San Diego Babies & Toddlers 2022

San Diego and

Babies Toddlers

San Diego Parents!

congratulations on being parents-to-be or new parents. Mom and dad are the most important people in a baby’s life. Make sure you’re both involved and connected parents—talking, playing and reading to your baby. Give each other a break from caretaking (changing diapers, giving baby a bath, etc.). Relax and enjoy this time together. Babies grow up really fast and before you know it, they will be graduating from high school.

If you haven’t delivered your baby yet, have you considered having a doula help you through the process? Read about how a doula helps support parents during and after delivery on page 18.

As your baby grows from birth to toddler, reading picture books is really important. The brain grows, connecting pictures with spoken words. Take the time to read and talk to little ones instead of relying on screens. Anne Malinoski conducts an informative interview with a local expert on page 22.

Avoid isolation by calling a friend or two and spending time outside. There are great places to push a stroller in San Diego County. Local blogger Sandra Page shares several locations on page 10.

San Diego Family is proud to publish this free digital magazine. Please thank and support our advertisers by giving them a call or emailing them about their services. They are here to help local families.

Enjoy your baby, day in and day out!

Get to know SanDiegoFamily.com, where you’ll discover these articles and a plethora of awesomeness for parents.

Parenting: Pregnancy

Maternal Wellness

In the third and fourth trimesters

Choosing a Midwife

What to know and questions to ask

Tips for Parents Expecting Twins or Multiples

Advice from experienced San Diego moms

Parenting: Baby

When Breastfeeding is Hard

Common concerns and resolutions

10 Sleep Strategies for Babies

Plus, local mom advice

Heads Up, Parents!

Important Car Safety Tips

The Importance of Dad Involvement

Why and how to be an active father

Compliments of the San Diego Sheriff Department:

• Choose a car seat that is appropriate to the age and size of your child. This information is stated on the box.

• Follow all installation instructions.

• Use a tether for rear-facing car seats to anchor the seat to the car.

• Make sure the car seat doesn’t move more than one inch in either direction.

• It is never OK to leave a child unattended in a car. Even on a cloudy day, temperatures inside a car can reach deadly levels within minutes.

• Don’t get distracted; Always check the backseat before you get out of the car. If you need help remembering, put necessary items in the backseat with your child (wallet, phone, work ID, etc).

Many local sheriff stations have Child Passenger Safety Technicians on site to demonstrate the correct way to install car seats and buckle children in safely. Access the directory at www.sdsheriff.gov to find a station near you.

Stay Connected to Us!

Celebrating Baby’s First Birthday Tips from local parents

San Diego Family Magazine grows with your family from pregnancy through the teen years, so stay connected to us for tons of great parenting information, helpful resources and awesome things to do with your family. Visit www.sandiegofamily.com/parenting/baby to read some of our articles and to sign up for our monthly Baby eNewsletter.

Photo credit: All Colors Photography

Soothe those you love N A T U R A L L Y

Oral Care for Babies

Parents are often surprised to hear that they should start dental hygiene for their little ones in the first year. Here are answers to common questions:

When should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time?

When baby’s first tooth appears or by baby’s first birthday, whichever comes first. If you’ve missed this window, make an appointment anyway—it’s never too late to schedule your child’s first visit.

Why so early?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, baby teeth are a blueprint for permanent teeth, so caring for them is important. As soon as baby gets teeth, cavities can form. Be proactive in your child’s dental health and establish a “home base” for regular appointments.

What can I expect at the first visit?

The first visit familiarizes little ones with the pediatric dentist and office staff. The dentist will examine baby’s teeth and gums and discuss ageappropriate brushing techniques and

proper dental hygiene with parents. Parents will also have a chance to ask questions and share any concerns.

What’s the difference between a family dentist and pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists receive additional specialized training for babies, toddlers, adolescents and teens (usually 2–3 years beyond dental school). Family dentists treat all ages, but may not have the additional pediatric training. It’s a good question to ask.

It’s up to parents to establish healthy habits at a young age. Learn more at www.mychildrensteeth.org.

