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Getting Started With Cloth Diapers

Christine — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:30:59 +0000

Welcome to VancouverMom.ca’s first vlog Getting Started With Cloth Diapers!

Below, I walk you through my initial start-up package of cloth diapers, including all the accessories. Special thanks to Karen Randall of New and Green Baby for all her assistance and helpful info! Broken down into three videos for easy viewing.

Part 1: All-In-One Diapers

Part 2: Pocket Diapers

Part 3: Cloth Diapering Accessories

Key Information Covered

Overview of all-in-one diapers, pocket diapers and a special hybrid named tini-fit.
General maintenance and accessories, including detergent, cloth wipes and diaper pail liner

Would love your feedback!

Image provided courtesy of New and Green Baby.

Music to Your Ears: Finding Your Best Private Music Teacher

Christine — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:30:59 +0000

Guest post by Shelley Steele-Gittel.

As a school music teacher, I am often asked by families, “What do I ask a music teacher who I am considering hiring for my children’s lessons?” Below are the five most important questions that have helped many families successfully find their best music lessons match!

“What is your music background?”

In other words, does the teacher have formal music school or post-secondary training? Some teachers may say that they have a diploma in music from a recognized college or degree from a university. These can all great indicators of a strong musician and teacher.

“Can we check two references and see a background check?”

Quality studios or teachers will quickly provide these to you upon request. Be sure to find out how long students have been with their teacher and if they are happy with their lessons. Ask them if they have any concerns with their teacher and what they are. You then have a better way to see if this is the right teacher for your family. Background checks are very important as teachers are directly working with children. A background check is very low cost and should not take any longer than a week or two to get.

“Do you have recitals for your students throughout the year?”

It is important for students to have the opportunity to showcase their skills. If a student is not comfortable or too shy to perform, the opportunity to sit through a recital of other students can be very motivating. Most music teachers or schools have at least two performance opportunities throughout the year.

“Can we hear a recital?”

Teachers usually encourage potential students and their families to sit through a recital or meet face to face prior to beginning formal lessons. If you are able to sit through a performance by the teacher or a recital of their students, you could then ask other parents about the teacher, policies and anything else you feel is important.

“May I watch the lessons?”

Parents should always be granted access to sit in on any or all of the lessons whether they are in your home or in a studio. Sitting through lessons is not only for safety and peace of mind for all parties involved it also allows parents to learn along with the child and support their practice efforts.

In an effort to help families find a good private music teacher, Shelley Steele-Gittel, along with her friend Laurie Campbell, founded MusicLessonMatch.com Inc., a free online resource that combines the professional private music teacher’s experience and the perspective of a mom. Shelley is a highly respected and sought after private and school music teacher and enjoys teaching her own little treble maker Violet.

MusiclessonMatch.com Inc is giving a special offer to VancouverMom.ca readers.

Get In The Picture

Diane Wild — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:30:13 +0000

Guest post by Laura Hana

Look back through your archive of photographs. In how many did you make it into the frame? I’m in less than 10% of all our family photos because I’m usually the one behind the camera taking the photos. Does this sound familiar?

A study by the Photo Marketing Association in 2007 discovered the majority of digital camera users were women. If Vancouver moms are busy taking the photos, who is taking photos of them? Here are some ways to help you get back into the picture.

Hand the Camera to Someone Else

It sounds simple enough, but in practice it may be harder to do because we forget to, we don’t want to bother or because of any other number of reasons. No matter what your reason is, make the effort to pass the camera onto someone else and step in front of the lens. Just ask your spouse, friends, kids or passerby to snap a few of you with your family.

Create a Self Portrait

When there’s no one around to hand the camera off to, try a self portrait with the kids. You can use a timer or remote to trigger the shutter while the camera is on a steady surface or tripod. Use a wide angle and shoot at arms length or get a self portrait monopod. There is a neat device from Sony called the Party-shot, which will automatically take candid photos for you, so you can be part of the fun you’re trying to capture.

Hire a Professional

The best way to get quality images that will last you a lifetime is to hire a professional photographer to do your family portraits once a year, for Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries or just because. Why not? You deserve it!

Photographs are one of the best ways to revisit the past, so make sure you are part of it. It is not likely that young children will remember a lot of the fun times they’ve had with you while growing up, except through what they’ve seen in photographs. If you’re usually the one behind the camera, make an effort to switch sides once in a while and get in the picture!

Laura Hana is a Vancouver wedding photographer and one of Vancouver’s 50 Essential Portrait Photographers. She is the founder of the OAC Photo Club and Dolcepics.com.

