WestCoast Baby Guide 2010

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2010

11th Annual

Our Guide to Everything Baby & Belly!

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Baby Guide 2010

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2010

2010

11th Annual

Our Guide to Everything Baby & Belly!

On the cover...

Presenting the winner of this year’s WestCoast Baby Guide cover contest, seven-month-old Umaya!

Photographed by Kimberly Mara Eclipse Photography eclipsephotography.ca

Features 14 Infant Mental Health

Does Your Baby Need Therapy?

16 Depression During Pregnancy:

Why We Get It and What We Can Do About It 18 Eco-Diaper Roundup

Choosing the right diaper for you AND the planet 20 A Working Parent’s Guide to Surviving Childcare 22 The Financial Business of Raising Children 24 Getting it Together for Baby 24 10 Tips for Travelling with Baby 34 Have a Happy Post-Natal Body 36 Multiple Births

The Good, The Hard and The Triple Threat

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From the Editor 8 Editor’s Note 12 WestCoast Baby Finds 10 Contests 25 Our Annual Parent Resource Listings!

32 WestCoast Parent Finds 38 Last Look

Making a decision to have a child— it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~ Elizabeth Stone, novelist (1803–1881)

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Photographed by eclipseph otography.ca

editor’s note

lthough I always knew that I wanted to have children, someday, my pregnancy was not planned. In fact, just before we got the news, I was under the firm impression that, not only was I probably infertile, but that I most likely also had a malignant growth somewhere in the region of my ovaries as well. Well, at least the doctor was right about the growing part.

The result of the delayed notification resulted in what I often refer to as “the shortest pregnancy in the world.” I had a few short months to come to terms with the idea that I would be a mom, that there was a (rather large) baby growing inside me, that the “butterflies” in my stomach were actually a baby kicking, and that I had failed to do even one of the things that pregnant women are supposed to do to ensure the health of their child. No folic acid, an occasional glass of wine (thankfully, I had never been a big drinker, although I definitely felt like I could use one after I found out), lots of sushi and raw milk cheeses, some cold medication when I’d gotten sick—I was the textbook example of what NOT to do when you’re pregnant.

Thankfully, it turned out that all of my inadvertent sins had absolutely no impact on the healthy, happy, calm child that eventually came out. And from this, I learned a very important lesson: we worry too much. We’re all so concerned with doing the right thing, taking the right supplements, avoiding bad foods and fermented beverages, that we forget that Mother Nature has already pretty much taken care of everything for us.

I’m not suggesting you throw those vitamin supplements away—I found liquid calcium citrate, for instance, to be a lifesaver when the cheese cravings hit in the last month—or start drinking beer in your third trimester, but I do suggest that you take a breath now and again, and just spend some time enjoying the process and what’s to come. We have so much information, so many services and products, so many choices to choose from, that it can become more than a little overwhelming, and the result is a harried mentality that completely skips over the FUN that is being pregnant.

And speaking of fun, we hope that you have fun reading this year’s WestCoast Baby Guide. We searched for the latest products, services and information for new babies, parents and parents-tobe, and we hope you find these pages useful, informative and entertaining. We’ve also put together some wonderful giveaways, so make sure to enter your name for a chance to win something amazing for baby and you!

As for me, it’s been over four years since I became a mom, and, I have to admit, I still worry abut pretty much everything in her life and mine. I know, I’m working on it.

Happy Reading!

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Published annually by WestCoast Families Magazine.

13988 Maycrest Way, Suite 140, 2nd Floor Richmond, BC V6V 3C3 Tel: 604.249.2866 Fax: 604.247.1331 westcoastfamilies.com E-mail: info@westcoastfamilies.com Publisher Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com Managing Editor Anya Levykh editor@westcoastfamilies.com Art Director & Layout Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com Accounts Receivable & Bookkeeping Jennifer Brule finance@westcoastfamilies.com Administration / Editorial Assistant Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com Editorial Assistant Nick Major Advertising Inquiries sales@westcoastfamilies.com 604-249-2866 For distribution inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Bruyns Contributors: Jennifer Bruyns, Eclipse Photography, Nicola Enright-Moran, Amy Fardell, Michele Kambolis, Lara Leontowich, Rowena List, Tarina Palmer, Dr. Michal Regev Christina Stewart, Linh Tsui, Bev Yaworski All contents copyrighted ©.

Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL 40027247

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contests

Great prizes for mommies and babies!

Enter to win any of these great prizes online at www.westcoastfamilies.com!

WIN! The Alma Crib and Mattress by Bloom The award winning alma ($400) from Bloom is the most stylish and simple bassinet/crib, growing with your baby from infant to toddler. It requires no tools for assembly, sparing parents all the set-up troubles. The alma was created on a smaller scale so that it acts as both a bassinet and a crib, ideal for urban living spaces or a second home. Fitted with lockable castor-wheels (optional), parents find the alma easy to manoeuvre from the bedroom to the family room while the unique fold and travel bag makes it especially convenient to store and transport. Made from durable solid wood with two height positions, the alma measures 37” x 20” x 33”. The alma is available in cappuccino, coconut white, frost grey, gala green, and harvest orange.

The coco mat mattress ($150) is made with organic coir from the only organic plantation in the world.

The gentle spring of the coir is surrounded with ample organic lamb’s wool, and natural anti-dust mite protection (essential oils of lavender, lemon and eucalyptus). Winner receives the alma crib in coconut white, the coco mat mattress, and two 100% organic cotton fitted sheets. www.bloombaby.com Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2010

WIN! This Amazing Starter Bundle from Raspberry Kids!

This fabulous mommy and baby starter package from Vancouver-based online store Raspberry Kids includes the following eco-friendly, organic and just plain cool items: (total value over $450) Kinderville Silicone Little Bites Storage Jars (set of four) • Bepo Baby Carrier in Paige fabric • Easy Daysies Starter Kit with Fold & Go Portable Magnetic Board • Little Chipipi Designer Wall Stickers • Boon Fluid Cup • Boon Odd Duck • Schnookums Bows/Hat/Pacifier Clip/Snappies • ORE Sippy Cup & Plate • Oopsy Doodle Organic Onesie • Yoozzoo Plush Doll • Mi Yim Baby Andie the Hippo Organic Plush Doll.

For more information on all of these products, visit www.raspberrykids.com.

Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2010

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WIN! The Safety 1st OnBoard 35 Air Protect Infant Car Seat This latest release from Safety 1st utilizes an innovative safety feature designed to protect children in side-impact collisions by putting a layer of air protection where it is needed most—around the child’s head. The OnBoard 35 Air accommodates preemies, infants and children weighing up to 35 lbs. SRP $189.99. www.safety1st.com Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2010

WIN! A Boy’s or Girl’s Outfit from Peekaboo Beans!

These cute outfits from local company Peekaboo Beans are comfy, cozy, and very convenient for changing time! 95% cotton; 5% spandex. Available in size 3-6M, 6-9M and 12M, at EIO, Nestings and online at www.apples-n-oranges.com. SRP $36 each. www.peekaboobeans.com Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2010

WIN! A Kangapouch in Your Choice of Size and Colour!

This down-filled baby sleep sack (value approx. $150) is the invention of a local Vancouver mom. Two adjustable snaps on top, a Velcro strip on each side, and a two-way zipper along the bottom allow for growth adjustments and easy night-time changes. Duck and goose down fill can be substituted for bamboo/cotton blend fill. Win a custom-made Kangapouch for your baby! www.kangapouch.net Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2010

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westcoast baby finds Little Ella Bug Fingerprint Pendant Made from recycled silver, these cute pendants are customized with your baby’s fingerprint. $65 at www.littleellabug.com.

Le Baby Hair Gel Created by a mom, this hypo-allergenic hair gel is designed specifically for babies, kids and anyone with sensitive skin. Tames frizzies and flyaways without leaving hair sticky. No harsh chemicals, and paraben, sulphate and fragrance-free. Available at Fairies and Frogs in Maple Ridge and online at www.lebabyinc.com. SRP $9.95.

KiddyGuard Avant Safety Gate Highly versatile and easily installs in doorways or any openings up to 51” wide, as well as at the top of stairs. High quality materials include anodized aluminum casing and soft and sturdy mesh that can hold up to 220 lbs. The safety gate requires a minimum amount of space and “disappears” when not in use. $129.95 at local baby stores. www.regallager.com

Spa Baby Eco Baby Bath Tub Made from 100% recycled plastic, the Spa Baby Eco is latex, BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free, while the upright design keeps water warmer longer.

SRP $46.95 at local baby stores and online at www.spababytubs.com.

Graco Digital Baby Scale It allows parents to measure a baby’s weight and length at home— between visits to the doctor. It can store and recall the last weight measurement; mom can weigh the baby before and after nursing without trying to remember pounds and ounces or kilograms. It will even deduct the weight of the baby blanket if one is used. Height can also be measured in inches or centimetres. SRP $89.99 at Sears and other baby stores. www.gracobaby.com

Tinytongs for Tiny Eaters Bamboodino Tees and Onesies Made from organic bamboo in cool dino designs. SRP $14.99-$29.99. www.bamboodino.com

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Designed by a mom! Made from polypropylene and TPE over-molding, Tinytongs are non-toxic, lead, BPA and phthalate-free, and are ergonomically designed to fit tiny hands and make picking up food easier. SRP $7.99 at www.tinytongs.com or specialty retailers.

Elements Naturals Baby Wipes Bamboo Zoo Collection from Dandelion Earth Friendly Goods Made from soft bamboo velour and filled with natural corn fibre, these soft animals come as plushies, hand puppets, soft shakers and cuddlies. SRP $12.99-$19.99. www.dandelionforbaby.com

100% plant-derived, natural and compostable, these are made from the world’s first renewable manmade fibre. Each package contains 80 unscented wipes. Available at Whole Foods or online at www.elementsnaturals.com. SRP $5.95.

Wonder Bumpers

by Go Mama Go Designs Wonder Bumpers eliminates the aggravation involved with traditional bumpers. The unconventional design wraps each crib bar individually in padding preventing heads from banging against hard crib sides, while the small space left between each rail and secure zipper attachment eliminates the potential for suffocation. And, unlike traditional bumpers, little climbers can’t use Wonder Bumpers as a boost out of the crib.

Available at Lusso Baby in North Vancouver or online at www.cymaxstores.ca.

Prices vary. wonderbumper.com

Your Baby Can Read Hevea Pacifier Made from 100% natural, sustainably and ethically produced rubber and packaged in a beautifullydesigned box made from recycled paper (no plastic!), this is a great pacifier for your child AND the environment. Available at Little Earth Children’s Store in Vancouver or online at www.lilmango.com. SRP $9.99.

Claims to teach infants and toddlers how to read. A comprehensive system of books, card ands DVDs, our testers found it to be fairly useful with their young toddlers. SRP $14.95 for 30-day trial at www.yourbabycanread.com.

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Does Your Baby Need Therapy?

A Look at Infant Mental Health

By Michele Kambolis

We think of childhood as a carefree time of play and exploration—a time when one’s only worry is the agonizing choice between a vanilla and chocolate-dipped cone. Will it be soccer or baseball? Playing with Tommy or Kyle? How best to avoid the dreaded bedtime? So how can it be that some of today’s kids, some as young as babies, are in need of psychiatric attention, and among them, remarkably, are ones taking psychiatric meds? Have we narrowed the definition of normal?

