CityParent – Baby Guide – Spring 2024

Mary

Jaye

Marilyn

Lauren

bringing home baby

What you should know as a first-time parent

When I had my first baby, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. Looking at this little bundle of joy was like a dream come true. I was young and confident, thinking I could handle anything. But then doubt crept in, and I realized it was going to be tough. However, I reminded myself that women have been raising babies for ages.

Bringing home a newborn can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with some preparation and knowledge, you can navigate this new chapter with confidence. As a mother of four, I’m here to share some important points about sleep, waking hours, feeding, changing routines, bathing, and introducing pets to your little one.

Sleep

Understanding your baby’s sleep patterns is crucial for both of you. Creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment is key, like using a firm crib mattress and avoiding loose bedding. Establishing a consistent sleep routine with regular nap times and a calming bedtime routine is important. Be aware that babies don’t know the difference between day and night, and the sooner you start, the better it will be.

Waking hours

Newborns sleep a lot, but they also have periods of being awake. It’s important to engage with your baby during these awake times by talking, singing, and making eye contact.

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The home environment is an ideal setting for safe, nurturing childcare focused on the individual needs of each child.

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Tummy time is also great for strengthening their muscles and promoting development. As your baby grows, you can start exploring age-appropriate activities to stimulate their senses and encourage their intellectual growth.

Feeding

Feeding your newborn is a crucial part of their growth and development. If you decide to breastfeed, it’s important to reach out to a lactation consultant or ask for assistance before leaving the hospital. There are two ways to feed your babyone is every 3-4 hours, and the other is feeding on demand. Pay attention to your baby’s hunger signals, and you’ll quickly learn to recognize them.

Diaper changing

Now, let’s discuss changing your baby. This will be a frequent task with a newborn. Remember to maintain good hygiene during diaper changes, such as washing your hands and using gentle wipes or washcloths. This will help prevent diaper rash and potential infections. A clean baby is a happy baby, so don’t be surprised if you must change them multiple times within minutes.

Bath time

When it’s bath time, use mild, baby-friendly products and check the water temperature before placing your baby in. To make bath time stress-free, keep all the necessary items within easy reach.

Pets

Lastly, many households have pets. If you have a pet, ensure they are well-behaved and trained. If possible, introduce

your dog to the baby’s scent by giving them a blanket or clothing item that the baby has used. This will help your dog associate the baby’s smell with something positive.

As you spend time with your baby, involve your dog in the activities. It can be as simple as having your dog sit nearby while you feed or play with the baby. Always supervise their interactions and reward your dog for good behavior. With patience and positive reinforcement, your dog and new baby can become the best of friends!

Believe me, the first twelve months may feel challenging, but I found it to be the easiest stage. I absolutely loved the 0 to 12-month phase. It’s not hard, just busy and as a new mother, fear not, your instincts will kick in quickly to your baby’s needs. Loads of advice will be offered, however you and only you will know what your babies’ needs are.

So, don’t worry, you got this! BG

Preemie & Petit Lem

BY MARYLENE VESTERGOM

Atypical pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks, but when the delivery happens before 37 weeks, it’s known as a preterm birth, and the baby is called a preemie.

Did you know approximately 30,000 babies are born prematurely every year in Canada? According to the Canadian Institute of Health Research, “Preterm birth accounts for nearly two-thirds of infant deaths in Canada and is associated with increased morbidity throughout the life course and subsequent adult-onset chronic disease. In addition to these health effects, preterm birth has social and financial impacts on the affected individuals and their families.”

It’s not surprising parents of preemies are at a higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

With the help of the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation (CPBF), this parent-led charitable organization provides education, advocacy, and support for families dealing with premature birth both in and outside of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With emotional swings of helplessness and fear, it’s important parents of preemies understand that they’re not alone. CPBF offers peer and professional support to ensure parents gain confidence and feel prepared to care for their babies in the NICU and at home.

That’s why the recent collaboration of Petit Lem, a sleepwear brand based in Montreal, with the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation, is important to families of premature babies.

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Feltman Brothers

Have your little one dressed in timeless and stylish pieces for any occasion with the Feltman Brothers latest spring collection.

