York Region Baby - Our Blog

Introducing....York Region Parent

2008-03-09T15:39:00.000-04:00

As of March 1 2008, 2 years after the launch of York Region Baby we have morphed into York Region Parent, now serving not just parents of babies and toddlers, but of preschoolers up to age 12.

We offer free monthly newsletters that deliver news and information to parents and parents-to-be. Our events section help parents keep in touch with local events in York Region. In our event calendar we list programs for baby and parents, including mommy & me classes, prenatal yoga, prenatal classes, family related activities in York Region and car seat clinics.

Visit our new website to see all the new exciting information, including coupons for parents, articles on all ages and stages, local events and so much more!

An Evening with Barbara Coloroso to support Hope for Rwanda's Children Fund

2008-02-03T20:17:00.000-05:00

An event to support the Hope for Rwanda's Children Fund with Barbara Coloroso.

Date: Monday February 11, 2008
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Markham Theatre
Cost: $25, All proceeds will go directly to the Hope for Rwanda's Children Fund, Tickets can be purchased through www.markhamtheatre.ca

HEALTH HAZARD ALERT - RANCIDITY DETECTED IN CERTAIN MY ORGANIC BABY BRAND CEREAL

2008-01-26T07:09:00.000-05:00

HEALTH HAZARD ALERT - RANCIDITY DETECTED IN CERTAIN MY ORGANIC BABY BRAND CEREAL

OTTAWA, January 25, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and My Organic Baby Inc. are warning the public not to consume My Organic Baby brand cereal described below because these products may be rancid.

All lot codes of the following My Organic Baby brand cereal with Best By dates of April 2008 (04-2008) and June 2008 (06-2008) are affected by this alert:

Product
Size
UPC

Step A Organic Barley Baby Cereal
227g (8 oz)
8 78427 10102 6

Step A Organic Brown Rice Baby Cereal
227g (8 oz)
8 78427 10101 9

Step A Organic Oatmeal Baby Cereal
227g (8 oz)
8 78427 10103 3

Step B Organic Multigrain Baby Cereal
227g (8 oz)
8 78427 10104 0

The affected products were manufactured in the USA and have been distributed nationally in Canada.

There has been one reaction associated with the consumption of these products.

If the cereal has an unusual odour or smells 'off', it should not be consumed. If an infant has been fed any of the products described above, discontinue feeding this cereal and monitor for symptoms. Consumption of rancid food may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you have any concerns please seek medical attention.

My Organic Baby Inc, Vaughan, ON, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:

Michelle Moskalyk, My Organic Baby Inc., at 1-877-308-2229
www.myorganicbaby.ca

CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

- 30 -

Media enquiries:

Diana Robinson,
My Organic Baby Inc.
416-871-5420

Garfield Balsom (English)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Food Recall and Emergency Response
613-760-4232

Julie Lacoursière (French)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Food Recall and Emergency Response
613-760-4044

Enter to Win!

2008-01-24T14:54:00.000-05:00

Enter on York Region Baby.com to win....Every Modern Mom's Guide to Getting Past Perfection, Regaining Sanity, and Raising Great Kids.

PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND PARENTING EXPERT ALYSON SCHAFER offers a brilliant and hilariously revealing exploration of today's misguided mother-hood. Discover the Truth behind the myths that keep moms flying at a frenetic pace, spending countless dollars they often don't have, and losing endless hours trying to become "experts" on everything from ear infections to the safe heating points of hard plastics. When did neurotic become normal?

Within each new mother an ideal has been cultivated that-like the perfect house and husband-is doomed to fall short.

Breaking the Good Mom Myth challenges our unchallenged thinking with warmth, humor, and real wisdom, Are you ready to let go of being a perfect "good mom," and get on with being a happy, effective, and self-fulfilled mom?

Alyson Schafer is a psychotherapist and one of Canada's leading parenting experts. She's the author of the best-selling "Breaking the Good Mom Myth" (Wiley, 2006) and host of TV's The Parenting Show a live call-in show.

