Baby Guide 2009

Guide to Everything Baby & Belly!

2009

Our

Annual10th

WCF Baby Guide 2009.indd 1WCF Baby Guide 2009.indd 1 4/23/09 1:27 PM4/23/09 1:27 PM

safety, quality and value, by word of mom.

Baby’s World is Your Single Source for Outfitting all Your Baby Needs!

cribs · furniture · strollers · clothing · car seats gifts · rentals · bedding & smiles

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Main Store6 - 1300 Woolridge StreetCoquitlam, BC(604) 515-0888(Off Hwy 1, 2 blocks east of IKEA)

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Over 6,000Quality Items!

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Baby's World BBG 09.indd 1 4/14/09 2:56 PMWCF Baby Guide 2009.indd 2WCF Baby Guide 2009.indd 2 4/23/09 1:27 PM4/23/09 1:27 PM

Gift Certificate redeemable towards processing fee. Not redeemable for cash. One coupon per order. Cannot be combined with other promotions. Terms subject to change without notice. WBG009

Baby's World BBG 09.indd 1 4/14/09 2:56 PM WCF Baby Guide 2009.indd 3WCF Baby Guide 2009.indd 3 4/23/09 1:27 PM4/23/09 1:27 PM

4 www.baby-guide.ca

18 www.baby-guide.ca

resource listing

ACTIVITIES & THINGSTO DOAquaventures Swim CentreVancouver604.736.7946aquaventuresswim.comArts UmbrellaVancouver604.681.5268 | artsumbrella.comCineplex: Stars and Strollers Multiple locationscineplex.comGabriela’s Movement StudioRichmond604.272.0607 | movementstudio.ca

Greater Vancouver Zoo Aldergrove604.856.6825 | gvzoo.com

Gymboree Play & MusicVancouver 604.739.1190Coquitlam/Tri-Cities604.945.4967Surrey/White Rock604.590.5511gymboreeclasses.comJump Start Music & Movement Various locations604.777.7179 | jumpstartmusicand-movement.comKids MarketGranville Island604.689.8447 | kidsmarket.ca Koko’s Activity CentrePort Moody604.469.3357 | kokos.caKuddles Early Infant StimulationNorth Vancouver604.729.6538 | kuddles.caMaplewood FarmNorth Vancouver604.929.5610 | maplewoodfarm.bc.caMimic Baby Sign Language604.687.0425 | mimicbaby.comMusic for Young Children800.561.1692 | myc.comPhoenix GymnasticsVancouver604.737.7693phoenixgymnastics.comPlay ParadisePort Coquitlam604.468.7529 | playparadise.ca

Richmond Parks & Recreation604.276.4300 | richmond.caSunset Community CentreVancouver604.718.6505 | mysunset.net

The Arts ConnectionRichmond604.241.0141 | theartsconnection.ca The Little GymLangley604.539.2543thelittlegymlangley.com Watermania - Richmond AquaticsRichmond604.718.8018 | richmond.ca

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

ADOPTION RESOURCESAdoptive Families Association of BCBurnaby604.320.7330 | bcadoption.comBC Foster Parents AssociationMaple Ridge604.466.7487 | bcfosterparents.ca CHOICES Adoption & CounsellingVictoria604.682.6234 | choicesadoption.caFamily Services of Greater Vancouver Adoption Agency604.731.4951 | fsgv.caFederation of Aboriginal Foster ParentsVancouver604.291.7091 | fafp.ca Hope ServicesAbbotsford604.850.1002 LDS Adoptions Services of BCSurrey604.585.7735 Ministry for Children & Families877.236.7807 | mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoptionSociety of Special Needs Adoptive Parents604.687.3114 | snap.bc.caSunrise Adoption CentreNorth Vancouver604.984.2488 | sunriseadoption.comThe Adoption CentreKelowna800.935.4237 | adoption-bc.com

BABY CLOTHING & ACCESSORIESB-Cozy Blankets CoOnline604.224.0388 | bcozyblankets.com

Babes on 4thVancouver 604.739.9870Baby BelleVancouver604.537.5396 BabykinsMultiple locations & Online604.275.2255 | babykins.comBaby on BoardRichmond604.273.0884 | babyonboard.caBaby Planet BoutiqueOnline888.823.6129babyplanetboutique.comBaby’s Best DesignsOnline604.682.7281 | babysbestdesigns.comBaby’s WorldCoquitlam604.515.0888 | babysworld.caBeansproutsVancouver604.871.9782 | beansprouts.ca Beba BeanCoquitlam & Online604.552.7741 | bebabean.comBig Bouncy BabyOnline604.542.2500 | bigbouncybaby.comBigfoot8 Kids Store Inc.Port Coquitlam604.464.6388 | bigfoot8.caBobbits for KidsVancouver604.738.0333 | bobbitsforkids.comBoomers & Echoes Kids & MaternityNorth Vancouver604.984.6163boomersandechoes.comBorderLine TechnologiesOnline604.258.8301| borderlinetech.caBuckets of Fun ConsignmentSurrey604.542.8697 | bucketsoffun.ca Chick Pea Children’s BoutiqueNew Westminster604.525.2266 | chickpeakids.comChildish NotionsOnline877.968.4667 | childishnotions.comClassy Kids ConsignmentVancouver604.222.4035 Comfy Cozy Blankies604.839.4643 | comfycozyblankies.ca

Cotton ‘n CrayonSurrey 604.535.0466Crawlies: Clothing for Babies on the MoveOnline866.222.1512 | crawlies.caCrocodile Unique Baby StoreVancouver | 604.742.2762South Surrey | 604.542.8860crocodilebaby.comDandelion KidsVancouver 604.676.1862 | dandelionkids.caElephant ShoeOnlineelephant-shoe.caEthicbabyOnline800.706.3842 | ethicbaby.caGoober BabyMultiple locations & Online604.837.9775 | gooberbaby.comHip BabyVancouver604.736.8020 | hipbaby.comIsola Bella Design Ltd Vancouver604.266.8808 | isolabella.caJust Kids ClothesOnline604.649.3779 | justkidsclothes.comKai KidsOnlinekaikids.comKidazzlesWhite Rock604.531.7931Kiddie Kobbler ShoesWest Vancouver604.926.1616 | kiddiekobbler.caKidswapOnline604.607.1494 | kidswap.caKöhlr Baby: Sleepsacks & MoreOnline604.317.5705 | kohlrbaby.comKoo Koo Design IncOnline866.844.7427 | kookootowels.comKuddle Muddle KidsNorth Vancouver604.929.2524Little Critters OutfittersCloverdale 604.575.2500Little EarthVancouver778.737.7004 | littleearthvancouver.com

Baby Guide 2009 Listings

WCF Baby Guide 2009.indd 18 4/22/09 11:14 PM

19Baby Guide 2009

Little Treasures Children’s BoutiqueGranville Island604.677.3792Luna Winters Vancouver604.733.7305 | lunawinters.comMabel’s LabelsOnline604.709.6147 | marilyn.mabel.caMacGillycuddy’s for Little People Vancouver604.263.5313Mally BibsOnline1.877.497. 2427 | mallybibs.comMilk Factory DesignsOnline604.899.1180 | milkfactory.comModa-Mondo Imports Inc, Baby shoes877.322.0989 | modamondo.ca Moojoesmoojoes.comMountain BabyOnline888.990.2292 | mountainbaby.comMy Little GreenOnlinemylittlegreenshop.comPagasa Children’s WearVancouver604.708.4166ParadeOnline888.687.7163 | parade.caPeekaboo Beans604.536.9495 | peekaboobeans.com Pinky & CompanyOnline604.515.4081 | pinkyandcompany.comPinky BlueRichmond604.204.2720 | pinkyblue.caPlanet-TwinMaple Ridge604.657.7333 | planet-twin.comPlay & LearnNorth Vancouver 604.980.4055PoPo's PonchosVancouver604.512.8886 | poposponchos.comPosh Pigtailsposhpigtails.comRobeez FootwearMultiple locations & Online800.929.2649 | robeez.com

Sage Creek NaturalsOnline877.513.2183 | sagecreeknaturals.comSimply Baby Multiple locations250.833.9687 | simplybaby.caSimply ColorsKamloops250.434.5505 | Simplycolors.caSleep Huggers IncOnline877.462.2351 | sleephuggers.com Spa Baby Tubs IncMultiple locations & Onlinespababytubs.com Stonz Wear; Baby bootiesOnline604.568.6364 | stonzwear.caStuck on You Online866.904.9790 | stuckonyou.caThe Clothes EncounterRichmond604.271.0310 | theclothesencounter.comTiggy Winkles Children’s ConsignmentVancouver 604.731.8647Tip Toey JoeyFort Langley604.999.6932 | tiptoeyjoey.com Tricky & TitchOnline604.985.5546 | trickyandtitch.comTsitah ThreadsSquamish604.505.5414 | tsitah.comWee Ones RerunsVancouver604.708.0956weeonesvancouver.com

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORTAbbotsford Health Unit604.864.3400BC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic604.875.2424Cloverdale Public Health604.575.5100Crescent Moon Childbirth604.612.6906cresentmoonchildbirth.orgGuildford Public Health604.587.4750

La Leche LeagueMultiple locations604.520.4623 | lllc.caLangley Public Health Office 604.539.2900Mama Goddess Birth ShopOnline604.782.6679 | mamagoddessbirth-shop.comMedela Canada INC800.435.8316 | medela.caMooternity Nursing FashionsVancouver778.838.1707 | mooternity.com

Newbirth Mothercare778.834.2057newbirthmothercare.comNewborn Hotline604.737.3737North Shore Health Region 604.988.3131North Surrey Public Health604.587.7900Pacific Spirit Health CentreWest Vancouver604.261.6366

Richmond Health Services604.233.3150South Delta Health Unit604. 604-587-4600 | fraserhealth.caVancouver Breastfeeding Clinic604.738.1912 | breastfeedingclinic.com

DIAPER SERVICESBouncing Babies604.992.9270 | bouncingbabies.caDiapers Naturally Cotton Diapers ServiceBurnaby 604.682.8860

Discount Diapers Corp866.342.7371Ecobotts Eco-disposable Diapers778.340.1779 | ecobotts.caHappy Nappy Diaper Service604.539.8322 | happynappy.ca

Wee CareOnline888.722.2229weecarediapercompany.com

DOULAS & MIDWIVES Bloom Family Wellness604.988.1411 | bloomwellness.com

Birthing Buddies604.928.2334 | birthingbuddies.com Cherish Childbirth Care604.626.1079 | Cherishchildbirth.comCrescent Moon Childbirth604.612.6906cresentmoonchildbirth.orgDancing Star Birth604.322.6227 | dancingstarbirth.caDoula Services Association of BC604.515.5588 | bcdoulas.orgFamily Midwifery Care604.515.1505 Family Practice Maternity ServiceBC Women’s Hospital 604.875.3436 Gloria Lemay604.737.7063 | glorialemay.comMidwifery Associates604.450.1126Midwifery Care Association604.536.4344 Midwifery Care North Shore 604.984.6960 | midwiferycare.caMidwifery Practice at BC Women’s604.875.3266Midwives Association of BC604.736.5976 | bcmidwives.comMother Me 604.524.1793 | motherme.caNew Additions Doula Services604.682.2801

Newbirth Mothercare778.834.2057newbirthmothercare.comNot Just Nannies604.723.5683 | notjustnannies.netPacific Midwifery 604.874.7999Ridge Meadows Midwifery Practice604.466.5541Seeds of Birth604.738.1543 | seedsofbirth.comSouth Community Birth Program604.301.2280 | scbp.caThe Birth Place Maple Ridge604.466.5811 | thebirthplace.ca The Midwifery Group 604.877.7766Village Health Clinic604.575.7275 | villagehealthclinic.ca

See ad in this issue.

WCF Baby Guide 2009.indd 19 4/22/09 11:14 PM

From the Editor 6 Editor’s Note

8 Contests

36 Events

37 Baby News

Features 10 Infant Education

Is Early Enrolment a Good Idea?