For more styles & pricing please visit feltmanbrothers.com BG

Vintage Bloom Day Gown From

the Vintage Bloom collection. A timeless style made with handstitched embroidery and lace. The beautiful collection has matching accessories (sold separately) for a baby boy or girl.

Pointelle Wrap Set with Hat

This classic vintage-inspired knit set is perfect for your little one. With its timeless pointelle design, it’s perfect for any occasion - whether it’s baby’s first trip home, a special event, or a thoughtful gift.

Boys Wave Smocked Romper

The baby romper is ideal for spring. It features intricate smocking and embroidery, which are all hand stitched.Made of lightweight and breezy cotton, it is suitable for spring weather.

Pointelle Jacquard Knit is available styles for girls, boys, and baby. The Jacquard Knit set features a vintage-inspired pointelle design, a timeless ecru colour, and a charming, fluted collar.

Boys Sailboat Sweater Set

This outfit has an heirloom style and consists of a knit, hand-embroidered top, paired with breezy woven pants and a matching woven collar. A two-piece set for baby boys that is suitable for the spring season. Also comes in a pink daisy.

Ombre Knit Set

A timeless knit baby outfit that offers both classic style and year-round comfort. This outfit is available in two beautiful colours: blush and powder blue. It is made of soft knit cotton, ensuring a cosy and comfortable feel for the baby.

How new parents can approach bathing a newborn

bath time

New parents are faced with a host of unfamiliar challenges. Navigating nightly interruptions to sleep and changing diapers are among the more notable

hurdles new parents must clear, but a host of other activities, such as bathing, require a new approach when a newborn is involved.

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pregnancy

North York General Hospital and Foundation’s new book authentically and humorously normalizes pregnancy and birth

BY LORRAINE PELLEY

North York General Hospital is going through a transformative renovation that, once complete, will reflect the renowned care, services, and comprehensive programs it is known for. As one of the biggest pre- and post-natal facilities in Ontario, North York Birthing Centre helps thousands of families bring their newborns into the world every year.

Once completed, the $32 million renovation project will include private and accessible birthing rooms and facilities that meet the needs of all parents, beautiful,

culturally inclusive lounges where family members can gather, and the most stateof-the-art technology to make labour and delivery the best experience for new parents. It will be a warm, welcoming, and safe center where patients want to be, and staff feel proud to be a part of.

As part of the fundraising efforts and to celebrate this monumental renovation, the North York General Hospital and Foundation developed and published a book, “What No One Tells You When You’re Expecting,” for expectant and new parents.

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DELICATE IMPRESSIONS

Email:

tonia@delicateimpressions.ca

Website: www.delicateimpressions.ca

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BATH TIME continued from page 12

Extra caution is required when new parents are bathing their bundles of joy. Bathing a newborn can be nerve-wracking, especially for new parents. These tips courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology can help parents calm their nerves and enjoy bath time with their babies.

Prior to the umbilical cord stump falling off

Dermatologists recommend giving children sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off and heals. The Mayo Clinic notes that the stump typically falls off within one to three weeks, and during this time parents should keep the stump dry. That need to keep the stump dry is why sponge baths make sense until it falls off, as it’s easier to do so when bathing babies with a sponge as opposed to in a tub.

When giving a sponge bath, lay the baby down on a comfortable flat surface. Keep the baby warm by wrapping him or her in a towel and only exposing the part of the baby you’re washing. Using lukewarm water, gently wipe the baby’s face and scalp with a dampened washcloth, making sure to clean the creases in the baby’s neck and behind the ears. Gently wash the rest of the baby’s body with the washcloth, making sure to rinse off and dry each area before moving on to another part of the child’s body.

After the umbilical cord stump has fallen off

AAD recommends gathering supplies, including a washcloth, fragrance-free baby soap and, if necessary, a baby shampoo prior to bath time.

• Place the baby in lukewarm water. Once supplies have been gathered, the baby’s bath can be filled with lukewarm water. Parents can test the water on their wrist to ensure it’s not too hot before placing the child in it. Gently guide the baby, feet first, into the water, making sure that most of the child’s body is well above the water. Periodically pour warm water over the baby’s body to keep him or her warm.

DERMATOLOGISTS RECOMMEND GIVING CHILDREN SPONGE BATHS UNTIL THE UMBILICAL CORD STUMP FALLS OFF AND HEALS.

