Vancouver Mom » Wellness

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

Baby Carriers for Everyday Use: A Guide

Christine — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:00:17 +0000

Using a child carrier (or “babywearing” as some call it) is not only tremendously useful, but popular among new parents, which means that you have a lot of choices—maybe too many choices. How can you pick from among the dozens of baby carriers that are available these days? Which is better, a Baby Bjorn with its straps and buckles or a hand-dyed $200 silk sling? What’s so great about a baby carrier, anyway?

All baby carriers offer two main advantages: your hands are free and your baby is close to you. Putting your baby in a carrier can make many everyday tasks (like grocery shopping) much easier. In cold weather, keeping your baby close to your body helps her stay warm. Here’s an overview of the types of baby carriers available today.

Front Carriers

A front carrier puts you torso to torso with your baby, with a configuration of straps and fasteners designed to support and distribute your baby’s weight in a comfortable way. Many offer the chance for your baby to face either in or out, depending on your preferences and the baby’s need for head support. While the straps may seem confusing at first, most are easily mastered and adjusted. Examples include Ergo, Baby Bjorn, Kelty Kangaroo, and Snugli.

Mei Tai

Not to be confused with a cocktail, this is basically a square of padded cloth (usually with a colorful design) that forms a seat for the baby, plus strips of cloth that go over your shoulders and around your waist. Usually, these are worn with the baby facing you, torso to torso, with some carriers allowing baby to be carried on your back.

Slings

Slings can be very simple—a single piece of cloth stitched to itself at the ends, or slightly more elaborate, with a ring for adjusting the cloth and perhaps even a pocket. Many people like the simplicity and adjustability of a sling. Be sure to leave room for baby to breathe easily (ensure that her face is easily visible) and pay close attention to positioning—there have been a few cases of asphyxiation using slings, and some have been recalled. If you’re concerned about using a sling with a young infant because of this issue, know that they are also useful for carrying an older baby or even a toddler on your hip. Brands include Hotslings and Maya.

Wraps

Another option is a wrap-a single long, stretchy piece of fabric that can be configured in many different ways to hold your baby close to your body. Many moms and dads swear by the Moby or the Cuddly Wrap, which look tricky at first but, rumor has it, are really easy once you get used to them.

Some baby carriers can seem complicated to wear, especially at first. Get comfortable using it with a doll or teddy bear before you use it with your baby. It will be much easier, and your baby will sense your confidence when you use it with her for the first time. Follow all manufacturer instructions regarding your baby carrier, and be sure to avoid activities with injury potential (like cooking or skateboarding—yes, I’m talking to you, Dad). Your baby will delight in having a “big person” view of the world, and you’ll delight in having your hands free to hold the dog’s leash, your lemonade, or the hand of your beloved. Enjoy!

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

Lulu Ladies and Babies

Rebekah Nathan — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Once they’ve had kids, many moms crave a strong circle of support: People who are familiar with the changes in your lifestyle; women who can give tips on where the best child friendly restaurants are; and also just another adult to sit and talk or laugh with! The Lulu Ladies and Babies Group is all this and more. Starting out in 2006, they have now grown into a 200-plus strong group of women from all over Richmond who meet together for fitness, community and to have fun with other moms.

Lulu Ladies and Babies was started by two friends Anne-Louise Parry and Susan Enslen, who are both moms and BCRPA Certified Group Fitness Instructors, as a way to attract more moms to their Richmond-based Stroller Strides classes. The were obviously onto something, as it quickly grew into a large group of active moms with a rather full social calendar. Now along with the Stroller Strides classes, the group organizes events such as mom and baby playdates, crafting events, a Lulu book club, parenting workshops, moms nights out and Lulu Ask Anything nights. It isn’t limited to offline activities either; moms can engage with other members online via a very active message board that has a ton of rich advice and relevant information about being a mom in Richmond. Anne-Louise and Susan have created a vibrant and almost instant network for moms looking to find support, community and friendship.