Pediatric Dentists in San Diego County

The Super Dentists

www.thesuperdentists.com

Six San Diego County locations

Children’s Primary Dental

www.childrensprimarydental.com

San Marcos, Chula Vista, Otay Lakes

The Grabease doublesided toothbrush has a choke protection barrier and ergonomic handle, which promotes safe selfbrushing. It comes with a silicone finger brush, which can be used to massage baby’s gums while teething.

www.grabease.com

Photo by Zena Holloway

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Doulas 101

How doulas make a difference in childbirth

Pregnancy and labor raise many questions for parents-to-be. While friends and family members may be great resources, they might not have the full picture of available birth support options. This is where a doula can make a difference.

What is a Doula?

According to the leading doula certification association, DONA International, doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to expectant parents before, during and shortly after childbirth. They help parents research and understand their personal preferences for birth to achieve the most satisfying experience possible. A doula also serves as a guide for unexpected aspects of the journey to becoming a parent.

Despite common misconceptions, doulas are not only for people who intend to have medication-free births. A doula’s main purpose is to make sure the expecting mother and her partner are heard and supported. Whether parents want a birth free of pain medication, or plan to get an epidural the moment they step foot in the hospital, a doula advocates for the parents’ wishes.

There are two main types of doulas: labor and postpartum

Labor Doula

A labor doula understands the different stages of birth, and acts as a trusted advisor for the pregnant person navigating often unfamiliar territory of medical terms and tests. Labor doulas help clients consider options such as what kinds of routine tests and procedures parents of newborns are offered and what alternatives they could ask about instead. This type of doula will also know alternative pain management methods, from recently popular Hypnobirthing to tools like rebozos. If you’re wondering what those are and if they’re right for you, having a doula might be beneficial.

When parents birth in a hospital setting, a doula is often the only member of the birth team who remains constant from pregnancy through birth.

They don’t typically do shift changes like nurses and doctors. Some hospitals allow doulas to remain with their clients as emotional support if a Cesarean section is needed or scheduled (check to see what your hospital’s policy is).

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum doulas typically go to the family’s home to support parents through the initial transition of having a new baby. They provide information about basic newborn care, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and feeding and motherbaby bonding.

Are Doulas Effective?

In 2018 the Journal of Reproductive Health and Medicine published a systematic review of 47 peer reviewed studies on the effects of having a doula present at birth. The findings show that when doulas are present, interventions (such as administering Pitocin, epidurals and even C-sections) decrease. They also show that positive outcomes for mothers and babies (such as successful breastfeeding and shorter labor times) tend to increase when doulas are involved. Mothers also tend to report being much happier with their experience when supported by a doula.

“Research shows that moms, dads and babies have an easier time with this transition if a good support team is in place,” says local birth and postpartum doula, Candace Hallak.

How to Find a Doula in San Diego

Where can expectant parents find doulas? Try San Diego Birth Network (www.sandiegobirthnetwork.org) or enter your zip code on the DONA

International website (www.dona.org) to find a nearby doula certified through DONA. The key to a successful partnership with a doula during pregnancy and birth is the initial interview.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Doula

• What are your experiences with birth, personally and/ or as a doula?

• How can you help my partner be involved in the process?

• How many prenatal meetings will we have and what will they cover?

• Do you help me create a birth plan?

• What are your thoughts on breastfeeding (or not)?

• How do you handle clients requesting pain medication during labor?

• Do you provide childbirth education for us?

• Will you meet us at our home or at the hospital/birth center?

• What is your back-up plan if you are suddenly unavailable?

• Do you ever “trade-out” with another doula if labor goes beyond a certain number of hours? If so, can we meet that person before birth?

• How long after the birth will you stay with us at the hospital/birth center? Is a Doula Covered by Insurance?

Check with your insurance company to see if they will cover part or all of a doula’s fees. Some companies do, as a doula’s presence often reduces the number of costly interventions that insurance companies would have to cover. If doula services are not covered by insurance, volunteer doulas are available to parents who deliver through UC San Diego Health. While parents don’t have the opportunity to build a relationship with a volunteer doula beforehand, the doula remains with the mother throughout the entire process, just as a privately hired doula would. v

Allyson Kennett is a freelance writer and self-described “birth nerd” living in San Diego’s South Bay with her husband and three children. She loves being an amateur doula supporting friends through pregnancy and birth.

The first 3 years of your baby’s life

are critical.

Is Your Baby Meeting Important Milestones?

How your baby plays, learns, talks, acts and moves give important clues to how they are developing. If you have questions or concerns about your baby’s development, contact the San Diego Regional Center for free resources and guidance.

Early Intervention Services are Available.