How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike

Christine — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:00:51 +0000

There is surprisingly passionate debate about the Right Way to teach your child to ride a bike. If you remember learning how to ride, chances are you also remember getting a few bumps and bruises. (Am I the only one who crashed into a lamp post?) A few scrapes are practically unavoidable, which brings us to step one:

Start with a Helmet

You know how little kids love playing dress-up? Use that to your advantage. A helmet is still Really Cool to little kids. Your child may even want to wear a helmet when he is not actually riding the bike. Even if your child is simply riding a trike or a push bike, have him wear a helmet. That way, a helmet will just become an expected part of cycling rather than something you have to nag him to do later on. You can help by always wearing a helmet while biking yourself—your child is sure to notice.

Find a Place to Practice

You’ll need a large flat area, such as an empty parking lot away from traffic or a field with short grass (a slight downward grade can be useful in a field.)

Try Different Bikes

Depending on your child’s age, motivation, and comfort level, she will have her own preferences regarding a bike. The youngest riders do well with a trike or a balance bike (a pedal-less bike where their feet can touch the ground—this allows them to gain a sense of balance before they learn to pedal). If you can, spend a few weekends with borrowed bikes to see what your child prefers.

Decide How To Teach

Now, the tricky part: which teaching method do you use? With one method, you can use a bike with training wheels, which teaches your child about pedaling before balance. With a training wheel bike, you can raise up the wheels over time so that they still provide some stability, but begin to show your child about balance.

When you remove the training wheels, you may still be compelled to use the second method: holding your child’s shoulders and running alongside while she learns to bike. Make sure she knows how to brake first and never let go unless she says it’s ok.

An alternative to these two methods involves the use of a balance bike (or any bike where her feet can touch the ground easily—you can simply remove the pedals). This helps her gain a sense of balance, and can be a good choice for kids who have already learned to pedal on a trike.

Chances are, you may end up using a combination of these three methods. Regardless of your choice, your child will soon be cruising happily along and waiting for you to catch up!

Want to be active with your kids in tow?

Download our Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide, a beautifully laid out 14-page guide that gives you ideas on how to be fit with your baby. Find out more.

About Our Sponsor

Are you a mom who thinks “active, outdoor and green”? Then think Active Baby! Opened in 2009, Active Baby offers only hand-selective products. Located in Capilano Mall, North Vancouver, Active baby guarantees your better quality and the best service. Growing Active and Living Green at Active Baby.

Active Baby: Destination baby store on the North Shore

Capilano Mall, North Vancouver
www.activebaby.ca | Facebook | (604) 986-8977

Balance Bikes for Kids: A Buying Guide

Christine — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:30:22 +0000

You may have wondered what the fuss is all about with kids balance bikes (otherwise known as pedal-less bikes, walking bikes, prebikes, or push bikes). “Children as young as two years old can learn the skills of balancing, steering and coordination in a progressive and natural way,” says WheeBikes owner Rob Heinrichs, who claims these skills are essential for riding a “bike kid” bike.

It makes sense. A balance bike is both a teaching tool and a fun riding toy since kids can not only learn the fundamentals of balance but can enjoy the bike at a very young age. Since kids can reach the ground with their feet while riding a balance bike, they are much less likely to wipe out while learning to balance on two wheels. Kids start out walking, but soon graduate to running and gliding. Rob also adds that many children go straight from a balance bike to a pedal bike without training wheels because they gain so much confidence and practice from their pedal-less bike.

“Balance bikes are not meant to replace traditional bikes,” says Rob, who suggests them as an alternative to a tricycle, which can’t teach balance and control of a two-wheeler, or a bike with training wheels.

What To Look For In Your Balance Bike

Factors to consider when shopping for a balance bike include:

Weight. The weight of the bike should be light enough for the rider to control it. Says Rob: “The lighter the bike, the easier it will be for young children to maneuver it.“

Adjustability. “Many of the bikes have adjustable handle bars and seats,” says Rob, who suggests that you have your child sit on the bike or, even better, test it out before you purchase it. “Many of the bikes do not adjust very low and you may end up with a bike that is sitting and waiting for your child to grow a few inches so that they are able to stand over the seat.”

Style. Typical options are wooden balance bikes or ones styled more like pedal-bikes and made of metal.

Extras. Some balance bikes have hand brakes and foot rests. Some bikes for older kids can convert to regular pedal bikes (see below for some model options).

