Indy’s Baby Magazine is published annually. Copyright 2024 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary, or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more, visit indyschild.com
Samantha 9 months old
MY FAVORITES
SNACK: Puffs
FOOD: Bananas
BOOK: Baby Beluga
TOY: My Sit to Stand Walker!
ANIMAL: Sheep PLACE TO VISIT: Holliday Park
I LOVE
Going on walks with my mom, dad and two dogs!
PHOTOGRAPHER GC Photography gcphotography.com
“The days are long, but the years are short.”
I read that sentence at some point during the early years of parenthood, when my babies — now 10 and 13 — were actual babies. It was when I was in the thick of nursing around the clock, baby-wearing nonstop, and sleeping when my babies slept. It felt like this period of life was always going to be like this…
…but now here I am. I’m a mom with an almosttween and a full-blown teenager who is six inches taller than me. The years are definitely short, and they go by in the blink of an eye.
Yes, babyhood goes by quickly, and Indy’s Baby is here to help you make the most of it! We have tips, ideas and resources all throughout this magazine. Looking for baby-friendly places to visit with your little one? Check out “Ultimate Indy Baby Bucket List” on page 20 for attractions, parks and classes that are perfect for
pint-sized pals. Need to brush up on your baby first aid? Turn to page 12 for “Essential First Aid Tips for Babies and Toddlers” to learn the basics, and find suggestions for places to get hands-on guidance. This and lots more await you in the pages of this magazine.
May your long days of babyhood be filled with love and cherished moments to look back on for years to come!
Mom of two boys
indy’s kids
We asked our readers to send in shots of their little ones enjoying their favorite spot in Indy, and the response was overwhelming! Here are just a few of the adorable photos we received.
, age 2 in Spencer, Indiana
months
16 months at Michael’s Playground
Palmer, age 1 in Indiana State Fair
Andrew
Amelia, 18
at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Maeve,
Charlie, 20 months at the Indianapolis Zoo
Teddy, age 1 at home
Avianna, 6 months at Holiday World
Guinevere, 10 months at Newfields
Birdie, 22 mos at Fountain Square
John, 10 months at home
Jonah, age 1 at Saint John Vianney Church
tiny
WEIRD
Newborns can’t laugh. They develop that skill at around 3 months old.
Babies are born with taste buds on their tonsils and at the back of their throat.
Babies are born with natural swimming skills and can hold their breath underwater 1% THAT’S HOW FAST A NEWBORN’S BRAIN GROWS, PER DAY, FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF LIFE.
#TRENDING
BAMBOO BABY ‘FITS
Bamboo clothing is prized for being buttery-soft, hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. Buckle Me Baby Coats makes cute bamboo jammies featuring adorable prints, with extendable sleeves and footies to accommodate growth spurts.
BABY MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES
No time to cook? Meal delivery services offer a convenient option for parents who want to serve their babies nutritious dishes but can’t spend hours in the kitchen. Cerebelly, Little Spoon and Tiny Organics are three of the more popular services exclusively for babies and toddlers.
NATURE-INSPIRED NAMES
According to Nameberry.com, Hoosier parents are choosing nature-inspired names more than parents in other states. Names like River, Jasper and Atlas are trending for boys, while Willow, Ivy and Iris are more popular than average girl names in Indiana.
Essential FIRST AID TIPS
FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS
Learning the basics can help your little one in an emergency situation.
Being prepared for emergencies and knowing how to respond can make a lifesaving difference for your baby. Here are some handy infant CPR and first aid tips to know.
BASIC INFANT CPR
The American Heart Association recommends the following steps for infant CPR.
Assess the Situation: Check for responsiveness by gently tapping or shaking the baby and calling their name. If the baby is unresponsive, check for normal breathing. Place your cheek near the baby’s mouth and nose to feel for breaths. If the baby is not breathing normally, it’s time to start CPR.
Call for Help: If you are alone, start CPR for about 2 minutes, then call for emergency medical help. If someone else is with you, have them call for help immediately while you start CPR.
Perform Chest Compressions: Place the baby on a firm surface and begin chest compressions. Use two or three fingers in the center of the baby’s chest, pressing down about 1.5 inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Open the Airway and Give Rescue Breaths: Tilt the baby’s head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway. Cover the baby’s mouth and nose with your mouth and give two gentle breaths, watching for the chest to rise with each breath.
Repeat Cycles of Compressions and Breaths: Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until help arrives or the baby starts breathing on their own.
