CityParent – Baby Guide – Spring 2023

SPRING 2023

COMPLETE GUIDE FOR PARENTS OF NEWBORNS & INFANTS

Dr. Vishal Bedi

Dr. Faez Faruqi

Dr. Mary Cheng

Dr. Joseph Lee Dr. Jeremy Wong

SPRING

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SALES & SERVICE

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Nest Design

In celebration of Nest Designs’ 10th anniversary, we’re excited to share some of our favourite bedtime ritual tips and tricks to help make your little ones feel a little cozier, calmer, and more connected to you. The quality of our sleep has a profound impact on our health and happiness.

Swaddle Sleep Bag

By limiting the startle reflex, this wearable blanket keeps your baby warm and keeps them sleeping through the night.

Sleep Bag

Swaddling can be phased out after your baby outgrows the need for it. Sleep Bags by Nest Designs prevent kids from kicking off their blankets in the middle of the night!

Sleep Suit

You can introduce a sleep suit to your child when he or she becomes more active. The Sleep Suit has feet to allow your child to move freely while wearing

it. When your toddler begins to walk, this is a much safer option than a sleep bag.

TOG Rating

All sleep bags and suits come with a TOG rating (Thermal Overall Grade) is an industry measurement for a product’s insulation-telling you the warmth of a particular item.

How to Choose the Right TOG

A variety of factors help determine the right TOG for a Nest Designs sleep bag or sleep suit.

• The temperature of your child’s room.

• The clothing they wear at bedtime.

• Your little one’s overall temperature. BG

What can be done to prevent infections before and during pregnancy

Asmooth pregnancy that ultimately produces a healthy baby is the ideal for expecting parents. With that goal in mind, parents typically go to great lengths to reduce their risk of complications during a pregnancy. Those efforts may include steps to prevent infections that can lead to a host of unwanted consequences, including preterm birth.

Infections during pregnancy are not necessarily uncommon, but many do not lead to severe outcomes. However, that doesn’t mean infections before and during pregnancy aren’t worth preventing, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that such infections can cause serious illness, birth defects and lifelong disabilities. But expecting parents aren’t helpless against that threat, as the CDC offers various tips to prevent infections before and during pregnancy.

• Recognize the threat of Zika virus and how to protect yourself against it. Zika may not garner many headlines anymore, but it still poses a threat to women and their babies. Infection with Zika can cause microcephaly, a birth defect that causes a baby’s head and brain to be much smaller than babies of the same age and sex. Pregnant women are urged

to avoid traveling to areas with Zika and to practice safe sex with partners who have traveled to such areas. Women who must travel to such areas, including those who aren’t pregnant but want to become pregnant, can speak with their physicians about how to prevent mosquito bites while in such areas.

• Wash your hands frequently. Washing hands with soap and water is a great way to reduce infection risk. Important times to wash hands include, but are not limited to:

• After using the bathroom

• Touching raw meat, raw eggs, or unwashed vegetables

• Gardening or touching dirt or soil

• Handling pets

• Being around people who are sick

• Caring for and playing with children

• Reduce contact with bodily fluids from babies and young children. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an infection that women can contract by coming into contact with saliva and urine from babies and young children. CMV can be passed from a pregnant woman to her developing baby during pregnancy, so reducing contact with saliva and urine from babies and young children can reduce both mother and baby’s risk for CMV.

• Avoid raw milk and foods made from it. Unpasteurized milk and foods made from it, which can include cheeses like feta, brie and queso fresco that are not marked as pasteurized, may contain harmful bacteria. Avoiding these foods can reduce risk of infection. BG

Dusty Rose Pants Two Pack $24. Dot Print Headband in Dusty Rose Two Pack $14. Baby Bunny 3 Pack Bodysuits $28. Dusty Rose Tip Socks 4 Pack $16

Elephant Hooded Towel with Washcloths Set (4 pcs) $38

Safari 2 Pack Muslin Swaddles $32

Cub with Honey Print on Off-White Sleeper $22.00

For baby Petit Lem

The Petit Lem Layette Collection has a compilation of must-haves and basics for your baby’s every day wardrobe. 4 adorable collections to choose from – The Bears, Bunny, Counting Sheep and Elephant. These collections include swaddles, bath sets, cozy sleepers, milestone blanket set and so much more. Petit Lem creates premium quality products that are gentle, soft on the skin and durable. Made from 100% organically grown cotton, free of chemicals and toxic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Available from preemies to 12 months. $14-38. NB to 24 mo. petitlem.com BG

