publisher’s note
back to School has come and gone, and everyone’s settling back into the routine of fall. But October brings so much more to the table than just status-quo and routine. Not only the bounty of amazing autumn local produce like squash, carrots, apples and kiwi (yes, kiwi is now BC-grown!), but great attractions and events too. October is a month to be both savoured and celebrated: dressing up for Hallowe’en, picking fresh apples in an orchard, slow cooking with autumn squash, and roasting fresh pumpkin seeds in the oven.
Although for many, fall may seem like a time to get cozy and stay inside, us West-Coasters like to celebrate the season and enjoy all that our great region has to offer. Check out the pages of this October issue for the Fall Fun Guide, to find dozens of ideas to keep you and the kids entertained. Also our new Modern Home Ec feature tells you what local produce to keep your eyes open for when you’re grocery shopping. We’ve included a few recipes as well so you can put that local seasonal produce to good use.
If you’re a Hallowe’en creative genius, send us a photo of your darling all dressed up for trick or treating. We may feature their photo on our websites and you could win great prizes too. And don’t forget to take a few minutes to check out our Reader’s Choice Awards survey. Make sure you tell us your favourite people and places that cater to kids and families in the Lower Mainland. The grand prize is spectacular: an annual, family pass to 10 major attractions!
October is also a great time for babies. The fall sends everyone back into nesting mode and maybe that’s why there are so many baby shows this time of year. To celebrate all the new and expecting moms, we’re including the 2012 WestCoast Baby Guide with this issue of WestCoast Families. If you’re not in baby mode yourself, you can pull the Baby Guide out of the centre and share it with a friend.
We love October, and we hope this issue shares our passion for the beautiful fall season on the West Coast. Enjoy!
Correction: The phone number published in the Sunflower Montessori advertisement in the September issue of WestCoast Families was incorrect. It should be 604-222-1114. Call or go to www.sunfloweracademy.com for more information or to register your child.
westcoastfamilies.com
Managing Editor Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Editor Stephanie MacDonald stephanie@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
Stephanie MacDonald, Barb Pattison, Claudia Laroye, Andrea Vance, Krysta Furioso, Jodi Iverson, Jennifer Bruyns, Alex Iverson, Cora Boecker, Kristy Hill, Laura Patrick, Jason Goodnough, Jennifer Parisi
WestCoast Families is an independent, regional parenting publication. Published nine times per year in British Columbia, Canada. Total circulation: 50,000.
All contents copyrighted ©. Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families
For editorial submissions queries, please view the guidelines on our website.
Mailing address: 1215-C56 St. Box 18057 Delta, BC V4L 2M4 T 604 249 2866 | F 604 676 2802
WestCoast Families is proud to have been selected as a mom-friendly employer for the 2010 Progressive Employers of Canada List. And congratulations to our fellow inductees!
Wallnuts Fine Art and Design Package
Win a consultation and three hours of work on your next interior design project from Wallnuts Fine Art and Design. From murals, to faux finishes, to children’s rooms, Christine Vorbek can give you the look you want, from antique to sophisticated, to playful, in any room of the house. Christine creates beautiful spaces, artwork and functional objects to brighten up any home. Value $400.00 www.wallnutsartdesign.com
Deadline to Enter: October 31, 2012 Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com
WestCoast Families Costume Contest
When it comes to holidays, Hallowe’en rules them all. You get to dress up, you are encouraged to trick people, play with explosives, eat loads of sugar, stay up late, and you don’t have to be nice to a bunch of relatives or go to church (though you might have fun in the graveyard). If you are a parent of a baby, you get to put your oblivious baby into an adorable pumpkin suit and giggle. If you have older kids you get to work with them to express their princess, pirate, Lady Gaga, or psycho-killer alteregos in a society-appropriate way. We want to see what you did! So send in your, scariest, spookiest, most weird and outrageous kids costumes to www.westcoastfamilies.com, and we’ll pick a winner who will be applauded online as well as win some fantastic prizes!
Deadline to Enter: October 29, 2012 Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com
choice awards readers
The Ultimate Family Pass includes annual family passes to some of Greater Vancouver’s major attractions:
westcoast finds halloween, fall fun, baby and more...
Totful Memories
Invite the ghouls and goblins in your neighbourhood to celebrate the best day of the year at your haunted house with these Hallowe’en themed invitations from Totful Memories. Fully customizable, these invitations will appeal to both the old and young. And if you’re going to throw a party, you might as well go all out; Vancouver designer Tania has every kind of scary and whimsical party printable you will need, from cake toppers to candy apple sticks.
$15 on www.etsy.com/shop/totfulmemories
Cabin + Cub Seasonal Coasters
Summer may be gone for another year, but you can coast into fall with a libation and Cabin + Cubs lovely Winter Birch Cork Coaster Set. Made by designer Valerie Thai right here in Vancouver, these home accessories protect your table while protecting you from winter ennui (well, at least whatever is in your glass will). And when spring finally arrives, there’s also two leafy spring patterns to welcome the return of lemonade season. Visit Cabin + Cub’s Etsy page to see all Valerie’s charming wood-centric accessories for you home and your wardrobe.
$12 on www.etsy.com/shop/Cabin
Sleep with the Elephants
Elephants are rumoured to be very wise and unforgetting, and little children are, well, cute and stuff. Meld these two qualities into your babe’s bedroom décor with the “Dream Big” pillow from Mitani Designs. One hundred percent organic cotton front and supersoft bamboo/cotton fleece on the underside, this pillow is as comfy and healthy as it is attractive. The charming and creative pattern means your child can go to sleep inspired to dream of a safari and wake up remembering everything.
$115 at www.mitanidesigns.com
Wallnuts Porcelain Knobs
Anyone who’s watched 15 minutes of HGTV knows the easiest way to give your space an economical facelift is by changing those tacky brass knobs on your cupboards and dressers. You can give your home an extra boost of creative flair with hand painted Wallnuts porcelain knobs. Lovingly created by Christine Vorbeck, who also specializes in wall murals and hand painted decorative furniture, these knobs are certain to freshen up any space with the minimum of effort from yourself www.wallnutsartdesign.com
Pockets of Paper Treat Bags
Even if your baking adventures are more terrifying than a Stephen King novel, the results will look appropriately Hallowe’eny and enticing when your cupcakes are costumed in Pockets Of Paper’s lovely Hallowe’en Orange Damask Wrappers. These are so pretty you could probably even stick healthy carrot muffins in there and they would still be gobbled up. The secret? Lots of icing, lots of Smarties, and fanciful, stylish wrappers like these, perfect for your next bake sale. www.etsy.com/shop/Pocketsofpaper
Miou Knitted Clothing
Though made with love, Granny’s itchy sweaters were usually reserved for throwing on five seconds before she stepped through the door. With the same classic, handmade quality and style, Miou knitwear is made from baby alpaca – the softest, warmest and most comfortable material around. Designed by a transplanted French designer and produced by artisans in Peru, you can feel as comfortable about supporting this innovative company as your child feels all bundled up in their new chic knits.
From $59 on www.mioukids.com or at Redfish Kids, Beansprouts, and Saf and Benjamin
everything baby
New or Used?
by Stephanie MacDonald
That is the question...
We all want the absolute best for our kids, but let’s face it: babies are not cheap! Regardless of your budget, buying everything new all the time isn’t exactly great for our landfill/environmental situation. Buying used can allow you to afford some baby items and brands that may be out of reach new, while keeping these things out of the landfill – a win-win. However, you have to be very aware of current safety standards and regulations when you make your choices.
ok to get used…
Item
What to check/watch out for Clothes and shoes
Secure buttons and zippers, no drawstrings
Toys Put through dishwasher or washing machine, check for chipped paint, lead paint or small chocking hazards. Also check recalls
Playpens (with caution) Made after 2000, no tears in mesh, sturdy bottom and mattress
Strollers Made after 2007, comes with instruction manual, is sturdy and smooth-riding
Furniture No paint chips, sturdy
Baby tubs No mildew smell
High chair (with caution) 5-Point harness system, no removeable tray or arms that lift tray above baby’s head
If you are searching high and low for that thrilling circular baby walker on wheels you had when you were two, you are going to be out of luck. The helicopter-governing Canadian regulators banned those back in the 80’s after too many babies ended up flying down staircases. But many items like playpens and furniture are perfectly okay to get used if you use some common sense and the right resources. If in doubt, check out www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/child-enfant or www.recalls.gov for information on product recalls.
NOT ok to get used…
Item
Cribs
Why?
New rules came in at the end of 2011, older models now considered unsafe, especially ones with sides that slide up.
Breast Pumps Bacteria
Car Seat You can never be certain that the car seat hasn’t been involved in a previous crash, even if it looks fine.
Walkers
Old-fashioned walkers are dangerous
More Than Just a Birth Plan
Is a Midwife or Doula Right for You?
by Kristy Hill
being pregnant is a lot of work. On top of coping with the difficulties of an increasing bump, and all the physical side effects that comes with it, there is a lot to think about and many choices to make. When should you stop working? Natural birth or epidural? Home or hospital birth? Deliver in water or bed? Family members welcome or not? Midwife or doula, or both?
Both midwifes and a doulas add a very personal level of care to your pregnancy, labour and delivery, and postpartum experience. If you are planning a home birth, water birth, or are interested in a labour that has little to no medical intervention, using a midwife, a doula, or both could be the perfect fit for you.
What is a Midwife?
In B.C., midwives are licenced, medical professionals and are fully covered by MSP. Midwives provide all necessary medical, science-based care and monitor the health of you and your baby. They ensure you and your baby are healthy. Midwives are trained to administer prenatal tests, prescribe supplements or medications, perform physical examinations and handle emergency situations during delivery. Midwives will deliver your baby, and can do so either within your home, or at the hospital of your choice.
Many parents-to-be use a midwife in place of a doctor or OB, particularly when choosing a home birth. By choosing a midwife, you are often provided with an extra level of personal care and are provided a trusting, caring, familiar relationship, making the pregnancy and labour process a lot less daunting. Their care is provided from the onset of pregnancy, through all three trimesters, labour, and birth, and up to three months postpartum. Visit the College of Midwives of BC website for a complete list of practicing midwives (www.cmbc.bc.ca).
What is a Doula?
Doulas provide continuous emotional and physical support during pregnancy and birth to you and your partner. Doulas are not medical professionals and do not deliver your baby. From the start of your pregnancy, you will form a relationship with your doula, who should be someone you feel comforted and relaxed by. Your doula will know all the details of your birth plan, preferences for procedures, will know how you want to work through pain, and will be your advocate during your labour.
Your doula will have a set of tools and techniques to help you work through and cope with the intensity of labour and to avoid as much medical intervention as possible. She will make suggestions on labouring and birthing positions, and help keep you and your partner feeling calm and supported. Your doula isn’t meant to replace your partner, but to inform and encourage your partner, who could be feeling overwhelmed, nervous and unsure of how to comfort and support you best. Your doula becomes a trusted, familiar person during a very intense, often scary time. A doula can also be ideal for single expecting mothers who won’t have a partner with them.
You doula will also be your postpartum support as you establish breastfeeding and cope with the emotional intensity of the postpartum period. Visit the Doula Services Association website to find a doula that’s right for you. (www.bcdoulas.org)
Why use Both?
A midwife and a doula have very different roles in your pregnancy and birth. While your midwife focuses on ensuring your baby is born safely, your doula will provide you and your partner the emotional support and guidance through the process. A midwife and doula will respect each other’s position and can work together to create
the best labour experience possible. By using both, you will be given well-deserved, full-supported care.
Some things to consider when you a choosing a midwife or doula
Style and philosophy:
• Is this someone you would be comfortable and relaxed with in an intimate setting, like the birth of your baby?
• How hands off, or on, do you want their care to be?
• What do you envision your time together to be like?
• What kind of a role will the baby’s father and siblings have?
• Do you have any spiritual and/or religious preferences for your pregnancy or labour?
• How much experience do they have in a particular birth style (such as home births, water births or hospital births).
Logistics:
• How long will it take your doula/midwife to get to you when labour starts?
• What is their on-call period?
• Do they have a back-up person in case of emergency?
• What kind of postpartum care and support will you receive?
It is great to have options when you’re going through such an important time of your, and your baby’s, life, and having the right support team beside you can make all the difference in your birth journey.
See the Baby Guide or www.baby-guide.ca for great resources and websites for Midwives and Doulas.
fun halloween
Kilby Kid’s Halloween Party
Kilby Historic Site, Harrison Mills
October 27 & 28
Back by popular demand, this year’s theme will be “Harry Potter Halloween!” Enter the site through Platform 9¾; check out the wares in Diagon Alley, Take in a Potions Class, and much more! Wizards and Muggles alike are invited to Hogwarts for a fun-filled, magical time! Adults: $9, Youth/ Students: $7, Children (5 year of age & under): Free & Family: $24 604.796.9576 | www.kilby.ca
Gabriel Farms, Surrey
Weekends only, 10am-5pm (some extended hours-please call!)
Come and enjoy country at its best at the Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch. This pumpkin patch is filled with many fun, family activities including U-pick pumpkins and gourds, hayrides, petting zoo, mini corn maze, face painting, concession and more! Come October 13, 20 & 27 until 9pm for Pumpkin Picking in the dark! Bring your family and your flashlights and join in on the fun. Children 2 and under enter free. Pumpkins are extra and priced by size.
