CityParent – Baby Guide – Fall 2023

FALL 2023

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

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SALES & SERVICE

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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

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How parents can find the right pediatrician for their children

Expecting parents must make a host of important decisions before their children enter the world. Finding the right pediatrician is one of the decisions that expecting parents, especially those who are expecting their first child, may find challenging.

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that pediatricians have special training in the health and illnesses of children from birth through adolescence and into the young adult years. In many instances, parents trust the same pediatricians to look after their children’s health for years on end, making the choice of pediatrician a highly important one.

Here are some things to consider as you navigate your search.

· Which medical school did the pediatrician attend and where did he or she undergo postgraduate or residency training?

· What are the pediatrician’s current hospital appointments? This is an important question as it can indicate which hospital a child would be admitted to if the youngster had to be hospitalized. Parents may prefer certain hospitals and may want to find a pediatrician who is affiliated with those preferences.

· Where is the pediatrician’s office located? Parents who rely on public transportation should determine if a pediatrician’s office is accessible by bus or train. Many parents also prefer pediatricians who are local, as that can make doctor’s visits more convenient, especially in the case of sick visits.

· Who returns phone calls? Parents of newborns often have many questions in the first few months of their child’s life, and some may feel more secure knowing the child’s pediatrician will be the one returning their calls.

· Is this a group practice? If so, how often will my child see our preferred pediatrician? And who covers for the doctors during vacations or times when the preferred pediatrician is out of the office?

· What are the short notice visitation policies? These policies will indicate how accessible a pediatrician is when children develop spurof-the-moment issues like colds, sore throats, etc. Many parents prefer practices that have daily walk-in hours. BG

Beagle 3 pc Newborn Set

Thermal pants & two jersey

bodysuits $58 NB to 9 mos.

Cranberries Jersey

Dress Set $48 3 to 24 mos.

Kittens 3 pc Newborn Set $58 NB to 9 mos.

Apple Off White Footed Sleeper $32 Apple headband 2pk $14 NB to 24 mos.

Apple Picking Truck Print on Slate PJ Set $34 sizes 18m to 7 yrs.

Fox in Leaves

Henley Outfit Set $$48 3 to 24 mos.

It’s Snuggle season

and petit lem’s firsts fall collection is out!

With fall upon us, the popular sleepwear brand petit lem has launched its FIRSTS Fall Collection. Four precious collections – fox & foliage, kittens & floral, apples and trucks – available for newborns to 24 months old, with matching sibling sets from 2T-7T. Available at The Bay, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, and petitlem.com. BG

EYES Child Care Ilderton 13339 Ilderton Rd, Ilderton, ON N0M 2A0

EYES Koala Kids Child Care 960 Edgeley Blvd #2, Concord, ON L4K 4V4

EYES Child Care Kitchener 1284 Ottawa St S, Kitchener, ON N2E 1M1

EYES Child Care Burlington 665/683 Plains Rd East, Burlington, ON L7T 2E8

EYES Child Care Brampton 320 Main St N, Brampton, ON L6V 4A3

EYES LOCATIONS

EYES Child Care Oshawa 22 King St W, Oshawa, ON L1H 1A3

EYES Child Care Nobleton 191 Mactaggart Drive, Unit 300A, Nobleton, ON L0G 1N0

EYES Alder Ridge Montessori Child Care 25 Kings Cross Road, Unit 3, Brampton, ON L6T 3V5

EYES Child Care Whitby 340 Taunton Rd E Unit B-1, Whitby, ON L1R 0H4

EYES Child Care North York 3000 Victoria Park Ave North York, ON M2J 4Y2

EYES Abacus Child Care 20 Chichester Pl, Scarborough, ON M1T 1G6

EYES Turtle Club Day Care 487 Gorham Rd, Ridgeway, ON L0S 1N0

Marketlane Early Learning Centre 140 Woodbridge Ave, Woodbridge, ON L4L 2V7

Big Dreams Early Learning Centre 1703 Victoria Park Ave, Scarborough, ON M1R 1R4

How women can protect their babies from infection during pregnancy

No woman wants to imagine complications during a pregnancy. However, preparing in advance for certain issues, including prenatal infections, can make them easier to confront should they arise. Group B Strep International, a non-profit organization, promotes awareness and prevention by adhering to the acronym HYGIENE which can be an effective way to prevent infections during pregnancy.

