Growing Up: Baby

“Accidents happen quickly. Water can be fun, but we need to be safe in and around it.”
From bathtubs and pools to natural bodies of water, this episode focuses on building water confidence, safely. Learn the basic safety precautions that save lives, and how to get your little one comfortable in water (you can help!) It’s never too early — or too late — to make a splash.

• Carolyn, mom of two, Parent & Tot: Love to Bubble swimming lessons. 
• Davina Lopez, owner, Davina’s Swim House. 
• Avi Kerbel, mom of three, used First Aid on her infant son. 

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Ever wonder what it’s like to have twins? Or… what the odds are of having TWO sets? Mom of four Molly Malone is a self-made twin expert: from myth busting and learned experience, to words of advice and what not to say to a mom of multiples.  And — Dr. Ng sheds light on the statistics around multiples, and shares his own thoughts on being a twin Dad. 

• Molly Malone, mom of two sets of twin boys.
• Dr. Eugene Ng, newborn and developmental paediatrics, Toronto.  

Dr. Ng is featured in episode 11, Paediatrician 101: Need to Know.

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The benefits of breastfeeding are well documented, but that doesn’t mean the experience is without challenge — an LC shares advice and reassurance. Unpack the ‘Breast is Best’ narrative and understand the impetus behind the ‘Fed is Best’ movement. 

• Dr. Christie del Castillo-Hegyi, emergency physician and co-founder, Fed is Best.
• Mary Lynne Biener, IBCLC, Kindercare Pediatrics, and founding member, The Breastfeeding Collective. 
• Kesha, mom of two. 

You can listen to Tracey’s story here. Her difficult breastfeeding journey led to a diagnosis of Postpartum Depression and a rock bottom moment involving her newborn son. 

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Planning a trip but feeling anxious about air travel with your little one? That's understandable — but it’s totally manageable with preparation, patience, and a positive attitude. Tune in for tips and tricks on airline allowances, seating options, and on-board essentials.  

• Yashy Murphy, digital creator and travel writer; curator of parentingtogo.ca. 
• Ben, new dad. 

Growing Up: Baby is listed by Feedspot as one of the 80 Best Mom podcasts. 

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Ever wonder what your newborn sees, how baby’s brain grows, or the effect of positive vs. negative stimuli? A doctor specializing in newborn and development paediatrics walks us through key milestones. And — a general paediatrician covers the most common questions and concerns new parents face. Hint: Sleep and breathing top the list. 

• Dr. Eugene Ng, newborn and developmental paediatrics, Toronto. 
• Dr. Nicole Radziminski, general paediatrician, Yellowknife NWT.

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Don’t be deterred if your photography skills aren’t quite up to scratch. The perfect picture is one that makes you smile — so take it! Learn the do's and don'ts of newborn photography so you can capture those precious moments from the comfort of your own home. 

• Nina Polidoro, Nina Polidoro Photography, St. Marys Ontario. 

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“It’s going to happen. It’s a normal part of infant development; it’s neither the fault of the parent or caregiver, or the baby.” Your baby’s incessant crying is difficult to endure, and it’s important to remember that the period of PURPLE Crying has a beginning — and an end. Utilize five coping and soothing components that can help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome or Abusive Head Trauma. Learn more at dontshake.org.

• Kat Jacobs, MSc, Injury Prevention Specialist, Victoria Hospital, Trauma Program, London Health Sciences Centre.

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Preparing to enter the world of solids, but don’t know where to start? Learn to read baby’s cues, when they’re ready, and what to start with (and avoid). From Baby Led Weaning to introducing the 10 most common allergens, a registered dietician shares tips and advice. And, we hear from a mom whose daughter is now climbing the ‘egg ladder’ in hopes of overcoming her allergy.

• Andrea Carpenter, registered dietitian, founder of NutriKidz.
• Sara, mom of two. 

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Introduce your little one to hydrotherapy and massage — treatments that can help improve circulation, muscle tone and digestion. Touch and body awareness are so important; learn simple techniques like ‘milking’,  ‘wringing’ and the ‘ILU’ massage.  And, Best Life Mom is important too: don’t forget to take care of you. 

• Saleha Rajab, registered massage therapist, Snuggles n Bubbles Baby Spa & Wellness. 
• Jimmy Cho, registered kinesiologist.
  
  

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As a new parent, you may know what to expect, but a brand new baby can come as quite the shock to your four-legged family member. Prepare your dog or cat using positive reinforcement and techniques utilizing sound or smell. Keep an eye on body language and other signs of distress so the integration process can go as safely as possible. 

• Beverley McKee, program manager, public training services and care support, Toronto Humane Society.
• Krystina, mom of newborn, dog owner. 

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