The media relies on Alyson's comments and opinions. you can find her interviewed and quoted extensively in such publications as Cosmopolitan, Readers' Digest, Canadian Living, Today's Parents, and Canadian Families.

Shutterfly - A solution to all those holiday pictures

2008-01-10T08:43:00.000-05:00

What to do with all those Holiday pictures you took?? Shutterfly makes it easy to be thoughtful and creative with your photo memories. Enjoy free online photo sharing and unlimited photo storage. Plus, order prints and create personalized Greeting Cards, Photo Books, Calendars, and photo gifts. We'll be going through our gazillion pictures soon to start creating special gifts!

News from Sew Cute: Christmas may be over, but the spirit of giving lives on at Sew Cute

2008-01-06T14:08:00.000-05:00

You may have heard on the news last month that a mom died from complications shortly after giving birth to triplets. It’s hard to imagine how devastating this must be for the family. (Read news story | Watch CNN video)

The family is in need of almost everything you can think of for a new baby times three. Sew Cute has already donated personalized clothing for the triplet boys, and gift certificates that will be part of an auction with money raised going to the family.

And for all January orders of $50 or more at www.sew-cute.ca or 905 794 4543, Sew Cute is donating $5 to the Smith Family Triplets

“Now we want to take it one step further”, says Lucie Kroeplin, owner of Sew Cute. If you can help and would like to make a secure donation ($1, $2, or $5 Canadian funds) to the Smith Family Triplets, click here. I'll send a cheque at the end of January, and continue to send cheques once a month for as long as the donations are coming in. If everybody who reads this newsletter donates even $1, that would go a long way for this family in need! If you'd rather, you can find the address for sending donations directly, in the news story link above. Please help if you can, and forward this to friends and blogs you think would be interested.

Once Upon a Princess

2007-12-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a different and unique actitvity for you 3-6 year old in York Region?

Once Upon a Princess is a newunique ballet-based class for 3-6 year olds that explores the world of fairy tales through costumes, music, and movement.
(costumes provided)

Dates: Winter session #1 January 7th - February 23rd
Time: 3-4 yr. olds: Mon. (10: 00 am-10:50) and Sat. (9:30 am-10:20)
5-6 yr. olds: Mon. (4:00 pm- 4:50) and Sat. (10:30am-11:20)
Where: The Main Pool (Party Room)
241 Main St. N.
Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4V8
Cost: $120.00 (includes GST)

New from SupperWorks, Newmarket

2007-12-14T12:45:00.000-05:00

As a special treat for their Newmarket customers SupperWorks in Newmarket is offering the following:

NO PICKUP FEE FOR YOUR PICKUP ORDERS picked up on Wed. Dec. 19th and Thurs. Dec. 20th/07! A SAVINGS OF $25-40!

Please call us to place the order @ 905 868-9063 or by e-mail to newmarket@supperworks.com. Order must be placed by Friday Dec. 14th/07.

DreamKids : Making a difference!

2007-12-13T12:57:00.000-05:00

From November 18 to December 31, 2007, DreamKids will be donating $1 from every product and gift wrap purchased in our on-line store to the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation. This initiative will help to buy books and learning materials for many Canadian schools in need. It's a little thing that matters!

Did you know that 38% of Grade 3 Ontario students fail the standard reading exam? Neither did DreamKids.

Indigo Books and Music has recently launched a compelling documentary highlighting the emerging literacy crisis in Canada's schools (click here to watch the documentary or learn ways you can help) . Many of our children are not being given the opportunity to reach their potential and we want to help change this.

Visit DreamKids for more information - http://www.dreamkids.ca

Contest: Spa Baby - the European style baby tub.

2007-12-06T14:31:00.000-05:00

In conjunction with Spa Baby, we are giving away on of their new European style baby tubs.

Designed from your baby's point of view, this bath allows your baby to sit in a natural upright position and keeps your baby warm and relaxed in the bath. Babies love this tub. Parents love it too because it is easy to use, comforting and secure for your baby.