Are children under more stress? How do we diagnose a mental health problem in a mind that is so far from fully developed?

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hese are all questions professionals face, but parents must consider them, too, and it’s advisable to keep in mind that infant mental health encompasses much more. Teams of professionals who specialize in this area focus on the entire spectrum of a youngster’s well being, including development and the over-all health of infants and their families. Not only that, they focus on prevention, providing evidence-based interventions when infants and the under-five set show identified problems, or are seen as being at risk for them. The goals of infant mental health services are to ensure children have a sense of security and self-esteem, that they have the ability to form strong bonds, to learn, to cope and problem-solve, and continue to develop and grow.

The teams also focus more broadly, educating families and communities about the full spectrum of an infant’s or child’s developmental needs.

A high priority for these teams is attachment. They recognize that a consistent, warm relationship with primary caregivers creates a basis for baby’s future ability to form other relationships and to ultimately develop the resiliency necessary for good mental health. That’s why the focus is to identify relationship issues when they begin to emerge, and not wait until the child is school-aged and the problem is full blown.

Why do we need infant mental health services at all? Just take a look at the latest reports. Many of us are unaware of the stark reality that mental illness is substantially more common than cancer—it affects everyone: all spheres of life, all ages. The facts continue to startle when we discover that while four children in every classroom of 30 are in this moment suffering from mental illness, only a quarter of those are receiving treatment. That means almost 110,000 children in British Columbia alone are, at this moment, suffering unnecessarily—including children younger than five.

One fact remains undeniable, with three out of four children left untreated, we are letting down our youth to a staggering proportion. Some parents have found solace and critical answers from the Infant Psychiatry Clinic team at BC Children’s Hospital who arduously work to meet this need by providing well researched approaches for the treatment of youngsters showing early signs of mental health problems. While assessing the under-five age group can undoubtedly be complex, the IPC team looks at a wide array of areas, including the developmental, social and emotional needs of young children. The team accepts the full range of conditions, including (but not limited to) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attachment disorders, behaviour problems, developmental delays and mood disturbances. While a child this young may not be able to discuss their latest worries or frustrations, there’s a great deal to be ascertained from their behaviour and mood, their sleeping and eating patterns, and their ability to grow and learn.

The reduced stigma around mental health has undoubtedly changed the way parents and doctors alike address children’s emotional and behavioural problems. Today’s parents are far more likely to look to emotional reasons behind behaviour or ongoing somatic complaints (stomach aches/headaches, etc.).

They’re also much more aware of approaches such as Play Therapy, a form of counselling that helps therapists reach children through their natural “playful”

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language. Perhaps even more interesting to Mom and Dad is Filial Therapy, an approach where a skilled therapist teaches parents how to use counselling tools to help their child open up. Supportive therapies that incorporate teddy bears as co-therapists seem an easy pill to swallow for parents looking for answers to their child’s distress. Prescriptions for antidepressants, however, are met with less trusting reactions.

Psychotherapeutic drugs are the second most commonly prescribed class of medicines for the population as a whole, and it’s not surprising that a small amount of that has trickled down to the under-five set. But, preschoolers on Prozac? And how many kids are we talking about? A recent study published by the Canadian Paediatric Society looked at prescription medicine use by some two million Canadian children. The results were startling. They discovered that 795 children between ages two and five had been prescribed a stimulant, 451 an antidepressant and 286 prescribed an anti-psychotic. An educated guess based on the data suggests one out of every 340 children in the country is taking powerful drugs, a drastic treatment that can have serious side effects.

While there are certainly cases in which psychotherapeutic drugs have been helpful, most parents walk cautiously, keeping in mind that relatively little scientific knowledge stands behind the paediatric use of these drugs. Quite simply, we don’t yet fully understand their long-term effects on the developing brain. It’s only when every therapeutic stone has been left unturned that most parents will consider turning to the prescription pad—and rightfully so.

Not so long ago we knew very little about adult mental illness—and the mental health of children was simply ignored. Some think we’re too quick to pathologize childhood behaviour. However, if mental illness in adults is real, then why could it not begin in early childhood? While early childhood mental health treatment may be in its infancy, at least parents with youngsters in distress now have a place to turn.

Resources for Parents BC Children’s Hospital | bcchildrens.ca The Infant Psychiatry Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital will assess, treat, and serve the developmental, social and emotional needs of young children, from birth up to their sixth birthday.

Infant Development Program of British Columbia | idpofbc.ca Infant Development Programs provide a range of family-centered prevention and early intervention for infants with developmental disabilities and those at risk for problems with development.

Alan Cashmore Centre | 604.454.1676 x. 331 Alan Cashmore Centre (run by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority) is a community-based approach to addressing risk in very young children and their families, offering early childhood mental health services for infants and children under five years old.

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Depression During Pregnancy Why We Get It and What We Can Do About It

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he exact causes of depression and anxiety during pregnancy are not known, but many experts believe that some women are sensitive to the hormonal fluctuation that come with pregnancy and postpartum.

Although we are not sure about the direct causes of depression and other mental health challenges during pregnancy, the following risk factors have been linked to depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy: • Previous history of depression or another mental disorder • Mental health issues in the immediate family • Unwanted pregnancy • Unstable relationship with the partner • Abusive relationships • Significant physical or medical problems • Having no partner • Financial concerns • Lack of family and/or social support • Recent or past trauma Symptoms of depression and some anxiety symptoms are similar to common complaints during pregnancy. For example, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, mood fluctuation, lack of energy and worries are common in both.

Many women who complain about such symptoms are being dismissed by well-meaning but ill-informed health care professionals. The problem is that, once a woman has complained to a professional about symptoms of depression and/or anxiety and has been dismissed, she is highly unlikely to complain about these symptoms again, which explains why many pregnant women who struggle with these disorders do not receive treatment.

Untreated depression is likely to get worse with time and can have dire consequences for both mother and baby. Untreated depression may result in a myriad of complications, such as: miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, low Apgar scores at birth, self-neglect of the mother that may adversely affect the baby’s health, poor bonding and self-harm. Not treating depression during pregnancy is not an option. And there are many options when it comes to the type of treatment.

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By Dr. Michal Regev

Many women who get diagnosed with depression or anxiety during pregnancy are being prescribed anti-depressant medication, such as Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, etc. When women question medication or are reluctant to take medication in fear that it may harm their baby they are usually told that the risk of not treating the depression is greater than the risk of the medication. Indeed, not treating the depression would be very risky. However, to tell a woman that medication is the only way to treat depression or anxiety is misleading. While antidepressants may be warranted and helpful in severe cases, it is hardly justified that they should be prescribed as the first line of treatment, especially in mild to moderate cases. Women should be made aware that there are several other highly effective treatment options for mood and anxiety disorders in pregnancy. Among these are: • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy • Interpersonal Psychotherapy • Couples Therapy • Bright Light Therapy • Acupuncture • Supplements • Homeopathy None of the above-mentioned treatment options have any known side effects. If it is determined that anti-depressant medications are indeed a necessary form of treatment, professional counselling should be used in combination with this treatment as anti-depressants do not help combat the emotional and psychological stresses that can be associated with depression, such as feelings of loneliness or pressures within the relationship. Pregnant women who suffer from mood and/or anxiety disorders need to be wellinformed of ALL of their treatment options and be encouraged to always seek treatment from registered health care professionals.

Dr. Michal Regev has a Ph.D. in Counselling and is a Registered Psychologist and Registered Marriage and Family Therapist, counselling individuals, couples and families since 1990. Dr. Regev has also taught graduate courses in psychology and counselling at U.B.C. and other academic institutions. www.drregev.com

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We ensure that services and resources are used efficiently, so that 100% of your funding can go directly to treatment.

• Diagnosis • Intervention • Group Programs • Parent Education

Visit us online!

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Contact Megen 3185 Willingdon Green, Burnaby, BC • Tel 604 205 9204

www.monarchhouse.ca

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Eco-Diaper Roundup Choosing the Diaper That’s Right for You AND the Planet

By Nicola Enright-Morin When it comes to green parenting, one of the hottest topics of all is diapers. Since ancient times they have existed in a wild array of shapes and sizes. They have been fashioned from rabbit and sealskin and everything else in between. In North America, a mom created the first diaper by sewing some absorbent material into an old shower curtain. The modern world never looked back and, since then, the diaper debate has raged.

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loth or disposable is the question; and it’s often so complex that many parents abandon the quest altogether. But before we throw in the towel (or diaper), it’s important to consider the startling facts about disposable diaper waste. In Canada alone, over four million disposable diapers a day will be tossed into the trash; that’s an average of five to seven thousand per child— until they’ve conquered the grizzly world of potty training. And all those gunky diapers are on a one-way ticket to a landfill, where all manner of nasty diseases can manifest, including hepatitis B and polio. That’s not to mention the environmental damage we cause by making them.

The plastic, pulp and bleached paper are extremely detrimental to the environment in multiple ways. Yet disposables diapers are favoured by eighty per cent of Canadian families. Because, let’s be honest, cloth diapers don’t exactly have a reputation for being a joy to work with. It’s a crying shame that they get a bad rap, because they have crept quietly into the twenty-first century. In fact,

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the cloth diaper has had a 360-degree makeover and can very much fit into a modern family lifestyle.

But the cloth diaper is no angel when it comes to the environment either. All that water and home laundering rack up a heavy debt in greenhouse gas emissions—but if you line-dry you can help offset your carbon footprint. So if the intrepid terrain of eco-diapers has you puzzled, fear not, because we have rounded up a sampling of some of the best products around to help you make the choice for yourself. Below is a guide to some eco-friendly diapers available locally.

Cloth Diapers Bum Genius

Bumbini

This is an impressive product. Soft and delicate on a baby’s skin and even the clean-up is way less painful than expected. The tabs are quite stretchy, and there are organic cotton and bamboo options as well.

Local Vancouver company that specializes in fitted and all-in-one cloth diapers made from hemp, organic, fair-trade cotton and organic velour. We liked the variety offered, and the prices are fairly reasonable.

Price: $15.50-$34.50 per diaper depending on style of diaper you choose

Price: $24* (approx) for one reusable diaper and two inserts.

FuzziBunz Another great line of cloth diapers that you and your wee one are sure to love. Fits great on baby and gives them plenty of room to move around with no leaks. One down side we found was the snap fasteners instead of Velcro.

If you have a wriggly baby on you hands these can be fiddly.

Price: $24 (approx) for one reusable diaper and one insert.

Bum Genius and FuzziBuns diapers are available online at www.greenbumbum.com.

Bumbini diapers are available at www.bumbini.ca.

Disposable Diapers Nature Babycare An eco-friendly option from Sweden, this innovative little diaper has an outer shell made from a corn-based material, and the packaging and diaper is potentially compostable (under certain conditions). Soft and comfy, this diaper ticks all the right boxes for usability and impact on the environment.

Childbirth Services Aquadoula Birth Pools • Obstetric TENS units Private Prental Classes

www.birthingbuddies.com • info@birthingbuddies.com

604-928-2334

Price: $19.99 per pack (between 22-44 diapers depending on the size of your child).

