re not quite stiff enough after drying.
Step 5: Sew the triangles onto some baker’s twine or other nice yarn or string. I used a zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine.
Step 6: Hang your awesome new bunting somewhere where it can cheer you up on those long, rainy fall days!
