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PARENTING IN MANITOBA

PARENTING IN MANITOBA

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Lan

Tips for Preventing Falls: Newborns to Toddlers

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A fall can happen in a blink of an eye. The good news is that you can help prevent falls and injuries if you know what puts your child at risk. 

Newborns

Did you know that being dropped is the most common cause of fall-injury in newborns?   

In the hospital

  • Hospital staff will work with you to make sure that you and your baby have lots of opportunity to bond and breastfeed/chestfeed, while keeping your baby as safe as possible. 
  • After delivery, exhaustion or pain medication can put new parents at risk of accidentally dropping their baby. Tired new parents may fall asleep while holding or feeding their baby and lose their grip. 

You can help keep your baby safe in the hospital by: 

  • always putting your baby on their back in the bassinet to sleep 
  • telling your nurse if you are dizzy or drowsy 
  • being aware of wet floors, spills or equipment which may cause you to slip or fall 
  • not carrying your baby in your arms when you are outside your room.  
  • always transporting your baby in the bassinet. This is a hospital policy.  

In the home

New parents are often very tired, may be multi-tasking and can be distracted. You can help keep your baby safe at home by: 

  • For sleep:
    • Lay your baby on their back in the crib if you are feeling sleepy so you don’t fall asleep with them in your arms. 
    • After feeding your baby at night, put them in their crib before you fall asleep. 
  • Around home:
    • Wear non-slip socks or shoes in the house to avoid slipping while carrying your baby. 
    • Be careful when using the stairs while holding your baby. 
    • A wet baby is a slippery baby so take extra care at bath time. 
    • If you are carrying your newborn in a car seat, be sure the harness straps are securely fastened. 
    • If using a sling, carrier or wrap to carry your baby, make sure your child is supported and snug. Have a good hold on your baby before you bend over. 
    • When you are not holding your baby, it is best to put them in a crib, cradle, bassinet or playpen or on the floor. Babies can fall from beds, couches and other furniture. 

Preventing falls in the first year

Stay one step ahead of your child to help keep them safe. 

Your baby will grow and develop so much in the first year. Their abilities will change quickly. Each new movement can come with new risks. As your child grows and learns to walk, falling over is normal. But falls from heights can result in an injury. Some examples include falling off furniture, downstairs and out of windows.  

Your baby will soon be…

To keep your baby safe…

Rolling over

Always keep a hand on your baby when on a change table, sofa, bed or other raised surface.

Pulling up

Lower the crib mattress before baby can push up on hands and knees to prevent from them from falling out of the crib.

Crawling

Install wall-mounted gates at the top of the stairs and pressure-mounted gates at the bottom of the stairs.

When using baby equipment

  • Always use the safety straps on strollers, infant chairs, swings, highchairs, kitchen booster seats and change tables. 
  • Avoid putting your child in a bouncy chair, baby carrier or car seat, on a table, counter or other raised surface.  
  • It is not safe to leave babies unattended in car seats, carriers or strollers. Babies should be taken out of a car seat once you have reached your destination. Place your baby on a safe sleep surface, such as a Health Canada-approved crib, cradle, or bassinet – even if they are only napping.  
  • Don’t use a wheeled baby walker. Wheeled walkers are banned in Canada because babies have died or were seriously injured falling downstairs while using them. 

Toddlers

Toddlers learn through play, exploring and mimicking. Keep teaching your child about safety, but remember your child is still learning and won’t always remember to follow the rules. Your supervision is very important in keeping your toddler safe. Give your toddler a safe place to learn, explore or try out something new. Here are some tips to help prevent the most common causes of toddler falls. 

Your child will soon be able to…

To keep your child safe…

Climb up stools, chairs or other furniture
  • Keep drawers closed so they cannot be used to climb onto countertops or furniture. 
  • Keep chairs, stools and other furniture away from windows, countertops and cupboards. 
  • Secure televisions, bookshelves and furniture to the wall so they can’t tip over if your child tries to climb them.

Climb out of crib

Move your child to a toddler bed or mattress on the floor once they can climb out of their crib or they are taller than 90 centimetres (35 inches). 

Grimper près des fenêtres et des balcons 
  • Use window locks on all upper-floor windows. Window screens will not protect young children from falling out.
  • Move furniture such as change tables and dressers away from windows so children don’t have easy access.
  • Practice balcony safety:
    • Always supervise your child.
    • Lock door to balconies when not in use.
    • Move balcony furniture that could be used to climb over the railing.