Guarantee - your baby will not cry in this tub. If your baby doesn't love this tub, you can return it for a full refund.

Spa Baby bath tubs are available for purchase online, with free shipping in Canada until December 31, 2007 and are also available at Babies R' Us in Vaughan Mills and Newmarket.

Enter to win here!

10 Questions with… Custom Made For Kids

2007-12-02T19:58:00.000-05:00

10 Questions with… Custom Made For Kids

Entrepreneur’s Name: Sarah Headrick and Sarah Rivera

Company Name: Custom Made For Kids

Phone: 1-866-360-4546

Email: info@custommadeforkids.com

Year business established? Custom Made For Kids became an official company in the late summer of 2006. It was at this time that we began writing and developing our book, hiring our illustrator, creating our website, etc. We didn’t officially “open for business” and start selling the book until August 1st of 2007.

What did you do before you started your company? We were both moms first and foremost, but Sarah Rivera was trained as a lawyer and Sarah Headrick was a physical trainer and nutritionist.

What was your motivation behind starting your own company? We wanted to work for

ourselves and to have a “family friendly” schedule.Most of what we do for the business, we can do

from our respective homes so we can still pick up our kids from school and attend their events

and volunteer at their schools.

What do you enjoy most about running your own business? The fact that the product we chose to create (a personalized children’s book) is such a joyful product and people are so appreciative and complimentary when they receive the book -- it makes all of the hard work worthwhile!

What is the most challenging aspect of running your own business? That’s easy -- balancing our family lives with our work lives. There is always someone who could use more attention and/or there is always more marketing to do!

What programs/services as a parent do you use in the community? Both of us belong to a women’s organization in our community called Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club. We have both been active members for over 4 years now and the club has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for families with cancer and for children who are physically challenged.

If we only knew then what we know now….had we known that we would grow so quickly – we may have tried to bring in a third partner from the start!

Best selling product? We only have one product currently – so, of course, it is our personalized storybook, The First Adventures of Incredible You.

What I’d like to tell everyone about my business? Our award-winning book, The First Adventures of Incredible You, is one of the most highly personalized children’s books on the market today. Customers are able to “build” a one-of-a kind book at the Custom Made For Kids website by inserting over 20 personal facts about a child and the people and places that are most important to that child. From tasting a favorite food to cheering on a beloved sports team to visiting a special vacation spot or park, this rhyme-based book celebrates the first adventures of every young child that “stars” in it. By personalizing these experiences, The First Adventures of Incredible You highlights the connection between children and the people and places that are special to them in their young lives. There is also a dedication page in the full-color, hardcover book where you may provide a personal message so that the child will always remember that this thoughtful gift came from you. The delightful illustrations are cleverly executed so that the book is perfect for any child -- no matter what their sex, race or family structure. The First Adventures of Incredible You makes a memorable keepsake that both children and parents alike will cherish for a lifetime.

Plans for the future…. We hope to develop additional personalized books in the future. In the even nearer future, we hope to offer 1 or 2 gift products on our website, that compliment the book (e.g., add-on gifts for customers looking for something to go with the book).

BAN TOXICS, BABY! Family Rally to End Toxic Chemicals in Baby Bottles

2007-11-14T09:32:00.000-05:00

BAN TOXICS, BABY! Family Rally to End Toxic Chemicals in Baby Bottles

We want the McGuinty government to get cracking and pass a law to get toxic chemicals out of baby bottles and other consumer products.

FAMILY FUN RALLY!

Join us with your babies and your old baby bottles for music, fun, hot apple cider and cheering at Queen's Park.

WHERE: Queen's Park front lawn
WHEN: Tuesday, November 20, 2007
10AM-11:30AM

Rain or Shine, we'll be out for a party!

