Parents, Please Stop Covering Your Baby's Face!

I've wanted to write a post about this for a long time, but kept holding off. Probably because I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, or make parents feel guilty, but that's not what this post is about. I am certain that almost every parent makes decisions with their kid's best interest at heart. We all want what is best for our little one's development, growth, and definitely safety. That's why it's always difficult to approach parents to discuss safety concerns about their little one when I'm hosting community events and teaching workshops. As a healthcare provider and expert in family safety I made a commitment long ago not to bother any parents about personal preferences or things that involve comfort, but safety concerns I cannot overlook. I would never forgive myself if an incident that I ignored led to a baby's harm, or even worse death. 

Lately I have had several incidents involving infants being brought to my events completely covered and concealed without adequate access to fresh air. In some cases it has been babies in their infant car seats with winter seat covers tightly closed around them. In other cases it was babies being worn in baby carriers with coat extensions zipped up fully covering the baby's face, or a blanket covering the baby's head. While I understand the cold weather can be daunting and hard to contend with (especially if you have well meaning people constantly chiming in on how cold baby is!), it is essential to remember that fresh oxygen flow is paramount, and that without it an infant can suffocate.

The importance of fresh air flow around our infant is one of the key messages in SIDs prevention and safe sleep, and is just as essential when our baby is in a car seat, stroller, or baby carrier. Seeing our baby's face allows us to assess their well being through their skin tone and breathing patterns. When we cover our baby completely, they lose access to fresh air, and we lose the ability to ensure they are well. The American Academy of Paediatrics reminds parents to "Be sure to leave baby's face uncovered to avoid trapped air and re-breathing.” It's important that parents are aware that covering a baby’s face completely in a carrier, car seat or stroller can lead to overheating and suffocation (eg. Image B below).

In addition, we must consider what is safe for use in our vehicles. Many retailers carry car seat bundling products that are not safe to use in a car seat. Just because it's on the shelf at the store does not mean it is safe. When I raise this in my Infant/Family CPR & Safety Workshops parents are often confused as to why products are sold in stores that might be unsafe for baby. In an age where products are constantly entering the marketplace it can be tough to assess what is safe. If a product passes testing for things like textile strength and flammability they often get put up on shelves without any assessment about how parents may use these products, and what real life risk they pose for babies. With the introduction and popularity of car seat covers in recent years, parents have been warned to avoid any covers that go between the baby’s body and the straps (Image A below). These types of covers impact the fit of the harness and do not allow for proper safe use of the car seat as directed by the manufacturer.

A - Backed Car seat covers are Not Safe for Use in car seats. Only for use in stroller seats.

B - Backless Product. Please always keep flap open so baby gets adequate airflow and baby's wellbeing can be assessed

C - Backless Product. Please always keep flaps open so baby gets adequate airflow and baby's wellbeing can be assessed

When preparing our kiddos to go in their car seats in cold weather it's recommended that we dress them in tight fitting compressible layers (not snowsuits or puffy bunting suits). A snug fitting fleece outfit like this one from MEC can be a good option. If you're planning to use something extra to help keep baby warm in their car seat, please make sure it is a product that does not interfere with placement or correct adjustment of the straps, or with fresh air flow. This typically means using a simple blanket tucked in around them once they are strapped in properly, or purchasing a "backless" car seat cover like the Skip Hop one pictured here. These are a great option for infants during our cold winters, but please always ensure you keep baby’s face visible.

The same goes for babies being worn in baby carriers. Recently Health Canada introduced a Public Service Announcement with the message "Visible & Kissable." It aims to remind parents that having our baby in an upright and supported position, without anything covering their face or blocking their access to fresh air, is essential. If baby is being worn in a baby carrier against their parent's body they should mainly be shielded from the wind. As you can see from the photo above of me babywearing Penny, she is well protected from the elements but her face and airflow are not obstructed in any way. If you're going out on an extremely cold day and are concerned about baby's exposed skin, a layer of shea butter or another natural barrier cream can help. If you want to learn more check out my post on Winter Babywearing Essentials.

