How to Care For Your Kiddo’s Teeth + An Important Teething Safety Notice: Oral Health Month With The Bloor Clinic Kids

Caring for your little one’s teeth can be really hard. Not all kids love to brush and floss, and knowing how to keep their smile healthy is difficult for parents. Especially as you navigate the exhausting world of teething. That’s why I’m so excited to team up with The Bloor Clinic Kids Paediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for Oral Health Month this April.

With the help of one of their board-certified Paediatric Dentists, Dr. Regina Revuelta Perez, I’m answering 3 Frequently Asked Questions. Plus I’m discussing a very important safety notice for all parents with teething babes, and giving you one of my simple tricks for making teeth brushing fun for the whole family!

1. When Do I Need To Start Cleaning My Baby’s Teeth?

You can begin wiping your babies gums with a cloth (damp with water) wrapped around your finger at a few months old. This gets your baby used to having their mouth cleaned, gets parents in the habit of focusing on baby’s daily oral hygiene, and provides a clean environment for their primary teeth to erupt into. As soon as your baby’s first teeth arrive you should wipe their teeth and gums down with a wet cloth at least twice daily. Eventually you can switch to parent-led brushing with a paediatric size toothbrush (with water), and then supervised child-led brushing. Around 3 years old (or when your child can spit) you can begin using a small amount of toothpaste with fluoride. Even older children, who seem capable of brushing their own teeth, should be supervised and assisted to ensure all surfaces of the teeth are being cleaned properly. A lot of parents assume that baby teeth don’t matter because they will eventually fall out, but some primary teeth, like our molars, stay until around 12 years of age. So it’s very important to keep them clean and healthy.

2. When Should I Take My Baby To See The Dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends the “assessment of infants, within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth, or by one year of age. The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem.” Meeting with a dentist can provide important education for parents, so they know how to care for their child’s teeth, and when to reach out with any concerns. It also allows children to get used to visits to the dentist.

3. Why Should My Little One See A Paediatric Dentist? *Includes Our Personal Experience

Paediatric dentists do an extra 4 years of specialist training, which makes them very well equipped to care for infants, children, and people with special needs. They are trained to work very quickly, something that’s important since most kids have little to no patience ;) They also have special sized equipment needed to assess and treat your little one’s small mouth and teeth properly.

When we took our son Ben (now 7.5 years old) in for his first dental checkup we went to our regular dentist. They did his cleanings for 5 years, however when it came time for x-rays we started having problems. Our initial dentist’s office didn’t have the appropriate size equipment for paediatric x-rays, and the large pieces would cause my son to gag and almost vomit. After several failed attempts to get the x-rays done I saw my son’s anxiety and fear about the dentist rising. I didn’t like the stress it was causing him. I was also feeling a ton of anxiety as a mom, because no successful x-rays had been done. I decided I needed to find a better option, so I reached out to The Bloor Clinic Kids, a new full service Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics clinic at Bloor & Islington.

The staff answered all of my questions, helped me get a predetermination done with our insurance company, and booked our 2 bid kids in as new patients within a few days. I was amazed that they were successful in getting all the x-rays we needed in just 1 quick appointment. Ben even raved as we were leaving the office “this is the best dentist ever!” I was so relieved that it went so well and that there wasn’t a single cavity for either kid. However, we did find out that our daughter Lucy is missing her adult incisors (which my dad and I are also missing, thank goodness for modern day dentistry!). We know she will have a very long dental journey ahead of her, so I’m very relieved to know that we have the amazing team at The Bloor Clinic Kids to help us along the way. Especially since they provide orthodontics on site too. It’s nice to know they’ve got us covered for it all. If you need some help with your little one’s smile reach out to their incredible team info@thebloorclinickids.com or (437) 774-8225. They will be more than happy to help answer all of your questions, and get your dental needs sorted out.

Teething ***IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE!***

Teething can be a long a hard process for some babies. Click here to read about 6 of My Favourite Teething Remedies. Please always remember that Orajel/Baby Orajel teething products should NEVER be used. The presence of benzocaine in these products can lead to a rare but fatal condition called methemoglobinemia (Health Canada Warning). In addition any local numbing agent could numb their throat making it difficult to breath, or increasing the risk of choking. There are many other remedies that can help with the discomfort of teething without being dangerous.

Finally, I want to share with you one of my parenting tricks that helps make teeth brushing fun in our home. We love to sing Brush Your Teeth by Raffi in a very jovial way. Our kids absolutely love it. Check it out if you don’t know the song. Wishing all the parents good luck brushing teeth tonight.

- Care

In This Post: The Bloor Clinic Kids Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is located at 3250 Bloor St West Unit 112 in Toronto at Bloor & Islington. Contact info@thebloorclinickids.com or (437) 774-8225 with any questions.

*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 that I genuinely love and want to recommend.

Join Me At The Total Mom Show + 2 Ways To WIN Tickets! + 15% OFF

As a busy mom it’s so easy to get caught up in placing our children’s wellness ahead of our own, and forgetting to give ourselves the time and attention we need to thrive. That’s why I’m so excited to be taking part in The Total Mom Show this February. An incredible local event that is geared toward educating, supporting, and celebrating Moms. Sounds pretty amazing to me!

