infant swim lessons
It’s never too early to introduce your babies to the water, especially with so many great infant swim programs available!
Hubbard Family Swim School inside Kids First Sports Center
7900 E. Kemper Road | 513-530-0123
Gold Fish Swim School
7058 Ridgetop Drive, West Chester | 513-857-1700
Bear Paddle Swim School & Clubhouse
9376 Mason Montgomery Road
3099 Disney St., Oakley Station
513-285-8855
Cincinnati Sports Club
3950 Red Bank Road | 513-527-4000
Mayerson JCC
8485 Ridge Road | 513-761-7500
Mercy HealthPlex
Anderson | 7495 State Road | 513-624-1871
Fairfield | 3050 Mack Road | 513-682-1212
Queen City | 3131 Queen City Ave. | 513-389-5600
University of Cincinnati Campus Recreation Center
2820 Bearcat Way | 513-556-0604
Lori’s H20 Skills
5610 Wolfpen Pleasant Hill Road, Milford | 513-515-8468
baby café for breastfeeding support
Ohio’s first Baby Café opened in April at the West Chester Hospital. The Café, part of a national non-profit network, offers free resources for breastfeeding moms from other moms and experts. Moms and infants meet with a board-certified lactation consultant in a welcoming environment complete with healthy snacks. The Baby Café meets each Wednesday from 10 – 11:30 a.m. in the hospital’s Family Waiting Room, located on the third floor of the Maternity Services Unit (7700 University Drive, West Chester). The waiting room is closed so moms can enjoy privacy while nursing their babies and talking with others. Although registration is encouraged, it is not a requirement to attend. Learn more at WCHchildbirthEd@UCHealth.com or babycafeusa.org.
a note on doulas …
If you’ve created a birth plan but want support to stick to it, a doula is a great option. Birth doulas offer advice, expertise and support throughout your pregnancy, and especially during delivery. Essentially, doulas are trained to “mother the mother,” providing reassuring answers to your endless questions and making sure your emotional needs are met.
After delivery, post-partum doulas are a terrific resource for new moms — they are trained professionals that help you and your family during the first few weeks at home with your newborn. Not only will a doula offer expert advice for you, but she also makes sure you get rest and other things you need to be ready to meet the demands of motherhood.
The cost of a doula varies depending upon your needs; some insurance plans provide reimbursement. Head to cincinnatidoulas.org or doulasofcincinnati.com to find a local doula.
on-the-go with baby
We found some nifty new products for you and your babe!
By Kiera Ashford
Central Park Outdoor Blanket & Cooler Bag
skiphop.com | $45
This five-by-five-foot, water-resistant blanket unfolds to give you a spacious play spot on the ground. That’s good, because your little one will be rolling around in no time and this will cover a good sized area. Includes a detachable cooler bag for drinks and snacks.
Pack Right 12-Piece Daycare & Travel Bag
babyboomproducts.com
$89.99 at amazon.com
This large tote includes two insulated bags for bottles and food, two laundry bags, a changing pad and a pacifier case. Pack a week’s worth of necessities for Baby; great for vacations, overnights or daycare. You’ll be so organized that when it comes time to change Baby, you won’t be spending most of the time searching for what you need.
LilyPad Playmat
nooksleep.com | $120
Take this 40-inch portable playmat with you wherever you go for a comfortable place for Baby. Fold it up and use its handles for easy carrying. The inside has an air-spacer cushion, which is great for cleanup as it will not hold residue or build mildew … unlike most cushions that even stain. Best part? It’s completely machine washable. Available in six colors.
Dreamliner Travel Bassinet
us.diono.com | $69.99
If you’re on the go with your newborn (up to 3 months old) unfold this light-weight travel bassinet for naptime. The Dreamliner features a canopy and full-cover with netting to keep bugs away. The front part of the net rolls up into the over-head bar when you want it out of the way. It’s seriously the easiest thing to set up. You’ll be amazed! The mesh sides also add breathable comfort and it comes with a carry bag, too.
DockATot Deluxe
dockatot.com | $185
Hanging out at home or taking Baby (0 – 8 months) to work, use this comfy lounger. Cushioned walls create a cozy and safe sleep spot. Remove the cover to wash. Available in different prints. When baby gets older, there’s a bigger size available for purchase, too. The handles on the sides make it easy for you to pick up off the floor and move from room to room.