Download My FREE Complete Family Camping List

We just returned from our annual backcountry camping trip, so I thought it was time I shared my complete packing list for camping with kids. A lot of friends and family are surprised that we can enjoy our time camping with 3 kids in tow, but it really is one of our favourite traditions. As I've said in previous posts about Camping with Kids (found here & here), preparation is key to your enjoyment. There is nothing worse than forgetting a vital piece of equipment that means you're left wet, or uncomfortable, or hungry. In an effort to make sure this doesn't happen to any family, I'm sharing my Complete Family Camping List.

Going camping the first time can feel a bit overwhelming due to the sheer amount of gear required. Don't forget you can save your budget by borrowing equipment from friends and family, buying gently used gear from neighbourhood buy and sells, or renting from places like Mountain Equipment Co-op. We registered for camping gear from MEC for our wedding, and have been using it for the last 7 years. It’s amazing to think how many memories these gifts have given our little family. 

I really hope this list makes you feel a little more prepared for camping with a young family, but remember nothing is perfect. You will be bug bitten, covered in grime and smelling less than peachy, but seeing the look on your little one's face when they catch their first crayfish, bite into a perfect s'more, go skinny dipping in a warm lake, or drift off to sleep in your arms watching the sun set, makes it all so worth it. There will probably be tears (for everyone), but trips like this build resiliency and help connect our kids to nature and the environment. For all of those who would prefer to glamp it up in a hotel or cottage instead, have fun! Whatever you do with your littles, know you're doing an awesome job.

CAMPING GEAR: 3 Day Family Trip

• Canoe, Paddles & PFDs (Can be rented at most parks and marinas)

• Collapsable Wagon (Great for hauling kids or gear to walk in sites, or over simple flat portages)

• Container for gear, clothes, toiletries & bedding (Large waterproof dry pacs are ideal or rubbermaid bins for car camping)

• Dry Food Storage (Barrel with Harness or Rubbermaid Bin for cap camping)

• Cooler (pre-freeze water bottles to save ice pack space in the cooler, and have cold clean drinking water)

• Tent, Vestibule & Footprint (or large tarp for underneath tent)

• Bug Shelter

• Sleeping Pad (We use 1 Family Sleeping Pad + 2 Regular Size Sleeping Pads, makes perfect size bed for our family)

• Large bed sheet (Or appropriate for your size mattress)

• Sleeping Bags (Since we sleep with the kids all together, we typically lay out a sheet on the sleeping pad and then use the sleeping bags on top as blankets)

• 2 Large Tarps (for rain shelter, covering gear at night etc)

• 2 Ropes (for tying tarp up to create a rain shelter, hanging food, towing a canoe, clothesline etc)

• 2 Bungee Cords (for attaching stuff to packs or keeping gear closed etc.)

• Lightweight Fold Up Chair for each person

• Booster Seat (lobster style is ideal for attaching to picnic tables)

• Headlamps/Flashlights (*Always check batteries and pack extra. Headlamps and handsfree options are ideal when you have to help small children. Lantern style are also handy)

• Plate, mug, bowl for each person

• Sippy Cups/Bottles for little ones

• Cutlery set for each person

• Lightweight Cutting Board (not a flimsy one)

• Flipper, Tongs, Mixing/Serving Spoon, Bottle Opener

• Sharp Knife x2 (I wrap them in the dish cloth and tea towel with an elastic around them and put them in a bag together before packing into the gear bag)

• Camping Stove with Gas Canisters (Even if you love to cook over the fire it's important to pack a stove in the case of rain, or a sudden fire ban)

• Pots & Pans

• French Coffee Press

• Ove Gloves (or oven mitts)

• Lake Eco Dish Soap (not for use in lake)

• Dish Cloth & Drying Cloth

• Duct Tape

• Tin Foil (for using on grill when cooking veggies etc)

• Paper Towels (In a large ziploc bag to avoid getting ruined from water)

• Ziploc baggies (a few large and small, very useful for keeping things dry if it's a wet trip, putting your map into, or putting leftovers away etc)

• 2 Green garbage bags + a few smaller Kitchen catcher garbage bags for collecting garbage around site and covering things to keep dry if needed.

