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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.
We are sharing our son Torin's medical diagnosis and treatment plan, in the hopes of garnering awareness for our small business and our family as we navigate this complex medical journey. Torin's path ahead is challenging, but his family, friends and community are working hard to rally around him and ensure that we are able to support, care for, and reassure him every step of the way.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out over this past year to offer words of concern and deep caring for our special boy, Torin. Thank you for the phone calls, home visits, meals, offers of childcare help, texts, reassuring hugs and smiles, DMs, and heartfelt chats at the shop counter. Thank you for choosing to make a purchase at our family business when you are able, for referring a friend or family member that's expecting, and for sharing a positive experience on social media or leaving a Google Review to help others discover Momease Baby Boutique - your continued kindness and ongoing support is truly heartwarming.
When you’re planning for your baby, a good stroller is always at the top of your list, and finding the right one can be a challenge. It needs to be safe and comfy for your baby, but also easy-to-use and built to last. Especially if you’re an overwhelmed first-time parent, this might be no easy feat.
Thankfully, it’s easy to choose the best stroller for your lifestyle, when you ask yourself a few simple questions. Here’s what you need to know!
If you’re finding yourself spending hours (and hours, and hours) researching strollers online, then it’s time to step back. Let’s take a minute to think about what really matters in a stroller. It needs to be safe (obviously), and it needs to fit your lifestyle. That means it needs to be able to grow with you and your family, whatever your plans.
Here are 3 main questions to ask yourself when trying to choose the best stroller for your family.
In our experience, most parents are looking for a solid, safe stroller that will grow with their child through toddlerhood.
If that’s the case, then we recommend the Bumbleride Indie Stroller, which comes in a variety of colours.
This is a lovely all-terrain stroller that is perfect for an active family. It’s infant-compatible, but your toddler will also be safe and snug, too.
Trust us: if you have a car, a car seat compatible stroller makes life soooo much easier. Thankfully, the Bumbleride Indie Stroller fits the bill, as do many other options in our Victoria, BC baby boutique.
For example, another great option is the UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller. It lets you attach the UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat with NO ADAPTER REQUIRED, or you can also use car seats from major manufacturers like Nuna or Maxi-Cosi for a convenient travel system (with the sold-separately Car Seat Adapters). You can also use the included overnight-approved bassinet on the stroller or inside your home. This versatile stroller can be used with up to two seats, car seats or bassinets for siblings or twins, and can even accommodate 3 kids with the PiggyBack Board accessory!
Speaking of siblings or twins, think about your family - including what you think your family might look like in the future. If you have more children or plan to have more children, it’s best to choose a stroller like the already-mentioned UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller that can push more than one child.
Having twins, or potentially children in quick succession? Then you'll want to opt for what’s called a double stroller. We love the Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller, which makes it easy to stay on the move with two. With either twins or an infant and toddler, this versatile side-by-side stroller gives you a customized fit for each little one with quick access to both. It’s also easy and completely seamless to fold, thanks to the ergonomic trigger release on the handlebar!
You don’t have to give up your active lifestyle just because you have a baby in tow. You just need to find the right stroller! If you plan to run or hike with your little one, then opt for a stroller with all-terrain wheels, all-wheel suspension, and a durable, ergonomic design.
One of our top recommendations is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Stroller, in part because its signature one-hand compact fold, adjustable handlebar, and hand-operated parking brake provide you with the ultimate convenience. We also love that the adjustable calf support and near-flat seat recline allow you to find the most comfortable position for your child.
Finally, will you and your baby be spending lots of time downtown, running around, jumping in and out stores, on and off buses, and maybe up and down an elevator or stairs? Then you’ll need a city-friendly stroller that is as lightweight and maneuverable as it is sturdy and ergonomic.
We love this compact 3-wheel Thule Spring Stroller for just this reason. It offers excellent maneuverability for the city and an easy one-hand fast, compact fold that is also self-standing to help keep everything clean (love that!).
There are lots of baby items you can order online, which is why we’re happy to offer free local delivery on orders $110+ and free shipping on most orders over $160 (see our shipping policies here for exclusions).
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.
While there are more than just 5 ways to support the new mom in your life, it never hurts to start small!
While starting a family brings a lifetime of joy, it can (especially for new moms!) also bring a period of stress, chronic lack of sleep, and a distinct lack of self-care.
Here at Momease, we want to help you help new moms! After all, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Here are some foolproof ways to support the new mama in your world:
Sleep can’t be overstated… and the better a baby sleeps, the better a new mom sleeps!