Little Lamb on a Pebble Take Me Home Set $28

Safari & Elephant Bibs

6 Pack bundle 2 hats, 2 mittens, 2 bibs assorted designs from. $38.

How new parents can approach bathing a newborn

New parents are faced with a host of unfamiliar challenges. Navigating nightly interruptions to sleep and changing diapers are among the more notable hurdles new parents must clear, but a host of other activities, such as bathing, require a new approach when a newborn is involved.

Extra caution is required when new parents are bathing their bundles of joy. Bathing a newborn can be nerve-wracking, especially for new parents. These tips courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology can help parents calm their nerves and enjoy bath time with their babies.

Prior to the umbilical cord stump falling off Dermatologists recommend giving children sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off and heals. The Mayo Clinic notes that the stump typically falls off within one to three weeks, and during this time parents should keep the stump dry. That need to keep the stump dry is why sponge baths make sense until it falls off, as it’s easier to do so when bathing babies with a sponge as opposed to in a tub.

After the umbilical cord stump has fallen off The AAD recommends parents switch to traditional bathing once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area has healed.

• Prepare the bathing area ahead of time. A sink or a small plastic tub can be a great place to bathe a newborn. The AAD recommends gathering supplies, including a washcloth, fragrance-free baby soap and, if nec-

essary, a baby shampoo prior to bath time.

• Place the baby in lukewarm water. Once supplies have been gathered, the baby’s bath can be filled with lukewarm water. Parents can test the water on their wrist to ensure it’s not too hot before placing the child in it. Gently guide the baby, feet first, into the water, making sure that most of the child’s body is well above the water. Periodically pour warm water over the baby’s body to keep him or her warm.

• Follow the same procedure when you were still sponge bathing. Gently wash the baby’s face and scalp with a washcloth. If the child has hair, the AAD recommends using a baby shampoo once or twice a week. A washcloth can be used to wash the rest of the baby’s body, including between the child’s fingers and toes. Rinse off all soap after cleaning each area, and immediately wrap the baby in a warm towel once the bath is complete.

A fragrance-free moisturizer can be applied to a baby’s skin if parents notice skin is dry after bath time.

Bathing a newborn can inspire both nerves and awe. Parents can speak with their child’s physician for more tips on how to approach bath time. BG

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Hilary Duff x Carter’s

Chief Mom Officer Hilary Duff unveils the second Hilary Duff x Carter’s Spring Limited-Edition Collection ranging in sizes 0-24M and priced from $10-$22, is available for a limited time on carters.com/HillaryDuff and selected stores.

Duff’s latest Carter’s collection reflects her sense of style and parenting expertise. As the weather gets warmer, the lightweight fabrics provide comfort for babies in the collection that is style forward, practical, and affordable in neutral tones. Fans flocked to Hilary’s first capsule, with favorite styles selling out within 72 hours.

“I love dressing my kids up, but I know firsthand that practical, comfortable, and easy-to-change clothing is a must. I’m beyond excited to introduce my newest Carter’s collection. It really feels like springtime with lightweight fabrics like woven gauze and designs like the signature print with little suns, rainbows, and arrows. I know parents are going to love the versatility and babies are going to look so stylishly adorable,” said Hilary Duff. “It’s an amazing experience to be working with Carter’s to not only leave my stamp on these capsules but also to share my insight and advice with other parents navigating their own journeys.” BG

Grades1-3

Feltman Brothers est. 1916

The Daisy Collection

The classic vintage inspired collection of garments features hand smocking and delicate daisy embroidery. Available in different styles.

1. Classic Daisy Dress – With lovely ruffle trim around the edges. Sizes 3 mo.-

8Y, 65 per cent polyester, 35 per cent cotton, machine washable, imported.