Climb stairs
  • Once your child can open or climb over the stair gate, take the gates down
  • Teach them to go up and down the stairs using the handrail. 

Climb on Beds
  • Do not let your child on the bed or couch by themselves.
  • Children under the age of six should not sleep or play on the top bunk of a bunk bed.

Play
  • Follow age recommendations on community play equipment.
  • Children under five should not play on equipment higher than five feet off the ground unless they are within your arm’s reach.
  • All raised play structures should be on a soft surface such as pea gravel, sand or wood chips.
  • Your child should wear a properly fitted helmet when sledding, skating or riding a tricycle or when a passenger on a bike carrier or trailer.

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When should I start checking my unborn baby’s movements?

Posted on by Lan

Some pregnant people feel movement as early as 13 to 16 weeks from the start of their last period. By 24 weeks, almost all pregnant people will feel their baby’s movements. 

What do early fetal movements feel like? 

Some people explain the movements as butterflies fluttering. In the beginning you may be wondering if those first gentle taps are gas or hunger pains. You will start to recognize the movements once you are feeling them regularly. You may be able to feel your baby kicking, rolling or stretching. Once you can feel your baby moving, it will probably be a few weeks more until your partner can feel your baby moving too.

Smiling pregnant person standing while a partner kneels and holds their baby bump.

When should I start checking my unborn baby’s movements? 

 Every baby will have times when they are more or less active, but the timing of increased movement tends to be consistent. Some babies may be more active in the morning or evening only. If you’re counting movements, try to do it at the same time each day. If you noticed any changes in your baby’s usual activity level, especially in the third trimester, you can do a kick count at any time.  

Your primary care provider might want to watch you more closely if you have had a previous stillbirth or if you are currently experiencing complications by conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.  If this is the case, count your baby’s movements every day starting at around the 26th week of your pregnancy. 

How do I check my baby’s movements? 

Lie down on your left side and pay attention to the baby’s movements. Put your hands on your tummy to feel for them. 

You should feel at least six or more moves, kicks, rolls, flutters or stretches in two hours. 

What should I do if my baby is not moving or moving less than six times in two hours? 

You should call your primary care provider or go to the hospital, nursing station or healthcare centre you will be delivering at. Go the same day. 

References

Your Pregnancy-Fetal Movements and Kick Counts – The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada 

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Bringing Baby Home: What is Jaundice?

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What is bilirubin?

  • Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is released when the liver breaks down red blood cells.
  • Because your baby’s liver is still immature, it cannot remove bilirubin fast enough, so it builds up in the blood. This causes your baby’s skin to turn yellow (known as jaundice).
  • As your baby eats (breastfeeds/chestfeeds or formula feeds), the bilirubin is removed from their body when they poop and pee.

Where will I see the jaundice on my baby?

Jaundice usually starts on the face and eyes. Then it spreads to your baby’s body and finally to their arms and legs. Most cases of jaundice are normal and not harmful and go away within a few days or weeks with no special treatment.

How do I prevent jaundice?

  • Your baby gets rid of the bilirubin through pooping and peeing.
  • For your baby to poop and pee, they need to be feeding well.
  • Breastfeed/chestfeed/bottle feed your baby often; at least eight times in 24 hours (day and night).

See the chart below for how often your baby should be pooping and peeing.

How do I know if my baby has a high bilirubin level?

  • Bilirubin levels are measured with a blood test or with a light machine that measures bilirubin in the skin. 
  • Pediatricians recommend that babies should have their bilirubin levels checked before they go home. 
  • Parents may be given a copy of a form that looks like this Discharge Information – Newborn Jaundice form. It shows what the bilirubin level was in the hospital and if it needs to be checked again. Some babies need to have another blood test after they get home. If you were not given any instructions about the jaundice form, call your doctor, public health nurse or other health-care provider. 
  • If the hospital is using a form like this, your health-care provider will check one of the boxes on the form which explains what you need to do. See below for what the boxes look like.
A screenshot of a form: Information for the Parent

When should I be concerned about my baby’s jaundice? What should I do?

A high bilirubin (jaundice) level can be dangerous. Call your baby’s health-care provider and ask for a same-day appointment if your baby:

  • starts to turn yellow (skin, whites of the eyes, arms and legs) after you get home
  • is getting more yellow or orange (skin, whites of eyes, arms and legs)
  • will not breastfeed/chestfeed or bottle feed 
  • is too sleepy to feed for two or more feeds
  • is sleepy/difficult to wake up

If you cannot get a hold of your baby’s doctor that day, contact your public health nurse or go to your nearest emergency department, health centre or nursing station.

