BROUGHT TO YOU BY Indy’s Child
inside:
must have
baby gear
+ 7
take a walk! STROLLERFRIENDLY TRAILS AROUND INDY
WAYS
to prepare your child for a new sibling
2021/2022 ISSUE
contents W H AT T O F I N D I N S I DE
DEPARTMENTS 08 INDY’S KIDS 14
09 ON THE COVER 10 TINY TIDBITS 12
LOCAL BABY FINDS
IN THIS ISSUE 16
18
13
BABY GEAR MUST-HAVES
14
SELF-CARE FOR NEW PARENTS
16
7 WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR FIRSTBORN FOR A NEW SIBLING
18
OUT & ABOUT WITH BABY
20 STROLLER-FRIENDLY WALKING PATHS
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Indy’s Baby 2021/22
CHILDCARE DIRECTORY
staff PUBLISHER
Mary Wynne Cox mary@indyschild.com
MANAGING EDITOR Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@indyschild.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Karen Ring karen@indyschild.com
DIGITAL PUBLISHER Wendy Hasser wendy@indyschild.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Clark katie@indyschild.com
BILLING
billing@indyschild.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rachael Dupree
CALENDAR OF EVENTS calendar@indyschild.com
CONTACT US
indyschild@indyschild.com
COPYRIGHT
Indy’s Baby Magazine is published annually. Copyright 2021 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary, or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more, visit indyschild.com.
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indy’s kids
We asked our readers to send in shots of their little ones enjoying their favorite spot in Indy, and the response was overwhelming! Here are just a few of the adorable photos we received.
Charlie, 5 months Skylar, 8 months
at Opti Park
at Carey Grove Park
Ellie, 14 months
at Main Street Park in Whitestown
Oliver, 2 years
at Square Cat Vinyl
Chase and Ty, 1 year 8
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at Old City Park
ON THE COVER Emma
6 months old FAVORITE COLOR: Blue FAVORITE FOOD: Bananas FAVORITE BOOK: Goodnight Moon FAVORITE SONG: Itsy Bitsy Spider FAVORITE GAME: Peek-a-boo FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Rolling around on the floor and playing with toys! INTERESTING FACT:
I love waving at people!
PHOTOGRAPHER
Gabrielle Cheikh Photography gcphotography.com
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tiny WEIRD but true: LIKE FISH, BABIES CAN BREATHE AND SWALLOW AT THE SAME TIME FOR THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF THEIR LIFE.
$233,610 According to a study by the USDA, that’s the cost of raising a child from birth to age 17.
UNLIKE FISH, HUMAN INFANTS ARE THE ONLY SPECIES THAT SMILE AT THEIR PARENTS. ALL THOSE VIRAL VIDEOS OF BABIES BOPPING ALONG TO THEIR FAVORITE SONGS AREN’T SO UNIQUE AFTER ALL. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT BABIES HAVE AN INSTINCTIVE ABILITY TO RESPOND TO THE RHYTHM AND TEMPO OF MUSIC.
#TRENDING Adorable bibs that give back Bella Tunno’s silicone bibs are dishwasher-safe, feature fun sayings and come complete with a crumb-catching pocket. And, for every bib you buy, the company donates a meal to a child in need. Learn more at bellatunno.com.
Portable everything After many months of sticking close to home, the urge to get out and about is strong. Fortunately, there’s portable baby gear for pretty much every need – from collapsible cribs and bouncers to inflatable nursing pillows and baby tubs, it is easier than ever to take your gear on the go! Pictured: Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat
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*Sources: usda.gov; factretriever.com
local
BABY FINDS
Whether you are looking for that special something for your own bundle of joy or are in search of a unique gift idea, check out these fun local finds.
ABCs in Indianapolis Purchase at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Gift Shop
This colorful, hardcover book celebrates Indianapolis through each letter of the alphabet. “ABCs in Indianapolis” provides an “insider’s” look at our city.
Grabease Ergonomic Fork and Spoon Set Purchase locally at Cafe Baby or online cafebabytogo.com
The patented fork and spoon sets were the first utensils designed with babies’ independence in mind, and they come highly recommended by occupational therapists.
Indy 500 Milk Onesie Purchase from shop.ims.com
Indy’s smallest race fans will be ready for our city’s biggest event of the year.
