How To Use A Ring Sling With A Newborn
Getting the hang of a ring sling can take some practice, but they’re such great carriers once you do. I love ring slings because they’re super lightweight and fold up small making them perfect for tossing in my diaper bag or purse, so I’m always prepared while we’re out and about. Kind of essential with 4 kids ;)
Getting the hang of a ring sling can take some practice, but they’re such great carriers once you do. I love ring slings because they’re super lightweight and fold up small making them perfect for tossing in my diaper bag or purse, so I’m always prepared while we’re out and about. Kind of essential with 4 kids ;)
Join me and my 5 week old baby Freddy to learn how to use a ring sling safely and comfortably. In this video I’m featuring a linen ring sling by Potter & Pehar. I absolutely love the soft neutral colour of this Elora sling, but to be honest it’s hard to choose a fav from their gorgeous collection. Potter & Pehar products are beautifully designed to simplify motherhood, and I love that they’re all made locally in Toronto. Plus the business is owned and run by two kick ass women (Shelley & Tina), who are always available for customer support via email, facebook, and instagram. I have several Potter & Pehar slings, and have personally used them with my babes and while teaching at my monthly Free Community Babywearing Drop In. This is definitely a biz that feels good to support. You can use Code WITHCARE10 for 10% off Potter & Pehar.
I hope you enjoyed my video. Please comment below with any questions, and let me know if you have any topics you would like me to cover in the future. Don’t forget to Subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay up to date of all of my new videos.
- Care
In This Post:
“Elora” Ring Sling: Potter & Pehar *Use Code WITHCARE10 for 10% Off | How To Thread A Ring Sling Video
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies that I genuinely love and want to recommend
*The information in this video is meant to help you learn about safe babywearing. There are many ways to safely use a carrier, but I demonstrate how I typically teach ring sling use. Please always refer to your particular baby carrier manual to ensure proper and safe use. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such.
Family Water Safety 101 Video - Deep Water & Boating With Infants & Young Children
Water safety is a topic I have been teaching in some capacity for decades. In my teens I was a lifeguard and swim instructor, and now I teach CPR and Safety to families. So when I saw a recent facebook post from a babywearing company (that I have always respected and recommended) depicting a very dangerous scenario of a babywearing parent on a dock at a sail boat - with a caption that implied that they were headed out on the water while babywearing - I decided a little video was in order. Please watch this to find out why babywearing on boats is never an option, and how to prepare your little ones to climb aboard and stay safe in deep water. Watch it Now!
Water safety is a topic I have been teaching in some capacity for decades. In my teens I was a lifeguard and swim instructor, and now I teach CPR and Safety to families. So when I saw a recent facebook post from a babywearing company (that I have always respected and recommended) depicting a very dangerous scenario of a babywearing parent on a dock at a sail boat - with a caption that implied that they were headed out on the water while babywearing - I decided a little video was in order. Please watch this to find out why babywearing on boats is never an option, and how to prepare your little ones to climb aboard and stay safe in deep water. Watch it Now!
Here is a helpful document from Transport Canada that sums up the law, and what is the most appropriate plan with an Infant onboard a boat. It can be found on the Salus Marine Wear Website.
You can also read the recently released Canadian Drowning Report from The Lifesaving Society & Learn More about their Swim to Survive Standard. Swimming is a life skill and one that all children should learn, so let's make sure swim lessons are always a priority.
Please feel free to comment below with any questions or topics you would like covered in future videos and don't forget to Subscribe to my channel.
- Care
In this Post:
Salus: Infant Bijoux (9-25lbs), Child Nimbus (multiple sizes 20-90lbs) & Adult Comfort Fit (multiple sizes 90lbs+) PFDs as seen in video. Sold locally at Love Me Do Baby & Maternity | Little Zen One: Mesh Wraps and Ring Slings for Shallow Water Use | Transport Canada: How to Choose Lifejackets or Personal Floatation Devices | Canadian Paediatric Society Caring For Kids: Water Safety For Young Kids | Sick Kids About Kids Health: Watery Safety & Drowning Prevention | Lifesaving Society: Canadian Drowning Report 2018
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend.