Broody Chick A fantastic little diaper, created right here in B.C. by a mother of three. As a diaper it works well, it’s light and gives the baby plenty of room to move around. The good thing about this disposable diaper is that it’s made from natural and sustainable resources and is fully compostable.

Price: $16.99 per pack (between 24-36 diapers depending on the size of your child).

Both of these diapers are available online at www.betterbabybums.ca and www.ecobotts.ca.

The Hybrid gDiapers You’ve heard of hybrid cars, now meet the hybrid diaper. The gDiaper has been hailed by many as the next big thing. It’s neither cloth nor diaper, but somewhere in between. There’s a washable outer pant and an insert, which you just flush down the toilet when you’re done. The whole product is biodegradable and according to the company website it will break down in a landfill in no more than 150 days—unlike regular disposables which take an astounding 500 years to decompose. However, unlike a cloth diaper, the gDiaper still loses marks for depleting resources—you only use the inserts once before tossing them, whereas with cloth you use the product over and over.

Price: Starter pack $47.49. Refill packs $19.99.

Available at London Drugs, Canadian Superstore, Whole foods, other local retailers, as well as online at gdiapers.com

Diaper Delivery Happy Nappy Want to do the “green diaper thing” but feel you simply don’t have the time?

Well, there does exist a solution that really does have the best of both worlds.

For totally convenient and guilt-free diapering, go to the online store Happy Nappy (www.happynappy.ca). A fully Canadian product and company, they not only deliver fresh and clean cloth diapers each week, they also take the stinky ones away and wash them in the most environmentally safe way possible.

Price: Around $25 a week.

Pregnant moms can get a start-up pack for around $60. *All prices are approximate and correct at time of writing.

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The Working Parent’s Guide to Surviving Childcare

By Christina Stewart

When my maternity leave ended with my second child, I went back to my executive position for a flourishing professional services firm in downtown Vancouver.

I was successful, well put together and business savvy. That was on the outside; inside I was mush. It felt unnatural to leave my kids in the hands of veritable strangers and ask those strangers to turn my kids into great people. I felt that was my job. The reality was I needed to work. We had a mortgage and bills and wanted our kids to have vacations and a post-secondary education. The price for these things was my downtown job. As much as I hated to leave them, I was forced to make peace with daycare. But how?

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eel Good About the Provider. “Finding the right place for your child comes first” says Lori Bankier, Registrar and Program Director for Rainforest Learning Centres. “Figure out if you want group care or family care, then take tours, talk with the providers, and bring your child for a day to feel out the program until you find one that meets your comfort level,” says Bankier.

Crystal Janes, the Program Director for the Vancouver chapter of the Child Care Resource and Referral program, agrees. “Interview different providers until you find one that you feel comfortable with. Go with your gut.” Janes, mom to a seven-year-old, also advises you start early “There is a real shortage of spaces in our area. You need to start getting an idea of what you want before your child is born in order to find one that you feel at ease with.”

Deal With the Dreaded Drop-Off. Whether you decide on the intimacy and small size of a family provider or the structure and resources of a group facility, the dreaded drop off each morning can still be very difficult. Bankier, who is mom to two boys, reassures parents that “it is usually harder on you. Five minutes after you leave the building your child has settled and is getting on with his day, but you may leave there with the image of him in tears. You can carry that all day.” One way to alleviate this problem is to call the provider an hour later to see if your child has calmed.

Bankier also suggests that the goodbye should be quick. The more your child physically sees you in the daycare environment, the harder it is for them to see you leave it. “I recommend a hug and a kiss and ‘love you, see you later’ and out the door you go,” says Bankier.

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Community Resources BC Child Care Resource & Referral Programs offer childcare referrals, resources and support to families in 170 communities across BC. Call 604.709.5661 to reach the Vancouver Chapter or visit on the web at www.ccrr.bc.ca.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development works to ensure that some of our most vulnerable children and families have the best chances possible to succeed and thrive. Find resources at www.gov.bc.ca/mcf.

Choosing Child Care This document provides a comprehensive overview for parents use to select and subsequently monitor your child care provider. Follow www.health.gov.bc.ca/ library/publications/year/2003/com014.pdf to find the PDF document.

A local website dedicated to helping your family have fun is www.findfamilyfun.com.

The Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC | www.cccabc.bc.ca CCCABC is a voluntary organization of parents, child care providers, and other interested citizens advocating for a non-profit child care system that is high quality, affordable, accessible, publicly funded, and accountable.

Child Care Subsidy Child care subsidy is available for those who qualify and are in need of child care. For information on the Child Care Subsidy program, please visit the BC government website at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/subsidy_promo.htm.

Rosamond Chan, a child and family therapist with Wishing Well Counseling in Vancouver asks parents to realize “If your child is upset and crying as you are leaving, your child isn’t misbehaving, they are simply asking for you. Try to shift your perspective; it means your child has a healthy attachment to you.” On the flip side, Chan says “If your child seems happy with the drop off it can make parents question whether the child would rather be at daycare than home with mom.” That way of thinking can sting but, again, Chan recommends parents look to the bright side. “It simply means that you have done a good job making your child feel secure and able to explore independently.”

Child Care Has a Silver Lining. It can also help to remember that childcare can be very beneficial to your children. “Social interaction, structure, routine, skills that prepare children for life, exposure to different learning styles,” are definite takeaways from childcare, says Bankier.

Janes adds “Kids get so much from being in a different environment from the one at home. They see different cultures, have different experiences; they really can grow developmentally because of this.” Children can also make lasting friendships in childcare. Janes says “Retaining friendships made in daycare is quite common and those friendships can be very valuable.”

Make the Most of Your Time Together. “Having our children in daycare during the week can really help us to make the most of weekends” says Chan, who is currently expecting her second child. She recommends setting boundaries on the amount of weekend work you do and taking time to focus on your child. “If you spend 30 minutes a week playing with your child and focusing on them, letting them guide the play, this will give you an opportunity to reconnect.” Like a lot of you, Bankier’s weekends tend to be full with sports, so in order to stay linked as a family, she and her husband made the decision to eat dinner together absolutely every night. “It may sometimes be in a restaurant, but at least we eat as a family. We connect every day over a meal.”

While I haven’t entirely made peace with daycare, I know that I worked hard to find a place I trust, with teachers I like and a program that matches my philosophy.

So, thanks, in part, to daycare, my kids are flourishing.

Some Tips for Choosing Childcare from YMCA Child Care Resource & Referral (www.vanymca.org/childcare) Quality child care has, at its core, care providers who are knowledgeable and who genuinely enjoy working with children. They should: • • • • •

• • • •

Be affectionate and responsive to the needs of children.

Listen to children when they speak and respond with interest and respect.

Enjoy playing and interacting with children.

Demonstrate knowledge about child development and have experience and training specific to child care.

Provide positive guidance and discipline methods that build children’s self-esteem and self-confidence. (For information on appropriate methods of guidance and discipline please see the online booklet Guiding Children’s Behaviour at www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/ccf/child/publicat/comm/com015.pdf ) Have clear knowledge about health and safety issues affecting children and have training in first aid and CPR. Be willing to access community resources, supports, and training.

Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect.

Be open, informative, and communicative with parents, and demonstrate the ability to work together with families to develop common goals.

Some indicators of quality in the child care setting include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

A warm and welcoming environment.

Low child-to-staff ratios, group size, and turnover of staff.

A daily schedule that is flexible and allows for the individual needs of the children.

An environment that is safe for children.

Ample space which includes opportunities for both quiet and active play.

A fenced outdoor play area with a variety of safe equipment.

A good supply of developmentally appropriate materials.

Planned activities that add interest and variety to the program.

An environment that is child-centered and provides opportunities for children to make choices and be independent.

Materials that are easy for children to reach and displays that are located at children’s eye level.

Children that are happy and actively involved.

Cleanliness: toys, equipment, bathrooms, and food preparation areas are kept sanitary.

Diapering areas that are located away from food preparation areas.

Policies that have been developed around issues such as health, safety, guidance and discipline.

An environment where parents are encouraged to visit.

Baby Guide 2010

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The Financial Business of Raising Children I

By Linh Tsui, CGA

f you’re like many professional couples struggling to balance the demands of caring for children with the obligations of a busy career, hiring a nanny may sound like a dream come true.

When Jessica and Adam Bramwell engaged the services of a live-in nanny to care for their two small boys, the couple anticipated respite from a hectic lifestyle that involved arranging daycare to accommodate their fluctuating work schedules. However, Jessica, in her role as family bookkeeper, soon faced a new challenge—that of familiarizing herself with the various legal requirements associated with hiring a nanny and ensuring compliance with all reporting and taxation obligations that the Canadian government requires.

Jessica added “accountant” to her list of roles, along with cook, nurse, taxi driver, mommy, housekeeper and career woman.

As Jessica and Adam discovered, when you hire a nanny, whether full-time or part-time, whether live-in or live-out, you become an employer. You must approach this employer/employee relationship as if you were operating a small business.

You must comply with the following: 1. You must register for a business number with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

2. You must remit payroll withholding taxes to CRA. This includes the nanny’s income tax, CPP (Canada Pension Plan), EI (Employment Insurance) and the employer’s portion of CPP and EI. 3. You must provide an accurate T4 to your nanny at the end of each fiscal year and file your T4 summary to the CRA by deadline. Should you file late, you will be penalized a late fee of $25 per day.

4. British Columbia employers must follow all provincial labour standards to avoid liability under the Employment Standards Act (ESA). The ESA sets out minimum requirements for payment of annual vacation pay and statutory holidays. Failure to comply may warrant you an administrative penalty of $500 per ESA violation.

5. Employers must register for Workers’ Compensation coverage for the nanny.

In addition, should you inadvertently fail to comply with these requirements, you could be facing a world of legal trouble. When the nanny’s contract ends, she may file a lawsuit against you for non-compliance. The Canadian legal system protects the rights of the employee. The employer is expected to know the standards. A lack of understanding is rarely accepted as a valid excuse.

Many nanny employers, including Adam and Jessica, simplify their lives by using a nanny payroll and accounting service.

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Parenthood is an expensive proposition whether you hire a nanny or not.

The Canada Income Tax Act provides a wide range of tax credits to offset the high cost of raising a child. According to statistics published by MSNMoney.ca, middle-income parents in the U.S. will spend approximately $221,000 to raise a child from birth to age 18. The Canadian figures are somewhat lower—a mere $193,000, as reported by Manitoba Agriculture’s economics department—and this figure just covers the necessities. Skating lessons, birthday parties and Cub Scout dues are extra.

With numbers like this, it’s smart to ensure that you are claiming every possible tax credit when you file your annual taxes.

For example: 1. Children under the age of 18 and born after 1991 receive a tax credit in the amount of $2038.

2. If your children are under the age of 16, you can claim child care expenses (daycare, nanny, nanny agency fee, overnight camps, boarding school, etc.) against your earned employment income.

3. The Income Tax Act offers a child fitness tax credit of up to $500 per year per child. Claims must be for eligible expenses in a fitness program, and can include dance and swimming classes.

4. You may be eligible for tax-free monthly payments for childcare expenses through the Canada Child tax benefit. This is based on your household income.

5. Parents with children under the age of six receive a monthly, taxable payment of $100 per month per child through the Universal Child Benefit.

