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Trick or Treating Tips for Tots

FAM, health By October 4, 2009 Tags: , , , , , , 2 Comments

Dressing up, wearing hats, makeup and funny hair is such a great time for children and parents, not to mention the treats that go along with this fun night. Though with all the fun and good times that are about to be had, it’s really important that safety be number one when getting your kids ready to head out with you to Trick or Treat. Urbanmommies.com has some simple Halloween trick or treating tips for tots that will keep the night fun and safe for everyone.

Trick or Treating Tips for Tots

  • Ensure that your costumes are flame retardant and that they are loose enough to wear warmer clothing underneath.
  • Masks can really obstruct a child’s vision face painting is a safer option.
  • Wear reflectors, the Dollar Stores are great for the neon ones that form into necklaces and bracelets plus, your kids will love to wear them!
  • Flashlights will help the children see and be seen more clearly
  • Feed your kids an early nutritious meal and make sure they are properly hydrated for the walk, little legs get tired out fast so stick close to home
  • We live on the coast people, it’s ok to carry an umbrella
  • Keep to well lit sidewalks and always remember to walk not run
  • Wear proper shoes, the princess shoes are adorable but clearly not a great choice for a long walk!
  • Don’t let your kids eat any treats before you get home and have a chance to sample, I mean look them over. There is only a tiny chance that your candy has been tampered with but “when in doubt, throw it out”!

Decorating for holidays can be tricky when you have little ones around. Take a look at the tips below provided by Safe Kids Canada and remember HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

When decorating your home:

  • Small children should never carve pumpkins. Instead, let your child draw a face on the pumpkin.
  • Make your home safe for trick or treaters. Remove all objects around the outside of your house that could cause children to trip or fall. Turn your outside light on.
  • Avoid using candles to decorate pumpkins. Small inexpensive flashlights can be used to light pumpkins safely.
  • Keep lit candles out of children’s reach and away from curtains and other objects that could catch fire.


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Salaries for Live-In Caregivers

FAM, kids By October 2, 2009 Tags: , , , 10 Comments

Live-In Caregiver Salary PayIf you have a nanny or are thinking of getting one, there are a few things you should know.  Linh Tsiu is a Canadian accountant who specializes in Caregiver Tax Services.  She handles payroll for caregivers and instructs families in the financial implications of hiring a nanny.  As always, in parenting there are so many things to learn.  Now that you are an ‘expert’ mother, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, manager and scheduling guru – do you really need to handle the accounting too?

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Down Syndrome Today

FAM, health By October 1, 2009 Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment

It’s a whole new world for children born with Down syndrome (also known as Down’s syndrome–both are correct). In the past, a child born with the chromosomal disorder may have faced a life of exclusion, ridicule and perhaps even institutionalization. We did not understand the disorder and humans unfortunately tend to isolate and ostracize that which we do not understand.

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H1N1 Influenza: What You Need to Know

FAM, health By September 23, 2009 Tags: , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

There is a lot going around on the news about the worldwide “outbreak” of a new influenza A virus known officially as H1N1 and colloquially as the “swine flu.” Even here in BC, the news is reporting that there are outbreaks occurring at some private schools. With all this information, it can be difficult to separate rumour from fact. The following is summarized from the World Health Organization(WHO) website.

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Baby Names: Staff Picks

baby, FAM, pregnancy By September 23, 2009 Tags: , , No Comments

The Urban Mommies staff love baby names! The possibilities are endless and so much fun to brain storm. So over the next little while we will be featuring themed baby name articles and lists of our staff’s favourite baby names. First we have our Content Editor Danica Longair’s list of favourite baby names. Feel free to borrow some of her ideas! When you’re done reading her favourites, don’t forget to check out our Baby Name section for more great ideas!

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What is the Best Way to start Brushing my Baby’s Teeth?

baby, FAM, health By September 15, 2009 Tags: , , , , , 3 Comments

Many parents ask – what is the best way to start brushing my baby’s teeth? Well we have some answers for you!

Begin brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as their first tooth appears.  Use a soft, baby toothbrush with just a tiny dab of fluoride toothpaste.  Brush twice a day; brushing before bed is especially important.  Don’t miss brushing where the teeth and gums meet!  Lift your baby’s lip regularly to check for white or brown spots on their teeth. Look closely along the gum line.  Call your dentist if you notice anything unusual.  Take your baby to see a dentist once their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday.

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Kid's First Aid Kit

Kid’s First Aid Kit

FAM, health By August 24, 2009 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Summertime! The park! The beach! The campground! Uh oh! The bee sting! The sunburn! The knee scrape! Summer brings lots of outdoor fun but also the possibility of outdoor injuries. No need to keep the kids inside, just follow these environmentally-friendly tips. Recommended products are available at Whole Foods Market.

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With a Newborn, time Stops

FAM, self By August 19, 2009 Tags: , , , , , , , , , No Comments

As summer slips into crisp and busy autumn, we have always been taught to switch gears. When we were in school, this time of year meant new outfits and funky pencil cases. Time to learn. Time to re-aquaint with the friends who were at the cottage all summer. And then you got older. Don’t you remember pouring over the thickest Vogue of the year to master that year’s trends? Tweed? Chocolate brown?

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