H: Handwashing Helps

Routine handwashing is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of prenatal infection. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after gardening or coming into contact with soil or sand. Once a child is born, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after changing a diaper, feeding a child and/or wiping a young child’s nose or drool.

Y: Yes to prenatal care

Prioritizing prenatal care is another effective way to prevent prenatal infection. Women should request that their urine be cultured for bacteria at their first prenatal visit and should see their physicians immediately if any symptoms of vaginitis appear.

G: Good food prepared safely

The right foods can nourish growing babies and reduce the risk for prenatal infections. Heed physicians’ recommendations on foods to avoid during a pregnancy.

I: Immunizations

Women also can reduce prenatal infection risk by making sure they are current with their immunizations. Ask your physician if you are immune to rubella and chickenpox, each of which can cause stillbirth or serious birth defects.

E: Evade others’ bodily fluids

Steer clear of others’ bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, blood, and semen, which may contain germs that can compromise the health of your baby. Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, and toothbrushes with young children, as women are most commonly exposed to certain prenatal infections through the saliva and urine of young children.

N: No to unnecessary invasive procedures

Some germs can cross intact membranes, so avoid unnecessary, frequent, or forceful internal exams that can push germs closer to the fetus. Women are advised to discuss stripping membranes with their physicians early in pregnancy so they can make the most informed decisions possible.

E: Environmental precautions

Certain environmental precautions, such as walking in the center of trails to avoid ticks and wearing gloves while gardening, can reduce the risk of prenatal infections. Women also should avoid changing cat litter and make sure there are no areas of standing water, which attracts mosquitoes, around their homes. BG

I can’t express how grateful we are for Atelier Kids! We switched our son’s daycare to Atelier Kids and couldn’t be happier with our decision. He’s much more happier, more social and involved. All the staff are so warm and loving toward the children. The best daycare!”

– Current Atelier Parent

Kick-start your child’s learning journey at our home away from home with our proven Reggio-inspired curriculum. We foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking to set the stage for future success!

We’re in your neighborhood! High Park / Bloor West Village 15 Oakmount Road

Email info@atelierkids.com or visit atelierkids.com

PAMPER YOUR LITTLE ONES WITH FUJIFILM PRINTLIFE – YOUR LOCAL SOURCE FOR SAVINGS!

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with SensorSafe by Cybex Cloud G Lux

The CYBEX Cloud G Lux Comfort

Extend infant car seat has 45 per cent more recline flexibility, an extending leg rest for a comfortable and ergonomic position when used outside the vehicle and air ventilation channels to help prevent heat from building up, keeping baby cool and comfortable.

• SensorBuilt-in Smart Technology sends alerts to your smartphone if the child unbuckles themselves, if the temperature gets too hot or cold, or if the child is left alone in the car.

• The Cloud G Lux base combines an anti-rebound bar with a load leg to absorb energy and reduce crash forces on

the child by up to 30 per cent, while the linear side-impact protection reduces impact forces by up to 30 per cent in the event of a side collision.

From the very first ride home, CYBEX Canada makes safety their priority. Earning more than 450 awards for design, safety, and innovation, CYBEX is constantly creating leading edge products to ensure they provide users with peace of mind from the start. $699.96 available at cybex-online.com. BG

info@lumehra.com

Wooden Puzzle Name is a family owned company producing (handcrafted) wooden personal toys exclusively from Canadian maple painted with non-toxic water-based paints. Our wooden toys are also educational with practicing fine motor skills, learning colors and spelling names.

Great gifts for Baby Showers, Baby Borns, Birthdays, Christmas, etc. A gift to remember forever! Special offer: 15% discount - code NAME22 and free engraving of your personal message on a wooden puzzle and a wooden bench!

www.woodenpuzzlename.com

wpncanada@gmail.com

647-885-0900 (text message)

@woodenpuzzlenamecanada

www.etsy.com/ca/shop/woodennamecanada

EFFORTLESSLY ERASE TOUGH BABY STAINS WITH LUMEHRA’S NATURAL STAIN REMOVER BAR!