26 Pregnancy 101 for Expectant DadsTips and Facts for the OTHER Parent

28 Eco-Friendly Baby ShowersKeep it Green, Clean and Pretty!

30 Doula, Midwife or Doctor?Choices for Pre- and Post-Natal Care

32 The Case for Cloth Eco-friendly Diapers Explained!

34 Baby-Proofi ng Your MarriageWhat Couples Need to Know BEFORE Baby Arrives

Columns 12 Baby & Belly Books

14 WestCoast Baby Finds

18 Our Annual Resource Listings

24 Parents' Picks

38 Last Look

ECLIPSEP H O T O G R A P H YSpecializing in maternity, newborn and family photography

Over 19 years experience

1999 Entreprenuer of the Year2005 Business Person of the Year2007 Voted Best Photography Studio of the Year2007 Voted Canadian Entreprenuer of the Year2008 Nikon Digital Photographic Award of Excellence

[email protected] www.eclipsephotography.ca

© Eclipse Photography

On the cover...Cousins Olivia, 6 months old, and Brady, 10 months old are best of friends!Photographed by Bopomo Pictures604.678.1411 | www.bopomo.ca


2009

Our

Annual10th

2009


5Baby Guide 2009

2631 West Broadway 604.678.1411 bopomo.ca

I r res i s t ib le . Insp i red . Af fordable .


6 www.baby-guide.ca

I hadn’t even realized that the procedure had begun until I heard a loud cry and realized that it was all over. After what seemed like an hour (really only a couple of minutes) I suddenly had a tightly-wrapped bundle plopped onto my chest. “Look at those cheeks!” the paediatrician beamed.

I looked. And looked. And I couldn’t stop looking at this amazingly perfect little person who had suddenly, magically, appeared in my life. Three years in, and I still can’t stop looking and wondering. I cringe whenever someone says to my daughter, “You’re so lucky to have such a good mommy,” because the truth is—as any parent can attest to—I am the lucky one.

For all the hard work, sleepless nights, overwhelming exhaustion, and countless hours of frustration that we parents have encountered—and will continue to en-counter—we have the amazing gift of having these joyous, vibrant, mystical beings in our lives, and sharing in their fascinating, and ever-changing, world view. And we are the richer for it.

As I write this note, my daughter is pulling on my sleeve. She has discovered a brand-new, never-seen-before (at least, not by her) rock specimen, and I need to go tell her about it RIGHT NOW. I hope you enjoy this issue. We have packed it with as much information, events, tips and cool finds as we could squeeze in. And of course, our parent resource listings are here again, full of info on services, products and activities for you and your little one.

I’m off to look at rocks. Happy Reading!

e one.

Phot

ogra

phed

by e

clips

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.ca

editor's note

Register Now & Save Big!

New families only, some restrictions applyOffer expires May 31st, 2009

$20OFF

Offer valid for new families only at participating Play & Music locations. Existing Play & Music customers are not eligible. Offer is not redeemable for cash or credit. Gymboree Play & Music may change or cancel this promotion at any time in Gymboree Play & Music’s sole discretion. Void where prohibited by law.

VANCOUVER & NORTH SHORE 604-739-1190COQUITLAM/TRI-CITIES 604-945-4967SURREY/WHITE ROCK 604-590-5511

Or Visit Us at www.GymboreeClasses.com

ArtInspire creativity in visual and interactive arts.

MusicExplore music through play, activity and song.

Play & LearnNurture confidence, curiosity and physical skills.Come see why we’re the

global leader in classes for kids.

13988 Maycrest Way, Suite 140,2nd Floor

Richmond, BC V6V 3C3Tel: 604.249.2866 Fax: 604.247.1331

[email protected]

PublisherAndrea Vance

[email protected]

Managing EditorAnya Levykh

[email protected]

Art Director & LayoutRommel Ramirez

[email protected]

Accounts Receivable & BookkeepingJennifer Brule

fi [email protected]

Administration / Editorial AssistantJennifer Bruyns

[email protected]

Editorial InternNick Major

Advertising [email protected]

604-249-2866

For distribution inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Bruyns

Contributors:Jennifer Bruyns, Catherine Clutchey, Shelley Ginzer, Wendy Helfenbaum,

Michele Kambolis, Stephanie Maingot, Nick Major.

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

PUBLICATIONS MAIL 40027247

Published annually by WestCoast Families Magazine.Circulation: 40,000I will never forget the

first moment I saw my daughter. After 24 hours of hard labour, we were no closer to the fin-ish line than when we started, and the doc-tors were recommend-ing a caesarean.


7Baby Guide 2009

GET ON THERIGHT TRACK!

VISIT THE

SAFETY STATIONAT BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

www.bcchildrens.ca/safetystation

Kids Meeting KidsIn a small way that’s a big part of what Maplewood Farm is all about

MAPLEWOOD FARMPROVIDING QUALITY FARM LIFE EXPERIENCES SINCE 1975Open year-round • April-October, DAILY

November-March, closed MondaysOpen all Statutory Holidays except Christmas Day, Hours 10 am to 4 pm

405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver JUST OFF OLD DOLLARTON RD.604-929-5610 • www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca

OPERATED BY THE PARKS DEPT. OF THE DISTRICT OF NORTH VANCOUVER

Maplewood Farm.ai 1 4/14/09 4:16 PM

eco-diapers, because a baby’s bottom isa sensitive thing!

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ECO disposable diapers are gentle on your baby and on nature.

Order your FREE sample pack today.

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8 www.baby-guide.ca

contests

Lovely Lou OrganicLovely Lou Organic offers locally handmade and 100% organic bags, bibs, and accessories that are as healthy for you as they are for the environment. Enter to WIN a Lovely Lou Organic prize basket full of beautiful 100% organic specialty baby items. Value $136.00. Basket includes:• Organic Stroller Blanket to keep your little

one snug, made of Organic Cotton/Hemp blend Fleece

• Receiving Blanket made of incredibly soft organic cotton

• Bib and Burp Pad set featuring a delight-ful 100% organic cotton print on front & backed with thick & soft organic terry to protect little clothes

• Reusable lunch bag, made of 100% organic cotton canvas

www.lovelylouorganic.com

Eco-Friendly Disposables?WIN a one month’s supply of eco-friendly diapering essentials from Ecobotts. Com-postable and bio-degradable, you’ll never think of disposables in the same way again! Value $100+. Prize includes:• 4 – Nature Babycare ECO Disposable Dia-

per Packs• 2 – Nature Babycare Unscented Biodegrad-

able Wipes• 1 – Unscented Travel Wipes• 1 – Roll of Nature Babycare Biodegradable

Diaper Sacks (50 sacks)• 1 – Little Twig Organic Diaper Creamwww.ecobotts.ca

Is it a Boy or Girl?WIN a FREE Gender Assessment from 3D Baby Vision Fetal Imaging. Prize includes a five-minute non-diagnostic ultrasound session, gender assessment, listening to baby’s heartbeat, and one printed 4x6 3D photo. Value $99. www.3dbaby.ca

Announcing The WestCoast Baby Guide 2010 Cover Photo Contest!Do you think your baby is the cutest thing since sliced kamut bread? Then we want to hear from you! Send us a snapshot of your little one and tell us why they should be on our cover for 2010.

Email [email protected], with “Baby Guide Photo Contest” in the subject line of the email. The grand prize winner will be featured on our 2010 cover and will receive:

• A FREE photo shoot with a professional baby photographer

• A FREE 10x13 photo from the shoot

• Plus prizes from our sponsors!

Deadline for Entries: December 1, 2009

Visit us online at www.westcoastfamilies.com for more details and enter to win all of these great prizes!

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Products for Mom & BabyWIN this great package of skin products for you and baby! Almost $40 value. Prize in-cludes the following items from Palmer’s Co-coa Butter Formula line:• Tummy Butter• Stretch Mark Massage Cream• Bottom Butter for Babies• Butter Faces for Babies• Baby Butterwww.palmersworks.com


2009

Our

Annual10th


9Baby Guide 2009

Capture those amazing moments of your baby’s life in the womb. Smiling, yawning and moving in real time 3D/4D.

604 267-3DUS (3387) [email protected]

219-650 West 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC Oakridge Centre Mall

www.my3dultrasound.com

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

*gift certificates available

sneakpeek...

Our Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten are lively, nurturing places with a healthy balance of instruction and play giving children a happy, con dent start to their educational career. To apply for admission or to arrange a scheduled visit contact: Judy Wilson-Neil, Director of Admissions, Collingwood SchoolTel: 604.925.3016 E-mail: [email protected]

www.collingwood.org

A Letter from a New Collingwood Parent:“The added magic at Collingwood was the strong focus on the relationship between the student and teacher, which makes a child’s learning experience both profound and personal. There was a warm, positive, caring and creative feeling throughout the school, a sense that no other school we have seen possessed. We were totally and thoroughly impressed by the school, the kids, the grounds, the everything of Collingwood.” – Nancy Merritt Bell

Collingwood School is accredited by The Canadian Educational Standards Institute (CESI) and is a proud member of the Round Square Association of Schools



We’re bombarded with come-ons to enrol in early childhood ac-tivity programs. Infant swim, BrainGym and baby signing are

three that pop to mind. Given everything a parent has to juggle today, incorporating yet another activity might be just too much. Yet several of these programs have now been shown to have beneficial effects. How do you choose, or should you? Yes, do some homework, and then start carefully. For me, the test of these programs is simply this: What is right for you and your baby? If the idea of infant yoga lights up both your and your baby’s kundalini, then it’s good. Period. Let’s keep that in mind as we explore some of these infant programs.

What’s your sign? Baby sign language has become as popular as the Suri Cruise peacoat. But the controversy around whether it helps or hinders language development leaves parents wondering if it’s sound. Linda Acredolo, a pioneer in this field, finds that talking and signing flood the baby with language, and that babies who sign generally learn to talk earlier. But parents should beware that when signing is used as the primary mode of communication, and speech is neglected, an essential contributor to verbal development is lost.

If those early language benefits don’t have you sold, maybe the im-pact on baby’s IQ will make your ears perk up. There’s evidence that children who learned sign language early had slightly higher IQs by age 8. It’s thought that the symbolic communication, visual develop-ment exercises and parental attention are the mechanisms that make the biggest impact. If you’re more concerned with keeping tantrums at bay, you might be interested to know that signing cuts down on the exasperation kids feel at not being able to make themselves un-derstood. A happier baby means happier parents. (So, where do I sign up?)

The right touch. Moms aren’t the only ones who need time at the spa. Babies benefit too. Massage has long been used in Asian and African cultures to ease babies' colic and fussiness, help them sleep, and aid growth and development. Now Western culture is discovering its benefits. British researchers who looked into the science behind the practice found evidence that gentle massage appears to improve infants' sleep patterns, eases crying and strengthens parent-child bond-ing. The positive effects seem connected to a decrease in babies' lev-els of certain stress hormones, including cortisol. Unlike other less sub-stantial reports, the U.K. study found no benefits for infants' growth and development. If dreams of baby sleeping better and crying less have you bringing out the almond oil and soothing Pachebel music, keep in mind that both of you should enjoy the experience, and don’t feel pressured to do an entire massage. Stay attuned to baby’s cues by watching her facial expressions, noting any startle reflexes, and connecting to how her body responds to the pressure and strokes. If you doubt your skill, remember there’s a world of difference between learning this from a book or DVD, and from a professional. Many infant massage therapists are eager to teach parents this traditional art. Look for classes at community centres.

Aqua-adventure. While thoughts of donning a swimsuit six months after delivery may make you shudder, the benefits to baby may con-vince you to bravely take the plunge. Research confirms that the stim-ulating effect of child-paced infant swimming lessons has the potential to increase intelligence, concentration, alertness and perceptual abili-ties. Improvement in social, emotional and physical development has also been well documented. Reluctant parents sometimes worry that having their baby in the pool may increase risk of illness, but a new

By Michele Kambolis

Is Early Enrolment a

Good

baby guide feature

Idea?


11Baby Guide 2009

WCF Finds

Lynne Williams Photography Baby Belly & Beyond

www.lynnewilliamsphotography.ca

Lynne Wil B

www.lynne

Childbirth Services

604-928-2334

Private Prenatal Classes

FEATURING NEW DESIGNERMATERNITY & CONSIGNMENT

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING• Ripe • Seven

• Jules & Jim • Belly & Beyond

• MaMe • Menonove

• Robeez • Baby Bjorn

• Dimpleskins • Equipment

• Toys • Books

ww

w.c

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3712 W.10th AvenueVancouver, BC604-222-4035

study for the Canadian Red Cross indicates otherwise: researchers found no extra risk of colds, ear infections or other illnesses. Some parents fret that their baby may suffer hyponatremia (water intoxica-tion), the result of infants swallowing large amounts of water while submerged. The Red Cross researchers found that none of the infants in water baby classes ingested any significant amount, and that it re-ally takes a large amount of water to place children at risk. So, with summer around the corner, dust off the tankini -- and remember, it’s really about splashing around and having fun.

