Newborn to Toddler: Helping Your Baby Sleep

At around week 25, your baby may have much more energy, with a growing curiosity and eagerness to explore the world around them. You might notice them trying to arch their back or squirm out of your arms to get to the floor. You may observe your little one moving with more purpose and focus than before. They may now be reaching, grabbing, and engaging with their surroundings in new and wonderful ways, marking a key milestone in their physical and mental development.  A time of exploration The arching, squirming, and desire to move are signs that your baby’s muscles are developing, and they’re getting ready to explore on their own. Many babies begin pushing with their fingers and toes toward something they want. A good way to encourage these developing skills is to place toys just out of reach during playtime, which may inspire your little one to stretch and roll (and soon crawl) to reach them . You can also bring water toys to the bathtub to help develop their coordination skills. Always ensure your baby is supervised.   At this stage, your baby may start to explore textures, shapes, and tastes by putting everything in their mouth. No need to worry, this is perfectly normal and may help your baby better understand their surroundings.  Gaining strength and coordination Your baby may also begin refining their motor skills soon after the six-month milestone. You may notice them examining toys like a little detective and then passing the toy back and forth from hand to hand, as they practice their developing dexterity.   It’s a joy to watch as they explore their new abilities. Babies may challenge themselves to sit up without support between six and seven months, when their neck and back muscles gain strength. They may even start bearing a little weight on their legs. These milestones are important steps in developing baby’s balance and strength that will eventually help them sit, stand, and walk. Babbling and bonding At this stage, your baby's communication abilities might begin to flourish. You’ll likely hear more vowel-consonant combinations, and they might start mimicking sounds. You may also notice your little one responding to their name and recognizing simple words. Expressions of happiness, excitement, and even frustration are signs that their communication skills are developing.  To support their budding abilities, engage your baby in activities like reading aloud, singing songs, uttering simple repetitive phrases, and showing them different objects while you slowly say their names. These steps can help build your little one’s vocabulary and language skills. Top takeaways The six-month mark is a time bursting with energy and new discoveries. Encourage your little one’s development through frequent play and communication. Watching your baby develop into a little explorer is a joy you’ll treasure forever. Remember, all babies develop at their own pace. Consult your doctor on your baby's progress.   HealthLink BC. Your child’s development from birth to 3 years. Accessed March 2025. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/your-childs-development-birth-3-years Canadian Paediatric Society. Caring for kids.cps.ca. Your child’s development: What to expect. Accessed March 2025. https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development/your_childs_development

Becoming a new parent is such an exciting and emotional journey, but it can also leave you wondering if you’ll ever sleep through the night again—especially when you’re up at 4am with your little one! But don’t worry. Just as you eventually learned to sleep through the night when you were little, your baby will too. Here’s a helpful guide to understanding your baby’s changing sleep patterns, with tips to help you and baby get a good night’s rest. The early days There’s nothing like the joy and wonder of watching your newborn sleep. Most of the time they’ll be in active sleep mode, which is characterized by dreaming, twitching, and irregular breathing. This is completely normal. As your baby grows more familiar with their new world, their sleep patterns will become more predictable.tips to help you and baby get a good night’s rest. Sleep needs in the first 3 months Newborns need lots of sleep, about 16 to 18 hours a day, and they will usually wake up every few hours for feedings. During this time, it’s all about creating a calming routine to help them feel safe and secure. Here are a few tips to help: Keep the room where they sleep dark and quiet and put your baby to sleep at the same time each night, to help  signal that it’s time to wind down. Let them sleep in their own safe environment, and not in bed with you. Have a bassinet or cradle ready in case your baby isn’t comfortable sleeping in a crib at first. Always place your baby on their back for every sleep to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Between 3 to 6 months Life may become more predictable around the four-month mark. Your little one may nap two or three times during the day, which will help them sleep more consistently at night. Help your baby develop “self-soothing” skills by putting them in the crib when they’re drowsy, but not fully asleep. This will help them learn to fall asleep on their own. From 7 to 12 months By now, your baby may sleep through the night, although some will still wake up once or twice to feed. Your baby will need about 12 to 16 hours of total sleep, including nighttime sleep and daytime naps. If your baby cries during the night, give them a little time to see if they can get back to sleep on their own. If the crying continues, comfort them with a gentle touch or soothing lullaby. Once your baby can sit upright or push up on their hands and knees, you should remove mobiles or toy bars within their reach and move the mattress to its lowest level.  