How To Use A Ring Sling With A Newborn

Getting the hang of a ring sling can take some practice, but they’re such great carriers once you do. I love ring slings because they’re super lightweight and fold up small making them perfect for tossing in my diaper bag or purse, so I’m always prepared while we’re out and about. Kind of essential with 4 kids ;)

Join me and my 5 week old baby Freddy to learn how to use a ring sling safely and comfortably. In this video I’m featuring a linen ring sling by Potter & Pehar. I absolutely love the soft neutral colour of this Elora sling, but to be honest it’s hard to choose a fav from their gorgeous collection. Potter & Pehar products are beautifully designed to simplify motherhood, and I love that they’re all made locally in Toronto. Plus the business is owned and run by two kick ass women (Shelley & Tina), who are always available for customer support via email, facebook, and instagram. I have several Potter & Pehar slings, and have personally used them with my babes and while teaching at my monthly Free Community Babywearing Drop In. This is definitely a biz that feels good to support. You can use Code WITHCARE10 for 10% off Potter & Pehar.

I hope you enjoyed my video. Please comment below with any questions, and let me know if you have any topics you would like me to cover in the future. Don’t forget to Subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay up to date of all of my new videos.

- Care

In This Post:

“Elora” Ring Sling: Potter & Pehar *Use Code WITHCARE10 for 10% Off | How To Thread A Ring Sling Video

*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

*The information in this video is meant to help you learn about safe babywearing. There are many ways to safely use a carrier, but I demonstrate how I typically teach ring sling use. 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. 

How To Safely Swaddle A Newborn - Video

I love helping families learn how to care for their babies and keep them safe. Since safe swaddling is one of my most requested topics, I thought I should make a little video about it. Join me and baby Freddy to learn about the purpose of swaddling, current health & safety concerns, and when it’s essential to transition baby out of a swaddle. Plus watch as I make my very own adorable baby burrito ;) If you have a baby on the way, or are caring for a newborn, this is a must watch.

Hope you enjoyed this video. Please feel free to comment below with any questions, and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel.

- Care  

In this post:

Swaddle blanket: Aden & Anais      |      Machine Washable ABC Rug: Lorena Canals    

*The information in this video is meant to help you learn about safe swaddling. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such. 

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.

Register NOW for Holiday Photos with Anchor Studio at Movies for Mommies Humber

The holiday season is fast approaching, so that means it's time to capture some adorable pics of your little elves. Anchor Studio Photography will be joining me at Movies for Mommies for 2 weeks to offer complimentary Holiday Mini Photo Sessions to movie attendees. Appointments will be scheduled between 12pm-1pm on each day (December 3rd & December 10th). Photo sessions are free and attendees have the option to purchase photos for $25/digital image (or a package). 

Space is very limited for these mini sessions, so please email care@with-care.ca to request a spot. Don't forget to let me know which day you prefer December 3rd or 10th. If the date you prefer is full I will offer you a time on the alternative day, or a spot on the wait list. These sessions fill up very fast, so please don't wait!

If you would like a longer session for your family holiday photos, please check out Anchor Studio’s sessions on Dec 2nd.

Here are a few of my favourite holiday photos from last year with Anchor Studio.

Movies being screened on Monday December 3rd and 10th have not been determined. If you would like to receive notice of our weekly screenings and special events please join the Movies for Mommies Humber Cinemas Newsletter 

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 and space is extremely limited. 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. 

Preparing Our Home For Baby 4 - Freddy’s Nursery Reveal

Baby 4 is on the way any day now (Edited to note that baby Freddy arrived on Thursday evening, just 5 hours after these photos were taken), and surprisingly this is the first time I’ve actually prepared an official nursery. I guess you could say that I want to soak up all I can with this last baby of ours.

For our little guys room I set out to create a clean and simple space with a calming colour palate and a little farmhouse feel. After weeks of working on it I’m so excited to finally show you the finished room…and in reality it’s not 100% done. I still need something beautiful and safe to accent the wall above the crib eg. won’t kill a baby if it falls on them ;) Please let me know if you have any ideas!

When I started this nursery I knew one of my main priorities was a comfortable place to sit, rock, nurse, and cuddle our babe. For our last 3 kids I have had less than ideal chairs, so getting a custom chair from Off Your Rocker was basically my dream come true. I love that this rocker was made locally in Belleville Ontario and can be totally customized to suit your preference for style, wood stain, and fabric, all at a reasonable price. I decided on the Jamestown Wingback in Battleship Grey Twill with Walnut stain and couldn’t be happier with my choice. Not only is it beautiful, it’s so comfortable! A perfect place to spend a few thousand hours over the early years of this baby’s life ;) If you’re in the market for a chair check out Off Your Rocker, and make sure when you place your order to choose "Store Pickup" & Mention With Care to Receive FREE SHIPPING to the GTA!

