Working 9-5 aint no way to raise a baby…. YES IT IS !

Well I’ve done it, the transition from maternity leave – back to work. As many of you parents know already this transition can be difficult to say the least. From finding the perfect care for your child to ensuring that you are providing them everything they need all while punching the clock from 9-5. Going back to work can be stressful and even agonizing, I’m here to tell you as a parent you are going to feel every emotion and even some made up ones, every situation is different, but you can do it!

I began dreading my return to work date of September 6, oh well let see…. January 1^st !… seriously I had basically ruined my entire mat leave by working myself into such a tizzy about leaving my daughter. I seriously considered quitting my job for at least 6 months, REALLY! I cried almost every day, thinking I was abandoning my daughter. I had myself convinced that no one, I mean no one could give her the care and nurturing she needed. And that is true, and my point to all you new parents. No one will ever replace Mom or Dad, NO ONE not even your child’s new care giver and your little babies know that.

I wanted to share my experience with you because all everyone kept on telling me was that I would be fine, my daughter would be fine, just give yourself time. And saying that to someone that has never gone through this before well simply put; meant nothing. The thing is it’s hard for some parents, and easier for others. Just like your child you will have your good days and your bad. Your house sometimes won’t be cleaned, and sometimes you will forget your child’s milk and sometimes, yes sometimes you will go to work with two different shoes on (my co-workers assure me it’s very common).

For me I imagined myself going back to work, weeping quietly in my cubical looking at pictures and videos of my daughter and ultimately getting fired…. In reality when I went back to work and it was hard, I did cry in my cubical and I did look at photos of my baby. I also started finding myself far more focused on my work, more efficient and more creative. My daughter cried every morning for the first month I dropped her off at daycare, it was heart wrenching. But when I picked her up she would literally run into my arms. YES I said RUN, in the first month at day care my daughter was walking and talking! I could see so much more confidence in her and how much fun she was having, something I simply could not provide to her if I was to stay home. Our routine has changed for the better; we talk the entire way home, we read and play all evening. I cook her supper, give her a bath and soothe her to sleep. My days are full and challenging in a good way.

I think for me I got caught up in “sweating the small stuff”. I want to be a great parent to my daughter and I just imagined that the only way I could achieve that was by staying home with her and making sure she had every minute, every meal and every activity of every day planned out by MOM… but the reality is you have to do what is right for your family may it be going back to work or not. Our family seems to be coping fine, well I still weep in my cubical from time to time (my co-workers assure me that’s common also). My best advice would be taking it day by day, minute by minute if you have to. Leave a few annual leave days if you can just to stay home with your child if you want to, if you need help ask for it.

All in all my transition back to work has been great! Please feel free to comment with your going back to work success stores and tips and trick for keeping sane! And don’t forget Christmas is around the corner contact www.gobabyrentals.ca for all the baby equipment you need while family is visiting!

Mama’s ROCK!

Since having my daughter last September I found it extremely hard to jump into the exercise regiment that I had all planned in my mind… Oh yes, I actually thought I would be back into my pre-baby jeans in a few months what with all this time I was going to have on my hands (Ha!). I had total disregard for the fact my time and energy would be solely devoted to someone other than myself! As the days and months slipped away faster than I could imagine I found myself 4 months away from wedding day and still not in those jeans. Needless to say I had a semi-panic attack and singed up for the Tely 10 thinking – ok now I have a goal and for sure all that running that would get the pounds off.

I went from running one mile and almost dying to 10 miles in a matter of two months with a lot of support from my partner. Seriously, as soon as he stepped in the door I literally would do the hand off with my daughter and hit the pavement. And even though I was getting the miles in I still was not seeing the results I wanted. I figured I was going to have to bite the bullet and join a gym, something I dreaded. I mean jumping around with a bunch of toned 20 something’s was discouraging to say the least! Until I found You Rock Fitness Mommy and Baby Boot Camp which came highly recommended by a friend. It was great to get outside with other Rocking Mamas and have the awesome instructors Patrick and Amy push you to your limit. Their “Can do” mentality and the camaraderie among the mothers is such a great motivation to keep going. Since joining a month ago I have lost 2 extra inches, I am definitely stronger and I have more confidence! It’s a great start and yes I managed to squeeze myself in those jeans! Classes are very reasonable in price and they have a ton of toys for the little ones to keep themselves occupied while you work out. Although if your kiddos are anything like mine you’ll just be working a bit harder with the 25 extra pounds you will be lifting while doing squats… I guess it’s just my daughter’s way of helping mommy get back into shape!