**The information in this video is meant to help you learn about water safety. Please always refer to your local boating regulations to ensure you are following the law on the water. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such.
Forward Facing Babywearing 101 - Safety, Ergonomics & Carrier Styles, What You Need To Know
As a mom of 3 and a Babywearing Educator I get a ton of questions from parents in my community and online about appropriate positions to babywear. So I wasn't surprised when Nikki Bergen, local mama and creator of The Belle Method, contacted me to answer some of her own questions about forward facing babywearing. I met with Nikki in her home and we went over the most important things to consider when planning to forward face your baby. We chat safety, ergonomics, carrier styles, and I even give my top babywearing tip! Watch the video to learn more.
As a mom of 3 and a Babywearing Educator I get a ton of questions from parents in my community and online about appropriate positions to babywear. So I wasn't surprised when Nikki Bergen, local mama and creator of The Belle Method, contacted me to answer some of her own questions about forward facing babywearing. I met with Nikki in her home and we went over the most important things to consider when planning to forward face your baby. We chat safety, ergonomics, carrier styles, and I even give my top babywearing tip! Watch the video to learn more.
***Disclaimer: As a Babywearing Educator I always recommend inward facing, hip, and back carries as the most ergonomic for parents and babe, but when a parent chooses to forward face, my job is to help them do it in the safest and most ergonomic way possible, not to judge or shame them. There is no solid evidence that shows that short periods of forward facing babywearing cause hip dysplasia or improper spinal development. Please remember that what one parent decides is right for them and their baby, might not be the same as what you would decide, but that does not make them a bad, careless or uneducated parent.
Don't forget to join me at my next FREE Community Babywearing Drop In at West End Mamas on September 18th. It's a great way to try some new carriers and learn how to use your existing carriers safely and comfortably. If you want some more personalized help contact me directly (care@with-care.ca) about my Private In-Home Babywearing Consultations & Workshops.
Please note that if you're feeling any pain, pressure, or discomfort while babywearing you should always reach out to a pelvic floor physiotherapists to help assess the situation. Here in Toronto West End Mamas has an amazing team of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists ready to help (I speak from personal experience), so make sure to give them a shout to set up an appointment. They offer on-site childcare, plus mention With Care for 20% off your 1st wellness service.
Don't forget to check out The Belle Method to learn more about Nikki's amazing online exercise programs designed to support your pelvic floor and core throughout pregnancy and postpartum, plus her incredible local classes in Toronto. You can also watch a recent video we made together where Nikki shares her Top 3 Pregnancy Exercises.
Please feel free to comment below with any questions or topics you would like covered in future videos. Happy Babywearing!
- Care
In this post:
West End Mamas: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists, Get 20% off your 1st Service when you mention With Care | Little Zen One: Beco Gemini Carrier as seen in video. Plus they are getting the Tula Explore in stock soon, it also provides a Forward Facing Option (Use Code WITHCARE for $15 off purchases over $100 at Little Zen One) | Love Me Do Baby & Maternity: Sells the Lilibaby Complete All Seasons Carrier which also provides a Forward Facing Option | Ergobaby 360, also provides a Forward Facing Option
*The information in this video is meant to help you learn about safe babywearing. Please always refer to your particular baby carrier manual to ensure proper and safe use. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such.
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend
Watch My New Video to Learn More About With Care
It's hard to believe that this summer marks 5 years of running my business. Throughout the last 5 years I have been honoured to educate and support over a thousand local families. In addition to teaching classes and workshops, my goal for the next phase of my business is to bring my educational and inspirational content online to a wider audience. I made this video with Anchor Studio to give everyone an idea of what they can expect from my YouTube Channel and Blog. I would love if you would watch and subscribe to my channel.