If it's absolutely necessary to cover your baby for a brief moment to protect them from extreme cold (whether in a baby carrier, a car seat or a stroller) please use a breathable blanket, keep a very close eye on your baby and uncover them immediately. 

Our babies are really cute. Let's make sure we can always see their adorable faces. 

Care 

*This is not a sponsored post.

Please comment below with any questions or topics you would like me to cover in the future. 

Congrats On Your Move Diaper-eez!

Our good friends at Diaper-eez made a big move this past weekend. We're sad to see them leave the Bloor West strip, but we're so happy that they're staying in the neighbourhood. Their Bloor Street location closed on February 19th and their new boutique location at 501 Runnymede Rd (Runnymede & Annette) opened yesterday. Drop by to check out the new shop and mention With-Care for 10% off*. If you can't make it in to the store, head online and use code withcare for 10% off*

Diaper-eez new store hours at 501 Runnymede Rd.

• Tuesday-Friday: 12pm-5pm
• Saturday: 10am-5pm
• Sunday-Monday: Closed

Thanks for shopping small and supporting our local stores. 

- Care 

*Some restrictions apply

Winter Babywearing Essentials

As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of babywearing. I babywear almost 365 days a year and don't know how I would survive life as a Mom of 3 (edited to note: now 4!) without my carriers. Although many people express shock and horror at the idea of trudging through the snow wearing a baby, I can tell you from experience that it's a lot easier wearing baby than trying to push a stroller through the snow on sidewalks and up snowbanks. I've had lots of questions recently about winter babywearing, so I thought I would share a few of my essentials for surviving the winter with a baby (or toddler) in tow.

Must Haves For Parent (Babywearer)

1. Flat Winter Boots with Good Tread

Babywearing is safe in most wintery conditions, but it's essential that you have good footing under you. A flat pair of properly fitting winter boots with a nice deep tread are ideal. You can also purchase boots with special grips or add traction devices to your shoes. I recommend that you don't babywear if there is an ice warning, it's a particularly slippery day, or if you have any injuries that could make you more likely to fall. 

2. Babywearing (& Pregnancy) Coat Adapter

Skip the snow suit and wear baby inside your coat! Bridge the Bump (Made locally by 2 West End Moms - See full review here) makes leaving the house with baby so much easier. All you have to do is dress baby in normal warm cloths (cozy pants, socks, a warm shirt, sweater, hat and booties - see below) and pop them in the carrier inside your coat with the insert zipped up. Having the baby directly in the carrier typically means that it will fit better (vs. if they have bulky winter gear on) and your body heat will keep you both warm. This is ideal for errands and trips where you will be going inside, as you can simply open your coat or take it off and baby can stay in their carrier without the dangers of overheating in their snow suit or trapping you in your warm coat. 

3. Slim Neckwarmer

Having the top of your coat open to accommodate a baby in a carrier can leave a gap around your neckline leaving your skin exposed to the weather. To cover up this gap and stay warm a slim fitting neck warmer is ideal. Be careful of large, bulky, loose scarves and neck warmers that could impede baby's fresh flow of air or cover their face in any way. This beautiful neck warmer from Bridge the Bump is a new fav of mine because it's super cozy but also slim, so it sits close to my skin and doesn't bother Penny. 

Must Haves For Baby

4. Winter Hat for Baby

When wearing our baby we always want them to be visible and kissable. Visible means we never want to cover baby's face with a blanket, carrier hood, or scarf, even in the winter months. Parents are very concerned about their baby staying warm in the cold weather, but when baby is facing in against an adult the body heat created should keep them nice and cozy. A winter hat, ideally something that covers the back of the neck, will keep baby warm, but not impede their fresh flow of air or block your view of their face. If you have concerns about your baby's skin getting chapped in the cold air you can apply a thick barrier cream such as Shea butter before heading out.