EVERYONE IS WELCOME! - RSVP to Cassandra Polyzou at Environmental Defence

(416)323-9521 x222
cpolyzou@environmentaldefence.ca
visit www.toxicnation.ca for more info

Sign up on the facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=5687620838

** Note: *Your Region Baby supports Health Canada and the WHO which both state that breastfeeding is the best method of feeding infants as it provides optimal nutritional, immunological and emotional benefits for the growth and development of infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life for healthy term infants, as breast milk is the best food for optimal growth. Infants should be introduced to nutrient-rich, solid foods with particular attention to iron at six months with continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond.

For more information please see your doctor or visit where you can find breastfeeding support in our area.

More toy recalls...

2007-11-08T20:16:00.000-05:00

It seems like every single day, there is another toy being recalled due to safety issues or various kinds.

Please see the links below for items in the latest recall list:
Fisher-Price kitchen toys recalled for choking hazard
Aqua Dots by Spin Master
Curious George Plush Dolls

Raising Money for the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic & Institute

2007-11-01T13:44:00.000-04:00

For the past two years, the Celebrity Baby Blog has organized an official holiday giving project that includes their readers and our sponsors. This year's project is a unique opportunity for their readers and sponsors alike as well as the featured charity.

The Celebrity Baby Blog 2007 Holiday Project is A Month of Auctions which will benefit the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic & Institute (NBCI) at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, run by world renowned breastfeeding advocate and pediatrician Dr. Jack Newman.

The primary function of the NBCI is to assist breastfeeding mothers and their babies with breastfeeding challenges. It also provides clinical training for pediatric residents, medical students, nurses, and candidates for those who intend to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.

As the NBCI no longer receives funding from the Canadian government, it is in danger of closing, having already reduced its hours.

How it works....

Beginning November 1, the Celebrity Baby Blog will post about one auction prize a day for the entire month. Readers will learn about the auction prize via the dedicated post on the main page of the Celebrity Baby Blog.

York Region Baby.com, has teamed up with Febe Bebe, Mump & Grump Studios and Small Made Simple for a great auction prize. We've donated $125 to the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic & Institute and on November 14 you'll be able to bid on our gift basket, worth over $300!!

Our basket will include....

bib & drooler set from Febe Bebe (retails for $36.00)

a 16x16 painting from Mump & Grump Studios (retails for $100)

a brown ring sling for wearing your baby (retails for $75)

an autographed copy of The No-Cry Potty Training Solution by Elizabeth Pantley

an autographed copy of The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers Elizabeth Pantley

