Register NOW for Complimentary Halloween Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies Humber Cinema

I know it feels like we just got through the back-to-school rush, but it’s time to plan for Halloween! Getting a sweet pic of your little one in their costume is such a fun way to mark each holiday. Since it’s not always easy to snap a great pic, I let the professionals do all the hard work. If you want to get a beautiful professional photo this holiday season join me for one of my 2 sessions of Complimentary Halloween Mini Sessions with Anchor Studio at Movies for Mommies at the Humber Cinema. Photos will take place pre-show from 12-1pm on Monday October 1st and Monday October 15th. (Movies TBD, I will update this as I know what’s screening).  Sessions are complimentary for Movies Attendees (You must purchase a movie ticket to be eligible for these sessions), and high resolution digital images can be purchased for $25/file. 

Space is extremely limited for these sessions and always fills up fast, so please don't wait to register. Send an email to care@with-care.ca indicating which date you prefer, and a session time will be emailed to you. If all sessions are booked I will give you the option of being added to the waiting list. 

These are a few of my favourites from our previous Halloween sessions with Anchor Studio.

I love that Silvia still got a beautiful fall inspired shot when my preschooler refused to put on her costume.

Don't forget that Anchor Studio is one of my partners and offers 10% off to my clients. Just mention With Care when you book your session. 

Hope to see you at the Movies! 

- Care 

**Please Note: Sessions are for Movie attendees only. Send an email to care@with-care.ca indicating which date you prefer, and a session time will be emailed to you. If all sessions are booked I will give you the option of being added to the waiting list. *

New Mom Project Donation Collections Are Back! - Check Out The Schedule

Fall is here and it's officially time to clean out all the extra stuff you have laying around your house before winter arrives. If you have any new or gently used baby clothes or gear to donate please come by one of my monthly donation collections for the New Mom Project. 

Supporting the New Mom Project means helping families in our own city who desperately need assistance in securing resources for their baby. All clients of the New Mom Project are referred by their Prenatal Primary Health Care Provider (eg. Midwife, Family Dr, OB) and are genuinely in need, so you can feel good knowing that your donations are really making a difference. 

Please check out the details below for a full schedule of donation collections, and to find out what is, and is not, accepted.

Upcoming Donation Dates: Please email care@with-care.ca for the residential drop off address (Jane & Annette). **Please note: With Care can not provide pick-up services or accomodate alternative drop off times**

• Thursday September 13th, 2018 12pm-7pm

• Thursday October 11th, 2018 12pm-7pm

• Thursday November 8th, 2018 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday January 15th, 2019 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday February 19th, 2019 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday March 19th, 2019 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday April 16th, 2019 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday May 21st, 2019 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday June 18th, 2019 12pm-7pm

Items Accepted for Donation:  

• New & gently used baby clothing from 0-12 month sizes (including onesies, sleepers, pants, dresses, socks, shoes, snowsuits & hats)

• Baby blankets

• Baby carriers (in good working order, without recalls)

• Newborn & Size 1 diapers (open packages accepted)

• Wipes (only unopened packages)

• Baby bath products (only unopened packages)

• Small infant toys (0-12 months)

• New bottles & formula (only unopened packages)

• Bumbo Seats/Bouncy Seats/Play Mats/Baths

• Highchairs *please check recalls

• Strollers *please check recalls

• Cribs *No drop sides, please check recalls

• Nursing Pillows

Although we would love to accept all donations, The New Mom Project is a volunteer based organization and is only capable of handling donations for infants 0-12 months. Please check this list before making a donation.

*Items Not Accepted!

• No maternity clothes

• No toddler/preschooler clothing, gear or toys

• No used car seats

• No used breastpumps or open bottles

• No opened wipes packages

• No opened or expired formula

Please Contact The New Mom Project Directly with any questions about alternative donation collection times or special pick ups. 

Thanks for your generosity! Hope to see you at one of my upcoming collections. 

- Care

Family Water Safety 101 Video - Deep Water & Boating With Infants & Young Children

Water safety is a topic I have been teaching in some capacity for decades. In my teens I was a lifeguard and swim instructor, and now I teach CPR and Safety to families. So when I saw a recent facebook post from a babywearing company (that I have always respected and recommended) depicting a very dangerous scenario of a babywearing parent on a dock at a sail boat - with a caption that implied that they were headed out on the water while babywearing - I decided a little video was in order. Please watch this to find out why babywearing on boats is never an option, and how to prepare your little ones to climb aboard and stay safe in deep water. Watch it Now!

Here is a helpful document from Transport Canada that sums up the law, and what is the most appropriate plan with an Infant onboard a boat. It can be found on the Salus Marine Wear Website.