• Matches/Lighters (Packed in a ziplock bag to keep dry. I typically pack an emergency lighter and matches in our 1st Aid Kit too)

• Pelican Case for valuables e.g. cell phones, car keys, permits, wallets

CAMPING TOILETRIES: 3 Day Family Trip

• Eco-friendly shampoo/body wash (for shower, no soaps are safe for lake use)

• Hair Brush

• Toilet Paper (2 rolls, in separate large ziploc bags to avoid water damage + backup)

• Portable Fold Up Potty (much easier than trekking to the outhouse in the dark)

• Sunscreen, Aftersun

• Bugspray, Afterbite, Bug Jacket, Tick Kit or Tick Remover

• Diapers

• Baby Wipes (for easy hand and face wipes etc)

• Swim towels (Turkish towels and travel towels pack well)

• 2 Face Cloths

• 1st Aid Kit *Get My Downloadable Complete Family First Aid Kit List!

OPTIONAL ITEMS: 3 Day Family Trip

• Baby Carrier (eg. mesh water sling, favourite regular use carrier *consider what carrier would be ideal if you need to rock/walk your little one to sleep in it, backpack style etc.)

• Hammock

• Solar Heated Camping Shower

• Binoculars

• Utility Knife

• Camera

• Cards/Dominos/Travel Backgammon

• Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

• Books

• Picnic Blanket

• Water Toys (Boats, Pails & Shovels)

• Rainy Day Activities *Check out some great ideas in Part 2 of Camping with Kids

CLOTHING: 3 Day Family Trip

• 2 Bathing Suits & UV Shirts (or full piece UV suits)

• 2 Pants

• 2 Shorts

• 3 T-Shirts

• 2 Long Sleeve Shirts

• 1 Sweatshirt

• 2 Socks

• 3 underwear

• Rain Coat & Pants (or full piece rain suit)

• Brimmed Quick Dry Sun Hat

• Sunglasses

• Wet Shoes (eg. Keens)

• Dry Shoes (eg. Running Shoes)

Hope this list helps you have a great time in the outdoors. Happy Camping!

Care

This post is not sponsored but I have linked some of our absolute favourite pieces of gear in case you're looking for some. *Please note that we backcountry camp for about 3 days eg. portage and paddle in site with no running water, no flush toilets, no electricity etc. If you're planning a less rugged trip, feel free to scale back and omit some of these items or pack in any bags or bins you have. You will need to add some items if you're planning a longer or more rugged trip. 

Keeping Our Kiddos Safe In Summer - Preventing, Recognizing & Treating Overheating & Dehydration

Summertime is so much fun with little ones, but it can also be a dangerous season if we don't consider how to keep our little ones cool and hydrated during extreme heat. Babies and young children have a smaller amount of liquid in their body, so dehydration can progress more quickly than in adults. Additionally, babies and young children can't sweat as well as adults, so they can have a hard time cooling their bodies down once they begin to heat up, putting them at higher risk of overheating. That's why it's very important to keep a close eye on your little ones on hot and humid days. Most of the time we can recognize the early signs and symptoms of dehydration and overheating (heat exhaustion & heat cramps) and work to prevent any serious issues. If ignored, these can progress to Heat Stroke and Severe Dehydration - which are a medical emergency and life threatening. 

As a CPR & Safety Instructor and mom of 3, I get lots of questions about keeping kids safe from the sun and heat in the summer months. So today, I'm sharing a few tips on keeping your kiddos safe from the sun, and preventing overheating and dehydration. Plus how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses, and what to do if you're concerned about your little one. 

How to Keep Littles Safe In the Sun: 

• It is recommended that babies under 6 months old stay out of the sun, and sunscreens are not recommended. If you absolutely can't keep baby shaded from the sun, a small amount of sunscreen is typically safer than sun exposure to their sensitive skin.

• Cover up as much skin as possible with light loose breathable clothing

• For kids and babies over 6 months use a broad spectrum sun screen of SPF30+ daily on exposed skin, and don't forget to reapply frequently. This is my current favourite

• Use a brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses (if your little will keep them on!)

