Header Side Menu Content Footer
Printer Friendly Site Map Contact Government

PARENTING IN MANITOBA

PARENTING IN MANITOBA

Age Categories

Topics

Safe Sleep Immunization Infant Feeding Community Supports Common Childhood Illnesses Breastfeeding/ Chestfeeding Midwifery Care Indigenous Families Newcomer Families Substance Use 2SLGBTQIA+ Safety Well-being & Mental Health Growth and Development Nutrition Activity

James Black

Stage 1: Rear-Facing Car Seat

Posted on by James Black
  • Car seats help keep your child safe in a motor vehicle. 
  • In Manitoba, all child passengers must ride in a child car seat or booster seat until they are at least:
    • 145 centimetres (four feet nine inches) tall, OR 
    • 36 kilograms (80 pounds) in weight OR 
    • nine years of age 
  • Infants must ride in a car seat that is designed to face the back of the vehicle. 
  • A rear-facing car seat supports and protects the young child’s developing head, neck and back. It is safest to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible – up to ages two, three or even four. 

Safety Tip

If you carry your baby into your home in the bucket car seat, take them out once you get inside. If your baby has fallen asleep, put them in their crib, cradle or bassinet to keep them safe while they sleep. 

Which car seat should I choose? 

There are three types of car seats that can be used for infants.  

Infant car seats – These are useful for babies as the seat can come off the base and be used to carry your baby. This type of seat may be sold as part of a “travel system” where the seat can be used on a stroller. Some infant seats have weight limits up to 15.6 kilograms (35 pounds). When your child outgrows the height or weight limit of the infant car seat, you will need to buy a convertible or 3-in-1 car seat to keep them rear-facing longer.

A parent smiling at their child who is buckled into a rear-facing car seat.

Convertible car seats – These are larger car seats that you install in your vehicle. Convertible car seats can be used rear-facing and then converted to be used forward-facing when your child outgrows the rear-facing limits. 

Look for seats that have higher weight limits so the seat can be used as long as possible. Some seats have limits up to 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds) rear-facing and 29.5 kilograms (65 pounds) forward-facing. 

3-in-1 car seats – These are similar to convertible car seats, but they can also be used as a booster seat. Some have an upper booster seat weight limit of 54.4 kilograms (120 pounds). 

Important Tips 

  • Check the expiry date on the car seat. 
  • Car seat accessories (including head positioners, harness covers and seat protectors) that are sold separately from the car seat are not recommended, because they can affect how well the car seat protects your child in a cash. 
  • Check Transport Canada’s Recall Database to make sure your seat is safe to use. 
  • Look for Transport Canada’s National Safety Mark on the car seat. Car seats sold in the United States will not have this seal and are not approved for use in Canada. 
Transport Canada's National Safety Mark logo, a circle with a maple leaf in the centre.

Are second-hand (used) car seats safe

They can be. Avoid a used car seat that: 

  • has been in a crash or you do not know if it has been in a crash 
  • is past the expiry date 
  • has missing parts 
  • has visible damage or cracks 
  • has straps that are worn or frayed 

The Child Passenger Association of Canada has a Used Seat Checklist to help you assess if a car seat is okay to use. 

How do I install my car seat? 

  • All children under 13 years of age should ride in the back seat of the vehicle. 
  • The safest place in the vehicle to install the car seat is in the middle of your back seat. 
  • Follow the owner’s manuals for your vehicle and car seat for proper installation of your specific car seat. Some manufacturers have videos online to help you. 
  • You can use the Universal Anchorage System (UAS) in your car or the seatbelt to install the car seat — do not use both. Use the UAS if you can.
    • Check your car owner’s manual to see if UAS can be used to install the car seat in the centre position. 
    • UAS have a weight limit which includes your child’s weight and the weight of the car seat. Once your child reaches 18 kilograms (40 pounds), check your vehicle’s and your car seat’s instructions for the maximum weight allowed for the UAS. 
  • Rear-facing car seats should be reclined. The car seat instructions will have information on how much the seat should be reclined. 
  • When using an infant bucket seat, read the instructions about the correct handle position in the car. 
  • To find a certified car seat technician or a car seat clinic, visit Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada.
A parent smiling at their child who is buckled into a rear facing car seat.
photo courtesy of Manitoba Public Insurance

How do I know if the straps are done up safely?