Music to my ears. Amazing links are being uncovered between early music education and other areas of learning. Fortunately for parents, enriching our baby’s lives with music is easy at home and it’s a fun way to explore the power of rhythm, melody, tonality and beat while nurturing key physical, social and intellectual skills. While our scientific understanding of music is relatively new, child development experts believe the sensory integration that music exposure promotes is a crucial factor in children's learning readiness. Whether you’re drawn to the recorder or the soul of a Martin guitar, go ahead and make a little music together.

Hit the gym. Programs like BrainGym and Gymboree use educa-tional kinesiology to switch on and coordinate baby’s brain and body for learning. Such classes are a safe, encouraging environment where parents learn about infant development milestones and where babies gain motor skills and confidence. Activities like tummy time, sensory stimulation and storytelling stretch baby’s body and mind. While con-necting with other parents to commiserate about sleep deprivation can provide some much needed adult talk, some programs can be expensive. Remember: they’re not essential to ensuring your baby has a sensory-rich environment.

So, there’s a small fistful of thoughts on early development programs. Don’t try to do it all. Keep in mind that for centuries babies have done just fine without these kiddie academies.

Michele Kambolis is the Clinical Director of Harbourside Counseling Centre and Vice Chair of BC Mental Health Foundation. You can hear Michele on the Nik & Marke Show (AM1410) every Thursday at 10:30. She can also be contacted at 604-689-9116 or www.childinfo.ca for any questions about your child’s mental health and development.



They always leave a little taller.

Call to schedule a free introductory class.Learn more at TheLittleGym.com.

The Little Gym of Langley

[email protected] ·

604-539-2543

The lessons your child learns at The Little Gym will fill you both with pride: How to reach higher. How to listen better. How to tackle challenges with confidence and a smile.

grade schoolgymnastics

sports skillsdevelopment

preschool/kindergartengymnasticsparent/child classes

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Let your Child Shine! Brightstars.ca

Vancouver’s only Professional Dance and Creative Movement School

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Phone 604.662.8554 or email [email protected]

We do Kid’s Parties Too!

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Child ShineLet YOUR

Books for Babies & Bellies

Better Baby Food: Your Essential Guide to Nutrition, Feeding & Cooking for All Babies & Toddlersby Daina Kalnins, MSc, RD & Joanne Saab, RDThis newly revised and expanded edition of Better Baby Food from the experts at the re-nowned Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto contains over 250 recipes, organized by both meals and age range. Eliminate the guesswork in feeding your baby from birth to 24 months with this authoritative info on everything from food allergies, teething and tooth care, to vita-min and minerals, snacking, childhood obesity and vegetarian diets. SRP $27.95

Amazing Baby by Desmond MorrisThe astonishing story of a baby's first two years. Renowned zoologist and scholar of human behaviour Desmond Morris reveals a baby's incredible powers of development and extraordinary growth patterns. Through informed text and stunning photographs and artworks, this insightful reference surveys the biology, physics, chemistry and other forces which drive the rapid changes that occur in a baby's body every day. SRP $40

Great Expectations: Twenty-Four Stories About Childbirth by Dede Crane & Lisa C. MooreIn this exceptional collection of original es-says, twenty-four celebrated writers share one of their most intimate and life-changing expe-riences: giving birth. Moving, uniquely hon-est, and transformative, these stories are sure to inspire. SRP $21.95

A Garden of Opposites written & illustrated by Nancy DavisEnter this beautiful garden and see what op-posites you’ll find! A short caterpillar and a long garden snake, a closed bud and an open blossom. These delightful images will teach youngsters about basic opposite concepts, and about the charms and wonders of the outdoors! This simple book has a surprise treat at the end—a gatefold displaying the whole garden, with opposites galore for little ones to search for. Plus, sturdy cardstock pag-es make this book perfect for reading indoors or taking to the park! SRP $12.99

Baby Nose to Baby Toesby Vicky CeelenFrom the photographer who brought you Baby! Baby! comes even more gorgeous photos featuring adorable human and animal babies. Compare your baby’s nose with that silky snout, a baby’s toes with little paws. Pho-tos capture baby toes, baby noses, baby eyes, ears, and more in this vivid board book that both babies and parents will love. Featuring simple, rhyming text, this is a must-have for any baby’s library. SRP $7.99

Happy Birthday, Baby! by Dr. SeussWhat child’s library would be complete with-out Dr. Seuss? Based on Dr. Seuss’s Happy Birthday to You!, this fun-filled interactive book has elements to touch, move, and smell. Presented in the original book’s spiffy color palette of yellow and red, Happy Birthday, Baby! helps babies and toddlers celebrate their day of all days with the Great Birthday Bird and everybody else! SRP $10.99

books

Enter to WIN this set of six books at www.westcoastfamilies.com.

BeB tttter BB baby FFo dod YYou


13Baby Guide 2009

www.BelliesInBloomMaternity.com

104-4489 Viewmont Ave, Victoria, BC V8Z 5K9 (250) 479-0803

Catering exclusively to expectant Moms…before and after the big event!

Unique gifts and toys for baby as well!

Designed & Made in Vancouver, BCwww.poposponchos.com

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BENEFITS FEATURES

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Creative, nurturing, play-based early learning

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1. Fu-Shun Baby Wall ArtThese eye-pooping designs are modern, cute and fun. Great for teaching little ones about colours, shapes and letters. $89 for a set of four. www.fu-shundesigns.com

2. Beetling Design 3D Wall DécorThese amazing lightweight (and local!) de-signs are perfect for any baby’s or child’s room. Choose from themes like Nursery Rhymes, Safari, Solar System and The Ark. Prices vary for individual pieces and com-plete sets. beetling.com

3. For Parent & Tots With ‘TudeFrom Flaming Angels Designs come these rockin’ bibs and outfits for those not into pastel pretties. Bats, dead kitties, and leather bibs…goth goodies galore! Bibs $25, Tees $25-$30. www.flamingangels.net

4. Organic Skin Care for Mommy & BabyLocal BC company Lalabee Bathworks hand-crafts organic balms, butters and bath products that utilize organic herbs and biodegradable packaging. Try the Baby Butter and Belly But-ter, $11.95 each, made from organic olive and sunflower oils. www.lalabeebathworks.com

5. Fill Your OwnThese carbon neutral stainless steel water bottles are BPA-free, 100% recyclable, de-signed by local artists, and are available with three different leak-proof caps: straw cap, sports spout cap, and twist cap with carabi-ner. Available in four sizes for every member of the family. $19.99-$23.99. fillyourown.ca

WestCoast Baby Finds1 5

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baby guide feature


15Baby Guide 2009

HypnoBirthing® - The Mongan Method

- is a unique method of relaxed, natural childbirth education, enhanced by self-hypnosis techniques. HypnoBirthing® provides the missing link that allows women to use their natural instincts to bring about a safer, easier, more comfortable birthing.

Alison L. Longley, BA, Dip Ed, RCH, CHt, CHtA, NLP, HBCECertified HypnoBirthing® PractitionerPrenatal classes-groups/private sessions availableCall: 604-616-6400 email: [email protected] or visit: www.breakthrough-hypnotherapy.com for more information or to register.

For information visit our website:

www.crescentmoonchildbirth.org

or call 604-612-6906

Group and Private Childbirth Education

Lactation/Breastfeeding

Consulting

Medela Breastpump Rental and Supplies

Perinatal Counselling

Newbirth MothercareBirth and Post Partum DoulaFamily support in the early months• Breastfeeding support• Prenatal & postnatal visits• Teaching and assisting infant care• Providing emotional support

www.newbirthmothercare.comEdith MacIver 778-834-2057

Newbirth Mothercare.ai 1 4/17/09 8:09 AM



1. Hip Baby Bandanas from Tsitah ThreadsFor laid back, playful and daring designs, look no further than the über-cool bandanas from local company Tsitah Threads. Baby and tod-dler bandanas in various patterns and co-lours. $21.99-$24.99. www.tsitah.com

2. Swim with Bouncing BabiesFrom the online company known for its fabu-lous cloth diapers, come the ultimate innova-tion—eco-friendly swim diapers. These cloth swim diapers keep any messes in the diaper and out of the pool. Pick from tons of cool designs. Available in three sizes (small, me-dium, large). $20. www.bouncingbabies.ca

3. Once Upon a Huckleberry BushThis amazing children’s book store is a trea-sure trove of great reads, activities and events for the young and young at heart. And now you can create a baby shower registry at their store. Give your little one the gift of litera-ture. www.huckleberrychildrensbooks.com

4. BamboobinoFor organic wee ones, check out this super-soft line of children’s wear and accessories made from bamboo fabric. For newborns to toddlers, plus nursing pads for Mom. Socks, baby mits, beanies, even hooded, enclosed bath wraps for baby. See website for prices and details. www.bamboobino.com

5. Organically HatchedFrom one of Canada’s premier online organ-ic retailers, come these super cute, personal-ized baby blankets. Available in various styles and colours. Starting at $49.www.organicallyhatched.com

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WestCoast Baby Findsbaby guide feature


17Baby Guide 2009

All Programs are free

Child Minding & Bus Tickets provided if

needed

Classes run several times per year throughout

Surrey

We also offer classes for parents of toddlers (COPEing with Toddler Behaviour) and Parents of children 3-6 years (Triple P Positive Parenting Program)

To register call 604-586-3351 www.surreyearlychildhood.com

Right From the Start

For Parents of children 0-12 months Attachment based program Effective in reducing parent stress Enhanced parent-child relationships work with other parents to come up with solutions to parenting challenges, share ideas and explore what parenting is 8 week course (One 2 hour class per week)

•••

•

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The Children's Foundation Ad.ai 1 4/1/09 1:44 PM



resource listing

ACTIVITIES & THINGSTO DOAquaventures Swim CentreVancouver604.736.7946aquaventuresswim.comArts UmbrellaVancouver604.681.5268 | artsumbrella.comCineplex: Stars and Strollers Multiple locationscineplex.comGabriela’s Movement StudioRichmond604.272.0607 | movementstudio.ca

Greater Vancouver Zoo Aldergrove604.856.6825 | gvzoo.com

Gymboree Play & MusicVancouver 604.739.1190Coquitlam/Tri-Cities604.945.4967Surrey/White Rock604.590.5511gymboreeclasses.comJump Start Music & Movement Various locations604.777.7179jumpstartmusicandmovement.comKids MarketGranville Island604.689.8447 | kidsmarket.ca Koko’s Activity CentrePort Moody604.469.3357 | kokos.caKuddles Early Infant StimulationNorth Vancouver604.729.6538 | kuddles.caMaplewood FarmNorth Vancouver604.929.5610 | maplewoodfarm.bc.caMimic Baby Sign Language604.687.0425 | mimicbaby.comMusic for Young Children800.561.1692 | myc.comPhoenix GymnasticsVancouver604.737.7693phoenixgymnastics.comPlay ParadisePort Coquitlam604.468.7529 | playparadise.ca

Richmond Parks & Recreation604.276.4300 | richmond.caSunset Community CentreVancouver604.718.6505 | mysunset.net

The Arts ConnectionRichmond604.241.0141 | theartsconnection.ca The Little GymLangley604.539.2543thelittlegymlangley.com Watermania - Richmond AquaticsRichmond604.718.8018 | richmond.ca

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

ADOPTION RESOURCESAdoptive Families Association of BCBurnaby604.320.7330 | bcadoption.comBC Foster Parents AssociationMaple Ridge604.466.7487 | bcfosterparents.ca CHOICES Adoption & CounsellingVictoria604.682.6234 | choicesadoption.caFamily Services of Greater Vancouver Adoption Agency604.731.4951 | fsgv.caFederation of Aboriginal Foster ParentsVancouver604.291.7091 | fafp.ca Hope ServicesAbbotsford604.850.1002 LDS Adoptions Services of BCSurrey604.585.7735 Ministry for Children & Families877.236.7807 | mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoptionSociety of Special Needs Adoptive Parents604.687.3114 | snap.bc.caSunrise Adoption CentreNorth Vancouver604.984.2488 | sunriseadoption.comThe Adoption CentreKelowna800.935.4237 | adoption-bc.com