604.992.7748
The leaves are falling, and the beach has stopped calling, this can mean only one thing: Halloween is almost upon us. Creeping slowly towards us like an unstoppable psycho evil zombie bloodthirsty werewolf… until we’re fully in it’s clutches and… having a great time eating sugary junk food and terrifying ourselves silly. Halloween brings out the most horrifying spooks and ghouls in the Lower Mainland to stalk those still living, and it also involves fun pumpkin patches, kiddie parties, and fireworks too. There’s no excuse not to drag this Halloween out all month with this many options to have fun. Check out this list of places to get your pumpkin, your hayride, or your pants scared off. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Muuuaahahahahahah!
Pumpkin Patch at Aldor Acres
Aldor Acres Farm, Langley
Ongoing until October 31, 9am-5pm
Applebarn, Pumpkin Farm
Apple Barn, Abbotsford
Until October 31 from Wednesday-Saturday, open until 8pm
Pick your own pumpkins, try the jumping pillow, tractor trail, zip lines and slides, petting barn and corn-maze! Children under 2 are free. Please see web site for details.
604.853.3108 | www.applebarn.ca
PNE Fright Nights
PNE Fairgrounds
October 17 to 31, 6pm-late, nightly
Face your phobias at FEAR, the brand new fright house at Fright Nights. Fright Night possesses Playland and features 6 fright houses, 13 rides, the Monsters of Schlock and their terrifying comedy act plus other horrifying comedy shows and attractions. Fright Nights is a Halloween experience for the lovers of freak, horror and terror. Check online for ticket prices. www.frightnights.ca
Come to the farm for hayrides, displays and activities for only $7 per person (walking age and older). $30/family. Pumpkins sold separately by size.
604.888.0788 | www.aldoracres.com
Stanley Park
October 5-31, Sunday –Thursday, 6pm-10pm & weeknds, 6-11pm
The train has left the station and there’s no turning back! You’re in the deep dark woods now! Might as well just bite the apple, hang on to your beanstalk and spot as many golden eggs as you can. Come see what’s crawling up Rapunzel’s hair and why the fairy Godmother looks so hungry, and if the Pied Piper really thinks you’re going to follow him into that tunnel? Just remember, never trust the trolls and never, ever, look up to a witch... unless she’s 12 feet tall! Matinee train from 11am-3pm ($5).
604.257.8531
Halloween Carnival & Spooky Graveyard
Coal Harbour Community Centre
October 28, 10am-1pm
Join in on this fun, hair-raising afternoon and get into the spooky spirit! Enjoy creepy crafts, terrifying treats, tombstone tumbling, eerie entertainment and much more! Wear your costume and visit the spooky graveyard. Pre-registration is recommended, as space is limited. Parent participation is required. $6/child (2-7 years).
604.718.8222 | www.coalharbourcc.ca
Critter Capers –Case of the Mysterious Bones
Burnaby Lake Regional Park
October 20, 1–4pm
Strange bones have been found in the forest. Are you daring enough to follow the trail, use forensic entomology, and examine bite marks to find who the bones belong to and how they got there? Allow one hour to solve the mystery. Ages 6+ Free, drop in.
www.metrovancouver.org
Halloween Ghost Train
Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch
Halloween Howl
West End Community Centre
October 27, 10am-12noon
Spooky crafts, scary games, ghoulish fun, mini haunted house, bouncy castle and treats. Wear your costume for a howling good time! $5/child. Stay after for a Skate with the Pumpkin 11:45am1pm.*Registered children FREE, Parent/ Guardian $2.00, Skate Rentals extra. 604.257.8333 | www.vancouver .ca
Halloween in the Forest Surrey Nature Centre
October 27, 10am–2pm
Follow the Forest Fairy as she introduces you to owls, bats and other creatures of the night! Dare to identify mystery items using only your sense of touch and bring home your very own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. This outdoor event is perfect for families with children aged 5-8. Rain or shine! $5 per child. www.surrey.ca
Haunted Village
Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel
October 26-28, 6-9pm
Come have fun with vampires, mummies and more! Witches will welcome you to explore the village in the dark of night. Tickets $9 - $14
604.297.4565
www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Fish Or Treat, A Halloween Sleepover
Vancouver Aquarium
October 27
Trick or treat, smell my feet, and give me something good to eat. Start your halloween celebrations early and join us at the Vancouver Aquarium for a spooky filled adventure through our galleries. Legend has it that on Halloween the past meets the present. Bring your costumes to go trick or treating on a night stalkers tour where you will join other families in a quest to find the elusive ghost of Joshua Brown, a former aquarist. End the night of safe trick and treating fun and bed down in Arctic Canada with our magical Beluga Whales. Cost per participant (age 6+)is $98 or $78 for members. Preregistration is required.
604.659.3552 | www.vanaqua.org
Children’s Halloween Festival
Bear Creek Park Train, Surrey
October 6-31, 10am-5pm
Take the train ride through the Halloween Forest display, play games, make special spooky crafts and get a candy treat. Take home a farm-fresh pumpkin. Kids 2-12 $7 & adults $9.50. Check online for an evening train ride for the older kids.
604.501.1232 | www.bctrains.com
Ghost Ridge
Albion Fairgrounds
October 25
Come to the annual Ghost Ridge Haunted House at the Albion Fairgrounds for spooky fun for the whole family. This annual event is a fundraiser for local charities. www.mapleridge-pittmeadows.com
Maan Farms
790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford
Daily 9am-6pm
Petting Zoo, U-pick, children’s playground, mazes and other family fun activities including Papa Jo’s A-maze-ing Maze. Flash-Light Nights every Thursday, Friday & Saturday in October from dusk9pm. Access to pumpkin patch is free, and kids under 2 are free.
604.864.5723 | www.maanfarms.com
Haunted Farm
Historic Stewart Farm, Surrey
October 27, 7-8:30pm
Wear your costume and join in for a fun and spooky guided tour through the farm. Please pre-register. 1 session is $15 and appropriate for 7-11 year olds.
604.592.6956 | www.surrey.ca
Pumpkin Power
Surrey Museum
October 29, 12noon–2:00pm
Design your own take-home Jack O’Lantern, do crafts, and taste some pie while watching the Cloverdale costume parade. Drop in, Admission by donation
604.592.6956 | www.surrey.ca
Reapers Haunted Attraction & Maze of Terror
9423 Gibson Rd , Chilliwack
October 5-7 & 12-14, 7-9pm then nightly October 18-31, 7-9pm
For the older kids (8+) check out the scary Reapers attraction, or for the younger kids, there is a pumpkin patch and corn maze. Reapers-$10, corn maze-$9 or both-$17. Receive $1. Reapers dollars with a canned food item for the Salvation Army, to be used at the concession for food or merchandise.
www.reapers.ca
Pumpkin Power 2012
Surrey Museum
October 27, 12noon-2pm
Like pumpkins? Here’s your chance to view, decorate, and eat them! Come in costume, design your own take-home Jack-o’-Lantern, do crafts, and taste some pie, then take part in the Cloverdale Halloween Costume Parade. All Ages. Drop in, Admission by donation.
604.592.6956 | www.surrey.ca
Family Fright at the Fort Fort Langley Historic Site
Creepy creatures, ghostly campfire stories, and a hay bale maze to crawl through! Wear your Halloween costume and trick-or-treat in the spooky old fort, choose a pumpkin from the patch to carve, and walk through the “Haunted Servants’ Quarters,” if you dare. Meet lots of insects and reptiles at the Cinemazoo Creepy Creatures shows at 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. Pick up a snack or dinner from the Monster’s Menu at The Full Barrel Café. Admission is $11.70 per person (ages 3-99). Free (age 2 and under) or free admission with your Fort Langley National Historic Site Annual Pass.
604.513.4777
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortlangley
Farm Fall Harvest
Laity Pumpkin Patch, Maple Ridge Season opens October 3, M-F, 1:30-5pm & Wknds & holidays, 9:30am-5pm
See the animals, take a tractor-wagon ride, fairy tale trails and pick your own pumpkin to take home. Weave your way through the corn maze, shop the farmers’ market and more! $4/person, kids under two are free.
604.467.4302 | www.laitypumpkinpatch.com
on our cover...
Cover Model Sophia is an adventurous and chatty one year old. Sophie enjoys swimming, playing with her cousins and helping Daddy work on his motorcycle.
Photographed by Eclipse Photography www.eclipsephotography.ca
www.baby-guide.ca
Managing Editor, Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Editor, Stephanie MacDonald stephanie@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
it’s here: We’re thrilled to present the 13th annual WestCoast Baby Guide, full of valuable local information homegrown in the Lower Mainland.
This year we’re back with a renewed energy! We have a new logo and look and a new website too. We’ve got expanded distribution so we can reach all the new and expecting parents, and all new editorial features to entertain and inform you.
This Baby Guide is full of relevant, timely, local articles that are meaningful and positive. We had so much great information and fun to share that we’re filling up our website too. If you don’t see what you’re looking for in the resource pages here, go to www.baby-guide.ca and check out the hundreds of baby friendly listings that are there for you.
As usual, the Baby Guide has amazing prizes to be won. Just enter at www.baby-guide.ca and you could win in our spectacular Baby Guide giveaways.
Looking for a deal? Check out the discount and special offer coupons at the back of the Guide to save big!
A big thank you to the advertisers who support the Baby Guide each year. We ask you to look at their ads and support them in return so we can continue to provide you with this free publication and great information.
We wish you all the best as you enter into babyhood… whether for the first time or the third. Slow it down, and enjoy every moment.
4
12 8 18
Cool Finds
Fun and practical, everything you need (or want!) for baby
Free Your Baby
The Car Seat is Best Reserved for the Car
Pediatric Head Shape Management
6
Coupons!
Special Offers for Our Readers
10
Contests
Enter to win some great prizes for you, your home and of course BABY
Help You Can Bank On BC Women’s Hospital Breast Milk Bank Saves Babies’ Lives
14
Reource Listings
Find what you’re looking for, quick and easy
www.twitter.com/wcfmag
www.facebook.com/westcoastfamilies
www.pinterest.com/wcfmag
cool finds
Cleansing Cuteness
We are perfectly aware that you, as a new parent, are 100 percent convinced that your baby is the cutest baby on the planet and could not get any cuter. No one is about to dispute the first assertion, but picture your little one splashing away in a Blooming Bath baby tub. How adorable would that be? These soft tubs protect little noggins while providing comfort to even the most water-adverse infant. You get to swoon at Captain Cute-tastic and he gets to stop smelling like a stinky baby. Everyone wins! Baby’s World in Coquitlam or www.bloomingbath.com
A Face Book for Baby
Some friends and relatives you only see a couple of times a year, and if it wasn’t for Facebook, even you would forget what they look like. Children have an even harder time, so help them remember Grandpa and Great Auntie Edna between visits with Pinhole Press’ Book of Names and Faces. Simply send in your photos with captions and you can send baby off to sleep at night with a book that puts names to all those familiar faces (even if they secretly think all old people look alike, they’ll learn recognize the ones they know).
From $85 on www.pinholepress.com
Down with the Hospital Gown
As life-changing, powerful, and incredible the experience of giving birth is, if you’re in a hospital while you’re doing it, chances are, you are experiencing this epic event wearing a hideously unflattering green smock with your butt sticking out of it. You don’t stand for this kind of fashion faux pas in normal life, why now? Dressed to Deliver makes birthing gowns that not only look like attractive dresses, but are equipped with discreet snaps and closures for the labour room and nursing. Perfect for all those inevitable newborn photos, and so pretty and comfortable you’ll want to keep it around even after the big event.
$80 on www.dressedtodeliver.com
Monkey Mat
The Good Kind of Sticky Bellies
“My baby already has a sticky belly,” you say. Fortunately, we are not talking about whatever stuff your kid has been rolling around in; these Sticky Bellies Stickers stick right on your little one to indicate how many months old they were at the time you took their photo. Available in colours and patterns for both boys and girls, they also have a weeks option to stick on your baby bump to chart your progress.
$15 on www.stickybellies.com
Dri-Pad
Despite what horrors may be lurking inside your baby’s diaper, keep the environment of your changing table and crib as attractive as possibly with Driline Baby’s Dri-Pads. In fun and colourful patterns, and with a fully washable and durable construction, you can face every diaper change with confidence, at least in your eye for quality design in your changing accessories.
Hip Baby www.hipbaby.ca and Active Baby www.activebaby.ca
It can be difficult to enjoy your sandwich in the park while you’re watching your baby pass up her Cheerios for the far more interesting month-old chewing gum and grass-clipping entrée. Blankets are bulky and inconvenient, but with a lightweight Monkey Mat, you can just pull it out of its pouch and you have a clean surface to lunch on in no time. Monkey Mats are so portable you can keep one in the stroller, one in the car, and be able to put your kids down anywhere. Hotel lobby floor? No problem. The airport floor? Not so scary anymore!
$40 at www.monkeymat.com
Bright Starts Playard
Bobee Diaper Dispenser
You have to avoid dropping baby on her head, dodge Jr.’s vertical pee-pee stream, deal with flailing limbs and dirty wipes… sometimes changing a baby takes serious skills. Make it as easy as possible by having everything at your fingertips with Bobee’s Diaper Dispenser. It hangs right on your wall and gives you easy access to wipes and diapers right where you need them, and comes with different colours of decals to fit in with the décor of any nursery room.
$50 at www.onsgear.com
Sometimes there’s just stuff you have to do without a baby on your hip. Deboning a mackerel, doing taxes, deep frying, weed whacking; all require you to put baby down for a little bit, preferably in a safe place where he or she can’t hurt themselves or destroy the house. When Baby has to go to baby jail, make sure it’s a really nice place, like the Bright Starts Ingenuity EasyWash Playard. Comfy and safe, and featuring colourful themes like “Sunny Safari,”“Blossomy Blooms” and more, your baby might just not want to leave. $190 at www.babyonboard.ca
Rule the Pool
Ubbi Diaper Pail
The international treaty that prohibits humans polluting up outer space with our garbage really should have made an exception for dirty diapers. Since rockets are out of the question, the next best option is the Ubbi Diaper Pail. Made of steel, in a charming array of colours, the Ubbi doesn’t smell, has durable rubber seals that don’t leak, and uses regular kitchen garbage bags, which saves you money in the long run. It will look and smell good on the outside, no matter what is polluting up the inside, and space stays clean another day.