TORONTO BABY SHOW BOOTH #537

Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us

SwaddleMe Arms Free 1PK

Convertible Swaddle Wrap LOVE

STAGE 2

Easy-to-use SwaddleMe arms-free swaddles help baby transition from sleeping with arms inside to outside. Soft adjustable wings wrap around baby to create a snug, womblike feeling when baby sleeps with arms in. As soon as your little one can roll and selfsoothe with their hands, adjust the hookand-loop closure on the wings and position your baby with the arms out. $24.99 CAD

LeapFrog Baby Care 5” HighDefinition Video Monitor

This two camera LeapFrog LF815HD WiFi video baby monitor gives you the opportunity to keep an eye on your child at home or remotely. WeeSleep’s experts recommend a sound and light profile to enhance your baby’s sleep. Zoom up to eight times and monitor room temperature and humidity levels directly from the Parent Unit Display.

$279.99 CAD

Sophie the Giraffe

Sophie attracts baby’s attention with her dark and contrasting spots. Sophie can help link cause and effect by stimulating baby’s hearing with her whistle. She is composed of 100% natural rubber and food paint allowing her to safely be chewed on.

$34.99 CAD

Bright Starts 4-in-1 Groovin’ Kicks

Piano and Drum Kick Gym

4-in-1 Groovin’ Kicks Piano and Drum Kick Gym from Bright Starts! 90+ songs, sounds and sayings for playtime and discovery galore. With the included piano keys and drum kit, you can play along with the concert-approved light show. 2-toy-bar canopy and 5 toys included. Detach the piano and drum toy when you’re on the go. $69.99 CAD

Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Rainforest Sensory Gym

From newborn to toddler, Fisher-Price

Rainforest Sensory Gym offers wild sensory delights. The soft playmat has six toys hanging from the arches overhead for newborns. With the adjustable arch, toys are within reach while the giraffe wedge supports your baby during tummy time. Music and Lights Sloth toy keeps playtime exciting as baby grows from tummy time to sit-up and travel play.$99.99 CAD

Itzy Ritzy Teething Happens

Teething Mitt - Cactus

Teething mitt Itzy Ritzy soothes sore gums! Designed for babies who can’t hold a teether, Itzy Ritzy teething mitts ensure that their gums are protected, and they avoid scratches on their faces. Made from food grade silicone, these teething mitts soothe sore gums and massage emerging teeth. Let your baby chew on this to explore new senses and discover new things!

$12.99 CAD

AquaCool Water-Filled Teether

Quick cooling relief for sore gums and teeth! The AquaCool Water-Filled Teether from Dr. Brown soothes and cools teething gums. Water instead of gel fills the cooling teether, offering safe soothing for all areas of baby’s mouth. Firm surfaces can withstand even the toughest chewers and added textures massage gums and relieve mouth pressure. Bright colours and whimsically designed pineapple and apple shapes keep baby engaged and stimulate the senses.$9.99 CAD

Baby Einstein Sea Floor Explorers

2-in-1 Water Mat Play Gym

Playful sensory development! Excite baby’s senses and promote curiosity and exploration with the Sea Floor Explorers

2-in-1 Water Mat Play Gym. In addition to four modes of use, the gym includes 5 sensory toys, a comfortable playing surface, and a portable, mess-free water mat. Water adventures can be had on the floor or in a highchair with the removable water mat.

$59.99 CAD

Baby Dream Machine 5-In-1 Children’s Sleep Device

One adorable machine combines five scientifically proven sleep-inducing functions. These features include a night light, red light therapy, sound machine (with pink noise), cool-mist humidifier and aromather-

Safety 1st Amherst Bassinet

For the first six months after delivery, your precious baby needs a safe place in Mom and Dad’s room. The Safety 1st Amherst Bassinet has a rocking mode for lulling your baby to sleep, and a canopy for letting in sunshine, but keeping your baby

Fall trends

by Joures

Having launched their website in France in November 2020, the Jourès brand is now expanding to Canada! The high-end brands of Jourès are located around the world. Quality, diversity, and inclusivity are considered in the selection process. Jourès.ca offers eclectic, avant-garde, and unique products that aren’t just banal, but also affordable.