$104.37 CAD

2. Girls Daisy Cardigan – You will fall in love with this adorable sweater this season! This beautiful knit cardigan from Feltman Brothers is classy as can be, with its soft, pastel colors, and hand embroidered daisy design. Pair it with the Classic Daisy Dress for springtime days. Sizes 3 mo.-8Y, made of 100 per cent soft, warm cotton, machine washable, imported. $71.82 CAD

4. The Classic Daisy Booties –These baby girl booties are the sweetest little accessory to go along with their outfit, featuring handmade daisy embroidery. And if you really want to splurge, why not get the matching bonnet for the complete Daisy look! NB-9 mo., 65 per cent polyester, 35 per cent cotton, machine washable, imported. $44.69 CAD

3. The Classic Daisy Romper – This adorable romper is light and breezy, with beautiful handmade details: smocking, hand-embroidered daisies, and lovely ruffle trimming. Pair with the matching cardigan and bonnet to complete look! Sizes 3 mo.-24 mo., 65 per cent polyester, 35 per cent cotton, machine washable, Imported. $86.74 CAD

5. The Classic Daisy Bonnet

– Nothing completes the look like a cute bonnet. Made with the same hand-embroidered daisy bullions and smocking. NB-24 mo. 65 per cent polyester, 35 per cent cotton, machine washable, imported. $44.69 CAD BG

EarlyReveal’s Genetic Test: Changing how and when an unborn baby’s sex is predicted

BY LORRAINE PELLEY

Dany Sabraoui and Steve Ndikumana are changing how and when up-andcoming parents find out the biological sex of their unborn baby. As co-founders of EarlyReveal, they have helped develop a genetic test that can let you know the sex of your unborn baby as early as seven weeks gestation.

In 2015, a team of doctors from Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts surveyed over 1340 females and their partners to find out how many wanted to learn the sex of their baby before the infant’s birth. Of all the respondents that answered, 58 per cent of both maternal and paternal parents stated they wanted to know the sex of their baby prenatally. There are many reasons why individuals and couples want to know the sex of their unborn baby and every reason is very personal.

Until recently, soon-to-be parents would have to wait until the second trimester before they could find out the sex of their fetus. At 18 to 21 weeks gestation, a routine ultrasound is usually scheduled. The images of the baby seen in the non-invasive test can show if the baby is male or female. Some blood tests can be done starting at 11 to 12 weeks but neither method of testing is fully accurate.

The EarlyReveal at Home Baby Gender Detection Test has a 9 per cent accuracy rate in the over 2,000 clients who have purchased and used the test to predict their fetus’ biological sex before birth.

The kit has everything you need to collect a blood sample and ship it to the lab quickly and safely including the device needed to take and collect the sample, a prepaid expedited shipping label and clear instructions on how to complete the test. Video call support to help during the sample collection will soon be offered as well.

It takes two to three days to ship the specimen to the lab from anywhere in Canada. Once the lab receives the blood sample, qualified technicians test the genetic makeup to determine the baby’s sex. Results are provided as quickly as 72 hours.

Once you purchase your kit, you can register on the website using the unique ID number found in the kit. This registration ensures the right results are sent to the right person. Clients can also choose who you want the results sent to.

The EarlyReveal at Home Baby Gender Detection Test kit has been on the market over a year. It is the only gender prediction at-home genetic test with labs in Canada that targets the Y chromosome to determine the baby’s biological sex. EarlyReveal is also the only at-home gender detection company that holds a Health Canada Medical Device Establishment Licence.

Kits can be purchased online or at any one of 30 clinics across Canada that sells them. To learn more, visit the company’s website: earlyreveal.com. BG

Enjoy the newest Hollywood movies inababy-friendly environment

• Perfect outing for moms with babies 0-12 months ofage

• Watch the movie with your little one in a car seat beside youorsnuggled in acarrier Dads, grandparents and friends welcome.

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Baby must haves by Skip Hop

Skip Hop offers a full line of game-changing products and gear that will help parents prepare for baby’s first year. It’s your go to for baby shower and gift registry. skiphop.com

Endless Weekender Bag

The style-packed weekender bag organizes all your essentials whether you’re traveling with baby or alone. It features a wide frame opening that stays in place while packing, as well as a fold-up divider. This bag has 14 pockets, a packing cube, and more innovative design details. Extra features: 4 insulated interior bottle pockets, luggage sleeve converts to zip pocket, detachable cross-body strap, protective bottom feet and faux leather trim.

