Growing Up: Baby

It can be so difficult to establish a nap or bedtime routine with your little one. And it’s so frustrating when something happens to throw that schedule off. With Daylight Saving Time quickly approaching on Saturday, here are some tips on how to adjust and (hopefully) get back to normal — whatever your normal is! ~ Bridget Jensen, sleep consultant, Better Bedtime  Please download, subscribe, follo...

If you’ve reached that one year anniversary — congratulations! If you’re not quite there yet, here’s a sneak peek at what to expect in terms of physical, cognitive, social, and communication/language milestones. There’s also newfound independence, lots of ‘testing’ — and innate and insatiable curiosity. Get ready for this exciting new chapter.  ~ Dr. Eugene Ng , newborn and developmental paediatri...

Becoming a new mom is daunting enough — not only are you preparing for a massive lifestyle change, your mental and physical health is about to transform too. Embarking on this journey at an advanced age comes with its own set of challenges, including the possibility of increased complications and societal stigma. Luckily, later-in-life pregnancies have become the norm. ~ Candace Cobbing, TV produc...

Are you home from the hospital, new baby in bassinet, and still feel a bit confused by it all? Not to worry — those blurry, hazy days are completely normal, and even have a name. The first 12 weeks after giving birth is referred to as the ‘fourth trimester.’ Not only is your new baby going through changes, you are too! Your body is adjusting: organs are shifting back into place, milk is being prod...

“Most parents are doing just fine. It’s sloppy and messy, and you’re going to get upset. Some days are harder than others; if that’s the best you had today, it was good enough.” One of Canada’s leading parenting experts talks behavioural patterns, corrective strategies, and setting boundaries in a kind and loving way. It’s never too early to figure out what kind of parent you want — or need — to b...

Whether your baby is two months old, or a year-and-a-half, embarking on the childcare journey can be overwhelming. There are a number of important decisions to make, like when and where, but you’re also preparing yourself (and them) for this massive change. A mom and freelance journalist shares advice and learnings from her own experience. ~ Jenn Sinrich, freelance journalist and content strategis...

Got Milk? If you find yourself with an oversupply of breast milk, The Rogers Hixon Ontario Milk Bank may be a viable option for you. This passion project was started nearly two decades ago and is still the only milk bank in Ontario to collect, pasteurize and provide donated breast milk to hospitalized babies. ~ Sarah Petrick , beneficiary, mom of premature twin boys. ~ Debbie Stone , director, The...

Do you and your partner adhere to traditional gender roles? If so, what impact does that have on your parenting style — and your relationship? If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out by societal pressures and expectations, you’re not alone! Unpack the invisible ties that bind, and discover how you and your family can work toward meaningful change. ~ Jessica Pratezina, MA, PhD student, child and...

Like so many new moms, 24-year-old Lauren Davis struggled to breastfeed her infant  son. She was prescribed domperidone, which is often used off-label to induce lactation. When she tragically died in her sleep, her parents suspected a link between her death and the medication. Seven years later, they graciously share Lauren’s story so other women may proceed with caution. ~ Erin Davis and Rob Whit...

Thanks for listening! Here's what you heard during Season 1 (and, what you didn't hear). Until next time... Please download, subscribe, follow and share. 

Community building (or finding) is so important during this exciting yet challenging time. How connecting with like minded people benefits your mental, emotional and physical well-being. And, veteran parents share words of wisdom for new moms and dads.   Gillian Kuriyan , director of Mommy Connections, Midtown Toronto. Hayley , new mom, teacher & program facilitator. Special thanks to: Sara, R...

Going through pregnancy and delivery is a lot. It's tough on your emotional, mental and physical well-being. Forget the number on the scale or fitting into your pre-baby jeans. This episode focuses on building strength and confidence, so you can feel good, wherever you're at.  Jessica Sennet, certified personal trainer CPT and Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Specialist. Founder and CEO o...

Are your stairs gated? Is your furniture anchored? Are sharp objects within reach? There’s so much to consider when babyproofing your home and surroundings. Prevention truly is at the heart of child safety; learn what steps you can take to ensure peace of mind.  Lucy, mom of two, shares a traumatic story involving a buggy (stroller). Nancy Reynolds , owner, BabySecure & Advanced Certified Prof...