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how you secure your baby into the car seat. 
  • You should only be able to fit one finger between your baby’s collarbone and the harness straps. 
  • The chest clip should be at armpit level. 
  • You will need to adjust the straps as your baby grows. 
  • In the winter, you can dress your baby in a snowsuit.
    • Choose snowsuits or jackets that are lighter, not puffy and are not made from slippery material. Bulky coats and snowsuits may not allow the car seat harness to be tightened.
    • Make sure when you are tightening the harness straps that you squeeze the snowsuit so that you can only fit one finger between the snowsuit and the straps. 
    • Bring a blanket for the car to place over your child for extra warmth.  

How will I know if my child is ready for a forward-facing car seat? 

It is recommended you keep your child rear-facing as long as possible until they have outgrown the height or weight limit of the car seat. Your child might be two years of age or older.  

In a crash, a rear-facing car seat provides the best protection for a baby’s developing head, neck and spine. 

As your child grows, it may look like there is not enough room for their legs. However, they will straddle the seat, cross their legs, or find other ways of being comfortable rear-facing. Only move your child to a forward-facing seat once they have outgrown the height or weight limit of the convertible car seat. 

Resources

Share this information

Print Copy Link

Finding a Health Care Provider

Posted on by James Black

As you go through your pregnancy and birth, finding a health care provider who is a good fit for you and your growing family is important. This may depend on your personal preferences, medical risk factors and availability. In Manitoba, your options can be a family doctor, obstetrician or registered midwife.

Family Doctor

Some family doctors offer obstetrical (pregnancy and birthing) care to low risk pregnancies as part of their practice. They can support you through your pregnancy, labour and delivery, postpartum (after the birth of your baby) care and can also become your child’s physician. 

To find a family doctor who delivers babies, ask your health care provider for a referral. If you do not have a health care provider, Family Doctor Finder can help.

Obstetrician

Obstetricians (commonly known as OBGYN or OB) are doctors who specialize in women’s health care. They work with both low and high-risk pregnancies. To find an OB you may need a referral from your health care provider. 

Midwife

Midwives provide care during pregnancy, labour, birth, and in the early postpartum period. Midwives work with other health care providers and consult with specialists as needed. You do not need a referral from a doctor to choose a midwife. 

To help you decide if you would like a midwife, visit the College of Midwives of Manitoba website.

Your Baby’s Health Care

  • All babies need to have a health checkup within two weeks of birth. 
  • Call your baby’s doctor or midwife to book an appointment or go to your health centre or nursing station.
  • If you do not have a health care provider, Family Doctor Finder can help.

Your Postpartum Care

You should have a health checkup six weeks after the birth of your baby.

Call your family doctor, obstetrician or midwife to book your appointment or go to your health centre or nursing station

Prenatal and Postpartum Services in First Nation Communities

Check with your local nursing station or health centre to find out about the supports and resources that are available to you.

Public Health Nursing Services

If you live in a regional health authority, once you and your baby are home, a public health nurse will:

  • Call you within 48 hours to set up a home visit with you and your family. In some cases, initial contact may occur on the next available working day.
  • Meet with you within a week to discuss how you are settling into parenthood.
  • Connect you with community resources and supports that are a good fit for your family.
  • To find a public health office in your region click here.

If you’re in need of a same day or next day appointment, you can use Medical Navigator to book an appointment with participating clinics in Manitoba. 

Share this information

Print Copy Link

Amazing Benefits of Skin-to-Skin

Posted on by James Black

Skin-to-skin is holding your naked or diapered baby against your bare skin. Right from birth, holding your baby skin-to-skin: 

  • helps baby adjust after birth 
  • calms baby and reduces stress 
  • supports bonding 
  • keeps baby warm 
  • supports healthy brain, heart and lung function 
  • calms baby during stressful or painful procedures 

Anyone in the family can enjoy skin-to-skin with the new baby. Feeding time is the perfect time for skin-to-skin as you are already holding baby. 