$160.00

Silver Lining Cloud Baby’s View 3 Stage Activity Centre

With three stages of development, the Silver Lining Cloud Baby Activity Centre grows with baby. Play and learn with the décor-friendly design of our Explore

& MoreTM activity center, which features a 360° rotating seat. Our Discovery Window gives children a clear view of their feet as they play the light-up piano. Four dreamy toys can be rearranged for customized play. Adapts as baby grows for easy cruising. With stage three, it becomes an easy-to-use toddler table with a plastic chalkboard surface for drawing and playing. Features: 25+ developmental activities, clip-on toys can be positioned based on baby’s abilities, and so much more. $142.00 Age 4m+ and up to 25lbs.

Moby Smart Sling 3-Stage Tub

Moby Tubs grow with baby through three stages and feature Smart Sling™ support. Slings can be adjusted to give full-body or seated support. From head to toe, breathable mesh cradles baby securely. A cushioned seat supports babies as

they learn to sit. Remove the sling when baby has mastered sitting and easily bathe baby in the spacious tub—no uncomfortable plastic bumps. Swivel hook for hanging on shower head, shower bar or towel bar, non-slip interior texture, drain plug. $40.00 Age 0m+

sound machine owl with eight gentle melodies. From any sleeping position, a pivot lens projects a starry nightscape onto any surface. Choose the light and sound combination that’s right for your baby and our sweet friend will do the rest! Plays four melodies (Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Brahms’ Lullaby, Rock-a-bye Baby) and four nature sounds (rainforest, jungle crickets, waves, white noise with heartbeat). Customizable controls let you choose any combination of lights & sounds, volume control and auto shut-off, USB cable and power adapter included. $31.50 Age 0m+

Moonlight & Melodies Nightlight Soother Owl

Powered by plug-in power, this owl nightlight emits a soothing glow. Additionally, the baby soother functions as a

Light-Up Diaper Caddy

Shed some light on middle-of-the-night diaper changes with our modern diaper caddy! Touch-sensitive light shines softly from the handle and an auto-off function lasts for 10 minutes. With a modular divider and four pockets to keep everything in its place. Lightweight diaper organizer manages diaper storage, wipes, and more changing essentials. Fits all baby’s essentials and transports easily from room to room, easy-grip handle, moveable centre divider allows for customization, two elastic mesh interior pockets and two handy exterior pockets. $45.00 0m+ BG

A game-changing alternative to conventional pumps Willow Go™

“

Willow Go” has revolutionized pumping. Moms love the ease of use and freedom the pumps offer. No more clunky pumps, no more compromise between breastfeeding goals or the ability to move about their day. “Willow Go” introduces a pump that fits into your life, not the other way around. Willow Go is a game-changing alternative to conventional pumps, delivering on both performance and convenience. Pumping can be one of the most challenging early motherhood experiences, and the team at Willow are proud to reinvent solutions to enable feeding success.

Among the features of the Willow Go is its ability to provide effective and comfortable double-electric pumping:

• With Willow Go, you can pump cordfree, hands-free from anywhere, any-

$499.99 CAD available at amazon.ca

time thanks to its sleek wearable design. No cords, tubes, or bulky motors are needed!

• The Willow Go features ultra-powerful suction with up to 280mmHG, and moms can choose between six different levels of suction in Stimulation mode and nine different levels in Expression mode.

• Moms rated Willow Go 100 per cent comfortable in a clinical • Safe and Reliable: The Willow Go pump is Health Canada-cleared and includes a oneyear manufacturer warranty. BG

Challenges new mothers face

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life. Whether a woman is a first-time mother or expecting again, this is a unique time that’s unlike any other in a woman’s life.

Once the baby shower gifts have been tucked away and it’s been a few weeks postpartum, that high of new mother-

hood may be replaced with various challenges, which can be especially unique for new mothers. Life as a new mom certainly can bring about immense modifications to lifestyle, physical appearance and even mood.

Here are some common changes that come from new motherhood and strategies regarding how to handle them.

Breastfeeding struggles

The saying “breast is best” has been around for some time. According to Breastfeeding Mama, breast milk has antibodies that help a baby fight off infection. It also evolves as needed to meet the needs of babies as they grow and develop. Some women are unable to breastfeed successfully, and some moms may feel the stigma of not being able

and how to handle them

to provide naturally for their children. According to the Office on Women’s Health, low milk supply, sore nipples, engorgement, plugged ducts, inverted or flat nipples, and infections may make breastfeeding difficult for women. Working with a lactation consultant could help new mothers iron out any difficulties they encounter. Choosing to pump breast milk and then using bottles are some additional ways to work around the challenges of breastfeeding.