From 12+ months  Most toddlers sleep between 11 and 14 hours a day, which includes nighttime sleep and two naps or one longer afternoon nap. It is still important for them to nap since this helps promote growth, restoration, and brain development. Napping also gives you a chance to doze along with your little one or catch up on a favourite TV show. These sleepy cues indicate your toddler may need a nap: Lower energy and activity levels (for instance, losing interest in toys). Quieting down and rubbing their eyes. Irritability, whining, or fussiness.  With love, patience, and good routines, your baby will learn to sleep through the night. Remember that every baby is unique. With each passing day, your little one will find their own sleep rhythm. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your own or your baby’s sleep patterns. Sweet dreams! Canadian Paediatric Society, Caring for Kids. Healthy sleep for your baby and child. December 2018. Accessed March 2025. https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/healthy_sleep_for_your_baby_and_child  American Academy of Pediatrics. HealthyChildren.Org. Stages of newborn sleep. September 18, 2013. Accessed March 2025.https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/phases-of-sleep.aspx  Health Canada. Safe sleep for your baby. October 2021. Accessed March 2025. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/safe-sleep-your-baby-brochure.html

Welcoming a new baby into your life is a beautiful adventure. A lot of your time early on may be spent learning how to make your little one comfortable and happy. Something that can make a big difference to your baby’s well-being is paying extra attention to their tummy. Baby’s digestive system is still developing, so issues like gas and tummy discomfort may occur and cause your baby to fuss or cry. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to help your baby’s tummy stay happy and healthy! Here are three helpful tips: Tummy time for baby Tummy time is supervised play where you allow your baby to spend time on their tummy while they are awake. It’s an important and fun way for your little one to strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, develop head control, improve their motor skills (such as crawling), and prevent flat spots from forming on their head.  Tummy time may also aid in digestion, as being on their stomach helps strengthen and stretch baby’s abdominal muscles. Tummy time can put gentle pressure on baby’s tummy and help them move gas out and ease discomfort. Start with a few minutes of tummy time, 2 or 3 times a day, and build up to 3 or 4 tummy time sessions a day for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Gentle baby massage A massage is not only soothing for your baby, but it may also support a healthy tummy. Massaging your baby’s belly in a clockwise direction—from the top of the tummy to the bottom—may help your baby digest their food better and experience less constipation. Gentle massage is also a lovely bonding experience that can promote relaxation, improve your baby’s sleep, help keep them calm, and improve their circulation. You’ll notice how much your baby enjoys the feeling of your hands moving gently over their tummy.  Probiotics help nurture baby’s gut If you’re breast feeding, breast milk* contains probiotics; that can help support digestion, improve gut flora, and boost baby’s immune system. If you choose to use formula, look for those that are tummy-friendly, easy to digestǂ, and contain partially broken-down proteins and probiotics. Learn more about Good Start® Plus Stage 1 formula. Top takeaways Regular check-ins with your doctor can help you ensure your baby’s health is on track and that they are getting all the nutrients they need.  With a little tummy time each day, some gentle massage, and the goodness of breast milk and/or infant formula, you’re helping to set the stage for a happy, healthy digestive system! * Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for infants. Health Canada recommends that all breastfed and partially breastfed infants in Canada should receive a daily supplement of 10 µg (400 IU) vitamin D.   ǂ Like all infant formula.  American Academy of Pediatrics. HealthyChildren.Org. Abdominal Pain in infants: 8 possible reasons your baby’s tummy hurts. Accessed March 2025. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Abdominal-Pains-in-Infants.aspx American Academy of Pediatrics. HealthyChildren.Org. Gas Relief for Babies. Accessed March 2025. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Breaking-Up-Gas.aspx 