BABY CLOTHING & ACCESSORIESB-Cozy Blankets CoOnline604.224.0388 | bcozyblankets.com

Babes on 4thVancouver 604.739.9870Baby BelleVancouver604.537.5396 BabykinsMultiple locations & Online604.275.2255 | babykins.comBaby on BoardRichmond604.273.0884 | babyonboard.caBaby Planet BoutiqueOnline888.823.6129babyplanetboutique.comBaby’s Best DesignsOnline604.682.7281 | babysbestdesigns.comBaby’s WorldCoquitlam604.515.0888 | babysworld.caBeansproutsVancouver604.871.9782 | beansprouts.ca Beba BeanCoquitlam & Online604.552.7741 | bebabean.comBig Bouncy BabyOnline604.542.2500 | bigbouncybaby.comBigfoot8 Kids Store Inc.Port Coquitlam604.464.6388 | bigfoot8.caBobbits for KidsVancouver604.738.0333 | bobbitsforkids.comBoomers & Echoes Kids & MaternityNorth Vancouver604.984.6163boomersandechoes.comBorderLine TechnologiesOnline604.258.8301| borderlinetech.caBuckets of Fun ConsignmentSurrey604.542.8697 | bucketsoffun.ca Chick Pea Children’s BoutiqueNew Westminster604.525.2266 | chickpeakids.comChildish NotionsOnline877.968.4667 | childishnotions.comClassy Kids ConsignmentVancouver604.222.4035 Comfy Cozy Blankies604.839.4643 | comfycozyblankies.ca

Cotton ‘n CrayonSurrey 604.535.0466Crawlies: Clothing for Babies on the MoveOnline866.222.1512 | crawlies.caCrocodile Unique Baby StoreVancouver | 604.742.2762South Surrey | 604.542.8860crocodilebaby.comDandelion KidsVancouver 604.676.1862 | dandelionkids.caElephant ShoeOnlineelephant-shoe.caEthicbabyOnline800.706.3842 | ethicbaby.caGoober BabyMultiple locations & Online604.837.9775 | gooberbaby.comHip BabyVancouver604.736.8020 | hipbaby.comIsola Bella Design Ltd Vancouver604.266.8808 | isolabella.caJust Kids ClothesOnline604.649.3779 | justkidsclothes.comKai KidsOnlinekaikids.comKidazzlesWhite Rock604.531.7931Kiddie Kobbler ShoesWest Vancouver604.926.1616 | kiddiekobbler.caKidswapOnline604.607.1494 | kidswap.caKöhlr Baby: Sleepsacks & MoreOnline604.317.5705 | kohlrbaby.comKoo Koo Design IncOnline866.844.7427 | kookootowels.comKuddle Muddle KidsNorth Vancouver604.929.2524Little Critters OutfittersCloverdale 604.575.2500Little EarthVancouver778.737.7004 | littleearthvancouver.com

Annual Resource Listings


19Baby Guide 2009

Little Treasures Children’s BoutiqueGranville Island604.677.3792Luna Winters Vancouver604.733.7305 | lunawinters.comMabel’s LabelsOnline604.709.6147 | marilyn.mabel.caMacGillycuddy’s for Little People Vancouver604.263.5313Mally BibsOnline1.877.497. 2427 | mallybibs.comMilk Factory DesignsOnline604.899.1180 | milkfactory.comModa-Mondo Imports Inc, Baby shoes877.322.0989 | modamondo.ca Moojoesmoojoes.comMountain BabyOnline888.990.2292 | mountainbaby.comMy Little GreenOnlinemylittlegreenshop.comPagasa Children’s WearVancouver604.708.4166ParadeOnline888.687.7163 | parade.caPeekaboo Beans604.536.9495 | peekaboobeans.com Pinky & CompanyOnline604.515.4081 | pinkyandcompany.comPinky BlueRichmond604.204.2720 | pinkyblue.caPlanet-TwinMaple Ridge604.657.7333 | planet-twin.comPlay & LearnNorth Vancouver 604.980.4055PoPo's PonchosVancouver604.512.8886 | poposponchos.comPosh Pigtailsposhpigtails.comRobeez FootwearMultiple locations & Online800.929.2649 | robeez.com

Sage Creek NaturalsOnline877.513.2183 | sagecreeknaturals.comSimply Baby Multiple locations250.833.9687 | simplybaby.caSimply ColorsKamloops250.434.5505 | Simplycolors.caSleep Huggers IncOnline877.462.2351 | sleephuggers.com Spa Baby Tubs IncMultiple locations & Onlinespababytubs.com Stonz Wear; Baby bootiesOnline604.568.6364 | stonzwear.caStuck on You Online866.904.9790 | stuckonyou.caThe Clothes EncounterRichmond604.271.0310theclothesencounter.comTiggy Winkles Children’s ConsignmentVancouver 604.731.8647Tip Toey JoeyFort Langley604.999.6932 | tiptoeyjoey.com Tricky & TitchOnline604.985.5546 | trickyandtitch.comTsitah ThreadsSquamish604.505.5414 | tsitah.comWee Ones RerunsVancouver604.708.0956weeonesvancouver.com

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORTAbbotsford Health Unit604.864.3400BC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic604.875.2424Cloverdale Public Health604.575.5100Crescent Moon Childbirth604.612.6906cresentmoonchildbirth.orgGuildford Public Health604.587.4750

La Leche LeagueMultiple locations604.520.4623 | lllc.caLangley Public Health Office 604.539.2900Mama Goddess Birth ShopOnline604.782.6679 mamagoddessbirthshop.comMedela Canada INC800.435.8316 | medela.caMooternity Nursing FashionsVancouver778.838.1707 | mooternity.com

Newbirth Mothercare778.834.2057newbirthmothercare.comNewborn Hotline604.737.3737North Shore Health Region 604.988.3131North Surrey Public Health604.587.7900Pacific Spirit Health CentreWest Vancouver604.261.6366Richmond Health Services604.233.3150South Delta Health Unit604. 604-587-4600 | fraserhealth.caVancouver Breastfeeding Clinic604.738.1912 | breastfeedingclinic.com

DIAPER SERVICESBouncing Babies604.992.9270 | bouncingbabies.caDiapers Naturally Cotton Diapers ServiceBurnaby 604.682.8860

Discount Diapers Corp866.342.7371Ecobotts Eco-disposable Diapers778.340.1779 | ecobotts.caHappy Nappy Diaper Service604.539.8322 | happynappy.ca

Wee CareOnline888.722.2229weecarediapercompany.com

DOULAS & MIDWIVES Bloom Family Wellness604.988.1411 | bloomwellness.com

Birthing Buddies604.928.2334 | birthingbuddies.com Cherish Childbirth Care604.626.1079 | Cherishchildbirth.comCrescent Moon Childbirth604.612.6906cresentmoonchildbirth.orgDancing Star Birth604.322.6227 | dancingstarbirth.caDoula Services Association of BC604.515.5588 | bcdoulas.orgFamily Midwifery Care604.515.1505 Family Practice Maternity ServiceBC Women’s Hospital 604.875.3436 Gloria Lemay604.737.7063 | glorialemay.comMidwifery Associates604.450.1126Midwifery Care Association604.536.4344 Midwifery Care North Shore 604.984.6960 | midwiferycare.caMidwifery Practice at BC Women’s604.875.3266Midwives Association of BC604.736.5976 | bcmidwives.comMother Me 604.524.1793 | motherme.caNew Additions Doula Services604.682.2801

Newbirth Mothercare778.834.2057newbirthmothercare.comPacific Midwifery 604.874.7999Ridge Meadows Midwifery Practice604.466.5541Seeds of Birth604.738.1543 | seedsofbirth.comSouth Community Birth Program604.301.2280 | scbp.caThe Birth Place Maple Ridge604.466.5811 | thebirthplace.ca The Midwifery Group 604.877.7766Village Health Clinic604.575.7275 | villagehealthclinic.ca




EDUCATIONBrighstars604.725.1607 | brightstars.ca

CEFA: Core Education & Fine Arts604.913.7713 | cefa.caChildrens Education Fund604.646.7282 ext 292Collingwood School604.925.3331 | collingwoodschool.ca ColourStrings Music604.730.5418 | colourstringsvan.com Council Of Parent Participation Preschools in BC604.435.4430 | cpppreschools.bc.caCST Consultants, Distributors of Canadian Scholarship Trust Plan604.681.5253 | cst.orgGoogol Learning604.720.9377 | googolpower.comGymboree Play & MusicVancouver 604.739.1190Coquitlam/Tri-Cities604.945.4967Surrey/White Rock604.590.5511gymboreeclasses.comKnotty Toys604.683.7854 | knottytoys.comL’ile Aux Oiseaux Montessori604.725.4017www.godaycare.comMillennium604.461.3330www.millenniumlearningadvantage.comMimic Baby Sign Language604.687.0425 ext.1 | mimicbaby.comMontessori Mes Petits Preschool604.980.1102 | ourpreschool.com Music For Young ChildrenMaple Ridge604.463.2151Music Together Phoenix Song604.327.5165 | mtphoenixsong.comReach For The Stars Montessori604.688. 7827 | montessori.comSt George’s School604.224.1304 |stgeorges.bc.caThe Arts Connection 604.241.0141 | theartsconnection.ca UC Baby Langley | 604.882.1515Vancouver | 604.708.8853uc-baby.comUsborne Books at Home604.886.8767 | kidsbookmart.comVancouver Bilingual School604.261.1221 | vancouverbilingual.comVancouver Waldorf School604.985.7435 | vws.ca

Wee Hands866.746.7446 | weehands.com

FAMILY AND SUPPORT SERVICESAbbotsford Community Services Family Centre 604.859.7681abbotsfordcommunityservices.comAntepartum Home Care Program(For women expecting multiples)604.875.3557Association of Neighbourhood Houses of Greater Vancouver604.875.9111 | anhgv.orgAutism Society of BC888.437.0880 | autismbc.caBattered Women’s Support Services604.687.1867 | bwss.orgBC Association of Family Resource ProgramsVancouver604.738.0068 | frpbc.caBC Housing604.433.1711 | bchousing.orgBC Parents Connection778.855.7447 | bcparentsconnection.caBelly to Baby Prenatal Education604.469.2698 | bellytobaby.ca Birth Transitions Pre-natal Classes 604.787.5386 | birthtransitions.comBurnaby Family Place 604.299.5112Canuck Place—A Children’s HospiceVancouver604.731.4847 | canuckplace.orgCedar Cottage Neighbourhood HouseVancouver604.874.4231Cherish Childbirth Care604.626.1079 | cherishchildbirth.comChild Care Resource & Referral888.338.6622 | ccrr.bc.caCollingwood Neighbourhood HouseVancouver604.435.0323 | cnh.bc.caCoquitlam SHARE Family & Community Services Society604.540.9161Dorothy Lam Family Place Vancouver604.718.6563Dr. Meagan Smith, Registered psychologist North Vancouver604.990.2547Dr. Oliva Scalzo, Registered psychologistVancouver604.251.7275

East Burnaby Family Place604.444.1090 | ebfp.caEast Side Family Place 604.255.9841eastsidefamilyplace.orgFamily Services of Greater Vancouver604.731.4951 | fsgv.caFrog Hollow Neighbourhood HouseVancouver604.251.1225 | froghollow.bc.caGordon Neighbourhood HouseVancouver604.683.2554www.gnh.vcn.bc.ca/indexGuildford Family PlaceSurrey604.596.4321Hastings Family Drop-in CentreVancouver604.718.6222Helen Sands, Sleep Consultant604.803.0068 | helensands.comInformation Children Parent Support Line604.291.3548 Kitsilano Neighbourhood HouseVancouver604.736.3588 | kitshouse.comKiwassa Neighbourhood HouseVancouver604.254.5401 | kiwassa.bc.caLangley Community Services Society604.534.7921 | lcss.caLife Coach Family Counselling & Education604.222.3474Little Mountain Neighbourhood HouseVancouver604.879.7104 | lmnhs.bc.caMaple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Child Care Resource & Referral Program604.467.2273 (CARE)childcarechoices.caMaple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services Family Place604.467.6911 | comservice.bc.caMarpole Oakridge Family PlaceVancouver604.263.1405 | marfamplace.orgMount Pleasant Family CentreVancouver604.872.6757 | mpfamilycentre.ca