Did you know?

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding is a learned skill for parents and babies. It requires patience and practice. Get help right away if breastfeeding/chestfeeding is not going well for you and your baby. 

For more information on breastfeeding/chestfeeding, see Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding – Parenting in Manitoba. 

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Wondering about Food Allergies?

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What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is when the body’s immune system mistakes a food as something harmful. This triggers the allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be mild or severe.

Top 10 foods that cause allergic reactions:

Peanuts

A small pile of peanuts on a white surface

Tree nuts

almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts,  pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and brazil nuts 

A pile of nuts including almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and pistachios on a white surface.

Wheat

Three stalks of wheat in front of a burlap bag filled with grains of wheat

Soy

a glass of soy milk beside a small bowl and small scoop filled with soy beans.)

Eggs

Two hard boiled eggs on a wood surface, one egg cut in half.

Sesame Seeds

a bowl and scoop both filled with sesame seeds

Mustard

a bowl filled with yellow mustard

Milk

A glass of milk on a wood table.

Sulphites :

Used as a food additive, sulphites can also occur naturally in some foods. 

Seafood

  • fish
  • crustaceans (e.g. lobster, crab)
  • molluscs (e.g. scallops, clams)
A bowl filled with seafood such as shrimp, fish, mussels, and clams.

Are there any foods I should avoid while breastfeeding/chestfeeding to prevent my child from getting an allergy? 

You don’t need to avoid milk, egg, peanut or any foods while breastfeeding/chestfeeding. There is no evidence that avoiding certain foods while breastfeeding/chestfeeding will prevent an allergy in your child.

Introduce common food allergens to your baby.

At six months of age (once your baby shows signs of readiness), start to offer iron-rich foods. Then begin to introduce a variety of foods including foods that are more likely to cause a food allergy (known as common food allergens). 

Did you know?

Avoiding or waiting to give your baby common food allergens will not prevent a food allergy. 

Food allergies in your family? 

A baby that has a parent, brother or sister with a food allergy is at a higher risk of developing a food allergy. Babies who have eczema or another known food allergy are also at higher risk. Even if your baby is at high risk of developing a food allergy, don’t wait to introduce foods that are common allergens. 

How to Introduce New Foods 

  • Offer one new food at a time to your baby so you can see if it causes an allergic reaction. 
  • When introducing common food allergens, wait two days before offering your baby another new food. 
  • Introduce common food allergens during the day instead of before baby’s bedtime. This will make it easier for you to see a reaction. 
  • Once you have introduced the common food allergen, continue to offer it to your baby on a regular basis so that they keep tolerating it. 

How to introduce nuts 

To prevent choking, offer diluted (thinned) nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.). 

To prepare it:  

  1. Mix two teaspoons (10 mL) of smooth nut butter with three teaspoons (15 mL) or more of warm water, breast milk/chest milk or formula until smooth. 
  2. If you do not see any signs of an allergy, continue offering the rest of the nut butter mixture. 

Safety Tip

Babies and young children can choke on whole peanuts, tree nuts and spoonfuls of thick nut butters. Do not give whole nuts or undiluted nut butter to children under four years old. 

Other ways to include peanuts in your baby’s food 

  • Add smooth or reconstituted powdered peanut butter to infant cereal, mashed fruit or yogurt until smooth. 
  • Use peanut butter or peanut flour in baked goods such as muffins and loaves or sauces, curries and stir-fries. 
  • Spread peanut butter thinly on toast and cut the toast into strips. 
  • A peanut-flavoured corn puff snack is available at grocery stores. 

What are the signs of an allergic reaction? 

  • hives or rash 
  • red and itchy skin 
  • vomiting 
  • diarrhea 
  • swelling of the eyes, nose, lips or tongue 
  • trouble breathing or swallowing 
  • fainting, weakness or becoming pale 

Safety Tips

  • Signs of an allergy can appear as soon as a few minutes after giving the food, often within two hours. However, a reaction might not show up until several hours or days later. 

If your baby is having an allergic reaction:  

  • Stop feeding them the food right away. 
  • If your baby has trouble breathing or any other severe allergy symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number. Your baby needs medical help right away. 
  • Do not give them that food or anything that contains that food again. 
  • If your baby’s reaction is not severe, talk to their health care provider. The health care provider may refer your baby to an allergist for testing. 