The AAD recommends parents switch to traditional bathing once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area has healed. • Prepare the bathing area ahead of time. A sink or a small plastic tub can be a great place to bathe a newborn. The

• Follow the same procedure when you were still sponge bathing. Gently wash the baby’s face and scalp with a washcloth. If the child has hair, the AAD recommends using a baby shampoo once or twice a week. A washcloth can be used to wash the rest of the baby’s body, including between the child’s fingers and toes. Rinse off all soap after cleaning each area, and immediately wrap the baby in a warm towel once the bath is complete. A fragrance-free moisturizer can be applied to a baby’s skin if parents notice skin is dry after bath time. Bathing a newborn can inspire both nerves and awe. Parents can speak with their child’s physician for more tips on how to approach bath time. BG

– Metro Creative

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Spring 2024 must haves

1 | Potty Training Chart by Putska

Potty training is an important developmental milestone for your child. It can be a challenging process that requires a lot of encouragement, patience, and positivity. Positive reinforcement makes all the difference! $15.99 Available at Amazon.ca and Snapklil.com

2 | Potty Training Seat by Korimefa

Help your baby to confidently step up, hold on, and even turn around safely. $29.99 Available at Amazon.ca

3 | Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin’

Tunes Music Activity Gym Play

Mat by Baby Einstein

An incredible musical activity gym designed to adapt and evolve alongside your little one’s developmental needs from birth to three years old. $69.97

Available at Amazon.ca, Walmart.ca and ToysRUs.ca

4 | Baby Play Mat by Flagav

Designed to be easily folded into a compact carrying case, this is perfect for storage and on-the-go use. It features adorable numbers, alphabet letters, and cute patterns on one side to stimulate your baby’s imagination and cognitive abilities. $75.89

Available at Amazon.ca and Snapklil.com

5 | Baby Playmat Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym by Fisher-Price

Upgrade playtime with this deluxe gym that will entertain your little one for years. With a light-up piano, moveble toy arch, and multiple musical settings, your baby will be jamming in no time. $59.97

Available at Amazon.ca, BabiesRUs.ca and Indigo.ca

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6 | Skip Hop Baby Activity Centre by Skip Hop

This activity gym and interactive centre captivates your baby’s attention and stimulates their senses. With a wide range of toys, sounds, and textures, these essentials provide endless entertainment and learning opportunities. $189.99 Available at Amazon.ca and Indigo.ca

7 | 2-in-1 Like a Boss Activity Center by Fisher-Price

Put a pause on all incoming calls because your pint-sized CEO is about to have a blast with the Fisher-Price 2-in-1 Like a Boss Activity Center. $140.97 Available at Amazon.ca, Walmart.ca and Canadiantire.ca

8 | Inflatable Tummy

Time Mat by Infinno

This cosy and gentle mat is designed to help strengthen your baby’s head, neck, and shoulder muscles while also improv-

ing their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and social abilities. $16.45 Available at Amazon.com

9 | Upseat Baby Chair

Booster Seat by Upseat Store

The Upseat booster seat was created in collaboration with top-notch physical therapists. Its innovative design promotes anterior pelvic tilt, a gentle forward rotation of the pelvis that activates the muscles crucial for maintaining a correct upright posture. $129.94 Available at Amazon.ca, CanadianTire.ca and Indigo.ca

10 | Maxi-Cosi Kori

Rocker by Maxi-Cosi

This 2-in-1 wonder is designed for babies who rock, providing unparalleled support and comfort. Easily adjustable from stationary to rocking, the Kori allows you to effortlessly cater to your baby’s needs. $199.99 Available at Amazon.ca and BabiesRUs.ca. BG

Petit Lem

Petit lem is prepared for the upcoming March Break and summer season with their fashionable Swimsuit Collection. They are renowned for their high-quality products and offer a diverse range of styles. Choose from long sleeved, oneand two-piece swimsuits, hats, rashguard sets, and matching styles for both parents and children. Available at The Bay, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, and petitlem.com for more patterns and styles. BG

ales, Saks Fifth Ave for more patterns

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1. Whale Print on Tidal Turquoises Swim Trunks $40