You Rock Fitness also offers eat clean challenges and many more classes for anyone to attend. If you are looking for a bit of motivation check out this link to find out how other mama’s are keeping up their fitness regiments. If you’re getting into running and want to check out the Bob Sport Utility Stroller check out www.gobabyrentals.ca we have great day rates and deliver!

My First Tely 10

Little Rockers

Bob Sport Utility Stroller

Help your baby beat the heat.

Whether or not you believe in global warming, you’ve got to admit it’s been an exceptionally hot in Newfoundland this summer (not that I’m complaining). Excessive heat can be very dangerous, even deadly. Indeed, heat is by far the number one cause of weather-related deaths in Canada, infants and children up to four years of age (as well as people over 65 and the chronically ill) are at the greatest risk for heat-related illness.

Babies’ temperature-regulating systems aren’t fully developed; they have fewer sweat glands than adults, so they sweat less. As a result, they’re not as efficient as adults in keeping cool and are very susceptible to hyperthermia — an abnormally high body temperature — which can be life-threatening.

Because many babies can’t tell their parents or caregivers that they’re thirsty, they can become dangerously dehydrated in hot weather, which also can lead to hyperthermia. So, it’s extremely important to be alert to the following warning signs of dehydration in babies:

• Dry mouth or tongue
• Few tears when crying
• Few wet diapers (less than six a day)
• Dark yellow or smelly urine
• Sunken “soft spots,” eyes or cheeks
• Mottled, grayish, skin that’s cool to the touch.
• High fever
• Listlessness

If you think your baby is dehydrated, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you try to get him or her to drink an electrolyte replacement solution (such as Pedialyte) or water, and call your doctor immediately. Because dehydration causes babies’ core temperature to rise rapidly, it puts them at increased risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The best way to keep babies safe in the summer heat is to prevent them from becoming overheated and dehydrated in the first place.

Here’s how:

1. Make sure your baby drinks extra fluids, especially water, in warm weather. Breastfed babies also need additional liquids either from the breast or bottle, whatever the mother prefers. And if you’re nursing, you should increase your fluid intake as well so you don’t become dehydrated.

 

2. Keep your baby indoors in an air-conditioned room during heat waves. According to the CDC, the number one protection against heat-related illness and death is air conditioning. If your home isn’t air conditioned, find some place that is, such as a shopping mall, public library or a heat-relief shelter. Fans can help a bit, but when the temperature soars into the 90s, fans cannot prevent heat exhaustion and stroke.

 

3. If your baby must go outdoors, dress him or her in light-weight, light-colored clothes. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (if the baby is over 6 months of age) are a must. They also help protect a baby from dangerous sun rays. Babies are very susceptible to sunburn and when children become sunburned, their sweat glands don’t function as well. And sunburns in babies put them at increased risk for skin cancer, even in childhood.

 

4. Never leave a baby or child unattended in a parked car, even for one minute. Most babies and young children who die from hyperthermia had been left alone in cars. Even with the windows cracked open, cars can rapidly heat up to dangerous levels in 10 minutes, even in moderate temperatures. Metal seat buckles can also become dangerously hot in a parked car and burn a baby’s sensitive skin.

 

Most of these heat-related safety tips can also be applied to older children, the elderly, people with serious medical problems and even pets, all of whom are highly susceptible to the ill effects of high temperatures. And they’re often dependent on others to make sensible decisions to protect them. Summertime should be a happy time. It’s up to you to keep your baby cool, well hydrated and safe from the heat and scorching sun.

 

Never leave your child in a car unattended

-Source : Huffington Healthy Living

Take the weight out of your travels

With this business I frequent the airport in St. John’s often and it never ceases to amaze me how enjoyable it is to watch families and friends reunite. I think the airport is arguably the one place where the most hugs occur! Seriously if you are ever feeling down on the human race, go to the airport for an hour and your doubt in humanity will soon be restored. From hugs and kisses to gentlemen helping with bags and holding doors, it is refreshing to see!

