Useful Links to Parenting Resources
Note that these are links to other sites with information that parents have found useful. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Life With A Baby.
Have a link you want to share? Contact us!
Health, Wellness and Safety
- Find a Family Doctor through Ontario's Healthcare Connect
- Caring for Kids - information for parents from the Canadian Paediatric Society
- About Kids Health - Trusted answers from The Hospital for Sick Children
- Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000 - free confidential 24/7 access to a registered nurse
- Nipissing District Developmental Screen (NDDS) - developmental screening tool for infants and children up to 6 years of age
- Potty Training - a guide from The Mayo Clinic
- Is Your Child Safe series - education for parents from Health Canada
- Childproofing and Preventing Household Accidents
- Participaction - Keeping kids moving
- Consumer Product Safety - information from Health Canada
Advisories, Warnings and Recalls
- Travelling with Children - Information on child restraints when flying, from Transport Canada
- Documentation required when travelling with children - Foreign Affairs Canada
- Parenting Information - York Region Public Health
- The 101 of How to Fly with Children - Compare Travel Insurance's tried-and-tested tips for travelling by air with children
Nutrition and Feeding
Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding Inc - Dr Jack Newman's site
- Online Directory to support breastfeeding in Ontario - listings of breastfeeding supports across Ontario
- La Leche League Canada - Mother-to-mother breastfeeding support and information
- MotherRisk - pregnancy and breastfeeding resources from Sick Kids Hospital
- KellyMom - evidence-based informational articles and links on breastfeeding from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- D Drops - Vitamin D supplement for breastfed babies
Nutrition and Starting Solids
- Wholesome Baby Food - amazing recipes for starter foods, information on baby-led weaning
- Canada's Food Guide - Recommended Number of Food Guide Servings per Day
- EatRight Ontario - free access to a registered dietician
Baby Gear
Babywearing
- Babywearing International - non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting babywearing
- Babywearing Safety - visible and kissable!
- The Baby Wearer - internet forum dedicated to babywearing
- Picking a Baby Carrier - advice from a babywearng educator
- Key considerations when choosing a baby carrier
Programs and Activities
This is a shortlist of programs and activities available in LWAB Chapter areas. It is not a comprehensive list, but it is a place to start in your search of baby- and child-friendly activities.
Programs
- Ontario Early Years Centres - free programs for families with children up to age 6
- A list of some OEYCs that have their own websites is below. The full list of OEYCs is at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/FamilyPrograms.html
- Markham-Thornhill, Richmond Hill-Thornhill, Missisauga, Brampton-Caledon, Toronto (East of Leslie) - Family Day
- Vaughan-King-Aurora - Social Enterprise for Canada
- York North - York Child Development
- Waterloo Region
- Paid Programs/ Activities
- Gymboree Play & Music - programs for young children to learn and develop as they play
- KinderMusik - musical learning for a child's brain, body, heart and soul
- H2O Fit - DiaperFit and ToddlerFit swimming classes
- Water Babies - Baby swimming
- Swim Time - Quality swim lessons for all ages
- Salsa Babies - Latin beat for tiny feet
- My Gym - Gymnastics for children
- Gymalaya - Gymnastics for young children in York Region
- Mommy and Baby Fitness - Workout and play
- Cineplex - Stars and Strollers
- Movies 4 Mommies
Miscellaneous
Finances
- RESP Reference - comprehensive and unbiased reference on all things RESP from the Money Smarts Blog
- Painless Penny Pinching - tips on frugal living on reduced income during your maternity leave
Online Grocery
- Grocery Gateway - have your groceries from Longos delivered
- Click and Collect - online grocery shopping with scheduled pick up from Loblaws
Free Stuff
- Bravado Designs - Toronto-based moms: become a test wearer and receive free nursing bras/ tanks
- Shoppers Drug Mart VIB Program - sign up for coupons and samples