5. Winter Booties for Baby

Since your baby won't be in a snow suit in their carrier I recommend some cozy booties to keep their toes and legs nice and warm. There are tons of great booties out there, but I recently found these locally made ones from Mimitens and absolutely love them for little babes who aren't walking yet. They're thinsulate, water resistant, and have a leg warmer attached. This is key for me, because they are less likely to fall off and be lost on treacherous winter walks. It's never fun to realize you've lost one bootie from your favourite pair. I think these might actually survive a whole season!

The real winter weather has yet to arrive, but I know when it does Penny and I will be ready. I hope I've given you some winter babywearing inspiration. If you prep now you can enjoy a winter with your cozy babe in tow. *Don't forget to use code WITHCARE10 for 10% off Bridge The Bump.

- Care

 *This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies, services and institutions that I genuinely love and want to recommend.

Nursing Mama Giveaway!

Now that I'm 5 1/2 years into nursing my 3 babes I've become a bit of an expert on breastfeeding friendly attire.  So I was very excited to try out Bridge The Bump's new Reversible Maternity Top. This beautiful top is designed by 2 local moms and made right here in Toronto, which is amazing! I'm always a huge advocate of shopping local, because supporting local businesses means supporting local families...but that's a whole other post. 

What I love most about this top is that it's intended to be worn facing one way while pregnant and then flipped around to accommodate easy access for nursing once your little one arrives. The versatility of this shirt means that you'll get a lot more wear out of it than a typical maternity or nursing shirt.

The cut of this top is perfect post-baby because the fabric flows away from the body, avoiding clinging to areas that you may not want to highlight right after giving birth. Plus it can be layered with a light tank underneath if you want a little extra coverage. The fabric is easy to clean and it dries quickly, which is always appreciated by this busy mama. 

With 5 beautiful colours available: Beige, Black, Burnt Orange, Cobalt & Plum, there is bound to be one that looks amazing on everyone. Pair it with some jeans for a casual look or throw it together with a beautiful necklace, some fancy pants and a pair of heels for a special event. Yup, I said fancy pants...I'm such a mom ;) 

I love my Reversible Maternity Top so much that I've partnered with Bridge the Bump & Diaper-eez to GIVEAWAY an incredible Nursing Mama gift package that includes:

• 1 Bridge the Bump Reversible Maternity Top (Value $54.95)
• 1 Bravado Body Silk & Seamless Nursing Bra (Value $55.00)
• 1 Boogalu Teething Necklace (Value $24.99)

Enter now, by commenting below with your name and email address, for a chance to WIN. Plus make sure to check out our Facebook page & Instagram feed for 2 more ways to enter! 

This contest is open to all residents (18+) of Canada & The Continental USA and runs until Tuesday November 29th 2016 at 11pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random and announced within 24 hours. *Winner to choose colour and size of products from Diaper-eez, pending availability.

Don't wait, Enter NOW! Plus don't forget to enter on Instagram & Facebook.

- Carolyn

*Receive 10% off your Bridge the Bump Reversible Nursing Top and other amazing products at Diaper-eez with promo code: withcare *some exclusions apply

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Packing for The Hospital +10% off Diaper-eez

At 37 weeks pregnant with baby #3 on the way anytime I have packing and prepping for birth on my mind. As a Midwife, Prenatal Educator and mom of 2 (almost 3!) I get asked almost every week about what to pack for the hospital. With all of the unknowns of labour, packing can become a daunting task for an expectant parent. So let me help ease your nerves by providing you with a simple list of must haves for the big event.

Although not all of my clients deliver in hospital, everyone needs a bag packed, just in case. I suggest getting it out of the way early so you can feel prepared. Having your bag packed and ready by around 36 weeks is ideal.

It can be tempting to pack a ton of stuff to take to the hospital, but in my experience less is more. Remember, you’ll need to bring home everything you pack, plus a new baby, and you’ll be recovering from giving birth. If plans change and you need to stay at the hospital for a few extra days, friends and family can be called for extra supplies, or your partner can take a quick trip home.