Newbirth Mothercare778.834.2057newbirthmothercare.comNewborn Hotline604.737.3737New Westminster Family Place 604.520.3666 | nwfamily.bc.ca

North Shore Family Services604.988.5281 | familyservices.bc.caPacific Post Partum Support Society604.255.7999 | postpartum.orgParent Support Services Society of BC604.669.1616 | parentsupportbc.caParents of Multiple Births866.228.8824multiplebirthscanada.orgPlace Maillardville Neighbourhood HouseCoquitlam604.933.6166 | placemaillardville.caRay-Cam Cooperative CentreVancouver604.257.6949 | raycam.comRichmond/Delta Parents of Twins and Triplets Club604.271.8348 Richmond Family Place Society604.278.4336richmondfamilyplace.caRiley Park Community Centre Branching Out Vancouver604.257.8545Semiahmoo Family PlaceSouth Surrey604.531.5882semiahmoofamilyplace.comShari Bender, Registered PsychologistVancouver604.221.9053psychologists.bc.ca/pro/sharibenderFraser Health Authority604.587.4600 | fraserhealth.caSingle Mothers Support Network604.732.3300 | singlemothers.caSociety of Special Needs Adoptive Parents604.687.3114 | snap.bc.caSouth Delta Health Unit604.587.4600 | fraserhealth.caSouth Vancouver Family Place 604.325.5213southvancouverfamilyplace.orgSouth Vancouver Neighbourhood House604.324.6212 | southvan.orgSt Matthews Day Care SocietyBurnaby604.527.1031 | stmattewsdaycare.comStorey Law604.731.5676 | storeylaw.com Sunrise Family Drop-inVancouver604.251.2913Support for Parents of Young Children Program604.596.4321 | options.bc.ca

resource listing



21Baby Guide 2009

The Children's Foundation604.586.3363childrens-foundation.orgTri City Family Place Society604.945.0048Tummy Tickles(Fetal Doppler Rental)866.961.1580 | tummytickles.com We Care Home Health Services604.264.9003 | wecare.caWee Hands Baby Sign Language866.746.7446weehands.comWest Side Family PlaceVancouver604.738.2819 | www3.telus.net/wsfp

FITNESSAlive Yoga Therapy Ltd 604.505.9108Aquaventures Swim CentreVancouver | aquaventuresswim.com604.736.7946 Corebody Pilates + Yoga IncNorth Vancouver604.916.9335 | corebody.caFit for TwoMultiple locations604.602.1546 | fit4two.caFitness on the GoIn-home personal training888.808.2348 | fitnessonthego.caHycroft Wellness Centre Prenatal FitnessVancouver604.731.8027Into YogaMultiple locations604.421.9872 | intoyoga.caJump Gymnastics604.568.9690www.jumpgymnastics.cambody Fitness and Wellness SpaVancouver604.891.5189 | mbodyspa.comMomentum FitnessVancouver604.732.4884 | mfit.caMy Adventure Boot CampVancouver604.329.7867myadventurebootcamp.comNorth Star FitnessVancouver604.761.7064 | northstarfitness.caOpen Door YogaVancouver778.371.8179 | opendooryoga.bc.caPanarama FitnessSurrey778.899.6995 | pfit.ca

Pilates UnlimitedVancouver604.875.0404 | pilates.caPure YogaCorporate mobile yoga1.888.457.3543 | pureyoga.caRunners and Booties FitnessMultiple locations778.285.6265runnersandbootiesfitness.comThe Fitness Group604.654.1725 | fitnessgroup.com The Little GymLangley604.539.2543thelittlegymlangley.comTOPS: Take Off Pounds SensiblyMultiple locations604.462.1010 | tops.orgVan Yoga ProgramsVancouver604.646.0134 | vanyoga.comYoga PodNorth Vancouver604.924.9642 | yogapod.com

FURNITURE, GIFTS & ACCESSORIESAfrican Violet Slings Online250.395.5224 | africanvioletslings.comAnimal Crackers Announcements604.710.4760animalcrackersonline.comBabes on 4thVancouver 604.739.9870BabykinsRichmond604.275.2255 | babykins.comBaby’s WorldCoquitlam604.515.0888 | babysworld.caBaby Celtic ProductionsOnline604.929.6914 | babyceltic.com

Baby on BoardRichmond604.273.0884 | babyonboard.caBaby Planet BoutiqueOnline888.823.6129babyplanetboutique.comBamboobinoOnline604.551.3882 | Bamboobino.comBambolettaOnlinebamboletta.comBC PlaythingsNorth Vancouver604.986.4111 | bcplaythings.com

Bears Toy StoreWest Vancouver604.926.2327 Beba BeanOnline604.552.7741| bebabean.comBella Announcements604.542.9942bellaannouncements.comBelly Bonding Casting CoOnline604.219.7379 | bellybonding.caBobbits for KidsVancouver604.738.0333 | bobbitsforkids.comBoomers & Echoes Kids & MaternityNorth Vancouver604.984.6163 boomersandechoes.comBug in a RugOnline866.766.2349 | buginarug.infoCamelot KidsGranville Island800.746.2230 | camelotkids.comCards By KidsOnline604.987.4178 | cardsbykids.caChildish NotionsOnline877.968.4667| childishnotions.comClassy Kids ConsignmentVancouver604.222.4035Comfy Cozy Blankies604.839.4643 | comfycozyblankies.caCreative Kidstuff ToysNorth Vancouver604.987.3210Cribs & CarriagesNorth Vancouver 604.988.2742 | cribsandcarriages.comCrocodile Unique Baby StoreVancouver | 604.742.2762South Surrey | 604.542.8860crocodilebaby.comDesneige Memory CastingsOnline877.615.8450 | desneige.caDimpleskins; Natural Body CareOnline604.395.6262 dimpleskinsnaturals.comDiscovery Toys CanadaOnline800.341.8697 | discoverytoysinc.comDoudou Bebe888.936.8368 | doudoubebe.comDream DesignsVancouver604.254.5012 | dreamdesigns.ca

Duck Under Cover Blankets IncOnline604.842.2809 | duckundercover.comEco BumzOnline866.376.8081 | ecobumz.comElements of ArtMobile604.817.7038 | artelements.caElephant ShoeOnlineelephant-shoe.caFino Lino Fine Linens & AccessoriesVancouver604.736.1828 | finolino.netFu-Shun BabyOnlinefu-shundesigns.comGoober BabyOnline604.880.5433 | 604.837.9775gooberbaby.comGrobag CanadaOnline866.768.4224 | grobag.caIKEA Coquitlam | 604.636.1000Richmond | 604.233.8491ikea.caJust Imagine Fun ClothingVancouver604.222.3523 | dressups.comKaboodles Toy Store Vancouver | 604.224.5311Granville Island | 604.684.0066kaboodlestoystore.comKeep the Moment LtdOnline604.357.1433| babyprints.caKidlet ChroniclesOnlinekidletchronicles.comKids Market Granville Island604.689.8447 | kidsmarket.caKidsbooksVancouver | 604.738.5335North Vancouver | 604.986.6190Surrey | 604.541.9939kidsbooks.bc.caKnotty ToysGranville Island604.683.7854 | knottytoys.comKuddle Muddle North Vancouver604.929.2524Little Forest Baby Care SystemLangley & Onlinelittleforest.comLucy AnnOnline888.739.2299 | lucyann.ca




Lush BabyOnline778.998.7080 | lushbaby.com

Mabel’s LabelsOnline604.709.6147 | marilyn.mabel.caMama Goddess Birth ShopOnline604.782.6679mamagoddessbirthshop.comMilk Factory DesignsOnline604.899.1180 | milkfactory.comModernKidVancouver 604.662.3181 | modernkid.comMolly’s Furniture SaladVancouver 604.732.7712 | furnituresalad.caNestings KidsVancouver604.734.5437 Northern Feather Dream Makers Delta | 604.940.9551Vancouver | 604.736.7233West Vancouver | 604.926.3120nfdreammakers.comO'Baby OrganicsOnline604.340.8239 | obabyorganics.caOff to BedFort Langley604.513.1151 | offtobed.caOne Tiny SuitcaseBaby Equipment Rentals877.663.8469 | onetinysuitcase.ca Organic O’CanadaOnline604.637.6379 | organicocanada.comPeapod CreationsMultiple locations & Online866.811.8103 | peapodcreations.caPedagogy ToysNew Westminster604.395.3459 | pedagogytoys.comPinky & CompanyOnline604.628.7544 | pinkyandcompany.com

Pinky Blue Children's StoreRichmond604.204.2720 | pinkyblue.caPlay ParadisePort Coquitlam604.468.7529 | playparadise.caRieva & Reine Vancouver604.730.7133 | rievaandreine.comSage Creek NaturalsOnline877.513.2183 | sagecreeknaturals.com

Simply BabyOnline250.833.9687 | simplybaby.caSola RobesOnline604.551.3882 | solarobes.comTJs Kiddies StoreMultiple locations & Onlinetjskids.comToy Jungle West Vancouver | 604.925.0741Coquitlam | 604.464.7766thetoyjungle.caThe Fort Toy BoxFort Langley604.882.8697 | forttoybox.com The ToyboxVancouver604.738.4322The Village Toy ShopPort Moody604.949.0444 | villagetoyshop.caToy Traders Langley604.532.9516 Tupperware tupperware.ca Usborne Books at HomeOnline store604.886.8767 | kidsbookmart.comWee Piggies & Paws Online905.988.5437 | weepiggies.com

GROCERY SERVICESAvalon Dairy Delivery604.434.2434 | avalondairy.comDairyland/Saputo Foods800.667.1228 | morethanmilk.caGreen Earth Organics604.708.2345 | greenearthorganics.comNeighbours Organic Weekly Buying ClubsCo-operative organic food delivery604.222.0262 | nowbc.caSmall Potatoes Urban Delivery604.215.7783 | spud.caStong’s Market604.266.1401 | stongs.comSunrise Soya Foods604.253.2326Organics at Home604.983.6657 | organicsathome.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS 3D Baby Vision-Fetal Imaging778.737.6619 | 3dbaby.caAccess Natural HealingVancouver604.568.4663accessnaturalhealing.com

Arbutus Acupuncture & Massage Therapy ClinicVancouver 604.264.9921 | healthtoday.caBarry Rich MDLangley604.539.1915 | nsv.caBC Association of Optometrists604.737.9907 | absee.caBC Children’s Hospital 604.875.2345 | Bcchildrens.caBC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre604.875.2330Bonn ChiropracticVancouver604.688.5437 | bonnchiropractic.comBreakthrough HypnotherapyNew Westminster604.616.6400breakthrough-hypnotherapy.comCorinne Eisler Registered dietician & paediatric nutrition specialist604.738.4344Crescent Moon ChildbirthSurrey, Langley & White Rock604.612.6906crescentmoonchildbirth.orgDial-A-Dietician604.732.9191 | dialadietitian.orgDoula Services604.515.5588 | bcdoulas.org Dr. Gerry Pochynok Pacific Paediatric Dental CentreNorth Vancouver604.983.2253Dr. Maria Fabbro Naturopathic physicianVancouver & Burnaby604.738.3468 | drfabbro.comDr. Pollock Infant Circumcision & VasectomyNew Westminster & Vancouver604.717.6200 | pollockclinics.comFamily PassagesVancouver604.266.6470 | familypassages.caHealthcordVancouver604.714.6361 | healthcord.comMy 3D Ultrasound (Greig Associates)Vancouver604.321.6774 | my3dultrasound.com Helen Sands, Sleep Consultant604.803.0068 | helensands.comIntegrative Healing ArtsVancouver604.738.1012 | integrative.caLady de la Sol BotanicalsOnline877.471.1144 | ladydelasol.com

Mashala Baby OrganicsOnline800.981.4626mashalababyorganics.com McNeil Consumer Healthcare877.223.9807 | mcneilcanada.comSt John Ambulance604.321.2652 | sja.caSweet MommaOnlinesweetmomma.com

Newbirth Mothercare778.834.2057newbirthmothercare.comThéra Wise: Natural therapeutic ointmentsMultiple locations & Online604.879.2623 | therawise.comTOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly 604.299.4149 | tops.orgTummy TicklesFetal Doppler rentals866.961.1580 | tummytickles.comUC Baby Langley | 604.882.1515Vancouver | 604.708.8853uc-baby.com