Most balance bikes are designed for children from 2-6, depending on the height of the bike. A child’s feet should be able to fully touch the ground on both sides comfortably (and the child should obviously be a confident walker already). While learning to ride a balance bike, children should wear helmets, both for safety reasons and to develop good habits for later on. Also, avoid steep hills and areas with traffic. Most balance bikes perform well on a variety of surfaces—not only sidewalks, but also grass, dirt, and gravel, just like a “real” bike. Rob adds: “Balance bikes allow children to be creative and ride their bikes off road in ways that tricycles and bikes with training wheels don’t.”

A balance bike can help you and your child enjoy many adventures together—in your neighborhood, at the park, or on the bike trail.

Want to win a balance bike for your child?

Our friends at WheeBikes are giving away a Strider balance bike to a lucky VancouverMom.ca reader!

To enter, simply visit WheeBikes.ca and tell us what your favourite colour is on the VancouverMom.ca Facebook page. For an extra entry, comment on the WheeBikes facebook page that you saw this contest on VancouverMom.ca. Winner will be randomly selected using Random.org on July 16. Giveaway only open to Canadian residents.

Introducing Your Child to Hiking

Christine — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:00:56 +0000

Parents who love the outdoors naturally want to share this love with their children, and children love being outside. Hiking with your child is not quite the same as the hiking you may have done pre-parenthood, but it can be a wonderful family activity for decades to come. Someday they will go farther and faster than you will!

Babies

You can introduce your child to hiking as early as eight months or so—as soon as he or she is sturdy enough to enjoy riding in a baby backpack. (Check with your pediatrician for specific advice.) These frame packs are designed to hold your child instead of your camping gear. As with a backpack, the weight rests on your hips so that it’s comfortable to carry for several miles. Many come with a sun/rain canopy; this helps protect your child’s tender skin (although it’s not a substitute for sunscreen) and provides extra reassurance in case you get caught out in the rain. Most also feature a zip-off small daypack, handy for diapers and snacks. Babies love the perspective of being up high, and there is always a lot for them to look at.

A few common-sense tips: choose good footwear and avoid scrambles and snowfields; and don’t push your baby past her limits. Two to three hours with a stop or two for snacks is probably about right. If you’ve had a long drive to get to the trailhead and your baby has already spent a lot of time in his car seat, make sure you work in some good “wiggle time” at the beginning and end of the hike so that he won’t feel like he’s spent his whole day strapped into something.

(A bonus: baby backpacks can also be great for hands-free shopping trips. Some babies are more patient when they have an adult-size view of the store.)

Toddlers

Your toddler might be happy in the baby backpack for a short while, but chances are good that he’ll want to get down and do what he does best: toddle. When he starts to get fussy, let him out. You won’t get very far because he’ll be stopping to pick up rocks, examine leaves, and look for insects, but that’s what being outside is all about. Plan shorter hikes so that your toddler will have plenty of time to explore, and be sure the terrain is toddler-friendly—no cliff-side paths.

Preschoolers

Preschoolers can enjoy a walk in the woods, but it has to be a short one. Choose a hike of no more than a mile or so (a bit longer if your child is very rugged and you don’t mind her riding piggyback for a while). It’s best if it ends at something interesting—a waterfall or a picnic spot with a view, for instance.

Older children

Older children can go for longer distances than preschoolers, but may still get tired; only you and your child can determine what the right distance is. Have your children help you choose a hike and plan your route. Incorporating activities like orienteering, letterboxing, or geocaching can be fun for elementary school kids.

Teens

Teens might think they are too cool to go hiking with parents; have your teen bring a peer or two along and let them have their space (within sight, of course). Summer camps or school outing club programs can be great ways for them to stay involved in hiking without the indignity of parental supervision.

In every hike, whether with children or alone, follow standard safety precautions: choose good footwear; carry enough food and clothing for everyone in case the hike takes longer than you think it will or in case a storm comes up; let someone else know where you are going and when you plan to be back; and carry a good trail guide and map. Teach these same safety tips to your children.

About Our Sponsor

Active Baby: Destination baby store on the North Shore

Capilano Mall, North Vancouver
www.activebaby.ca | Facebook | (604) 986-8977

Ready For Anything: Dressing Your Baby for Any Weather

Christine — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:00:48 +0000

If you have a young baby or a toddler, taking him or her outside in the heat of summer or the cold of winter can be a bit daunting at first. (What if those chubby cheeks get sunburned? What if he’s too hot? Too cold? Aaack!) It’s enough to drive any new parent around the bend.

With proper summer gear and winter layering, however, you can put your fears to rest—which is a good thing, because there is nothing quite like worrying about the welfare of your child to rob your outdoor activities of all enjoyment.