Physical recovery

Many people talk about how difficult childbirth can be, but there isn’t much shared about the recovery. Those who had vaginal deliveries can expect soreness and injury recovery if tears occurred during delivery. After delivery, a woman will shed the superficial mucous membrane that lined the uterus during pregnancy, says the Mayo Clinic. A discharge made up of this and blood can occur for weeks. Afterpains, which are like contractions, may occur as well. Incontinence and hemorrhoids also may occur after delivering a baby.

Women who have undergone Caesarean sections will have to recover from the surgery. Fatigue, pain at the incision site, and avoidance of heavy lifting is necessary. It can take weeks before a new mother starts

to feel like herself. Patience, relying on others for help and making time to focus on oneself can help new moms heal.

Mood changes

According to PostpartumDepression.org, one in 10 women will experience postpartum depression after giving birth (other studies suggest one in seven women develop postpartum depression). The condition generally lasts between three and six months. Younger mothers under age 25 may be more vulnerable to postpartum depression.

Even if full-blown postpartum depression does not occur, hormonal changes post-delivery can cause mood swings that are similar to those experienced during pregnancy. Feeling overwhelmed, short-tempered, resentment, and similar emotions can occur. Talking to others or even a professional therapist can assist new moms. In the event of severe symptoms, a doctor may suggest a short course of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication.

Changes are to be expected when baby arrives. Moms can do their best to cope with the ups and downs. BG

LIFE AS A NEW MOM CERTAINLY CAN BRING ABOUT IMMENSE MODIFICATIONS TO LIFESTYLE, PHYSICAL APPEARANCE AND EVEN MOOD

Under the cover lullabies llb

My Baby’s First Years – First 5 Y

Every baby should have one! Our Baby Memory Book provides simple prompts to help you remember baby’s firsts and milestones. We capture every precious moment along your baby’s growing years. It’s super easy to complete your First Years Baby Memory Book. A delightful way to create cherished memories with your child is through whimsical Wonderland characters. Cute characters keep your child interested and engaged on every page. Available on amazon.ca. Ages NB-5 Years. KeaBabies. Pages 90. $39.96. HC

Toes, Ears, & Nose! A Lift-the-Flap Book by Marion Dane Bauer, Illustrator Karen Katz

Baby is bundled in a mountain of clothes! Children are sure to enjoy playing and learning with this fun peekaboo book time and time again as they lift the large, sturdy flaps to reveal what’s underneath each piece of clothing. Ages NB-1 year. Published by Little Simon; Illustrated edition. Pages 16. $7.99

Baby Animals by Roger Priddy

A colourful picture book with rhyming text that is suitable for reading and touching and feeling textures, this book is perfect for

you and your baby to relax and enjoy together. Part of the Bright Baby Touch and Feel Series. Ages NB-1 year. Published by – Priddy Books US. Pages 10. $4.95

My First Book of Baby Signs by Lane Rebelo

Practice sign language with your child during story time. You and your baby will learn new words and signs as you read My First Book of Baby Signs together. Practice communicating with the essential, everyday signs for everything from basics like “eat,” “milk,” and “mommy” to more advanced ideas like “help,” “potty,” and “I love you.” Using a combination of engaging text and charming illustrations of diverse families, each sign explains its meaning. Interactive learning with 40 real ASL signs. Ages NB-3 years. Published by Rockridge Press. Pages 50. $10.99

The Little Blue Box of Bright and Early Board Books by Dr. Seuss

Boxed set of classic Dr. Seuss titles Hop on Pop; Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!; Ten Apples Up On Top!; and The Shape of Me and Other Stuff. No nursery should be without it. Ages NB -2 years. Published by Random House. Pages – 24. $24.49 BG

Macklem’s Toronto’s original baby store was established in 1945, located in Roncesvalles Village, has unmatched reputation in customer service. Shop for top brands of baby products like Uppababy, Nuna, Babyletto, Peg Perego, Britax, Clek and much more!

Macklem’s is still family owned and operated. Customer Service is our #1 priority!