RESPONDING TO INFANT CHOKING
Choking is a common emergency for infants, especially as they explore their world and put objects in their mouths. Here’s what to do if your baby is choking.
Assess the Situation: If the baby is coughing, encourage them to keep coughing to clear the obstruction. If the baby is not making any noise or struggling to breathe, take action immediately.
Perform Back Blows and Chest Thrusts: Give up to five back blows between the baby’s shoulder blades with the heel of your hand, followed by up to five chest thrusts using two fingers in the center of the baby’s chest.
Call for Help: If the baby becomes unresponsive, call 911 and begin CPR.
FIRST AID TIPS FOR PARENTS
All parents should have a few basic first aid skills, because you just never know when they may come in handy.
Burns: Run cool water over the affected area for 10-15 minutes for minor burns. Seek medical attention for more severe burns.
Cuts and Scrapes: Clean the wound with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage if needed.
Head Injuries: Apply a cold pack to the area for 10 minutes. Observe the child carefully for the next 24 hours. If you notice any worrying signs, such as vomiting, severe headaches or loss of consciousness, seek medical help.
Poisoning: If you suspect your baby has ingested something harmful, call poison control (1-800-222-1222) and seek medical attention immediately. Seizures: Place your baby on a soft surface, remove nearby objects, and call for emergency medical help.
INFANT CPR + FIRST AID CLASSES
Learn from the professionals at an in-person or online class.
The American Red Cross offers CPR and first aid classes, including courses specifically tailored to infant CPR and first aid. Visit their website to find a class near you.
Local Hospitals
Hospitals often host CPR and first aid training classes for parents and caregivers. Riley Children’s Health (rileychildrens. org) and Franscican Health (franciscanhealth.org) are just some of the many Indianapolis hospitals that offer classes.
Indiana Safety and Health
indianasafetyandhealth.com
Indiana Safety and Health offers comprehensive CPR classes, which focus on adults, children and infants.
Indianapolis EMS indianapolisems.org
Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services offers CPR classes to the public. Contact them for more information.
Online Resources
If you can’t attend an in-person class, online CPR and first aid training programs are available. The American Heart Association (cpr.heart.org) and the American Red Cross (redcross.org) both offer online courses that cover infant CPR and first aid.
Taking the time to learn these vital skills can make a difference in the health and safety of your little one. By being prepared and informed, you are empowering yourself to provide care for your baby in the event of an emergency.
BEYOND THE BASICS:
QUESTIONS YOU DIDN’T KNOW to Ask Your Pediatrician
Take these with you to your baby’s next doctor visit.
It’s time for your baby’s pediatrician visit. You might have a list of common questions prepared, but there are also some other important questions that you might not have considered asking — questions equally important to keep your little one healthy and safe. Here are some questions to consider asking at your baby’s next doctor visit.
EATING
“What important nutrients does my child need at this stage of development?”
“Are there any specific foods I should be adding to my child’s diet?”
“How can I encourage healthy eating habits and manage picky eating?”
SLEEPING
“How much sleep should my child be getting at this age?”
“What can I do to set healthy sleep habits for my child?”
“What are common sleep issues in children, and how can I prevent them?”
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
“What important physical milestones should my child be reaching at this age?”
“Are there any activities I can do with my baby to help their physical development?”
“How much playtime should my baby get for their age?”
EMOTIONAL + SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
“At what age should I begin to work on my baby’s emotional and social skills?”
“What are the advantages to play dates at this age?”
“Are there resources available to help me with emotional and social concerns?”
ALLERGIES
“What common allergens should I be aware of?”
“What are the signs of allergies or sensitivities in babies?”
“Are there things I can do to minimize the risk of allergies in my child?”
SAFETY
“What safety hazards should I be aware of at this age?”
“Are there specific safety guidelines I should follow in our home or when we are out and about?”
“What steps can I take to prevent accidents and injuries in my child?”
EARLY INTERVENTION
“What are the benefits of early developmental screening for my child?”
“Are there local programs or services that offer developmental screening and early intervention for infants?”
“How can I help my child receive the appropriate support and interventions if they have developmental delays?”
BABY’S FIRST DENTIST VISIT
What to expect at this important first appointment.
There it is — your baby’s first tooth! It’s a big milestone, and a sign that your little one is growing up so fast. That little tooth peeking out is just the first of 19 more baby teeth to come. Now is the time to commit to good dental care, including brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly.
Scheduling the First Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. If possible, schedule your baby’s dentist appointment in the morning, so they are alert and fresh.