California Early Start is a state and federally funded program that provides free assessments to infants and toddlers and, if needed, important therapeutic services (free to eligible families) early enough to make a huge impact in a child’s development.

Services provided include early intervention instruction; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; medical diagnosis/evaluation.

Even with pandemic restrictions, the San Diego Regional Center is open and working to ensure your child has the right services to meet their needs.

Anne Malinoski

Talk to Me, Baby!

How to encourage speech and language from the start

There’s something magical about a baby’s first words. More than any other milestone, the first “mama” or “dada” holds the promise of deeper connection with our children. While every baby develops speech at her own pace, many will have a word or two by 12 months. For eager parents, that’s a long wait! But remember, every coo and gurgle is a step toward healthy communication. We spoke with Speech-Language Pathologist Melissa Minney of Raising

Little Talkers to discuss simple ways to give babbling a boost.

Start Slow

According to Minney, it’s perfectly fine to focus on sleeping and feeding in the first few months with a new baby. Once life begins to feel more settled, activities that promote speech and language development can be incorporated into daily interactions.

Get Face to Face

In-person face time (not the audio/ video version) is essential for speech and language development. It also helps babies develop social-emotional skills. “Getting face-to-face with your baby when you talk gives them the opportunity to ‘soak up’ your mouth movements and facial expressions,” says Minney. Find key moments during the day to be intentional about face-to-face

When to Seek a Speech-Language Evaluation

While all children develop at their own pace, Minney says there are red flags that might indicate a child’s communication skills are developing outside the normal range. Parents should consult their pediatrician and seek an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist if any of the following concerns are present:

• Difficulty making and maintaining eye contact with an adult by 6 months of age

• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions when interacting with an adult by 6 months

• No back and forth of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions with an adult by 9 months

• No babbling by 10 months (get hearing checked at this point, even if the child passed their newborn hearing screening)

• Not using meaningful gestures to communicate by 12 months (e.g., reaching arms up to be picked up, waving, clapping, reaching, showing, etc.)

• Not responding to their name by 12 months

• Does not point to objects or show interest by 14 months

• Does not follow simple and familiar directions by 18 months

• Fewer than 50 words at 24 months

• No two-word meaningful phrases by 24 months

• No back-and-forth conversational turn-taking by 36 months

• Loss of babbling, speech or social skills (like eye contact) at any age

interactions. Mealtimes, bath time and diapering are great opportunities to tell stories and sing songs while offering lots of eye contact.

Use “Parentese”

You’ve heard it before! Research shows that the high-pitched, sing-song voice people often use when talking to babies holds their attention longer. Using “parentese” might help increase the benefits of face-to-face time. While some parents find it quite natural, others might need to make a conscious effort. It’s worth a try!

Imitate Your Baby

Are you ever tempted to repeat your baby’s sweet sounds? There’s a good reason for this natural urge. “Babies are born with mirror neurons that allow them to mimic your facial expressions and even your voice,” says Minney. “By imitating your baby’s sounds, you’re paving the way for back-and-forth imitation, which is an early precursor to back-and-forth communication, like having conversations.”

Choose Toys Wisely

According to Minney, the best toys for speech and language development are the ones your child finds interesting. “Babies and toddlers are more likely to communicate when they are genuinely interested in an object or activity, so I tell parents to use whatever their child naturally gravitates toward,” she says. Simple household items like food containers and keys can often hold a baby’s interest as well.

It’s important to note that research shows when parents and little ones use electronic toys, parents model less language and children vocalize less. “A good rule of thumb: If the toy is making noise, then likely the parent and child are not,” says Minney. Consider using these types of toys in moderation.

Select Simple Books

Minney says her favorite books feature simple images that babies will

recognize—like animals, familiar objects or other children. Interactive books with flaps, slides or textures are another excellent choice. Every new parent’s collection should also include some board books or Indestructibles that are sturdy enough for babies to explore with their mouths.

Soak Up Story Time

A parent’s lap is a great spot for baby during story time because it encourages cuddling and connection. However, Minney recommends switching things up from time to time, so that parent and child can see each other’s faces. “Getting face-to-face while reading together allows you to share the book in a new way,” she says. “You see each other’s facial expressions, your child can watch you speak, and you can gauge your child’s interest by observing which part of the page your child is looking at.” One of the best ways to achieve this during story time is to prop baby up on the sofa or a nursing pillow while mom or dad sits on the floor at eye level. What a precious view!

