Momma Makeover Madness

True North hosted a Momma Makeover Contest to celebrate Mother's Day in the Apri/May issue. Check out the online article here (or pick up a print copy, on stands now) and relive all of the Momma Makeover fun by watching winner, Tambi Lane's, video below. You can also read her account of the makeover on her blog here!

Become a fan of the TN Facebook page. Plenty more contests are on the way, and you won't want to miss your chance to win.

Get Kissably Close

Slings! They’ve been all over the news because of recent related infant deaths, and everybody is freaking out. Being a mother of a 2 month old baby boy, I was even freaking out. I have to admit, even though my son is my third child and I am a self-proclaimed babywearer, he is the first of my children to be carried via sling. In the past the way the sling made my babies curl up like a roly-poly and disappear beneath the fabric was disconcerting and felt wrong. I always assumed I just didn’t know how to use the sling properly even though I saw countless other women running around town, sling in tow with their infants hidden somewhere inside. Turns out all of us had it wrong.

Now Infantino, a major sling manufacturer is pulling its SlingRider and Wendy Bellissimo models following the death of at least three infants. It seems that these particular models pose an elevated risk of suffocation. Read about the recall here. Parents are strongly urged to return these models immediately

While it is important for parents to be aware of recalls, I think it is even more important for parents to be reminded of the benefits of babywearing and get educated on how to properly use slings. Slings are a wonderful bablywearing option that should still be considered.

Babywearing Benefits (taken from Babywearing International Babywearing Safety Press Realease)

Infants who are carried close to their parents:
• cry less
• are more calm and content
• sleep more peacefully
• nurse better and gain weight better
• enjoy better digestion
• develop better

Babywearing International advises caregivers to follow these positioning guidelines when carrying young infants in wearable carriers:

• DO ensure the baby's back and torso are well supported. Make sure the baby is not curled up such that his chin is pressed to his chest or his airway is otherwise compressed. Ensuring that you can put two fingers vertically between the baby's chin and chest is a good guide.

• DO carry babies how they would be held in-arms.Well-designed front baby carriers hold babies snugly against the chest and near caregiver's face ("Close Enough to Kiss").

• DO monitor the baby at all times. Make sure nothing obstructs the face or impedes breathing.

• DO be aware of movements and surroundings.In general, don't do something while wearing a child that shouldn't be done while simply holding them. Avoid heat sources, bumping and jarring motions, and other hazardous situations.

For correct positioning for your baby while being carried in a sling click here? This information is excellent and followed by beautiful photos that explain everything.

Most importantly, as in everything we do with our children, parents must always stay aware and check in with their infants. If it feels wrong…it probably is. The purpose of babywearing is to help caregivers stay in tune and in sync with their little ones while enjoying all the benefits of being kissably close!

The Map

Admittedly, this blog has been on hiatus for almost a year now. But as True North has grown and changed we have realized a need for a way to communicate all of the stories and interesting parenting stuff that comes up in between issues. Thus The Map was born!

As Editor in Chief, I receive more informative press releases, inspiring stories, and important tips and information for parents than I can possibly shove into each issue of True North. The Map gives me an opportunity to share all of this PLUS the local activities and events that families are dying to know about.

And while I have plenty to share, The Map will also be hosting local bloggers and writers who want to keep you in the know, share some tips and tricks, or just plain ol’ entertain you. So stay tuned and jump in and share your thoughts any time.

Mmmmm. Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is coming up. Sign your kids up for chocolate making classes on May 8th and 9th. Participants will tour the Goody's factory and make a personalized box of chocolates for mom! Now how cool is that? Sign up at one of the Goody's locations! http://goodyschocolates.com/

Is that a hint of spring I see?

There's rain. There's a bit of sun. Spring is here! (I am simply choosing to ignore the snow we've had.)

If spring is here, summer is right around the corner. And while we are all looking forward to the sun and warm temps, many of us are dreading figuring out what to do with the kids while we work.

Yes, yes... many of us have to work right through the summer...

Don't stress quite yet! Check out True North's article "Summer Camps, Classes and Adventures" online or on page 51 in the April/May print issue, and pick from a long list of fun options that will leave you wishing you were a kid again!

Ok, time to run outside and work in the yard before the rain (or snow) starts up again!

What's going on around here?

Looking for something to do tonight? The Tour Du Chocolat is at the Tower Theatre ! $5 gets you 5 pieces of chocolate plus a glass of wine! Yum!

Bring the kids, they'll love it too.

This weekend is packed with cool events! You don't want to miss out so keep up with everything.. check out the TN Calendar.

Did you know?

Make Sure You Stay Informed!
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You don't want to miss out on True North's new Facebook or Twitter pages. Keep informed on what's going on around town with our regular updates and tweets! But that's not all! We will be having contests and content requests that "fans" and "followers" will hear about first. You won't want to miss this opportunity to have some fun and reap the rewards. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for special offers and opportunities from our supporters!

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