In their first few weeks, your baby is using all their senses to explore the exciting new world around them. Here are some milestones you can look forward to in the early months with your little one. Month 1: Baby is exploring, developing reflexes, and starting to communicate Your baby will sleep, a lot! By the second week, you may notice your baby crying more frequently, as they begin to communicate their needs. At first all cries will sound alike, but soon enough you’ll start to recognize different types of cries signalling hunger, discomfort, or fatigue. The Moro—or startle—reflex, which happens when a baby is startled by a loud sound or by movement that feels like they are falling, may occur often. Other reflexes will also start to develop. Tips to stimulate baby’s senses Hearing: Play soothing music, use your own comforting voice to speak to them (in general babies prefer high-pitched voices), or introduce soft toys that make sounds to stimulate baby’s hearing. Sight: Capture their attention with black-and-white patterns, high-contrast mobiles, and your smiling face. Touch: Engage their sense of touch with soft blankets and toys. Expect to see your baby: Lift their head slightly to strengthen their neck muscles. Track objects close to their face. Blink in response to bright lights. Turn toward familiar voices. Grip your finger (the grasp reflex) or respond when you touch the corner of their mouth, which activates the rooting reflex and helps baby latch for breastfeeding. Month 2: Smiling and cooing are baby’s ways of talking to you  Your baby is becoming more alert and responsive now, taking in everything around them. They may smile or coo to show emotions, respond to familiar sounds, or when they recognize you and your partner. Your little one will start to communicate with sounds other than crying. Tips to nurture their social development Spend time talking, reading, and singing to your baby to help them develop their social skills. Talk back soothingly to your baby when they make sounds. This intimate face-to-face time will strengthen your bond and help them grasp the rhythm of conversation. Engage your baby’s attention with bright, colourful toys. Expect to see your baby: Push their chest up with their arms during tummy time to develop muscles and coordination. Go silent, cry, or act startled in response to loud sounds. Repeat “oohs” and “aahs.” Focus on small objects as they work their eye muscles. Month 3: Baby is building trust  By the third month, your little one will begin developing confidence and will start to associate actions with outcomes, such as calming down at the sound of your voice. By consistently meeting your little one’s needs, you can help build your baby’s sense of trust and foster their sense of safety and security. You can help develop their communication skills by talking, singing, and reading to them. Use simple language with them and pronounce words clearly. Expect to see your baby: Bring their hands together and start reaching for things. Explore by sucking on fingers and other objects. Maintain eye contact to learn to focus. Turn toward your voice and recognize sounds more clearly. Top takeaways  Watching your baby grow, use their senses, and start to communicate is incredibly exciting! Remember that babies reach developmental milestones at their own pace. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your baby's progress.     Rourke Baby Record. Updated 2024. www.rourkebabyrecord.ca Accessed March 2025.   American Academy of Pediatrics. HealthyChildren.Org. Hearing and making sounds: Your baby’s milestones. Updated February 22, 2021. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Hearing-and-Making-Sounds.aspx#:~:text=They%20will%20recognize%20and%20respond,accordingly%2C%20without%20even%20realizing%20it Canadian Paediatric Society. Caring for kids.cps.ca. Your child’s development: What to expect. Accessed March 2025. https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development/your_childs_development  

Bringing a baby home is incredibly exciting, but the new responsibilities can also feel like a lot. Here are some simple yet effective tips to help you rest, recharge, and beat fatigue, so you can feel your best while taking care of your little one. Naptime is prime time Finding the time to get everything done at home may feel tricky, but rest shouldn't take a backseat. Loading the dishwasher and folding the clothes can wait! Try to get into the rhythm of napping when your baby does. If that’s not always possible, ask your partner or a family member to watch the baby while you get some much-deserved shut-eye.  Feel free to limit guests  While visitors often mean well, they can sometimes add more work than support during the early days with your little one. Don’t be shy about setting boundaries around who can visit and when. If you’re not up for the company, it’s okay to say no. When you feel ready for visitors, prioritize family and friends who are willing to help and provide support.    Eat healthy meals Eating well and staying hydrated will help your body recover and stay energized. Opt for healthy foods—like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. For more nutrition tips, check out this article: Taking Care: Nutrition Tips for Expecting and New Moms. Go easy on the coffee The occasional morning coffee may help you feel alert , but try not to rely on caffeine to power through the day. Too much coffee can disrupt your sleep patterns (and your baby’s too, if you’re breastfeeding), so limit your intake to below 300 mg (two to three cups of coffee) per day. If you’re craving a warm drink later in the day, have a nice herbal tea instead! Add in morning workouts Looking to start exercising again? Slowly ease into it with low intensity exercise, like taking your baby for a walk. Talk to your doctor before you start working out after giving birth. Consider sharing feeding responsibilities Having expressed breast milk or ready-to-feed formula, like Good Start® Plus 1 Ready-to-Feed Baby Formula, can come in super handy when you need a break, want to catch up on uninterrupted sleep, or just need some alone time. Pro tip: sunshine may help A dose of sunlight can provide vitamin D, boost your mood, and may also help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Stroller sessions may offer fresh air, some sunshine, and moderate exercise—great for you and your baby! Top takeaways While the first few months can feel challenging, remember that taking care of yourself is good for you and your baby. So, embrace the support around you, eat well, and enjoy guilt-free naps as needed. You deserve it!   Government of Canada. Your guide to postpartum health and caring for your baby. Published May 2023. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/child-infant-health/postpartum-health-guide.html