There’s so much going on at this show that I thought I would break it down and give you all the details, plus a chance to WIN some tickets, and get a sweet discount!

The Total Mom Show is unlike any other out there for moms. The 2 day festival will feature immersive activities, expert speakers, vibrant panel discussions, and two interactive floors of local vendors focussing on all things mom. Participants can indulge in some epic pampering in the Face Forward Zone. Simply pre-book your appointment via the Total Mom Show App and enjoy a treatment at the show. Once you’re sufficiently relaxed you'll want to check out the Recipe For Life Zone for a variety of healthy and delicious eats. Then head over to the Mom Life Hacks Zone to learn how to make your busy mom life a little easier.

Another amazing part of The Total Mom Show is The Total Mom Pitch Contest! If you have a great business idea, or could use some help with your small business start up, you need to apply. The contest will take place on day 1 (February 9th) and will give 5 chosen applicants an opportunity to present a 5-7 minute pitch to a panel of successful entrepreneurs. The winner will receive a cash prize, as well as complimentary services from the amazing panel of judges. This is an incredible prize, so make sure to enter & let your mompreneur friends know, so they can apply for a chance to WIN!

Tickets to The Total Mom Show are on Sale, but don’t wait too grab yours! There are a limited number of VIP BAGS left + Limited spots available in the Face Forward beauty Lounge. Use Code @with_care15 for 15% off your ticket.

After telling you all these amazing things, I thought it was only fair to give away some tickets! I’ll be doing a giveaway for a pair of tickets (valued at over $100!) on my Instagram, so head over and ENTER for your chance to Win! Plus come to Movies for Mommies at the Humber Cinema on Monday January 14th (Aquaman) & 21st (The Upside) to be entered for a chance to WIN Tickets to The Total Mom Show. Movie starts at 1pm and doors open at 12:30pm.

Hope to see you on Monday at the movies, and at The Total Mom Show in February.

- Care

A Helping Hand for Busy Moms From Fisher-Price® & Babies “R” Us Canada - NEW Video

As a mom of 4, I know all too well the realities of busy mom life. Especially with a newborn in the house! That’s why I love finding baby gear that gives us moms a little helping hand. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love snuggling, cuddling and babywearing my little ones, but sometimes a mama needs a break. Having a few moments with your hands and body free to get stuff done is pretty amazing, and it’s even better when your little one is cozy and content. The Fisher-Price® My Sweet Little Lamb Swing & Bouncer, created in collaboration with Babies “R” Us Canada, does just that. It gives us busy moms a safe place for baby to hang out while we do all the fun stuff, like fold laundry and empty the dishwasher ;)

The best part is that Fisher-Price® thought of everything with this set. You can choose what works best for your individual baby. Nature sounds, music, rocking side-to-side or back-to-front. Plus they really hit the mark with a machine washable insert. Something that I know all moms will appreciate when that first poozaster strikes!

For all these reasons and more, I can’t recommend this line enough - especially for new moms. In fact, I recently had the opportunity to sit down with a new mom to share why I love these products so much - from a professional and fellow-mom opinion.

Check out this video to see our chat.

Fisher Price® My Sweet Little Lamb Swing, Photo Credit: Anchor Studio

And, don’t forget to check out the Babies “R” Us Registry online. It is so simple to register, and once you do you’ll receive a baby swag bag, plus you’ll be entered to win a $500 gift card at Babies “R” Us! As a bonus, if you create a registry with 25 items or more and sign up for emails, you’ll receive a $25 coupon. Win Win!

I can’t believe our 4th little one is finally here. Freddy is loving his Sweet Little Lamb swing, and this busy mama is definitely appreciating the helping hand.

- Care

Fisher Price® My Sweet Little Lamb Swing, Photo Credit: Anchor Studio

In The Post:

Fisher-Price My Sweet Little Lamb Plush Cradle Swing & Deluxe Bouncer: Babies “R” Us Canada | Care’s Sweater in Video: Seraphine from Love Me Do | Ashley Marie Bloomfield: Website, YouTube, Instagram | Photo Credit: Anchor Studio | Care’s Dress & Sweater in Photos: The Sprout Collection

*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 that I genuinely love and want to recommend.

Modern Mama Social - GIVEAWAY! Enter for a Chance to WIN 2 Tickets + Prize!

I don't know about most of you mamas out there, but getting out for a night out with friends is a rare event for me. So when I heard that my friends Freda (owner of Bridge the Bump) and Christine (owner of Olilibaby ) were hosting a fun evening out I knew I had to score a ticket. The Modern Mama Social isn't just any typical night out. These ladies have thought of it all, right down to the dream mom venue...Anthropologie of course ;) 

Guests will receive a beautiful swag bag filled with sample products and discounts from local vendor, access to amazing Guest speakers and Incredible Vendors (See below). Plus delicious food from PaintBox Catering & Bistro Company, and limited complimentary wine and non-alcoholic drinks. 