Does my baby need a medical alert bracelet? 

a baby wearing a medic alert bracelet

Your health care provider or allergist can give you advice on whether or not your child needs a medical alert bracelet.

If you have more questions about allergies, speak to your health care provider. 

More Information:

Questions?

If you have a nutrition or food question, call Dial-a-Dietitian Manitoba at 204-788-8248 in Winnipeg or 1-877-830-2892.   

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Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding and Returning to Work

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Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding is Valued 

Health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend infants exclusively breastfeed/chestfeed for the first six months and continue to breastfeed/chestfeed up to 24 months and beyond, along with age-appropriate solid foods.  

Today, there is increased awareness about the importance of supporting breastfeeding/chestfeeding, both in public places and in the workplace.  

More and more parents are successfully returning to work or school while continuing to breastfeed/chestfeed. By making a few adjustments to your schedule, you too can continue to provide your breastmilk/chestmilk to your baby. 

Before Returning to Work 

Talk to your employer. Together, work out a plan with a flexible schedule to allow for time breastfeeding/chestfeeding and/or expressing your breastmilk/chestmilk. Decide ahead of time where you will feed/express and where you can store your milk. You will need: 

  • A comfortable place with a chair, small table and electrical outlet if needed. 
  • Bottles or milk storage bags.  
  • An electric or manual breast pump (or learn to hand express). If you do not already have a pump and have private insurance, check if they will cover the cost of a pump (sometimes you need a prescription for the coverage). 
  • A fridge to store expressed milk or a cooler with an ice pack. 

Did you know?

Some parents have their baby brought to them so they can breastfeed/chestfeed during breaks. If your child is being cared for nearby, you may be able to travel to them over a break. 

Tips to Help on this Journey 

  • Ease into your new routine. If able, plan to go back part-time. By planning ahead, you may find it easier to overcome any challenges. 
  • Start your new routine at least two weeks in advance; if you plan to feed your baby expressed breastmilk/chestmilk while at work, start pumping to save some milk. 
  • Label pumped milk and always use the oldest milk first. 
  • Breastfeed/chestfeed on demand when you are with your baby. 
  • If you plan to breastfeed/chestfeed at the end of your day, inform your baby’s caregiver so they don’t feed your baby just before you want to breastfeed/chestfeed. 

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Resources 

For further information you can contact: 

Additional Information 

Adapted with permission from Southern Health-Santé Sud 

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What Foods Do I Give My Baby First?

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Whether you are feeding your baby store bought baby food, homemade or a combination, introduce each food the same way. 

  • Start with iron-rich foods. 
  • Introduce one new food at a time. That way, if your baby develops an allergic reaction, you’ll have a better idea of what food might have caused it. When introducing a food that is a common allergen, wait two days before introducing another food that is a common allergen.  For information on food allergies see our article, Wondering about Food Allergies?  
  • Start with one to two teaspoons of food and gradually offer more according to your baby’s appetite. Let your baby decide how much to eat. 
  • It can take 15 to 20 tries of a new food before your baby learns to like it. Offer new foods many times. 
  • Your baby’s first food will likely be pureed. After a few weeks, gradually change the texture. See our page on baby food textures for more information. 
  • Babies don’t need extra salt, sugar or other sweeteners. 
  • Try to avoid highly processed foods that are high in sugar or salt. 

Safety Tips

  • Before feeding your baby check the temperature of food to prevent burns.
    • If you warmed it in the microwave, stir it well to prevent hot spots. 
  • As your baby learns to eat, they will sometimes gag and can be at risk for choking. 
  • The tables below have tips for preparing safe food for your baby. You can also see our page on baby food textures. 
  • Do not give your baby honey in any form (raw, pasteurized or cooked in food) until after their first birthday. Honey may cause botulism, a type of food poisoning that can make your baby very sick. Their immune system is not developed enough to fight it until after 12 months. 

The tables below show examples of how to incorporate starting solids with breastfeeding/chestfeeding or formula feeding throughout the day from six to 12 months of age.