$80 at www.snugglebugz.ca
Sole Delight Soothing Foot Scrub
Jealous of your baby’s soft and adorable little feet; those chubby little morsels that just invite you to kiss them all day long? All Things Jill’s Sole Delight Smoothing Foot Scrub doesn’t promise to make your tired tootsies into baby feet (that would look weird), but it will buff away those tough layers of outer skin to reveal fresh, invigorated new feet that may not inspire kisses, but appreciative glances are much less awkward, anyways.
$15 at www.betterbabybums.ca
Your Baby: Cute from Top to Bottom
Nothing ruins your suave look more than seeing a diaper hanging out of the bottom of it, right Baby?” Coordinate your baby’s bottom with his or her top with gDiapers hip and happening top and bottom sets. gDiapers make convenient, earth-friendly cloth diapers and diaper covers that do what they need to do and still look great, especially when paired with a matching top for an oh-so-sophisticated look. You wouldn’t let your underwear hang out (hopefully), why let baby’s?
From $50 for the set on www.gdiapers.ca
Harlow’s Perch PJ Pants
Your baby may be the epitome of haute couture glamour in her high-fashion swimsuit, gaining the admiration and adulation of all those around her, but… whoops! One little accident, and everyone screams and clears the pool in five seconds flat, leaving you two alone in disgrace. Avoid this shameful scenario without losing your style: put your chic baby into Bummi’s Swimmi swim diaper. Groovy patterns, made in Canada, and easy to clean, and quick-drying; you and your baby will have the confidence to work that kiddie pool just like a catwalk. $15 at www.bumbini.ca
Does my kid have a foxy bottom? This is the wrong-sounding question you may inadvertently ask yourself when trying to choose between Harlow’s Perch’s adorable PJ pants. You may decide he’s more of a froggie bottom, or a lion-y bottom or even a bunny bottom, and that’s just fine because Harlow’s Perch has you covered. With seven animals to choose from – even an owl – these quality cottonblend PJs are almost too cute to cover up with blankets, and at only $12, you can be a different animal every day of the week.
$12 at www.raspberrykids.com
contests!
WIN this complete newborn diaper package from gDiapers
gDiapers takes diapering to a new height of hip with their adorable little gPants that team up with their biodegradable, disposable gRefills for a baby & earthloving diaper. The gBaby bundle includes 12 tiny gPants (newborn to 10lbs), 6 Small little gPants (8-14lbs) and 2 packs of gRefills. The winner also receives a pack of super-sort gCloth reusable inserts and 2 packs of gWipes. Value: $200
Deadline to enter: March 31,2013
Enter at www.baby-guide.ca
www.gdiapers.com
InBed Organics Pillow
WIN! A Certified Organic Shredded Latex Pillow! What do put your head on each night? Pure latex rubber is a naturally hypo-allergenic pillow. Latex is resistant to mold, fungus, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites. Naturally conforming to relieve pressure points and provide support. As well it is 100% renewable and 100% biodegradable. Total retail value $120.00.
Deadline to enter: March 31,2013
Enter at www.baby-guide.ca www.inbedorganics.com
Snuggle Bugz Britax Stroller
Win a Busy Bump Maternity Package
WIN a baby planning package & gift basket from Busy Bump Maternity Services! Who doesn’t need help in knowing what to buy ready for baby?
Stephanie, a professional baby planner, owns Busy Bump Maternity Services, and is giving away one of her Baby Gear 101 packages. She’ll help research products, make recommendations for what you need, shop (online or in person) and set-up your gift registry. And she’s giving away a basket of feel-good goodies to go with it too!
Total value $275.00
Deadline to enter: March 31,2013
Enter at www.baby-guide.ca
www.busybump.com
Skiphop Diaper Indigo Dot Tote Bag
Win this STUDIO diaper tote, a bag that is stylish enough to pair with a little black dress, but practical enough to keep you and baby stocked for a long day at the playground. Two insulated side pockets hold baby’s bottles, food and sippy cups, while 12 more pockets keep your phone, wallet, keys and other personal items dry, secure and within quick reach. Total value $90.00
Deadline to enter: March 31,2013
Enter at www.baby-guide.ca www.skiphop.com
Win this Britax B-Agile Stroller and Travel System! The B-AGILE is compatible with other major manufacturer’s infant car seats when used with the BRITAX infant car seat adapter (sold separately). The padded, supportive seat features a 5-point harness system with head pad that is adjustable. With a weight capacity of 55 pounds and an infinite recline, the B-AGILE is suitable from birth. The extra-large canopy with a mesh ventilation window allows you to see your child and, and your child to see you. The comfort-ride suspension ensures a smooth ride, and the swivel front wheel improves maneuverability. Total value $269.99
Deadline to enter: March 31,2013
Enter at www.baby-guide.ca www.snugglebugz.ca
Win Custom Artwork from DreamWallDesigns
Win a beautiful wooden “P.L.A.Y.” letter set, custom painted to your own colour scheme, along with a custom matching coat hook and growth chart. Childhood is full of imagination, wonder and excitement. Your child’s bedroom should be a safe haven that inspires fun, friendship and fantasy... a personal space that is uniquely their own. Let DreamWallDesigns beautify your child’s surroundings, for a look that expresses their special personality. Value $120.00.
Deadline to enter: March 31,2013
Enter at www.baby-guide.ca www.dreamwalldesigns.ca.com
Free Your Baby!
The Car Seat is Best Reserved for the Car
By Cora Boecker from Langley Child Development Centre
to give your baby the best possible experience to learn, grow, develop, and relate to others, you may wish to ask yourself some simple questions:
• Would you rather enjoy the company of others while sitting across from them; or sitting on the floor looking up at them?
• Would you rather nap while lying down; or in a sitting position?
• Would you rather be as close as possible to your loved one; or separated at a distance?
If your baby could talk, their answers would be the same as yours. Busy schedules combined with modern innovations have resulted in a generation of babies spending a significant amount of their first six months of life in car seats. The invention of car seat bases made it more convenient to remove the car seat from the car than to remove the baby from the car seat. Most strollers are now sold as “travel systems” accommodating the use of the infant car seat with one easy “click” rather than having to undo and redo buckles. Car seats are often seen in shopping carts despite the statement from American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that “parents and caregivers should never place an infant carrier on top of the shopping cart” as they are not designed to safely transport them.
But modern conveniences come with a price. Frequent and extended use of car seats (as well as infant swings and bouncy seats) can contribute to delays in gross motor development (rolling, creeping, crawling) and have been cited as a contributing cause of the rise in positional plagiocephaly, also known as “flat head syndrome.”
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (CHHD) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that infants “should spend minimal time in car seats (when not a passenger in a vehicle) to prevent positional plagiocephaly from occurring.” Cranial distortion resulting from time in ‘baby equipment’ has been shown to be more severe than in children who develop plagiocephaly from lying on their backs on a mattress.
Since the “Back to Sleep” campaign was implemented by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1992, it has become even more important to balance the time a baby spends on their back (when asleep), with time in prone (on their tummy), and being held upright when awake. Remember: “back to sleep, tummy for play”.
Infant Development Programmes, Pediatrician offices, and hospital clinics
across the province are noting an increase in the number of infants seen with flattening on the side or back of their heads as a result of lying in one position for too long.
While the International Chiropractors Association supports the correct use of child passenger safety seats, they also emphasize that “these seats are not designed ergonomically for long term use inside the vehicle or for support while outside the vehicle and recommends not using these for such purposes.”
Dr. Parm Rai of Rai Chiropractic in Langley reports that extended use of the car seat is a concern for a number of reasons; including misalignment of the upper cervicals (neck) caused by the child’s head being rotated for extended periods of time in the same position, pressure on lower back/sacrum from being in a forced flexed position, head flattening, as well as sensory deprivation from a lack of movement, eye contact, touch and verbal interaction. Additionally, the use of car seats outside of cars can have a negative impact on the parents’ back health as they carry up to 30 pounds of seat and baby. This is especially true for mothers who still have instability throughout their joints related to pregnancy.
What can you do instead? Leave the car seat in the car and take your baby out. If using a stroller with a bassinet attachment, lay your baby down so they can stretch out and sleep or use one that reclines to support your baby in a sitting position, giving them a greater view of their surrounding world than the car seat allows. When possible, hold your baby or carry them in a sling or soft baby carrier (babywearing).
Think of the very different experience that two babies will have while going for a “walk” with their parents – one from their car seat stroller system and one being carried in a soft baby carrier or sling. Babywearing is the earliest and most basic “travel system” around, and has many well researched benefits for both the parent and baby. Babies who are carried cry less, have better digestion, sleep better and have more secure attachments with their caregiver. The increased proximity to people allows a baby to develop socially as they study facial expressions, learn language faster and become more familiar with body language. Their internal systems are more organized as the rhythm of the caregiver’s heartbeat has a balancing and soothing effect on them. Babywearing positively impacts a baby’s gross motor development as the movement of the parent helps to establish balance and muscle tone. Babies who are carried have all of their basic needs met as their caregiver can be seen, heard, smelled and touched. Baby wearing has also been shown to have a positive effect on mothers whose oxytocin levels increase through physical contact with the infant, leading to a greater bond, easier breastfeeding and lowering the incidence of postpartum depression.
Langley Pediatrician, Dr. Glen Ward, agrees with encouraging parents to limit the use of car seats as baby carriers. Holding and carrying children allows the infant to be involved in interactions with parents and others around them which helps promote optimal child health and development.
“Using a sling is like having an extra set of hands. It allows me to bond with my baby while I walk, talk, laugh, work and play. The benefits of the touch, warmth, and movement my baby experiences while in the sling far outweigh the convenience that a stroller or plastic carrier provides” says Dorothy Huston, Mother and Infant Development Consultant.
Remember how your baby would answer the questions above if given the chance. Give your babies the same opportunities for interaction with others that you would want for yourself.
The infant period is a short period of time but such an important one for development– you can make the difference by leaving the car seat in the car!
Help You Can Bank On
BC Women’s Hospital Breast Milk Bank Saves Babies’ Lives
By Stephanie MacDonald
“breast is Best.” Whether nursing is the joyous and ecstatic bonding experience pictured on the Le Leche League pamphlet, or frustrating, or practically impossible, in Canada we’ve all learned the benefits of breastfeeding. For most of us it’s also cheaper than formula, and you never have to worry about getting to the park and discovering you’ve left your breasts at home on the kitchen counter.
The World Health Organization, The American and Canadian Pediatric Associations all strongly recommend breastfeeding if you can possibly do it. But some important new research is in and it’s clear: for premature infants in the neonatal ICU, the use of donated human breast milk actually saves babies’ lives. Apart from the known benefits to the immune system, brain development and reduction of allergies, human milk is now proven to prevent a deadly infection called necrotizing entercolitis – one of the most common causes of death in preemies. But what if your baby is born so early that your milk hasn’t come in? What if you had a breast reduction or other condition that severely limits your ability to produce milk for your baby?
Well if you live in Vancouver, you’re lucky. Though there were once over 23 milk banks across the country, due to the tainted blood epidemic, by 1980 there was only one in Canada – the BC Women’s Milk Bank in Vancouver. This milk bank provides pasteurized breast milk to babies in the neonatal care ward
of the hospital, as well as to babies outside the hospital provided they have a prescription from a doctor or midwife. Moms from all walks of life, from all over the mainland energetically sing the praises of this little institution, which has saved and enhanced the lives of so many babies for the last 30 years. In 2011 the bank had over 2,000 recipients, processed over 60,000 ounces and received milk from 140 donors.
This program has been so successful that it has become the basis for many studies and a model for two more milk banks that have recently opened in Calgary and in Toronto, and many more across the United States.
But obviously the milk has to come from somewhere. How is the bank funded? Who donates? And how? How can new mothers who want to donate get involved? WCF asked these questions to Frances Jones, Coordinator for the BC Women’s Milk Bank and Lactation Programs.
WestCoast Families: The Canadian Pediatric Society firmly stated their position that not only was donated breast milk the “best option for the treatment of neonates,” but the effect of reducing gastro-intestinal complications would more than offset the costs of the milk bank operations. Has this had any positive effect on your government funding? Has the publicity raised the number of new mothers donating milk?
Frances Jones: Whereas it is wonderful that the CPS has developed a positive statement in support of milk banking, I think there are a number of factors that have increased awareness of donor milk banking. The internet and greater access for both consumers and medical professionals to a wide range of information has helped raise the profile of donor milk banking. As information spreads, the number of donors calling us increases.
The Milk Bank is funded through the BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre operating budget, as well as through the generosity of donors to the BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre Foundation.
WCF: What are the most common barriers to mothers who would like to donate, and is anything being done to address them?
FJ: All donors must complete a screening process similar to blood screening. We follow the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) Guidelines. The most common reasons we are unable to accept donors is due to regular medication use and travel in Britain and Europe during certain times. We are currently redeveloping our website in order to make it easier for donors and others to access current information. We also request that donors be able to donate a minimum of three litres of milk, due to the cost of the screening process.
WCF: Hypothetically, of course, if donations for the neonatal patients exceeded the requirements, would you be able to expand the facility? For example can you foresee a time when would milk ever be made available (perhaps for an affordable cost) for adoptive parents, or perhaps gay male parents of newborns?