HOME DÉCORBelly Bonding Casting Co604.219.7379 | bellybonding.caBippity Boppity Boo Children’s Rooms604.468.1755Creative Memories800.468.9335 | creativememories.caDream DesignsVancouver604.254.5012 | dreamdesigns.caFelt Fantasia604.595.6627 | feltfantasia.comFino Lino Fine Linens & AccessoriesVancouver 604.736.1828 | finolino.netIf Walls Could Talk604.582.6811IKEA Coquitlam | 604.636.1000Richmond | 604.273.2051ikea.ca Keep the Moment LtdOnline604.357.1433 | keepthemoment.caKnotty ToysGranville Island604.683.7854 | knottytoys.comMaria Tratt Custom Wall Design604.218.4258 | [email protected]’s Furniture SaladVancouver 604.732.7712 | furnituresalad.ca

resource listing



23Baby Guide 2009

Northern Feather Dream Makers 604.736.7233 | 604.940.9551| 604.926.3120nfdreammakers.comOff to BedFort Langley604.513.1151 | offtobed.caOrganic O’CanadaOnline778.892.4044 | organicocanada.comThe Creative Individual604.857.3270 | thecreativeindividual.comWhimsical Words604.936.3897

MATERNITY NEW & CONSIGNMENTBaby Planet BoutiqueOnline store888.823.6129 babyplanetboutique.comBellies In BloomVictoria250.479.0803belliesinbloommaternity.comBlissfulbabes Nursing Wear877.612.5477 | blissfulbabes.comBoomers & EchoesNorth Vancouver604.984.6163boomersandechoes.comBravado DesignsOnline store800.590.7802 | bravadodesigns.comClassy Kids ConsignmentVancouver604.222.4035Corsierre 3-in-1 Nursing Bra UpgradeOnline877.612.5477 | corsierre.com Flirty Maternity Maple Ridge604.657.7333 | flirtymaternity.comHazel & Co./JoolsVancouver604.730.8689hazelhipmoms.com604.221.0721 | jools.caJelly Beans Kids ConsignmentCoquitlam604.939.4846 Kai Kidskaikids.comKidazzlesWhite Rock604.531.7931KidswapOnline auction604.607.1494 | kidswap.caLittle EarthVancouver778.737.7004 | littleearthvancouver.com

Mama Goddess Birth ShopOnline604.782.6679mamagoddessbirthshop.comMooternity Nursing FashionsOnline778.838.1707 | mooternity.comNi Ma’ma MaternityVancouver604.734.8800 | nimama.caNummies Nursing Brasnummies.ca Pinky & CompanyOnline604.515.4081 | pinkyandcompany.comPinky BlueRichmond604.204.2720 | pinkyblue.caRoom for Two Maternity ApparelVancouver604.255.0508 | roomfor2.caThe Classic Closet Consignment BoutiqueSurrey 604.590.8290classicclosetconsignment.com The Maternity ShopOnline888.860.1211 | thematernityshop.comTiny Town Children’s & Women’s ConsignmentSurrey 604.597.0040

NANNIES & CHILD CARE RESOURCESAble Nannies604.540.7453Care Solutions Inc877.925.8474 | absolutecarenanny.comAlmost As Good As Mum Nanny Agency Ltd604.542.0548 almostasgoodasmum.comCanzac Nannies & Babysitters604.985.3654Child Care Options Resource & Referral Program604.572.8032 | childcareoptions.caElite Nannies 604.876.5520International Nannies Ltd604.609.9925internationalnannies.comLangley Child Care Resource & Referral Program604.534.7921Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Child Care Resource & Referral604.467.6911

Moppet Minders Child & Home Care Services Ltd 604.942.8167Nanny Finders Directory 604.272.1622 | nannyfindersbc.comNannies on Call604.734.1776 | nanniesoncall.comNorfolk Nannies604.263.5867North Shore Childcare Resource & Referral Program604.985.7138 | nscr.bc.caNot Just Nannies604.723.5683 | notjustnannies.netOptiMum Childcare & Nannies Inc604.671.4965 | opti-mum.comRichmond Child Care Resource & Referral Service604.279.7020 | volunteerrichmond.caSt. Matthews Day Care Society604.527.1031stmatthewsdaycare.comSusan’s Nannies604.779.8579Vancouver Child Care Resource & Referral604.709.5661 | wstcoast.org

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO3D Baby Vision-Fetal Imaging778.737.6619 | 3dbaby.caAnita Gina Photographyanitaginaphotography.comBliss Photographic Images604.970.3872 | blissphotographic.ca

Bopomo Pictures604.678.1411 | bopomo.ca

Brooke McAllister PhotographyBmpimages.weebly.comChoo Choo Photography604.515.0748choochoophotography.comCoates Portrait Design604.739.9600coatesportraitdesign.comEclipse Photography604.984.7427 | eclipsephotography.caGemini Visuals Creative Photography604.312.6330 | geminivisuals.comJane Photography604.435.9581janeeatonhamilton.comJoy Photography778.688.8688 | joyphoto.caKalem Photography604.273.0401 | kalemphoto.comKevin James Day Photography604.915.7500 | kjdkids.com

Life Story Videos604.805.7999 | lifestoryvideos.caLynne Williams Photographylynnewilliamsphotography.caMika PhotographyMikaphotography.caPerfect Moments PhotographyAbbotsford604.832.1628 | perfectmoments.caPhotography by Cheryl604.576.1637photographybycheryl.caRD Captured MemoriesLangley604.761.5178rdcapturedmemories.comRed Wagon Digital Images604.318.3259redwagondigitalimages.ca Shayna Kerrie PhotographyVancouver-Yaletown604.614.0778 shaynakerriephotography.comSweet Earth Photographics778.865.4131sweetearthphotographics.comSweet Pea Photography604.986.0204sweetpeaphotography.comToy Box Studios604.681.2252 | toybox-studio.comWhat I See Photography778.829.0071 | whatisee.ca

SAFETYBCAA: Infant/Child Car Seat Information Line604.298.2122 | bcaa.comRoad Safety: Child Restraints/Car Seat Safetyroadsafety.caSt John Ambulance604.321.2652 | sja.caSafety Station at BC's Children's Hospital604.875.2244bcchildrens.ca/safetystation

Wee Travel Inc604.222.4722 | weetravel.ca

WEB LINKS WORTH CHECKINGbritishcolumbiamoms.comhelpwevegotkids.com http://vap.informe.comparentsinbc.casavvymom.caurbanmommies.comvancouverdad.comvancouver.parentzone.comvancouvertwins.comwetcoastwomen.com ywsinglemoms.org




Baggino 3-in-1 Diaper BagDesigned for every baby sce-nario, Baggino proudly intro-duces the stylish, one-of-a-kind 3-in-1 Combination Diaper Bag-N-Changing Belt. Each bag is equipped with a conversion changing waist belt and stroller bag including a changing mat, zippered pouch for parents’ valu-ables, cell phone holder, baby wipes case, five interior pockets, two side pockets and a handy key clip. Chic enough for Mom, cool enough for Dad. $149.www.baggino.com

Belly Band Aid For Moms-to-BeThe Baby Be Mine Maternity Belly Band is a favourite mater-nity accessory. Soft and easy to wear, it solves so many preg-nancy wardrobe issues. It allows you to wear your pre-pregnancy clothing longer and get back into them sooner post pregnancy. The belly band also covers those unsightly elastic waistbands and expandable panels on maternity bottoms and is great as a breast-feeding cover-up too. Available in three sizes. $29.99.www.organicallyhatched.com

Hooter Hiders Nursing Cover by Bebe au LaitBebe au Lait Nursing Covers are award-winning nursing ac-cessories that provide a chic and sophisticated way to nurse dis-creetly. Breastfeeding is beautiful. We also know that many new mothers are modest, and nursing in public may be uncomfortable for you. Nursing covers help to alleviate this nervousness, and provide the new mother with a way to feel beautiful and proud while nursing without having to worry about the wandering eyes of passers-by. Available in various colours and patterns. $39.98.www.parentingbynature.com

Bravado Essential Nursing Bra TankEvery nursing mom needs some great nursing tanks! With stun-ning style and a full bra inside, The Essential Bravado Nursing Bra Tank was designed to make moms feel fabulous—inside and out! It’s stylish enough to wear with great accessories, a jacket or blazer when going out, yet comfy enough to wear hanging around inside. They make fantastic ma-ternity tank tops because the fabric of the garment and the bra inside comfortably stretch, while retaining their shape after wash-ing: making it an ideal maternity and transition garment as well. Starting at $55.www.momandbabyboutique.com

Cool Finds For Mom & Dad

YOU PillowThe locally made YOU Therapeutic Pillow is not just a pillow! Its unique u-shape and multi-function pro-vide ultimate comfort and support. It adjusts to YOU and your needs, shape and size, whether sitting, ly-ing down, working or relaxing. $104.95-$124.95. www.youpillows.com

Baggino 3-in-1 Diaper BagDesigned for every baby sce-

i B i dl i t

Belly BandMoms-to-BTh B b B

parents' picks


25Baby Guide 2009

laboursupport

postpartumsupport

We are a non-profit association promoting Birth and Postpartum Doula support for families in BC.

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Vasectomy“ Helping men become non-productive members of society since 1995”

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baby guide feature

Ah, pregnancy. A joyous time when a woman becomes exqui-sitely attuned to the workings of her own body and the growing

life within her. Strangers will complement her on her glowing looks, friends will hold open the door, and the husband will make ice cream runs at the mere hint of a craving. Oh yeah, that’s right, there’s a daddy in the picture, too.

Contrary to the woman’s experience, pregnancy can be a time of intense alienation for men. They are physically shut out from sharing in the “miracle of life,” mentally shut out by their partner’s absorption in her own physical transformation, and socially shut out by friends and relatives who often focus all of their support and congratulations on the woman. Throw in a usually decreased sex life, and it’s not hard to understand why even men who are eager to assume the “Daddy cloak” start to have feelings of resentment, disaffection and loneliness.

This, however, doesn’t have to be your story. A few simple strate-gies can ensure that this experience is one that you both can share, enjoy and cherish. Remember, there’s no “I” in “pregnant.”

Talk the TalkPeople subconsciously react to the way we express ourselves and the words that we choose. The phrase “My wife is pregnant”—especially with a downward inflection at the end, immediately alienates you from the experience you are describing. What people hear is “She’s pregnant, and he’s not interested.” Instead try saying “We are pregnant.” Own it, baby. “We are so excited,” “I’m going to be a dad” and “We’re going to have a baby” are all phrases that imply ownership and personal involve-ment. The reactions you receive will be quantifiably different.

Listen UpYour partner is constantly talking about her oddly shaped body, her swol-len feet, and her aching back. She worries out loud about passing gas, the possibility of haemorrhoids and the fact that she has to pee every five minutes. Hear what she’s not saying: Do you still find me attractive? Do you still care about me even though I feel kind of gross sometimes and do things that my mother always said were unladylike? Try touching her on the spot she complains about and letting her know that you still like every part of her, including all those funny and odd things she does.

Be ThereGo to as many of your partner’s prenatal appointments as you can. Ask questions, show you’re interested, and definitely, absolutely, go to the ultrasound appointment so that you can see the baby inside her. When you’re at home together, play some music, read the belly a sto-ry or just talk to it. Studies have shown that babies remember sounds they hear in utero, so why not let one of those sounds be your voice?

Beer, SchmeerYour partner is giving up alcohol, raw fish, cultured cheese and all sorts of tasty and sinful things for the next 40 weeks. Support her by limiting your intake of those foods as well. It’s amazing how not eating ahi tuna sashimi in front of your six-months-pregnant wife can prevent phrases such as “You are the most insensitive wart I have ever had the misfortune to meet” or other words to that effect. What’s the worst that can happen? You’ll both be a little healthier and a whole lot happier with each other.

Make Decisions TogetherBring up the subject of diapers—cloth vs. disposable? Talk about breast- versus bottle-feeding, standard versus organic formula, name brand versus generic, colours for the nursery, you name it. Being a part of these decisions will not only get you more excited, it will make your partner more excited to see you so involved and will make your respective families look at you as an integral part of the process. Initi-ate talks about life insurance, wills and RESPs. The greatest gift you can give your partner is the knowledge that you care about the new future you are creating.

In the end, it all boils down to this: Show them you care, and you will receive that same care right back. Trust me, you’ll need it.