2. Whale Print on Reversible Sun Hat $30

3. Daisy Print on Lavender Long-Sleeve Swimsuit $50

4. Swan Balloon Print on Jazzberry OnePiece from $46

5. Sage Gingham Flap Hat $30

6. Lemon Print Reversible Sun Hat $30

7. Long-Sleeve Navy Ribbed Rashguard $48

8. Lemon Print Long-Sleeve Rashguard Set $58

9. Lemon Print Women’s One-Piece Swimsuit $70 1

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Petit Lem

Spring Collection – Boys and Girls

Canadian brand Petit lem presents an exclusive Spring Collection of baby clothing that is both stylish and comfortable. As experts in the world of baby fashion, Petit lem brings you a delightful high-quality assortment of baby clothing that is soft-asbutter organically grown cotton and made perfectly for your little bundle of joy. Shop the collection at petitlem.com BG

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1. Blueberry Bodysuit Print Dress. $38.00

2. Jazzberry Thermal Sweatsuit $44.00

3. Celestial Blue Pointelle Knitted Blanket. $48.00

4. French Bulldog Henley Set. $42.00

5. Motorino 3pc Bodysuit Short Set. $48.00

6. Berry Print on Poplin with Lure Dress Set (3pc). $64.00

7. Celestial Blue Pointelle Knit Cross Body Sleeper. $38.00

9. Blue Pointelle Knit Hat. $16.00

8. Tulip Print Footed Sleeper. $32.00

10. Blueberry Print Henley Romper. $30.00

11. Dress Blue Striped Crosshatch Linen Set. $54.00

12. Butterfly Print on Ribbed Sirocco Bubble Romper. $32.00

13. Canary Striped Cross Hatch Linen Dress Set(2pc) matching hat sold separately. $48.00

Having clothing specifically designed for premature babies is crucial for their health and comfort, but it’s often overlooked how important it is for parents as well. Petit Lem’s collaboration with the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation not only provides high-quality sleepwear for preemies, but also offers peace of mind and comfort for their families during a difficult time.

Petit Lem donated 500 packages of essential items to CPBF to support premature babies across Canada. In a nod to the Nov. 17th World Prematurity Day, CPBF distributed these special packages to five major hospitals in Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Winnipeg, and Toronto.

Petit Lem’s Preemie Layette collection features specially designed pieces to cater to the unique needs of NICU babies, such as front buttons for easy adjustments during wire repositioning and diaper changes. These pieces were created with the help of NICU nurses to ensure functionality and comfort during those first few days for preemie babies.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Petit Lem in creating gift packages for families in the NICUs across Canada. Having a baby in the NICU is a traumat-

Pebble Yarn-Dyed Stripe on Crème Sleep Sack. $44

Counting Sheep 3 Pack Bodysuits $28

ic experience, and these gift packages offer a moment of comfort, assuring them they are not alone on this journey,” said Fabiana Bacchini, Executive Director at the CPBF.

For families in the NICU, the first outfit is very important – as it shows that the baby is ready to leave the incubator to go to an open crib. Petit Lem and the CPBF offer comfort and assurance to parents during difficult times by providing these essential packages to families with premature babies.

For more information, please visit canadianpreemies.org or petitlem.com. Petit Lem’s Layette collection with preemie pieces is available at petitlem.com and in Hudson’s Bay and Clement stores. BG

Premie continued from page 8

Under the cover for new moms

The Food Doula Cookbook: A Guide to a Heatlhy Pregnancy and a Nourished New Mom

By Lindsay Taylor

The Food Doula Cookbook embraces real food in all aspects. It provides nutritious meals for the week and helps with discomfort like nausea or heartburn. With a variety of recipes, it guides on food preparation, meal planning, and selecting wholesome ingredients for delicious and healthy dishes. Published by Plumleaf Press. Pages 232. Price CAD $33.99

The Simplest Baby Book in The World

By S.M. Gross

With 700+ illustrations, learning baby care has never been easier. This game-changing book celebrates modern parenting and is perfect for all families. Published by. The Simplest Company Pages 304. Price CAD $26.95

What No one Tells You When You’re Expecting

By North York General Hospital Foundation

This compilation of experiences from countless parents provides an authentic and candid perspective on pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood. Published by Independently Published. Pages 146. Price. CAD $26.43