For those wanting to try this out, they offer a free 30-day trial period. If you’re then interested in joining, a one time $50 fee will get you a social membership. Rates vary for fitness memberships, depending on what classes you’d like to commit to. You can also combine the two. A social membership gets you not only invites to all the social events and goings on, but access to their message board and a membership card that gets you discounts at various Richmond merchants. Membership in the Lulu Ladies and Babies Group sounds perfect for moms who need flexibility and are looking for a variety of events that will fit both their schedule and interests.

It isn’t just about fun and get-togethers; Lulu Ladies and Babies Group is commited to the idea of maternal community and also regularly participate in charitable and community service events such as visiting seniors, winter mitt, hat and scarf drives, and donating presents or grocery cards to families in need over Christmas time.

Lulu Ladies and Babies

Web | Twitter: @lululadies | Facebook

Heavy-Duty Baby Carriers: A Guide

Christine — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:30:12 +0000

For heavy use, you’ll need a baby carrier that can stand up easily to your chosen activities. For long walks or hikes, it’s usually easiest to carry your baby on your back. However, most everyday child carriers offer a front carry position only.

External Frame Baby Backpack

Kelty, Sherpani, LittleLife, and Deuter all offer external frame baby backpacks, which provide numerous advantages to an active parent. Like the internal frame backpack that you may already own for backpacking, it distributes weight evenly on your hips while enabling you to carry heavy loads for long distances. If you plan on doing any hiking at all with your baby—even if it’s just short day hikes—this is a great investment.

Most external frame baby backpacks come with a “kickstand” (part of the frame that you can pull out so that the backpack stands on its own on the ground while you get Baby situated). Another useful feature is an attached daypack that can zip off, and/or a large pocket that allows you to pack diapers, snacks, and other necessities. A bottle holder (preferably two) is a must, since both you and baby will need to stay hydrated. Some even come with a little “rearview mirror” so that you can peek at Baby even while she’s on your back (and so that you can amuse Baby when she starts to get restless, because few things amuse her more than looking at her own little mug in a mirror.) Most come with (or have available for additional purchase) a rain canopy, which also provides shade from the noonday sun.

Baby backpacks are generally very comfortable for your child—the rhythm of being carried often lulls a baby to sleep. (Some baby backpacks offer better padding for nodding off than others.) Generally speaking, baby backpacks are intended for children with good neck and core control—usually over six months, but check with your pediatrician.

Around Town

If you don’t hike, but regularly take long walks around town, you might not need a full-fledged baby backpack. Instead, consider the Ergo, which is basically a cross between a non-frame backpack and a nicely padded mei-tai style carrier, with some extra bells and whistles. It offers a very supportive carry for baby that distributes weight comfortably on your hips, and it even includes a pocket for your wallet, a diaper, or a quick snack. The Ergo allows parents the flexibility to carry a child on the front, back, or even the hip, making it a great all-around, versatile carrier. A special infant insert is needed for babies younger than four months, but it can last well into the toddler years.

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

Baby Backpack Carriers: Active Baby Names Its Favourites

Christine — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:30:14 +0000

As seen on Breakfast Television!

VancouverMom.ca asked Active Baby, a baby store focused on promoting a active lifestyle for parents and their babies, to name their Favourite Baby Backpack Carriers. Here’s what they said:

Kelty Kids

Kelty is an American company that has been producing professional outdoor gear for over 50 years and is the best selling brand in North America. Kelty isn’t a baby product manufacturer that happens to make a backpack carrier; it’s a backpack manufacturer that makes a product for babies. Here are Active Baby’s favourite baby backpack carriers made by Kelty Kids:

Kelty Kids TC 2.0 Backpack Carrier (Price: $169.99)

Considered a “transit child carrier”, the Kelty Kids TC 2.0 is great for casual use, including shopping, city walking and hiking. Perfect for smaller and lighter children. A smaller carrier, moms especially might find them very comfortable; however, this baby carrier is not adjustable, so if one parent is particularly tall, the Kelty Kids TC 2.0 might not be the best option. Find out more.