Introducing solids is an exciting milestone but knowing when and how to start is important for your baby’s development.  According to Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society, solids should be introduced around six months. Even as complementary foods are introduced, breast milk and/or formula should remain the primary source of nutrition and can continue to provide essential nutrients for up to two years or longer. This gradual transition ensures your baby’s dietary needs are fully supported.1 Not sure if your baby is ready to explore solid food? Some common developmental signs of readiness2: Sitting up without support and neck muscles have strengthened. Showing interest in food when others are eating. Ability to pick up small foods and try to put it in their mouth. Indicate interest by leaning or turning away to show that they don’t want food. Here are some tips on how to introduce solids safely and effectively: Your baby’s safety is critical during feedings. Follow these guidelines3: Always supervise your baby while they eat. Start with soft foods and then gradually progress to a variety of textures. Minimize the risk of choking by avoiding hard foods, small and round foods, and smooth and sticky foods – such as hard candies, whole grapes, hot dogs, nuts and seeds, and peanut butter by itself. Introduce common allergens over separate feedings to monitor for reactions. Cook meats and eggs thoroughly. Do not offer unpasteurized dairy products or juices. Do not introduce honey until your baby is over 1 year old. How to Introduce Solids The transition to solids can be fun and engaging for your baby. Here are some ways to help make it a positive experience3: Iron-Rich FoodsBegin with iron-rich options like meats, meat alternatives, or iron-fortified cereals. Offer these multiple times a day. FrequencyGradually increase the number of solid food offerings as your baby adjusts. Self-FeedingEncourage your baby to explore different textures and practice feeding themselves with finger foods from family meals. Ensure the pieces are cut into appropriate sizes to avoid choking and make it easier for your baby to handle. Hunger Cues Pay attention to hunger cues and when your baby signals they are full.  Establish a RoutineAs they approach 12 months, try establishing regular meal and snack times. For more guidance, visit Health Canada or the Canadian Paediatric Society for sample menus and ideas. By taking it step by step, you can ensure your baby’s transition to solids is safe and enjoyable. References1. Government of Canada, 2024. Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Six to 24 Months. Accessed December 2024. URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-food-guide/resources/nutrition-healthy-term-infants/nutrition-healthy-term-infants-recommendations-birth-six-months/6-24-months.html2. Canadian Paediatric Society, 2020. Feeding your baby in the first year. Accessed December 2024. URL: https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/feeding_your_baby_in_the_first_year3. Government of Canada, 2014. Infant nutrition. Accessed December 2024. URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/infant-care/infant-nutrition.html#a2

Why Nutrition Should Be Top-of-Mind for Moms Good nutrition is essential for supporting the health of both moms and their developing babies. A well-balanced diet during preconception, pregnancy, and while postpartum can support optimal growth of baby. Here are some ways you can tailor your nutrition to every stage of your journey. Preconception Nutrition Before pregnancy, it’s important to prepare your body with the nutrients it needs for a healthy start for baby. Focus on: A Balanced Diet Follow Health Canada’s Food Guide to ensure you’re eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Limit the consumption of highly processed foods that add additional sodium, sugars and saturated fats to your diet.  Intake of Folic Acid Folic acid is one of the B vitamins important for the healthy growth of an unborn baby. It can reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) when taken in the early weeks of pregnancy; this is when most women do not realize they are pregnant.1 Therefore, if you could or plan to get pregnant, start taking a daily multivitamin with 0.4 mg of folic acid.1 Prenatal Nutrition Once pregnant, your body’s nutritional needs change to support your baby’s growth and development. Prioritize: Variety and Nutrients Eat a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and protein, and choose foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.2,3 Food Safety During pregnancy, you will be at an increased risk for food poisoning since your immune system is weakened. Avoid eating raw, undercooked, or unpasteurized foods, soft and semi-soft cheeses, deli meats,  pâtés, cold cuts, and fish high in mercury (e.g., fresh/frozen tuna, shark, swordfish).3,4 Supplements Take a prenatal vitamin with 0.4 mg of folic acid and 16 to 20 mg of iron to ensure you meet your increased nutrient needs.3 Postpartum Nutrition After giving birth, good nutrition will support your recovery and overall health. Here’s what to focus on: Prenatal Vitamins Continue taking your prenatal multivitamin with 0.4 mg of folic acid.5 Hydration Stay hydrated with lots of water – it will help prevent constipation and swelling.5 You will also need more water if you’re breastfeeding. Aim to drink a glass of water after each feed. Meal Planning Plan simple, balanced meals with a variety of healthy foods to keep your energy levels up.  