Sun

We all love the sun, especially after a long, rainy winter. However, our love of its warm rays shouldn’t obscure the fact that the sun carries its own hazards. In addition to sunscreen, a good sunhat is important for any child (or adult) who spends time outside, at any time of year but especially in the summer. UPF fabrics provide an excellent layer of light protection (with the added bonus of exposing less skin to mosquitoes or ticks if you happen to be hiking.) Children who have intense sunburns at a young age are more likely to develop skin cancer as adults, so covering up is as critical as good hydration on a sunny day. Look for quick-dry fabrics for outdoor activities; a child whose clothes are soaked with water or perspiration can get miserable pretty quickly when it starts to get windy or cold.

Water

The right gear is also important for water play. A rashguard tee (or one-piece rashguard swimsuit for a younger baby) can help your child stay warm while also providing extra sun coverage. Even on a hot day or in a heated pool, children can easily get cold in the water. Applying sunscreen is also easier—your child is less likely to end up with a sunburn near the edge of her bathing suit, where the fabric slipped a little after sunscreen application. After swimming, a good terrycloth coverup can help keep her warm and catch extra water that the towel missed; you can get styles for both boys and girls that slip on easily and are enough like street clothes that you can go right to the ice cream shop.

For exploring tide pools or wading, your child will need waterproof shoes with good toe protection. Look for water sandals with toe guards (such as Keens) or mesh-sided sneakers (Merrell has a few appropriate styles). The great advantage of these multi-purpose shoes is that kids can go hiking and then go right into the water; they’re comfortable enough for the playground too, and can be used all summer long.

Wind

A windy day is tricky because the temperature can feel radically different depending on how much wind there is. A fleece alone won’t do; the wind can cut right through it. You can find a thicker, wind-resistant fleece, or you can layer it with a sturdy raincoat or windbreaker.

Rain

A good set of raingear is a must for any Vancouver-area kid. Rain boots should have sturdy, yet moderately flexible soles for your puddle stompers. A good raincoat is both waterproof and breathable (think Gore-Tex). A raincoat hood should provide full coverage, ideally with a brim over the forehead to keep water out of your child’s eyes and an adjustable drawstring. Look for a coat with built-in reflective elements to make it easier for drivers to see and avoid your child. Rain pants are optional, but delightful—as long as you have them, there’s really no reason to come inside.

Winter

Winter seems like a ways away, but an “all condition” article wouldn’t be complete without a little discussion about it. With good base layers and the right outerwear, you and your young one can enjoy all kinds of winter activities in style and comfort.

If you plan on snowshoeing or cross-country skiing with your youngster in tow, you’ll need to dress her more warmly than yourself. She will be sitting in a ski trailer or toboggan while you do all the work, so make sure she’s well insulated. Look for fabrics that are warm when wet (like fleece or wool) and avoid cotton. Patagonia makes fantastic capilene long underwear for babies; this is a soft, breathable, warm layer that’s the perfect base. Make sure that your base layer includes a onesie for best coverage. Next, you’ll need an insulating layer, such as a microfleece suit or warm sweater and pants, followed by a water resistant outer layer. Make sure that either your insulating layer or your outer layer include warm foldover mittens (for younger babies, foldover booties as well). Older babies should have separate warm booties (for those that aren’t walking) or warm socks with boots (for toddlers.) A hat is a must; look for one with good ear coverage and a chin strap.

Be Prepared

One of the joys of western B.C. is that the weather can shift at any time. Always keep a rain shell and sun hat nearby in case of unexpected changes in weather condition. The right layers can help you stay outside longer…and have more fun!

Want to be active with your kids in tow?

Download our Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide, a beautifully laid out 14-page guide that gives you ideas on how to be fit with your baby. Find out more.

About Our Sponsor

Active Baby: Destination baby store on the North Shore

Capilano Mall, North Vancouver
www.activebaby.ca | Facebook | (604) 986-8977

Top 5 Mom and Baby Fitness Activities

Christine — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 07:00:34 +0000

Looking for some terrific mom and baby fitness activities? Want to get moving with your baby but don’t know where to start? Here are five activities that can grow with your baby from infancy to school age.

1. Swimming

Swimming with your baby is a great activity for many reasons. Your child can begin to get comfortable in the water (or, if he already loves the water as many babies do, he can splash and kick to his heart’s content). Your baby will need a good swimsuit and swim diapers (and possibly a plastic diaper cover, depending on regulations at your pool). While there won’t be much actual swimming at first, it is exciting to watch your child acquire skill and confidence in the water. In just a few short years, she’ll be racing across the pool.

2. Biking

Biking is an activity that can be adjusted for children of almost any age. Use a baby seat or a bike trailer for a baby or toddler (check for manufacturer age, weight and developmental requirements). For preschoolers who are learning to bike, consider a tandem attachment for your own bike, or let them follow you on a tricycle or balance bike. You might go slowly at first, but soon enough, they’re sure to outpace you!

