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New moms keep a seemingly endless to-do list running in the back of their minds at all times, and safety is usually at the top of this list. Yes, it would be nice to have the perfect colours for your nursery or a collection of adorable (and locally-sourced!) bibs all ready to go. But safety, of course, is more than something ‘nice to have.’ It’s a necessity.
When thinking about safety for new babies, many people automatically think about strollers and bedding, two of your most important safety purchases. And of course, all the car seats and boosters, strollers, bassinets and bedding in our Victoria boutique are all from highly-vetted, highly regarded brands.
But in this post, we’re going to explore some less-discussed but equally important safety items for your new baby. These items will help you have peace of mind without breaking the bank.
We all know that too much sun is bad for babies. But you might not all know just how bad. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, your baby’s skin is particularly vulnerable to sun damage, and there is “strong evidence that sun exposure and sunburns during childhood multiply the risk of one day developing skin cancer, including melanoma.”
Thankfully, keeping the sun off your baby’s skin has never looked so cute!
For example, we love these Jan & Jul Xplorer Sunglasses, which have UV 400 lenses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. They’re also polarized and free from BPA, phthalate, and PVC. They also undergo rigorous testing to ensure they’re safe for your child – whether they’re on your child’s face or end up in their mouth. With an optional strap to keep these beauties secure, the Jan & Jul Sunglasses are the perfect answer for protecting little eyes!
Always outfit your baby with a sun hat (make sure you get a comfortable one, so they’ll keep it on with no fuss). This Headster Bucket Hat in Fresh Bloom is particularly adorable!
And a protip: it might be easier to get your older child to wear a much ‘cooler’ big kid-style hat like this made-in-Canada snapback hat from Ambler Apparel!
We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the importance of sunscreen when it comes to protecting your baby from the sun. Of course, when it comes to sunscreen, many parents also worry about strong chemicals that may irritate the skin. That’s why we recommend both Thinkbaby Safe Suncreens and Sun Bum Baby sunscreens in SPF 50 or higher. Both these brands make great skin care products that are gentle and safe for babies, while also doing the important work they need to do.
Dovetailing with sunscreen, skin care is another safety product that may be overlooked by new parents.
Babies have extra-sensitive skin, and most parents these days are also concerned about unnecessary chemicals in skin care. When you can, choose skin care for your baby that is free of synthetic petroleum-based ingredients, phthalates, sulfates and parabens.
Thankfully, if you do your work or find a local baby boutique you trust, you can find a great selection of natural baby skin care products like body washes, creams, moisturizers and sunscreens which are gentle and safe for baby's skin, that also feel great and smell delicious.
For example, Só Luxury and Vancouver-based K’pure are some of our favourite skin care lines for baby AND mama (and you can never go wrong with too many GAIA Natural Baby Plant-Based Water Wipes when things get messy!).
Speaking of bathtime, remember that safety items for your baby can do double duty - just like this Safety 1st Bath Buddy Floating Thermometer. While it helps keep your baby’s bath water at a comfortable temperature, it also has baby-friendly soft edges. Better still, no batteries required (music to a mother’s ears!).
And a bathtub spout cover protects your little one’s little head at bath time, too.
Of course, we’re only just begun to scratch the surface when it comes to baby safe items (and don’t get us started on baby proofing!). But these are a great way to get started.
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In September, Torin was referred to a Pediatric Endochrinologist in order to receive endochrinology clearance prior to his surgery in Chicago. After discussing the ongoing management and the stability of his Hypothyroidism diagnosis (a very commonly-seen hormonal disorder in individuals with Down syndrome), we debated whether to schedule an ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) Stimulation Test at the Pediatric Daycare Unit at Victoria General Hospital to check Torin's adrenal response to stress.
About a week after the stim test, we received a call from Torin's Endochrinologist. Much to their surprise, Torin's cortisol levels barely changed AT ALL following ACTH administration. He was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency, also knows as Cortisol Dependency.
It's a HUGE relief that this condition was caught prior to Torin's liver surgery. We quickly begin daily oral Predinisone treatments to help manage his cortisol levels, and we have a modified emergency plan in place that involves immediate intramuscular injection of steroid hormone in the case of a medical illness or emergency. Such an emergency could be a severe head bump, a fever with vomiting, a broken bone or a car accident. The injectable steroid will help Torin's body cope with the stress associated with a traumatic event, keeping his blood pressure and blood sugar levels stable. It could absolutely save his life in the case of a severe trauma.
We also have a modified plan in place for the surgery to fix his Portosystemic Liver Shunt in Chicago at Lurie Children's Hospital this November. He will receive an increased "stress dose" or oral Prednisone (steroid) in advance of his surgery and prior to invasive tests or general anesthetics. Throughout his procedures and surgeries, his cortisol levels will be closely managed and he will receive IV doses of steroids while unconscious.
We are so relieved to be armed with this new diagnosis and with better knowledge of how to help keep Torin safe and healthy: both during his day-to-day activities, and throughout his upcoming international medical treatments. As always, we are extremely grateful to have access to such exemplary healthcare in our city, as well as amazing medical specialists to help manage Torin's health and wellness.