FJ: Our pasteurized milk is dispensed on physician order on medical priority. We have provided milk in the past to both adoptive and same sex parents in times of plenty. We recognize the cost of donor milk is expensive but we currently charge a partial cost recovery fee for processing of milk in order to enable us to keep supplying milk. This fee is not charged to children who are patients in BC Women’s and BC Children’s Hospitals.
For more information about the Milk Bank, please call 604-875-2282 for donor information, 604-875-2424 ext. 7634 for recipient information, or visit http://www. bcwomens.ca/Services/PregnancyBirthNewborns/HospitalCare/Breastfeeding.htm
Pediatric Head Shape Management
By Laura Patrick and Jason Goodnough
did you know that as many as one in every 60 infants may develop deformational plagiocephaly – also known as “flat-head syndrome”?
What is Deformational Plagiocephaly (DP)?
Plagiocephaly is derived from the Greek words meaning “Oblique Head”. This term is generally used to describe three types of positional head shape asymmetries that persist past the age of six weeks. These asymmetries are caused by prolonged external pressure to the infant head.
What causes DP?
The infant skull is very malleable, so anytime an external force acts on the head for a prolonged time it will alter its shape. Situations where babies may be less mobile and remain in one position for extended periods have been shown to contribute to head shape asymmetries. These situations may include multiple or premature births.
There are also much more subtle ways DP can occur. If babies spend prolonged periods of time with the back of their head pressed against surfaces such as strollers, swings and car seats then they also may be at increased risk of developing DP.
In 1994 Pediatricians initiated a very successful program. In an effort to reduce the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) a program called “Back to Sleep” was developed and promoted to new parents. Since it’s initiation this program has reduced SIDS deaths by more than 50% when compared to 1988 levels. “Back to Sleep” and the newest version “Safe Sleep” remains the safest way for babies to sleep to this day. However, inadvertently these programs, though much safer for our children, have increased the rate of head shape deformity substantially. A 1996 study found an increase in DP from one in 300 in 1974 to one in 60 in 1996 as a result.
With the positive results of these programs babies will continue to sleep on their backs. Our concern now is whether there are any resulting medical issues for a baby with head shape asymmetry?
Concerns about DP
Aside from cosmetic concerns, certain long-term heath risks are thought to be increased with significant head shape asymmetry. The primary areas for concern are with respect to the eyes, ears and jaw development. If the cranial bones are misshapen, then the orientation of the eyes may be affected, leading to visual disturbances
and tracking problems. There is also some concern that there may be an increased risk of ear infections. At the jaw level there is concern about long-term joint movement problems and jaw asymmetry that could lead to chewing challenges. Some practitioners have also expressed concern about the difficulty of fitting protective headgear such as bicycle and hockey helmets with these asymmetries. Unfortunately, the literature is very unclear in this area so these concerns are mostly anecdotal and unsubstantiated. More research is definitely needed.
Parents do need to know that DP is expected to improve with age, even without intervention.
How is DP Treated?
Early intervention is key. If asymmetries remains after six weeks of age talk to your family doctor regarding a referral to a head shape management program. It’s best to initiate treatment by two months of age.
What happens then? Physiotherapy
Mild head shape concerns should be monitored every two to three weeks by a physiotherapist with experience treating DP. Physiotherapists address restrictions in the baby’s ability to move their head around as well as provide advice on positions for sleep, play and carrying positions. Physiotherapists also screen for more serious skull problems and baseline cranial measurements are taken so that progress can be accurately tracked. Depending on the age and severity of the head shape asymmetry, the physiotherapist will recommend and educate
Tummy Time
You’ve heard it a thousand times – tummy time is so important! Not only for maintaining head shape but also for building a strong foundation for their motor milestones. If your baby does not tolerate tummy time on the floor, it’s ok to do a modified version to help build their strength. Try having your baby lie on your chest, over your thighs or in a “football hold”
Get down on the floor with your baby and keep them entertained during their hard work. Babies love faces and bright and musical toys. Gradually build up the amount of time your baby spends in tummy time and work it into a routine – after a diaper change, upon waking up from a nap.
the family on counter positioning, strengthening and stretching exercises that should be performed daily.
Babies 0-5 months:
• Focus on education and awareness
• Monitoring of head shape
• Counter positioning
• Positions for sleep and play - tummy time
Babies over 5months:
• Moderate to severe DP are referred to an orthotist for consultation re. need for headband (cranial remodeling orthosis)
• Continues intervention for strength and positions in sleep and play
• Close monitoring in conjunction with orthotist
Cranial Remodeling Orthosis (CRO) or Orthotic Helmets
Treatment with an Orthotic Helmet may be discussed with the family if significant DP persists into the fourth month of age despite parent and physiotherapist’s best efforts.
CRO’s are a very low risk treatment option that is best initiated between the ages of four and six months. They have been shown to be effective in reducing head shape asymmetry in children as young as three months and as old as 18 months.
Each helmet must be custom designed by a Certified Orthotist and followed-up diligently for the entire course of treatment to ensure optimal effectiveness. CRO’s are typically worn 23 hours a day for three to five months. Luckily, this occurs at a time when babies are very accepting of the treatment. CRO’s work by providing gentle contact on the high points of the head while providing space for the flattened skull regions to expand into, as the head grows normally during this time.
CRO treatment is a big commitment for parents as it will require many visits to the Orthotist. Your Doctor or Therapist can recommend an Orthotist who is experienced in treating DP in your nearest community.
For more information contact Kids Physio, Synergy Orthopedic Group. www.synergyortho.ca
See ad in this Baby Guide
ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO
Aquaventures Swim Centre
Vancouver
604.736.7946 | www.aquaventuresswim.com
Arts Umbrella
Vancouver
604.681.5268 | www.artsumbrella.com
Bear Creek Park Train www.bctrains.ca
Burnaby Village Museum www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Create-It Emporium
Arts and Crafts Studio. Cloverdale
778.574.4044 | www.createitemporium.com
Fort Langley Historical Site www.pc.gc.ca
Greater Vancouver Zoo Aldergrove
604.856.6825 | www.gvzoo.com
Gymboree Play & Music
Multiple locations www.gymboreeclasses.com
Imagine Children’s Museum, Everett www.imaginecm.org
Jump Gymnastics
Classes, camp, birthdays and date night for an active start. Vancouver.
604.568.9690 | www.jumpgymnastics.ca
Koko’s Activity Centre
Port Moody
604.469.3357 | www.kokos.ca
Maplewood Farm
North Vancouver
604.929.5610 | www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
Science World www.scienceworld.bc.ca
The Little Gym Langley
604.539.2543 | www.thelittlegym.com/langleybc
Watermania Richmond 604.448.5353 | www.richmond.ca/aquatics
Vancouver Aquarium www.visitvanaqua.org
YMCA Multiple locations www.vanymca.org
BABY CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Active Baby
One stop baby gear store in North Vancouver 604.986.8977 | www.activebaby.ca
Baby Green Spout www.babygreenspout.com
Babes on 4th Vancouver
604.739.9870
Baby on Board
Baby gear, accessories, and strollers since 2005. Richmond store and online. 604.273.0884 | www.babyonboard.ca
Baby Planet Boutique Online
888.823.6129 | www.babyplanetboutique.com
Baby’s Best Designs Online
604.682.7281 | www.babysbestdesigns.com
Baby’s World
9000 square feet, over 6000 quality products: The Lower Mainland’s Baby Superstore. Coquitlam
604.515.0888 | www.babysworld.ca
Bamboobino Online
604.551.3882 | www.bamboobino.com
Beansprouts (new and consignment)
Vancouver
604.871.9782 | www.beansprouts.ca
Beba Bean
Coquitlam & Online
604.552.7741 | www.bebabean.com
Bellies in Bloom
Catering exclusively to expectant moms… before and after the big event! Victoria & Online
250.479.0803 www.belliesinbloommaternity.com
Better Baby Bums
Eco Friendly and organic products for the whole family. Burnaby and Online
604.430.3672 | www.betterbabybums.com
Bigfoot8 Kids Store
Port Coquitlam
604.464.6388 | www.bigfoot8.ca
Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity
North Vancouver
604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com
Buttercups (consignment and new)
Ladner www.buttercups.ca
Buckets of Fun (consignment)
Surrey
604.542.8697 | www.bucketsoffun.ca
Bumbini Cloth Diaper Company
Offering a fantastic selection of modern cloth diapers and accessories. Vancouver and online
604.838.0788 | www.bumbini.ca
Cotton ‘n’ Crayon
Surrey
604.535.0466 | www.cottonncrayon.ca
Crawlies Online
705.427.0696 | www.crawlies.ca
Dandelion Kids
Vancouver & Port Moody www.dandelionkids.ca
For Kids Only (Consignment)
New Westminster
604.937.3755
Goober Baby
Multiple locations & Online
604.837.9775 | www.gooberbaby.com
gDiapers Online www.gdiapers.com
Annual Resource Listings
Happy Baby Daily Needs Canadian baby online store: Mommy’s healthy choice. Online 604.714.0387 | www.happybabydailyneeds.com
Hip Baby
Sustainability, value, function, and a whole lot of style. Vancouver and online. 604.736.8020 | www.hipbaby.com
Isola Bella Design Vancouver 604.266.8808 | www.isolabella.ca
Jack and Lola North Vancouver and online www.jackandlola.com
Just Kids Clothes Online
604.649.3779 | www.justkidsclothes.com
Kai Kids Online www.kaikids.com
Kidazzles White Rock 604.531.7931
Kidlet Innovations Online
778.788-0680 | www.kidlet.ca
Kohlr Baby Designs Online
778.688.6381 | www.coolerbaby.com
Little Critters Outfitters Abbotsford & Cloverdale www.littlecrittersoutfitters.com
Little Earth Children’s Store Vancouver
778.737.7004 | www.littleearthvancouver.com
Little Treasures Children’s Boutique Granville Island
604.677.3792
Lusso Baby North Vancouver
778.340.0648 | www.lussobaby.ca
MacGillycuddy’s for Little People (consignment) Vancouver 604.263.5313
Milk Factory Designs Online
604.899.1180 | www.milkfactory.com
Mountain Baby Online
888.990.2292 | www.mountainbaby.com
My Little Green Online
855.545.7467 | www.mylittlegreenshop.com
Pebble Vancouver
604.568.6923 | www.pebblebaby.com
Peekaboo Beans online
604.279.2326 | www.peekaboobeans.com
Pinky Blue Children’s Store
Richmond
604.204.2720 | www.pinkyblue.ca
Po Po’s Ponchos
Vancouver 604.258.9045 | www.poposponchos.com
Redfish Kids Clothing
Vancouver and West Vancouver www.redfishkidsclothing.com
Robeez Footwear Online
800.929.2649 | www.robeez.com
Room for 2 Maternity & Baby
Vancouver
604.255.0508 | www.roomfor2.ca
Saf & Benjamin
Vancouver 778.328.8194 | www.safandbenjamin.com
Sparkle & Junebug
Vancouver
604.568.5434
Snuggle Bugz Over 10,000 mom-approved baby products; everything for baby! Online. 877.768.4284 | www.snugglebugz.ca
Stonz Wear Baby Booties Online 604.568.6364 | www.stonzwear.ca
Wee Ones Reruns
Quality kids consignment since 1995. Vancouver 604.708.0956 | www.weeonesvancouver.com
Zoolu Organics Eco-chic, stylish and sustainable clothing for kids. Vancouver. 604.787.3571 | www.zooluorganics.com
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
BC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic 604.875.2424 | www.bcwomens.ca
Crescent Moon Childbirth 604.535.1175 | www.crescentmoonchildbirth.org
La Leche League Multiple locations 800.665.4324 | www.lllc.ca
Medela Canada 800.435.8316 | www.medela.ca
Newborn Hotline 604.737.3737
Pacific Spirit Health Centre West Vancouver 604.261.6366
Vancouver Breastfeeding Clinic 604.738.1912 | www.breastfeedingclinic.com
DIAPER SUPPLIES & SERVICES
Babykins Richmond 604.275.2255 | www.babykins.com
Bouncing Babies
604.992.9270 | www.bouncingbabies.ca
Bumbini Cloth Diaper Company