6. If your child has a documented disability, you may be eligible to receive the child disability benefit.

7. You may be able to claim medical expenses for your child. You must provide receipts for medical costs, prescriptions, etc.

8. You may be able to claim tax credit for transit passes for your children.

9. Parents of college-attending children may be able to transfer the tuition to their tax return.

These and other tax credits may apply, depending on your individual circumstance. It is never too soon or too late to begin tax planning. To be sure you are claiming everything possible, discuss your situation with your accountant.

Linh Tsiu is a CGA (Certified General Accountant) specializing in payroll and taxation for employers of nannies and caregivers.

ERGO BABY CARRIER • BRAVADO

BALBOA BABY SLINGS • AVENT

BOOB DESIGNS • BABY TREKKER

Room For 2 Maternity & Baby

KOOSHIES • MAYA SLINGS

Baby Guide 2010

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Getting it Together for Baby

By Rowena List

H

ave you ever thought about how we come into this world with nothing and then, in a very short time, we have more stuff than our parents need for us? There is a lot of pressure to have everything for your new baby. In reality, having all the “stuff” will only add to your clutter and to the feeling of being overwhelmed after your new baby arrives. Babies grow quickly, so a lot of money is spent on items that are only used for a short time.

Here are five tips to help you “get it together” when it comes to your baby.

1. Make a request that as many items as possible for your baby come from a consignment store or are hand-me-downs. There is so much “inventory” in the baby world and most of it is nearly new or barely used. Previously enjoyed items are better for the environment and easier on your finances.

2. Don’t get caught up in the baby “gimmicks.” For example, do you really think you will use the “Soothing Centre” or will you cuddle your baby to sleep or let them fall asleep on their own? Ask yourself if these items are going to help you, or is it instant gratification? Leading baby sleep experts believe that artificially rocking your child to sleep in a swing or a vibrating chair will be a difficult habit to break once your baby outgrows these items.

3. Label the drawers and shelves that house your baby’s clothes: zero to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 9 months, etc. (You may choose to do it by weight.) This will really help you use the age/weight appropriate clothes.

It will also eliminate clothes getting lost in the back of the closet until they are too small and your baby doesn’t even get a chance to wear them.

Having things labelled is also helpful to anyone who is caring for your baby when you are not around and for putting laundry away. Once your baby has grown out of the clothes, clean and store them in age/weight appropriate storage containers or, better yet, pass them on with love to another new parent. When you have more children, someone will gladly be passing items back to you. Please keep in mind that nothing takes on value unless it is being used.

4. In your diaper bag carry two plastic bags. Mark one “dirty” and the other “clean.” Store all dirty soothers, bibs, etc., in the dirty one and all clean items in the clean one. This is helpful if someone is helping you with your baby.

It helps you get out of the house more quickly because you can take a quick inventory of what is in the clean plastic bag and see what you need to add. Having the diaper bag ready to go at all times is a huge time saver.

5. When traveling with your baby, check and see if your final destination has a baby equipment rental centre. Most places will have all the major items needed—stroller, crib, high chair etc.—and will deliver right to your hotel! This will really help when trying to get on the airplane with all the restrictions they have these days. Check and see if your accommodation has laundry facilities. If so, you will not need to pack as many items for that little darling who seems to be a laundry making machine.

Enjoy these moments with your baby, and good luck on getting—and keeping—it together!

Rowena List is an in-demand image organizer, speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor for individuals and organizations alike. For more detailed information or more tips on Getting it Together, please visit www.gettingittogether.ca.

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10 Tips for Baby Travel

By Tarina Palmer Traveling with a baby can strike fear in the heart of many new parents.

Thankfully, babies can be surprisingly good travelers. Here are some tips to help you plan a family trip.

1. Obtain a passport. Your baby will need a valid passport if you plan to travel outside Canada. As soon as you receive your child’s official birth certificate, you can get photos and send the paperwork off. Check that your local photographer takes baby passport photos. Some do but many don’t.

2. Book transportation. If you’re flying with a baby, get used to the red eye. Night flights are ideal as it helps babies keep their sleep routine. Bring your breastfeeding pillow along. It’s not chic but it is useful. Try and reserve bulkhead seats well in advance.

3. Book accommodation. Fully-equipped apartments are reasonably priced and offer more flexibility than hotels. Kitchen and laundry facilities are useful.

Pick a good central location and you’ll find you can explore the area at your own pace and still let your baby keep to their routine.

4. Rent a car. When you’re traveling with a stroller, several bags and, let’s not forget, a baby, you’ll find it’s just easier. A car also lets your baby sleep while you drive. Expecting sun, pack your sun shades. Most car rental companies will also rent you a car seat.

5. Rent a car seat. The rules about carrying children in car seats vary widely.

While the car rental/hire company should know the local laws, it doesn’t hurt to do your own research. Be prepared to install it.

6. Pack a stroller and carrier. Or find a baby equipment rental centre at your destination—before you leave home. You’ll need both of these devices.

Both offer a range of flexibility in different situations.

7. Pack baby toiletries. Transfer your favourite baby products into travel containers. Pack more than you think you need for the trip. Don’t forget washing powder for cloth diapers and clothes, and stuff your luggage with diapers.

8. Pack minimum clothing . Traveling with a baby means space is at a premium. If you’ve booked accommodation with a laundry, pack enough clothes to last 48 to 72 hours. DO make sure, however, that you have enough supplies while you are in transit. Flight delays and missing baggage are good reasons to pack a few extras.

9. Wear to bare . If you’re breastfeeding, make sure you wear clothing that facilitates doing this in tight, cramped locations like airline seats and in a car.

A shawl is easy to pack and offers great flexibility.

10. Relax and be flexible . Part of the fun of travel is that things aren’t exactly like they are at home. Sometimes they’re better. While travel may never be the same, you’ll meet people and have experiences you never had before baby arrived! Roll with the punches and enjoy this time with your new family!

Tarina Palmer works in PR and is planning her next family trip.

Handy Resources Passport Canada | www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx Vacation Rentals by Owner | www.vrbo.com European Child Safety Alliance | www.eurosafe.eu.com Child Car Seats Europe | www.childcarseats.org.uk

Annual Resource Listings See ad in this issue

ANNUAL EVENTS

Joyful Celebrations Theme Parties 1.877.824.4359 | joyfulcelebrations.ca

Baby & Family Fair Vancouver thebabyandfamilyfair.com

Jump Start Music & Movement Various locations 604.777.7179 jumpstartmusicandmovement.com

Bellies to Babies Celebration Vancouver belliestobabiescelebration.com

Kids Market Granville Island 604.689.8447 | kidsmarket.ca

Bright Nights Stanley Park

Koko’s Activity Centre Port Moody 604.469.3357 | kokos.ca

Vancouver vancouver.ca/parks

Canyon Lights Capilano Suspension Bridge

North Vancouver capbridge.com

Crème de la Crème Baby Showcase

Vancouver cremedelacreme.ca Early Years Festival

Surrey surrey.ca

EPIC! Sustainable Living Expo

Vancouver epicvancouver.com

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden

Kuddles Early Infant Stimulation North Vancouver 604.729.6538 | kuddles.ca Maplewood Farm North Vancouver 604.929.5610 | maplewoodfarm.bc.ca Mimic Baby Sign Language 604.687.0425 | mimicbaby.com Music for Young Children 800.561.1692 | myc.com Phoenix Gymnastics Vancouver 604.737.7693 | phoenixgymnastics.com

Family Services of Greater Vancouver Adoption Agency 604.731.4951 | fsgv.ca Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents Vancouver 604.291.7091 | fafp.ca Hope Services Abbotsford 604.850.1002 | hopeadopt.org LDS Adoptions Services of BC Surrey 604.585.7735 Ministry for Children & Families 877.236.7807 | mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption Sunrise Adoption Centre North Vancouver 604.984.2488 | sunriseadoption.com The Adoption Centre Kelowna 1.800.935.4237 www.kcr.ca/page/adoption-centre-of-bc

BABY CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Bobbits for Kids Vancouver 604.738.0333 | bobbitsforkids.com Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity North Vancouver 604.984.6163 | boomersandechoes.com Buckets of Fun Consignment Surrey 604.542.8697 | bucketsoffun.ca Chick Pea Children’s Boutique New Westminster 604.525.2266 | chickpeakids.com Childish Notions Online 877.968.4667 | childishnotions.com Classy Kids Consignment Vancouver 604.222.4035 Cotton ‘n Crayon Surrey 604.535.0466 Crawlies: Clothing for Babies on the Move Online 705.427.0696 | crawlies.ca Crocodile Unique Baby Store Vancouver | 604.742.2762 South Surrey | 604.542.8860 crocodilebaby.com

Vancouver vandusengarden.org

Richmond Parks & Recreation 604.276.4300 | richmond.ca

Active Baby North Vancouver 604.986.8977 | activebaby.ca

Lower Mainland Toy & Product Fair

Sunset Community Centre Vancouver 604.718.6505 | mysunset.net

Babes on 4th Vancouver 604.739.9870

Vancouver International Children’s Festival

The Arts Connection Richmond 604.241.0141 | theartsconnection.ca

Babykins Multiple locations & Online 604.275.2255 | babykins.com

The Little Gym Langley 604.539.2543 | tlglangleybc.com

Baby on Board Richmond 604.273.0884 | babyonboard.ca

For Kids Only Consignment New Westminster | 604.937.3755

Vancouver Academy of Dance Richmond 604.231.8293 | vancouverdance.com

Baby Planet Boutique Online 888.823.6129 | babyplanetboutique.com

Goober Baby Multiple locations & Online 604.837.9775 | gooberbaby.com

Watermania - Richmond Aquatics Richmond 604.448.5353 | richmond.ca

Babycheeks South Surrey 778.292.0495 | babycheeks.ca

Hip Baby Vancouver 604.736.8020 | hipbaby.com

YMCA Hocking Centre, Chilliwack | 604.792.3371 Cheam, Chilliwack | 604.824.5250 Tong Louie, Surrey | 604.575.9622 Downtown, Vancouver | 604.681.9622 Langara, Vancouver | 604.324.9622 vanymca.org

Baby’s Best Designs Online 604.682.7281 | babysbestdesigns.com

Isola Bella Design Ltd Vancouver 604.266.8808 | isolabella.ca

Baby’s World Coquitlam 604.515.0888 | babysworld.ca

Jack & Lola North Vancouver 778.340.5225 | jackandlola.ca

Beansprouts Vancouver 604.871.9782 | beansprouts.ca

Just Kids Clothes Online 604.649.3779 | justkidsclothes.com

Beba Bean Coquitlam & Online 604.552.7741 | bebabean.com

Kai Kids Online kaikids.com

Bigfoot8 Kids Store Inc. Port Coquitlam 604.464.6388 | bigfoot8.ca

Kangapouch Sleepsacks Online kangapouch.net

Langley langleycdc.com

Vancouver childrensfestival.ca

West Coast Women’s Show

Abbotsford westcoastwomen.net

ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO Aquaventures Swim Centre Vancouver 604.736.7946 | aquaventuresswim.com Arts Umbrella Vancouver 604.681.5268 | artsumbrella.com Cineplex: Stars and Strollers Multiple locations cineplex.com Gabriela’s Movement Studio Richmond 604.272.0607 | movementstudio.ca