We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook

By Adrian Kulp

Being a great dad doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being there for the journey, understanding, and supporting your partner. Published by Rockridge Press. Pages 292. Price CAD $24.10

Sh*tty Mom: The Parenting Guide for the Rest of Us

By Laurie Kilmartin, Karen Moline, Alicia Ybarbo and Mary Ann Zoellner

This popular parenting guide provides practical and relatable advice on parenting, with a humorous twist. Published by Abrams Image. Pages 176. Price CAD 24.95. BG

Under the cover lullabies abies

The Little Blue Boxed Set of Bright and Early Board Books By

Dr. Seuss

Embark on a reading adventure with Dr. Seuss! Enclosed within this adorable, compact blue box, complete with a convenient plastic handle and a secure tuck closure, you will find board book versions of beloved Dr. Seuss classics.

$24.49 Available at Amazon.ca, Indigo.ca and PenguinRandomHouse.ca

First 100 Words: A Padded Board Book

By Roger Priddy

Packed with 100 captivating colour photographs to explore and discuss, as well as 100 simple first words to read and absorb, this book guarantees an engaging educational experience. $5.99 Available at Amazon.ca and Indigo.ca

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

By Bill Martin Jr.

From a cheerful frog to a chubby cat, a majestic horse, and a gentle duck, these vibrant creatures will captivate children’s hearts. $10.99 Available at Amazon.ca and Indigo.ca

The Invisible String

By Patrice Karst

The Invisible String is praised by parents, educators, therapists, and social workers as the ultimate tool for separation anxiety, loss, and grief. $12.99 Available at Amazon.ca and Indigo.ca

P is for Potty By

Naomi Kleinburg

Join Elmo from Sesame Street as he takes little ones on an exciting journey of potty training in this interactive lift-the-flap board book. $6.99 Amazon.ca, Indigo.ca and PenguinRandomHouse.ca. BG

PREGNANCY continued from page 14

Seanna Millar, President, and CEO of the North York General Foundation, along with a team of doctors and nurses, oversaw the development of this exciting book.

The book talks openly and candidly about events, feelings, and bodily changes and functions that are part of pregnancy, labour and delivery, and post-childbirth. It is designed to normalize all these events and bodily functions so parents of all genders and ages don’t feel alone about their pregnancy, labour, delivery, and newborn care experiences.

The statements in the book were submitted by current and former family members and patients of the North York Birthing Centre. The hospital ran an open campaign on their website and social media platforms to reach out to parents to request participation. They also provided promotional materials to affiliate doctors’ offices and kept brochures, pamphlets, and posters in the hospital to invite patients to submit their comments for the book.

The response they received from the community was overwhelming. As a collective team of medical professionals reviewed the submissions, they used the patterns they found in the statements to organize the content and create the chapters of the book.

“What No One Tells You When You’re Expecting” has nine chapters covering a variety of topics including: Pregnancy, Birth, Post-birth and Recovery, Feeding, Poop, Sleep, Life with a Baby, Sex and Relationships, and Feelings. All the comments and statements in the book are easily relatable to new and experienced parents.

The pages are full of honest and candid comments like “I didn’t expect my nose to blow up like a balloon while I was preg-

nant.” Throughout the book, doctors, nurses, and midwives also provide brief explanations of why certain functions or experiences occur so readers can fully understand what they and their newborn are going through.

The pages are beautifully designed using vibrant colors and eye-catching illustrations by Illustrator Emilie Muszcozak, a well-known Freelance Art Director, and Illustrator in Toronto, Ontario. The beautiful simplicity of the book not only creates a visually appealing book but is also easy to read and navigate through.

Those who have experienced having a baby will smile and laugh as they read the statements from other parents and realize their own experiences, while normal, are rarely if ever talked about.

This book is not only a celebration of the renovations of the hospital but is also a celebration of North York’s community.

“What No One Tells You When You’re Expecting” is available in a free PDF format at WhatNoOneTellsYou.ca. Additional and future parent submissions are posted on this website as well.

For those wanting a hard copy version of the book, it is available on Amazon. All proceeds from the purchase of the book go back into the hospital and foundation. BG

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