These suede rounded lace-up ankle boots from Konges Slojd are stunning. Vintage-inspired design with a sense of comfort, elegance, and style – finished by hand using an ancient shoe-making technique, these boots offer a sense of style and elegance! The fully suede ankle boot has removable insoles.

This adorable Gigi quilted jacket is made from 100% organic cotton by Konges Slojd. What’s the big plus? As part of another popular trend, this jacket takes inspiration from parents, with versions for mom and toddler.

Gigi Quilted Jacket – by Konges Slojd $99.00

2. Kitten Boots – by Konges Slojd $115.00

3. Teddy 2-in-1 Jacket – Stormy Weather by Konges Slojd

d 1 can stay warm, her cools down. outside

With this adorable 2-in-1 Teddy jacket from Kongès Slojd, kids can stay warm, cosy, and stylish as the weather cools down. Featuring a teddy inspired lining, outside pockets, and the cutest embroidery, this jacket is perfect for fall.

Pouch – Bread by Fluf $10.00

Eco-friendly and organic products still top every parents’ list! The stylish lunch bag from Fluf is made from certified organic cotton and is easy to clean. With cute little handles and fully machine washable, this lunch bag is durable and roomy. Keeping food packed and containers out of the landfill is easy with Bonus Fluf reusable sandwich and snack bags! BG

g With cu chine wa rable and and cont Bon snack ba

4. Kids Lunch Bag – Yellow by Fluf $39.00 & Kids Flip Snack

What is attachment parenting?

Many parents aspire to develop close emotional bonds with their children. Children who understand that their parents are nearby and will respond to their needs effectively begin to develop trust in those around them. This nurturing can extend to being well-rounded and emotionally secure into adulthood.

thropological studies of indigenous childrearing practices that put an emphasis on emotional responsiveness, according to Greater Good Magazine.

Another core component of attachment parenting, according to the organization Attachment Parenting International, is responding with sensitivity. API notes that babies communicate their needs through body movements, facial expressions and crying, and that infants learn to trust when their needs are met with consistency and sensitivity. It’s only after consistent and repeated responsiveness in a sensitive manner that babies will learn to soothe themselves as they get older. These sensitivity strategies should be carried through as a child becomes a toddler or a school-aged child.

Parents may subscribe to various parenting models as they look to bond with their children. One such approach is attachment parenting. Proponents of this type of parenting include the wellknown pediatrician William Sears, M.D., an author who coined the term “attachment parenting”. Attachment parenting promotes methods that aim to build attachments between parent and infant by responsiveness and through continuous bodily closeness and touch.

Components of attachment parenting include bonding with the baby before and directly after birth, breastfeeding, bedding close to the child, and wearing the baby as much as possible. Attachment parenting may have evolved from an-

Proponents of attachment parenting also advocate against childcare for more than 20 hours a week for babies younger than 30 months old, says WebMD. At this early developmental stage, the nearly constant presence of a parent is recommended.

One potentially controversial aspect of attachment parenting is co-sleeping. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against sleeping with a young child in the same bed, as it may increase the risk for SIDS. However, workarounds, including having a baby in a separate cradle or co-sleeper very close to a parent’s bed so children can be touched and soothed through the night, are options.

Expecting parents who want to learn more about the philosophy behind attachment parenting and its techniques can visit attachmentparenting.org. BG

Fall 2023 must haves 1

1| Rascal + Friends™

Overnights are now available in Canada from Rascal + Friends, the TikTok-famous, award-winning diaper brand for Walmart. With advanced overnight protection, this is their most absorbent diaper yet. Extra absorbent core provides 12+ hours of leak protection. Holds up to 16% more liquid than Rascal + Friends Premium Diapers. Extra-strong grip tabs + a stretchy high-back waistband. Feather soft and breathable materials are gentle on the skin and comfortable for sleep. Zero nasties: 0% chemicals, latex, lotions, or fragrances.$24.97 Size: 3- 6 for a 50box.