3. Walking and Hiking

Going for long walks or day hikes can be enjoyed by babies of almost any age. Even a very young baby may be worn in an appropriate front carrier during a walk in the park. Older babies will do well in a baby backpack, while a toddler may spend ten minutes wanting to walk; then ten minutes in the backpack; then five minutes in your arms; then walking….but she’s having a good time figuring out what she wants. This is one of the easiest ways to get out and about with your baby.

4. Camping

Camping can be a big adventure for your baby (and for you, an excuse to get a bigger tent… a dome tent will feel downright luxurious after the cramped two-person tent you’ve been sharing with your honey.) While it is probably not convenient to go backpacking in the wilderness for days at a time, hiking in a short distance to a designated campsite or car camping can be a great introduction to camping for your child. If you are going on a long drive, it can be a nice way to break up your trip and avoid the cost of a hotel. You might also consider getting a play tent beforehand to increase your baby’s comfort level.

5. Snowshoeing

I know that it’s summer. But just in case you’re dreaming of some winter sports, snowshoeing is a great option. Get out into the cold, crisp air with your baby. You can snowshoe while pulling him in luxury behind you on a ski trailer (or, if he’ll stay on it, a sled). Older children will enjoy snowshoeing themselves, as long as you’re prepared to go at their pace and grab a hot chocolate at the end of the trail.

Need more ideas for getting out and about with your baby? Download our free guide and learn about yoga, gymnastics, and more!

Want to be active with your kids in tow?

Download our Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide, a beautifully laid out 14-page guide that gives you ideas on how to be fit with your baby. Find out more.

About Our Sponsor

Active Baby: Destination baby store on the North Shore

Capilano Mall, North Vancouver
www.activebaby.ca | Facebook | (604) 986-8977

June is Get Active Month!

Christine — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

This June, we’re putting together a series of guides and articles to help you and your baby and kids get active in Vancouver. We’ll also be showcasing some local entrepreneurs, businesses and groups that are all about being fit and fun with your children. We’ll be updating this list as we publish more and more articles throughout the coming weeks.

Guides

Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide: This 14-page guide will give you some ideas on how to get fit with your baby in tow.
Vancouver Gymnastics Classes for Preschoolers: Gymnastics options for your kids.

Articles

Stay tuned for more articles!

Vancouver Gymnastics Classes for Preschoolers

Christine — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:00:51 +0000

Vancouver gymnastics classes vary as much as the instructors who lead them. Some instructors may have a more competitive approach than others. Kids who have natural talent for gymnastics or who have a strong inner drive to compete may benefit from a gymnastics lesson style that is more serious and focused, while kids who like to clown around may benefit from a more mellow environment. In either case, your child’s gymnastics class should be a fun activity that he looks forward to every week.

Toddler Classes

For the smallest children, a “gymnastics” class will consist simply of mat movement and musical play—more of a toddler gym class than an organized gymnastics class. This is great for toddlers to burn off energy, experience the joy of movement in a safe environment, and try out those new ideas they have for tumbling without using your sofa as a springboard.

Preschool Gymnastics Skills

Preschoolers can handle more organized instruction. Depending on which program you choose, preschoolers are introduced to a variety of skills, from somersaulting and cartwheeling to using the rings and other equipment. Gymnastics builds skills in areas such as strength, balance, flexibility, and self-confidence. No matter what activities your child ultimately chooses to focus on, these are valuable skills to gain. Building skills in movement can help not just with sports, but also with theater performance or even improv comedy.

Compare Gymnastics Programs

Find the gymnastics class that is not only appropriate for your family in terms of schedule, budget, and location, but also one that offers the right atmosphere for your child. The gymnastics studio should be clean and well maintained, with an appropriate instructor-to-student ratio. It’s a good idea to visit a few programs and observe some classes if you can before committing to one. If that is not possible, seek out online reviews or check with friends for positive word-of-mouth. If your child likes to compete and perform, make sure the school offers opportunities for this.

Look for a school where children are not just grouped by age, but also by ability; your child may be able to advance earlier than some of her peers, or may need extra help in certain areas. The instructor should be able to help your child in a discerning way no matter what his ability level is; kids should be challenged, yet not pressured. Instructors should also be sensitive to the physical aspects of child development to avoid potential problems.

Whether your child loves gymnastics so much that he studies it for years and ends up competing seriously, or whether, like the vast majority of children, he simply benefits from the skills that gymnastics helps him develop, introducing your preschooler to gymnastics can be a great joy.