(NC)—If you’re attending a baby shower sometime this summer, you may find it difficult to think of a valuable gift to bring if your expectant friend or relative hasn’t set up a registry. Here are suggestions for thoughtful shower gifts that are useful too: • Diaper cake. Every new parent can appreciate this gift. Search [...]

(NC)—You’ve picked a name and decided on nursery colours. But have you fully considered the economic impact of your little bundle of joy? Dance lessons, hockey equipment—not to mention basic essentials such as food and clothing—can really add up. A recent survey by TD Canada Trust found almost one-in-two Canadians say they would be comfortable [...]

(NC)—As any new parent can attest, newborns spend most of their first few months eating, sleeping and crying. Without the ability for babies to tell you exactly how they feel, parents are often left wondering if their baby is hungry, sleepy or requires some other form of attention. To help parents recognize when their newborn [...]

(NC)—Detecting hearing loss early is critical to the development of speech and language skills in children, and to improving their overall quality-of-life. Specialists tell us that hearing can be screened in newborn babies and if a problem is detected, the next steps can be taken right away. If you suspect a problem with your infant’s [...]

(ARA) – Once you and your partner have made the big decision to start expanding your family, whether in the next few months or years, thinking about how to prepare can be a little overwhelming. Don’t worry! Some simple steps and an optimistic attitude can help pave the way for a healthy pregnancy. Rosie Pope, [...]

(NC)—Lead can cause many harmful health effects, especially in children. Exposure to even low levels of lead can damage the nervous, cardiovascular and reproductive systems, and the kidneys. It can cause learning disabilities and other harmful conditions as children develop, and pregnant women must also be careful as lead can pass through the placenta and [...]

(NC)—Pregnant women should take extra care when shopping, storing and cooking food due to their increased risk of foodborne illness or food poisoning. Pregnancy weakens a woman’s immune system which in turn makes her vulnerable to attack by certain bacteria, viruses and other harmful parasites such as Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli. Bacteria can cross the placenta [...]

(NC)—According to Statistics Canada, more babies are born in the summer than at any other time of the year. Now’s the time when eager parents–to–be are getting ready for the arrival of their new bundles of joy. Creating a comfy–cozy nursery is a big priority for parents. It’s the hub of everything baby related – [...]

One year after becoming a standard of care at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, fetal surgery for spina bifida is helping families from all over the United States (ARA) – For expectant parents, the 18-week ultrasound marks an exciting milestone. For most, it is the first time they get to see their child, they can [...]

(NC)—Preparing homemade baby food puree is very simple and takes very little time. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 … 4! 1. Cook the food 2. Let it cool 3. Toss it into a food processor 4. Pour into tray or jar and store (freezer) Cooking the baby food: • Steam, bake or boil [...]