What to Expect
What happens at your baby’s first dentist appointment depends on their age and if they are experiencing any dental issues. In general, you can expect that the initial visit will be like a well-baby checkup for the teeth, according to the AAPD.
Your baby’s first visit to the dentist will be mostly a chance to introduce your child to the idea of going to the dentist. Most of the visit will be focused on getting your child comfortable with the sights, sounds, tools and people at the dentist, including the dentist and hygienists. Most likely, it will last about 30 to 45 minutes.
The dentist will examine your baby’s teeth and mouth. During the exam, the dentist will check your baby’s teeth for decay, examine your child’s bite, and look for any potential issues with their gums, jaw and oral tissues, according to Cleveland Clinic. Then, the dentist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride. To make this process easier for everyone, you might opt to sit in the dental chair and hold your baby during the exam.
Questions to Ask
A pediatric dentist visit is also a great time to ask questions about dental-related topics, like bottle tooth decay, teeth cleaning, pacifier habits, finger-sucking, proper nutrition and many others. Your baby’s dentist wants your child’s teeth to be as healthy as
possible, so come armed with your questions.
Dental Hygiene for Babies and Toddlers
In between regular dental visits, daily dental care should be part of your baby’s routine. According to Cleveland Clinic, that includes habits like:
Wiping your baby’s gums with a soft cloth.
Brushing baby’s teeth twice a day.
Using floss once your baby has two teeth that touch.
Discouraging thumb sucking.
Avoiding bottle feeding in bed.
Weaning from a pacifier around their first birthday. Switching from a bottle to a cup when your baby is about 18 months old.
Limiting sugar in your child’s diet.
A baby’s first dentist visit is all about making sure their teeth stay strong and healthy as they grow up. By visiting the dentist early on and making regular visits, babies can grow up to be adults with bright, healthy smiles.
Navigating Childcare
IN INDIANAPOLIS
Know your options before you need to return to work.
Returning to work after maternity leave can be challenging for new parents. But having reliable childcare in place can make the transition smoother. With a wide range of infant care options available in Indy, it’s important to do your research to find the best fit for your family.
HOW TO FIND CHILDCARE
One of the best ways to find childcare recommendations is by word of mouth. Ask your parent friends, talk to other parents at the playground, ask your child’s doctor, or post a question in a local online parenting group. A nanny agency can also help you find an infant caregiver who is qualified and has already had a background check. Another option is to do an online search to find day care centers that are licensed in the state of Indiana at in.gov/fssa/ childcarefinder.
WHEN TO START LOOKING
It’s never too early to get on the waiting list for a good group day-care center. Those that accept infants are in high demand, so start looking when you’re in your second trimester. To hire a nanny or find a spot at a good in-home day care, you’ll want to start looking at least two months before you plan to return to work. And if you are going with a relative, ask them to watch your baby while you are still on maternity leave, to help you work out any kinks in the new arrangement.
GROUP DAY CARE
COST: $$-$$$
PROS: A day care center is often a great option for working parents because they are typically reliable. For parents with a commute, day care centers often have the most flexible hours for early drop-off or late pick-up. Another perk is that kids get to socialize with others their age under the care of trained childcare workers.
CONS: Most centers won’t care for a child who is ill, so you might have to have a backup childcare option. Also, most day care centers require parents to adhere to the center’s dropoff and pick-up schedule, even if work runs late.
IN-HOME DAY CARE
COST: $-$$
PROS: In-home day care can be a more nurturing choice. There are typically fewer kids than at a group day care, which means less exposure to illnesses. Also, the cost is typically a lot less.
CONS: You have to work around the individual’s schedule. Which means if they’re sick, have a family emergency, or go on vacation, you will need to find a backup.
NANNY
COST: $$$-$$$$
PROS: Hiring a nanny to look after your child in your own home is probably the most convenient childcare option. Your child is in their familiar surroundings, they get lots of oneon-one attention, and you don’t have to worry about drop-off or pick-up.
CONS: Convenience comes with a cost, as this can be the most expensive option. With a few children at home, though, it may make financial sense. Some friends may go in together and share a nanny for multiple kids. And if the nanny gets sick or decides to move on from the role, a family could find themselves suddenly without a backup plan.
FAMILY MEMBER
COST: $-$$
PROS: Having a relative care for your child can be the most cost-saving option of them all. Some relatives will do the duty for free or for very little money. There’s also the added benefit of lots of time for your baby and the relative to bond.