• Stay in the shade as much as possible

• Use UV protective clothing and swim suits

• Use umbrellas to create shade

When parents are concerned about sun exposure they often cover their baby completely, putting them at a much higher risk of overheating. Here are some tips to reduce that risk and keep babies & big kids safe on hot days. 

How to Reduce the Risk of Heat Related Illnesses:

• Stay home on heat/smog advisory days, or head to air conditioned spaces e.g. libraries, community centres, shopping centres

• Dress in light breathable natural fabrics

• Play outside before 10am & after 4pm when the sun is less intense

• Play in the shade

• Use a sprinkler, water mister, or fan to stay cool

• Encourage hydration throughout the day. Breastmilk/Formula are the main forms of hydration for infants under 1 year, but a small amount of water is appropriate if you're concerned about their fluid intake on a hot day. Clear fluids like water and coconut water are ideal. You can flavour water with fresh fruit for a nice change. Popsicles are also a great way to hydrate and stay cool. Kids can get distracted when having fun, so make sure you stop regularly for hydration breaks.

• Eat foods with high water content eg. watermelon, cucumbers, cantaloupe, blueberries, oranges etc

• Never leave a baby, child or pet in a parked car, even for a moment. A parked car can reach life threatening temperatures within minutes.

• When out and about with your stroller or car seat avoid using plastic sun covers, and never fully cover your baby. A few years ago a Swedish research study showed that a covered stroller or car seat can become dangerously hot very quickly, even with a light muslin blanket. If you are using a stroller cover, please ensure it's a UV protective breathable mesh cover, or ensure you don't cover the entire opening. Always prioritize air flow to baby.

You should always be able to see your baby's face without lifting up the fabric. Oh hot sunny days I use a set of Kiddie Clips to hold a light weight blanket in place which creates good sun cover for Penny's bare legs, but does not block the air circulation to her face. If you're ever draping a blanket over a car seat please ensure there is adequate air flow and that baby is always visible. (*Special offer from Kiddie Clips below)

• If you're babywearing try to choose a carrier made of a lightweight breathable fabric like linen, or one with a mesh panel to allow air flow. My favourite in the summer months are my Sakura Bloom Linen Ring Sling and my new I-Angel Hip Seat Carrier with mesh panel. If you or baby is getting too hot make sure you take a break and remove baby from the carrier to cool off in the shade or inside. *These are only 2 examples of carriers which are ideal for summer wearing. I always encourage parents to "try before you buy", as you never know what will fit you and your babywearing needs best until you try it with your own baby. Join me at my monthly FREE Babywearing Drop In to learn more about babywearing, or to try any of my carriers.

Even when we follow these recommendations overheating can happen in our extreme climate. Learn the signs and symptoms below so you will know how to recognize heat related illnesses early, and treat them to avoid an emergency.

Signs and Symptoms of Overheating and Dehydration:

• Change in behaviour eg. lethargy, drowsiness, irritability

• Muscle Cramps

• Decreased urination/dark yellow urine

• Headache

• Extreme thirst

• Nausea/Vomiting

• Cool, clammy skin

• Weakness/Fainting

• Fever

• Rapid breathing & heart rate

What to Do If You Notice Concerning Symptoms: 

• Bring person to a cool place indoors, an air-conditioned car, or shady area

• Remove excess clothing

• Encourage hydration (clear, non-caffeinated, non-carbonated liquids are best)

• Apply a cool wet cloth to skin *Here's one of my fave mom hacks for summer. If we're headed out on a long summer day trip I always plan ahead and freeze a few water bottles in the deep freeze the night before. The frozen bottles stay cold late into the day and keep the rest of the food/drinks cool. They can be used to hydrate, but can also be applied to the back of the neck/wrist, or thawed cold water can be poured over a piece of fabric for a compress, to help cool someone off if need be.

• With mild symptoms continue to encourage hydration and monitor closely.

• If they are refusing liquids, and symptoms are not improving or becoming more serious, contact your health care provider or head to a clinic to get health care immediately.