2| Tranquil Turtle™

From Cloud B! Lights project a tranquil underwater scene – complete with softly undulating waves – while a sound machine plays either a gentle melody or whispered waves. From newborns to children who are afraid of the dark, the Tranquil Turtle nightlight soothes and reassures. $73.99 available at cloudb.com, independent, and major toy retailers

3| Nest Designs: Bamboo

Jersey

Two-Piece Long Sleeve PJ Set –Eric Carle Lemon Squeezy by Nest Designs

A new addition to Nest Designs’ Eric Carle collection, the long sleeve PJ set comes in Nest Designs’ Lemon Squeezy print. It shows one of the most beloved children’s book characters, the Very Hungry Caterpillar, eating bright yellow lemons. The colour of this print will brighten up your days as well as your little ones. Also available in adult sizing Price $43.00 Size: 12m – 10Y available nestdesigns.com and select retailers.

4| Stay Put 3-Piece Suction Bowls Set – by Munchkin

With this convenient three-pack of Stay Put suction bowls, you can minimize unnecessary messes. Suction base adheres to nearly any surface, and quick-release tab makes removal easy for adults. Microwave and top-rack dishwasher safe, food prep and clean-up are easy and quick. 6 months +, BPA-free, plastic $14.99 available at HBC/Zellers

5| Twisty Bite™-Proof Sippy Cup™

– by Munchkin

Munchkin’s 9oz Twisty™ Bite Proof™ Sippy Cup encourages your toddler’s creativity and imagination. Three twistable sections provide your toddler with the flexibility to create their own cup. Mix and match animals for fun combinations! Spill-proof, bite-proof spout, no messy spills here. Ages 18 months and up. Includes one sippy cup, BPA-free, plastic, top rack dishwasher safe.

$13.99 available at HBC/Zellers

6| Ity Bouncity Bounce Vibrating

Deluxe Bouncer

Bouncity Bounce Vibrating Deluxe Bouncer by Ity by Ingenuity is the perfect place for baby to relax and play. Its extra plush fabric and calming vibrations make it an ideal spot for a peaceful playtime experience. In time, as the baby grows and kicks those legs, they can create their own steady bounce. With its removable toy bar and two toys, the vibrating seat entertains and soothes. $49.99 available at HBC/Zellers

7| Silcone Stacking Rings

Stacking rings made of BPA-free silicone help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Five-piece silicone set. $20.00 available at HBC/Zellers

8| Stroller Toy Bee

Play more fun while strolling along with this adorable pram toy! Suitable for ages: 0+ month. Bee shaped rattle and teether. Helps teach and develop auditory, visual, fine motor skills, sensory and tactile skills, BPA free (teether), polyester, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)/polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE)/polyethylene (PE) sheet $12.99 available at HBC/Zellers

9| Baby’s 5-Piece Jungle Print Starter Set

Perfect starter set. The bodysuit has long sleeves, an envelope neckline, and a snap-button crotch closure. Hat has a cute, knotted top with a turned-up hem. Bib is griptape closure. Footed pants are pull-on. Mittens to keep baby from scratching their soft skin, have ribbed cuff. Cotton and machine washable $19.00 available at HBC/Zellers

10| Evenflo Sibby™ With Lite

Max Travel System

You can ride your baby in comfort with the Evenflo Sibby™ Travel System! The Sibby includes a Ride-Along board, which allows 2 children to ride at the same time. Set-up is quick and easy with the removable board. Your child can sit, ride, or walk – and you won’t need a second stroller as they grow! It’s easy to fold and fits in small vehicles, even with the attached board. $429.99 available at HBC/Zellers BG

Let caution reign when kids are in the kitchen

Parents go to great lengths to keep their kids safe. From the moment a woman first learns she’s pregnant to the day teenagers head off to college, parents make myriad decisions in the name of keeping their children safe.