a Kangaroo Towel from Small Made Simple (retails for $50)

~~~~

Mump & Grump Studios – Custom Artwork for Children

Mump & Grump Studios creates artwork and décor items that capture, not only a unique vision for your child's room, but also their distinctive personality. Whether you are looking for classic, sweet & sophisticated or contemporary & bold, we have hand-painted decorative items to brighten any room. Choose from our many styles, or combine elements to create something special for your baby or child. Products range from canvas paintings and murals to decorative accessories, all aimed at adding a personal touch and individual style.

Febe Bebe – Makers of Fine Droolers & Bibs

“You should never sacrifice style just because you happen to drool.” That is our philosophy at Febe Bebe. We have a passion for the latest styles and incorporate only our favorite fabrics into our fine line of droolers and bibs. Our products have a sophisticated flare that appeal to both moms & tots, are 100% vinyl free, and are individually handmade in Canada.

York Region Baby.com - We are an independent mom-run online parenting magazine serving York Region and the GTA.

York Region Baby showcases news and information for expectant and new parents, with highlights including product & book reviews, relevant parenting articles, craft ideas, and an information resource centre for prenatal, postnatal and toddler related topics.

We offer free monthly newsletters that deliver news and information to parents and parents-to-be.

Small Made Simple is the originator of the Award winning Kangaroo Towel™ . The Kangaroo is a luxurious hooded pouch which keeps you dry during splashtime and then gives you a place to nestle your baby in and keep them cozy all the way to the changetable.

Bumbo Baby Sitter Seats - New Warnings and Instructions to Be Provided To Consumers

2007-10-25T15:03:00.000-04:00

Serious Head Injuries Prompt Recall of Bumbo Baby Sitter Seats - New Warnings and Instructions to Be Provided To Consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Bumbo “Baby Sitter” Seats

Units: About 1 million

Manufacturer: Bumbo International, of South Africa

Hazard: If the seat is placed on a table, countertop, chair, or other elevated surface, young children can arch their backs, flip out of the Bumbo seat, and fall onto the floor, posing a risk of serious head injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC has received 28 reports of young children falling out of the Bumbo Baby Sitter seat, including three skull fractures, which occurred when children fell out of chairs that had been placed on tables.

Description: The bottom of the children’s seat is round and flat with a diameter of about 15 inches. It is constructed of a single piece of molded foam and comes in yellow, blue, purple, pink, aqua, and lime green. The seat has leg holes and seat back that wraps completely around the child. On the front of the seat in raised lettering is the word “Bumbo” with the image of an elephant on top. The bottom of the seat has the following words: “Manufactured by Bumbo South Africa Material: Polyurethane World Patent No. PCT: ZA/1999/00030.” The back of the seat contains the following “WARNING” – “Never use on a raised surface. Never use as a car seat or bath seat. Designed for floor level use only. Never leave your baby unattended as the seat is not designed to be totally restrictive and may not prevent release of your baby in the event of vigorous movement.”

Sold by: Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, USA Babies and various other toy and children’s stores nationwide, and various online sellers, from August 2003 through October 2007 for about $40.

Manufactured in: South Africa

Remedy: Consumers should never use the infant seat on a table, countertop, chair, or other elevated surface. Consumers can contact Bumbo to obtain new warning label stickers and instructions, free of charge. The new warning label will state: “WARNING – Prevent Falls; Never use on any elevated surface.” Consumers should use the Bumbo seat at ground level, but should never leave a child unattended.

Consumer Contact: Contact Bumbo International at (877) 932-8626 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.bumbosafety.com

More Toy Recalls & Recalled Medications for Babies

2007-10-12T12:15:00.000-04:00

Many more toys have been recalled for high lead levels. You can see them here .

As well,3 infant cough and cold medicines recalled in Canada. Check the CBC article and talk to your doctor about it next time you are there.

A great contest from Mom 4 Life

2007-10-10T09:17:00.000-04:00

Our friends at Mom 4 Life are having a fabuolous, amazing and very cool whole month of contests -- and they are giving away over $1,425.00 worth of products in October!! Mom 4 Life is a great store, that I love to shop at!!

Here is some information from Heather at Mom 4 Life...