Here is my go-to list of items to have packed & ready:

Mom’s Bag:

• Provincial Insurance Card (OHIP) & Private Medical Insurance Card (if you have one)
• Paperwork from your Midwife or Physician (if you were provided with any to bring)
• Birth plan, Prenatal Class Book, Birthing Resources etc.
• Labour Support Aids: Massagers, Heating Pad, Music, Guided Meditations, Hypnobirthing Scripts, Homeopathic Remedies, TENS Machine* etc.
• Something to Wear During Labour (if you do not want to wear the hospital gown, a nightgown with full button opening is ideal, as they are easy to take on and off with an IV in place)
• Slippers (or flip flops, rubber sole is ideal)
• Socks x2-3 pairs (labour is messy so extra socks are needed)
• Robe
• Face Cloth x1
• Towel x1
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, contact supplies, glasses, hairbrush, hair ties, headband, lip balm, massage oil or lotion etc.
• Comfy Underwear x2-3 pairs (most hospitals will provide 1 pair of mesh underwear)
• Nightgown or Pajamas (for postpartum if all is well)
• Nursing bra x1 (no underwire)
• Breast pads (disposable or reusable) 
• Maternity Pads** or Adult Incontinence Briefs
• Comfortable change of maternity clothes for trip home 

*If you’re interested in trying a TENS Machine, they can be rented from many pharmacies

**Please Note: Avoid all maxi pads with plastic dry weave top, as it can impact healing of your perineal tissue. Natracare makes excellent natural cotton pads. Available at most local health food stores and on well.ca. 

***Please Note: Many of my clients have asked about incorporating essential oils into their labours. Since most hospitals are now scent free we cannot allow scented oils to be used. Some clients choose to incorporate oils into their early labour while still at home, or for those choosing a home birth.

Support Person’s Overnight Bag:

• Cell phones & chargers
• Change & cash for snack machines and parking
• Camera
• Comfortable change of clothes
• Pyjamas
• Toiletries
• Swimwear (if you and your partner plan to incorporate water into your birth)
• Contact info for important family member

Baby’s Bag

• Sleepbelt (Perfect for Bonding & Skin-to-Skin)
• Cotton Hats x2-3
• Onesies (aka undershirts) x2
• Sleepers x2
• Socks x2 (if sleepers don’t have feet)
• Light receiving blanket x2
• Warmer blanket for trip home in winter months
• Newborn Diapers (most hospitals will provide a few to start) 
• Baby Wipes (unscented) 
• Natural Oil or cream for baby’s skin (eg. coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, shea butter) 

Large Items:

• Infant Car Seat (Installed correctly. Contact the OPP to make an appointment for their free car seat installation services.)
• Birth Ball (Most hospitals have them available but some people prefer to bring their own)
• Pillow x1
• Basin or bag (for being sick on car ride)
• Healthy Snacks & Drinks for mother & support people e.g. mints, gum, coconut water, juice, trail mix, fruit, veggies, sandwiches etc.

I hope this simple list helps you feel a bit more prepared for the birth of your little one. Wishing you all the best in your labour, birth & beyond! Use Promo Code: withcare for 10% off your purchase online or in store with Diaper-eez .

– Care

Holiday Gift Guide For Expectant & New Moms

Today I’m wrapping up my Holiday Gift Guide with a few gift ideas for Expectant and New Moms. In case you ladies need some ideas for yourself, or want to leave this post open on the desktop in the hopes your partner will see it.  Don’t forget that many local stores now offer registry services, so you can make a little wish list and let your partner or family choose what they would like to surprise you with.

There are so many great products and services available for moms, so I’m just sharing a few that I genuinely love and hope you will too.
 