Introducing the Yogasleep Nod Sound Machine and Night Light, which promotes a deeper, steadier sleep - night in and night out due to its:
The best part? Once a baby outgrows the Yogasleep, moms who like white noise when they sleep can move it into their own room to enjoy!
The Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear helps new moms stay comfy without the fear of a sneeze, laugh, or sudden movement causing leaks!
These ultra-stretchy, uber-comfortable, full-coverage microfiber-and-spandex boyshorts bring dignity back to a new mom’s day-to-day: soft, breathable, and latex-free, the new mom in your life will hugely appreciate an eight-pack of these as she maneuvers through the first six weeks of her recovery.
As a new mom, it can be so hard to make eco-conscious purchasing decisions while juggling the first leg of parenthood.
Products like the AMP Bamboo Washable Nursing Pads, which are made in Canada from organic cotton fleece with bamboo, and are 100% washable, are a good gateway into the world of eco-friendly options for new moms.
These nursing pads in particular are trim and absorbent, making them much gentler than the standard sticky disposable pads made of plastic. They’re also safe to go in the dryer!
Both the Momease free blog and newsletter cultivate a space for moms to feel heard, share experiences, connect with other parents, and stay informed on Momease promotions, events, new products, and member rewards.
Nothing can replace an offline friendship, however! Even if the new mom in your life is too wrapped up in the new wave of responsibilities heading her way, checking in at least once a month (whether it be in-person or over the phone!) is a way to show that you’re thinking of her. Bonus points if you drop off some baked goods or offer to do some dishes or vacuuming while you two chat!
Ahead of the Christmas season, we can’t recommend the Momease eGift Card enough to help the new mom in your life stay prepped (and spoiled!).
Benefits of an egift card include:
If you’re a new mom yourself, let us know: which of these 5 ways to support the new mom in your life do you most appreciate?
When you’re getting ready to welcome a new baby, your shopping list is probably filled with onesies, nursery decor, and bottles. But the one thing you may be missing? Postpartum essentials for the new mama!
Get ready to bookmark this page: we have lots of goodies lined up for you that are sure to save the day for the new mom in your life!
First up is…
The Belly Bandit B.F.F. Belly Wrap is sure to become your best friend six-to-eight weeks after you deliver!
Standing for Body Formulated Fit, the B.F.F. utilizes a corset-inspired, eco-friendly model that is super-soft, solidly constructed, and uniquely-shaped. Particularly amazing for petite and/or short-waisted women who typically struggle to find the right sizing, this patent-pending design cinches the waist, hips, and belly in a way that is comfortable and 100% natural-looking.
This belly wrap offers double compression, works to minimize the look of stretch marks, provides comfort after a C-section, supports your leg and back muscles, and adds support while breastfeeding.
Looking for your size? Head on over to our Belly Bandit B.F.F. Sizing Guide to ensure you find your perfect fit!
Healing Hollow Essential Oils Remedy Blends - Beautiful Birth mitigates tearing of the perineum when applied from week 36-onwards… and also helps both mom and baby after birth!
This is a favourite of doulas, who often offer this blend in a spray bottle both during birth and for postpartum care.
Also applicable to feet and/or pulse points during labour, this soothing botanical blend touts rose oil, lavender oil, and other all-natural oils that keep moms feeling (and smelling!) great.
Ahh, briefs: postpartum, is there anything better than ones that fit snugly and comfortably?
We here at Momease don’t think so! That’s why we love Ripe Maternity Seamless Briefs - Black.
These high-waisted briefs are ultra-comfortable, ultra-flexible, and even feature under-tummy ribbing for extra support. They’re perfect as both maternity and postpartum underwear thanks to their C-section support and seamless knit!
Get ready to chill, moms!
The Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads - 8 Pack take “cool” to a whole new level. These two-in-one postpartum padsicles combine instant cooling therapy, absorbent pads, and full coverage in one ingenious swoop.
These hospital bag-approved maxi pads include eight instant ice pads, instructions, and a promise to feel like you’re sitting on a cloud!
Last but certainly not least is the Peas In a Pod Happy Mumma Nipple Butter, which soothes, moisturizes, and heals dry and cracked skin.
This all-natural ointment is lovingly made with a blend of organic coca, shea, and mango butters, as well as healing lanolin. Its organic ingredients are perfect for both nursing moms and babies alike, especially because a little of this nourishing butter goes a long way!
Looking to support local while building or buying postpartum essentials of your own? Check out Momease Baby Boutique’s online Baby Registry services. Create your dream registry from the comfort of home on our website or on the Momease mobile app for iOS and Android. Our team is always happy to help you build the perfect registry, or to find that unique gift you’ve been looking for!