I wanted the nursery to have a little bit of a rustic feel so my husband and I did DIY shiplap on one accent wall and painted it white to match the rest of the room. It’s subtle, but I love the way it looks with our spindle style crib.

We were in desperate need of some fresh linens for baby 4. After 7+ years of use, our old ones were all completely done and ready for retirement. Keeping our baby’s space and the air he breathes as safe and clean as possible is very important, so I chose a beautiful organic waterproof crib mattress protector & organic crib sheets from my favourite online source, Organic Lifestyle. They have some absolutely gorgeous, eco-friendly and sustainable products for around the home. Perfect for holiday gift giving! Use code care for 15% Off your order from Organic Lifestyle.

I was set on farmhouse ticking curtains (stripped fabric seen above) but couldn’t find any that worked for our budget and time line, so I set out to make my own. I sewed blackout lined curtains and a matching crib skirt from beautiful classic nickel ticking fabric I found locally at Tonic Living.

I also refinished my childhood nursery dresser by sanding and painting it and adding new porcelain knobs. It was a pretty quick project and gave it a totally fresh look on a small budget.

Instead of going for lots of traditional wall decor I decided to decorate this small space with greenery and beautiful baby stuff, like our favourite treasures and my ring sling collection.

I absolutely love having my slings easily accessible on these gorgeous locally made wooden wall knobs. Perfect to grab and go whenever we need.

I’m so happy with how this space has turned out. I know it will be a calm and soothing space for us to care for baby Freddy. Even with the day-to-day chaos that is our busy home. Check out all the details for products featured in my nursery reveal below, and please comment with any questions.

- Care

In The Post:

Rocking Chair: Off Your Rocker *Choose "Store Pickup" & Mention With Care to Receive FREE Shipping to the GTA | Photos: Anchor Studio *Get 10% off when you mention With Care at Booking | Organic waterproof crib mattress protector & organic crib sheet: Organic Lifestyle *Get 15% off with code care | Care’s Maternity Clothing sponsored by Canadian rental box company The Sprout Collection: *Use Code Care20off for 20% off | Curtain & Crib Skirt Fabric: Tonic Living | Dresser Knobs: Overstock.ca | Rug: Overstock.ca | Dresser Paint Colour: Behr Frozen Pond | Wooden Wall Knobs: JB + DG | Black & Pink Ring Slings: Potter & Pehar *Use Code WITHCARE10 for 10% Off | Sand Ring Sling: Jr Foxes | Umbra Prisma Wall Decorations: Amazon.ca | Wooden Rattles: Bonjour Baby Baskets | Patouche Baby Bonnet: Little Zen One *Use Code WITHCARE for $15 off your purchase of $100 or more | “You Are Loved” Print: ATTN2Detail Designs | White Round Metal Mirror & Heart Marquee Light: HomeSense | White Wood Shelves, Wickers Planters, Hanging Planter & Baskets: Ikea | Herbal Sitz Bath & Lavender Mineral Soak: Tenth Moon

*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.

Packing For The Hospital - Labour & Birth: Video + FREE Downloadable Packing List

As I’m preparing for the arrival of baby 4 I thought I would share a New Video about Packing for Labour & Birth. As a Midwife & Childbirth Educator I am always asked about what to pack. Although not all of my clients deliver in hospital, everyone needs a bag ready, just in case. I suggest getting it out of the way early so you can feel prepared. Having your bag packed 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.

Watch My Video & Get My FREE Downloadable Packing List

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!

- Care

In The Post:

Care’s Sweater: Seraphine from Love Me Do | Bag: Amazon Prime | Back Massagers: Body Shop | Nightgown: Laura Ashley from Winners | Robe: Cynthia Rowley from Winners | Slippers: Ikea | Depends: Amazon Prime | Maternity Pads: Starkmans Heath Care Depot | Toothpaste: Toms | Natural Deodorant: No Pong | Arnica Gel: Boiron | Reusable Merino Wool Breastpads: Evymama | Disposable Breastpads: Medela | Nursing Bra: Bravado Body Silk & Seamless | Whale Sleeper: Kyte Baby | Hands Free Skin to Skin Device: Sleepbelt | Nuts, Trail Mix, Dark Chocolate, Fruit Water: Ikea | Granola Bars: Made Good from Costco

*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.