Remember, You’re Doing Great!

More than anything, Minney wants parents to know they are doing a great job—no matter how their child’s communication skills develop. “Parents do not cause speech and language delays except in extreme cases of abuse and neglect. It’s easy for parents to blame themselves and feel guilty for not doing enough, but the reality is, some children just need more support than others,” she says.

Need More Tips?

Follow Minney on Instagram @RaisingLittleTalkers for free tips. Visit her website to learn more about her free workshop for parents of babies and toddlers, as well as a free communication milestones checklist: www.raisinglittletalkers.com. v

Anne Malinoski is an award-winning writer who lives in Santee with her husband and two sons.

Flu season is here. It’s more important than ever to make sure your children get their flu vaccine, as well as all their routinely scheduled vaccines.

CPMG is here to provide the safest and best care for your children, every day. Schedule an appointment knowing that we are dedicated to making sure that your kids are healthy and happy.

With locations throughout San Diego and Southern Riverside, we can achieve this together.

Tongue tie & breastfeeding

5 things you need to know

by Jaime Friedman, MD FAAP

Ankyloglossia, otherwise known as tongue-tie, is an anatomical anomaly in which a thin piece of tissue called the frenulum connects the bottom of the mouth to the tongue. The location of insertion on the tongue varies. When the frenulum connects close to the tip of the tongue, the baby’s tongue will look indented or heartshaped. Babies who are unable to protrude their tongue properly may have a hard time breastfeeding. Not every baby with a tongue-tie will have problems breastfeeding.

FRENOTOMY

Babies with breastfeeding problems and tongue-tie may benefit from a procedure called a frenotomy. A frenotomy is the clipping of the frenulum to release the tongue. Parents should talk to their pediatrician if a frenotomy has been recommended to them. Here are some things to keep in mind before having the procedure.

Symptoms:

Babies only need the procedure if they are unable to latch properly,

have trouble transferring milk and thus poor weight gain, and/or if mom is having nipple pain, cracking or bleeding. You may notice your baby “chomping” instead of sucking and you may hear clicking noises with feedings.

Procedure:

The procedure is easily done by lifting the tongue with a tongue elevator. This protects the base of the tongue and guides the location of the cut. Scissors are used to clip the frenulum. Pressure is applied to stop the bleeding. Babies are encouraged to breastfeed right after. The procedure is best done by your pediatrician or an ear, nose and throat doctor. Many dentists now perform frenotomies using a laser, however often times the laser is not as exact and can cause damage to surrounding tissues.

Follow up care:

Families should use gauze on their fingers to sweep under the tongue after each feeding for 1 week following the frenotomy. This will keep the frenulum from re-adhering.

Risk:

The main risks of a frenotomy are bleeding and infection. Babies must have a vitamin K shot to help their blood clot prior to the procedure. Applying pressure and breastfeeding right after also help stop the bleeding.

Long term:

Babies with a tongue-tie but no issues with feeding do not require frenotomy. Currently, there is not a recommendation to do a frenotomy to prevent future problems with speech, feeding or tongue function.

Overall, frenotomy is a relatively simple and safe procedure that can be helpful for infants having feeding issues related to their tongue-tie.

If you have concerns for your baby, speak to your pediatrician.

Jaime Friedman, MD FAAP Pediatrician and mom

Dr. Jaime Friedman is a pediatrician and the lead physician at the 4S Ranch location of Children’s Primary Care Medical Group.

Your Baby’s Brain on Books

Why it’s critical to reduce screen time for little ones

Research indicates that babies are getting too much screen time—and this trend is harming their development. To learn more about the problem, we spoke with Tracey Tasker, MA, CCC/SLP, who provides early intervention speech therapy to families in San Diego. A resident of 4S Ranch and mother of four, and having attended more than 40 IEP meetings as a parent, Tasker loves helping families advocate for their children.

Q. We know that children under 24 months old are spending too much time looking at screens. How big is the problem and what concerns you most about this trend?

A. A national poll found that 36 percent of children under 2 were given tablets to use and 38 percent were given smartphones. In 2020 the number of children under 4 who spent four or more hours daily using electronic devices doubled. We are already starting to see declines in cognitive development for these children. A longitudinal study that was published before the pandemic found that the

more time children spent on screens between ages 2 and 3, the poorer their behavioral, cognitive and social development. Other issues from too much screen time include poor sleep, vision problems and obesity.