Kelty Kids FC 1.0 Backpack Carrier (Price: $199)

This baby backpack carrier is ideal and a good value for parents who want to go on longer day hikes that are under three hours. Unlike the Kelty Kids TC 2.0, the Kelty Kids FC 1.0 backpack carrier has a sliding torso-length adjustment, which can be easily adjusted to parents of different torso lengths, as well as a mesh back for breathability. The child seat has three positions and is padded with a five-point harness that’s super easy to adjust. The FC 1.0 also has a a cool auto-deploy kickstand, which links to the shoulder strap. So when the parent puts on the baby carrier, the kickstand folds in automatically; when the baby carrier is put down, the kickstand automatically comes out. This backpack carrier also has a safety feature that prevents the carrier from crushing even if you fall down on your back while wearing it. The feature can also be disengaged to allow for the carrier to be folded flat and transported conveniently when not worn. Find out more.

Kelty Kids FC 3.0 Backpack Carrier (Price: $299)

The Kelty Kids FC 3.0 has many of the features of the FC 1.0, but with all the bells and whistles. The main difference is that the Kelty Kid FC 3.0 comes with a padded, molded back panel for greater comfort. It also may seem more expensive, but it comes with all the accessories, like a canopy to protect from the sun and rain, changing pad, and removable, washable cockpit pad. Find out more.

Deuter Kids

Deuter is a well known German outdoor company and while Kelty might dominate in North America, Deuter is tops worldwide. Experts in making backpacks for over a century, Deuter applied the same technology and expertise when creating its kids backpack carrier product line. Every carrier they produce is of the best quality.

Deutor Kid Comfort I Backpack Carrier (Price: $223)

Incredibly lightweight at four pounds, the Deuter Kid Comfort I backpack carrier features an aluminum frame design that ensures stiffness and durability. Excellent for long distance hiking, the Deuter Kid Comfort I also has a mesh back provides excellent ventilation, which will help keep you from getting a sweaty back. Find out more.

Deuter Kid Comfort III Backpack Carrier (Price: $299.99 (at Active Baby. Regularly $329.99.))

A little more expensive, but with more unique features, the Deuter Kids Comfort III is ideal for long distance or heavy duty hiking. Featuring a back system with a 3-D air mesh lining for breathability, the Deuter Kids Comfort III has higher padded head-rest with built-in sun and rain hood, along with a flexible waist belt that can adapt to your hip movement you walk with the carrier on. With a high back design, this child carrier is also great for the parent who has a particularly long torso. The seat is also great for tall kids as well. Find out 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

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!

Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide

Christine — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 07:00:48 +0000

Believe in “active baby, active mom”? Want something a little more than the typical “mommy and me” “baby and me” classes? Looking for some mom and baby exercise?

If you’re a new mom, it might seem challenging to start an exercise program. There are so many other changes going on in your life that exercise may rank near the bottom, somewhere after laundry and precious, precious sleep. Our guide brings you information that makes it easy to get out and about with your baby — no need to line up childcare. Whether it’s hiking with baby, mom and baby yoga, or stroller fitness, we’ve previewed fun activities that will bring you closer to your baby and your fitness goals. It’s all here in your Active Mom and Baby Fitness Guide.

In this free download, you’ll find:

An overview of the benefits exercising with your baby can bring you.
An in-depth look at equipment and clothing—including tips on keeping your baby comfortable.
Tips on assessing which activities are right for you and your baby.
An overview of available activities in the Vancouver area, including yoga, kids gymnastics,
Ideas for getting moving with your baby in your own home.
The scoop on classes, gyms with childcare, child-friendly hiking trails…and more.

If this sounds like information that you could use, sign up for our email list and get your free Active Mom and Baby Fitness Guide today… and get into your new exercise groove!

About Our Sponsor

Active Baby: Destination baby store on the North Shore

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

The Gourmet Pregnancy: Be a Foodie – Even While You’re Pregnant

Christine — Fri, 07 May 2010 22:06:56 +0000

Who says being pregnant means that you need to sacrifice taste? Certainly not Leah Douglas, author of the recently released book The Gourmet Pregnancy. Leah couldn’t believe that there were no great food options for the pregnant foodie – and sought to create her own. The result? A beautifully laid out volume of tasty recipes sure to delight the senses of any expecting mom.