Homes are safe havens for families, but dangers still lurk around every corner and inside every cabinet. That’s especially true in the kitchen. Families spend a lot of time in their kitchens, so it’s no surprise these gathering spaces routinely attract curious kids. Kitchen safety is essential in every home, but it’s especially important in homes with young children. The following are some areas of the kitchen where parents can direct their focus as they try to keep their children safe.

Beneath the sink

Many families store cleaning products beneath their kitchen sinks. But that can prove hazardous if parents cannot prevent kids from accessing this area. According to the National Capital Poison Center, a disproportionate percentage of the millions of poison exposures each year affect children younger than six. It might be convenient to store cleaning products beneath the kitchen sink, but such products should be kept higher up in cabinets kids cannot reach until they’re old enough to know it’s not safe to ingest these cleaners.

Stoves

Stoves pose a significant safety risk to youngsters, even when they’re not in use. When the stove is being used, make

sure kids do not go near electric or gas burners, where curious hands may reach up and get burned. Kids also should be taught to steer clear when their parents are cooking on the stove top, as hot oil from pans can spray out and harm youngsters who aren’t paying attention. Parents also can install knob covers that prevent curious kids from turning burners on when no one is looking.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers may not seem threatening, but they can pose a safety risk to youngsters. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that children should not be allowed to load and unload dishwashers until they are between the ages of seven and nine. Knives and forks in dishwashers can be sharp, posing a safety risk to curious youngsters. When loading the dishwasher, make sure the blades and prongs of knives and forks are facing downward, and never preload detergent, which can be harmful to kids if ingested.

Countertops

Cutlery sets kept in blocks on countertops should be stored away from the edge of the counter, ideally along a back wall that kids cannot reach. In addition, countertop appliances like coffee machines, toasters, blenders, and slow cookers should be kept beyond the reach of young children.

Families spend a lot of time in their kitchens, where curious kids can easily find trouble. Parents can reduce kids’ risk for kitchen accidents and injuries with some simple safety strategies. BG

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Immunization guidelines

for newborns to 15 months

New parents have a lot on their plate. The birth of a child is a special time in the lives of a family. Shortly after the birth of a child, new parents learn how significant a role their child’s pediatrician plays in the early months of the youngster’s life.

New parents rely on pediatricians to help them get through the first months of a child’s life, when every sneeze or sniffle can raise an eyebrow. Protecting new-

borns and young children from illness is a priority for new parents, and one way to do just that is to adhere to vaccination schedules. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend various vaccines for newborns and children up to 15 months old, a period when parents tend to be especially mindful of illness. The following CDC guidelines can help parents ensure their youngster stays on schedule with their vaccinations.

• Hepatitis B: Children should receive their first dose at birth, and then their second dose between one month or two months of age. A third dose is recommended between six months and 15 months.

• Rotavirus: The rotavirus vaccine schedule will depend on which vaccination children receive, so parents can discuss that with their child’s pediatrician. The CDC notes the first dose should be administered at two months and the second at four months. Subsequent doses, if necessary, will depend on which vaccine was administered.

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis): The first dose should be administered at one month, followed by a second dose at four months and a third dose at six months. Parents can discuss when a child should receive a fourth dose with their pediatrician.

• Haemophilusinfluenzaetypeb (Hib): The first dose should be administered at two months and the second at four months. Additional doses will be necessary, but the timing will depend on which vaccine a child receives.

• Pneumococcalconjugate(PCV13, PCV15): The first dose should be administered at two months and the second at four months. A third dose should be administered at six months, and parents

can discuss the time of a fourth dose with their pediatrician.

• Inactivatedpoliovirus: The first dose should be administered at two months and the second at four months. A third dose can be administered between six and 15 months, but the timing can be discussed with the child’s pediatrician.

• COVID-19: The recommended vaccination schedule for COVID-19 shots for kids between the ages of six months and four years will depend on which vaccine the child receives. The Moderna vaccine is a two-dose series, while the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is a three-dose series.

• Influenza: The CDC recommends annual vaccination against influenza beginning at six months. Vaccines may be single- or two-dose.

• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): A routine MMR vaccination is a twodose series that begins at age 12 to 15 months.

• Varicella (VAR): The first dose of the VAR vaccine should be administered at age 12 to 15 months.

• Hepatitis A: A routine vaccination for the two-dose Hepatitis A vaccine is administered at age 12 to 23 months. Vaccinations can protect children in both the short- and long-term. BG

AND YOUNG CHILDREN FROM ILLNESS IS A PRIORITY FOR NEW PARENTS, AND ONE WAY TO DO JUST THAT IS TO ADHERE TO VACCINATION SCHEDULES.

Reducing the possibility of stretch marks appearing during pregnancy

In medical terms, stretch marks are simply another form of scarring, however, most people view them differently to scars. Stretch marks develop as a result of rapid changes in weight, they are caused by exactly what their name suggests – stretching. The skin is naturally very elastic. This elasticity is provided by the collagen and elastin in the dermis, which underlies the skin tissue. During periods of rapid weight gain, the skin may have insufficient time to adjust, causing internal tears in the skin tissue. When these tears repair themselves, they form the scars we know as stretch marks. Although stretch marks do not represent a significant medical problem, they can cause emotional distress to those who develop them. It is estimated that between 50 per cent to 90 per cent of women are prone to stretch marks during pregnancy – making it an important part of skincare during pregnancy.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil helps increase the skin’s elasticity and reduces itchiness experienced while the skin expands. With consistent use, Bio-Oil Skincare Oil has been clinically proven to reduce the possibility of stretch marks forming during pregnancy, making it an ideal skincare solution for pregnant women. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is considered the #1 recommended OTC product for scars and stretch marks by Canadian Doctors and Pharmacists*. The formulation is widely used by pregnant women around the world and has become a staple for pregnancy skincare over the last 35 years in the global market. The original formulation contains a light subtle rose scent, while the new all-natural formulation does not contain any added fragrance. Both Skincare Oils can be purchased at your local pharmacy or at Amazon. BG

h l h

I love this product

100% recommend to any pregnant woman

Baby’s Black and White Contrast Book

BY TABITHA PAIGE

In our modern-day digital age, children’s shows, toys, and books seem to be dominated by overstimulating colours, flashy animation, and simplified icons/images. Yet our human brains are still drawn to the allure of realism which carries its own developmental benefits for young children and babies. I’ve seen it firsthand as we’ve raised our own three children. There is a time and place for creative or simplified cartoon characters, but I have witnessed the power of language connection when using lifelike illustrations.

From the time our babies enter the world, connections are being formed as they interact with the world around them through what they see and hear. Unlike cartoonish depictions, realistic images help to provide a baby with real-life references to everyday objects and living things. This ultimately helps a baby to quickly develop picture-to-word recognition, building a strong foundation for language development.

That is why I created my own version of a high-contrast book. I wanted to give babies something that was visually stimulating but could also grow with a child and help build vocabulary and language. As an artist and speech therapist, it is important to me to create books that provide a baby with something beautiful and interesting to look at while also remaining functional.

I recently read a very popular children’s book to my 18-month-old. It is a very cute book, but it has animal drawings that are creatively drawn. While it is a fun book and great for promoting language in other ways, my daughter was unable to accurately point to a dog when asked

(an animal she is very familiar with). This helped me confirm the importance of establishing solid vocabulary through realistically illustrated images. She will be able to infer more abstract drawings that have specific features of a dog later on in life but for now, I must help her understand what a real dog looks like.

“Baby’s Black and White Book” aims to stimulate visual and neural connections while supporting accurate vocabulary and language development through lifelike images. It serves as a tool not only for visual development but also as a steppingstone toward creating real-world picture-to-word connections, making it a thoughtful and purposeful resource in nurturing infants’ overall development.

Reading and looking at books is one of the greatest things you can do to bond with your baby while promoting cognitive and language development. I encourage you to use a variety of books that thoughtfully address the many different aspects of development, keeping in mind the importance of establishing a solid language foundation by exposing your baby to lifelike images and illustrations. BG