Q. How does screen time interfere with language development?

A. The most important period of brain development occurs before age 3. We call this period of development the “sensitive period” because of the rapid growth of the brain and the density of brain cells and connections between those cells. The most important part of language development during

Resources for ScreenFree Family Time

Screen-Free Parenting

www.screenfreeparenting.com

Children’s Screen Time Action Network www.screentimenetwork.org

Raising Dragons

www.raisingdragons.com

Hello, Wonderful www.hellowonderful.co

Toddler Approved www.toddlerapproved.com

Anne Malinoski

the sensitive period is reciprocity (“serve and return”) between parents and children. Screens interrupt reciprocity—and research has found that an increase of just 30 minutes per day in mobile device use is associated with a 2.3 times increased risk of expressive language delay.

Children need to move and use multisensory input to holistically learn about the world. When children learn words from a two-dimensional screen, they cannot take that information and apply it to the real world. For example, they may learn the word “apple” and associate it with a picture of an apple, but when they can taste, touch, smell and compare that apple to other fruits it enables deeper learning.

Q. Researchers believe parent technology use is disrupting language acquisition as well. Tell us more about that.

A. Researchers use the term “technoference,” which refers to technology interfering in relationships. Parent surveys show that parents have difficulty switching attention between devices and children. Surveys with children as young as 5 found that parents spend too much time on phones and are distracted during conversations. Research shows that parent phone use is associated with less talking, less responsiveness, and sometimes harsher responses to children. In addition to phone use disrupting language acquisition, research shows that when background TV is on, it decreases time spent interacting with young children and decreases the number of words children hear from an adult. This lack of interaction results in poorer vocabulary scores and lower levels of language development.

Q. What is happening in a baby’s brain as parents read aloud from a book?

A. When parents read picture books it promotes connectivity between

various parts of the brain, including visual processing when they see pictures, auditory processing when they hear the story, and language processing, which helps comprehension.

Q. Can you explain why e-books and audiobooks are poor substitutes for printed books?

A. Research from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital shows that when young children listen to audiobooks, they don’t have enough context to make sense of the story, so connectivity is reduced between language processing and other parts of the brain. The animation of e-books hijacks the visual processing part of the brain and children cannot keep up with the story. Traditional picture books are “just right” because the combination of hearing the story and having pictures to support the context promote connectivity to all parts of the brain.

If children are only exposed to e-books, their brains do not get enough practice making connections among different parts of the brain and may later have trouble with reading comprehension. E-books also don’t facilitate the same warm interaction as traditional books; parents and children talk less, so story comprehension is reduced.

Q. As parents read to little ones, what are strategies to boost connection and development? What would an ideal reading session look and sound like?

A. Follow your child’s lead, rather than trying to read a book word for word. A child’s attention span is about two minutes per year of age, so rather than trying to read a whole book, let them explore or look at pictures as you name them. Parents should also tie a child’s own life experiences to what they are reading to help children’s comprehension and make it meaningful. For toddlers and preschoolers, parents should ask open-ended questions to engage their children in conversations around

books. An ideal reading session is one in which a child is enjoying the experience and actively participating.

Q. Do you have additional recommendations for those reading to babies with developmental differences?

A. For children with developmental differences, parents must provide extra support to help with language and story comprehension. Extra support could include reading face-to-face so children can see mouth [movement] and pausing a little longer after asking questions. Also “preview” the story before opening the book by drawing attention to the cover picture and predicting what the book might be about, and then “review” the story afterward by acting it out with props. For children with hearing and visual impairments, it’s important to provide manipulatives to make concepts more concrete. For example, if reading a book about farm animals, pair it with stuffed animals or puppets.

Q. Can you offer any practical alternatives to screen time? What should parents do when time is needed to work/shower/cook?

A. Think about the simple items you were given as a kid to play with, such as blocks, fridge magnets, mixing bowls, crayons and paper. Parents should expose children to fine motor tasks since studies are finding that children entering kindergarten now have less hand strength and dexterity due to too much time on screens. For kids with developmental differences, sensory bins are a wonderful tool. They can be filled with rice, beans, pom-poms or sand. Young children love to imitate parents, so let them help clean up, sort socks or set the table. v

Anne Malinoski is an award-winning contributing writer and mother of two boys.