Self Care In Pregnancy: The Ultimate Indulgence - Ste. Anne’s Spa

As a busy mom of 3 (with my 4th on the way) it’s a rare treat to be able to pack my bags and head out of the city for a little R&R. When I do, I’m always reminded just how essential it is. Life as a parent can get so overwhelming. Taking a day to disconnect, breathe in the country air, and indulge your body, mind and spirit, is always worth it. My absolute favourite place, that's not too far from home, is Ste. Anne’s Spa. Located in the beautiful farmland of Grafton Ontario, the entire estate at Ste. Anne’s is a dream. I have visited a few times and have never been disappointed. The atmosphere, food, staff, and spa services are absolutely top notch.

During this trip I was joined by 3 of my lifelong girlfriends and it really was the perfect day together. My friends who had never experienced Ste. Anne’s were absolutely blown away by everything. We enjoyed a delicious and decadent lunch and high tea.

Took a scenic walk to the barns to get some fresh air and see the horses.

Enjoyed time in the heated pool (typically open until Canadian Thanksgiving).

And of course indulged in some amazing spa services. Since I’m 7 months pregnant I decided to try out a few of Ste. Anne’s signature treatments that are safe in pregnancy. I know for some pregnant mamas the idea of going to a new place and having a massage during pregnancy can be concerning. Ste. Anne’s does offer prenatal massage, which is generally safe in pregnancy (speak to your health care provider if you are a high risk pregnancy or have any concerns) but I thought I would highlight a few of their other safe treatments. The 2 treatments I had were absolutely amazing, and totally provided the relaxation I was dreaming of.

Essential Oil Scalp Rejuvenation

I have to start this by saying that I LOVE having my head touched. I wish someone would play with my hair every day. Now I know some people absolutely hate having their heads touched (I don’t judge you, but I also don’t understand you ;)…so please note this is not a service you will enjoy unless you like scalp massage.

During this 30 minute rejuvenating scalp treatment my hair and scalp was massaged with a delicious smelling essential oil/coconut oil mix, followed by brushing it through my long locks. They recommend you leave the oil on for 2-12 hours after your treatment, so this can be a messy affair, but the end result was the softest, shiniest hair ever, and some serious stress relief.

Firming Mud Facial

This treatment was such a perfect mix for a pregnant mama. It started off with a foot soak and scrub that felt amazing on my tired achy legs and feet, and was followed by an incredible firming mud facial. As someone who has very sensitive skin I love that the Ste. Anne’s line of skin care products are so natural and don’t irritate my face at all. The moor mud was so luxurious and it was a lovely treat to receive a soothing arm, hand and scalp massage while it was soaking in. By the time it was done I was in a totally blissed out state.

Every time I come to Ste. Anne’s I leave dreaming about when I can return. I would say that’s a good sign. Maybe next time I’ll convince the hubby to come with me and we’ll stay over in one of their beautiful rooms or cottages. A girl can dream.

If you’re interested in planning a trip to this little slice of heaven, make sure you sign up for the Ste. Anne’s email newsletter. You’ll receive updates on special offers at the spa, and hear about upcoming seasonal events. Whatever season you visit in, you’re sure to have an amazing time.

- Care

In The Post:

Ste. Anne’s Spa | Care’s Maternity Swim Suit: Amazon

*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.

What’s The Big Deal About Facing Rear? Learn About Safety, Anatomy and Myths Of Rear Facing Car Seat Positioning

It’s Child Passenger Safety Week, so it feels like the perfect time to talk about car seat safety. As a Child Passenger Safety Tech I know that every parent wants to keep their child safe, but the complexity of car seats and changing laws and recommendations can be very confusing for parents.

I’ve partnered with Clek to bring you a video about Rear Facing positioning, and why extended rear facing is so important for our little ones. This is something I get asked about all the time at my workshops, in my community, and online. I really hope this video sheds some light on why recommendations have changed, and in turn helps you make an informed decision that works for your individual family. Click to Watch

If you want to learn more about safe car seat and booster use, check out this great handout from the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada. Since all provinces and territories vary in their regulations you can get full details on current laws from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and a summary of other provinces and territories here. Plus you can access all of Transport Canada’s current recommendations here.

I hope you enjoy the video. Please comment below with any questions or topics you would like covered in the future, and don't forget to Subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

- Care

Resources In This Post:

Clek Foonf Car Seat: Available Locally at Love Me Do Baby & Maternity | Provincial & Territorial Car Seat Laws | Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada Car Seat Safety Brochure | Transport Canada Choosing a Child Car Seat or Booster Seat

*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 safe car seat use. Please always read your car manual and booster/car seat manual to ensure compatibility and proper secure installation and use for your child. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such.