Three Hearts Jewel Pacifier Clip Purchase at locally at Nurture or online at nurtureonline.com
Keep track of your baby’s paci with one of these cute clips that doubles as a teether. The clip can hold both a paci as well as other items such as sippy cups or favorite toy.
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baby gear must-haves THE INSIDE SCOOP ON WHAT YOU REALLY NEED Feeling overwhelmed with all of the baby gear on the shelves these days? We asked our staff to share the items they can’t live without.
Brooke: Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer SUPER light, folds easy and comes with a bag to travel with.
Munchkin Waterproof Changing Pad Liners Because who wants to change bedding 24/7?! These are great. I have them everywhere.
Katie: Nose Frida Snot Sucker Forget the bulbs, this is amazing! It gets out so much more drainage when their little noses won’t stop running (from allergies or just a cold!)
Frida Baby Humidifier Love that it’s smaller (not so bulky on the nightstand), but really puts out a ton of mist!
Silver Lining Cloud Baby’s View Activity Center I like this because it grows with her. The feet are adjustable and it turns into a table when she is able to stand. The seat comes out and the gray foot board is a chalk board and clips into where the seat is. (Note: Chairs are sold separately.)
Wendy: Woombie Baby Swaddling Blanket I wish I would have had a Woombie for my first baby. The zipper on the swaddle makes all the difference for quick night diaper changes in those early weeks.
Copper Pearl Bibs and Burp Cloths A little expensive, but we went through a ton of burp cloths and bibs with both kids before we found these... they are the BEST and are super absorbent!
Nicole: Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder We used these every day!
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words by | Rachael Dupree
SELF-CARE for new parents
Refresh and renew your mind, body and spirit by giving yourself a time-out.
As a new parent, it’s easy to find yourself short on internal resources. Surviving on a few hours of sleep and a lot of caffeine just doesn’t cut it when you have a helpless infant depending on you for their every need. While adjusting to life with a baby, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, as well. Self-care as a new parent is critical to making sure you can show up for your family without feeling run ragged, and it can look different for every person. You may hear people try to tell you what self-care is or isn’t, but the truth is only you can define what self-care is for you. The definition I like to go by is that if it helps you feel more whole, more filled up and more like your true self, then it’s self-care and a great thing to incorporate into your life.
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I like to think of self-care in terms of a hierarchy. At the bottom tier, you have your physical needs: wholesome food, adequate exercise, good sleep and basic hygiene. Next, your mental and emotional needs: time to connect with your partner, family and friends, and time for reflection and emotional processing. Finally, there’s what I like to think of as bonus care: occasional treats that give you an energy boost, such as a spa day or a night out. While those bonus self-care days are really great, they’re not all that effective at keeping your energy levels sustainable if you don’t meet your physical, mental and emotional needs first.
While I can’t stress enough that you need to create a self-care routine that works for you, here are some ideas to consider that I personally found improved my life during those first months of new parenthood.
shower daily New parents are notorious for forgetting personal hygiene, but for me, getting a shower was a great way to reset my body and mind — even if I couldn’t manage to get one in until late afternoon. Even if the baby won’t stop crying, lay them in a safe place, and allow yourself five to 10 minutes in the shower. They will be OK, and you will be able to come back to them with renewed energy.
find a mindfulness practice
take a walk with your partner Exercise and fresh air are both great ways to refresh the body and spirit as a new parent, and time to connect with your partner is important, as well. Get a good dose of all three by taking a walk together. It can be a short walk around the block or a longer one around a park. If you have someone you can leave the baby with during that time, that’s great, but if not, take them with you.
connect with other parents It can often feel like no one understands what you’re going through as a new parent, but in fact, every parent out there is in the same boat. When my daughter was very young, I connected with a new-parent group and found my time with them incredibly therapeutic. We shared common frustrations, offered one another advice, and supported one another during those tough first years of parenthood.
As a new parent, you can easily find yourself pulled in so many directions that you start to forget who you are. Finding a mindfulness practice, whether you favor meditation, prayer, yoga or something else, allows you to center yourself and find grounding. Make time for this every day, even if it’s just a few minutes. While I often enjoyed a short bedtime yoga practice to calm my nerves, sometimes something as simple as noticing the warm water on my hands as I washed dishes was enough to bring me back to my center.
line up therapy If you find yourself with severe mental health symptoms during the postpartum period, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist. Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and other postpartum mental health issues can affect both mothers and fathers, and there is no shame in reaching out for help. In fact, it might be a good
idea to have a mental health plan lined up prior to your baby’s birth in case you need that life line.