ADOPTION RESOURCES

Greater Vancouver Zoo Aldergrove 604.856.6825 | gvzoo.com

Adoptive Families Association of BC Burnaby 604.320.7330 | bcadoption.com

Gymboree Play & Music Vancouver | 604.739.1190 Tri-Cities | 604.945.4967 Surrey/White Rock | 604.590.5511 gymboreeclasses.com

BC Foster Parents Association Maple Ridge 604.466.7487 | bcfosterparents.ca CHOICES Adoption & Counselling Victoria 604.682.6234 | choicesadoption.ca

Cymax Stores Online 604.629.4704 | cymaxstores.com Dandelion Kids Vancouver 604.676.1862 | dandelionkids.ca

Baby Guide 2010

25

See ad in this issue

Kidazzles White Rock 604.531.7931

Pagasa Children’s Wear Vancouver 604.708.4166

The Clothes Encounter Richmond 604.271.0310 | theclothesencounter.com

Kidlet Innovations Online 778.788-0680 | kidlet.ca

Parade Online 888.687.7163 | parade.ca

Kidzown Boutique Surrey 604.581.1234 | kidzownboutiques.com

Pebble Vancouver 604.568.6923 | pebblebaby.com

Tiggy Winkles Children’s Consignment Vancouver 604.731.8647

Köhlr Baby: Sleepsacks & More Online 604.317.5705 | kohlrbaby.com

Peekaboo Beans 604.279.2326 | peekaboobeans.com

Koo Koo Design Inc Online 604.495.6355 | kookootowels.com

Pinky & Company Online 604.515.4081 | pinkyandcompany.com

Kuddle Muddle Kids North Vancouver 604.929.2524

Pinky Blue Children’s Store Richmond 604.204.2720 | pinkyblue.ca

Little Critters Outfitters Abbotsford | Cloverdale 604.854.6006 | 604.575.2500 | littlecrittersoutfitters.com

Planet-Twin Maple Ridge 604.657.7333 | planet-twin.com

Little Earth Vancouver 778.737.7004 | littleearthvancouver.com Little Treasures Children’s Boutique Granville Island 604.677.3792 Lusso Baby North Vancouver 778.340.0648 | lussobaby.ca Mabel’s Labels Online marilyn.mabel.ca MacGillycuddy’s for Little People Vancouver 604.263.5313 Mally Bibs Online 1.877.497. 2427 | mallybibs.com

Play & Learn North Vancouver 604.980.4055 PoPo’s Ponchos Vancouver 604.512.8886 | poposponchos.com Robeez Footwear Multiple locations & Online 800.929.2649 | robeez.com Sage Creek Naturals Online 877.513.2183 | sagecreeknaturals.com

My Little Green Online mylittlegreenshop.com

Stuck on You Online 866.904.9790 | stuckonyou.ca

baby-guide.ca

Richmond Health Services 604.233.3150

Tsitah Threads Squamish 604.505.5414 | tsitah.com Wee Ones Reruns Vancouver 604.708.0956 | weeonesvancouver.com

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT Abbotsford Health Unit 604.864.3400 BC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic 604.875.2424 Cloverdale Public Health 604.575.5100 Crescent Moon Childbirth 604.612.6906 | crescentmoonchildbirth.org Guildford Public Health 604.587.4750

Langley Public Health Office 604.539.2900

Stonz Wear; Baby booties Online 604.568.6364 | stonzwear.ca

26

Tricky & Titch Online 604.985.5546 | trickyandtitch.com

Sleep Huggers Inc Online 780.462.2351 | sleephuggers.com

Mountain Baby Online 888.990.2292 | mountainbaby.com

North Surrey Public Health 604.587.7900 Pacific Spirit Health Centre West Vancouver 604.261.6366

La Leche League Multiple locations 800.665.4324 | lllc.ca

Spa Baby Tubs Inc Multiple locations & Online spababytubs.com

North Shore Health Region 604.984.3841

Tip Toey Joey Fort Langley 604.999.6932 | tiptoeyjoey.com

Simply Baby Multiple locations 250.833.9687 | simplybaby.ca

Milk Factory Designs Online 604.899.1180 | milkfactory.com

Newborn Hotline 604.737.3737

Mama Goddess Birth Shop Online 778.883.3514 mamagoddessbirthshop.com Medela Canada Inc. 800.435.8316 | medela.ca Mooternity Nursing Fashions Vancouver 778.838.1707 | mooternity.com

South Delta Health Unit 604-587-4600 | fraserhealth.ca Vancouver Breastfeeding Clinic 604.738.1912 | breastfeedingclinic.com

DIAPER SERVICES Better Baby Bums Online betterbabybums.ca Bouncing Babies 604.992.9270 | bouncingbabies.ca Bumbini Diaper 604.566.4125 | bumbini.ca Diapers Naturally Cotton Diapers Service Burnaby 604.682.8860 Discount Diapers Corp 866.342.7371 Ecobotts Eco-disposable Diapers 778.340.1779 | ecobotts.ca Eco Bumz Online 866.376.8081 | ecobumz.com gDiapers 866.553.5874 | gdiapers.com GreenBumBum Online greenbumbum.com Happy Nappy Diaper Service 604.539.8322 | happynappy.ca Wee Care Online 888.722.2229 | weecarediapercompany.com

Annual Resource Listings DOULAS & MIDWIVES Bloom Family Wellness 604.988.1411 | bloomwellness.com Birthing Buddies 604.928.2334 | birthingbuddies.com Cherish Childbirth Care 604.626.1079 | Cherishchildbirth.com Crescent Moon Childbirth Surrey, Langley & White Rock 604.612.6906 | crescentmoonchildbirth. org Dancing Star Birth 604.322.6227 | dancingstarbirth.ca Doula Services Association of BC 604.515.5588 | bcdoulas.org Family Midwifery Care 604.515.1505 Family Practice Maternity Service BC Women’s Hospital 604.875.3436 Gloria Lemay 604.737.7063 | glorialemay.com Midwifery Associates 604.450.1126 Midwifery Care Association 604.536.4344 Midwifery Care North Shore 604.984.6960 | midwiferycare.ca Midwifery Practice at BC Women’s 604.875.3266 Midwives Association of BC 604.736.5976 | bcmidwives.com Mother Me 604.524.1793 | motherme.ca New Additions Doula Services 604.682.2801 Newbirth Mothercare 778.834.2057 | newbirthmothercare.com Pacific Midwifery 604.874.7999 Pomegranate Community Midwives Vancouver 604.255.5556 | pomegranate-midwives.com

Ridge Meadows Midwifery Practice 604.466.5541

Monarch Autism House 604.205.9204 | monarchhouse.ca

Battered Women’s Support Services 604.687.1867 | bwss.org

South Community Birth Program 604.321.2201 | scbp.ca

Montessori Mes Petits Preschool 604.980.1102 | ourpreschool.com

The Birth Place Maple Ridge 604.466.5811 | thebirthplace.ca

Music For Young Children Maple Ridge 604.463.2151

BC Association of Family Resource Programs Vancouver 604.738.0068 | frpbc.ca

The Midwifery Group 604.877.7766

Music Together Phoenix Song 604.327.5165 | mtphoenixsong.com

Village Health Clinic 604.575.7275 | villagehealthclinic.ca

North Star Montessori 604.980.1205 | northstarmontessori.ca

EDUCATION Brighstars 604.682.8554 | brightstars.ca CEFA: Core Education & Fine Arts 604.913.7713 | cefa.ca Children’s Education Fund 604.646.7282 ext 292

Reach For The Stars Montessori 604.688. 7827 | montessori.com St George’s School 604.224.1304 |stgeorges.bc.ca The Arts Connection 604.241.0141 | theartsconnection.ca

Choice School 604.273.2418 | choiceschool.org

UC Baby Surrey| 778.395.0076 Vancouver | 604.708.8853 uc-baby.com

Collingwood School 604.925.3331 | collingwoodschool.ca

Usborne Books at Home 604.886.8767 | kidsbookmart.com

ColourStrings Music 604.730.5418 | colourstringsvan.com

Vancouver Bilingual School 604.261.1221 | vancouverbilingual.com

Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la

Vancouver Waldorf School 604.985.7435 | vws.ca

Colombie-Britanique

csf.bc.ca

Council of Parent Participation Preschools in BC 604.435.4430 | cpppreschools.bc.ca CST Consultants, Distributors of Canadian Scholarship Trust Plan 877.333.7377| cst.org Googol Learning 604.720.9377 | googolpower.com

Wee Hands 866.746.7446 | weehands.com York House Vancouver 604.736.6551 | yorkhouse.ca

FAMILY AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Lille aux oiseaux Montessori 604.725.4017 | godaycare.com

Abbotsford Community Services Family Centre 604.859.7681 | abbotsfordcommunityservices.com

Millenium Learning Advantage 604.461.3330 | milleniumlearningadvantage.com

Antepartum Home Care Program (For women expecting multiples) 604.875.3557

Mimic Baby Sign Language 604.687.0425 ext.1 | mimicbaby.com

Association of Neighbourhood Houses of Greater Vancouver 604.875.9111 | anhgv.org

The Momoir Project themomoirproject.com

Autism Society of BC 888.437.0880 | autismbc.ca

BC Housing 604.433.1711 | bchousing.org BC Parents Connection bcparentsconnection.ca Belly to Baby Prenatal Education 604.469.2698 | bellytobaby.ca Birth Transitions Pre-natal Classes 604.787.5386 | birthtransitions.com Birthing Buddies 604.928.2334 | birthingbuddies.com Burnaby Family Place 604.299.5112 Canuck Place—A Children’s Hospice Vancouver 604.731.4847 | canuckplace.org Caregiver Tax Coquitlam 604.786.2566 |caregivertax.ca Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House Vancouver 604.874.4231 Cherish Childbirth Care 604.626.1079 | cherishchildbirth.com Collingwood Neighbourhood House Vancouver 604.435.0323 | cnh.bc.ca Coquitlam SHARE Family & Community Services Society 604.540.9161 Dorothy Lam Family Place Vancouver 604.718.6563 Dr. Meagan Smith, Registered Psychologist North Vancouver 604.990.2547 Dr. Michal Regev, Registered Psychologist Vancouver drregev.com

Baby Guide 2010

27

See ad in this issue

Dr. Oliva Scalzo, Registered Psychologist Vancouver 604.251.7275 East Burnaby Family Place 604.444.1090 | ebfp.ca East Side Family Place 604.255.9841 | eastsidefamilyplace.org Family Services of Greater Vancouver 604.731.4951 | fsgv.ca Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House Vancouver 604.251.1225 | froghollow.bc.ca Gordon Neighbourhood House Vancouver 604.683.2554 | www.gnh.vcn.bc.ca Guildford Family Place Surrey 604.596.4321 Hastings Family Drop-in Centre Vancouver 604.718.6222 Helen Sands, Sleep Consultant 604.803.0068 | helensands.com Information Children Parent Support Line 604.291.3548