The contest is broken down into four different weekly giveaways and each week there is a different way to enter. In addition, for every 5 people that enter to win, we will donate $1 to our local Open Arms Pregnancy Care Center in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho Click here http://www.mom4life.com/pages/monthofgiveaways.php to see all the fun stuff we are giving away.

We have been doing weekly giveaways for a while now on our blog and I broadcast the way I choose the winner (with my son’s help on a YouTube video, see here for examples http://blog.mom4life.com/mom_4_life/4_free_friday/index.html) so feel free to check them out as well.

Event: baby magoo Open House

2007-10-10T08:41:00.000-04:00

Our friends at baby magoo are having an Open House to celebrate their new Aurora studio and to debut some new designs! See belpw for more information and we hope to see you there!!!

Event/Activity Name: baby magoo Open House
Details: To celebrate the opening of baby magoo's new studio! Get a sneak peek at baby magoo's newest fall creations to be debuted at the Ottawa Signatures Show and the One of a Kind Show in Toronto this holiday season. 10% off all purchases with presentation of York Region Baby coupon,(please email us to recieve this coupon) further discounts in the special sales section. Amazing door prize of a full portraiture session + portraits from Jen Van der Vecht Photography valued at $400! Winner to be announced on the baby magoo website and YRBaby following the open house.
Date(s): Thursday, October 25th from 6-9pm
Date(s): Friday, October 26th from 10am-5pm
Where: 96 Centre Street, Aurora
Cost: No charge, please RSVP

Event:AND BABY MAKES THREE…..(BUT IT FEELS LIKE 10!!) Led by: Jo-Ann McRogers, Psychotherapist, Doula

2007-09-29T16:49:00.000-04:00

AND BABY MAKES THREE…..(BUT IT FEELS LIKE 10!!) Led by: Jo-Ann McRogers, Psychotherapist, Doula

Details: How we define ourselves as men/women, fathers/mothers and partners is challenged through birthing and the process of becoming a family. Roles in the family, self, and other expectations, stress and communication styles take on lives of their own. Come be part of a presentation and discussion that can help add tools to your newly defined Family Toolbox. Participate in a discussion about the things that most books and prenatal classes don’t tell you about becoming a family!

Jo-Ann McRogers has been working compassionately in the field of wellbeing for 20 years. Her credentials and life experiences have brought her to a place of offering specialized therapy services to the birthing community.

Date(s): Tuesday October 23rd, 2007
Time: 6:30-8:00 pm
Where: Foster Family Chiropractic, Newmarket
Cost: Free, but Seating is limited for all seminars, please pre-register by calling 905-898-8098

Kolcraft Recalls Play Yards After the Death of a 10-Month-Old Child

2007-09-28T09:27:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 425,000 infant play yards following the death of a child.

CPSC received a report of a 10-month old boy who strangled on the changing table’s restraint strap that was hanging down into Kolcraft’s “Sesame Beginnings” Travel Play Yard where the child was located.

Twelve different Kolcraft play yards are included in this recall. All of the play yards have raised changing tables with a restraint strap that forms a loop beneath the changing table, posing a strangulation hazard to a child in the play yard.

In addition to the strangulation hazard with the changing table restraint strap, one play yard also has a raised cradle that rocks back and forth. A child can roll and get trapped against the side of the cradle in the Contours 3-in-1 Play Yard. If that happens, a child can suffocate. Kolcraft has received 45 reports of children rolling to the side of the rocking cradle attachment.

The recalled play yards were sold in a variety of colors and patterns. Play yards and model numbers included in this recall are listed in the chart below. The model number is printed on a white sticker located on one of the feet of the play yard. They were manufactured in China.

The play yards were sold at retail stores nationwide (as well as in Canada) from January 2001 through September 2007 for between $50 and $130.

Consumers should immediately stop using the changing tables and rocking cradle and contact the firm for instructions on receiving a free non-looped replacement strap for the changing table and a free repair kit to secure the base of the cradle. Consumers should immediately cut off and remove the existing changing table restraint strap. Consumers should always remove the raised changing table and cradle or bassinet before placing a child in a play yard.

A free repair kit for the rocking cradle will be sent to consumers separate from the replacement strap.

For additional information, call Kolcraft at (888) 655-8484 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kolcraft.com

Here are the products recalled -- Please take a look at this website for pictures of the different models.

Kolcraft Travelin' Tot.
Kolcraft Travelin' Tot LTD.
Kolcraft Travelin' Tot 3-in-1.