 

Unfortunately though there is also a downside to travelling sometimes. One I see all the time is exhausted parents travelling with their kids! Just yesterday I witnessed a family of 6 arrive after and obviously long flight. The few moments of glee from grandkids embracing their grandparents was adorable, but the look on the parents face was unmistakable (they needed a drink, a strong one!). Two strollers piled high with bags, trying to find their booster seats, scrambling to keep 4 kids in one spot and of course the dreaded lost carseat among the hundreds of others looking for their bags. All I could think was – geese you could of saved yourself a ton of trouble by simply renting your equipment and have it delivered! And yes, of course I am bias as an owner of a baby equipment rental company. But the fact is Parents can save themselves a ton of headaches and simply contact me at michelle@gobabyrentals.ca or call (709) 770 -6863 and Ill arrange all your equipment to be delivered right to you!

 

Take the weight out of your travels www.gobabyrentals.ca has what you need!

Take the weight out of your travels. http://www.gobabyrentals.ca

Baby’s first ride home!

Ill never forget the words my mom said to me when I left for the hospital to have my daughter,” you’re going in the hospital one person, and coming out a totally different one”. At the time I shrugged her off because I knew I had prepared, I was ready for this! But as we packed up my daughter in her car seat (incorrectly I might add), tuned the key in the ignition the and began to roll out of the hospital parking lot my once calm demeanour quickly disappeared and a overprotective mama bear was unleashed. It was as though my partner became the worst driver instantly, everyone on the road was a maniac and every bump felt as if that car was going fall to pieces (well that last one is actually no exaggeration for St. John’s roads).

Lets face it no matter how much you “prepare” for parenthood, you’ll never actually be. And even though we had the best car seat money could buy we had no idea how to buckle our daughter in it properly. After all the research I had done here are a few things I wish I had to know before taking my little girl home. Firstly, Kids in Safe Seats (KISS) is a great resource and taking one of their car seat safety clinics will only benefit you in the long run. Also check out Go Baby Rentals and try out some of the equipment before buy! Making sure equipment fits your lifestyle as well as your vehicle will take the stress out of those first few weeks trying get around with your little one. And remember to register your car seat for safety recalls, this is something so many parent forget to do! If your car seats are recalled no need to rush out and purchase a new one Go Baby Rentals offers great weekly rates and has an emergency drop off service!

Enjoy the ride!

No need to blow it!

Experiencing the cuisine in a new city is always one of my favorite parts to a trip, and sometimes overdoing it is inevitable. Especially here in St. John’s with jigs dinner smothered in delicious homemade gravy, Fish and chips so fresh it latterly melts in your mouth and of course slabs of homemade fresh soft bread lathered up with eversweet butter. I mean come on, get it in ya! And if you are looking for a great place to dine check out Bacalao, authentic Newfoundland cuisine at its best!

 

But wait you don’t have to throw away all your hard work on a two week vacation! All those miles you ran and finally getting your daughter to eat her greens does not have to fly out the window.  The Real Food Market is St. John’s first organic grocery store that offers DELIVERY!!  It’s so simple, just go to the online store and place your order and have it delivered right to your door! They offer a great selection of organic and wholesome foods for the whole family. This service is perfect for the family renting a vacation homes in the St. John’s and surrounding area. Check out http://www.detoxinista.com website for great recipes designed for all sorts of dietary needs! I suggest the vegan mac and cheese for those foggy days here in Newfoundland.

 

And for those parents wanting to keep on their stroller fitness regiments, Go Baby Rentals offers great rates on the Bob Sport Utility Strollers, take a nice stroll downtown or have a run in Victoria Park. For those that want to get a hike in on the East Coast Trial try our out MEC Happy Trails hiking pack! Maintaining that healthy lifestyle with your family couldn’t be easier!

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for your chance to win your very own MEC Happy Trials Hiking Pack!

 

Check out Wild Horses in Portugal Cove, NF for the best Fish and Chips

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Hit the East Coast Trails with the MEC Pack

Why Rent?

