How to Care For Your Kiddo’s Teeth + An Important Teething Safety Notice: Oral Health Month With The Bloor Clinic Kids

Caring for your little one’s teeth can be really hard. Not all kids love to brush and floss, and knowing how to keep their smile healthy is difficult for parents. Especially as you navigate the exhausting world of teething. That’s why I’m so excited to team up with The Bloor Clinic Kids Paediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for Oral Health Month this April.

With the help of one of their board-certified Paediatric Dentists, Dr. Regina Revuelta Perez, I’m answering 3 Frequently Asked Questions. Plus I’m discussing a very important safety notice for all parents with teething babes, and giving you one of my simple tricks for making teeth brushing fun for the whole family!

1. When Do I Need To Start Cleaning My Baby’s Teeth?

You can begin wiping your babies gums with a cloth (damp with water) wrapped around your finger at a few months old. This gets your baby used to having their mouth cleaned, gets parents in the habit of focusing on baby’s daily oral hygiene, and provides a clean environment for their primary teeth to erupt into. As soon as your baby’s first teeth arrive you should wipe their teeth and gums down with a wet cloth at least twice daily. Eventually you can switch to parent-led brushing with a paediatric size toothbrush (with water), and then supervised child-led brushing. Around 3 years old (or when your child can spit) you can begin using a small amount of toothpaste with fluoride. Even older children, who seem capable of brushing their own teeth, should be supervised and assisted to ensure all surfaces of the teeth are being cleaned properly. A lot of parents assume that baby teeth don’t matter because they will eventually fall out, but some primary teeth, like our molars, stay until around 12 years of age. So it’s very important to keep them clean and healthy.

2. When Should I Take My Baby To See The Dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends the “assessment of infants, within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth, or by one year of age. The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem.” Meeting with a dentist can provide important education for parents, so they know how to care for their child’s teeth, and when to reach out with any concerns. It also allows children to get used to visits to the dentist.

3. Why Should My Little One See A Paediatric Dentist? *Includes Our Personal Experience

Paediatric dentists do an extra 4 years of specialist training, which makes them very well equipped to care for infants, children, and people with special needs. They are trained to work very quickly, something that’s important since most kids have little to no patience ;) They also have special sized equipment needed to assess and treat your little one’s small mouth and teeth properly.

When we took our son Ben (now 7.5 years old) in for his first dental checkup we went to our regular dentist. They did his cleanings for 5 years, however when it came time for x-rays we started having problems. Our initial dentist’s office didn’t have the appropriate size equipment for paediatric x-rays, and the large pieces would cause my son to gag and almost vomit. After several failed attempts to get the x-rays done I saw my son’s anxiety and fear about the dentist rising. I didn’t like the stress it was causing him. I was also feeling a ton of anxiety as a mom, because no successful x-rays had been done. I decided I needed to find a better option, so I reached out to The Bloor Clinic Kids, a new full service Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics clinic at Bloor & Islington.

The staff answered all of my questions, helped me get a predetermination done with our insurance company, and booked our 2 bid kids in as new patients within a few days. I was amazed that they were successful in getting all the x-rays we needed in just 1 quick appointment. Ben even raved as we were leaving the office “this is the best dentist ever!” I was so relieved that it went so well and that there wasn’t a single cavity for either kid. However, we did find out that our daughter Lucy is missing her adult incisors (which my dad and I are also missing, thank goodness for modern day dentistry!). We know she will have a very long dental journey ahead of her, so I’m very relieved to know that we have the amazing team at The Bloor Clinic Kids to help us along the way. Especially since they provide orthodontics on site too. It’s nice to know they’ve got us covered for it all. If you need some help with your little one’s smile reach out to their incredible team info@thebloorclinickids.com or (437) 774-8225. They will be more than happy to help answer all of your questions, and get your dental needs sorted out.

Teething ***IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE!***

Teething can be a long a hard process for some babies. Click here to read about 6 of My Favourite Teething Remedies. Please always remember that Orajel/Baby Orajel teething products should NEVER be used. The presence of benzocaine in these products can lead to a rare but fatal condition called methemoglobinemia (Health Canada Warning). In addition any local numbing agent could numb their throat making it difficult to breath, or increasing the risk of choking. There are many other remedies that can help with the discomfort of teething without being dangerous.

Finally, I want to share with you one of my parenting tricks that helps make teeth brushing fun in our home. We love to sing Brush Your Teeth by Raffi in a very jovial way. Our kids absolutely love it. Check it out if you don’t know the song. Wishing all the parents good luck brushing teeth tonight.

- Care

In This Post: The Bloor Clinic Kids Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is located at 3250 Bloor St West Unit 112 in Toronto at Bloor & Islington. Contact info@thebloorclinickids.com or (437) 774-8225 with any questions.

*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.

Tax Time Is Coming! Set up Your Small Biz Finances With Lina De Luca CPA + Wine & Wisdom Event

As a small business owner I know that accounting and taxes can be really stressful, but they should never hold you back from achieving your goals. For the first 5 years of my business I tried to do it all myself, but this year I have vowed to make some big changes. Now that my business and revenue streams are growing I desperately need some help putting larger longterm systems into place. Having a professional help me will free up my time so I can focus on what truly creates revenue in my business. I know there are so many mamas out there launching new ventures, so I thought I would share my experience. I hope it helps alleviate a little money related stress for the business mamas out there.