• Always call 911 if situation becomes life threatening (eg. overheating or dehydration causing rapid breathing, a true fever, increased heart rate, fainting, unresponsiveness)

I hope these tips make you feel more confident caring for your babes in our hot summer months. In my experience parents focus so much on their little ones well being, and often forget about their own. So here's a friendly reminder for all parents, and especially the nursing mamas out there, to up your hydration during the summer months so you to keep up with the increased hydration your body needs.

If you want to learn more about keeping your family safe throughout the year check out my Infant/Family CPR & Safety Workshops (Private in-home and public group classes available). As a little gift please use code: sunsmart10 for 10% off your own set of Kiddie Clips. Please post any questions or comments below, and let me know if you have any topics you would like me to cover. 

Care

IN THIS POST: 

Ollibaby Kiddie Clips *10% off code: sunsmart10    |    I Angel: Grey Chevron Hip Seat Carrier    |    Tiny Trendsetter: Chambray Bonnet & Saltwater Sandals    |    Diaper-eez: UV suits, Baby Sunglasses *10% off code: Withcare   |    Sakura Bloom: Linen Ring Sling     |     Uppababy Vista Stroller    |    Bonjour Baby Baskets Little Unicorn Official Strawberry Blanket 

*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.

From Caterpillar to Butterfly - Take Part in Junction Wings: Deadline April 30th!

Every spring our family takes part in the most fun community fundraiser ever - Junction Wings! Basically it's the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar (without the inappropriate food choices) come to life in your very own home. 

For only $10 you get a caterpillar in a little container with some caterpillar food (we always get a few. Think of it as an insurance policy so you can avoid a disappointed kid). Your fuzzy friend(s) will remain in the little cup eating until they're nice and big and tired. Then it will attach to the lid of the container and spin it's cocoon. At this time you can move the container lid with the attached cocoon to an appropriate butterfly habitat (stay tuned on a post about butterfly enclosures coming soon). 

About 10 days later a beautiful painted lady butterfly emerges.

Your butterfly will need to remain in the butterfly habitat for a few days while it's wings dry out and it gains strength. 

Then it can be released outside. The whole experience is so magical and such a fun activity to do with your kids. We look forward to this event every year and are so excited that it's almost time to bring a few hungry caterpillars home. 

If you live in the city and are willing to drive to the Junction to pick up your little fuzzy friend(s), you are more than welcome to take part in this event. Simply Buy Your Caterpillars Here by 9pm on Sunday April 30th, and stay tuned for pick up dates and locations in May. 

Can't wait to share our creative caterpillar names this year. Past years have included : Carolyn Sinclair, Banana and Chickaletta. Who knows what winners the kids will chose this year. Stay tuned, and make sure to share your caterpillar adventures (#junctionwings) so we can all follow along. 

Care

Awesome Summer Pop Ups in the 6ix!

The city is bursting with summer fun and a few of my favourite online stores are having amazing summer Pop Up Shops, so I thought I would share the details. 

Pop up shops have become such a fun way to meet amazing online retailers & small local vendors, and get a chance to see the products up close and in person. Plus they often come with exclusive offers that can't be beat! Check out these 2 great upcoming sales!

1. The Toronto Urban Collective

Voted as one of the Best Summer Markets, The Toronto Urban Collective brings together a collection of the city's finest local artists, craft makers, photographers, designers and artisan chefs. With dozens of beautiful vendors to meet, products to see, and delicious food to taste, this is a summer event you don't want to miss! 

This year our friends Amelie & Max will be at The Toronto Urban Collective showing off their carefully curated line of beautiful and sustainable clothing, skin care and decor for the whole family.  *Use Promo: MOVIEMOM for $10 off purchases over $50 

Sunday August 7th 11AM - 6PM
The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at
the Toronto Reference Library
789 Yonge Street 

More Info or to Buy Tickets 

2. Family Friendly Summer Pop Up Shop

This FREE family-friendly Summer Pop Up Shop is hosted by our good friends Bonjour Baby Baskets, Minimodel Gallery & Emily D Photography. With over 70% off on beautiful clothing, toys and decor for baby and kids, plus free lemonade, face painting, balloon twisting, photo sessions & Awesome Giveaways, this is definitely an event you want to add to your calendar. 