How to stay involved andon top of your game

By Shelley Ginzer

Pregnancy 101 for

Expectant Dads


27Baby Guide 2009

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baby guide feature

Suzanne Corrin was thrilled when her younger sister Michelle be-came pregnant, because she got to plan a baby shower and help

her go green at the same time.“My niece Madeleine came a little early, so we ended up having the

shower in January, when she was a few weeks old,” says Corrin, a Port Moody mom of two girls aged five and seven.

Hosting her sister’s eco-friendly baby shower was also an ideal way to showcase products from Green Planet Parties, the newly launched web-based business Corrin co-founded with Suzanne Bertani, a mom of four. The stay-at-home mompreneurs’ goal? To introduce earth-friendly, locally-produced, artisan and handcrafted gifts, biodegradable tableware, reusable decorations and goodie bags to party planners.

The two Suzannes have organized about 30 parties and weddings a month since launching last September, reports Corrin. “If you’re having people over, why not also educate them about a different way to entertain and feel good about it? If we each do these small things in our everyday lives, we contribute to bettering the environment.”

Get your eco-shower started by listing green baby websites, stores, gift ideas and wrapping suggestions within the invitation, so guests know that the mom-to-be prefers organic products.

No-stamp invites, or ones that bloom. Corrin used www.evite.com instead of sending paper invitations, but for those who prefer paper, why not choose ones that you can plant afterwards? Pop any of Winnipeg-based Botanical PaperWorks’ handmade invitations into some soil, and the seeds embedded in them will blossom into gor-geous wildflowers.

Long-lasting décor. Instead of buying piles of generic baby carriage inspired decorations, Corrin hung a colourful banner spelling out Madeleine’s name and laid out an elegant, locally made table run-ner. “Now Michelle will be on her way to making an eco-friendly first birthday party, rather than having to buy plastic tablecloths and decorations.”

String up a clothesline pinned with baby clothes and toys above the front door, or using fabric tablecloths that can be made into a baby blanket or curtains for the nursery.

Top Picks for the Table. Ditch drugstore disposables such as Sty-rofoam cups and plastic cutlery in favour of real dishes, glasses and silverware. Or choose disposables that are readily biodegradable. “We used corn-based cups and palm leaf dinner plates made in India by sustenance farmers who take palm leaves that have naturally fallen to the ground, and therma-press them into the shape of a plate,” says

Corrin. “They’re the most durable disposable plates you’ll ever see, and they look really cool.”

Fabulous food. Select fresh, seasonal organic food from local farm-ers' markets that tastes great at room temperature, to avoid having to heat or cool with energy-sucking appliances. Package leftovers in waxed paper for guests to take home.

Gifts that keep on giving. The most thoughtful gifts are time, en-ergy and experience. Never mind that cute outfit; a freezer packed with delicious meals in reusable containers is worth a million bucks to new parents, so suggest that guests each bring a dish. Give gift cer-tificates for a week's worth of maid service, three loads of laundry or an evening of free babysitting. Or, keep gently used baby stuff out of the landfill: make the shower a mini swap meet, asking guests to bring their children’s old baby clothes, books and toys.

It’s a wrap. Think double-duty: wrap your gift in a receiving blanket or cloth diaper. Use reusable fabric bags stuffed with baby washcloths instead of tissue paper. Corrin also recommends handmade seeded gift wrap made of vegetable dyed paper, which can then be cut up and given out as party favours to guests to plant at home.

Unique Activities. Get guests to decorate organic baby onesies with soy-based paints. Re-purpose a plain baby t-shirt by turning it into a guestbook. Ask everyone to bring something meaningful from their homes to create a funky baby mobile: set out a basket of colourful ribbons or pieces of foil to add texture and reflect light. Or, let them literally leave their mark by creating a mural in the nursery with non-toxic, milk-based paints.

Clean up, green up. Be sure to put out recycling bins, then wrap up your celebration by using non-toxic, household cleaning products and rags instead of paper towels.

Wendy Helfenbaum is a Montreal writer and television producer.

Eco-FriendlyBaby Showers:

Celebrate big-timewithout a big footprint

By Wendy Helfenbaum


29Baby Guide 2009


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It starts with the joyous news: "Congratulations! You're going to be a new Mom." Now comes the hard part: the decisions that have to be made before

and after the big day. One of the biggest “Paper or plastic?” decisions moth-ers face is whether or not to use a midwife.

For millennia, there wasn't much of a choice to be made. Mothers gave birth at home, often with deadly results for both mother and child. Around the turn of the last century, hospital births slowly became the norm in the industrialized world. The past decade, however, has seen a trend away from the perceived impersonal nature of hospitals, towards a more per-sonal, mother-and-child centered birth.

The term midwifery refers to the team of women who assist the mother before, during and after the birth, usually in the mother's own home, but sometimes at a hospital. The exact setting and schedule of their service var-ies among midwives, but they provide personalized care and support, with frequent in-home visits. According to the Midwives Association of B.C., a midwife will typically visit the mother every 3 to 5 weeks for the first two trimesters, then every 2 to 3 weeks during the third trimester.

“Midwives spend more time with the patient, building relationships, and give her the understanding of what we're doing,” said Julie Allen, a regis-tered midwife in Vancouver. According to Allen, the decision to have a midwife is less about the choice of birthplace, and more about the choice of birth type. “The thing is, the majority of women still use hospitals,” she said, adding that only about 30 per cent of women give birth at home.

Many are also mistrustful of the safety of some medical procedures. The Midwifery Group of Vancouver claims that mothers who used midwives en-countered lower rates of forceps use, vacuum extractions, C-sections and in-fections compared to those who gave birth in a doctor-assisted hospital setting.

In B.C., midwifery has been a registered practice under the Health Pro-fessions Act since 1998. The title Registered Midwife is protected by law—anyone in B.C. calling themselves one must be recognized by the College of Midwives of B.C., and must complete intensive in-class and clinical ex-aminations. U.B.C. offers a four year Bachelor of Midwifery degree, which

involves both classroom and clinical experiences, including a requirement to attend at least 60 births. There are currently 66 registered midwives in the province, most who of whom own their own private practice. Midwife services are covered under the B.C. Medical Plan for the duration of the pregnancy until six weeks after birth; however, midwifery is only covered when it supplements the mother's family doctor.

Organizations like Birthdocs, a Vancouver-based group of obstetricians and family practice physicians, acknowledge the role midwives play in the birthing process, but highlight the advantages of a hospital birth. Obstetri-cians are practicing doctors who have more medical training than mid-wives, and are trained to handle any type of pregnancy or complication.

Midwives can handle most pregnancies and minor pregnancy-related complications. They have hospital privileges, and can refer mothers to a spe-cialist if needed. All registered midwives abide by a code of conduct, which states that their main priority is letting the mother make her own informed decisions. Midwives are also trained to offer a full range of pain relief op-tions, including an epidural, if requested by the mother. According to Allen, midwifery is "based on the understanding that pregnancy is not just a clinical thing, it's also a psychological and emotional experience as well."

baby guide feature

By Nick Major

List of Resources

Midwives Association of B.C. [email protected]

College of Midwives of [email protected]

Doula Services Association of B.C.Referral Line 604.515.55881.877.365.5588www.bcdoulas.org

B.C. Women's Hospital and Health Centre604.875.24241.888.300.3088 (B.C. only)www.bcwomens.ca

Birthdocs and Family Practice Maternity Services at B.C. Women's [email protected]

The Midwifery [email protected]

B.C. Health Guidewww.healthlinkbc.caPhone: 811

Doula, Midwife, Doctor:Which to Choose?

What is a doula?A doula is an assistant who provides non-medical support to the mother before, during and after birth. Unlike a midwife, a doula does not provide medical care, and does not deliver the baby. They give the mother emotional and physical support, and assist with basic baby care, breast feeding techniques, and often housekeeping tasks as well. Doulas can be either birth doulas or post-partum doulas, with post-partum requiring more training. In B.C. doulas are represented by Doula Services Association of B.C.“People imagine a doula as a comfort person,” says Alix Bacon, director of public-ity and promotions for the Doula Services Association. In reality, according to Bacon, doulas take an active role in the birth process. "The midwife is not going to be there for the entire labour. The doula's going to provide comfort measures like massages, birthing positions, education, creating a birth plan," because the midwife is often too busy with the medical aspects of the birth.Also according to Bacon, there isn't any "rivalry" or competition between doulas and midwives, because they are two different professions with no overlap be-tween them. "I've never met a midwife who didn't recommend a doula," she says.


31Baby Guide 2009


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We, as parents, are more eco-aware these days, especially when it comes to raising our kids. Parents are looking to leave a brighter

future for their little ones. We are buying organic foods and clothing, eco-friendly toys, and choosing to buy closer to home to decrease using unnecessary resources. Diapering our children is no exception. Cloth dia-pering has changed. We have moved on from folding, pinning and dunk-ing to Velcro, cute prints and easy washing. Keep reading to learn facts about diapering and some new lingo from the world of cloth diapering.

Facts (courtesy of Environment Canada):• Four million disposable diapers are thrown out a day in Canada• A child will have about 7,000 diaper changes in their lifetime• Disposables represent the 3rd largest single product in the municipal

waste system (behind newspapers and food and beverage containers). In areas that recycle it is number one!

• Disposables use 70% more energy per change than cloth• It takes a disposable diaper 300 to 500 years to decompose• Using cloth diapers saves a family an average of $1500 to $2500 per child• Disposable diapers keep baby’s bottom 5 to 10 times hotter, thus increas-

ing the risk of diaper rash• Disposable diapers have dangerous toxins like dioxin, sodium polycry-

late, organochlorines (in trace amounts) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Demystifying terminology. New styles of cloth diapers have made them more convenient for busy parents.• Prefolds are more like your mama’s cloth diaper. They are absorbent

rectangles that are thicker in the centre. They are folded around the baby and fastened with pins or a Snappi (a ‘poke free’ fastener). A diaper cover is required to make this waterproof.

• Fitted diapers are contoured to fit the baby. They fasten with snaps or Velcro and require a cover. Diaper covers are far from the plastic pants that many of us picture. They are made from PUL (a soft, breathable, waterproof fabric), fleece, wool or even waterproofed cotton.

• Pocket diapers come complete with a waterproof barrier and therefore do not require a cover. They have an opening to place an absorbent insert. The insert is removed for washing, which decreases drying time.

• All-in-One diapers have everything built in. They include a waterproof outer and an absorbent core. They fasten with snaps or Velcro. They are favourites among babysitters as they are the most like disposables.

Each type of cloth diaper comes in a variety of fabrics including cot-ton, hemp, bamboo or fleece, just to name a few. There are pros for each type of fabric, it is just a matter of finding what you and your baby like and need. Using a combination of cloth and disposables, especially in the beginning, is often a good routine for many families. Every little bit helps the environment and your family.

So what about the laundry? There are many suggestions on how to wash cloth diapers. Typically, it takes one extra step compared to your normal baby laundry. That is a cold soak or rinse initially, followed by your normal hot cycle and rinse. Then hang dry or dry in the dryer. Each manufacturer will have more specific instructions on washing. Fabric softeners and bleach should not to be used with cloth diapers. If you are concerned that there is more ‘yuck’ factor in cloth diaper-ing than disposables, think again. Did you know that you are actually supposed to remove poop from disposable diapers as well and flush it down the toilet? It says so right on the package.

So where to start? Buy a diaper or two of each brand and style, try them and decide what works best for you, your baby and your family. Many cloth diaper companies can arrange cloth diaper consultations to help you see ‘in the flesh’ what cloth diapers are like. They also may have a trial package that will let you test various brands and style for two weeks or more to help you decide without making a large financial commitment.

Catherine Clutchey is the owner of Bouncing Babies Cloth Diapers in Surrey, BC.

baby guide feature

By Catherine Clutchey

Helpful resources:www.bouncingbabies.ca

www.diaperpin.com

www.diaperswappers.com

The Case for

Cloth


33Baby Guide 2009

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Her life is all about seconds: a second house, a second kitchen renovation, a second marriage, and a second baby with her sec-

ond husband—a rare second chance. Michelle Johnson* fights back tears when she talks about becoming a parent and how the stress of it finally broke her first marriage apart. She is an otherwise ordinary, active woman in her mid-thirties, raising two young children in Com-mercial Drive, a trendy Vancouver neighbourhood. One difference is that Tess* and Devon*—her five-year-old daughter and nineteen-month-old son—have different fathers. She’s happily remarried now and expecting another baby with her new husband.

