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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

Colic is a relatively common, though challenging, experience for many parents. While it typically peaks between 6–8 weeks and resolves by 3–4 months1, it can be frustrating to manage. Here are some strategies and tips you can use to ease the journey. What Causes Colic? The exact cause of colic remains unclear to scientists and doctors. A doctor may diagnose a baby with colic if they cry for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 times per week, and it occurs for more than 3 weeks.2 However, a colicky baby does not mean an unhealthy baby. There are plenty of ways you can help manage symptoms.1,3 If you are worried about your baby's crying, talk to your doctor. Tips for Managing Colic Navigating colic requires patience, self-care, and some proven approaches: Feeding PositionFeeding your baby in a vertical position can help minimize their discomfort.4 ProbioticsL. reuteri is a probiotic naturally found in breast milk and has been clinically shown to reduce crying time in colicky breastfed babies^5,6 and support a healthy and balanced gut flora6 in baby’s digestive system. Consult your doctor about using probiotic L. reuteri supplementation to help reduce symptoms.8 Movement & Quiet TimeTry swaddling your baby and rocking them side to side. Alternatively, you can try taking them for a walk on a quiet street. If you’re trying to get your baby to nap, consider adding white noise in the background to minimize sound disruption. Naps are a great opportunity for you to get some rest, too.  Self-CareSelf-care is important. Sleep when possible, snack on nutritious foods, and take deep breaths during stressful moments. Place your baby in a safe space, like a crib, to give yourself a break, and lean on trusted adults to support you during challenging moments.2 Remember, colic is not caused by poor parenting. It is temporary and does not affect a baby’s general health or future development. By implementing these strategies and seeking support, you can help ease your baby’s colic and navigate this phase with confidence. ^In breastfed babies References 1. Alberta Health, 2023. Colic. Consulté le 2024 décembre. URL: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw315042. HealthLinkBC, 2023. What is colic?. Consulté le 2024 décembre. URL: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/parenting-babies-0-12-months/baby-health/colic3. Société canadienne de pédiatrie, 2021. Les coliques et les pleurs. Consulté le 2024 décembre. URL: https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/colic_and_crying4. John Hopkins Medicine, 2024. Colic. Consulté le 2024 décembre. URL: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/colic5. Chau K et al. J Pediatr. 2015;166(1):74-78.6. Savino F et al. Pediatrics. 2010;128: e528-e533.7. Concorrullo P et al. J Pediatr. 2010;157(4):598-602.8. Scheider R and Sant’Anna M. Paediatr Child Health. 2022; 27(8):482-491.

*For informational purposes only. Not intended to be medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for any questions about your or your baby's health.  Bringing a beautiful new life into the world is a miraculous, intense, sometimes overwhelming experience. And in the midst of this beautiful chaos – the diapers, feedings, and sleepless nights — it's easy to forget about the person who brought this bundle of joy into existence — you, YES, you! Self-care isn't selfish; it's a necessity. Taking care of yourself after giving birth is just as crucial as caring for your newborn. From sneaking in some well-deserved rest to nourishing your body and soul, let's dive into some self-care tips crafted especially for you, the superhero who just delivered a tiny human.    Ask for help: It's okay to ask for help. Whether you need assistance with household chores, baby care, or simply someone to lend a listening ear, don't hesitate to reach out to your support system. Remember, you don't have to do it all alone, and accepting help doesn't make you any less of a supermom.   Practice self-compassion: Cut yourself some slack, mama. You're doing an incredible job, even on the days when everything feels like a chaotic mess. Be kind to yourself, celebrate your victories (no matter how small), and don't dwell on the moments when things don't go as planned. You're learning and growing every step of the way, and that's something to be proud of.  Rest and recover: After childbirth, your body needs time to heal. Rest is not a luxury but a necessity. Allow yourself to nap when your baby sleeps, ask for help when you need it, and don’t worry – your baby will eventually sleep for longer stretches and one day through the whole night!     Nourish your body: Incorporate leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats into your diet. Focus on eating a variety of healthy foods for meals and snacks will give you the energy you need to care for your baby.  Continue to take your prenatal multivitamin with at least 0.4 mg of folic acid. And don't forget to stay hydrated—keep a water bottle handy wherever you go, and remember you will need a little more if you are breastfeeding.   Move your body: Even gentle movement can work wonders for your mood and energy levels. Work back up to 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week.  This could include short walks with your baby in a stroller or carrier, practice some gentle postpartum stretching or yoga, or simply dance around the kitchen to your favorite tunes. Find what feels good for your body and make it a priority, even if it's just for a 20 minutes each day.  “Baby blues” awareness: It’s common to feel overwhelmed, sad and even weepy in the weeks  after delivery. Fluctuating hormones, and the physical and emotional changes that come with having a baby, alongside anxiety about caring for your newborn and sleep deprivation can all contribute to "baby blues." Sometimes the baby blues do not go away. Trust yourself and recognize that if these feelings persist or get worse, you should talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.   Connect with other new parents: There's nothing quite like bonding with other parents who are going through similar experiences. Join a new parents' group in your community, or connect with fellow parents through social media, such as the Good Start™ Baby Club channels. Sharing your triumphs, struggles, and laughs with others who understand can provide invaluable support and reassurance.    As you navigate your new normals of parenthood, please don’t feel guilty about prioritizing your own well-being while you care for your little one. It’s important to practice self-care and be kind to yourself during this profound transition. Remember, you are strong, resilient, and capable of amazing things. And caring for yourself is not selfish; it is a gift to both you and your baby. So, take a deep breath and give yourself a pat on the back, knowing that you are doing your best each day. You've got this.    References:  Health Canada. Your guide to postpartum health and caring for your baby. 2023. Your Guide to Postpartum Health and Caring for Your Baby - Canada.ca Accessed April 2024.   Davis, GA, et al. Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, (SOGC), & SOGC Clinical Practice Obstetrics Committee. Exercise in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. JOGC. 2003;25(6):516-522.    Health Canada. Parents: Your Feelings after Your Baby is Born. 2018. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/your-feelings-after-baby-born-nobodys-perfect.html Accessed April 2024. 