Find a great list of board books for little ones at www.sandiegofamily.com/ for-the-kids/book-multimedia-reviews/ interactive-fun-for-babies-and-parents.

Your Child’s Future Begins Today

5 TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

The first five years of your child’s life are crucial. In these first few years, children develop 90% of their brain. It is critical to talk, read and sing to your baby every day. What we do as parents from the moment a child is born can make a lasting impression. It’s these first experiences and interactions with loving adults that fuel their growth and development.

Here are 5 easy tips that you can do every day to prepare your child for a bright future:

Talking is a brain-building activity. Every time you talk with your baby and have a high-quality interaction, new connections are made in the baby’s brain.

It’s never too early to begin reading to your child. While babies may play with the pages of the book and toddlers may want to read the same book every day, the activity of reading with them encourages a love of books.

The act of rhyming, singing and talking, starting at birth, profoundly influences literacy and language development, which are the foundations for all other learning. Use known nursery rhymes or make-up songs with silly meanings to help build up memory and stimulate motor skills. Warning—singing may turn into dance parties!

Have conversations by narrating the actions you take throughout the day and use a variety of facial expressions. Also, respond verbally to gestures or noises such as cooing, pointing or clapping.

Another fun way to help a toddler connect names and objects with gestures is through games. Playing “Simon Says” is a good example. You can say things such as “Simon says touch your nose,” or “Simon says turn off the light.”

These are everyday actions you can take today to ensure your child is ready for kindergarten by age five—the first step toward lifelong success.

First 5 San Diego promotes the health and well-being of young children during their most critical years of development, from the prenatal stage through five years of age. Our goal is to help ensure that every child in San Diego County enters school ready to succeed.

Get Connected

Stroller-Friendly Spots for Mom Meet-Ups

Welcoming a new baby into the family is often a blur for parents. Catching up with friends is easily put on the back burner with all the hustle and bustle, but connection with others can be a saving grace when you’re parenting in the thick of babyhood. So, do your best to make mom meet-ups a priority. Put the baby in the stroller, grab a cup of coffee and go for a walk together. Not only will you benefit from a dose of San Diego Vitamin D and adult conversation, but baby will love being out in the fresh air. Luckily for us, there is no shortage of great coffee shops or beautiful, stroller-friendly walking paths in America’s Finest City.

Mission Bay

Postcard-worthy views and droolworthy vegan snacks welcome visitors to Superbloom at the new Mission Bay Beach Club (open to the public). Located on the coastline of Mission Bay, this spot has its own parking lot and winding sidewalks along the water.

Grab an oat milk Matcha Chai Latte and head down the path; in just under one mile, you’ll come to San Diego Mission Bay Resort—that’s your cue to head back. The wide path makes it easy to walk next to friends, no matter the size of your stroller.

Insider’s tip: Couldn’t make it out for a morning coffee? Mission Bay is also a beautiful spot for a sunset stroll.

La Jolla

Order the Best Drink Ever or a smoothie from Better Buzz, then take a walk along Coast Blvd. in La Jolla. While enjoying your coffee and catching up, you’ll enjoy the coastal breeze (which always helps babies sleep) and panoramic views from La Jolla Shores to Torrey Pines.

The walk from Better Buzz to La Jolla Cove takes about 10 minutes, but keep in mind it’s uphill on the way back. Give yourself a few extra minutes on the return as you’ll be pushing your stroller up the grade.

Insider’s tip: Order Avocado Toast to-go from Better Buzz and picnic under the unique Torrey Pines at Ellen Browning Scripps Park.

Photo credit: @playdatesandpints

Photo credit: Lisa Gipson

Cardiff-by-the-Sea/Encinitas

Walking with a group? Your best bet in town is the Coastal Rail Trail in Cardiff/Encinitas. This pathway is wide enough for two or three strollers to walk and talk (just be mindful of bikers passing by). Start off at Chesterfield Dr. & San Elijo Ave. off S. Coast Highway 101 and walk as far as you’d like—you can walk five miles if you’re feeling ambitious!

Insider’s tip: If you’ve worked up an appetite, Swami’s Café is a short walk from the trail (near Santa Fe Dr.) and offers everything you could want for breakfast or lunch.