Offering a fantastic selection of modern cloth diapers and accessories. Vancouver and online 604.838.0788 | www.bumbini.ca
Diapers Naturally Cotton Diapers Service
Burnaby
604.682.8860 | www.diapersnaturally.ca
Ecobotts Eco-disposable Diapers
778.340.1779 | www.ecobotts.ca
Eco Bumz
866.376.8081 | www.ecobumz.com
gDiapers
866.553.5874 | www.gdiapers.com
Happy Nappy Diaper Service
604.539.8322 | www.happynappy.ca
Wee Care
888.722.2229 www.weecarediapercompany.com
DOULAS & MIDWIVES
Bloom Family Wellness
604.988.1411 | www.bloomwellness.com
The Birth Place
Maple Ridge
604.466.5811 | www.thebirthplace.ca
Birthing Buddies
604.928.2334 | www.birthingbuddies.com
Crescent Moon Childbirth
Surrey, Langley & White Rock
604.612.6906 | www.crescentmoonchildbirth.org
Dancing Star Birth
604.254.1100 | www.dancingstarbirth.ca
DEME Pre & Postnatal
Delta
604.339.6621 | www.demepreandpostnatal.com
Doula Services Association of BC
604.515.5588 | www.bcdoulas.org
Family Midwifery Care
604.515.1505
Family Practice Maternity Service
BC Women’s Hospital
604.875.3436
Gloria Lemay
604.737.7063 | www.glorialemay.com
Midwifery Associates
604.450.1126 | www.midwiferyassociates.ca
Midwifery Care North Shore
604.984.6960 | www.midwiferycare.ca
The Midwifery Group
604.877.7766 | www.midwiferygroup.ca
Midwives Association of BC
604.736.5976 | www.bcmidwives.com
Newbirth Mothercare
778.834.2057 | www.newbirthmothercare.com
Pacific Midwifery
604.874.7999 | www.pacificmidwifery.ca
Ridge Meadows Midwifery Practice
604.466.5541
South Community Birth Program
604.321.2201 | www.scbp.ca
Village Health Clinic
604.575.7275 | villagehealthclinic.ca
EDUCATION
CEFA: Core Education & Fine Arts
604.913.7713 | www.cefa.ca
Children’s Kingdom Montessori
604.872.8898
Collingwood School www.collingwood.org
Council of Parent Participation Preschools in BC
604.435.4430 | www.cpppreschools.bc.ca
Highlands Preschool www.highlandspreschool.ca
Mimic Baby Sign Language
604.687.0425 x. 1 | www.mimicbaby.com
Music For Young Children
Maple Ridge 604.463.2151
Oxford Learning www.oxfordlearning.com
Private School Expo www.ourkids.net
Reach For The Stars Montessori
604.688. 7827 | www.montessoristar.com
Vancouver Bilingual School
604.261.1221 | www.vancouverbilingual.com
Vancouver Waldorf School
North Vancouver
604.985.7435 | www.vws.ca
Wee Hands
866.746.7446 | www.weehands.com
York House School
Vancouver
604.730.2419 | www.yorkhouse.ca
FITNESS, HEALTH & WELLNESS
3D Baby Vision-Fetal Imaging
877.675.2229 | www.3dbaby.ca
Aarm Dental
6 downtown Vancouver locations, Whistler, and Squamish
604.683.5530 | www.aarm-dental.com
Access Natural Healing
Vancouver 604.568.4663 | www.accessnaturalhealing.com
Arbutus Acupuncture & Massage Therapy
Clinic
Vancouver
604.264.9921 | www.healthtoday.ca
BC Association of Optometrists
604.737.9907 | www.absee.ca
BC Children’s Hospital
604.875.2345 | www.bcchildrens.ca
Annual Resource Listings
BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre
604.875.2330
Bonn Chiropractic
Vancouver
604.688.5437 | www.bonnchiropractic.com
Corinne Eisler
Registered dietician & paediatric nutrition specialist
604.738.4344
Cross Roads Clinic Vancouver 604.568.7115 | www.crossroadsclinics.com
Dial-A-Dietician 811| www.dialadietitian.org
Dr. Gerry Pochynok Pacific Paediatric Dental Centre
North Vancouver 604.983.2253
Dr. Pollock Infant Circumcision/Vasectomy
New Westminster & Vancouver 604.717.6200 | www.pollockclinics.com
Dr. Sabrina Chen-See, Family Wellness Chiropractor Vancouver
604.566.9088 | www.drchensee.com
DEME Pre & Postnatal Delta 604.339.6621 | www.demepreandpostnatal.com
Family Passages Vancouver 604.266.6470 | www.familypassages.ca
Fit for Two Multiple locations 604.602.1546 | www.fit4two.ca
Healthcord
Cord blood banking. Vancouver 604.714.6361 | www.healthcord.com
Helen Sands, Sleep Consultant 604.803.0068 | www.helensands.com
Integrative Healing Arts Vancouver 604.738.1012 | www.integrative.ca
Jump Gymnastics Classes, camp, birthdays and date night for an active start. Vancouver. 604.568.9690 | www.jumpgymnastics.ca
Just4Kids Paediatric Dentistry 604.575.7785 | www.j4kdentistry.com
Kids Physio www.kidsphysio.ca
Lice 911 www.lice911.ca
Logan Creek Counselling www.logancreek.ca
Pacific Life Chiropractic 604.850.0551 | www.pacificlifechiropractic.com
PDG Pediatric Dental Group 604.263.2422 | www.pdgdental.com
Phoenix Gymnastics www.phoenixgymnastics.com
Rich/Follows Vasectomy Clinic No-scalpel/no-needle vasectomy clinic www.nsv.ca
Runners and Booties Fitness
Multiple locations
778.285.6265 www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com
St John Ambulance
604.321.2652 | www.sja.ca
Tania Zulkoskey Counselling 604.771.8647 | www.tzcounselling.ca
TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly Multiple locations 800.932.8677| www.tops.org
Tot 2 Teen Dental Care 604.218.9401 | www.tot2teendental.com
Van Yoga Programs
Vancouver 604.646.0134 | www.vanyoga.com
FURNITURE & HOME DÉCOR
Baby’s World 9000 square feet, over 6000 quality products: The Lower Mainland’s Baby Superstore. Coquitlam 604.515.0888 | www.babysworld.ca
BippityBoppity Boo Children’s Rooms 604.468.1755
Cribs & Carriages North Vancouver 604.988.2742 | www.cribsandcarriages.com
Crocodile Unique Baby Store Surrey & Vancouver www.crocodilebaby.com
Dream Designs Vancouver 604.254.5012 | www.dreamdesigns.ca
Fu-Shun Baby Online 604.535.0092 | www.fu-shundesigns.com
IKEA
Coquitlam, Richmond www.ikea.ca
Jack and Lola North Vancouver and online www.jackandlola.com
Lusso Baby North Vancouver 886.740.9830| www.lussobaby.ca
Mitani Designs www.mitanidesigns.cm
Molly’s Furniture Salad Vancouver 604.732.7712 | www.furnituresalad.ca
Nestings Kids Vancouver 604.734.5437 | www.nestingkidsvancouver.com
O’Baby Organics Online 778.316.5782 | www.obabyorganics.ca
Off to Bed
Fort Langley
604.513.1151 | www.offtobed.ca
One Tiny Suitcase
Baby Equipment Rentals
877.663.8469 | www.onetinysuitcase.ca
Organic O’Canada Online
604.630.2337 | www.organicocanada.com
TJ’s The Kiddies Store
Multiple locations & Online
800.755.4857 | www.tjskids.com
Wallnuts Design www.wallnutsartdesign.com
Wee Travel Baby rental gear
604.222.4722 | www.weetravel.ca
MATERNITY NEW & CONSIGNMENT
Baby Planet Boutique Online
888.823.6129 | babyplanetboutique.com
Bellies in Bloom
Catering exclusively to expectant moms… before and after the big event! Victoria & Online
250.479.0803 www.belliesinbloommaternity.com
Blissfulbabes Nursing Wear www.blissfulbabes.com
Boomers & Echoes
North Vancouver
604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com
Bravado Designs Online
800.590.7802 | www.bravadodesigns.com
Corsierre 3-in-1 Nursing Bra Upgrade Online
877.612.5477 | www.corsierre.com
Flirty Maternity
Maple Ridge
604.657.7333 | www.flirtymaternity.com
Forever Yours Lingerie
604.532.1933 | www.foreveryourslingerie.ca
Hazel & Co./Jools Vancouver jools.ca | www.hazelhipmoms.com
Little Earth
Vancouver
778.737.7004 | www.littleearthvancouver.com
Mooternity Nursing Fashions Online
778.838.1707 | www.mooternity.com
Nummies Nursing Bras www.nummies.ca
Room for 2 Maternity & Baby
Vancouver
604.255.0508 | www.roomfor2.ca
The Classic Closet Consignment Boutique
Surrey 778-395-8290 www.classicclosetconsignment.com
The Maternity Shop Online
888.860.1211 | www.thematernityshop.com
Tiny Town Children’s & Women’s Consignment Surrey
604.597.0040
NANNIES & CHILD CARE RESOURCES
Ace Personnel
Complete personalized home care services; nannies, mother-helpers, caregivers, cooks
604.321.2778 | www.acepersonnel.ca
Almost As Good As Mum Nanny Agency
604.542.0548 | www.almostasgoodasmum.com
Canzac Nannies & Babysitters
604.985.3654 | canzacnannies.com
Care Solutions
877.925.8474 | www.absolutecarenanny.com
Child Care Options Resource & Referral Program
604.572.8032 | www.childcareoptions.ca
Child Care Resource and Referral Your community’s best source of child care information and services
888.338.6622 | www.ccrr.bc.ca
First Steps Child Care Options
604.876.5520 | www.childcareoptions.ca
International Nannies
604.609.9925 | www.internationalnannies.com
Langley Child Care Resource & Referral Program
604.534.7921
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Child Care Resource & Referral
604.467.6911
Moppet Minders Child & Home Care Services
604.942.8167
Nanny Finders Directory
888.628.1622 | www.nannyfindersbc.com
Nannies on Call
877.214.2828 | www.nanniesoncall.com
North Shore Childcare Resource & Referral Program
604.985.7138 | www.nscr.bc.ca
Not Just Nannies
604.723.5683 | www.notjustnannies.net
OptiMum Childcare & Nannies
604.671.4965 | www.opti-mum.com
Richmond Child Care Resource & Referral Service
604.279.7020 | www.volunteerrichmond.ca
Susan’s Nannies
604.779.8579 | www.susansnannies.com
Vancouver Child Care Resource & Referral
604.376.6447 | www.wstcoast.org
YMCA Childcare Resource & Referral
604.931.3400 | www.vanymca.org
Annual Resource Listings
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
Bopomo Pictures
604.678.1411 | www.bopomo.ca
Dylan Doubt Photography www.dylandoubt.ca
Eclipse Photography
604.984.7427 | www.eclipsephotography.ca
Life Story Videos
604.805.7999 | www.lifestoryvideos.ca
Revival Arts Studio Abbotsford www.rastudio.ca
TOYS, GIFTS & LIFESTYLE
Active Baby
One stop baby gear store in North Vancouver 604.986.8977 | www.activebaby.ca
Baby Green Sprout www.babygreensprout.com
Baby on Board
Baby gear, accessories, and strollers since 2005. Richmond store and online. 604.273.0884 | www.babyonboard.ca
Baby Planet Boutique Online
888.823.6129 | www.babyplanetboutique.com
Bamboletta Dolls Online www.bamboletta.com
Bamboobino Online
604.551.3882 | www.bamboobino.com
Better Baby Bums
Eco Friendly and organic products for the whole family. Burnaby and Online 604.430.3672 | www.betterbabybums.com
Bug in a Rug Online
519.856.1373 | www.buginarug.info
Camelot Kids Granville Island
800.746.2230 | www.camelotkids.com
Cards By Kids Online
604.987.4187 | www.cardsbykids.ca
Childish Notions Online
877.968.4667| www.childishnotions.com
The Fort Toy Box Fort Langley
604.882.8697 | www.forttoybox.com
Happy Baby Daily Needs
Canadian baby online store: Mommy’s healthy choice. Online
604.714.0387 | www.happybabydailyneeds.com
Hip Baby
Sustainability, value, function, and a whole lot of style. Vancouver and online. 604.736.8020 | www.hipbaby.com
Knotty Toys Granville Island
604.683.7854 | www.knottytoys.com
Just Imagine Fun Clothing Vancouver 604.222.3523 | www.dressups.com
Kaboodles Toy Store Kitsilano & Granville Island www.kaboodlestoystore.com
Kidsbooks
Multiple locations www.kidsbooks.bc.ca
My Little Mousie Premium German baby and toddler toys for the most important person in your life. Online. 855.566.8743 | www.mylittlemousie.ca
New Mom Registry New and expecting parents receive free gifts, coupons, parent information and much more. Lower Mainland. www.newmom.ca
Peapod Creations Multiple locations & Online www.peapodcreations.ca
Pedagogy Toys New Westminster 604.522.1003| www.pedagogytoys.com
Sage Creek Naturals Online 877.513.2183 | www.sagecreeknaturals.com
Terra Kids Toys 604.598.8697 | www.terrakidstoys.com
Toy Traders Langley 604.532.9516
The Toybox Vancouver 604.738.4322
The Village Toy Shop Port Moody
604.949.0444 | www.villagetoyshop.ca
SAFETY
Babysafe
604.321.2652 | www.sja.ca
BCAA: Infant/Child Car Seat Information Line 604.298.2122 | bcaa.com
Road Safety: Child Restraints/Car Seat Safety roadsafety.ca
St John Ambulance 604.321.2652 | sja.ca
Safety Station at BC’s Children’s Hospital 604.875.2244 | bcchildrens.ca/safetystation
Snuggle Bugz Over 10,000 mom-approved baby products; everything for baby! Online. 877.768.4284 | www.snugglebugz.ca
Ace Personnel Domestic Services
Complete personalized home care services; Nannies, “mothers’ helpers”, caregivers, cooks, housekeepers.
604-321-2778 | www.acepersonnel.ca
Offer Details: 15% OFF Agency placement fee with coupon. Expires: December 31, 2013
Expires: n/a Offer Details: Free furniture delivery with a minimum purchase of $2000. Expires: n/a
Baby’s World
9000 square feet, over 6000 quality products, the Lower Mainland’s Baby Superstore.
604-321-2778 | www.babysworld.ca
Baby On Board
Baby gear, accessories and strollers since 2005. 604-273-0884 | www.babyonboard.ca
Bellies In Bloom Maternity
Catering exclusively to expectant moms… before and after the big event!
250-479-0803 | www.belliesinbloommaternity.com
Offer Details: Free expedited shipping on any order within Canada! Use coupon code WCFFREESHIP at checkout. One time use only.
Expires: Expires May 31, 2013
Better Baby Bums
Eco Friendly and Organic Products for the Whole Family 604-430-3672 | www.betterbabybums.com
Offer Details: 15% off regular and sale priced in stock items, use code ‘babyguide12’.