Something You Want:  

Relaxation! The aches, pains and stress associated with being pregnant and caring for a newborn can be intense, so a gift card for a wellness appointment (massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, physio), or a wellness class (eg. yoga, meditation) is a great gift for an expectant or new mom. A little time alone to allow your body to recover and recuperate will allow you to feel better and enable you to give more of yourself to your little one. West End Mamas in Bloor West offers a full line of treatment options, classes and workshops for pregnant & postpartum moms, plus they have childcare available for parents during their services (*limited hours please inquire) *Mention With Care for 20% off your 1st Wellness Service at West End Mamas.

For moms with an older baby, toddler or preschooler, a day trip to Ste. Anne’s Spa, or a more local option like The Old Mill or Body Blitz, is also a perfect gift.

Another great gift to help promote relaxation at home are therapeutic grade essential oils. I have fallen in love essential oils in the last few months and now use my oils almost daily to support our physical and mental health. Some of my favourites include: Lavender, an especially calming oil for those panicked feeling days; Peppermint, ideal for respiratory support for the whole family & Lemon, a great awakening oil. As I explore and try more oils I find so many great uses for them in our daily lives. 

Something You Need: 

Sleepbelt is one of those amazing products that you don’t realize you need until you try one. Then you’re hooked! This hands free skin-to-skin support system allows you and rest and recover during the 4th trimester when your newborn wants to be cuddled non-stop. This is one of my all time favourite presents for expectant and new parents. Best of all it was designed and created by a local Toronto Mom and is Canadian made. Purchase online at Sleepbelt and receive free shipping when you mention With Care. 

Something To Wear: 

If you’re pregnant or babywearing over the course of a Canadian winter a Bridge the Bump insert is a must have and a perfect holiday gift. Bridge the bump allows you to adapt your own coat to suit your growing pregnant belly or while babywearing. Check out my Bridge The Bump review from last winter.  I can’t wait to use mine again this winter while pregnant with baby #3. Bridge the bump is available for purchase online, save 10% using code WITHCARE10

If you’re a nursing mom a fresh new nursing bra is a great item to put on your wish list. The newest addition to the Bravado family The Body Silk Yoga Bra is the perfect gift for any active mama. I tested mine out recently while doing yoga and absolutely love the cross back option for additional support. Purchase online or locally at Diaper-eez (more selection available in store) *Save 10% at Diaper-eez with Promo Code: Withcare

Something To Read: 

I don’t know many new parents that have a ton of time to read, so a magazine on a topic of interest is a great gift that has a chance of actually being enjoyed. For the magazine lover a subscription to Texture by Next Issue is also a great way to access a huge selection of magazines online.

A spa menu is also great reading material in my opinion. *See “Something You Want” and check off 2 categories with 1 gift!

Something To Give: 

Two charities near and dear to my heart that help improve the lives of mothers and families here locally and worldwide are The New Mom Project & The Mama Collective.(*Edited Dec 2017 to note that The Mama Collective is no longer running. Please feel free to donate to The New Mom Project)

The New Mom Project provides marginalized families with basic baby necessities to get them off to a great and loving start. They collect new and gently used items for infants 0-12 months old to provide to families in need around our city. Please check out The New Mom Project to Donate to their Sweet Dreams Campaign and stay tuned for our next donation drop off in January. 

The Mama Collective aims to raise awareness about maternal health globally, advocate for expectant women worldwide & raise $10,000 to build a Gift of Hope Clinic with Plan Canada to serve women & families in Nigeria. Check out The Mama Collective to donate. *Edited Dec 2017 to note that The Mama Collective is no longer running. Please feel free to donate to The New Mom Project)

I hope you found some great ideas for yourself or the expectant or new mother in your life. Happy Holidays!

– Care

Holiday Gift Guide for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers

When the holiday sales start to roll out it can be tempting to buy everything you see, but do you really need it? We try very hard to remind our children how fortunate we are, and focus on keeping gift giving small and on things that we truly need.

I love to make DIY gifts for the kids and our friends and family, but also always pick a few special gifts to buy for our little ones. We stick to the rule of “Something you Want, Something you Need, Something to Wear & Something to Read”. This year we added a new category “Something to Give”, and are making sure that we think of little ways we can help our community locally or globally every day.