Poway

Poway is a unique area of north San Diego County. With a motto like “The City in the Country,” you can bet they have some surprises in store! You’ll find beautiful antique stores, a general store, and of course, unique and delicious coffee. New to the area is a coffee shop owned by two Poway locals: Luckie Coffee, which specializes in pour overs. Grab a High Noon House Blend and seasonal vegan doughnut for your walk down Midland Rd. to Old Poway Park. There is so much to explore at the park—trains that operate on weekends, museums, historic houses and plenty of grass and shade trees.

Insider’s tip: Every Saturday the Poway Farmers Market is right next to Old Poway Park (on Midland) from 8 am–1 pm. Take your walk, then enjoy everything from delicious smoothies and made-to-order food to fresh pasta and produce.

Point Loma

Liberty Station NTC Park offers stroller walking paths with convenient parking any day of the week. Access flat, dirt paths that loop around playgrounds, grass and along the water. If you want more shade, walk between the buildings and through the arches of paved, covered walkways. You’ll find large grassy courtyards there as well. Before your walk, stop at Moniker Coffee Co. for a Chai latte or WestBean Coffee Roasters (inside Liberty Public Market) for a macchiato or iced tea.

Insider’s tip: On weekends you’ll often find musicians playing at Liberty Public Market! v

Local mom and San Diego blogger Sandra Page can be found adventuring on Instagram at @playdatesandpints.

Photo credit: @playdatesandpints

Photo credit: Lisa Gipson

Photo credit: Rik Thiesfeld

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• No IUD as birth control method - In the past 7 months

• Home assessment / background check

• Compliant and availability on schedule

GUARANTEES

• Matching with intended parents with common objectives and personalities

• One embryo transfer at a time

• The embryo that will be transferred has been genetically screened, showing no genetic abnormalities. Therefore, lowest risks of abortion or miscarriage in the industry

• Accompaniment and administrative services throughout the surrogacy journey

OH,BABY!

A round-up of some of our favorite baby and toddler products. Find more at www.sandiegofamily.com/ parenting/baby/baby-product-review.

LullaGo Anywhere LE Portable Bassinet

$139.99; ChiccoUSA.com

A modern, stylish bassinet (available in two colors) designed for infants up to 20 lbs.— and it’s portable! Mesh side panels provide visibility and airflow. Includes washable cover and convenient carrying bag. Weighs only 13 lbs.

Sleepy Eyes Owl Bedtime

Soother

$50; Gund.com

Help baby fall asleep with this soft, cuddly owl that features tranquil sounds and optional glowing lights for 20 minutes. The owl’s eyes slowly close, encouraging baby’s eyes to do the same. Adjustable volume control.

4-in-1 Jumbo Activity Gym & Ball Pit

$69.99; 0+

Infantino.com

This adorable succulent activity mat grows with baby, from overhead play and tummy time to an easily converted ball pit for toddler play. Includes stimulating, detachable toys, a mirror, a tummy-time bolster and 40 ball pit balls with storage bag.

Grabease Ergonomic Utensils

$14.50; 6 mos+; Grabease.com

Safe, non-toxic utensils feature choke protection barriers to help prevent babies from sticking utensils too far into their mouths. Designed to encourage self-feeding, strengthen fingers and develop fine motor skills. Baby and toddler sizes available.

Modern Moments by Gerber

Prices vary; Walmart.com

An adorable and functional clothing line for infants and toddlers, made with modern parents in mind. Features trendy styles and comfortable fabrics that make mixing, matching, layering and changing outfits easy.

Bear Can’t Sleep

$8.99; SimonAndSchuster.com

Bear Can’t Sleep from “The Bear

Books” by Karma Wilson and illustrator Jane Chapman is now available as a board book. This sweet bedtime story is sure to become a family favorite as Bear’s friends pitch in to help him sleep for winter.

jbrds Stand2Walk Baby Shoes

$60; 9–18 mos.

jbrds.com

Jbrds are anatomically designed to promote the healthy development of little feet, featuring foot support, a sock-like upper, suede sole and Velcro strap. Co-founded by Podiatry Specialist Dr. Jay LeBow. Several color choices.

San Diego Family is committed to providing you award winning, accurate, insightful, compelling articles and resources for parents.

We’re celebrating Mom Life by giving away awesome Mommy Prize Packs!

Enter for a chance to Win one of the following prizes:

The Prego Pack

Includes Evenflo Electric Breast Pump & Balance + Bottle, Skip*Hop Activity Walker, The Essential Labor & Postpartum Kit, Luna Bean Keepsake, Grabease Baby Feeding Set, Blankets and more!