Music truly is the universal language; connecting all ages, backgrounds and cultures. Making music with your little one is fun and engaging, but did you know it’s also educational? Learn how the components of sound act as early building blocks of language and communication. Making Music Together ’s Risa Waldman shares her emotional adoption journey with music — and a baby girl — at its heart. *PRO...

These short sleep stories are for you, tired parent. A reminder that if you’re exhausted and don’t have bed or naptime figured out, you’re not alone. Three Moms and a Dad share their challenges — from restless sleepers and regressions — to trial and error successes. A sleep consultant explains what’s behind those 2 a.m. wake up calls.  Liz , Mom of 18 month old  Rich , Dad of 4 month old  Bex , Mo...

“Accidents happen quickly. Water can be fun, but we need to be safe in and around it.” From bathtubs and pools to natural bodies of water, this episode focuses on building water confidence, safely. Learn the basic safety precautions that save lives, and how to get your little one comfortable in water (you can help!) It’s never too early — or too late — to make a splash. Carolyn , mom of two, Paren...

Ever wonder what it’s like to have twins? Or… what the odds are of having TWO sets? Mom of four Molly Malone is a self-made twin expert: from myth busting and learned experience, to words of advice and what not to say to a mom of multiples.  And — Dr. Ng sheds light on the statistics around multiples, and shares his own thoughts on being a twin Dad.  Molly Malone, mom of two sets of twin boys. Dr....

The benefits of breastfeeding are well documented, but that doesn’t mean the experience is without challenge — an LC shares advice and reassurance. Unpack the ‘Breast is Best’ narrative and understand the impetus behind the ‘Fed is Best’ movement.  Dr. Christie del Castillo-Hegyi, emergency physician and co-founder, Fed is Best . Mary Lynne Biener, IBCLC, Kindercare Pediatrics , and founding membe...

Planning a trip but feeling anxious about air travel with your little one? That's understandable — but it’s totally manageable with preparation, patience, and a positive attitude. Tune in for tips and tricks on airline allowances, seating options, and on-board essentials.   Yashy Murphy, digital creator and travel writer; curator of parentingtogo.ca .  Ben, new dad.  Growing Up: Baby is liste...

Ever wonder what your newborn sees, how baby’s brain grows, or the effect of positive vs. negative stimuli? A doctor specializing in newborn and development paediatrics walks us through key milestones. And — a general paediatrician covers the most common questions and concerns new parents face. Hint: Sleep and breathing top the list.  Dr. Eugene Ng, newborn and developmental paediatrics, Toronto. ...

Don’t be deterred if your photography skills aren’t quite up to scratch. The perfect picture is one that makes you smile — so take it! Learn the do's and don'ts of newborn photography so you can capture those precious moments from the comfort of your own home.  Nina Polidoro, Nina Polidoro Photography, St. Marys Ontario.  Please download, subscribe, follow and share. 

“It’s going to happen. It’s a normal part of infant development; it’s neither the fault of the parent or caregiver, or the baby.” Your baby’s incessant crying is difficult to endure, and it’s important to remember that the period of PURPLE Crying has a beginning — and an end. Utilize five coping and soothing components that can help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome or Abusive Head Trauma. Learn more a...

Preparing to enter the world of solids, but don’t know where to start? Learn to read baby’s cues, when they’re ready, and what to start with (and avoid). From Baby Led Weaning to introducing the 10 most common allergens, a registered dietician shares tips and advice. And, we hear from a mom whose daughter is now climbing the ‘egg ladder’ in hopes of overcoming her allergy. Andrea Carpenter, regist...

Introduce your little one to hydrotherapy and massage — treatments that can help improve circulation, muscle tone and digestion. Touch and body awareness are so important; learn simple techniques like ‘milking’,  ‘wringing’ and the ‘ILU’ massage.  And, Best Life Mom is important too: don’t forget to take care of you.  Saleha Rajab, registered massage therapist, Snuggles n Bubbles Baby Spa & We...

As a new parent, you may know what to expect, but a brand new baby can come as quite the shock to your four-legged family member. Prepare your dog or cat using positive reinforcement and techniques utilizing sound or smell. Keep an eye on body language and other signs of distress so the integration process can go as safely as possible.  Beverley McKee, program manager, public training services and...