Time of Day

What to Feed at 6 Months

Early Morning

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Morning

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Iron-rich foods**

Noon

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Iron-rich foods**

Afternoon

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Late Afternoon/ Early Evening

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Iron-rich foods**

Evening

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Night Time

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Time of Day

What to Feed at 7 Months

Early Morning

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula* 

Morning

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula* 

Iron-rich foods** 

Vegetables 

Fruit

Noon

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Iron-rich foods**

Vegetables

Fruit

Afternoon

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Late Afternoon/ Early Evening

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Iron-rich foods**

Vegetables

Fruit

Evening

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Night Time

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Time of Day

What to Feed at 8-9 Months

Early Morning

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Morning

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Iron-rich foods**

Vegetables Fruit Grains

Noon

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Iron-rich foods**

Vegetables Fruit Grains

Afternoon

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Late Afternoon/ Early Evening

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Iron-rich foods**

Vegetables

Fruit

Grains

Evening

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Night Time

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Time of Day

What to Feed at 10-11 Months

Early Morning

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Morning

Breastmilk/
chestmilk, formula*

or homo milk 3.25% MF Iron-rich foods**

Vegetables

Fruit

Yogurt

Grains

Noon

Breastmilk/
chestmilk, formula*

or homo milk 3.25% MF Iron-rich foods**

Vegetables

Fruit

Grains

Afternoon

Breastmilk/
chestmilk, formula*

or homo milk 3.25% MF Snack

Late Afternoon/ Early Evening

Breastmilk/
chestmilk, formula*

or homo milk 3.25% MF Iron-rich foods**

Vegetables

Fruit

Grains

Evening

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Snack

Night Time

Breastmilk/
chestmilk or formula*

Time of Day

What to Feed at 12 Months

Any time

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding provides lots of benefits to you and your baby – keep going! Offer a variety of table foods (watch for choking). Wean your baby from the bottle. Aim for three meals and two to three snacks a day.

* formula, with iron 
** iron-rich foods: poultry, beef, eggs, legumes, infant cereal

What foods have iron?  

At six months, your baby should start with iron-rich foods because their iron level is becoming low. Iron is important for healthy red blood cells and brain development. 

  • Chicken, turkey
  • Venison
  • Beef
  • Bison
  • Pork
  • Lamb
  • Veal
  • Wild meats
a wood serving plate covered with raw meats including a whole chicken, drumsticks, burgers and a roast

Health and Safety Tips:

  • Remove skin and bones from the meat. 
  • Boil, microwave or steam the meat to cook it. 
  • Use the cooking water, breast milk/chest milk or formula to blend the meat to the right texture for your baby. 
Pureed roast on a white plate with two small slices of roast and parsley on top. A blue baby spoon holding pureed meat.

Ideas for Preparing:

Cook all meats to their safe internal temperature. 

Processed meats are high in salt and contain additives. Try to avoid giving them to your baby.  

These include: 

  • ham
  • bacon 
  • deli meat (e.g. salami, bologna)
  • wieners and sausages are a choking hazard. If you do give wieners or sausages, prepare them safely by cutting them into four sections lengthwise and then into bite-sized pieces. This video shows you how. 
  • Tofu
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Split peas
  • Nuts
  • Seeds

Health and Safety Tips:

If the legumes (beans, peas, lentils)  are dried, cook according to the directions on the package. 
Canned legumes are already cooked. Just drain and rinse well. 

Ideas for Preparing:

Use breastmilk/chest milk or formula to blend or mash beans, lentils or peas to the right texture for your baby. 

Two hard boiled eggs, one cut in half

Ideas for Preparing:

  • Cook eggs until the yolk is firm. 
  • Offer your baby mashed hard-boiled eggs or scrambled eggs 

Health and Safety Tips:

  • Do not feed your baby undercooked (runny) eggs or foods that have raw or undercooked eggs (such as raw cookie dough, cake batter). 
  • Cook eggs to a safe internal temperature. 
a blue bowl filled with infant cereal

Ideas for Preparing:

  • Start with a single-grain cereal such as rice, barley or oatmeal. 
  • Then offer mixed grain cereal. 
  • Prepare by following the directions on the package. 

Health and Safety Tips:

Avoid adult cereals as they do not have as much iron as iron-fortified infant cereals. 

Ideas for Preparing:

  • Choose boneless fish such as white fish, salmon and light canned tuna. 
  • Remove skin and bones before cooking.  
  • Fresh fish can be poached, broiled or baked. 
  • To puree fish, use the water that fish was cooked in, breast milk/chest milk or infant formula. Blend until you have the right texture for your baby. 

Health and Safety Tips:

  • Cook fish to the safe internal temperature. 
  • Mercury can affect your baby’s developing brain. Limit fish high in mercury to once a month. These include:
    • canned “white” albacore tuna 
    • orange roughy 
    • escolar 
    • marlin 
    • fresh or frozen tuna steak 
    • swordfish 
    • shark 

Once your baby is enjoying a variety of iron-rich foods, they are ready to try other foods such as vegetables, fruit, grains and milk products. 