Here are a few of my favourite gifts to give for little ones. Most items included are locally made or sourced from small local stores so that we can reduce our impact this holiday season, and support our local community. Hope you enjoy!  

*Use Promo Code: Withcare for 10% off purchases at Diaper-eez this holiday season

Something You Want: 

There are so many amazing toys available around the holidays, but I love to focus on buying presents that will be enjoyed over the winter months. A Sled is a perfect gift for kiddos of any age. Canadian Tire and many local hardware stores have excellent selections of beautiful Canadian made wooden sleds. From basic to fancy, single to triple occupancy, you can choose what’s right for your family and your budget.

Something You Need: 

With our frigid Canadian winters kid’s need quality winter gear. Here are a few ideas for necessary items that can double as Christmas gifts. 

My absolute favourite snow suit for little ones are the Mountain Equipment Co-op Toaster Suit. Toasty warm as the name implies, these snow suits are made to last through a few kids and never disappoint. Purchase online or locally at Mountain Equipment Co-op. 

For keeping those little hands warm my new favourite is locally made Mimitens. These brilliant mitts have fabric that extends up your little ones forearm to keep them warm and more importantly to keep them ON! If you have a constant mitt taker offer, you know how frustrating it is. Invest in a pair of these and ditch the daily fight. Purchase online or locally at Diaper-eez.  

A warm toque is always needed and my favourite this year is the Je T’aime toque by Whistle & Flute. Made on the West Coast these adorable hats are available locally from Amelie & Max and come in kid and adult sizes. Perfect for twinning! Purchase online from Amelie & Max and choose shipping or local Toronto pickup. 

Something To Wear: 

Little ones need warm feet whether they are lounging at home, out in the car, in the stroller or while babywearing. Padraig Cottage are by far my favourite Canadian made booties. They are soft, cozy, warm and don’t fall off like most other booties. Great for little ones of all ages and the perfect gift. Purchase online or locally at Diaper-eez. 

Something To Read:

Books are one of my all time favourite things to give as gifts. Reading and interacting with babies from a young age has been shown to be very beneficial for brain development.

For little ones who love to put stuff in their mouths and tear at paper, board books are ideal.  One of my absolute favourites is “On the Night You Were Born” by Nancy Tillman. An instant tear jerker for most parents. 

As your kiddos get older and want longer stories I love anything and everything by the super talented Oliver Jeffers. 

For this category also consider thinking outside of the box. Baby Sign Language Flash Cards and board games can be a great way to practice language development.

 
Something To Give:

If you haven’t heard of Cuddle + Kind yet, you need to check them out. These beautiful dolls are part of an incredible campaign to help decrease child hunger worldwide, as each doll purchased provides 10 meals to children in need. It’s too late to order them to arrive in time for this holiday season. Sorry! You’re probably wondering why I included them if their holiday orders were done a few months ago. The truth is I wanted to share them because I think they’re a great gift year round and knew I would have your attention. So get ordering for your 2016 birthday gift list!

Some other great ways to give back include purchasing a food hamper for a family in need in your community, supporting The Stop Community Food Centre which does amazing work in our city, and supporting local Syrian refugee aid groups like the Lakeshore Syrian Connection.

Hope you got some great ideas for your little ones and stay tuned for Part 2 of our Holiday Gift Guide tomorrow with great gift ideas for Expectant & New Moms! 

Don’t forget to use Promo Code: Withcare for 10% off purchases at Diaper-eez this holiday season

- Care

Bloor West Holiday Cafe with Diaper-eez!

Join Fifty-Seven & Diaper-eez for a Fun & Festive Morning in Bloor West Village in support of The Mama Collective.

*This exclusive event has a very limited number of spaces available, so please email info@fifty-seven.ca to register or be added to our wait list.

Thanks to David’s Tea, Body Language Academy of Dance, Laroux Peoples, Anchor Studio & Diaper-eez for making this community event possible. 

Happy Holidays!!

– Care