Kolcraft Travelin' Tot 4-in-1.
Carter's Lennon Travelin' Tot.
Sesame Beginnings by Kolcraft Travel Play Yard.
Jeep Sahara SE Play Yard.
Jeep Sahara Limited Play Yard.
Jeep Sahara XT Play Yard.
Jeep Sahara Limited SE Play Yard.
Jeep Sahara Limited XT Play Yard.
Contours 3-in-1 Play Yard (with rocking cradle and changing table restraint strap).

Parenting Bootcamp with Alyson Schafer

2007-09-27T10:44:00.000-04:00

Parenting Bootcamp with Alyson Schafer (Toronto)

Event Details - Parenting Bootcamp

November 10th and 11th
9:00AM - 4:00PM both days (lunch included)

Westin Prince Hotel - Crown Room
900 York Mills Road
(Don Mills and York Mills)

Regular Price: $295 + GST
Early Bird Special: $195 + GST

Is your family all it can be? Come to Parenting Bootcamp for a one-weekend intensive growth experience. Parenting Bootcamp gives busy parents like you the most learning in the shortest amount of time and is an essential parenting primer and toolkit for anyone with kids under 10 years old.

You will leave Parenting Bootcamp reinvigorated and knowing:

Your personal parenting style and what to do when it’s different from your partner’s.
The fundamentals of personality and character development in your child
How to distinguish praise from encouragement and punishment from consequences
Effective non-punitive discipline and child guidance concepts so you’ll avoid the pitfalls of raising a “pampered child”
Why your child is misbehaving and how to respond effectively to tantrums, dawdling, hitting, dinner table antics and more.
How do create sibling harmony and respond to sibling fighting
Specific techniques you can put into action immediately including: logical consequences, natural consequences, offering limited choice, the “two arm technique”, proper time outs, family meetings and more!

Each attendee will be provided with:

A copy of Alyson’s best-selling book “Breaking The Good Mom Myth”
Continental breakfast and buffet lunch included each day.
A Bootcamp workbook

Be sure to sign up early and take advantage of the early bird discount.

(Pssst, my Facebook friends have a special link to get an extra $20 off!)

About 1 Million Simplicity Cribs Recalled Due To Failures Resulting in Infant Deaths

2007-09-21T16:35:00.000-04:00

We are waiting to see if these cribs were sold in Canada. Please see below... and you can see pictures of cribs here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing today a voluntary recall with Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa., of about 1 million cribs. The drop-side can detach from the crib, which can create a dangerous gap and lead to the entrapment and suffocation of infants. CPSC is aware of two deaths in Simplicity manufactured cribs with older style hardware, including a 9-month-old child and a 6-month-old child, where the drop-side was installed upside down. CPSC is also aware of seven infant entrapments and 55 incidents in these cribs.

CPSC is also investigating the death of a 1-year-old child in a Simplicity crib with newer style hardware, in which the drop-side was installed upside down. CPSC is warning parents and caregivers to check all Simplicity cribs to make sure the drop-side is installed right side up.

The drop-side failures result from both the hardware and crib design, which allow consumers to unintentionally install the drop-side upside down. This, in turn, can weaken the hardware and cause the drop-side to detach from the crib. When the drop-side detaches, it creates a gap in which infants can become entrapped.

CPSC is also aware of two incidents that occurred when the drop-side was correctly installed with older style hardware, though the upside down installation greatly increases the risk of failure.

The recalled Simplicity crib models include: Aspen 3 in 1, Aspen 4 in 1, Nursery-in-a-Box, Crib N Changer Combo, Chelsea and Pooh 4 in 1. The recall also involves the following Simplicity cribs that used the Graco logo: Aspen 3 in 1, Ultra 3 in 1, Ultra 4 in1, Ultra 5 in 1, Whitney and the Trio.

The recalled cribs have one of the following model numbers, which can be found on the envelope attached to the mattress support and on the label attached to the headboard: 4600, 4605, 4705, 5000, 8000, 8324, 8800, 8740, 8910, 8994, 8050, 8750, 8760, and 8996.

The cribs, which were made in China, were sold in department stores, children’s stores and mass merchandisers nationwide from January 1998 through May 2007 for between $100 and $300.

As an immediate precaution, consumers should check to see if the drop-side is installed right side up. To do this, check to see that the slightly rounded rail with the decorative groove is installed at the top and the plain rail is on the bottom. Next, consumers should make sure the drop-side is securely attached to the tracks in all four corners.

If the drop-side is installed upside down or not securely attached, consumers should stop using the crib immediately. Incorrect installation can cause permanent damage to the hardware and re-installing the drop-side using the same hardware is unsafe.