“Before becoming a mom, I had an okay marriage, maybe a six or seven out of ten,” says Johnson. After her daughter’s birth though, Johnson’s 6-year marriage went downhill fast. True, Tess was a ‘high needs’ baby. But she remembers, “there just wasn’t a lot of team-work going on.” Instead of helping one another, she and her husband argued relentlessly, often about the baby’s care. Like Johnson, most people just don’t know that when they start a family, it won’t be anything close to the ‘most amazing experience of their life.’ Myths be gone. Almost all couples (92%) argue bitterly after the arrival of a baby—mostly about sex (not getting enough), money (not having enough), and who’s doing more work (who deserves the hero biscuit). One third of them will end up divorced, usually by the time their first baby turns three. That’s exactly how it happened for Johnson. Like clockwork.

Diapers and divorce are indeed a most unforgiving duo. “We have the prenatal part down, but not the prenatal couple care” observes Peter Vaughan, a talented West Vancouver therapist who’s been work-ing with couples for over 20 years. When compared to the impact of divorce on a young family, today’s ubiquity of birth preparation class-

es and professional labour coaching services seems absurd. Johnson describes her initiation into motherhood as “exciting,” “touching,” “life changing.” But she reflects, “you don’t [also] expect to be so stressed, so anxious, so unhappy.” When thinking about the 8-week prenatal class she took at the local women’s hospital, Johnson finds it “utterly ridiculous” that participants spent almost the entire course studying the stages of labour! She doesn’t remember receiving a single shred of information about how their marriage might suffer after the baby’s birth. Yet Vaughan says it’s a “classic” finding, that “67% of couples experience a significant decline in marital well-being after the arrival of a baby.”

Unless curbed, temporary post-partum unhappiness can entrench feelings of emotional disconnection in new parents, making them vul-nerable to extra-marital affairs—one of the most serious risks posed by the birth of a baby. Take Johnson. By the time their baby turned one, her first husband had already had two affairs. For her, the affairs were the ultimate deal-breaker, which also meant being abandoned at a time of highest need and greatest responsibility.

Still, there are ways to baby-proof a marriage. Relationship experts John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman confirm in their landmark research with couples, that only one third of them naturally adapt well to becoming parents. The researchers took their cue from these so-called transition “masters” to develop a program for helping preg-nant couples prepare for parenthood. In their book And Baby Makes Three, the Gottmans teach couples to eliminate the ‘fend for your-self’ mentality that often prevails after the birth of a baby. This team approach to parenting—one that Johnson’s first marriage lacked—is a building block for couples to deepen their friendship and maintain a satisfying post-partum sex life. Parents-to-be also develop skills to

Baby-Proofi ngYour MarriageBy Stephanie Maingot


35Baby Guide 2009

overcome common post-baby conflicts so that the pressures of new parenthood don’t end up dominating their marriages. New parents who remain emotionally connected after the arrival of a baby, say the Gottmans, have a higher quality relationship, experience minimal hos-tility, and delight more in their babies. One of the Gottman Institute’s most important findings is that what’s good for parents, is good for babies. Babies born into harmonious environments tend to flourish, whereas those born into conflict-ridden marriages tend to lag behind in areas like language acquisition.

Since a baby’s development may well lie in the balance, this is rea-son enough for a couple to intervene right away if their marriage de-teriorates in the initial stages of parenthood. For example, as the first Gottman-Method therapist to be certified outside the U.S., Vaughan says couples can avert a post-partum crisis by “keeping friendship charged up”—a central tenet of the Gottman approach. In his practice, Vaughan administers questionnaires to measure a couple’s level of achievement in three research-derived indicators of friendship. Name-ly, the degree to which couples: tune-in to one another’s everyday worlds (love maps), embrace one another’s bids for closeness (turn-ing toward), and incorporate rituals of appreciation into their married life (fondness and admiration). A high score means that a couple has what Vaughan calls “positive sentiment override” (PSO) as their pri-mary relationship dynamic, which he describes as “a bridge between conflict and friendship.” Under Vaughan’s guidance, couples learn to process negative marital interactions in a way that preserves, and even intensifies intimacy.

Many couples argue exponentially behind closed doors after the ar-rival of a baby, often because they have to negotiate everything from the practical (diaper changing) to the profound (parenting styles). For Johnson and her first husband, the biggest bone of contention was their baby’s poor sleep—an issue that can affect up to 40% of new families. They ‘had it out’ about everything: how to cope with sleep deprivation, whether Tess should be sleep-trained, who should sleep where, and on and on, ad nausea. Johnson very much wanted to sleep with Tess, but her husband out-and-out refused to have the baby in their room. “He bullied me,” says Johnson. “I felt forced to parent in a style that he approved of, as opposed to trusting my own instincts as a mother.” If a volatile post-natal period is not well-managed, a couple’s friendship erodes. This is why so many new parents just can’t seem to get along anymore. And so the fighting intensifies, leaving moms increasingly iso-lated, and dads feeling increasingly like outsiders. It’s a negative-feed-back loop that Vaughan sees repeatedly in couples with new babies.

On the practical side, couples can protect the integrity of their marriage by obtaining agreement ahead of time on how they will

deal with the everyday demands of ‘after-baby’ life. For her second birth, Johnson secured the support of a midwife, which meant having more thorough post-natal care. Lehe Elarar, midwife and co-owner of Pomegranate Community Midwives clinic in East Vancouver, gets her clients thinking about the nitty-gritty of new parenthood very early on. She wants to know who’s coming to help and for how long, how the couple will divide up infant care, how they will share the burden of sleep deprivation, and even how they will feed themselves and do laundry during the labour-intensive newborn period. In Elarar’s expe-rience, “the first few weeks are tender and if we get them [couples] started off right, there’s a better chance of success.”

Couples who cope well after the birth of a baby accept that new parenthood is an equal opportunity form of suffering that manifests differently for moms and dads. They focus on finding productive ways of meeting one another’s needs, instead of fighting over whose needs are more important. In other words, they act like friends.

*names changed for reasons of privacy

Resources: Pre and Post Natal Care: • Pomegranate Community Midwives

pomegranate-midwives.com | 604.255.5556

Couples/Marriage: • And Baby Makes Three: The Six-Step Plan for Preserving Marital

Intimacy and Rekindling Romance After Baby Arrives, by John M. Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman | www.gottman.com

• Peter Vaughn | West Vancouver Therapy and Psychological Services | 604.926.0206

Post-Partum Challenges: Breastfeeding: • La Leche League Canada | www.lllc.ca• Linda Good | Certified Lactation Consultant | 604.818.0888Sleep Deprivation: • Better Sleep For Your Baby And Child: A Parent's Step-by-Step Guide

To Healthy Sleep Habits, by Shelly K. Weiss, Hospital for Sick ChildrenEmotional Issues/Depression: • Pacific Post Partum Support Society | www.postpartum.org |

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baby guide events

2009Mondays for MumsLe Petit Spa, VancouverOngoing, Mondays, 10am-7pmNew mums are invited on Mondays for pedicures with their new babies (under 10 months of age). Offering a warm, inviting, baby-friendly sanctuary for both mom and baby to relax in an intimate environment with a facial room converted to a private diaper change area, soothing background music, and breastfeeding-friendly surroundings.604.224.4314 | lepetitspa.ca

Bellies To Babies CelebrationCroatian Cultural CentreMay 3, 11am-4pmA one of a kind event offering a unique opportunity for new and expectant parents and grandparents to explore and shop for trendy baby fashions, décor and so much more! Community resources and support services will be on hand to answer questions for new and expecting parents. Admission by donation to Basics for Babies.belliestobabiescelebration.com

Welcome Wagon Baby ShowerCompass Point Inn, SurreyJune 8, 6:30pmGuest speakers with valuable information and demonstrations designed to help you at this special time. See displays from local businesses and civic organizations, specifically with you in mind to assist you and your new baby. Best of all, receive a complimentary gift bag. Admittance is free.866.627.6074 | welcomewagono.ca

Prenatal Yoga and Wellness Weekend in WhistlerSummit Lodge and SpaJuly 10-12Resort blending the activities of daily yoga, prenatal yoga, nature walks, meditation, nutrition sessions, and fitness. Enjoy the pleasure of nature, inspiration, learning and healing while connecting with your baby. You might call it a "baby-moon" referring to the honeymoon before baby arrives!917.370.7288 | newmotheryogaandwellness.com

Baby Purity ConferenceSheraton Wall CentreOctober 12One day event with a great lunch in downtown Vancouver. Listen to experts discussing first foods for your baby, safe household products and good nutrition for your entire family.babypurity.com

Baby & Family Fair Vancouver Convention and Exhibition CentreOctober 24-25With over 100 booths, the show offers a selection of exhibitors, seminars and hands-on demonstrations on the latest information, innovations, products and services for expecting parents and families with young children. Whether it's reliable information from industry experts, fun for the little ones in the "Big Kids Play Area," or an incredible shopping experience, this event has what parents need.604.251.9491 | baby-fair.com


37Baby Guide 2009

baby news

EMR: The Missing Link Between Autism and Cell Phones?We’ve all heard of it. Electromagnetic radiation. These days it’s every-where, thanks to cell phones, cell towers, Wi-Fi devices, etc. But ac-cording to a recent study published in the Journal of the Australasian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, there’s a darker side to EMR. These researchers suggest that EMR is an accelerating factor in autism, due to its negative affect on cell membranes. It also also heavy metal toxins, which are associated with autism, to build up in your body.

The upshot of this new theory? Maybe it’s not such a good idea to let Junior chew on your cell phone. Maybe you could find him a nice chew toy instead. Better safe and all that, right?

How Clean is Too Clean?The market is flooded with anti-bacterial wipes, cleansers and house-hold products. Then there are anti-viral mouthwashes, antiseptic hand sanitizers, etc. The problem? All of these anti-bacterial products simply lead to more resistant bugs, which in turn will require stronger anti-bacterial agents, which in turn will create even more resistant bugs, which in turn…you get the point.

The solution? Stop. Stop using cleaning agents that have eleven-syllable ingredient names (what the heck is bi-ethyl-carbo-mono-euclic-hydro-oxide-compound anyway?) and try using the stuff your great-grandmother used. That’s right…soap and water. Throw in some vinegar and lemon for extra cleaning power and a nice smell, and you’re as clean as you need to be. And when your baby is crawling on your now-shiny laminate floors, you can rest easy knowing that all he’s licking is a little diluted salad dressing.



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Baby on Board BG 09.indd 1 4/14/09 2:40 PM

Made By Angie Handmade Baby Wipe ContainersHow many times a day do you pull out your baby wipes to change a diaper, wipe a messy face or clean up a spill? Why not do it in style? These über-cool cases come in a multitude of colours and styles for girls and boys, so no need for Dad to be embarrassed when he’s on diaper duty, either! $30.www.madebyangie.com

Travelling With Wee Ones?Vancouver-based Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals make it easier to move around. With ev-erything available from car seats, boosters and travelling systems, to cribs, swings and safety products, you can mini-mize your luggage and maximize your freedom. Plus, they deliver and pick up all rentals in three cit-ies: Vancouver, Victoria and Toronto. Prices vary. www.weetravel.ca

Moby Baby Wrap CarrierThe Moby Wrap is con-sidered by many to be the “original” stretchy wrap-style carrier and is often referred to as the ultimate in baby wraps. A baby wrap is the perfect new-born baby carrier provid-ing security, warmth, vi-brating sound & pleasure. When wrapped in the Moby Wrap your baby is in the perfect environ-ment to thrive. Avail-able in various colours. $63.98.www.parentingbynature.com

The Raz PakThis handy formula and snack container separates into three 6oz. snack packs. Three individual spouts reduce the chance of contamination and make it easier to pour with less spills. Each con-tainer comes with a screw on lid and a snap on cap for the spout. Containers can be used separately or combined together to make one or more multi-chambered contain-ers. Non-toxic. BPA free. $7.99.www.organicallyhatched.com

Kelty Convertible BackpackThe popular child carrier goes from carrier to stroll-er and back, to suit your needs. Great for airports and festivals, with quick and easy adjustments. With a five-point harness and lots of padding, your little one will stay comfy for longer trips, and the lightweight (9 lb 3 oz) de-sign means parents enjoy themselves too! $270. www.tjskids.com

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