To safely do skin-to-skin, baby’s:

  • face can be seen 
  • head is in a “sniffing” position 
  • nose and mouth are not covered 
  • head is turned to one side 
  • back is covered with a blanket 

When you want to sleep, place your baby in a bassinet or with another support person who is awake and alert.

Right After Birth 

You can lay your baby on your bare abdomen or chest. Your health care provider will help you place baby on your body and give you warm blankets so you can snuggle with your newborn. This uninterrupted time allows you to breastfeed/chestfeed and bond with your baby. Placing your baby skin-to-skin as soon as possible helps: 

  • keep your baby warm 
  • your baby breathe normally 
  • steady your baby’s heartbeat 
  • your baby feel safe and secure 
  • you and your baby bond and get to know each other 
  • calm your baby (the sound of your heartbeat is familiar and soothing)
  • reduce crying 
  • encourage early breastfeeding/chestfeeding 
  • reduce baby’s pain during routine blood work  

If you are feeling tired, put your baby in the bassinet or with another support person who is awake and alert. 

Did you know?

You can’t spoil a baby! Hug and snuggle your baby every day and often! Skin-to-skin contact causes a release of your hormone oxytocin also known as the “love hormone.”

Two adults kissing the cheeks of a sleeping baby.

A support person can do skin-to-skin, if the birth parent is unable to.  

Once You are Home 

You can continue skin-to-skin contact with your baby every day to help: 

  • bond with your baby 
  • increase and maintain your breastmilk/chestmilk supply 
  • learn your baby’s feeding cues 
  • calm your baby and reduce crying 
  • lower stress in you and your baby 
  • your baby grow and develop well 

Safety Tip 

Anyone holding baby skin-to-skin should be alert and awake. 

An adult having skin-to-skin contact with a baby on their chest.

References

Share this information

Print Copy Link

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding – Getting Started

Posted on by James Black

First feedings

  • Put your baby on your bare chest (skin-to-skin) so you can feed your baby right after birth.
  • To get you started, the nurse, midwife or doula can help you with positioning and latching your baby.
  • Your first milk is called colostrum. This thick, yellow fluid often called “liquid gold.” It is full of antibodies to help protect your baby from getting infections.
  • After your baby’s first feed, they may sleep for a few hours and then wake to feed often. This is called cluster feeding. It is normal and helps your milk come in.

Did you know? 

A lot of birth parents worry that their milk isn’t coming in. Colostrum is all your baby needs for the first few days. When your baby cluster feeds, it tells your body to make milk. Within two to four days, your breasts/chest will feel firmer and your milk supply will have increased.  

Be patient with yourself and trust your body. 

A good latch is key to breastfeeding

A good latch helps your baby get milk easily and reduces any breastfeeding pain that you might have.

Check out this video on latching your baby from Healthy Families BC 

A baby with a wide-open mouth to take the breast/chest.
a baby with lips flanged open with the nipple towards their top lip.
A baby latched on the nipple.
Photos reproduced with permission from the Manitoba Government

How to get a good latch:

  • Support your baby’s head and neck between the shoulder blades.  
  • Position baby tummy to tummy, baby’s hands on either side of breast/chest.  
  • Align baby’s nose to the nipple and wait for baby to open wide. Once baby’s mouth is open wide, bring baby to your breast/chest.  
  • Their chin touches your breast/chest and their nose is slightly away from the breast/chest. 
  • Baby’s lips are rolled out and relaxed. Baby’s chin and tongue under the areola (the circular area around your nipple). Nipple is not centered in baby’s mouth, but off-centre. 
  • Baby will suck quickly, then more slowly with short pauses; you feel a tug on your nipple after the baby is latched on. 
  • If your baby has a deep latch, your nipples will look round, (not flat like the end of a lipstick tube) after feedings. 
  • After the first few days of feeding, you will hear a soft “kaa kaa” sound when your baby swallows. 
  • If you need to take your baby off your breast/chest, it hurts less if you break the suction first. This is easily done by slipping your finger into the side of baby’s mouth between the gum and press down on the area of your breast/chest closest to your baby’s mouth and gently pull down on your baby’s chin. 