For this new phase in my business I’m so thrilled to be working with Lina De Luca, a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) with 10 years experience, and local Bloor West Mom. Lina and her adorable son Mikey have come to lots of my community programs, so I’m very happy to be working together. Lina mentioned to me that in addition to offering bookkeeping and tax services (for businesses and individuals), she is passionate about helping small businesses set up their bookkeeping and get organized, so they will be prepared when tax time comes around. Sounded perfect to me! Her program called “The Blueprint” is geared toward small business owners (or self-employed people). In it she designs an accounting process customized to your particular lifestyle and business needs. By automating as much as possible, Lina helps to reduce time spent, and bookkeeping costs, for businesses who don’t need, or can’t afford, full-time support. This is exactly the kind of help I was looking for, so it was a natural fit. Moving forward with Lina’s help has me so excited. It’s kinda funny what’s exciting when you’re a mom and small business owner ;)

If you want to meet Lina in person and ask her all your questions, Register Now for the upcoming Wine & Wisdom Seminar she’s co-hosting at Community Venue (708 Annette St) on February 27th. Along with three other professionals (Laroux Peoples: Wills & Estates Lawyer, Andrea Henry: Business & Partnerships Lawyer, and Cindy Marques: Financial Planner Investments/Insurance Broker), Lina will be discussing common mistakes made, and answering all of your accounting questions. Space is very limited, so don’t wait to Register. You’ll get some invaluable advice for your business, plus have the opportunity to network with an incredible group of professionals who can help support you along the way.

If you have questions but can’t make it on the 27th, simply Sign Up for a Complimentary 30 Minute Consultation Phone Call with Lina.

5 years into my business, the one thing I would say is that it’s worth investing in this type of help right from the start. Don’t wait like I did. It’ll just pile up and make more work for you in the long run.

Please comment with any questions below, and don’t hesitate to reach out directly to Lina. She really is an amazing person, and so genuinely excited to help you organize your money, so you can meet your business goals.

- Care

*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.

Summer Camp GIVEAWAY!!! Enter NOW for a Chance to WIN a Week at Westside FUN $400+ Value!

The polar vortex has finally left us behind and this brief warm spell of weather has me craving summer. Since I’m dreaming of summer bliss, I thought I would make one parent’s summer dreams come true. So I’ve partnered with Westside FUN Day Camp to give away a week of summer camp!! This giveaway is Valued at $390+HST! So if you have a little one 4 and up, don’t wait to ENTER! #sponsored

Last summer our big kids Ben and Lucy attended Westside FUN for 2 weeks each. They both absolutely loved it! I think the best part is that this camp offers such a wide variety of activities, so kid’s get to try out some new stuff, and don’t get bored doing the same thing over and over again every day. Plus, as a mom with pretty high standards, I was very pleased with the staff at Westside FUN. The counsellors always had the kids moving and having fun, exactly as summer camp should be. The kids came home absolutely exhausted every day, as evident by this photo of Lucy last summer passed out after a long day at Westside FUN.

A few weeks ago when I asked the kids if they wanted to go back to Westside FUN again this year, it was a resounding “YES!!” from both of them. Yay! Makes my mom job at a lot easier knowing they love where they spend their summer days.

So without further ado, I give you an Epic Summer Camp Giveaway valued at over $400!! Feel free to Enter all 3 ways to increase your chances of Winning!

1. To Enter Via My Blog: Simply Like this post & Comment below with your name and email (you must include your email so I can contact you if you win. If you prefer to keep it private, please comment with your name below and send me a quick email so I have your contact info.)

2. Head over to my Instagram and Enter!! ** Unlimited entries with tags!

3. Head over to my Facebook Page and Enter!! ** Unlimited entries with tags!

That’s it. So easy, and if you win, you can check one thing off your never-ending parent to-do list. You can thank me later ;)

Contest is open to all Canadians* 18+ and closes Thursday February 14th at 10pm EST** A winner will be chosen at random and contacted within 24 hours. *Westside FUN Day Camp is located in Toronto Canada. No travel or accommodation costs will be covered. Camp registration dates are subject to availability and age restrictions. Updated to Note: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Learn More about Westside FUN's Programs & Register Here. Please note that Westside FUN only runs programs in July, so space in their programs is Extremely Limited. Don't wait to register! Use code CARE for $25 OFF Westside FUN! Multi-week and sibling discounts are available, so make sure to check those out!

Good luck and let’s hope the groundhog was right. An early spring sounds pretty lovely right about now.

- Care

*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.

Register NOW for Complimentary Halloween Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies Humber Cinema

I know it feels like we just got through the back-to-school rush, but it’s time to plan for Halloween! Getting a sweet pic of your little one in their costume is such a fun way to mark each holiday. Since it’s not always easy to snap a great pic, I let the professionals do all the hard work. If you want to get a beautiful professional photo this holiday season join me for one of my 2 sessions of Complimentary Halloween Mini Sessions with Anchor Studio at Movies for Mommies at the Humber Cinema. Photos will take place pre-show from 12-1pm on Monday October 1st and Monday October 15th. (Movies TBD, I will update this as I know what’s screening).  Sessions are complimentary for Movies Attendees (You must purchase a movie ticket to be eligible for these sessions), and high resolution digital images can be purchased for $25/file. 

Space is extremely limited for these sessions and always fills up fast, so please don't wait to register. Send an email to care@with-care.ca indicating which date you prefer, and a session time will be emailed to you. If all sessions are booked I will give you the option of being added to the waiting list. 

These are a few of my favourites from our previous Halloween sessions with Anchor Studio.

I love that Silvia still got a beautiful fall inspired shot when my preschooler refused to put on her costume.

Don't forget that Anchor Studio is one of my partners and offers 10% off to my clients. Just mention With Care when you book your session. 

Hope to see you at the Movies! 

- Care 

**Please Note: Sessions are for Movie attendees only. Send an email to care@with-care.ca indicating which date you prefer, and a session time will be emailed to you. If all sessions are booked I will give you the option of being added to the waiting list. *

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. 

***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.

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.