You can also read the recently released Canadian Drowning Report from The Lifesaving Society & Learn More about their Swim to Survive Standard. Swimming is a life skill and one that all children should learn, so let's make sure swim lessons are always a priority. 

Please feel free to comment below with any questions or topics you would like covered in future videos and don't forget to Subscribe to my channel. 

- Care

In this Post:

Salus: Infant Bijoux (9-25lbs), Child Nimbus (multiple sizes 20-90lbs) & Adult Comfort Fit (multiple sizes 90lbs+) PFDs as seen in video. Sold locally at Love Me Do Baby & Maternity     |     Little Zen One: Mesh Wraps and Ring Slings for Shallow Water Use     |     Transport Canada: How to Choose Lifejackets or Personal Floatation Devices     |     Canadian Paediatric Society Caring For Kids: Water Safety For Young Kids   |     Sick Kids About Kids Health: Watery Safety & Drowning Prevention     |     Lifesaving Society: Canadian Drowning Report 2018

*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.

**The information in this video is meant to help you learn about water safety. Please always refer to your local boating regulations to ensure you are following the law on the water. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such. 

Forward Facing Babywearing 101 - Safety, Ergonomics & Carrier Styles, What You Need To Know

As a mom of 3 and a Babywearing Educator I get a ton of questions from parents in my community and online about appropriate positions to babywear. So I wasn't surprised when Nikki Bergen, local mama and creator of The Belle Method, contacted me to answer some of her own questions about forward facing babywearing. I met with Nikki in her home and we went over the most important things to consider when planning to forward face your baby. We chat safety, ergonomics, carrier styles, and I even give my top babywearing tip! Watch the video to learn more. 

***Disclaimer: As a Babywearing Educator I always recommend inward facing, hip, and back carries as the most ergonomic for parents and babe, but when a parent chooses to forward face, my job is to help them do it in the safest and most ergonomic way possible, not to judge or shame them. There is no solid evidence that shows that short periods of forward facing babywearing cause hip dysplasia or improper spinal development. Please remember that what one parent decides is right for them and their baby, might not be the same as what you would decide, but that does not make them a bad, careless or uneducated parent. 

Don't forget to join me at my next FREE Community Babywearing Drop In at West End Mamas on September 18th. It's a great way to try some new carriers and learn how to use your existing carriers safely and comfortably. If you want some more personalized help contact me directly (care@with-care.ca) about my Private In-Home Babywearing Consultations & Workshops. 

Please note that if you're feeling any pain, pressure, or discomfort while babywearing you should always reach out to a pelvic floor physiotherapists to help assess the situation. Here in Toronto West End Mamas has an amazing team of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists ready to help (I speak from personal experience), so make sure to give them a shout to set up an appointment. They offer on-site childcare, plus mention With Care for 20% off your 1st wellness service.

Don't forget to check out The Belle Method to learn more about Nikki's amazing online exercise programs designed to support your pelvic floor and core throughout pregnancy and postpartum, plus her incredible local classes in Toronto. You can also watch a recent video we made together where Nikki shares her Top 3 Pregnancy Exercises. 

Please feel free to comment below with any questions or topics you would like covered in future videos. Happy Babywearing!

- Care

In this post:

West End Mamas: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists, Get 20% off your 1st Service when you mention With Care    |    Little Zen One: Beco Gemini Carrier as seen in video. Plus they are getting the Tula Explore in stock soon, it also provides a Forward Facing Option (Use Code WITHCARE for $15 off purchases over $100 at Little Zen One)  |   Love Me Do Baby & Maternity: Sells the Lilibaby Complete All Seasons Carrier which also provides a Forward Facing Option      |    Ergobaby 360, also provides a Forward Facing Option   

*The information in this video is meant to help you learn about safe babywearing. Please always refer to your particular baby carrier manual to ensure proper and safe use. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such. 

*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

Top 3 Pregnancy Exercises With Nikki Bergen Of The Belle Method

Staying active in pregnancy is so important for your overall health and wellness, but expectant moms are often scared because they don't know what's safe and effective. Enter Nikki Bergen, Creator of The Belle Method, a program that combines Pilates, Yoga, and Dance inspired fitness, and is geared specifically toward women. These exercises are designed to help pregnant and postpartum women stay connected to their pelvic floor and minimize diastasic recti (separated abdominal muscles).

Nikki and her team offer classes and private sessions across the GTA, plus a series of amazing online programs focusing on safe exercises for the 1st, 2nd & 3rd trimester of pregnancy, as well as the 4th trimester, the postpartum period. So she seemed like the perfect person to go over some safe exercises in pregnancy with. 