With Canada Day upon us families are packing up and heading out for their first outing of the summer! And really what a better province than Newfoundland to do it in! The icebergs are plentiful, the capelin is rolling and the wales are jumping. So much to see and do! And as a Mother, I understand that sometimes travelling with all your gear is simply impossible, which is why I started Go Baby Rentals. I wanted to provide another option to parents that took the stress out of getting to our beautiful province. Since opening I have so many parents tell me what a relief it was that this service is now being offered. However, on the other hand I have had a few say “we just borrow our equipment from our friends” or “I will buy some gear second hand when we get there”. And while these are both reasonable options for parents, I also feel it important that people visiting our province understand the laws and risks around using second hand car seats.

 

As of January 1st, 2012, new child restraint system and booster seat requirements became mandatory under the Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Seats Safety Regulations. Also, car seats made prior to January 1st, 2012 cannot be sold, advertised or donated under Health Canada’s Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. I have taken great care to ensure your child safety by purchasing all equipment new, having equipment inspect before and after it is returned, and checking recalls on all our equipment regularly. This simply cannot be done when using second hand equipment.

 

Making your vacations memorable also involves making sure it is a safe one! Go Baby Rentals ensure that you are getting Safe, Convenient and Affordable equipment! Simply check out our online catalogue, book your equipment, and have it delivered! It couldn’t be easier! Go Baby Rentals also offers all stages of car seats for the best rates in the province! We offer both daily and weekly rental rates, and don’t forget to bundle your equipment for even more savings.

 

See you on the Rock!

email: michelle@gobabyrentals.ca

web:www.gobabyrentals.ca

Call: (709) 770-6863

 

St. Anthony Ice Berg

Discover SunCare Sunscreen

This past weekend I was able to stop into the Artisans Market put off by Planned Parenthood. I never know what to expect with these types of markets so I always keep a bit of cash in my pocket just incase I stumble upon a gem. And wouldn’t you know it I did, a homemade sun screen called SunCare by St. John’s Soap Works. This inexpensve sunscreen boasts all benefits that moms are looking for; water resistant, SPF 30, kid safe, no toxins, no alcohols or acids no PABA, not to mention its made with shea butter, olive, vitamin E and coconut butter all for 10$ (1/2 the price Goddess Garden Sunny Baby Natural Sunscreen I’ve been using and twice as much!). After reading all the good stuff in SunCare I thought I better check out my sun sunscreen and realized quickly that I had no idea what I was putting on my skin and that many sunscreens are simply inadequate. I found an article from the 2014 Environmental Working Group  which outlines that most toxic sunscreens on the market today. Check out the top offenders, you might be surprised!

Don’t forget to check out http://www.gobabyrentals.ca MEC Happy Trials Hiking Pack! SunCare + Hiking pack = Happy Trails!

Check out St. John’s Soap Works! http://www.facebook.com/stjohnssoapworks

Summer, it only comes once a year so get out and enjoy!

Summer is finally here! Although I think someone forgot to tell mother nature! Whatever the weather looks like St. John’s has a ton of activities going on all weekend that are great for the whole family! www.gobabyrentals.ca has great day rental rates for the Beco Gemini Carriers   only $15 a day! This carrier is perfect for watching the races at Quidi Vidi Lake. Its lightweight and ergonomically designed to ensure you and your baby are comfortable ! Enjoy the long weekend and don’t forget to like us on Facebook for your chance to win a MEC happy trails hiking pack!

 

Check out the Discovery day EVENTS!

Saturday, June 21

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Discovery Day Regatta: Quidi Vidi Lake
Come out and watch the first competitive race of the 2014 season for Royal St. John’s Regatta Crews.
Wind/rain day: Sunday, June 22

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Commissariat House: 11 Kings Bridge Road
Discover 1830’s St. John’s with fun for the whole family.  Drop in and enjoy tasty treats straight from the hearth and fun crafts throughout the weekend: make a shadow puppet, write with a quill pen and more.
Free admission and activities

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ride the Metrobus Trolley Line
Free rides today only
More details at metrobus.com/trolley

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Windows on the West
Free admission to historic & culturally significant sites on Water Street west:

