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. 

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. 

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