August 12 & 13 10AM - 5PM
August 14 12PM - 6PM
Real Estate Homeward Brokerage
2035 Danforth Ave

More Info

Hope you have fun checking out these awesome summer sales. I know I will!

- Carolyn

My 7 Tips & Tricks For Camping With Kids – Part 2 of 2

Thanks to everyone who read Part 1 of My Camping with Kids Series My 6 Top Must Haves For Camping With Kids.  Today in Part 2, I’m sharing My 7 Tips & Tricks for Camping with Kids. 

With a few decades of camping trips under my belt, and a couple of years now with kiddos in tow, I have managed to come up with a few things that I hope help you on your next camping adventure.

My 7 Tips & Tricks for Camping With Kids
 
1. Pack in Ziploc Bags: Although we try to minimize how many plastic bags we use at home on a daily basis, ziploc bags are great for packing for camping. They keep things clean and dry and can be reused after the trip. Pack a bag for each category eg. a bag for toilet paper (plus an extra emergency roll); a bag for sunscreen & bugspray; a bag for books & cards etc.

*Please Note: Anything valuable eg. Cell Phone, Camera, GPS, should be kept in something that is guaranteed to be waterproof like a Pelican case. 

2. Freeze Water, Wine & Juice: When you’re camping with kids a cooler of some type is usually necessary. To save space and weight, freeze your water bottles, tetra packs of wine and juice boxes, and use them as freezer packs to keep your dairy, meat and produce cold for a few days. Works like a charm. 

3. Make Baggie Pancakes: We love to make banana blueberry pancakes while camping. To keep it simple I pack the mix (homemade or store bought) into a large ziploc freezer bag and write how much water to add on the outside of the bag. When it’s time to make breakfast I add the water directly into the bag, toss in a ripe peeled banana, zip it up, and have fun mushing it all around. When mixed and ready, I cut a hole in the corner of the bag and squeeze out the mixture onto a hot greased pan. I recommend adding the blueberries by hand, as they tend to block the hole, and if the hole is made too big your mix will pour out too fast.

Cook over the fire or on a camping stove & watch your kids devour them.

4. Pack Clothes You Don’t Mind Getting Dirty: Camping is really really messy. Way messier than you think. Plus campfire smell is pretty strong and can stay in fibres for a long time, even after being laundered. In order to embrace the mess that comes with camping, you need to ditch your kid’s favourite fancy duds at home and bring breathable, comfortable, dark coloured clothes that your kids can have fun in.

5. If You Don’t Have The Gear, Borrow It Or Rent It: If you’re lacking a specific piece of equipment and can’t afford to invest in it right away, reach out and see if any friends or family can loan it to you. Another amazing option is the MEC Equipment Rental. For only a few dollars a day you can rent tents, sleeping bags & food barrels, as well as additional gear for water sports, climbing, snow sports etc. It’s a great option for those needing a short term piece of gear.

6. Keep Snacks Accessible At All Times: Kid’s get hangry (hungry + angry), especially when you’re on the go. Make sure to keep some protein rich snacks and water close at hand, so you can feed them at all times. It’s no fun listening to a kid scream for an entire paddle, portage or hike cause they’re suddenly STARVING!!! Everyone on the lake will thank you for this one.

7. Be Prepared for Emergencies: Minor bumps, bruises, cuts and burns are bound to happen when you’re out exploring the wilderness. Being prepared with a proper 1st Aid Kit is important, but it’s also essential that you know how to deal with some of the more life threatening emergencies that can come up. As a Heart & Stroke Foundation Instructor I highly recommend taking a 1st Aid & CPR Course from an accredited group every few years. Shameless Plug: Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to register for one of my scheduled workshops, or are interested in having me come to teach a workshop for a group in your space (email care@with-care.ca). I offer live and virtual CPR & safety workshops for families, the general public, employees & health care providers. 

I hope My 7 Tips & Tricks For Camping With Kids help you and your little ones have fun & stay safe on your next family adventure. Check out my Complete Family Camping List to help you pack for your next big adventure. Happy Camping!