Vegetables, such as:

  • Broccoli
  • Potatoes
  • Squash
  • Peas
  • Carrots
Piles of colourful vegetables including corn, red peppers, broccoli, beets, and red onion.

Ideas for Preparing:

Vegetables can be:  

  • fresh  
  • frozen  
  • canned  

To Prepare vegetables:

  • Fresh vegetables – wash, peel, remove any pits or seeds, and cut into small pieces.  
  • Cook vegetables until soft in water on the stove or in the microwave.  
  • To puree vegetables, use the cooking water, breast milk/chest milk or infant formula. Blend until you have the right texture for your baby.  
  • For a lumpier texture, vegetables can be mashed.   

Health and Safety Tips:

About canned vegetables:

  • choose unsalted products or  
  • rinse vegetables to remove some of the salt.  
  • Bananas
  • Pears
  • Peaches
  • Plumbs
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Cantaloupe
  • Kiwi
An arrangement of fruits including bananas, pineapple, kiwis, apples, oranges, grapes and lemons<br>

Ideas for Preparing:

Fruit can be: 

  • fresh 
  • frozen 
  • canned (choose unsweetened) 
  • cooked (such as applesauce) 

Prepare fruit:  

  • Wash, peel, remove any pits or seeds. 
  • Soft fruit can be mashed with a fork. 
  • Cut into bite-sized pieces or strips 

Health and Safety Tips:

  • When buying canned fruit or applesauce look for products that are unsweetened, in their own juice and not in syrup. 
  • Avoid giving babies fruit juice which is high in sugar. Babies get all the fluids they need from breastmilk/chest milk or formula. 
  • Grapes and cherries are common choking hazards. Be sure to cut them into four bite-sized pieces to keep your child safe. This video shows you how. 
  • Cooked barley
  • Brown or wild rice
  • Oats
  • Bulgar
  • Quinoa
  • Whole grain breads
  • Bagels
  • Pasta
  • Couscous
  • Pancakes
  • Unsalted crackers
  • Iron-fortified cereals 
four bowls of different grains

Ideas for Preparing:

  • When grocery shopping, look for labels that say, “whole grain,” “whole wheat flour” or “whole rye.”
  • Once your baby has been introduced to individual grains, fruits and vegetables, make things yummier by mixing flavours. Add vegetables, fruit, herbs or spices to cereals and grains. 

Health and Safety Tips:

When choosing grains, try to avoid highly processed foods that are high in sugar and/or salt such as:

  • Sauces (spaghetti sauce, soya sauce, ketchup) 
  • Spreads (jam or peanut butter with added sugar) 
  • Pasta with premade sauces 
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Milk products
  • Plain yogurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Other types of cheese
A pile of yellow shredded cheese and wedges of cheese on a wooden board.)

Ideas for Preparing:

  • From six months, your baby can have milk products such as yogurt and harder cheese. Grate or cut hard cheese into thin slices to make it easier to eat. 
  • Click here to find out when you can offer water, milk, and plant-based beverages. 

Health and Safety Tips:

  • Make sure the milk products and cheese are pasteurized. Some soft cheeses (feta, brie, blue cheese, etc.) can be unpasteurized. 
  • Unpasteurized milk and cheese may contain bacteria and are not safe for babies (because they have immature immune systems). 
A glass of milk on a table

Ideas for Preparing:

  • Wait until your baby is nine months old and eating a variety of iron-rich foods before giving whole milk. Babies and children under two should be given whole milk. 
  • The label should read homogenized 3.25% MF (milk fat). 

Health and Safety Tips:

  • Always use pasteurized cow’s milk. Unpasteurized milk can have bacteria which can make your child sick. 
  • Whole milk (3.25% MF) provides the fat and nutrients that children two and under need to help their brains and bodies grow. 
  • Wait until your child is at least two years old before giving: 2% MF cow’s milk 
    any other low fat milk, plain fortified soy beverage, almond or rice beverage. See Fluids for more information.

Check out this video from Nationwide Children’s Hospital on how to cut up foods that are common choking hazards like grapes, cherries and hot dogs.  

Note: Other videos may be recommended by the host channel (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo). These suggestions may be based on your personal search history and other factors. The Manitoba Government does not control these suggestions and is not responsible for and may not endorse the content.

Note: Other videos may be recommended by the host channel (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo). These suggestions may be based on your personal search history and other factors. The Manitoba Government does not control these suggestions and is not responsible for and may not endorse the content.