Welcoming a new baby is one of life's most exciting adventures, and as you enter the home stretch of your pregnancy, comfort and preparation are key. The third trimester brings a unique set of challenges as your belly grows to accommodate your little one.   Here are some examples of common symptoms that you may experience and tips on how to help maximize your comfort:   Back discomfort: Consider resting on a firm mattress, cuddling a pillow between your knees, or embracing the added support of a prenatal belt. Try applying tender heat or a gentle massage to help relieve strain and tension.   Constipation: Drink lots of water and eat high fibre foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, and fruit.  Talk to your doctor before taking any stool softeners or laxatives.     Difficulty sleeping: Embrace a regular sleep schedule and create a cool, peaceful bedroom that invites you to relax.  Heartburn: Avoiding heartburn-triggering foods like coffee, pop, spicy and high-fat foods, particularly near bedtime.   Leg cramps: Hydration, gentle activity, and calf stretches can be effective rituals to reduce cramps.  Fatigue: Stay energized with a healthy balanced diet and mild to moderate exercise.     If you have any concerns or questions about your health, talk to your healthcare provider.      References:   Health Canada. Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. 2023. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-pregnancy/healthy-pregnancy-guide.html. Accessed April 2024.    

Creating the perfect nursery for your upcoming bundle of joy is more than just choosing the right colours and adorable decor. It's about crafting a space that feels like home for both you and your baby. Your little one's nursery should be a sanctuary of safety and comfort. As you prepare this special space, consider the following tips:  Baby's sleep space: For the first 6 months, your baby's safest sleeping position is on their back in a crib, cradle, or bassinet that meets the current Canadian safety regulations. All you need is a tight-fitting mattress and a fitted sheet designed for the mattress.  Nursery decor: Focus on decorating the room – not the crib, cradle or bassinet. While bedding sets, pillow and bumper pads (even mesh ones) look nice, they are not safe for your baby. Any loose or soft items in your baby’s crib can pose a suffocation risk. Anchor the furniture in the nursery to a stud or with heavy-duty drywall anchors to prevent accidental falls. You can also use anchors designed for specific types of furniture.  Sleep sacks: Many parents use sleep sacks to keep their babies warm at night. Make sure the sacks are the right size for your newborn.   Prep station: A bedside cart or basket can keep all the necessities close by.  The right lighting: Consider installing blackout blinds or curtains to regulate light.  Make it cozy: Make sure to include a cozy chair for yourself to enjoy those precious moments of cuddling or feeding.  By ensuring the nursery is a serene and secure environment for your baby, you're setting the stage for a smoother transition into this exciting new chapter of life. Remember, the key is in preparation and creating a loving, calm oasis for both you and your newborn.     References:  Health Canada. Setting Up a Safe Nursery. 2023. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/safe-sleep/setting-up-nursery.html Accessed April 2024.