On a Walk with Sterling

Posted on by barbara solomon

As a new mom, I think one of the most important things that helped me feel normal (during a time when nothing feels normal) was getting outside. Having a winter baby, it was easy to get comfortable staying at home and hibernating while getting to know my new bundle of joy, but as the season changed, there was no longer an excuse and it was time to move that bonding time outdoors.

All babies are different and I’m beyond fortunate that Sterling allows me to bring him with me to events, road trips and errands around the city. Having a baby that cooperates with an active lifestyle has proven to be a blessing and the right equipment has been key for when he needs a little extra attention and care.

The essentials for excursions may also differ baby-to-baby, but for Sterling and I, the keys to success has been to have options, sun protection and a plan. I never leave the house without my diaper bag filled with a swaddle blanket for privacy during nursing, either my ring-sling or baby wrap in case he gets fussy and wants to be held, and a handful of outfits for him (and at times an extra one for me).

Probably the most important item for a day on-the-go is a compact and portable, lightweight stroller, like the new MINU by UPPAbaby available at West Coast Kids. I’m so excited to have partnered with UPPAbaby to try the newest stroller to the collection. It has a spacious seat suitable for babies 3 months to 50 lbs, there is also a bassinet attachment available for newborns (From Birth Kit), and the seat has the ability to recline which allows Sterling to fall asleep while we’re on-the-go. (From Birth Kit & Infant Car Seat Adapters available in stores Fall 2018).

But my favourite feature, with this compact stroller is the way that it folds, it’s literally a one-handed smooth movement, that I can do while holding Sterling. Once folded it can stand and can easily be carried using its built-in handle or shoulder strap.

Some of my favourite places to go with Sterling are for walks along the waterfront where we live, for picnic days at Trinity Bellwoods and shopping around downtown on Bloor Street or Queen Street.

He travels so easily in the UPPAbaby MINU stroller, with the all-wheel suspension and a pop-out sunshade to shield his eyes from harmful UV rays that I don’t need to worry about having him tag along during any adventure I’m on. There is also a peekaboo-window which allows for air to flow through during those hot summer days that we’ve been having.

  

I think that having options available to you is important when it comes to life with a baby. Different things work at different times and a travel stroller, like the UPPAbaby MINU, has been essential for a busy day in the city.

They say “you only get 18 summers with your children”, and with this being our first one with Sterling, I’m looking to making the most out of it as we explore our favourite parts of Toronto with him. Be sure to follow along Instagram, as I share a lot more of our daily adventures using the hashtag #OnAWalkWithTheNegins.

Jumpsuit: Gap, Slides: Loeffler Randall, Frames: C/O Main & Central Clearly.ca
Stroller: C/O UPPAbaby Minu in Jake, Diaper bag: SkipHop
Sterling’s romper: Ollie Jones

 

One of a Kind Show for Babies

Posted on by barbara solomon

If you follow me on Instagram, or have read my post from almost a year ago, you’d know that I LOVE The One of a Kind Show. The semi-annual event brings in some of the most creative and talented vendors from across Canada for my favourite trade show.

This year I went into the show with a very different mindset. I was on the hunt for the perfect and most beautiful things for babies. Now please note, The One of a Kind Show is such a large show that I may have missed an amazing vendor, so please let me know what your favourite booth was. These are a few of mine.

Ouistitine
Ouistitine is a Montreal based company that makes handmade dolls, toys from recycled natural fibres. I fell in love with the pig hand puppet and went back on day 2 of The One of a Kind Show to go get it.

Ollie Jones
You can’t help but smile when looking at the fun and playful designs by Toronto-based Ollie Jones. As you know I love my prints, so expect to see Sterling in a lot of adorable outfits by Ollie Jones.

Sonic Bloom Succulents
I am plant obsessed, like most millennials, and lately I’ve been on the hunt for unique ways to display and add greenery into my home. When I came across this colourful booth I immediately fell for her whimsical air plants inside brightly painted dinosaurs. I also checked out her site and found out so much info about keeping my plant babies alive.

Mally Designs
I came across Mally Designs’ booth during the 2017 Holiday show at The One of a Kind Show, and couldn’t wait to pick out a pair of shoes for my future baby upon their arrival. The soft leather moccasins, by the Vancouver based couple, are available in so many colours it was hard to choose. We went with Midnight Blue (their darkest blue) which is a perfect start for Sterling’s shoe collection.

Surfing Ninjas
This adorable line of baby and children’s clothes is designed in Toronto by Shay Benedict and draws inspiration for the line from her two kids. I loved the unapologetic prints that are a refreshing change from the typical for little ones.

Happy Quilts Co.
Now it may be because I spend hours breastfeeding, but when I walked by and saw this giant boob, I was obsessed. I loved the quirky humour of Steph Hung. Available in both pre-made pillows and quilts or DIY kits, Happy Quilts Co. is a must have for a modern home.

Adelaide Creek Furniture
Inspired by the classic kids building blocks, these customizable toy boxes are the cutest thing to store away your little one’s toys, blankets or keepsakes in. They can also double as seating, side tables or storage in rooms other than your nursery.

The show is only on until Sunday April 1st, so make the most of this weekend and support small and local artisans at The One pf a Kind Show. Tickets are available here.

Soothing to Sleep

Posted on by barbara solomon

The number one topic I get asked about since becoming a mother is sleep. How many hours do I get? How many times does Sterling wake up? Naps? With so many parents struggling with lack of sleep, it makes sense that everyone is so curious about how we are doing.

Trevor and I have been very lucky, Sterling is a great sleeper (so far) napping throughout the day and only waking up a few times overnight. The midnight wake ups may be few but they still cause us to walk around pretty dazed, especially on the bad nights. So when Fisher Price reached out for Sterling to try their Soothing Motions™ Bassinet, we jumped at the opportunity to improve our routine. Although this post is sponsored by Fisher Price all opinions are 100% my own.

Loaded with features like nature sounds, music, a nightlight and projection light that displays stars on the ceiling, this bassinet has it all. The projector is also removable which is ideal for travel or use as a table top soother. It’s easy to assemble and takes up little space, making it perfect for beside my bed, allowing for easy feedings during the night when needed.

My favourite feature of the Soothing Motions™ Bassinet is the way that the bassinet sits in the stand allowing it to move with Sterling’s movements and the calming vibrations that help lull him back to sleep. The mesh sides are also great for visibility and for allowing air to flow through, ensuring he doesn’t overheat.

It also has a spot underneath ideal for storing your diaper bags, books or in our case Taco, who loves to stay close to Sterling ensuring he’s safe all night.

For those who are in the baby planning stage, I would be adding the Fisher Price Soothing Motions™ Bassinet to your wish list. #RegisterForSleep today and get a good night’s rest, once your baby comes.

If you are interested in working together in please contact Krista at Shine Influencers (krista@shineinfluencers.com).