If you’re breastfeeding, remember to add an extra healthy snack or small meal to ensure you get the energy and nutrition to produce breast milk.5 By prioritizing nutrition at every stage, you’ll help build a healthy foundation for your baby while supporting your own well-being. References1. Government of Canada, 2024. Folic acid and neural tube defects. Accessed 2024 December. URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/pregnancy/folic-acid.html2. Health Canada (2022). Nutrition considerations during pregnancy and to support breastfeeding. Accessed December 2024. URL: https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/applying-guidelines/nutrition-considerations-during-pregnancy-support-breastfeeding/3. Government of Canada, 2024. Your guide to a healthy pregnancy. Accessed 2025 January. URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-pregnancy/healthy-pregnancy-guide.html#a14. Government of Canada, 2024. Mercury in fish. Accessed 2025 January. URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/chemical-contaminants/environmental-contaminants/mercury/mercury-fish.html5. Government of Canada, 2024. Your guide to postpartum health and caring for your baby. Accessed 2025 January. URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/child-infant-health/postpartum-health-guide.html

It’s never too early to start thinking about your birth plan, and one of the most important considerations for your big day is your birth team! This is the group of people you choose to support you through labour, delivery, and the early days of postpartum. Always consult your doctor for advice, as everyone’s needs are different. Assembling your all-star team Labour and delivery take teamwork! Your birth team can be made up of a mix of healthcare professionals and loved ones who will be there to guide, assist, and comfort you. Creating your birth team is all about surrounding yourself with people you trust, who will help make your birth experience as positive and supportive as possible. Here’s a list of the people who might be part of your birth team:1,2 Obstetrician: A medical professional overseeing your birth and ensuring your safety and that of your baby. Registered midwife: A professional who can provide care during your pregnancy, labour, birth, and even postpartum period for women with low-risk pregnancies. Family physician: If you've been seeing your family doctor throughout your pregnancy, check to see if they can continue to provide care during labour and delivery. They may also provide postpartum care after the birth. Doula: A trained support person who provides emotional, physical, and informational assistance during labour and delivery. Partner: Your loved one to offer comfort, encouragement, and support throughout the experience. Family or friends: Parents, siblings, or close friends who you want by your side for extra emotional support. Nurses: Healthcare providers who assist with monitoring your health and your baby’s progress during labour. This list is by no means exhaustive! Your birth team should reflect your unique health needs and preferences, so it’s all about finding the right people who will help you feel confident and taken care of. Quick tips Do your research and ask questions: Pregnancy is the time to ask all the questions that are important to you. Find out what healthcare options align with your needs and desires for the big day and design your team accordingly. Pick people you trust: Take your time when choosing the right people for your team—whether it's a healthcare provider or a friend, choose those who respect your wishes and support your choices. Open, clear communication is key: Discuss your birth plan and preferences ahead of time with your birth team. Whether it’s pain management, the presence of certain people during the birth, or how you want to approach newborn care, rely on your team to support you in your birthing journey! Top takeaways Creating your birth team is an important, emotional step in preparing for your labour and delivery. Remember, your birth experience is uniquely yours. By surrounding yourself. with people you trust, who respect your choices and provide the support you need, you’re helping to set the stage for a positive, empowering day. And be sure to communicate with your healthcare provider if you need assistance. You’ve got this! References1. HealthLink BC. How support teams can help during pregnancy. Updated August 2013. Accessed January 2025. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/pregnancy/emotional-health-and-support-during-pregnancy/how-support-teams-can 2. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Choosing a healthcare provider. Pregnancy Info. Accessed December 2024. https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/before-you-conceive/your-health-prior-to-pregnancy/choosing-a-healthcare-provider/