Expires: December 31, 2012
Bumbini
Offering a fantastic selection of modern cloth diapers and accessories, Bumbini is your one-stop diaper shop. 604-524-BINI (2464) | www.bumbini.ca
Offer Details: Free shipping with your next purchase. Visit www.bumbini.ca and enter promotional code BG2012 at checkout. Expires: April 30, 2013
Happy Baby Daily Needs
Mommy’s Healthy Choice – specializing in affordable, innovative, eco-friendly, safe and award winning baby products.
604-714-0387 | www.happybabydailyneeds.com
Offer Details: 10% off your purchase of $50 or more on regular priced items online! Enter coupon code Westcoast at checkout. Excludes furniture.
Expires: April 30, 2013
Eclipse Photography
Specializing in Maternity, Newborn and Family photography for over twenty years.
604-984-7427 | www.eclipsephotography.ca
Offer Details: $75 off your next photography session. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Expires: September 1, 2013
n/a
blood banking. 604-714-6361 | www.healthcord.com
Hip Baby
Sustainability, value, function and a whole lot of style. 604-736-8020 | www.hipbaby.ca
Offer Details: Buy 1 item of Fig Organic Clothing and get 40% OFF a 2nd Fig item of equal or lesser value. One coupon per customer, available in-store only.
Expires: December 31, 2013
Kohlr Baby Designs
778-688-6381 | www.coolerbaby.com
Offer Details: Enter promo code ‘Westcoast’ to receive free shipping on orders over $60 – valid in Canada only.
Expires: n/a
New Mom Registry
ww.newmom.ca
Offer Details: New or expecting parents are eligible to receive free gifts, coupons, info and more. Receive a $25.00 value in free gifts. Go online and enter code 1537843-9. Expires: n/a
Zoolu Organics
Eco-chic, stylish & sustainable clothing for kids. 604-787-3571 | www.zooluorganics.com
Offer Details: 40% off your next online purchase using promotion code ‘babyguide’. Expires: n/a
Jump Gymnastics Inc.
Enjoy weekly movement themes, games and activities in the relaxed child-led environment of our baby Jump classes.
604-568-9690 | www.jumpgymnastics.ca
Offer Details: Free Class Pass! Try a babyJump class on us – we know you will love it! Pre-registration required – spaces are limited
Expires: February 1, 2013
My Little Mousie Store
Premium German Baby and Toddler Toys for the most important person in your life
778-285-3310 | www.mylittlemousie.ca
Offer Details: Receive free shipping on your next online purchase. Enter coupon code “BG201210’ in your shopping cart for free shipping.
Expires: December 31, 2013
Snuggle Bugz
877-768-4284 | www.snugglebugz.ca
Offer Details: Receive 10% off your first order, plus free shipping! Some restrictions apply.
Expires: December 31, 2012
Bopomo Pictures
Award winning Bopomo offers hip, fresh and fun studio photography to create timeless memories with maternity, baby and family pics.
604-678-1411 | www.bopomo.ca
Offer Details: Free photo session (value $40) and $20 off prints/digital images OR $50 off our New Beginnings Package. Cannot be combined with other promotions. Expires: September 30, 2013.
Best in Everything out there for Baby and Kids – newborn to 8
| www.jackandlola.ca
Offer Details: Receive 10% off your first visit, and 15% off your second visit. Some restrictions apply. See store for details.
Expires: September 30, 2013
Over 40 life threatening diseases have been treated with cord blood stem cells. Cord blood is also being used in experimental treatment of spinal cord injury, diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Register now to store your child’s cord blood at birth, and secure the future health of your newborn. Visit Healthcord online at www.healthcord.com , or call 1.877.714.6361 to learn more.
modern
home-ec
fall comfort food
Introducing Modern Home Ec! Long gone are the days when petulant adolescent girls were herded unwillingly into the Home Economics room to learn household management, cooking skills, and how to balance a chequebook, while the boys got to monkey around with saws, soldering irons and drafting boards. It’s time to put that segregation behind us! Women are not chained to the kitchen anymore, and men are now allowed into the domestic sphere; making homemaking a possible joint effort, far from the hilariously perfect, supposedly aspirational June Cleaver, vacuuming enthusiastically in heels and pearls, or pathetic Betty Draper, neglecting her children and popping pills with martinis to get through the day.
Beet & Pear Salad
Makes 6 servings
From BC Fresh vegetables www.bcfreshvegetables.com
Who says salads are only for summer? Enjoy this great dish for lunch or as a fresh side for dinner, full of fall goodness.
Ingredients
8 medium BC beets, cooked and peeled
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt 125 mL
2 Tbsp. liquid honey 30 mL
1 tsp. Dijon mustard 5 mL
1/8 tsp. grated nutmeg .5 mL
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint 30 mL
Grated rind and juice from 1 orange
Salt and pepper
8 large BC leaf lettuce leaves
2 BC Bartlett or Anjou pears
Watercress sprigs
Method
• In large bowl, combine yogurt, honey, mustard, nutmeg, mint, orange rind and juice and salt and pepper to taste. Stir beets into yogurt dressing.
• Arrange 1 lettuce leaf on each of 8 salad plates. Spoon beet mixture onto the top of the lettuce. Thinly slice pears. Arrange pear slices and watercress sprigs on top of beet mixture.
Because autumn is symbolized by the cornucopia of plenty, October’s Modern Home Ec explores the possibilities of all the fresh produce available to us on the lower mainland. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest farmers market or community farm stand and pick up:
Beets
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Chard
Corn
Kale
Leeks
apple butter
From WCF Editor, Stephanie
Onions
Parsnips
Potatoes
Pumpkins
Rutabagas
Winter Squash
Turnips
Mushrooms
Apples
Kiwi Pears
Quince
The best way to use up excess or not aesthetically-pleasing apples on your tree! This recipe takes a few hours so it’s a perfect activity for a rainy, lazy Sunday and it makes your whole house smell wonderful. Delicious on toast with peanut butter or stirred into plain yoghurt.
Ingredients
7 lbs of apples, cored & peeled
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamom
½ tsp nutmeg
(add other spices at your discretion, like cardamom)
Method
• Start with about 7 lbs of apples, cored and peeled. If you like the peel, you can keep it on and then use an immersion blender when it’s cooked to the applesauce point, but it still won’t be as smooth.
• Put the apples into a big pot with a cup or so of water or apple juice and cook down into applesauce.
• Add sugar (this helps with preserving the finished product), cinnamon, nutmeg and whatever other spices you like. Cardamon is simply amazing!
• Turn the heat down really low and cook for a few hours until almost all the liquid is cooked away and it has a buttery, spreadable consistency.
• Throw it into some canning jars and boil in a water bath for 20 minutes.
westcoastwalks Fraser/ Kingsway
Get on the No. 8 bus and get off at the “weird little triangle” that’s become one of the most family friendly areas in town! Matchstick Coffee Roasters
Collage Collage
Craft Supplies, Classes & Gifts
621 Kingsway | 604.569.1929
www.collagecollage.ca
The dream is alive and well in this craftacular wonderland! Your kids will drool over the wall-to-wall collection of arts & crafts supplies, books, kits and gifts. You’ll be inspired by the thoughtfully curated collections by local artists and crafters.
We Love: The apothecary-style wall of crafty fun!
Wee Ones Reruns
Kid’s Consignment
612 Kingsway | 604.708.0956
www.weeonesvancouver.com
Opened back in 1995 by a single mom, this one-of-a-kind consignment shop is a fun shopping experience for the whole family. Kids are welcome to play with the toys while you shop.
We Love: The Onyx lunch containers.
Barefoot Contessa: Precious & Few
Kid’s Clothing, Accessories & Gifts
623 Kingsway | 604.879.1137 ext. 3
www.thebarefootcontessa.com
Anyone who has visited Barefoot Contessa on Main St. will be eager to see their take on a children’s boutique. This gorgeous shop is filled with unique vintage collectibles, gifts, fancy clothes and jewelry for children.
We Love: The tiny one-of-a-kind aprons!
Cuppa Joe?
639 E 15th Ave | 604.558.0639
Looking for your buddies on any given afternoon? They’re probably down at Matchstick! This new retailer and roastery offers single-origin coffees, lovingly prepared by their extra-friendly staff.
Les Faux Bourgeois 663 E 15th Ave | 604.875.9733 | www.lesfauxbourgeois.com
Voted by the Westender as their Best French Desination in the city, it won’t take more than a few minutes within these walls to be convinced that you’ve found your new favourite spot for date night! The sultry atmosphere combined with an amazing menu and wine list set ‘Les Fauxbo’ apart from other night spots.
Ceramics and Scuplting Gallery
661 E 15th Ave | 604.568.1582
clayzoneceramics.blogspot.ca
Clayzone is a fun and lively place to bring your creations to life. The gallery is home to a wonderful collection of scuplted works, and the workshop hosts classes for kids and adults alike.
We Love: The pottery classes for all ages.
Spool of Thread
Merchant & Sewing Lounge 101-649 E 15th Ave | 604.879.3031
www.spoolofthread.com
This is an oasis for fabric lovers! With a huge, but careful selection of textiles of all styles, you’re sure to be inspired to tackle that project you’ve been putting off. Can’t sew? Take a class and learn how! There’s also a drop-in schedule, so you can show up, and sew up!
We Love: The vintage-style patterns for kids clothes.
633 E 15th Ave | 604.876.4114 | www.glutenfreeepicurean.ca Everything is made with the highest quality ingredients, with a focus on organic and natural products. Vegan? Fear not! There’s lots to choose from, just bring your sweet tooth!
stylefile
by Jodi Iverson
We love owls anytime, and this is no exception. This warm one-piece suit is perfect for your little wise guy or gal!
Child Owl Costume 49.00
Candy aisles are popping up in grocery stores, the leaves are changing colour and the buzz has started: Halloween is near! We are sharing some fun costumes for your little boys and ghouls that will keep them playing long after the candy bowl is down to black jellybeans and Halloween taffy!
Astronaut
With the end of the space shuttle program there has been renewed interest in space travel. This costume is easy to wear over warm clothes and is perfect for imaginative play all year long!
Morphsuit
The Canucks may be cooling their heels but you can dress like a green man (or alien, or ninja, or skeleton…) anytime! The second our model donned this spandex suit it was wild rumpus! Visibility, surprisingly, is not a problem.
Green Childs Morphsuit 39.00
>> Vancouver Aquarium’s new Penguins Have Names!
To welcome the new African penguins, the Aquarium decided to name them all after B.C. cities, towns and neighbourhoods. They asked for the public’s suggestions along with pictures, videos or written submissions that highlighted their favorite B.C. hangout, and the response was incredible!
They received over 600 entries ranging from original artwork and fun video submissions, to quirky poems and stories. And the winners are, (colours refer to the id bracelect the penguins wear)
1. Tofino (Pink/Grey) submitted by Krista Bratton
2. Steveston (Red) submitted by Winnie Kwok
3. Lillooet (Pink) submitted by Miriam Moysey
4. Sechelt (Yellow/Brown) submitted by Diana Luong
5. Nelson (Brown) submitted by Nelmaire Alberts Nurhan Uludag
6. Salt Spring (Orange/Green) submitted by Aris Murray
7. Hope (Pink/White) submitted by Nicole Souza
Congratulations to the winners!
>> Get Back to School Safely with the Billy Brings a Buddy Program
With the new school year underway, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection wants parents to put something on their checklist besides the usual stationary supplies required by students. The Canadian Centre is urging parents and teachers to add child personal safety to the list and use the Billy Brings his Buddies program to teach children the Buddy System safety strategy.
“When children learn and use the buddy system they reduce their likelihood of being victimized and increase their personal safety,” says Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Teachers can also help reinforce this safety strategy by using the Billy Brings his Buddies program with students throughout the school year.”
Sponsored by Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the Billy Brings his Buddies program is a part of the Canadian Centre’s Kids in the Know interactive child personal safety program for students from Kindergarten to Grade Nine. The Billy initiative is for Grade One students, and includes a website (billybuddy.ca) where parents and educators can access an online storybook, interactive games and other activities to help them teach young children about the buddy system. The Canadian Centre and Honeywell Hometown Solutions want to make sure that back-to-school excitement is paired with the teaching of strategies that will help children stay safe all year round. They encourage all Grade One teachers and parents of young children to visit billybuddy.ca to learn more.
>> Facebook Facilitates Organ Donation
>> Kids Can Help the Earth Rangers Bring Back the Wild
Earth Rangers — a charitable organization dedicated to educating millions of children across Canada about the importance of biodiversity — celebrates the start of a new school year by launching four new Bring Back the Wild conservation projects. Bring Back the Wild educates children and their families on the importance of biodiversity and raises funds to support the acquisition and restoration of endangered habitats across Canada. Funds raised will also further the reach of Earth Rangers’ national School Outreach Program. This year’s Bring Back the Wild project for British Columbia focuses on Oregon Spotted Frogs in Aldergrove Lake Regional Regional Park, a conservation partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium.
Bring Back the Wild is available at www.earthrangers.com and is also a part of Earth Rangers’ School Outreach Program for participating schools across the country. To join the campaign, children register at www.earthrangers.com where they can:
• SELECT the animal and habitat they want to protect
• CREATE their own Earth Ranger Avatar
• EMAIL family and friends to ask for donations
• COLLECT rewards for their efforts along the way
Since launching Bring Back the Wild in April of 2010, over 180,000 children across Canada have joined Earth Rangers and started their own Bring Back the Wild campaign.