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Includes Step2 Rain Showers Splash Tub, Chicco OneFit Car Seat, Playtex Diaper Genie, Wishbone Bike, Grabease Baby Feeding Set, Sandy Bumz Picnic Ground Cover and more!

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Anne Malinoski

Anne Malinoski

Photos

Pregnancy is a time of intense awareness of the body as physical change unfolds rapidly. It’s a time to observe the awe-inspiring power of the body while enduring a range of new and surprising discomforts. According to Elizabeth Hepp, owner and instructor at Sweat Like a Mother (S.L.A.M.) San Diego, regular exercise can either improve or prevent many of the common complaints associated with the prenatal and postnatal periods.

Benefits of Prenatal Exercise

“Regular exercise can reduce overall pregnancy-related aches and pains like back pain, swelling, constipation and poor sleep,” says Hepp. In addition, a consistent fitness routine has been shown to prevent more serious complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, excessive maternal weight gain and cesarean section. Perhaps most importantly, exercise can improve mental health—a serious concern during this period of major physical and emotional change.

Benefits of Postpartum Exercise

According to Hepp, weight and resistance training is incredibly important for all women of childbearing age. Making time for these activities now can prevent common problems in the postmenopausal years—such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Postpartum exercise also does wonders for mood, confidence and self-esteem in new mothers. “While it is important to truly rest for a period after having a baby, returning to movement gradually can have huge benefits for mothers,” she says. “It often allows them to feel like themselves again in both a performance and aesthetic sense.”

Mommy and Me Fitness Programs

S.L.A.M. Sweat Like A Mother San Diego Strollers are welcome at these 60-minute outdoor workouts in Mission Valley and Tierrasanta. Members may attend community-building events like playgroup and Mom’s Night Out. www.sweatlikeamother.com/ san-diego

@s.l.a.m.sandiego (Instagram) @slamsandiego (Facebook)

Fit4Mom/Stroller Strides

Offers prenatal and postnatal full-body conditioning classes for moms with kids in tow. Join class virtually or at one of 16 locations throughout San Diego County. https://sandiego.fit4mom.com @fit4mom_sandiego (Instagram)

Mamas and Milk Yoga

Baby-and-me yoga classes are offered at RISE Prime Wellness in Carmel Valley. www.mamasandmilk.com/yoga

Pelvic Floor Health

It is normal for the pelvic floor muscles to become stretched and weakened during pregnancy and birth. Injuries in this area can lead to incontinence or sexual dysfunction—and sometimes symptoms emerge years after giving birth. Hepp encourages all postpartum women to make an appointment with a pelvic floor physical therapist, which is also now recommended by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists six weeks after giving birth.

“Birthing a baby is a major physiological event, and pelvic floor physical therapists are the experts with the knowledge to diagnose and treat any issues that arise,” Hepp says. Once a woman knows the status of her pelvic

floor health, a qualified postpartum trainer can work in cooperation with a PT to create a modified fitness routine that will help her achieve her goals.

Setting Healthy Postpartum Fitness Goals

Hepp encourages new moms to set healthy expectations for the time it will take to reach fitness goals. While many women receive clearance from their providers to resume exercise at around 6-8 weeks postpartum, a gradual approach is usually best. “Do not expect to jump back into high intensity exercise right at six weeks postpartum,” she says. “The first 6-18 months is a period of immense healing and change. Set your expectations and timelines to match that.”

But First, Rest

Immediately after birth, the body needs time, nutrition and rest in order to heal properly. Try not to worry about exercise in the first month. Here is Hepp’s formula for postpartum rest:

Week 1: In the bed (stay in bed—meals and all)

Week 2: Next to the bed (only rise for occasional small tasks)

Week 3: Near the bed (move between the couch and bed, but still rest)

Once a provider has cleared a new mom for exercise, it’s best to start with light walking for a few weeks and work up to resistance training at a gradual pace. This is a great time to break in the stroller and enjoy the benefits of a little outdoor time for both mom and baby. v

Anne Malinoski is an award-winning contributing writer and mother of two residing in East San Diego County.

FIT4MOM® offers pre and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for any age and stage of motherhood in a supportive community for moms from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond Find your Strength in Motherhood® with FIT4MOM San Diego at one of our 13 locations across the county!

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