Watch our video to learn Nikki's Top 3 Pregnancy Exercises that can be done in the comfort of your own home.  Plus don't forget to Subscribe to my channel to stay up to date of all of my upcoming videos. 

Please comment below with any questions or topics you would like covered in future videos, and don't forget to check out The Belle Method. 

- Care

In This Post:

Nikki Bergen: The Belle Method      |     Recycled Handmade Bag: La Patria      |      Care's Workout Gear: Old Navy

Watch My Family 1st Aid Kit Video + Get My FREE Downloadable List

As a CPR & Safety Instructor I talk a lot about First Aid Kits. Plus, as a mom of 3 high energy kids (going on 4 this fall) I use my first aid skills pretty frequently. While there are lots of amazing pre-made kits in stores, most of them don't come with medications included (vs. in the US where they typically are included) so make sure you check what's inside to confirm before relying on it in an emergency.

You can put together a fairly simple DIY kit for family use with some items you can easily get online, or from your local grocery store or pharmacy. Watch my video to see my basic First Aid Kit for everyday use with a young family whether around your home, cottage, camping, or on a trip.

Make sure you click the link below to get my Downloadable 1st Aid Kit List, so you can create your own 1st Aid Kit for all of your family adventures. Plus don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to stay up to date on all of my newest videos. 

If you want to learn more about my CPR & Safety Workshops click here. You can also email me directly (care@with-care.ca) if you would like to arrange a private in-home CPR & Safety Workshop. 

Don't hesitate to comment below with any questions, or send along ideas of contents that you like to include in your own 1st Aid Kits. I always love to hear new ideas.

- Care

In this post: Details of contents can be found in the comments of the YouTube video. Please click the link here to see the products featured. 

*The information in this video is meant to help you learn about first aid and safety. It is not intended to override the instructions given to you by your health care team. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such. 

Watch My New Video to Learn More About With Care

It's hard to believe that this summer marks 5 years of running my business. Throughout the last 5 years I have been honoured to educate and support over a thousand local families. In addition to teaching classes and workshops, my goal for the next phase of my business is to bring my educational and inspirational content online to a wider audience. I made this video with Anchor Studio to give everyone an idea of what they can expect from my YouTube Channel and Blog. I would love if you would watch and subscribe to my channel.

Please feel free to send along any topics you would like covered. I have some amazing collaborations coming up this summer and fall, so stay tuned for lots of new content and some incredible giveaways! I appreciate all of the incredible support from the families I have worked with and can't wait to see where this new journey takes me.

- Care xo

P.S. If you're on Instagram I would love it if you could give me a follow.

Last Minute Summer Camp Registration for West End Parents *3 Amazing Discounts Included!

With only 3 weeks before school is out and summer vacation officially begins, it's time to lock down your camp registrations. I know there are definitely some parents that are scrambling to find something perfect for their kid, so I thought I would share these 3 awesome West End Camps that are sure to have something that fits every kid's summer camp wish list. Plus enjoy a discount for each camp, which is sure to please mom and dad. 

For The Kid Who Likes A Little Bit Of Everything - Check out Westside FUN Camp

If your little one loves to try everything, this multi-activity camp is perfect! Westside FUN offers day camp programs to kid's ages 4+ and has a great combo of activities, so every kid will have fun! Activities include: Sports, Arts & Crafts, Drama & Puppetry to name a few. Please note that Westside FUN only runs programs in July, so remaining space is Extremely Limited. Don't wait to register! Use code CARE40 for $40 off your 1st week at Westside FUN Camp!

For The Kid Who Loves To Create In The Kitchen - Check out Rooks to Cooks

My kids are obsessed with helping me in the kitchen, but sometimes it creates more chaos than it's worth. That's why I'm so excited for the kids to try Rooks to Cooks Camp this summer. Through Cooking kid's learn math skills, reading skills, organizational skills, team work, kitchen safety, and improve their fine motor skills. Plus they get to try out some new foods and expand their palate with a group of friends in a fun atmosphere, which is always great for picky eaters. Check out Rooks to Cooks and Receive 10% off registration with promo code 10withcare

For The Kid Who Wants to Dance The Day Away - Check out The Pointe Dance Centre

If you've got a little mover and shaker in your house, you should check out The Point Dance Centre. With programs for kids age 3-10 years old, this place has you covered. Camp for little ones age 3-6 years (half & full day program available) includes drama, dance, music and art. Plus big kids (6-10 years) can try out their Full Day Performers Camp that includes Acro, Tumbling, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet & Contemporary dance. Contact The Point Dance Centre at 416.763.1100 to Register & Mention With Care for 10% off Registration. 

Good luck on all the last minute camp registrations!

- 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