References and more information:

Questions?

The Dial-a-Dietitian phone number is currently redirected to Health Links-Info Santé. You can leave a message with a nurse and a dietitian will return your call. 

If you have a nutrition or food question, call Dial-a-Dietitian Manitoba at 204-788-8248 in Winnipeg or 1-877-830-2892. The Dial-a-Dietitian phone number is currently redirected to Health Links-Info Santé. You can leave a message with a nurse and a dietitian will return your call.

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Bike Trailers and Bike Carriers

Posted on by Lan

Cycling with your child is a great way to get around and is fun for the whole family. Bike carriers and trailers help parents cycle safely with their child. 

A bike carrier is a special seat that mounts on the frame of your bike. 

A bike trailer is pulled behind your bike. 

If you are trying to decide between a bike carrier and a bike trailer, here are some things to consider: 

  • A bike trailer is safer than a bike carrier because it won’t tip over if the bike falls. 
  • Bike carriers are less expensive than bike trailers and require less storage space. 
  • A child in a carrier can fall if the bicycle tips over, if the seat becomes detached or if the child is not properly fastened in the seat. A child falling from an adult bike would fall about one metre (three feet), which could result in serious injuries. 
  • You need to be a strong and confident cyclist to use a bike carrier. 

Did you know?

Bike trailers are recommended for children between one to six years of age. While they tend to cost more than bike carriers, many models can also be used as strollers and some can carry two children. 

Bike Trailers

an adult riding a bike with a blue trailer connected at the back

What to look for in a bike trailer: 

  • Rollover type hitch so the trailer won’t tip if the bike tips 
  • Adaptable for children of different sizes 
  • Roll bars so that sides won’t collapse if the trailer tips 
  • Enough headroom to accommodate a helmet 
  • Five-point harness 
  • Sunshade and mesh screen front flap for protection from the sun, bugs, pebbles and debris 
  • Bright reflective material 
  • A flag for extra visibility  

Safety Tips

  • Follow the manufacturer’s age recommendations and instructions 
  • You and your child should wear a certified bike helmet that fits properly and is fastened correctly. 
  • Learn to be a confident cyclist. Take a bike safety course and get plenty of practice. 
  • Practice towing the bike trailer before taking your child out for a ride. 
  • Drive on bike paths and low traffic areas. 
  • Make wide turns to accommodate the trailer. 
  • Mount a bright orange flag on back of the trailer so motorists will see that you are towing a trailer. 
  • Use the harness or safety strap to fasten your child into the trailer. 
  • Use the cover or screen to protect your child from road dirt and debris. 
  • Don’t let the child eat in the trailer while you are cycling. This is so your child doesn’t choke. 

Buying a second-hand bike trailer can make it more affordable. 

  • Bring your bike with you to make sure the trailer can be safely attached to your bike. The shape of your bike frame and disc brakes may get in the way. 
  • Look for wear and tear. The straps and fabric should be free of rips and tears. 
  • Make sure nothing is missing; trailers should include a cover or screen. A flag and reflectors improve your visibility. 

Bike Carriers (Bicycle seats)

An adult and two children on bikes, one child in a carrier behind the adult, and an older child standing beside them.

What to look for in a bike carrier:

  • Foot wells or spoke guards to protect feet and ankles from the spokes
  • Safety belt or harness
  • Reflectors
  • One that mounts behind the bike seat
  • Front-mounted bike seats are available; however, they can limit your vision, your ability to steer and lean forward. Strong cyclists may be more comfortable with this style of carrier.  

Did you know? 

Not every bike is compatible with a child bike seat. Check the instructions and ensure that any seat you use is installed correctly and does not wiggle or move on the bike.  

Safety Tips:

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child be at least one year of age before riding in a bike carrier. 
  • Follow the bike carrier manufacturer’s age recommendations and instructions.  
  • Parent and child should always wear a properly fitted and fastened certified bike helmet.  
  • Learn to be a confident cyclist. Take a bike safety course and get plenty of practice.  
  • Never leave your child unattended in bike carrier.  
  • Child should wear close fitting clothing and not have blankets, drawstrings or toys that could get caught in the spokes or gears.  
  • Drive on smooth bike paths and low traffic streets.  

Reference

Baby on Board: Keeping Safe on a Bike– American Academy of Pediatrics

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Jogging Strollers

Posted on by Lan

Jogging strollers allow you to jog or run while pushing your child.  These strollers typically have three large wheels, making them easier to turn and a heavier suspension system to make the child’s ride smoother. Some jogging strollers convert into bike trailers. 