>> Explore Languages and Culture with Tiga Talk’s New App
Targeted at children aged 3-5, Tiga Talk! is a gentle, entertaining series that explores languages and culture in a fun way. It’s about Tiga, a stuffed toy wolf cub who lives with Jodie and Jason, their father, and Kokum (grandmother). Tiga lives in a backyard den the children made for him, and together, they share a secret. When there aren’t any adults around, Tiga becomes a talking puppet who plays with Jodie, Jason, and children in the audience.
The new Tiga Talk! Adventure Story App appeals to the passion for exploration by taking the child on a self-led adventure. It encourages language development skills and creative problem solving by offering different experiences and options, providing the opportunity to learn new words in English and Cree.
Tiga Talk! Season 4 airs Friday and Saturday mornings on APTN beginning September 2012, and ‘Adventure Story’ App for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch launches September 2012, and is available at www.tigatalk.com and the iTunes Store.
Facebook has launched a new tool today that will help Canadians identify themselves as organ donors on their Facebook Timeline.
Located under “Health & Wellness” in your Facebook Timeline’s “Life Event” tab, it allows people on Facebook to both post their organ donor status, and register to donate if they haven’t already. Facebook recently launched the new tool in the United States and other countries in May, allowing users to update their status and register through their respective state or national registry. The impact on donor registries was immediate and profound – with organ donor registries reporting increased sign-up in the thousands.
For more information on how to change your organ donor status on your Facebook Timeline go to: www.facebook.com/help/?page=368924819806375
To register, visit www.transplant.bc.ca
Head Lice
The Scourge of the Schools
by Barb Pattison
h education
ead lice can affect anyone, anywhere. Lice don’t care if your hair is clean, or dirty, or whether it is covered in essential oils; and they certainly do not care how old you are. If you have hair, you are at risk of catching head lice… period.
Most of the time catching head lice is by direct head to head contact with another person. And transmission happens quickly… in the time it takes to hug a friend or whisper a secret in their ear, you can catch head lice.
Unfortunately, there is nothing proven to prevent head lice. Head lice are not deterred by special scents and are not bothered by hair spray or gels.
So how do we protect our families? Here are some steps you can start doing today to reduce your risk of catching head lice.
1. Teach children to avoid head-to-head contact, and not to share personal items such as combs, brushes, and hats.
2. Have children wear their long hair up at school. This is the simplest and most effective method of head lice prevention. A ballet bun, braids or even just a ponytail will greatly reduce the risk.
3. Check regularly and comb out weekly. A quick comb out once a week will get anything off the head before it has a chance to get established.
4. Protect your head when travelling by bus, car, and plane or even when in theatres. Head lice can survive for up to 48 hours off the head so you want to make sure you’re protected.
5. Do not use lice treatments to prevent. These are designed to be used only if live lice are present. They do not prevent head lice.
Head lice can go undetected for weeks so it’s also important to check regularly and be aware of the signs and symptoms of head lice. The most common indication of head lice is persistent scratching. Scratching will get worse and worse over time to the point where it’s nearly a constant itchy feeling. Other signs include small red bumps or sores, a rash behind the ears and at the nape of the neck and feces (dark spots found on the scalp behind the ears). Lice are hard to see as they can hide quickly when you’re looking through the hair. Instead, look for their eggs (nits). These are small, hard, egg shaped spots stuck onto a single strand of hair. They are amber, tan, grey or black in color.. they are not white. Lice will lay their eggs in the warmest part of the hair so focus on your Hot Spots - the area behind the ears, at the nape of the neck and the crown of the head.
If you see anything suspicious, try to move it. If it moves easily, it is definitely not a nit. If it will not move, try to pull it off the hair. If you can pull it off with your fingertips, it is not a nit. Nits are cemented onto one side of a strand of hair and come off only when you get your nails behind it and really pull it off. If you confirm a lice infestation, it’s best to start treatment right away. Unfortunately, there is nothing that will get rid of head lice in one treatment; it is a process that takes 3 weeks to eliminate.
To get rid of head lice you have two choices, chemical treatments or wet combing…
Chemical treatments are available at local pharmacies. These include special lotions, creams or shampoos. These are applied to the hair, left on for a period of time and then rinsed out. If you choose this method, please follow the manufacturers’ instructions very carefully and remember that you will still
need to comb out the nits or they will hatch and grow and the infestation will continue.
The Wet Combing Method focuses on breaking up the lice life cycle. You do not need a chemical treatment when choosing this method. All live lice and nits are manually removed every 3 days for 3 weeks. Any lice that hatch after the first combout are easily removed with each subsequent combout and long before they can reproduce. Combouts are always done using a carrier (olive oil, Vaseline, tea tree oil, mayonnaise, conditioner, cetaphil etc). This is applied to dry hair to slow down the live lice so that you can comb them out. Head lice cannot become resistant to this method and it is most successful when working with a good lice comb.
Common lice combs are not strong enough for lice and nit removal. Metal combs are always a better choice but how can you tell if you’ve got a good lice comb? Hold your comb up to the light. If you can see spaces between the teeth or can easily bend them, it will not work. A quality comb has strong, metal tines that are at least 2” long to be able to go through the entire thickness of hair. Be proactive when it comes to head lice. Watch for signs, comb out weekly and teach your child to tell you if their head is itchy or if they feel like there’s something moving in their hair. This will give you the best chance to catch the infestation at the earliest stages which makes removal much easier. Remember, there is nothing that will prevent head lice. Your best defence is to arm yourself with the right tools and information so that if it ever touches your family, you will know what to do.
Barb Pattison at Lice 911 provides lice detection, removal and education services to the Lower Mainland. Their website at www.lice911.com also provides valuable information and tools for home use. www.lice911.com
mom westcoast
By Stephanie MacDonald | Photos by Bopomo Pictures
running a successful business while raising three kids under the age of nine is hard work, I think we all can agree. So these parents can probably be excused if when asked about their future goals, the answer is probably more “sleep for more than four hours at a stretch” than “Well, I’d like to revitalize the Canadian sports system from the ground up.”
Jennifer Hood is the mother-of-three and author of the latter quote, as well as being the owner and director of Jump! Gymnastics, a Yaletown studio that “offers children from six months- to eight-years-old the opportunity to explore movement through activities that enhance balance, strength, flexibility, coordination and agility”. Jump! is about much more than gymnastics, despite the name. “We teach kids physical literacy,” Jennifer explains, “the confidence, and capability, to move your body in a variety of environments, like land, ice, snow and water.”The program aims to distill out the core components required for any number of sports, like jumping, or throwing, into a fundamental movement pattern that kids can apply to whatever sport they enjoy, from swimming to skiing to soccer. “Teaching kids movement skills really gives them the confidence to pick up any sport they choose,” says Jennifer, about skills they can put towards being healthy and active for a lifetime.
Jennifer’s vision of creating a studio where she could promote her ambition to improve the physical fitness of children has become a reality, and a resounding success – with 12 coaches with varied physical education and coaching backgrounds and classes consistently running at capacity. Though Jennifer’s passion for physical literacy began when she was just 15, she had more than saving Canada’s kids from X-Boxes and obesity on her mind when she decided to build her business from the ground up.
“When my middle daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, I immediately knew my life was going to play out differently than I thought. I decided to
Jennifer Hood of Jump Gymnastics
build a business doing something I loved, but that would also give me the flexibility to be with my daughter and the rest of our family while she is getting her hospital treatments. I’m investing time up front, that will hopefully pay off in the future, because as she grows up there may be challenges that require me to have extended periods of time away from work to care for her. Jump! will hopefully be at a point where it can sustain our family financially while I’m where I need to be.”
Aided by enrolling in Langara College’s Self-Employment program, and with two young children to look after, in 2007 Jennifer spent two years overall; from the development of her business plan, to creating the curriculum, training staff, and designing and building the warm, attractive, and functional space that Jump! calls home. On September 2, 2008 Jump! opened its doors and almost instantly became a destination for kids and parents across Vancouver. The plans are to bring the Jump! Gymnastics physical literacy program to as many kids as possible in the future, by opening new locations, as well as expanding the curriculum to include older kids and even adults. Says Jennifer, “there’s a real lack of comprehensive multi-age platforms in the community, ones that teach quality sports skills in a non-competitive environment.” As this plan progresses, she can already appreciate the positive effects of all her efforts. “It is so incredibly rewarding watching something you’ve dreamed of come to reality. It seems unbelievable.”
With her ambition, expertise, and energy focused on extending physical literacy skills to children everywhere, this WestCoast Mom’s success will be measured by not only her family’s happiness and financial stability, but by the legions of lifelong healthy people who have benefitted from having the necessary foundation to be active for life.
breast cancer awareness
by Jennifer Parisi
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting Canadian women. But did you know, 40% of breast cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes?
Join the breast cancer prevention clinic and learn how to reduce your breast cancer risk. Clinics are coming to communities throughout the GVRD this fall, beginning in October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Breast Cancer Prevention & Risk Assessment Clinic helps women improve their odds, and reduce their risk, against breast cancer through healthy lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, increasing physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Join us at a clinic near you:
Bonsor Recreation Complex, 7:00–8:30 PM, October 4
Bonsor Recreation Complex, 1:30–3:00 PM, October 13
River District Community Centre, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM, October 14
Bonsor Recreation Complex, 2:00–3:30 PM, October 17
Kitsilano War Memorial Community Centre, 7:00–8:15 PM, October 23
Ladner Pioneer Library, 1:00-2:30PM, November 20
Participation is free. To reserve your space, visit http:// breastcancerprevention.med.ubc.ca, call 604-603-5140, or email info@ bcprac@ubc.ca.
The clinic is a project of the CCS-UBC Cancer Prevention Centre, and is funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - BC/Yukon.
Fitness for Moms
Making the Time to Stay in Shape
you may be used to yoga classes, the treadmill at the gym, or boot camp classes at the local park. Well, now you can shake it up a little with some alternative fitness options that will energize you and help shave off those muffin tops we have all grown to know (and love?) so well.
Watch for upcoming issues of WestCoast Mom in WestCoast Families magazine for more information on these and other local, alternative fitness programs.
Ugi Fit
Ugi means “you got it”… and the Ugi Fit ball and workout is all you need to make it happen. The founders of Ugi Fit realized that we don’t all have 2 hours each day to spend at the fitness studio. Instead, developed a system that would be non-intimidating, quick, and easy to follow. The workout is done in a 30-minute time frame: fast enough that you could do it while dinner is
cooking, yet so effective. You’ll challenge your cardio, core, balance, coordination and strength all at once.
Ugi Fit is now sold as a take home fitness system with a weighted ball (in very fashionable colours!), a workout guide, DVD, food plan, and even an IPhone app. Or you can also take group or private classes at their new Tsawwassen studio.
If you’d like to try the Ugi Fit classes, go to www. ugistudio.com . To purchase one of the home workouts, go to www.ugifit.com . The full system costs $189 and classes are $10-$12 each. Oneon-one training is also available.
Barre Fitness
Barre was created as a high-energy onehour class with a full body focus. The regime incorporates ballet, pilates, strength and flexibility training using a ballet barre. But don’t be intimidated: there are classes for everyone from the absolute beginner to the total expert “Barer” (is that a word legal?).
The classes are set to great music to make the fun and empowering for all ages and fitness levels. Much of the class is spent on stretching and strengthening that benefits and rehabilitates the body.
Barre has a prenatal program too, called Bellies at the Barre. This is also a great option for postnatal women who want to ease back into their fitness routine.
Classes are offered at the Yaletown or North Vancouver studios. Drop-in is $20, and 20 class cards are $330, but we did see an introductory special of $40 for your first 2 weeks of unlimited classes. Check www.barrefitness.com for class schedules and locations.
River District Farmers Market
Adult Events for the Hip Mom Around Town! momevents westcoast
Kerr Street Plaza, South of SE Marine Drive and Kerr Street Saturdays until October 27, 10am-2pm New market features fresh locally-grown produce, handmade products and kids’ activities. This one-of-a-kind farmers market is the only riverfront market in Vancouver.
www.riverdistrict.ca
Bakers Market
Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre, 7646 Prince Albert Street, Vancouver
Saturdays until December 8, 11 am-3pm
The Baker’s Market is a gathering of professional, amateur, student & Mommy bakers who get together to buy and sell their baked goods. Closed October 27. www.bakersmarket.com
Is the world getting more or less violent?