Did you know?

  • When starting out it is common to have initial latching soreness as your nipples get used to the sensation of breastfeeding/chestfeeding. 
  • Once your baby learns to have a deep latch, initial latching tenderness should go away within a week. 
  • If you have pain throughout the entire feed, this is not normal. As soon as you feel pain, try repositioning and relatching your baby until you get a deeper more comfortable latch.  
  • If you continue to have pain, seek support from your public health nurse, lactation consultant, knowledge keeper or health- care provider.

How do I know when my baby is hungry?

A baby in the arms of an adult, looking into the camera with their fingers in their mouth.

Your baby will “tell you” they are hungry by:

  • waking, stretching and stirring from sleep 
  • sucking on fingers or hands 
  • clicking or sucking on tongue 
  • opening mouth and looking for the breast 

It’s best to watch your baby’s signals and feed them when you see that they are hungry, rather than waiting until they cry. See La Leche League Canada – Breastfeeding Support and Information  for photos of what babies look like when they are hungry, very hungry and extremely hungry. 

How often should I feed my baby?

  • Always let your baby take the lead. While the actual number of feedings depends on your baby, all babies need to feed at least 8 times in 24 hours.
  • Feed your baby whenever they are hungry (called cue-based feeding).  In the first few weeks and during growth spurts it is normal for a baby to want to feed every 30 minutes or hourly.

How long does it take to breastfeed/chestfeed? 

  • Feeding time is usually 20 to 30 minutes but can be shorter or longer. 
  • Instead of timing how long the feed is, check if your baby is swallowing milk while on the breast/chest.  
  • Let baby feed on the first breast/side of chest until baby stops sucking and swallowing. Afterwards, try to burp baby and then offer the second breast/side of chest.  
  • If baby feeds on only one side, start baby on the other side at the next feeding. 
  • If baby falls asleep during a feeding, wake them up if they have not fed enough. 

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk? 

  • They are sucking strongly, slowly and steadily. 
  • You can hear baby swallowing. 
  • Your breasts/chest feels softer and less full after breastfeeding/chestfeeding. 
  • Baby is gaining weight (five to seven ounces or more per week). 
  • Baby regains birth weight by 14 days. 
  • Your baby has wet and soiiled (poopy) diapers as described in the chart below.

How does my baby show me that they are full? 

Your baby is showing you that they are full when they:

  • stop sucking
  • let go of your breast/chest and turn their head away 
  • feel settled and relaxed 
  • stretch out their arms and legs 
  • spread their fingers

What can I expect with growth spurts? 

As your baby grows and develops you may notice that your baby seems more hungry than normal. This is likely due to a growth spurt. You will probably notice your baby wants to feed more often. This is your baby’s way of telling your body to make more milk. Growth spurts are common when your baby is around: 

  • 10 days 
  • two to three weeks 
  • six weeks 
  • three months 
  • six months 

At other times, your baby may be experiencing a growth spurt if they seem hungrier than usual. 

Feed your baby according to their hunger cues and your body will quickly increase milk production to meet your baby’s needs. 

When should I get support with breastfeeding/chestfeeding? 

  • You have nipple pain that won’t go away (could be thrush).  
  • Your baby makes clicking or smacking sounds during breastfeeding/chestfeeding.  
  • Your nipple is squished or flattened after feedings.  
  • You have bruising, redness or bleeding on your nipples.  
  • Your baby is not gaining weight.  

For breastfeeding/chestfeeding support: 

Reference

Share this information

Print Copy Link

What is screen time?