Parents should be aware of a few concerns about jogging strollers: 

  • Despite the improved suspension systems, they can cause jarring and stress to a young baby’s neck and spine. 
  • Parents could trip and fall, causing the stroller to tip and the child to fall. 
  • While the parent may feel warm while jogging in cool weather, infants in strollers are not exercising, so they may be cold. 

When shopping for a jogging stroller, look for one that has… 

  • a deep seat with a five-point harness 
  • three large, fixed wheels 
  • a hand brake and a foot-operated parking brake 
  • a wrist strap 
  • a sun shield 
  • back-up locks that prevent sudden folding of the stroller 
  • a headrest 
  • a fully reclining seat 

When jogging… 

  • Practice running with a stroller before you take your baby out. Start with a brisk walk then lead up to a run. 
  • Avoid running in extreme heat or cold. 
  • Wear good footwear while pushing a stroller. Never push while wearing in-line skates. 
  • Jog on smooth surfaces away from traffic. 
  • Run at a pace where you are in control of the stroller. 
  • Supervise your child at all times when they are in the stroller. 
  • Helmets are not required for jogging strollers. If your child does wear one, be sure that the seatback does not force the child’s head and helmet forward. 

Safety Tips

  • Follow manufacturer’s age recommendations and instructions. 
  • Use the stroller for walking until your baby is at least six months old. After that you can jog or run. 
  • Use a jogging stroller for jogging or running. Regular four-wheeled strollers are not safe for these activities. 
  • Always fasten the child’s safety harness. 
  • Use the wrist strap so the stroller does not get away from you. 
  • To avoid tipping the stroller; do not overload it or hang items on the back. 
  • If using the stroller with an infant, keep the stroller free of extra padding, pillows or blankets as these can cause suffocation. 

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What Canadian Pediatricians Say About Vaccination and Your Child

Posted on by Lan

Vaccination is the best way to protect your child against many dangerous diseases.

Do vaccines really work?

Yes. All vaccine-preventable diseases have declined in countries with successful vaccination programs. Vaccines protect children who are immunized and the people close to them by preventing the spread of disease. When immunization rates drop, these diseases can come back. All of these diseases can cause serious illness, complications and death, even with the best medical care. Many of these diseases have no cure. 

Do vaccines have side effects?

The chance of getting sick from a vaccine-preventable disease is far greater than the very small risk of having a serious side effect from the vaccine itself. 

  • Some children will have mild pain and redness where the needle went into the arm or leg. 
  • A mild fever is common after vaccination. 
  • Fever combined with a rash may happen after the MMR, MMRV or varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. 
  • Anxiety about needles may cause fainting, especially in older children and teens. 
  • Other side effects, including serious allergic reactions, are very rare. 

Why does my baby get so many vaccines in one visit? Can they wear out my child’s immune system?  

Getting several vaccines at the same time helps to protect your child as quickly as possible during their early years of life when they are most likely to get severe infections. It also means fewer appointments and periods of pain and discomfort. 

Your child’s immune system response will not be worn out after getting several vaccines at the same time. Their immune system already responds to very large numbers of antigens (proteins and complex sugars) that are found all around us every day. 

Can breastfeeding/chestfeeding protect my baby from infections? 

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding provides some protection against some infections, such as ear infections and diarrhea. It is not a substitute for vaccine preventable infections.  

Are vaccines properly tested for safety? 

Vaccines are among the most strictly regulated medical products in Canada. Before any vaccine is approved, it must be shown to be safe and effective. There is extensive monitoring, testing, information-sharing and decision-making that goes on behind the scenes. After a vaccine has been approved, Canadian health authorities continue to monitor for side effects. 

Immunization information on the Internet 

The internet has a lot of information about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases — but there is also misinformation, which can be harmful if used to make decisions about your child’s health. Asking a few key questions can help you decide if you can trust the information, you find online. 

  • Who runs the website? Can you trust them? 
  • What does the site say? Do the claims seem reasonable? 
  • When was the information posted or reviewed? Is it up to date? 
  • Where did the information come from? Is it based on scientific research? 
  • Is the site listed by the World Health Organization as a trustworthy resource? 
  • What are some signs that a website might not have a balanced point of view? 

It’s a good idea to talk about the information you find online with your child’s doctor before making any health decisions. 

Reprinted with permission from the Canadian Paediatric Society  

References

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