Consumers should check to see if their crib contains the recalled hardware. Recalled hardware has a flexible tab at the bottom of the lower tracks and the top of the lower tracks are open. Newer hardware, which is not subject to the recall, has the flexible tab located at the top of the lower track, and a permanent stop at the bottom.

Consumers who have a crib with older style hardware can receive a free repair by immediately contacting Simplicity toll-free at (888) 593-9274 between 8:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, or by visiting the firm’s Web site at www.simplicityforchildren.com

Consumers who have a crib with newer style hardware and have installed the drop-side upside down or have broken hardware, should also contact Simplicity immediately.

Give A Little Bit: Fall Harvest Food & Gear Drive for Babies and Children

2007-09-21T13:17:00.000-04:00

Newmarket Mommies and York Region Baby have joined together along with area businesses for a Fall Food and Gear Drive for Babies of York Region. The York Region Food Network and The Rose of Sharon will benefit from this food and gear drive.*

The Wish List
* Jared Baby Food
* Baby Cereal
* Baby Crackers * Diapers (larger sizes)
* Wipes, Diaper Creams & Bath Wash
* Gently Used baby & kids clothing
* Infant and toddler toys, books & smaller baby gear items

Proud Sponsors & Drop Off Locations
Aurora
York Wireless Solutions 220 Industrial Parkway South, Unit 39
(receive 15% off your accessories purchase when you donate!)

Keswick
Herbal One Weight Management Centre 213 The Queensway South YMCA 183 Simcoe Street

Newmarket
Herbal One Weight Management Centre 17915 Leslie Street
Ontario Early Years Centre 17310 Yonge Street, Unit 6
SupperWorks 16600 Bayview Avenue
YMCA Employment and Community Services 16655 Yonge Street, Unit 3

For more information please visit www.yorkregionbaby.com or newmarketmommies.homestead.com or cal (905) 806-9675

*We support Health Canada and the WHO which both state that breastfeeding is the best method of feeding infants as it provides optimal nutritional, immunological and emotional benefits for the growth and development of infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life for healthy term infants, as breast milk is the best food for optimal growth. Infants should be introduced to nutrient-rich, solid foods with particular attention to iron at six months with continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond. For more information please see your doctor or visit where you can find breastfeeding support in our area.

Furthermore, we agree with INFACT Canada and Health Canada’s recommendation that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding to two years of age and beyond. Breastmilk is always free, provides optimal nutrition and is especially important for low-income mothers and babies, who have the most to gain from breastfeeding.

Help and Supoprt for Mommies-to-be on Bedrest

2007-09-20T05:09:00.000-04:00

I am lucky that I have seven weeks to go before baby comes, but have been put on reduced activity due to some health concerns. Baby & me are ok, just needing to be extra cautious, so I've been on the internet ALOT and wrapping up work stuff and trying to take it easy.

For the last 2 months I've been told to "take it easy" a lot by doctors, but have a clearer understanding of what that means now --ie. I am not allowed to drive, must rest lots, mustn't bend over and a few more things...

I have found a great checklist to ask your careprovider when the idea of bedrest or stopping some activities is mentioned during pregnancy. Sidelines.org is a non-profit organization providing international support for women and their families experiencing complicated pregnancies and premature births. Check out there checklist for bedrest under their resources page.

They also offer chats for moms to be on bedrest, resources, books and even colouring books for older children about what is happening.

KIDS YOGA

2007-09-17T15:51:00.000-04:00

KIDS YOGA Trial Class -Tuesday September 18th@ 10:00 - 11:00

Holland Landing United Church

Cost - Maximum $5.00 if there are 9 children

Yoga For Kids (Ages 3 - 6) - Yoga is a great form of exercise to help children focus and feel great! Blending traditional Yoga postures with games, storytelling, drama music & crafts children learn to cultivate mindfullness and compassion while toning and stretching their bodies. - 1 Hour.

* Parent Participation is Welcomed

KAMP will have a trial Kids Yoga class on Tuesday September 18th. After the trial class if you and your child enjoys the program we will schedule a 6 or 8 week session and fee at that time will be determined as per class size.

Instructor: Amanda McFadyen, CYKF, YKT is the owner/facilitator of BlissKids - A Children’s Yoga and Music Company. Her love of children and energy is reflective of the classes she facilitates.

Please contact Denise (905) 836-4342 or if you have any questions or to confirm you spot.