Posted on by James Black

“Screen time” is a term used for activities done in front of a screen such as watching TV, working or playing on a computer/tablet/smart phone, or playing video games. During screen time you are generally sitting down and using very little energy. Replacing screen time with other activities like physical activity, reading, playing (inside and outside) and social time will help your child grow and develop their brains and muscles. For Participaction’s guidelines on how much your child should be move, sleep and sit click here.

What is the right amount of screen time for my child?

Children learn best from face-to-face interactions with caring people. It is best to keep their screen time to a minimum.

  • For children less than two years old – screen time is not recommended.
  • For children two to five years old – limit screen time to less than one hour per day.

Caring for kids has more information on setting limits for screen time.

References:

Share this information

Print Copy Link

Bonding with Your Baby Bump

Posted on by James Black

During pregnancy, your unborn baby can hear and feel you. They love the sound of your voice and the voices of your family. Singing and talking to your unborn baby is the first way they’ll start to learn language and helps to create your special bond. Here are some ways to connect during pregnancy.

Expecting parents can: 

  • Talk and sing to your pregnant belly. Around 18 weeks your baby can start to hear sounds. Talking and singing helps your baby learn your voice.   
  • Feel your baby’s movements with your hands. Gently rubbing your belly can help you feel closer to your baby. 
  • Use your prenatal appointments to learn more about your growing baby and your changing body.  
  • Read to your baby. Reading out loud helps your baby get to know your voice.  
  • Play music. Babies can hear music in the womb. This can be calming for both of you.  

Your unborn baby knows how you feel 

Your unborn baby often feels the way you feel. If you relax, then your unborn baby will too. Your unborn baby can also pick up on when you are feeling stressed. Life can be stressful, and coping isn’t always easy. Stress can affect how you think, feel and act. It also affects how you relate to others and make choices. Taking care of your mental health helps you: 

  • build a positive relationship with your unborn baby  
  • cope with stress  
  • solve problems  
  • feel good about yourself  
  • strengthen relationships with family and friends   

Ideas for taking care of your mental health

  • Every day, find time to breathe deeply, relax and calm your mind. 
  • Take care of your body if you can: eat healthy foods, be active every day, spend time in nature and get enough sleep. 
  • Develop a support network for you and your growing family.  

If you are feeling stressed 

  • Take some time to notice your thoughts and how you are feeling. 
  • Pay attention to how your partner is feeling too. Reduce your stress by keeping things simple. Don’t be afraid to say “no” if you need to.  
  • Talk to family or friends about things that are bothering you. Ask for the help you need. 
  • Go for a walk or see our article on other forms of exercise.  
  • Talk to your health-care provider.   

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your unborn baby, or are in crisis, there is help available 24/7

Did you know? 

Taking care of mental health is important for all family members at all stages of life. When one family member feels stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, it affects the whole family.  

Use this Mental Health & Wellness Resource Finder to find mental health, wellness and addictions supports and resources for you and those you care about.  

Reference 

Share this information

Print Copy Link

Why is Food Safety so Important in Pregnancy?

Posted on by James Black

When you are pregnant, your immune system becomes weaker, making it more difficult for your body to fight infections. This means you and your unborn baby are at more risk of getting food poisoning (also known as foodborne illness). Foodborne illnesses can be more serious during pregnancy and may lead to miscarriage or premature delivery. Bacteria, parasites, viruses or chemicals that can be in food may cause nausea, vomiting (throwing up), diarrhea (runny poop), fever, chills and abdominal (stomach) cramping. Food poisoning can be even more dangerous to your baby’s health than to yours. Some foodborne illnesses, such as Listeria and Toxoplasmosis, can infect your unborn baby, even if you do not feel sick. 

The good news is food poisoning is preventable. You can practice safe food handling while you are pregnant to lower your risk of food poisoning. Safe food handling means shopping for, storing, cleaning and cooking food safely. 

Keeping Your Food Safe 

When shopping for food: 

  • Pick up cold or frozen food at the end of your shopping trip. 
  • Check the best before date on your food. 
  • Prevent bacteria in raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood from spreading to other foods in your cart by putting them in individual plastic bags. 
  • Wash your reusable grocery bags or bins often. 