Since this sounds like such a great night out, I thought it was only fair that I share some tickets with my readers. Check out the details below and Enter for a chance to Win a Pair of Tickets for you and your BFF to attend The Modern Mama Social. Plus get an adorable handmade bib from Made by Song that you can pick up at the Social. 

Here are some details about the evening...

Modern Mama Social Guest Speakers & Workshops

Shira from Stop Drop & Makeup will be talking about "the 5 minute face," helping us choose the right lipstick for the season, and offering mini makeovers.

Roselyn of Style Forage will be showing us capsule wardrobes and the "wardrobe essentials to take you from office to dinner". Plus answering any style questions you have. 

Linda Tommasino, Registered Nutritionist from The Wholesome Kitchen, will be inspiring everyone to cook well, eat well and nourish well, even during the busy holiday season. She will have a variety of mini nutrition talks, plus be available for your nutrition questions.

Becka Orgill Toner, Life & Career Coach from Ignite Your Inner Spark works with women across North America to help them navigate the complexities of career and motherhood with greater fulfillment. She will be helping us Ignite Our Inner Spark

Modern Mama Social Vendors & Specials

With a curated group of local vendors and some amazing Exclusive Offers this event is the perfect place to pick out gifts for the holidays...and maybe a little something for yourself. You deserve it! After all, we're usually the ones doing all the spoiling. Here are a few of the vendors who are planning to be there. 

Henkaa Designs will be providing an amazing prize at The Modern Mama Social of 1 Monogram Multiway Bag with Travel Change Pad + $150 gift card to Henkaa. Total value $250! 

Bridge the Bump will have their coat extensions for you to try on just in time for winter. I love that these are locally designed and made in Toronto. Don't sacrifice the comfort and style of your own winter jacket, plus stay nice and cozy with your bump or baby. (full review) *Bridge the Bump will have an Exclusive Offer on Grey Coat extensions. For this evening only, purchase a grey coat extension for $75 (regularly $90). 

Olilibaby will be helping save parent's sanity with their adorable and functional Mitten Clips. Perfect stocking stuffers! Get them for a Special Price of 2 sets for $20 at the Modern Mama Social. 

Made by Song will be selling her beautiful handmade bibs, taggie toys, rattles and teethers. Plus Kathleen from Made by Song will be launching a new bib design at the show. *Special Offer on Bibs at the Social 2 for $20. One Made by Song Bib is included in this GIVEAWAY! 

Bonnefetti will be showing of their gorgeous paper products including their one of a kind wine tags, and featuring a beautiful new collection of holiday cards at a special price! A perfect compliment to your holiday gifting. 

If you want to join us for this fun night out on the town Enter NOW for a chance to WIN a Pair of tickets to The Modern Mama Social ($90 value) + an adorable handmade Bib from Made By Song ($15 value). 

To Enter simply comment below with your name and email address, or alternatively you can comment below and submit your email address to care@with-care.ca for entry (You must comment below to be entered via the blog). Plus, make sure to check out my Instagram feed for additional ways to enter! Contest is open to anyone in the Greater Toronto Area who is 18+ and closes Wednesday November 22nd at 11pm EST. A winner will be chosen at random and contacted within 24 hours. Good Luck!

If you don't Win tickets you can Purchase Tickets Here for $45 per attendee. **If you purchase tickets between Thursday November 23rd and end of day Saturday November 25th $2 of your ticket price will be donated to the ShoeBox Project. So don't wait! Get your tickets. Space is limited and this is sure to be a lovely evening.

Care 

*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. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend. 

Simple No Knead Artisan Bread

I often yearn for fresh baked bread as the fall weather settles in and we start making more soups, stews and warm hearty meals. My mom introduced me to Artisan bread baking years ago when I was in university, but at the time I didn't truly appreciate how amazing and easy the method was. Last week a fellow babywearing Instagram mom of 3 @ellerowley (owner of Sollybaby Wraps) shared her favourite simple artisan bread recipe and it peaked my interest. I had to try it. **Please note: the original recipe used is no longer available. Here is a similar 4 ingredient no-knead artisan bread recipe version.

Last night I made a batch of dough (a 5 minute process that involves mixing 4 ingredients with a spoon, no kneading!), I let it rise overnight, and today I baked it. All I can say is, you won't be disappointed if you make this bread. It is absolutely delicious. It has a perfect crusty shell with a soft light centre that melts in your mouth. Plus your house will smell like a french bakery. Mmm...

I baked the bread it in our Le Creuset Enamel Cast Iron French Oven. I was concerned about the handle of the lid and couldn't find solid advice on whether it could withstand the 475 degree temp, so I decided to play it safe and used tin foil to cover the pot instead. It worked brilliantly. Hope your family enjoys this bread as much as ours did. 

Happy Baking!

- Care

*In case you need something to go with your bread...Here's a delicious Roasted Squash Soup recipe from a few years ago that is still a favourite in our house. Enjoy!