It's hard to believe that this summer marks 5 years of running my business. Throughout the last 5 years I have been honoured to educate and support over a thousand local families. In addition to teaching classes and workshops, my goal for the next phase of my business is to bring my educational and inspirational content online to a wider audience. I made this video with Anchor Studio to give everyone an idea of what they can expect from my YouTube Channel and Blog. I would love if you would watch and subscribe to my channel.
Please feel free to send along any topics you would like covered. I have some amazing collaborations coming up this summer and fall, so stay tuned for lots of new content and some incredible giveaways! I appreciate all of the incredible support from the families I have worked with and can't wait to see where this new journey takes me.
- Care xo
P.S. If you're on Instagram I would love it if you could give me a follow.
Want to Sip & Sling with Potter & Pehar at Love Me Do? REGISTER NOW!
I absolutely adore babywearing, so it only seems natural to talk about it during the month of love. In fact, carrying your baby close to your body gets your love hormones surging, and helps keep baby (and parents) happy. If you want to learn more about babywearing with a ring sling, join me and Potter & Pehar at Love Me Do in Liberty Village on February 9th for Babywearing, Bubbles & Special Treats in celebration of Valentine's Day.
I absolutely adore babywearing, so it only seems natural to talk about it during the month of love. In fact, carrying your baby close to your body gets your love hormones surging, and helps keep baby (and parents) happy. If you want to learn more about babywearing with a ring sling, join me and Potter & Pehar at Love Me Do in Liberty Village on February 9th for Babywearing, Bubbles & Special Treats in celebration of Valentine's Day.
Potter & Pehar will be offering discounts on their beautiful Ring Slings (I'm wearing the double layer Avenue above with my Toddler Penny). Plus they will be Giving Away a Ring Sling to one lucky attendee!!
Love Me Do will also be offering a special 10% off to all attendees during the event (some exceptions apply). If you've never been to Love Me Do, get ready! It's amazing and has all of my absolute favourite products for young families.
Bonus: I will be there to offer my expertise and support as a long time babywearer and Certified Babywearing Educator. My mini-workshop will cover Safe Babywearing & Ring Sling Basics. Plus there will be time for questions and trying on carriers with your little ones.
This Complimentary Event has very Limited Space. Please email hello@potterandpehar.com to reserve your spot!
Hope to see you there!
Care xo
Potter & Pehar Sling + Sip Social - Register Now! (Free Event With Care)
Babywearing is a lifesaver for so many parents, but only when you know how to use your carrier safely and comfortably. As a Babywearing Educator I love helping families learn how to make the most of their carriers. That's why I'm so excited to join Potter & Pehar at their upcoming Sling + Sip Social to offer a FREE Ring Sling 101 Workshop. (Full Details Below *Space is very limited so don't wait to register. RSVP to hello@potterandpehar.com)
Babywearing is a lifesaver for so many parents, but only when you know how to use your carrier safely and comfortably. As a Babywearing Educator I love helping families learn how to make the most of their carriers. That's why I'm so excited to join Potter & Pehar at their upcoming Sling + Sip Social to offer a FREE Ring Sling 101 Workshop. (Full Details Below *Space is very limited so don't wait to register. RSVP to hello@potterandpehar.com)
Ring slings are one of my favourite carriers from infancy right through toddlerhood. In the early days they are perfect for our little babes who need to be kept snug up on our chest. As our baby grows and develops, ring slings are ideal for quick trips using a hip carry. Ring slings are great because they fold up nice and small for travel, can be put on and adjusted relatively quickly, are lightweight for hot weather, and are great for wearing to fancier events. I have worn all of our babies to weddings in my ring slings. I also love ring slings because they are one of the easiest carriers to nurse in.
Even with all of these amazing qualities I find that ring slings often get a bad wrap. I have spoken to lots of parents at my community events and on social media who just couldn't seem to make their ring sling work. They often reported pain, or felt insecure about their baby's position. Neither of which are any fun. The majority of the time some minor adjustments to the carrier would make a huge difference, and impact both the wearer's comfort, and the baby's comfort and security. Learning the basics of how to use a ring sling properly is essential to your long term enjoyment and safety while babywearing with one.