Lynn Valley Main Library
October 10, 7-8:45pm
Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker argues that contrary to appearances humans are generally getting less violent. Does this argument fit our own views about the state of world violence? 604.990.5800
The Unplugging Arts Club Theatre, Revue Stage
October 11–November 3
Two women seek shelter and rely solely on each other for survival. No sooner do they begin to thrive, that they are interrupted by a charismatic young man, whose very presence threatens their existence. Tickets start at $29 www.artsclub.com
The Power Sports Adventure Show together with the All about Snow Show
TRADEX Trade and Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford
October 13-14, check website for hours
Featuring the latest machines and top-of-the-line products to carry you over every type of terrain – from road, to water, to rocks, mud and snow-covered peaks. Adults are $12.00 & children under 5 are free. www.powersportsadventureshow.com
Baby Fair- Great Expectations
Ladner Community Center
October 13, 9:30am-1pm
This event is free for those who are expecting or have a new baby or for those who are supporting families with infants & toddlers. 604.267.7380
Feature Mom Entrepreneur: April Bellia of Granola Girl
Network Hub, 3rd floor, 422 Richards St, Vancouver October 16, 7-9pm
Look behind the scenes on the things April loves, decisions she made that worked, learnings in her entrepreneurial journey, and come away having new lenses and pillars on how you view your business. www.momceoacademy.com
4th Annual 19th Hole Gala Fundraiser
The Roundhouse
October 23, 5:30-9:30pm
Be a part of this non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to arts, cultural, sports and recreational events and activities for kids who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Tickets start at $150 www.kidsupfrontvancouver.com
Heart of the City Festival
Downtown Eastside Vancouver
October 24- November 4
Over 80 events at over 25 venues throughout the Downtown Eastside. Tickets and Info are available on the website. www.heartofthecityfestival.com
Impromptu: A Kitchen Party Fundraiser for Place des Arts Place des Arts
October 13, 7pm
Get Aboard and Raise a Jar! Impromptu: A Kitchen Party promises to transport guests back to a 1950’s Newfoundland kitchen party. Find out what happened to the entire McCann clan with your exclusive invitation where you are part of the action! Tickets: $50/VIP: $80 online. www.placedesarts.ca
Splash- Arts Umbrellas 30th Annual Art Auction and Gala CBC Vancouver
October 13
Attend this fundraising event and one of Vancouver’s most prestigious and high profile charitable art auctions. www.artsumbrella.com/splash
Once Upon a Belly
South Surrey Recreation Centre
October 28, 10am to 2:30pm
An informative and exciting festival for new and expectant parents, providing an amazing environment that brings together everything your growing family will need. surrey.onceuponabelly.com
Waiting Child Information Session
AFABC office, 200-7342 Winston St, Burnaby October 30, 7-9pm
Come and learn about BC’s Waiting Children - Topics include: who the children are, why and how do they come into care, special placement needs, the Waiting Child program adoption process, and key issues for families. Free www.bcadopt.com
community
Crippen Regional Park
October 7, 11am–3pm
Taste crunchy heritage apples, buy a home-made pie, take a tour of the Heritage Museum and play some games. From the ferry, walk 100 metres to Davies Orchard.
604.788.5634 | www.bowenheritage.org
VSO Kids’ Koncerts: Peter and the Wolf Orpheum
October 7, 2pm
Children ages 4+ will enjoy this kids concert with the full symphony. Inspector Tovey brings the story alive while making learning about the orchestra fun. Ages 4+
604.876.3434 | www.vancouversymphony.ca
Premier of the Reel Youth Film Festival
October 9 & 10
This festival is a celebration of local and international youth-made films at the Vancouver International Film Festival. In this collection of shorts, young people are tackling some of the most urgent issues facing today’s youth: from addiction, homelessness and suicide, to love, sex,and faith. www.ReelYouth.org
Professor Banjo - Family Music Concert Killarney Community Centre, room 205 October 13, 10:30-11:30am
Have fun at this interactive, sing-a-long, dance-a-long family music featuring great traditional banjo songs, and a few originals. $5 per child -please pre-register. 604.718.8201 | professorbanjo.com www. vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/ killarney-community-centre.aspx
Fall Frisky Frolics
Burnaby Lake Regional Park
October 13, 10-11:30 am
Share the magic of an autumn morning with your youngster. Find giant maple leaves, shuffle through leaf littered trails and discover who hides in fallen leaves. Join the hands-on activities and games. $12.23 per child & adult.
604.421.5225
West Van’s October 13th Pumpkin Fest Family Golf Day
Ambleside Par 3, West Vancouver
October 13
Play in this one-of-a-kind golf event that has been developed to with family fun in mind: each of four zones will include three holes of golf and a fun golfrelated activity, with lots of food and lots of prizes too. 604.785.9959
www.westvanpumpkinfest.ca
Strachan Hartley Legacy Foundation
2012 Run
Handsworth Secondary School, North Vancouver
October 14, registration 9am & race 8am
The scenic 5/10k courses feature winding roads, creekside trails and lots of hills helping raise monies that help local at-risk youth achieve their full potential through sport and education. www.shlf.ca/run
Snap, Crackle, Pop
Van Dusen Gardens
October 14, 10:30am-12noon or 1:30-3pm
For families with children ages 5-11. Price: Member Family $15, Non-Member Family $25 (includes admission to the Garden). Fee covers up to 2 adults and 3 children. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Pre-registration required. 604.718.5898 | www.vandusengarden.org
Splash’N Boots
Centennial Theatre
October 14, 2pm
Canadian children’s performers Splash’N Boots have been bringing their catchy melodies into the lives of families around the globe since 2004. Hailed as the “U2 of children’s entertainment” and awarded Children’s Music Group of the Year, this cutting-edge duo has also appeared on Treehouse TV. Ages 2- 10.
604.984.4484 | www.centennialtheatre.com
Explore Like Dora: Boo Zoo
Surrey Museum
October 19, 11am-12noon or 1-2pm
Explore Halloween’s creepy but cute animals while making a Halloween mini-zoo, then walk through the exhibit gallery to hunt down spooky animals. Afterwards, make a yummy, scary snack. Please preregister. $6.50 (3-6yrs)
604.592.6956 | www.surrey.ca/heritage
Day of the Arts Pro-D Day Art Camp
Place des Art
October 19, 8:45am–3:45pm
Spooktacular is the theme for this Pro-D day camp at Place des Arts. Registration is now open for six blocks of Hallowe’en-inspired visual, literary and performing arts classes for kids from kindergarten to grade 5. Call to register.
604.664.1636 | www.placedesarts.ca
All Hallows Eve
Historic Stewart Farm
October 20 1–3pm
Discover bewitching beginnings! Learn about the origins of Halloween, play games from long ago and create a spooky (or not) mask to take home.
$10 (5–7yrs)
604.592.6956 | surrey.ca
TEDxKids@BC
Telus World of Science- Science World
October 20, all day
A kids and youth conference with speakers respected and recognized kid and youth dreamers, change agents and go-getters. They will present their worldchanging ideas with hopes in helping their peers connect, inspire and act on different various notions. www.tedxkidsbc.com
Light the Night Event: Vancouver
Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park
October 20, 5-830pm
If you can make some time for this event, join in and bring help and hope to those battling blood cancers. www.lightthenight.ca
Kid’s Swap Meet
North Langley Community Church 21015 96th Avenue
October 20, 10am-1pm
Great bargains on children’s items. Childcare available! Admission is only $1.00. Proceeds go towards funding women’s programs www.nlcc.ca
Raffi in Concert
The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
October 21
Canadian children’s entertainer and singer-songwriter performs hits like “Baby Beluga” and “Down by the Bay”. Proceeds benefit the Centre for Child Honouring on Salt Spring Island, which advocates social change that keeps children at its heart. Tickets start at $25 (all ages require a ticket).
604.602.0616
Return of the Salmon
Kanaka Creek Regional Park
October 21, 11am–3pm
Witness the return of spawning salmon to Kanaka Creek at this Maple Ridge fall classic.
604.530.4983
Great Pumpkin Walk/Run
Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock
October 21
Join in this fun family and community event fundraiser for the hospital’s ER. www.pahfoundation.ca
The Dance Centre presents Discover Dance! Scotiabank Dance Centre
October 25, 12noon
Ballet BC brings its distinctive brand of innovative contemporary ballet to the next edition of The Dance Centre’s popular Discover Dance! noon hour series. Tickets start at $10.
604.606.6400 | www.thedancecentre.ca
calendar
Halloween “Thriller”
South Delta Recreation Centre
October 26, 7:45-9:30pm
Join in for a “thriller” evening open gym & skate for everyone. Wear your costumes & enjoy the special effects & Halloween challenges. www.corp.delta.bc.ca
Gait to the Spirit 2012 Scotiabank Dance Centre
October 26-29
The 3rd Annual Dance Festival Celebrating Classical Dance of India.
604.874.8985 | www.mandalarts.ca
Pumpkin Power
Surrey Museum
October 27, 12noon-2pm
Like pumpkins? Here’s your chance to view, decorate, and EAT them! Design your own take-home Jack O’Lantern, do crafts, and try some delicious pie, then join the Cloverdale Costume Parade. All ages, by donation.
604.592.6956 | www.surrey.ca/heritage
Once Upon a Belly
Oct 28, 2012, 10am-2:30pm
South Surrey Recreation Centre, Surrey. Come and be our guest at the first Once Upon a Belly event in South Surrey. This is an informative and exciting festival for new and expecting parents. There are plenty of products and services to learn about from dozens of exhibitors . And lots of shopping too! The first 150 Moms in attendance receive a gift bag full of samples and goodies. www.onceuponabelly.com
everything baby
Culture Babes
Joining the group once a month for museum exhibition tour or musical concert in and around Vancouver, this is all about creating a culturally enriched experience for babies AND parents.
Culturebabes.ca
Stars and Strollers
Watch a lower-volume movie with baby or toddler in tow www.cineplex.com/Theatres/ StarsAndStrollers
Movies for Mommies
A movie event exclusively for new parents to enjoy, where crying is welcome and there are parent perks too. www.moviesformommies.com
Vancouver Aquarium
The Clownfish Cove children’s area features displays of live animals along with fun, interactive, learning experiences. www.visitvanaqua.ca
Science World
Mr. I’s Slightly Spooky Songs and Stories Concert
Place des Arts
October 28, 2pm
Local children’s entertainer and Place des Arts’ faculty member Yurgen Ilaender, affectionately known as “Mr. I,” leads Hallowe’en fun for children aged 2 and up. Costumes are welcome and audience participation is encouraged. Tickets: $7 general seating.
604.664.1636 | www.placedesarts.ca
Pumpkin Power
Surrey Museum
October 27, 12noon-2pm
Like pumpkins? Here’s your chance to view, decorate, and eat them. Design your own take-home Jack O’Lantern, do crafts, and try some delicious pie, then join the Cloverdale Costume Parade.
604.592.6956 | www.surrey.ca
Fimo Clay Halloween Creations
Tsawwassen Arts Centre
October 28, 2-4pm
Create figurines & creatures from Halloween with Fimo clay, a pliable, brightly coloured modeling clay. For 5-12 year olds. $35 www.corp.delta.bc.ca
City of Richmond Halloween Fireworks
Minoru Park
October 31, 6:30-8:30pm
A live DJ, magician, costumed performers and fire jugglers set the stage for a spectacular fireworks display. This is a free event. 604.276.4300 | www.richmond.ca\
Baby & Family Fair
Nov 3-4, 2012, 10am-5pm
The Forum at the PNE, Vancouver With over 100 booths, this show offers a wide array of exhibitors, semiars and demonstrations for new and expecting parents. Whether its your first baby… or your last! The two-day event includes information from reliable industry experts and activities for kids too. If you want to shop for your bundle of joy, they’ve got that covered too. WestCoast Families magazine will be there too. Enter to win more than 25,000 in prizes and gifts. www.baby-fair.com
Belly, Baby & Tot Show
Nov 4th, 10am-4pm
PoCo Inn: 1545 Lougheed Hwy, Port Coquitlam Come and have some fun with us at the Belly, Baby & Tot Show! Learn, shop, play & have fun! Kids Activity Play Centre Sponsored by My Gym offered all day, Children’s Fashion show from Baby to Kids. Get your professional Photo Taken (fees apply) and check out the latest in products and services for baby, Mom and Dad too! First 200 Guests receive a free gift bag full of goodies just for coming. Admission $4 with partial proceeds going to Basics for Babies. Kids are free. www.mommyconnections.ca/ridge-meadows
Visit www.westcoastfamilies.com/events_calendar for more family friendly events in June! To have your event included in the WestCoast Families community calendar, please email your details to: admin@ westcoastfamilies.com.
Great things to do with baby or toddler in tow.
Kidspace at Science World in Vancouver is dedicated to babies and toddlers with lots of hands-on exploring. www.scienceworld.ca
momcafe
Networking and support for Moms in business www.momcafe.ca
Bloedel Conservatory
Parents love the serenity: babies and toddlers love the birds, colours, and warmth. www.vancouver.ca
Maplewood Farm
Every kid loves animals, and this is a hands on farm that is very baby and toddler friendly with lots of room to run around. www.maplewoodfarm.ca
Don’t miss these great annual shows and events for baby:
Baby and Family Fair www.baby-fair.ca
Once Upon a Belly www.onceuponabelly.com
South Delta Baby Fair (website coming)
Toy and Product Fair www.langleycdc.com
Early Years Festival www.surrey.ca
The Belly, Baby and Tot Show www.mommyconnections.ca/ridgemeadows
EPIC Sustainable Living Expo www.vancouver.epicexpo.com
Sea To Sky Family Fair www.seatoskyfair.ca
If you’d like WestCoast Families magazine delivered to your event free of charge, please email your request to publisher@westcoastfamilies.com.
last look Chubby Owls
They’re a hoot!
By Jodi Iverson
This is an easy project that’s fun for everyone. Use these little guys as Fall décor, or customise colours for any event.
materials
• Styrofoam ball
• Felt sheets
• Scissors • Glue gun
• Googly eyes
make it!
Step 1
Press down hard on your Styrofoam ball to flatten the bottom and avoid him rolling away.
Step 2
Cut from felt:
• Multiple oval shapes with pointed ends for your feathers, a beak and ears
• 2 small circles & 2 larger circles for eyes
• 1 triangle widows peak
You can use all one colour or a rainbow! It’s up to you. Be creative!
Step 3
Glue feathers starting from the bottom and working your way up.
Step 4
Glue the pieces of your owls face on to complete your feathered friend!
did you know?
There are many superstitions and legends from around the world related to owls. The Harry Potter movies tapped into one depicting owls as messengers for sorcerers and witches. Some others are:
• In Brittany an owl seen at harvest time is the sign of a good yield.
• In Luxembourg it is believed owls steal and hoard treasure.
• In Newfoundland the hoot of the Horned Owl indicates bad weather on the way.