– Care

My Top 6 Must Haves For Camping With Kids - Part 1 of 2

My hubby and I both grew up loving camping, and have been camping together since we started dating 10 years ago. We have now successfully completed canoe trips while 34 weeks pregnant with a toddler in tow, and recently this July with our 2 little ones, ages 4 years and 21 months. I recognize that camping is not for everyone, but for those of us who love it, there is nothing better than introducing your kids to the great outdoors through a fun family camping trip.

Camping is always a messy adventure, but one we would never trade. Heading into the backcountry gives us a much needed break from technology and work. Time to slow down, enjoy nature, and spend a few days connecting with our kids & the simple pleasures of life. Some of our best family memories have been made camping, and it's amazing to hear our little guy already counting down the days to next summer's trip. He's a camper at heart and it makes his daddy and I so proud.

In order to enjoy camping it's important to prepare in advance and pack well. There are lots of camping packing lists available online (I promise to share mine one day soon), but I want to focus instead on a few key pieces of equipment that I believe can make your family camping experience a great one.

My Top 6 Must Haves for Camping with Kids:

1. Family Size Mattress - Sleep is central to having fun with kids, no matter where you are, so don't forget this key piece of equipment. Last summer we upgraded and purchased the MEC Super Reactor Double Size Mattress and we LOVE it! No more rolling off of our single sized mattresses onto the floor of the tent and no more cold drafts. Plus it rolls up and stores relatively small for a family size mattress (red cylindrical bag in photo) and offers excellent comfort. So worth it!

2. Baby Carrier - Tossing your kiddo up onto your front or back (depending on age, carrier, skill etc) can be a great way to keep them safe while walking a portage, around water or to keep them away from fire or sharps at mealtime prep. If your little one is used to being rocked to sleep at night, walking along the water with the sounds of the waves is a great way to lull them to sleep before transferring them into your tent. *Please make sure to wear supportive shoes while babywearing, especially on uneven ground, to avoid falls.

3. Bug Shelter - Ontario summers are pretty buggy and little ones can have a terrible reaction to bug bites (as we found out this summer with our little Lucy). In order to enjoy our meals and have a place to escape the bugs we always bring our MEC Hootenanny Bug Shelter. It was a big purchase initially, but one that has definitely been worth it on our recent trips. I can't even imagine how many bites Lucy would have had without it!

4. Headlamps - It's freaking dark in the wilderness at night (unless you happen to go camping during a full moon), so be prepared with some good lighting. Headlamps make everything easier, especially when you're dealing with messy kids. Having handsfree while changing a dirty diaper in the dark, or trekking out to the bathroom with a little one at night is so essential. Plus kids LOVE them! *Make sure to check your batteries before each trip and pack a few extras just in case.

5. Booster Seat - Feeding little ones can be a difficult task while camping, so to make it easier bring along a collapsable booster seat. They clip easily onto picnic tables found at most camp sites and mean you can keep baby off your lap while eating so you can enjoy your meal too! Lucy loved it on last years trip.

6. Rainy Day Activities - Although you hope to get perfect weather while camping it can't be guaranteed, so make sure to pack some fun rainy day activities. MEC has some amazing resources on their Camp Big site for families, including some great colouring & activity pages you can print and bring along. Some other great activities that we like to pack include travel board games, cards, board books, play doh and a few toy cars packed in the car caddy I made Ben years ago. You don't need to go overboard but definitely want to be prepared.

I hope my Top 6 Must Haves for Camping With Kids help you in your camping adventures this summer! 

Check out Part 2 of this series My 7 Tips & Tricks For Camping With Kids, plus get my Complete Family Camping List & my Downloadable Family 1st Aid Kit List

- Care

Shopping With Care - Bridge the Bump!

Welcome to Shopping With Care.  For my 1st instalment I am super excited to bring you a product that I absolutely LOVE! Bridge the Bump Maternity & Babywearing Coat Insert.

Some people would consider this product a frivolous purchase, but I consider it a must have! Our Canadian climate makes it impossible to walk around for several months of the year with your coat open to accommodate your growing pregnant belly or baby & carrier, especially during this epic polar vortex!

Pregnancy & Babywearing coats on the market are extremely expensive and most people have already invested in a winter coat that they want to continue wearing, not one that can only be used temporarily. Bridge the Bump provides the perfect solution, a user-friendly zip in panel that adapts your regular coat to be worn while pregnant or babywearing.