Mount Pleasant Family Centre Vancouver 604.872.6757 | mpfamilycentre.ca

South Vancouver Neighbourhood House 604.324.6212 | southvan.org

mBody Fitness and Wellness Spa Vancouver 604.891.5189 | mbodyspa.com

New Westminster Family Place 604.520.3666 | nwfamily.bc.ca

St Matthews Day Care Society Burnaby 604.527.1031 | stmatthewsdaycare.com

Momentum Fitness Vancouver 604.732.4884 | mfit.ca

Storey Law 604.731.5676 | storeylaw.com

My Adventure Boot Camp Vancouver 604.329.7867 | myadventurebootcamp.com

North Shore Family Services 604.988.5281 | familyservices.bc.ca Pacific Post Partum Support Society 604.255.7999 | postpartum.org Parent Support Services Society of BC 604.669.1616 | parentsupportbc.ca Parents of Multiple Births 866.228.8824 | multiplebirthscanada.org Place Maillardville Neighbourhood House Coquitlam 604.933.6166 | placemaillardville.ca Ray-Cam Cooperative Centre Vancouver 604.257.6949 | raycam.com Richmond/Delta Parents of Twins and Triplets Club 604.271.8348 Richmond Family Place Society 604.278.4336 | richmondfamilyplace.ca

Langley Community Services Society 604.534.7921 | lcss.ca

Riley Park Community Centre Branching Out Vancouver 604.257.8545

Life Coach Family Counselling & Education 604.222.3474

Semiahmoo Family Place South Surrey 604.531.5882 | semiahmoofamilyplace.com

Little Mountain Neighbourhood House Vancouver 604.879.7104 | lmnhs.bc.ca

Shari Bender, Registered Psychologist Vancouver 604.221.9053 psychologists.bc.ca/pro/sharibender

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Child Care Resource & Referral Program 604.467.2273 (CARE)

Fraser Health Authority 604.587.4600 | fraserhealth.ca

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services Family Place 604.467.6911 | comservice.bc.ca Marpole Oakridge Family Place Vancouver 604.263.1405 | marfamplace.org McKenna Counseling Delta 778.554.8050

Single Mothers Support Network 604.732.3300 | singlemothers.ca South Delta Health Unit 604.587.4600 | fraserhealth.ca South Vancouver Family Place 604.325.5213 southvancouverfamilyplace.org

Sunrise Family Drop-in Vancouver 604.251.2913 Support for Parents of Young Children Program 604.596.4321 | options.bc.ca The Children’s Foundation 604.434.9101 | childrens-foundation.org Tri City Family Place Society 604.945.0048 Tummy Tickles (Fetal Doppler Rental) 866.961.1580 | tummytickles.com We Care Home Health Services 604.264.9003 | wecare.ca West Side Family Place Vancouver 604.738.2819 | www3.telus.net/wsfp

FITNESS

Pilates Unlimited Vancouver 604.875.0404 | pilates.ca Innergy Corporate Yoga 1.888.457.3543 | innergycorporateyoga.com Runners and Booties Fitness Multiple locations 778.285.6265 | runnersandbootiesfitness.com The Fitness Group fitnessgroup.com The Little Gym Langley 604.539.2543 | tlglangley.com TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly Multiple locations 1.800.932.8677 | tops.org

Alive Yoga Therapy Ltd 604.505.9108

Vancouver Academy of Dance Richmond 604.231.8293 | vancouverdance.com

Aquaventures Swim Centre Vancouver 604.736.7946 | aquaventuresswim.com Corebody Pilates & Yoga Inc North Vancouver 604.916.9335 | corebody.ca Fit for Two Multiple locations 604.602.1546 | fit4two.ca

Van Yoga Programs Vancouver 604.646.0134 | vanyoga.com Yoga Pod North Vancouver 604.924.9642 | yogapod.com

FURNITURE, GIFTS, TOYS & ACCESSORIES

Fitness on the Go In-home personal training 888.808.2348 | fitnessonthego.ca

African Violet Slings Online 250.395.5224 | africanvioletslings.com

Hycroft Wellness Centre Prenatal Fitness Vancouver 604.731.8027

Animal Crackers Announcements 604.710.4760 | animalcrackersonline.com

Jump Gymnastics 604.568.9690 | jumpgymnastics.ca Kidzown Boutique Surrey 604.581.1234 | kidzownboutiques.com

baby-guide.ca

Open Door Yoga Vancouver 778.371.8179 | opendooryoga.bc.ca

Active Baby North Vancouver 604.986.8977 | activebaby.ca

Into Yoga Multiple locations 604.421.9872 | intoyoga.ca

28

North Star Fitness Vancouver 604.761.7064 | northstarfitness.ca

Babes on 4th Vancouver 604.739.9870 Babykins Richmond 604.275.2255 | babykins.com Baby’s World Coquitlam 604.515.0888 | babysworld.ca

Annual Resource Listings Knotty Toys Granville Island 604.683.7854 | knottytoys.com

Organic O’Canada Online 604.630.2337 | organicocanada.com

Kuddle Muddle North Vancouver 604.929.2524

Peapod Creations Multiple locations & Online 866.811.8103 | peapodcreations.ca

Little Forest Baby Care System Langley & Online littleforest.com

Pedagogy Toys New Westminster 604.395.3459 | pedagogytoys.com

Lucy Ann Online 888.739.2299 | lucyann.ca

Pinky & Company Online 604.515.4081 | pinkyandcompany.com

Doudou Bebe doudoubebe.com

Lusso Baby North Vancouver 778.340.0648 | lussobaby.ca

Pinky Blue Children’s Store Richmond 604.204.2720 | pinkyblue.ca

BC Playthings North Vancouver 604.986.4111 | bcplaythings.com

Dream Designs Vancouver 604.254.5012 | dreamdesigns.ca

Mabel’s Labels Online 604.709.6147 | marilyn.mabel.ca

Sage Creek Naturals Online 877.513.2183 | sagecreeknaturals.com

Bears Toy Store West Vancouver 604.926.2327

Elements of Art Mobile 604.817.7038 | artelements.ca

Simply Baby Online 250.833.9687 | simplybaby.ca

Beba Bean Online 604.552.7741| bebabean.com

Elephant Shoe Online elephant-shoe.ca

Mama Goddess Birth Shop Online 604.782.6679 | mamagoddessbirthshop. com

Belly Bonding Casting Co Online 604.219.7379 | bellybonding.ca

Fino Lino Fine Linens & Accessories Vancouver 604.736.1828 | finolino.net

Bobbits for Kids Vancouver 604.738.0333 | bobbitsforkids.com

Fu-Shun Baby Online fu-shundesigns.com

Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity North Vancouver 604.984.6163 | boomersandechoes.com

Goober Baby Online 604.880.5433 | 604.837.9775 gooberbaby.com

Baby Celtic Productions Online 604.929.6914 | babyceltic.com Baby on Board Richmond 604.273.0884 | babyonboard.ca Baby Planet Boutique Online 888.823.6129 | babyplanetboutique.com Bamboobino Online 604.551.3882 | bamboobino.com Bamboletta Online bamboletta.com

Bug in a Rug Online 519.856.1373 | buginarug.info Camelot Kids Granville Island 800.746.2230 | camelotkids.com Cards By Kids Online 604.987.4187 | cardsbykids.ca Childish Notions Online 877.968.4667| childishnotions.com Classy Kids Consignment Vancouver 604.222.4035

Crocodile Unique Baby Store Vancouver | 604.742.2762 South Surrey | 604.542.8860 crocodilebaby.com Desneige Memory Castings Online 877.615.8450 | desneige.ca Dimpleskins; Natural Body Care Online 604.395.6262 | dimpleskinsnaturals.com Discovery Toys Canada Online 800.341.8697 | discoverytoysinc.com

IKEA Coquitlam | 604.636.1000 Richmond | 604.233.8491 ikea.ca Jack & Lola North Vancouver 778.340.5225 | jackandlola.ca Just Imagine Fun Clothing Vancouver 604.222.3523 | dressups.com Kaboodles Toy Store Vancouver | 604.224.5311 Granville Island | 604.684.0066 kaboodlestoystore.com

Comfy Cozy Blankies 604.839.4643 | comfycozyblankies.ca

Kidlet Chronicles Online kidletchronicles.com

Creative Kidstuff Toys North Vancouver 604.987.3210

Kids Market Granville Island 604.689.8447 | kidsmarket.ca

Creative Memories 800.468.9335 | creativememories.ca

Kidsbooks Vancouver | 604.738.5335 North Vancouver | 604.986.6190 Surrey | 604.541.9939 kidsbooks.bc.ca

Cribs & Carriages North Vancouver 604.988.2742 | cribsandcarriages.com

Milk Factory Designs Online 604.899.1180 | milkfactory.com ModernKid Vancouver 604.662.3181 | modernkid.com

Sola Robes Online 604.551.3882 | solarobes.com TJs Kiddies Store Multiple locations & Online tjskids.com

Molly’s Furniture Salad Vancouver 604.732.7712 | furnituresalad.ca

Toy Jungle West Vancouver | 604.925.0741 Coquitlam | 604.464.7766 thetoyjungle.ca

Nestings Kids Vancouver 604.734.5437 | nestingskidsvancouver.com

The Fort Toy Box Fort Langley 604.882.8697 | forttoybox.com

Northern Feather Dream Makers Delta | 604.940.9551 Vancouver | 604.736.7233 West Vancouver | 604.926.3120 nfdreammakers.com

The Shrunks

O’Baby Organics Online 604.340.8239 | obabyorganics.ca Off to Bed Fort Langley 604.513.1151 | offtobed.ca One Tiny Suitcase Baby Equipment Rentals 877.663.8469 | onetinysuitcase.ca

Online theshrunks.com The Toybox Vancouver 604.738.4322 The Village Toy Shop Port Moody 604.949.0444 | villagetoyshop.ca Toy Traders Langley 604.532.9516

Baby Guide 2010

29

See ad in this issue

Tupperware tupperware.ca Usborne Books at Home Online store 604.886.8767 | kidsbookmart.com Wee Piggies & Paws Online 905.988.5437 | weepiggies.com

GROCERY SERVICES Avalon Dairy Delivery 604.434.2434 | avalondairy.com Dairyland/Saputo Foods 800.667.1228 | morethanmilk.ca Green Earth Organics 604.708.2345 | greenearthorganics.com Neighbours Organic Weekly Buying Clubs Co-operative organic food delivery 604.222.0262 | nowbc.ca Small Potatoes Urban Delivery 604.215.7783 | spud.ca Stong’s Market 604.266.1401 | stongs.com Sunrise Soya Foods 604.253.2326

Organics at Home 604.983.6657 | organicsathome.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS 3D Baby Vision-Fetal Imaging 778.737.6619 | 3dbaby.ca Access Natural Healing Vancouver 604.568.4663 | accessnaturalhealing.com Arbutus Acupuncture & Massage Therapy Clinic Vancouver 604.264.9921 | healthtoday.ca Barry Rich MD Langley 604.539.1915 | nsv.ca BC Association of Optometrists 604.737.9907 | absee.ca BC Children’s Hospital 604.875.2345 | Bcchildrens.ca BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre 604.875.2330 Birthing Buddies 604.928.2334 | birthingbuddies.com Bonn Chiropractic Vancouver 604.688.5437 | bonnchiropractic.com Corinne Eisler Registered dietician & paediatric nutrition specialist 604.738.4344

The complete aquatic & fitness experience under one roof.