It’s nearly back-to-school time!
Instead of suffering through the standard last-minute September rush, peruse our list of back-to-school favourites below to get your shopping done and dusted… while grabbing all the hottest seasonal items, of course!
Without further ado, let’s jump right into the best back-to-school favourites for all age groups.
Also coming in fun colours and glitter finishes, the Bogs Skipper Rain Boots in are the must-have fashion staple for those rainy September days here in Canada.
While rain may seem like a far way off, it’s ideal to pick these up during the summertime before demand means they're out of stock! These stylish boots are 100% waterproof, are made of flexible rubber-lined material, and have special moisture-wicking Max-Wick technology to ensure that your child’s feet stay cozy and dry.
(Our favourite part? The Bogs Skipper Rain Boots’ cushioning footbed keeps musty odours away 24/7 thanks to having DuraFresh integrated into the sole! Talk about a win-win.)
The Munchbox Midi6 Artwork Tray and Yumbox Original 6-Compartment Food Tray make lunchtime both balanced and fun!
Sectioned into multiple sections dedicated to protein, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and treats, both the Munchbox and the Yumbox Food Trays are perfect for those who want to pack bento-style without sacrificing portion sizes.
These artsy trays are the newest addition to these brands’ innovative ranges of interchangeable trays, all of which can be mixed and matched for even more dazzling designs and colours!
Pair these with the corresponding bento lunch boxes from either Munchbox or Yumbox - huge restocks for both brands are arriving this August!
For caregivers and teachers alike, the Herschel Fourteen Hip Pack in west coast-inspired Ivy Green is a can’t-skip!
Expertly designed to keep your essentials organized, this versatile hip pack can be worn either over the waist or over the shoulder for maximum comfort and stylishness. Who said being prepared couldn’t look good? Plus, check out larger Hip Packs in the Fifteen and Seventeen styles if you need more storage space.
Splash through the occasional September downpour with the Hunter Boot Kids First Classic Rain Boots!
A staple of Momease’s back-to-school favourites, these boots come in a multitude of colours, are specially designed for growing feet, feature a rounder foot for comfortable walking, and offer a wide upper leg to ensure that there is no struggle when it comes to popping them off and on!
This year Hunter has also released an insulated version of these First Walker Boots so little toes can stay cozy in cooler weather too.
We’d be remiss if the ever-popular Blundstones 565 weren’t included in this list!
Enjoy freedom from laces with these stylish, comfortable, and, most importantly, durable shoes! As a bonus, each and every pair comes with an extra set of shoe liners to guarantee that your little one can enjoy as much wear as possible… even as their feet continue to grow.
Our favourite part? That Blundstones make for fantastic hand-me-downs: not only are they a west coast staple, but they also promise to be a classic trend for years to come and are wonderfully neutral for boys or girls!
The Jan & Jul Puddle-Dry Waterproof Play Suit and Tuffo Muddy Buddy Waterproof Coveralls are two peas in a pod when it comes to keeping the littlest member of your family warm and dry. For a cozier experience, you can also check out the insulated Cozy-Dry Playsuits from Jan & Jul.
Each of these fun and easily-adjustable waterproof overclothes offers elasticized hoods and waists for an easy fit, completely-sealed seams, dual front zippers, and 100% machine-washability.
Like Blundstones, these waterproof overclothes have been designed to ensure that your child can grow into them as the years go by.
Last but certainly not least is the SoYoung Toddler & Grade School Backpacks, which are the perfectly-sized for preschoolers or primary schoolers.
Roomy enough for everything your little school-goer needs (without weighing them down!), this adorable backpack is machine washable, stretchy, touts two side bottle-pockets, and is reinforced along the bottom to protect material from both spills and rips.
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Which items from this list will you be stocking up on this Fall?
Thought we would stop at just listing our favourite summer clothes for babies and toddlers? Think again!
Today, we here at Momease are going over some of the best gifts for summer babies. Whether you’re shopping for a baby shower or birthday party, we have you covered with the best gifts for summer babies to enjoy.
The Babymoov Anti-UV Pop Up Tent – Tropical allows you and your little one to enjoy the benefits of the sun, the beach, and all the best of what summer has to offer... without the disadvantages!
This lightweight pop up tent features an anti-UV rent coating, a ventilation net to permit a gentle breeze without the fear of mosquitos and other pests, and a stable four-peg system. The best part? It can be folded and unfolded in just three seconds and can be used on any foundation, whether it be cement, grass, dirt, or sand.
