{"id":52491,"date":"2019-03-13T10:00:04","date_gmt":"2019-03-13T14:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-well.ca\/?p=52491"},"modified":"2026-07-02T15:21:07","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T19:21:07","slug":"baby-gear-toys-through-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/well.ca\/blog\/baby-gear-toys-through-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Baby Gear & Toys Through Development"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]By now, you may have started to realize that babies require with A LOT of gear. It’s true, your itty bitty tiny human comes with an enormous amount of stuff. And every parent has an idea of what items are essential and what you can probably leave off the registry. But getting around with baby safely and comfortably is key.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re traveling by car or by foot, here a few baby transport basics to keep in mind:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Strollers 101<\/h4>\n

When it comes to strollers, you’ll probably start with something a bit more heavy-duty until baby approaches 3 years old, and then you may want to switch to an umbrella stroller for another year or so because it’s lighter (and therefore also works well for travelling before the 3-year mark).<\/p>\n

You’d be in great shape to start with an\u00a0UPPAbaby VISTA Stroller<\/a>\u00a0(which includes a detachable bassinet that clicks into a\u00a0stand<\/a>\u00a0for the house), and add the lighter\u00a0Bugaboo Bee<\/a>\u00a0for convenience later on.<\/p>\n

Car seats 101<\/h4>\n

Choosing a car seat can be intimidating and overwhelming-there’s a ton of information and a lot at stake. You’ll be using car seats from the time your little one comes home from the hospital until they are about 7 or 8 years old, so choosing the right one is essential.<\/p>\n

Below are a few basic car seat types. Keep in mind that it’s important to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible-some experts agree on at least 2 years. For even more information on car seats, check the\u00a0guidelines in your province<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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1.\u00a0Infant Car Seats (aka “Bucket Seats”)<\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong>
\nDesigned to protect little ones from day 1, they’re always rear-facing and can typically carry babies up to 22-35lbs or 29-32 inches (typically year 1). These seats have a handle for easy carrying and usually snap in and out of a base that stays in your car, ideally\u00a0with just one hand<\/a>. They also often fit directly into your stroller when used with the\u00a0appropriate adapter<\/a>. Most parents find them easy and convenient for transferring baby from car to stroller or home (and vice versa) without too much disruption.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Convertible Car Seats<\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong>
\nThese are larger and heavier than infant car seats. They can be rear facing at first and then turned to forward facing (hence the name). They carry babies from birth (in some cases) up to 40-80lbs or 50 inches. These car seats always stay installed in the car and have a five-point harness system. A fan favourite is the\u00a0Clek Foonf<\/a>. Besides being built like a tank with some awesome safety features, this seat is ridiculously easy to install (even I could do it!) and its sleek design and fun colours are a bonus!<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Booster Seats<\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong>
\nOnce your child outgrows the convertible car seat (according to the height and weight limits), they graduate to a booster seat. Boosters use the car’s seat belts and are designed for children who are at least 4 years old and 40lbs. A popular booster is the\u00a0Diono Monterey XT<\/a>, designed to fit growing children from 40-120lbs. A simple-to-use dial adjusts the width of the seat to fit a child’s shoulders, and the adjustable headrest is comfortable enough for nap time on-the-go.<\/p>\n

Babywearing 101<\/h4>\n

Babywearing describes the age-old tradition of\u00a0carrying babies<\/a>\u00a0using long fabrics wrapped around mother’s body. And here’s the thing – it’s super easy once you’ve got the hang of it! You can even babywear your newborn with an\u00a0infant insert<\/a>\u00a0for babies from 7lbs. Get some easy-peasy tips and tricks for getting started in this\u00a0detailed post<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Babywearing offers parents practicality and freedom to multi-task while attending to their little one – a more “hands-free” approach. Plus, it’s been shown that infants who are carried are generally calmer because skin-to-skin contact is maintained, and constant motion and rhythm have a balancing and soothing effect. As if that weren’t enough, babies who are properly carried have a better natural development of their cranium, spine and postural muscles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Tummy Time with Baby<\/h4>\n

If you’re a new parent, chances are the term “tummy time” has crept its way into your vocabulary, but you might still be unsure of the details-here they are!<\/p>\n

\"Mom<\/a>

Tummy time is an important ritual for you and baby!<\/p><\/div>\n

What is it and why is it important?<\/strong>
\nTummy time is an essential part of baby’s muscular, skeletal and nervous system development. Spending time lying on their belly helps baby develop the neck, back and shoulder muscles they need to meet gross motor milestones such as rolling, crawling and sitting up. It also helps to balance out the extended length of time most babies spend on their backs sleeping (due to safe sleep guidelines), or even time spent in strollers or car seats.<\/p>\n

When should it start and for how long?<\/strong>
\nTummy time can start as early as when baby comes home from the hospital, but many parents wait until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off for baby’s comfort. The current recommendation is at least 20 minutes per day of supervised belly time, gradually increasing in duration as baby gets older. Remember, this doesn’t have to be all at once and can be broken up into shorter sessions starting from just a few minutes. Work up to longer stints-there’s no such thing as too much tummy time!<\/p>\n

How should it be done?<\/strong>
\nHere are 3 activities that will make tummy time fun for both baby and you:<\/p>\n

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1.\u00a0Use an activity gym or mat:\u00a0<\/strong>
\nBright colours and interesting textures and sounds make belly play entertaining and enjoyable for baby, so play gyms are extremely useful.\u00a0This one from Skip Hop<\/a>\u00a0is an all-time favourite, and it also comes with a cute supportive tummy time pillow to help keep baby comfortable.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Rock and roll on the ball:\u00a0<\/strong>
\nNow there’s another reason to get that exercise ball out of the closet! While keeping a firm grip on baby, gently place him tummy down on top of the ball. Once you’re both comfortable, you can begin to slowly roll the ball forward and back, side to side.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Get creative:\u00a0<\/strong>
\nGet creative: Doing tummy time with baby often means getting creative! Sing songs, play peekaboo, and use props such as\u00a0mirrors<\/a>, books, and\u00a0rattle toys<\/a>\u00a0to keep baby engaged and distracted while playing on tummy. This may even include some belly play for mommy and daddy too!<\/p>\n

Baby Play for Development<\/h4>\n

Welcoming a new baby into your home is an exciting time! But let’s face it, all your baby ever seems to do is eat, sleep, poop and cry. But it’s never too early to start engaging and playing with your wee one-in fact, early play and interaction with their environment and their caregivers is one of the most important ways babies grow, develop and reach their milestones.<\/p>\n

By choosing activities and toys that give baby opportunities to learn and practice new skills, you will set the stage for encouraging exploration and early learning. Here’s your step-by-step activity and toy guide for babies:<\/p>\n

Newborns (0-1 month):\u00a0<\/strong>
\nNo one loves a cozy\u00a0swing<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0bouncer<\/a>\u00a0like your new baby. However, it’s also important to include opportunities for movement throughout the day. One of the biggest developmental milestones for your new baby is to stretch out of the curled up fetal position they spent the last 40 weeks in. This is where tummy time comes into play.<\/p>\n

1-2 months:\u00a0<\/strong>
\nBefore learning to grasp objects or sit up, your baby will most appreciate things she can look at and listen to. Vision is a bit fuzzy at first, but facial recognition occurs as early as 1 month. As you continue with tummy time, your baby will begin to hold her head up for brief periods of time-she may turn her head to find your face or a nearby high-contrast object, or she may turn toward the sound of shaking rattle or a familiar voice. You’ll also notice big changes in arm and hand movements as she becomes more outstretched and active-toys that dangle may help encourage more hand exploration, such as:<\/p>\n