Voted Richmond’s Best Family Amusement Centre

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604-448-5353

Visit our website for a virtual tour and schedules: www.richmond.ca/aquatics

30

baby-guide.ca

Crescent Moon Childbirth Surrey, Langley & White Rock 604.612.6906 | crescentmoonchildbirth.org

Family Passages Vancouver 604.266.6470 | familypassages.ca Healthcord Vancouver 604.714.6361 | 1.877.714.6361 healthcord.com Just4Kids Paediatric Dentistry 604.575.7785 | j4kdentistry.com My 3D Ultrasound (Greig Associates) Vancouver 604.267.3387 | my3dultrasound.com Helen Sands, Sleep Consultant 604.803.0068 | helensands.com Integrative Healing Arts Vancouver 604.738.1012 | integrative.ca Lady de la Sol Botanicals Online 877.471.1144 | ladydelasol.com Mashala Baby Organics Online 800.981.4626 | mashalababyorganics. com

Maria Tratt Custom Wall Design 604.218.4258 | mariatratt@gmail.com Molly’s Furniture Salad Vancouver 604.732.7712 | furnituresalad.ca Northern Feather Dream Makers 604.736.7233 | 604.940.9551| 604.926.3120 nfdreammakers.com Off to Bed Fort Langley 604.513.1151 | offtobed.ca

The Creative Individual 604.857.3270 | thecreativeindividual.com

St John Ambulance 604.321.2652 | sja.ca

Whimsical Words 604.936.3897

Thank You Mommy Wellness Center Vancouver, New West and Coquitlam 604.831.2080 thankyoumommywellness.com

TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly 604.299.4149 | tops.org

Dial-A-Dietician 811| dialadietitian.org

Tummy Tickles Fetal Doppler rentals 866.961.1580 | tummytickles.com

Dr. Sabrina Chen-See, Family Wellness Chiropractor Vancouver 604.224.5552 | drchensee.com

IKEA Coquitlam | 604.636.1000 Richmond | 604.273.2051 ikea.ca

PDG Pediatric Dental Group 604.263.6999 | pdgdental.com

Cross Roads 3D Ultrasound 604.872.5485 | crossroads3dbaby.com

Dr. Pollock Infant Circumcision/ Vasectomy New Westminster & Vancouver 604.717.6200 | pollockclinics.com

If Walls Could Talk 604.582.6811

Organic O’Canada Online 778.892.4044 | organicocanada.com

Cross Roads Clinic Vancouver 604.872.5484 | crossroadsclinics.com

Dr. Maria Fabbro Naturopathic physician Vancouver & Burnaby 604.738.3468 | drfabbro.com

Fino Lino Fine Linens & Accessories Vancouver 604.736.1828 | finolino.net

McNeil Consumer Healthcare 877.223.9807 | mcneilcanada.com

Théra Wise: Natural Therapeutic Ointments Multiple locations & Online 604.879.2623 | therawise.com

Dr. Gerry Pochynok Pacific Paediatric Dental Centre North Vancouver 604.983.2253

Felt Fantasia 604.595.6627 | feltfantasia.com

UC Baby Surrey | 778-395-0076 Vancouver | 604.708.8853 uc-baby.com

HOME DÉCOR Belly Bonding Casting Co 604.219.7379 | bellybonding.ca Bippity Boppity Boo Children’s Rooms 604.468.1755 Creative Memories 800.468.9335 | creativememories.ca Dream Designs Vancouver 604.254.5012 | dreamdesigns.ca

MATERNITY NEW & CONSIGNMENT Baby Planet Boutique Online store 888.823.6129 | babyplanetboutique.com Bellies In Bloom Victoria 250.479.0803 | belliesinbloommaternity.com Blissfulbabes Nursing Wear blissfulbabes.com Bloomin Couture Coquitlam 604.760.1095 | bloomin.ca Boomers & Echoes North Vancouver 604.984.6163 | boomersandechoes.com Bravado Designs Online store 800.590.7802 | bravadodesigns.com Classy Kids Consignment Vancouver 604.222.4035 Corsierre 3-in-1 Nursing Bra Upgrade Online 877.612.5477 | corsierre.com Flirty Maternity Maple Ridge 604.657.7333 | flirtymaternity.com

Annual Resource Listings Hazel & Co./Jools Vancouver 604.730.8689 | hazelhipmoms.com 604.221.0721 | jools.ca Jelly Beans Kids Consignment Coquitlam 604.939.4846 Kai Kids kaikids.com Kidazzles White Rock 604.531.7931

Canzac Nannies & Babysitters 604.985.3654 Child Care Options Resource & Referral Program 604.572.8032 | childcareoptions.ca Elite Nannies 604.876.5520 First Steps, Child Care Options 604.876.5520 | childcareoptions.ca International Nannies Ltd 604.609.9925 | internationalnannies.com

Kidzown Boutique Surrey 604.581.1234 | kidzownboutiques.com

Langley Child Care Resource & Referral Program 604.534.7921

Little Earth Vancouver 778.737.7004 | littleearthvancouver.com

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Child Care Resource & Referral 604.467.6911

Mama Goddess Birth Shop Online 604.782.6679 | mamagoddessbirthshop.com

Moppet Minders Child & Home Care Services Ltd 604.942.8167

Mooternity Nursing Fashions Online 778.838.1707 | mooternity.com

Nanny Finders Directory 604.272.1622 | nannyfindersbc.com

Not For Long Boutique 778.294.0401 Nummies Nursing Bras nummies.ca Pinky & Company Online 604.515.4081 | pinkyandcompany.com Pinky Blue Children’s Store Richmond 604.204.2720 | pinkyblue.ca Room for Two Maternity Apparel Vancouver 604.255.0508 | roomfor2.ca The Classic Closet Consignment Boutique Surrey 778-395-8290 | classicclosetconsignment.com The Maternity Shop Online 888.860.1211 | thematernityshop.com Tiny Town Children’s & Women’s Consignment Surrey 604.597.0040

NANNIES & CHILD CARE RESOURCES Able Nannies 604.540.7453 Care Solutions Inc 877.925.8474 | absolutecarenanny.com Almost As Good As Mum Nanny Agency Ltd 604.542.0548 | almostasgoodasmum.com

Nannies on Call 604.734.1776 | nanniesoncall.com Norfolk Nannies 604.263.5867 North Shore Childcare Resource & Referral Program 604.985.7138 | nscr.bc.ca Not Just Nannies 604.723.5683 | notjustnannies.net OptiMum Childcare & Nannies Inc 604.671.4965 | opti-mum.com Richmond Child Care Resource & Referral Service 604.279.7020 | volunteerrichmond.ca St. Matthews Day Care Society 604.527.1031 | stmatthewsdaycare.com

Sweet Earth Photographics 778.865.4131 | sweetearthphotographics.com

Bopomo Pictures Kitsilano | 604.678.1411 Morgan Crossing | 778.294.0711 bopomo.ca

Sweet Pea Photography 604.986.0204 | sweetpeaphotography.com

Choo Choo Photography choochoophotography.com Coates Portrait Design 604.739.9600 | coatesportraitdesign.com Eclipse Photography 604.984.7427 | eclipsephotography.ca

Toy Box Studios 604.681.2252 | toybox-studio.com What I See Photography 778.829.0071 | whatisee.ca

SAFETY

Gemini Visuals Creative Photography 604.312.6330 | geminivisuals.com

Babysafe 604-866-8939 | babysafechildproofing.ca

Jane Photography 604.435.9581 | janeeatonhamilton.com

BCAA: Infant/Child Car Seat Information Line 604.298.2122 | bcaa.com

Joy Photography 778.688.8688 | joyphoto.ca

Kidlet Innovations Online 778.788.0680 | kidlet.ca

Kalem Photography 604.273.0401 | kalemphoto.com Kevin James Day Photography 604.915.7500 | kjdkids.com

Road Safety: Child Restraints/Car Seat Safety roadsafety.ca

Life Story Videos 604.805.7999 | lifestoryvideos.ca

St John Ambulance 604.321.2652 | sja.ca

Mika Photography mikaphotography.ca

Safety Station at BC’s Children’s Hospital 604.875.2244 bcchildrens.ca/safetystation

Perfect Moments Photography Abbotsford 604.832.1628 | perfectmoments.ca RD Captured Memories Langley 604.761.5178 | rdcapturedmemories.com RAW Photographic 604.834.8824 | rawphotgraphicarts.com Red Wagon Digital Images 604.318.3259 | redwagondigitalimages.ca Shayna Kerrie Photography Vancouver shaynakerriephotography.com

Susan’s Nannies 604.779.8579

Wee Travel Inc 604.222.4722 | weetravel.ca

WEB LINKS WORTH CHECKING britishcolumbiamoms.com helpwevegotkids.com vap.informe.com parentsinbc.ca savvymom.ca urbanmommies.com urbandaddies.com vancouverdad.com vancouver.parentzone.com vancouvertwins.com wetcoastwomen.com ywsinglemoms.org

Vancouver Child Care Resource & Referral 604.709.5661 | wstcoast.org YMCA Childcare Resource and Referral 604.931.3400 | vanymca.org

TOPS - Take Off Pounds Sensibly -

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO Anita & Gina Photography Ltd 604.298.3611 | portraitsbyanita.com Bliss Photographic Images 604.970.3872 | blissphotographic.ca Blue Haze Photography 778.893.4665 | www.bluehazeblog.com

weekly support meetings local chapters in your area fellowship incentive programs low membership fee first meeting free

1-800-932-8677

nonprofit

noncommercial

www.tops.org Baby Guide 2010

31

westcoast parent finds

Angelface Prints

DigNi-Tee Delivery Gowns

This new Canadian online company creates unique, customized and affordable announcement cards—whether for the birth of a new baby, holiday greetings, thank you notes or a birthday invitation. Only $1 per print, plus print-your-own and custom design options for all your announcement needs. www.angelfaceprints.com

Deliver in style with these hip, 100% cotton delivery gowns.

Full coverage in the front and back, with convenient snaps down the sides and arms for IV, X-Ray and mammography access. SRP $30 at www.ivwear.com.

Daddy Scrubs Now Dad can deliver in style, too, with Daddy Scrubs. V-neck shirt and drawstring pants are perfect for the delivery room, so that everyone knows who’s the Daddy! SRP $39.95 at www.daddyscrubs.com.

32

Simplisse Breastfeeding Pump

Glowbaby Journals

Forget the Hoover action on most pumps, this manual version is designed to mimic a baby’s gentle suckling and has a highly pliable, soft breastcup. An electric version will come out this summer. www.simplisse.com

Designed by a Canadian mom, Baby’s First Journal records your baby’s feeds, sleeps, diapers, bath and vitamins and has notes sections for parents to write down milestones or questions for their doctor. Baby’s First Foods allows parents to record the introduction of solids to their child and note information such as temperature, texture, child’s reaction and, most importantly, record if there is an allergic reaction. It also includes 12 weeks of worksheets for menu planning. Available at Baby’s World in Coquitlam, Tiny Fingers, Tiny Toes in Maple Ridge, and online at www.glowbaby.ca.

baby-guide.ca

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Baby Guide 2010

33

westcoast parent finds

The Mommy Consultant Cake Lingerie Designed by an Australian mom looking for beautiful, yet functional and affordable lingerie, the line features maternity lingerie, sleepwear, loungewear and nursing bras.