Now expecting her second child, Leah knows first hand what any pregnant woman craves. Missing your sushi? Try the sushi vegetables with Asian and wasabi Yogurt Dipping Sauces. Looking to eat even though your tummy is feeling a bit full? The book has a great selection of salads, soups and sandwiches from the butternut squash and carrot ginger soup to the sesame cashew red cabbage noodle salad. The book even contains some yummy options for those who are past the morning sickness phase and ready to try some breakfast options.

I love the book’s handy index of cravings – organizing recipes according to whatever craving your pregnant self might have. Feel like salty snacks? Try the cumin pita chips with peanut sweet chili dip. Want some chocolate? Whip up a batch of M&M granola bars.

But my favourite part is the mocktail section: a collection of tasty non-alcoholic concoctions including white peach bellinis and lemon drop cosmopolitans. Pour, shake and serve in fancy glasses and you’re ready for a party.

Even if you’re not pregnant, The Gourmet Pregnancy offers some terrific meal options for everyone.

The Gourmet Pregnancy by Leah Douglas

Available on Indigo and Amazon.

All images provided courtesy of Leah Douglas.

Petite Pampering: Spa Treatments For Kids

Erin Stringer — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:40 +0000

Many moms know the benefits of a soothing pedicure or hydrating body rub to chase away stress. Nowadays, treatments for kids are starting to pop up on the menus of many spas. While there have been questions raised about the safety and propriety of bringing kids as young as five to get pampered just like mom, spa treatments that are specially customized for children, rather than adult-size services, may be a great way to get in some bonding time and R-and-R.

Teen Dream

The number of teens hitting the spas has also drastically increased in the last few years. Teens can enjoy a wider range of services: whether it’s to treat skin problems like acne with a series of calming facials or to celebrate a birthday or prepare for prom. Skin care and nail services, makeup lessons and waxing have started to become standard among many among the 13-plus crowd. Some of the places that offer skin care lessons and spa treatments in Vancouver that are designed for teens include Le Petit Spa, the Fairmont Hotel, Pacific Palisades and Absolute Spa.

Starter Services

Mbody Spa in Vancouver offers “My First Spa Services” that are tailored for children aged 5-11 (parents need to be present). Children can visit the poolside Kids Cabana for spa experiences like the Little Mermaid Mani (15 mins, $25), which includes a soak, tropical fruit hand massage and sparkle polish. Or, they can opt for the Jitter Critters Massage (15 mins, $25), with a back, foot and head massage featuring lavender, tropical fruit, strawberry or root beer hydrating lotion. Teens (12-17), have their choice of treatments like the Glamour Girl ($110, 75 mins) with a manicure, pedicure, exfoliation and massage. Also, check their site for birthday party options.

The Royal Treatment

The Hairloft on Granville Island offers a Princess Spa package, a variety of unique spa services for kids, including the Princess Spa Package, which includes a hair updo, application of light makeup and nail polish. They also offer birthday party services for parties of up to 12 – check out the Silver package: a hair updo, light makeup, nail polish, sparkle, and temporary hair colour application, along with a snack, entertainment and gift for each child. (The cost is $35 per girl plus a 10% service fee). Princess Spa also offers other services such as first hair cuts for kids and ear piercing.

Things To Know

While many spas in Vancouver will accommodate little ones for a treatment like a pedicure or manicure, it’s important to remember that many treatments are best left for mom. Sauna services or full body wraps aren’t suitable for kids, so stick to ones that have been designed specifically for children. Most places won’t perform certain services on chidren anyways, and there are usually regulations for kids’ treatments – parents may be required to sign a release form beforehand and be present during the spa experience.

And just like wearing makeup, you’ll have to decide when – and if – your child is ready for a spa appointment.

VancouverMom.ca Reader Question: What’s your view on the spa experience for children?