CONS: Communication is key to avoid sticky situations or hurt feelings if the arrangement doesn’t work out.
ultimate indy BABY BUCKET LIST
Tot-friendly places to visit when you want to go out and about with your baby.
Get ready to explore Indy with your baby! Here are some awesome spots around town to discover.
FUN ATTRACTIONS
THE BUSY BEE PLAY CAFE
5635 W. 96th St., Suite 200, Indianapolis
The Busy Bee has an impressive indoor play structure, with an area exclusively for children 6 and under. Babies and toddlers can play in the playful pretend village, chug choo-choos around a massive train table and delight in a number of sensory toys. Parents can savor gourmet coffee and snacks at the cafe, which is within sight of all the action.
CARTER’S PLAY PLACE
1021 Kendall Ct., Westfield
A truly inclusive play place for children of all abilities, Carter’s offers specialized play
equipment in their indoor play area, as well as occupational therapy services for all ages. There are areas designated especially for babies, as well as equipment like trampolines and zip lines that older siblings can play on.
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
Every day at The Children’s Museum, families can participate in programs developed specifically for children ages 0 to 5 held within Playscape, located on Level 3. The programs — Experiencing Art Together and Making Music Together — are first-come, first-serve, and included with general admission. The museum also offers exclusive family programs for preschoolers that explore fun topics like slime, paleontology and STEM. These programs require an additional fee and advance registration.
DIG DIG FOR KIDS
12800 Ford Dr., Fishers
Dig Dig is Indiana’s largest indoor sandbox, and the perfect place for tots who love to play with sand. The space is filled with toys designed for scooping, dumping and excavating, plus lots of trucks and construction vehicles. Parents are encouraged to jump in and play, too!
INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Multiple locations
The Indianapolis Public Library offers lots of free workshops and storytimes for children of all ages. Programs such as The Wiggle & Bounce Family Time
with Kindermusik and the Tales
‘n Play Storytime are created especially for children ages 0 to 5 years. They also offer animal meet-and-greets and animal shows with Silly Safaris, family sing-alongs and more. Check out the program schedule online at indypl.org
INDIANAPOLIS ZOO
1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
A trip to the Indianapolis Zoo can be a magical experience for even the youngest baby. Babies will see and hear the animals from their storybooks come to life on a trip to the zoo.
PERFECT PINTSIZED PARKS
COXHALL GARDENS
This beautifully manicured garden in Carmel has lots of things to see from the stroller, including ducks in the pond and outdoor statues. Bonus: There’s a Children’s Garden in the park with a small playground and play houses.
GARFIELD PARK
Stroll along the paths at Garfield Park until they lead you to Blake’s Garden — an outdoor garden space designed for kids. Then head inside the Garfield Park Conservatory and marvel at all of the tropical plants and waterfalls housed inside.
HOLLIDAY PARK
The huge playground at Holliday Park includes equipment just for little ones. Don’t forget to stop at Habitat Hall, located inside the Nature Center, where you’ll find hands-on, discovery-based activities for all ages.
PLAY POCKET TRAIL
Greenwood has some of the best baby-friendly parks around! All along Greenwood’s Main Street, you’ll find a stroller-friendly trail featuring four separate playgrounds, each with their own theme. The playgrounds offer fun stops while walking on this beautiful Greenwood trail.
TARKINGTON PARK
The playground at Tarkington Park is perfect for little ones, with gently rolling hills, musical instruments, and a slide big enough for a parent to slide down alongside their tot. During the summer, the splash pad is a cool place to play, with calm water features that bubble up from the ground.
PARENT-CHILD CLASSES
DEVEAU’S SCHOOL OF GYMNASTICS
Parents can introduce their babies and toddlers to the world of movement and exercise.
Kids will learn very basic gymnastics skills, but the major focus of the class is on motor skill and social development. | deveaus.com
AQUA-TOTS
It’s never too early to introduce your child to the water! Swim lessons are a great way for parents to bond with their children while teaching them all about water safety. Parent-child classes start at 4 months. | aqua-tots.com
GYMBOREE PLAY AND MUSIC
Gymboree classes are designed for early childhood development. Through play, your child is challenged physically, socially and cognitively, building crucial skills to support a lifetime of learning. Parent-child classes start as early as 0 months. | gymboreeclasses.com
KINDERMUSIK
Children thrive on music! It’s one of the best ways to help young children learn. Kindermusik takes musical learning to the next level. Classes are offered in multiple locations around Indy. | kindermusik.com