Available at Forever Yours Lingerie in Langley and online at www.cakelingerie.com.

If we can have career consultants, wedding consultants, why not a Mommy Consultant? The Mommy Consultant is Vancouver-based and helps you navigate the sea of books, products, information and procedures out there to save you time and money. www.mommyconsultant.ca

Local Sustainable Fashion for Expectant Moms Nicole Bridger is a Vancouver designer known for her ethical and sustainable designs. Her latest line includes basic beautifully designed pieces without over the top flashiness: free flowy dresses with/out belted waists make for the perfect maternity apparel and elastic waist bands drop comfortably and stylishly for that growing bump. Available at Twigg & Hottie, Ingenue, and Tenth & Proper. SRP $62 and up. www.nicolebridger.com

Have a Happy Post-Natal Body

By Lara Leontowich

H

aving a baby has its challenges: coping with less sleep, learning how to nurse and feed baby correctly as well as managing weight gained during your pregnancy. As you adapt to baby’s new routine, exercising may seem like a daunting task. However postpartum exercising has excellent benefits. Besides the obvious goal of gaining back a pre-pregnancy weight, new moms often feel better both mentally and physically which in turn aids them in meeting all the demands of motherhood.

For new moms staring down at the jelly belly that was once a lean stomach or looking longingly at a favourite pair of jeans there can be a sense of urgency. Consult your doctor or health care provider before you begin any exercising. Medical experts generally agree you will need to wait about six weeks or more to heal before you begin.

When you’re ready, start slowly with light forms of exercise such as walking or dancing. Walking allows you to activate your muscles gradually and getting some fresh air has superb benefits for both mom and baby.

A good weight-bearing exercise is dancing with your baby. It can uplift your spirits and the movement and music can be soothing to your infant.

Remember to incorporate stretching into your walking or dancing routine as well.

• If possible, do 20 Kegel exercises twice a day. Such exercises are designed to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. They are often recommended for women who are experiencing incontinence due to childbirth, medical treatment, or changes/stress on the body. Check with your health care provider to ensure this exercise is right for you.

• Many health professionals recommend eating five to six small meals a day.

Eating more often can prevent hunger pangs and curb over-eating. Typically by keeping your metabolism working quickly you can burn more calories efficiently throughout your day.

• Maintain a healthy diet as part of your weight loss goals. According to Health Canada, women need about 350 to 400 extra calories each day for the first year of breastfeeding. Indulge in fruits and vegetables and have some protein at every meal such as fish, chicken and lean meats. Grill, bake or broil your food rather than frying. Avoid empty calories, such as high sugar snacks, soda and chips. A healthy diet includes milk and yogurt two or three times a day.

• Consider partnering with another new mom who is also motivated to get back to her pre-pregnancy weight. Chances are you will get better results if you exercise together and keep each other motivated—especially on those days when you are feeling rather sleep deprived.

Easy Tips to Get You Started: • Try walking 20-30 minutes three to four times a week and gradually work up to 45 minutes. Your workout should be intense enough to make you breathe deeply and to make you feel a little winded. Just remember you should still be able to carry on a conversation while you exercise.

Lara Leontowich is a BCRPA Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Pre & Post Natal Fitness Specialist. She is the owner of Runners and Booties Fitness and is also an avid salsa dance instructor and licensee of Salsa Babies & Salsa Tots. www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com

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wcb feature

Multiple Births

The Good, the Hard and the Triple Threat

By Bev Yaworski Media attention on multiple births by celebrities like Angelina Jolie, and reality TV shows featuring multiple-birth parenting, has raised the profile of twins and triplets. But do celebrity snapshots portray a “true-life” view of these special families? Not likely! Canadian families live removed from prying paparazzi cameras and shocking reality TV—although you may be aware of the famous Canuck hockey twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin.

M

ay 28th was National Multiple Births Awareness Day—a date designated for raising awareness of issues faced by multiple-birth individuals and their families. This symbolic date is the birth-date of the Dionne quintuplets. Each day in BC, four multiple–birth infants are born. BC saw 1,379 twin births and 23 triplet births in 2009 (B.C. Vital Statistics Agency).

Multiple birth rates continue to rise in Canada—mainly due to fertility drugs, in-vitro fertilization and delayed childbearing.

What is life like in a typical Canadian family with twins or triplets? What are some of the joys and challenges? The Bridson family of Richmond has four children—three boys and one girl—which includes their two-year-old twins.

The Bridsons already had two boys, Jonathan and Elliot, when the twins, Arthur and Eleanor, arrived. Mom Rowena says, “Elliot was 18 months when the twins came along, it was a big adjustment for the first six months, having three children under two years of age. This added a level of complexity that might have not been there with first-born twins. The twins slept a lot their first month, so it was an easier transition—allowing Elliot to get used to not being the baby anymore, having two younger siblings—and there weren’t any jealousy issues.”

The twins have brought many joys to the Bridson family. “Our twins will feed and nurture each other. Arthur will bring over sandals for his sister. They give each other good night kisses and morning hugs,” says Rowena. “The older children are loving, caring, and playful with their twin siblings. That’s not to say they never disagree, but they are protective and caring of them as well.”

When asked if she had advice for multiple-birth families, Rowena offered the following suggestions. “Try not to worry so much about every little thing. Take it in stride because it is easy to feel over-whelmed. Enjoy the children while they are young. Sleep when the babies sleep. Don’t use the twins’ sleep time to catch up on your housework.”

Along with support from her family, a nanny, and groups such as Multiple Births—Richmond/Delta Chapter, Rowena says “relationships with other moms can be so precious when having twins. It’s helpful to talk to other moms and see someone else who coped and was happy going through the experience of having twins.”

The Widas family has triplets. Mom Lisa Widas says, “With our three five-yearold girls, we had a lot of help from family, neighbours, and friends.” Some of this family’s challenges have been costly childcare and getting three girls ready to go out anywhere. “Try getting three three-year-olds’ hair brushed, teeth brushed, socks and coats on, and everybody going “potty” before [heading] out,” says Lisa.

“When the girls were infants, I didn’t get out of the house by myself. I went for walks quickly between feeds and breast pumping, but I couldn’t just run to the bank, because three car seats and the triple stroller were too much for me,” says Lisa. “Things are getting easier now, but we face different challenges.

Teaching them to ride their bikes without training wheels was difficult. Oneon-one time with the girls is tough, too. But, every milestone is a joy. First, just dreaming of the day that the girls could hold their own bottles. Now they are tall enough to go on the rides at the amusement park without us. And they will always have each other through every stage of their lives and are best friends.”

Linda Leonard, a registered nurse and Associate Professor with Multiple Births Support Program at the UBC School of Nursing, offers suggestions for multiple birth families. She emphasizes that both partners are integral in these

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parenting situations. Many of these families have older children, which can present added challenges.

• Nutritional needs during multiple pregnancy and breastfeeding are greater than for a single pregnancy or when nursing one baby.

• Your in-hospital and community health care team will provide assistance with breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. Try to feed the babies at the same time or one right after the other—giving you a block of time to rest or attend to personal needs prior to the next feeding.

• Home support & childcare will be needed to provide reliable help on a regular basis.

• Link up with parents of multiples via a group in your community, telephone, online support sites, or a multiples-specific prenatal class.

• Keep communication open between yourself and your partner. Discuss each other’s expectations about the children’s care. Create a plan, knowing it will change as the family’s needs change.

• Ask and accept offers for help—this is often difficult for parents who are used to being independent. It doesn’t mean that you can’t manage parenting. It means you will have more energy to devote to your babies, to your personal needs and to those of your partner and older children.

• Inadequate sleep and postpartum depression/anxiety are linked: sleep when the babies are sleeping.

• Try to get out of the house on a regular basis after the babies are born: it is too easy to become socially isolated.

• Multiple Births Canada local BC chapters offer support for families.

Richmond/Delta president Charlene Carter says, “Raising more than one child at a time can offer many unique challenges; the best way for families to deal with these challenges is to be informed and to know where to seek support.”

Resources Resource Guide for Multiple Pregnancy & Parenthood: Twins, Triplets & More! written by Linda Leonard, a multiple birth specialist at the UBC School of Nursing, offers helpful information on everything from nutrition to car seats and family support. It can be accessed online at www.nursing.ubc.ca/pdfs/twinstripletsandmore.pdf Multiple Births Canada (www.multiplebirthscanada.org) is a support group for multiple birth families with many local BC chapters including www.richmonddeltamultiples.ca and www.vancouvertwins.ca.

BC Nurse Line Phone (dial toll-free 811) is available 24 hours, seven days a week for family health problems, symptoms, etc.

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last look

Great reads for new and expectant parents!

The Gourmet Pregnancy

by Leah Douglas As all pregnant women find out, there are foods that should be avoided while they are expecting. The advice can be confusing, and eating out can be a minefield. The Gourmet Pregnancy was written to offer pregnant women a chance to continue to eat well, without confusion, and, always, with health. With healthy, flavourful recipes to satisfy every type of craving and great ideas for entertaining.

SRP $29.95.

The Baby’s Table

by Brenda Bradshaw and Lauren Donaldson Bramley, M.D. A collection of over 150 recipes for the new eater in the family from two Canadian moms. From information on expressing and storing breast milk, and examining milk alternatives, to explanations of common allergies and what to look for, this is a practical nutrition guide and cook book. SRP $23.95.

Between Interruptions: 30 Women Tell the Truth About Motherhood

by Cori Howard “Most mothers don’t have time for long conversations. They may want them, crave them, begin them again and again—but they are constantly interrupted by kids, partners, work, and the day-to-day details of busy lives.” In this collection of essays by Canadian mothers from all walks of life— journalist, singer, Hollywood actress—one question is answered: what becomes of us when our children’s lives interrupt our own? SRP $21.95.

Eat, Sleep, Poop

by Scott W. Cohen, M.D., F.A.A.P Written by an award-winning paediatrician during his first year as a father, Eat, Sleep, Poop looks at raising children from two different perspectives—the doctor’s and the new parent’s. From pre-delivery checklists and tips, to explanations about health, physical symptoms, sleep, nutrition and vaccines, Dr. Cohen offers clear, simple information on every possible topic of interest for new parents.

SRP $19.99.

The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms Making a Baby: Everything You Need to Know to Get Pregnant

by Debra Fulghum Bruce, Ph.D., and Samuel Thatcher, M.D., Ph.D. Trying for a baby, or just thinking about it? This book explains how to protect, increase and extend your fertility. With recent findings on everything from dietary ways to boost fertility to the connection between insulin levels and ovulation, Making a Baby offers a wide range of medical, natural and anecdotal advice and information for the soon-tobe-expectant parent. SRP $21.00.

Check out WestCoast Familes online!

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by Erica Wells & Lorraine Regel Filled with real-life anecdotes from the authors, as well as hundreds of other mothers, The Survival Guide offers a map for new mothers to everything about their baby—and themselves. SRP $21.95.

Baby’s Favorite Rhymes to Sign

by Penny Warner; illustrated by Gilbert Ford Sing and sign the classics with your baby…before he can talk! Whimsically illustrated, this book contains fun-to-sign beloved nursery songs and rhymes, with clear instructions for parents. SRP $18.99.