When storing food: 

  • As soon as you get home, store raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood in containers or plastic bags on the bottom shelf of your fridge. This will prevent raw juices from dripping onto other food. 
  • Store cut fruit and vegetables in the fridge. 
  • Cook raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood by the “best before” date, or no more than two to four days after buying it. Freeze it if you do not plan on cooking it by the “best before” date. 
  • Keep hot food hot and cold food cold
    • Bacteria can grow quickly between 4°C and 60°C and cause food poisoning. This temperature range is called the “danger zone.” Avoid letting perishable foods sit at room temperature for more than two hours or outdoors in the summer for more than one hour. 

When preparing food: 

  • Wash your hands often – after you touch raw meat, use the washroom or touch pets. 
  • Thaw your foods safely. 
    • Defrost raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood in the fridge, microwave, or in a sealed bag or container in cold water. Avoid defrosting items on the counter at room temperature. 
  • Use a scrub brush to wash fruits and vegetables with firm skin (e.g. carrots, potatoes, squash). 
  • Use one cutting board for ready-to-eat foods, and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood. 
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid eating meat that is undercooked. See this chart for the proper temperatures to cook meat so it is safe to eat. 
  • Reheat leftovers until they are steaming
    • Cook to a temperature of at least 74°C (165°F). 
    • Bring soups and sauces to a rolling boil. 

For more tips, see Health Canada’s website. 

Safer Food Choices During Pregnancy 

Some types of foods have a higher risk of causing food poisoning for pregnant women because of how they are made or stored. Sometimes you can heat these foods to kill any harmful bacteria before eating or there are other similar foods you can eat instead to reduce the risk. Below are common foods and ways that you can prepare them more safely, or other foods to try instead. For a complete list, visit Health Canada’s website. 

Type of Food

Foods to Avoid

Safer Alternatives

Dairy products
  • Raw or unpasteurized dairy products
  • Unpasteurized and pasteurized soft cheese such as Brie and Camembert.
  • Unpasteurized and pasteurized semi-soft cheeses, such as Havarti.
  • All unpasteurized and pasteurized blue-veined cheese
  • Pasteurized dairy products and any dairy products that are cooked, in a casserole or au gratin.
  • Pasteurized cheeses such as cheese curds, cheddar and cottage cheese.
  • Pasteurized processed/spreadable cheeses such as cream cheese
  • Pasteurized and unpasteurized hard cheeses such as Romano and Parmesan

Hot dogs

Hot dogs straight from the package, without heating
  • Hot dogs that are well cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • The middle of the hot dog should be steaming hot, or 74°C (165°F)

Meat and poultry, 

Deli meat
  • Raw or undercooked meat or poultry, such as steak tartar.
  • Non-dried deli meats, such as bologna, roast beef and turkey breast
Close up of a meat thermometer showing cooking temperature for beef
  • Dried and salted deli meats, such as salami and pepperoni.
  • Non-dried deli meats that are heated well and steaming hot.

Eggs and egg products

Raw or lightly cooked eggs or egg products that contain raw eggs, including:

  • some salad dressings
  • cookie dough
  • cake batter
  • sauces
  • drinks (like homemade eggnog)
  • Egg dishes that are well cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F)
  • Cook eggs until the yolk is firm

Seafood
  • Raw seafood such as sushi and sashimi.
  • Raw oysters, clams and mussels.
  • Refrigerated smoked seafood.
  • Seafood cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F)
  • Oysters, clams and mussels that are cooked until the shell has opened
  • Smoked seafood in cans, or seafood that does not need to be refrigerated until it is opened.

References:

Safe Food Handling for Pregnant Women – Health Canada 

Share this information

Print Copy Link
Not finding what you’re looking for? Additional questions?
Contact us

PARENTING IN MANITOBA

manitoba.ca | 1-866-MANITOBA
Government of Manitoba