If you're a local parent join me at the Potter & Pehar Sling + Sip Social on Thursday August 17th to learn all about ring slings. This FREE event takes place from 11am-2pm at 1830 Bloor St W (3rd floor event room).
Pop by to enjoy some light refreshments and get your photo taken by Jamie Mack Photography for $15. Come and check out Potter & Pehar's beautiful collection of Canadian made ring slings. As a special gift to all attendees they will be offering sale prices on their end of season slings. *Please Note: No purchase is necessary to attend this event.
*Remaining Space is very limited so please don't wait to register. Email hello@potterandpehar.com to reserve your spot. Feel free to ask any questions below in the comments
Happy Babywearing!
Care
In this post:
Potter & Pehar Berkeley Ring Sling | Tiny Trendsetter Saltwater Sandals | H&M Care's Dress
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend.
Parents, Please Stop Covering Your Baby's Face!
I've wanted to write a post about this for a long time, but kept holding off. Probably because I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, or make parents feel guilty, but that's not what this post is about. I am certain that almost every parent makes decisions with their kid's best interest at heart. We all want what is best for our little one's development, growth, and definitely safety.
I've wanted to write a post about this for a long time, but kept holding off. Probably because I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, or make parents feel guilty, but that's not what this post is about. I am certain that almost every parent makes decisions with their kid's best interest at heart. We all want what is best for our little one's development, growth, and definitely safety. That's why it's always difficult to approach parents to discuss safety concerns about their little one when I'm hosting community events and teaching workshops. As a healthcare provider and expert in family safety I made a commitment long ago not to bother any parents about personal preferences or things that involve comfort, but safety concerns I cannot overlook. I would never forgive myself if an incident that I ignored led to a baby's harm, or even worse death.
Lately I have had several incidents involving infants being brought to my events completely covered and concealed without adequate access to fresh air. In some cases it has been babies in their infant car seats with winter seat covers tightly closed around them. In other cases it was babies being worn in baby carriers with coat extensions zipped up fully covering the baby's face, or a blanket covering the baby's head. While I understand the cold weather can be daunting and hard to contend with (especially if you have well meaning people constantly chiming in on how cold baby is!), it is essential to remember that fresh oxygen flow is paramount, and that without it an infant can suffocate.
The importance of fresh air flow around our infant is one of the key messages in SIDs prevention and safe sleep, and is just as essential when our baby is in a car seat, stroller, or baby carrier. Seeing our baby's face allows us to assess their well being through their skin tone and breathing patterns. When we cover our baby completely, they lose access to fresh air, and we lose the ability to ensure they are well. The American Academy of Paediatrics reminds parents to "Be sure to leave baby's face uncovered to avoid trapped air and re-breathing.” It's important that parents are aware that covering a baby’s face completely in a carrier, car seat or stroller can lead to overheating and suffocation (eg. Image B below).
In addition, we must consider what is safe for use in our vehicles. Many retailers carry car seat bundling products that are not safe to use in a car seat. Just because it's on the shelf at the store does not mean it is safe. When I raise this in my Infant/Family CPR & Safety Workshops parents are often confused as to why products are sold in stores that might be unsafe for baby. In an age where products are constantly entering the marketplace it can be tough to assess what is safe. If a product passes testing for things like textile strength and flammability they often get put up on shelves without any assessment about how parents may use these products, and what real life risk they pose for babies. With the introduction and popularity of car seat covers in recent years, parents have been warned to avoid any covers that go between the baby’s body and the straps (Image A below). These types of covers impact the fit of the harness and do not allow for proper safe use of the car seat as directed by the manufacturer.
A - Backed Car seat covers are Not Safe for Use in car seats. Only for use in stroller seats.