• Railway Coastal Museum and City Archives, 495 Water Street
  • Visit the City of St. John’s Archives to learn about City Council or take a tour of our building. While kids are learning how to prepare a scrapbook and digging for treasures, view the historic photograph collection or search the history of your neighbourhood.
  • All aboard! Dressed in costume, join the folks at the Railway Coastal Museum to experience the days of the railway, as well as face painting, balloon sculptures, bouncy castle, fire truck, puppet shows, Little Ray’s Reptiles, cupcakes and much more.
    • Little Ray’s Reptiles 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
    • Historic Walking Tour 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    • Bouncy Castle 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Lantern Making Workshop hosted by the Lantern Festival 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Newman Wine Vaults, 436 Water Street
  • With tales of profit, pirates and port, the walls of the Newman Wine Vaults really are infused with the spirits of old St. John’s! Discover the fascinating history of the Newman’s celebrated port and participate in hands-on activities: Design your own bottle label, learn how to build a vaulted roof and test your nose at our scent station.  Can you identify the aromas? Guest performance by Musical Friends from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Apothecary Hall, 488 Water Street
  • Visit our heritage drugstore circa 1895. Have a look at a ship’s medicine chest to see what drugs were used in the early 1900’s. View pill making demonstrations and equipment used in the preparation of medications.
• Tommy Ricketts Memorial Park, corner of Water Street and Job Street
  • Pay respects to one of our most honoured war heroes.  The RNC Mounted Unit will visit during the day.

 

Sunday, June 22

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Commissariat House, 11 Kings Bridge Road
Discover 1830’s St. John’s with fun for the whole family. Drop in and enjoy tasty treats straight from the hearth and fun crafts throughout the weekend: make a shadow puppet, write with a quill pen and more.
Free admission and activities

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Whale Festival: Cape Spear National Historic Site
A celebration of the arrival of whales off our shores.  Cape Spear National Historic Site and the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium will host the 4th annual festival.
Free activities, whale watching and interactive displays, touch tanks and much more for the whole family.

2 to 4 p.m.

St. John’s Folk Jam: Prince Edward Plaza, George Street
The City of St. John’s, Newfoundland Folk Arts Society and the Craft Council Clay Studio come together to bring you an afternoon of  free Family- friendly folk music and craft on George Street.  Folk music featuring talented young performers including singer/songwriter Jenna Maloney to open the show followed by a set of fiddle tunes and traditional song from Maria Peddle and Anthony Chafe and a closing set from local indie band City on the Coast. The Craft Council Clay studio will be set-up onsite to provide free hands-on community folk art project. Residents will have an opportunity to get creative and  work with clay artists to put their mark on a clay totem pole.

Baby’s First Flight!

A few months ago I decided to take my daughter to visit our family in Toronto, Ontario. Needless to say as soon as I booked the ticket the obsession of how my 6 month old daughter would behave on the 3 hour flight began. There was endless preparation, everything was planned meticulously right down to the thermometer and the rented car seat that awaited me at the terminal. And even though I had thought of every possible scenario I naively overlooked one key fact… there is such a thing as too much! Between the 2 types of grip water, 5 pacifiers, 10 diapers, 2 changes of clothes, toys, blankets, food, oh yes and the every so important first aid kit fully equipped with thermometer. I was so overwhelmed with stuff that the person sat next to me kindly found another seat, I felt terrible and relieved !

There were many things I quickly learned on that flight;

1) Just bring the basics; 1 favourite toy, have lots of milk, and most of all make sure you and your baby are comfortable… No need to dress up or have our baby with accessories like shoes that will just fall off. Next time I fly my daughter will be in a sleeper for sure!

2) Don’t worry about if your baby will cry, they most likely will. If you are really concerned that your crying baby will bother people take a day flight. In my experience the flight I took to Toronto was in the evening and I got many dirty looks, on the way back we took a mid-morning flight and folks on the plane were playful and kind with my daughters out bursts.

3) RENT your baby equipment when you travel! The less you have to bring the better! I chose Travelbug Baby  They had a wide range of equipment that was delivered prior to my visit so when my family picked me up everything was already set up and they was picked up after I left. It was so convenient and affordable, and Sheree the owner was a huge help!

Sophie visiting her Nanny in Toronto, Ont.

Check out www.gobabyrentals.ca for rental equipment in St. John’s, Newfoundland