Enjoy the Babymoov Anti-UV Pop Up Tent – Tropical with its complimentary carry bag for ultimate portability and convenience.
Soft, lightweight, and vibrantly-printed, the Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin Mini Crib Sheet - Summer Poppy dreamily combines style and function.
Specifically designed to fit both mini cribs and portable cribs, each size features Little Unicorn’s signature hand-painted prints. Of course, each is also 100% cotton muslin, fitted, and machine-washable!
“Sockeye Silver, Saltchuck Blue” by authors Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd is a board storybook geared towards infants ages one to four.
Like their other titles, “Hello Humpback!” and “One Eagle Soaring”, this board book introduces little ones to the joys of the nature around us while dazzling them with immersive illustrations that drip with colour.
Whether it be for at-home use or on-the-go entertainment, “Sockeye Silver, Saltchuck Blue” is durable, easily portable, and, above all, enthralling for children while simultaneously teaching them about Canada’s natural beauty.
Welcome your little one’s new favourite stuffed toy: the Jellycat Marty Moose!
You can tell how huggable this toy is just by looking at it! 12 inches high, tested against all ASTM requirements, made from 100% polyester, and suitable from birth, the Jellycat Marty Moose is weighed down with beans in its bottom for the perfect balance of squishiness and being easy for little ones to carry around if they so please. (Plus, who can resist Marty Moose’s huggable antlers?)
Trust us: the softness of this plush toy has to be felt to be believed!
From adorable hats to breathable sneakers, Jan & Jul has you covered for exploring safely this summer! OUtfit your favourite cutie with a coordinating set of sunglasses, adjustable hat, and knit shoes that will take them from park to beach any day of the week.
Bring home the joys of the beach with the Little Lovely Company Mini Light - Whale.
Eco-friendly, LED-powered, and auto-timed for battery-saving purposes, this night light is much loved by children everywhere for the comfortingly soft glow that it provides.
Its safety features include:
When you’re looking for that perfect gift in the summer months, the team at Momease is here to help you find the right item for your little one! From clothing to toys and baby must-haves, we have you covered - all while supporting local.
Shop our selection of quality baby & toddler gifts online - free local pickup & delivery on orders over $110, and free shipping on most orders over $160!
Momease’s favourite summer clothes for babies and toddlers: to say that making this list was easy would be a lie!
However, we put ourselves through this challenge so that you don’t have to! Instead of leafing through page after page of adorable and durable summer apparel for your child or gift registry, bookmark this page for our five go-to summer clothes for babies and toddlers.
First on our list is the stylish-yet-comfortable Jax + Lennon Shorts Playsuit.
As one of our newest apparel items this summer, the Jax + Lennon Shorts Playsuit combines the convenience of loungewear with the breathability of summer clothes. The result? A playsuit that is perfect for naptime, playtime, and summertime outings!
Made of 58% cotton, 37% rayon from bamboo, and 5% spandex, this short-sleeved, front-snap closure playsuit is sure to become your child’s go-to, and is designed and made in Canada.
The Whistle and Flute Kawaii Camp Cap, like the entirety of the Whistle and Flute line, is designed to be unisex; plus it’s quick-dry, and water-friendly. The size Small fits kids 6 months - 4 years of age and size Medium fits kids 5 years - 10 years of age!
Know that your child will be safe from the sun all summer long with the cap’s solid brim, safe inks, and soft, breathable fabric.
The Jan and Jul Breeze Knit Shoe (in mint) offers:
Get a pair for your little explorer this summer season!
Available in a range of adorable patterns and cuts, Current Tyed provides superior sun protection with their comfortable sun suits & rash guard suits. You can rest easy knowing that the built in sun protection helps prevent burns, while the comfortable cuts allow your little one the freedom to play & explore safely this summer!
The best part? If you’re looking for Mommy & Me matching suits, Current Tyed has you covered! From one-piece suits to bikinis, you can rock the same style as your little when you hit the beach or pool.
There’s nothing better than getting out into nature and exploring the beauty of our local parks and beaches, or even making the most of your backyard! The best way to ensure a fun and safe summer is to have the right gear and clothing to keep your baby or toddler protected without holding them back from play.
Looking to support local while building out a summer wardrobe for your child or for a gift registry? Then be sure to visit Momease Baby Boutique’s online baby registry services.
Through this baby registry service, you can create your dream registry from the comfort of home. Need further summer wardrobe inspiration? Remember that our team is always happy to help you build the perfect summer registry or find the picture-perfect summer apparel of your dreams!