B - Backless Product. Please always keep flap open so baby gets adequate airflow and baby's wellbeing can be assessed
C - Backless Product. Please always keep flaps open so baby gets adequate airflow and baby's wellbeing can be assessed
When preparing our kiddos to go in their car seats in cold weather it's recommended that we dress them in tight fitting compressible layers (not snowsuits or puffy bunting suits). A snug fitting fleece outfit like this one from MEC can be a good option. If you're planning to use something extra to help keep baby warm in their car seat, please make sure it is a product that does not interfere with placement or correct adjustment of the straps, or with fresh air flow. This typically means using a simple blanket tucked in around them once they are strapped in properly, or purchasing a "backless" car seat cover like the Skip Hop one pictured here. These are a great option for infants during our cold winters, but please always ensure you keep baby’s face visible.
The same goes for babies being worn in baby carriers. Recently Health Canada introduced a Public Service Announcement with the message "Visible & Kissable." It aims to remind parents that having our baby in an upright and supported position, without anything covering their face or blocking their access to fresh air, is essential. If baby is being worn in a baby carrier against their parent's body they should mainly be shielded from the wind. As you can see from the photo above of me babywearing Penny, she is well protected from the elements but her face and airflow are not obstructed in any way. If you're going out on an extremely cold day and are concerned about baby's exposed skin, a layer of shea butter or another natural barrier cream can help. If you want to learn more check out my post on Winter Babywearing Essentials.
If it's absolutely necessary to cover your baby for a brief moment to protect them from extreme cold (whether in a baby carrier, a car seat or a stroller) please use a breathable blanket, keep a very close eye on your baby and uncover them immediately.
Our babies are really cute. Let's make sure we can always see their adorable faces.
Care
*This is not a sponsored post.
Please comment below with any questions or topics you would like me to cover in the future.
Welcome to the Neighbourhood West End Mamas!
I'm so excited to welcome West End Mamas to our Bloor West Neighbourhood! This total wellness centre for motherhood was created by Sarah Mickeler, a neighbourhood mom and incredibly skilled Chiropractor.
Photo Credit Jade Beall Photography
I'm so excited to welcome West End Mamas to our Bloor West Neighbourhood! This total wellness centre for motherhood was created by Sarah Mickeler, a neighbourhood mom and incredibly skilled Chiropractor. After almost 15 years of working with clients solely on fertility, pregnancy and postnatal issues, Sarah decided to create a space that focuses on supporting the whole journey of motherhood.
West End Mamas officially opened their doors today, and will provide a wide variety of Wellness Services including: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, Registered Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Lactation & Breastfeeding Support, Psychotherapy & Counselling, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition Services, Doula Services, and Parenting Coaching. You can find out more details about their Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum services online.
In addition to this incredible line up of services, West End Mamas will be hosting amazing educational workshops, wellness classes and community meetups in their bright studio space. I'm very honoured to be working with West End Mamas and offering some of my programs including: Infant/Family CPR & Safety Workshops, Starting Solids Workshops, Parent Prep Classes, FREE Babywearing Meetups, and FREE Breastfeeding Cafes. Space is extremely limited for these programs, so please don't wait to Register.
As a Midwife and neighbourhood Mom of 3, I firmly believe that we need more spaces like this for hopeful, expectant and new families. Bringing together skilled clinicians and amazing educators means that families don't have to travel around this huge city to find the services, education and support they need. When I began Fifty-Seven I imagined it as a space like this, but my business took me in a different direction. I soon decided to focus on my own personal offerings via teaching, consulting, writing and speaking, but was always sad that there wasn't a space like this for my clients, friends, family and neighbours. Needless to say I am very happy that Sarah has come in to fill this huge void in our community. I know that West End Mamas will be a incredible source of support for local families.
Check out West End Mamas gorgeous website to learn more, and drop by some time to see their beautiful space in the heart of Bloor West (2477 Bloor St W, 2nd Floor). If you have any questions about services or programs offered please don't hesitate to Contact West End Mamas.
- Care