Such a smart design that works flawlessly for Bump or Baby!  

We've been all over town in this baby!

I've been using my Bridge the Bump virtually everyday for the last 4 weeks and am completely obsessed with it. It has made my winter babywearing life so much simpler (and cozier for me and Baby L!) Now when I want to go out I just pop Lucy directly into her carrier with booties and a hat (note: no screaming fight to get said toddler into a snowsuit!!) and do up my coat comfortably around the 2 of us. Game changer. Seriously, so worth it!  

Why I Love It

• Encourages attachment & babywearing in winter, which is almost always easier than battling a stroller in the snow. *Please make sure to wear proper footwear while babywearing

• Open top vs. hooded design, allows for baby's face to remain visible & kissable at all times. Something that is very important to me as a CPR Instructor & Babywearing Educator.

• Works for Pregnancy & Babywearing!

• High-end fabric choices *Matches my Canada Goose almost perfectly

• Custom colours and fun prints available

• Zippers to accommodate almost every coat on the market

• Designed and created by 2 Bloor West Moms! You really can't beat that for shopping locally.

Where Can You Buy Bridge the Bump?

•  Directly from Bridge the Bump

• Love Me Do Baby & Maternity Boutique in Liberty Village

• Diaper-eez in Bloor West Village

• This Little Piggy in Parkdale

Don't waste anymore time being cold this winter. Get out and grab a Bridge the Bump and stay cozy until spring arrives. I've heard it's going to be a late one this year. Hope it's not true!

I really hope you enjoy this product as much as I do and would love to hear any feedback about your Bridge the Bump. If you need any advice or support with Babywearing or assistance choosing baby products please don't hesitate to contact me at carolyn@fifty-seven.ca

- Care

Pain Free Gardening

We wanted to share this great post about Pain Free Gardening that our amazing Physiotherapist Liz Frey wrote earlier this spring. It definitely still applies as summer rolls in, our gardens continue to grow & our backs continue to ache : ) 

As the last bit of snow finally disappears many Torontonians will be eager to get working in their gardens; however, unless you have been diligently exercising over the winter your muscles may not be ready for the heavy lifting, bending and reaching positions involved with gardening. It is at this time of year we see an increased amount of clients with low back pain, hip pain and knee pain because of the stress gardening can place on your joints and muscles.

Gardening is a goal-oriented activity where people find themselves focused on the outcome -the beautiful display of flowers and greenery rather than pacing themselves to enjoy the process. Commonly, gardeners tend not to pace themselves; they become over zealous when purchasing flowers and want to have all of them planted in one day. I advise my patients to vary the tasks they perform -no more than 20 minutes at one activity before moving to another task and to take a water break every hour. This will decrease the stress on one muscle group. If your garden is large, then choose a section of the garden that you are going to work and leave other parts for another day. 

I also recommend a light stretching routine prior to picking up a shovel or trowel - this will warm up the muscles, helping avoid strains and sprains as well as muscle soreness the following day.  

If you are working at different heights then use aids to help decrease strain on your lower back. If you are working at ground level, use a kneeling pad so you can comfortably work the soil on all fours rather than bending from the waist. If you are working above your head, then use a step stool rather than reaching out of your comfort zone.

When faced with heavy loads, I recommend using a wheel barrel for transporting the load. Lift small amounts more frequently rather than one heavy load. As well, keep the load close to your body, bend from your hips and knees, aiming to keep your back straight while lifting through your legs -your back will thank you!

When doing rotational motions such as sweeping, raking and shoveling try to move your feet rather than twisting your body or using jerking motions. Most people are somewhat stiff through there mid back and twisting motions or reaching beyond your comfort zone can cause unnecessary pain.  

Finally consider a gentle walk for cooling down and some light stretches before hitting the shower.

Remember that gardening can be an excellent form of exercise; however, the combination of flexibility, strength and endurance required can be a lot for your body at the beginning of the season. If you are experiencing pain please follow up with a physiotherapist or your doctor. Listen to your body, pace yourself and happy gardening!  

- Liz