Time might be tight with a new baby in the house or on the way, but by prioritizing your own self-care, you’ll be able to make quality time with your new little one more special.
A big part of caring for yourself is knowing when to reach out for help. Franciscan Health offers a virtual postpartum depression and anxiety support group, where moms can share their story without feeling judged, and realize that they are not alone. During each online meeting, there is time for questions, sharing and learning self-care tips. To register and receive a link to the virtual group, call (765) 449-5133. To check out Francsican Health’s other classes in central Indiana, visit franciscanhealth. org/community/classessupportgroups-events.
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words by | Rachael Dupree
7
ways to
prepare your firstborn for a
NEW SIBLING TIPS FOR MAKING THE TRANSITION A LITTLE EASIER.
So you’re expecting Baby No. 2.
In some ways, the second child is so much easier — you’ve already read all the baby books, you’re loaded on supplies, and you’re a pro at operating on little sleep. However, instead of having only to manage your own expectations surrounding the new baby, this time you have your firstborn’s to manage, as well. Talking to your child about their siblingto-be can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a rollercoaster of emotions. Here are some ways to help ease the transition and help them find their place in their new sibling’s life.
An array sibling-to-be books exist for your service — just visit your local library for options. Our favorites were Little Miss, Big Sis by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, and Hello In There! A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting by Jo Witek and illustrated by Christine Roussey.
INCLUDE BIG SIB IN BABY PLANNING Whether you’re decorating the nursery or cooking up postpartum freezer meals, give your first child some say in the decision-making. Let them help find a special picture to hang in the nursery, choose a favorite meal to prepare, or shop for a special “birthday” gift for the baby — simple things to help them feel part of the team.
PICK UP PICTURE BOOKS When we were expecting our second baby, my husband and I leaned heavily on picture books to help our 2-year-old understand what was coming.
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“MEET” THE BABY Bring your first child along to OB appointments so that they can hear the baby’s heartbeat and see the ultrasound. Giving them this “sneak peek” at their
new sibling will help the abstract idea of a new baby feel more tangible.
GIVE THEM THEIR OWN BABY Children learn and process new information through play, so give them a baby doll of their own to care for. Feeding it, changing its diapers, pushing it in a stroller and rocking it to sleep will not only help them wrap their mind around the new baby, but their play could clue you into some of their anxieties, as well.
HAVE HONEST CONVERSATIONS Be specific with your first child about what they can help with when the baby comes and what duties will be mommy’s or daddy’s. For example, show them where you’ll keep diapers and wipes that they can bring to you, but be clear that you will be the one changing the diaper. Let them know they can help choosing baby outfits, but that you will dress the baby. Talking about these things before baby arrives will not only help them manage their expectations but will help you meet both children’s needs when the time comes.
PSYCHE THEM UP FOR BIRTHING DAY As you’re planning for your hospital stay, be clear with your child about what they can expect. Let them know ahead of time who they’ll be staying with while you are away. If they’ll be staying at someone else’s house, let them help pick out some comfort items and activities they’d like to take with them: a special blanket or stuffed animal, a favorite pair of pajamas, a favorite movie and a special snack. Not having you around can be scary, so really play up the fun factor — and don’t forget to remind them of who will be coming home with you.
GIVE THEM EXTRA SNUGGLES Most of all, cherish these last moments alone with your eldest child before the new baby arrives. Carve out time focused specifically on them: go get ice cream, have a parent-kid park playdate, plan a weekly movie night. Listen to what’s on their mind and assure them that they hold a special role in your family. This period of transition may have them feeling nervous or uneasy, so go above and beyond to make sure they feel loved and supported through it all.
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OUT & ABOUT with baby
Ready to head out into the world with your little one? Here are some places around Indy to explore with your baby!
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS DISCOVERY STATION AT CONNER PRAIRIE
This indoor area of Conner Prairie is where kids ages 9 and under can create, explore, play and pretend. Babies have their own area where they can crawl and explore, too. Discovery Station is open year-round, even when the outdoor spaces of Conner Prairie are closed for the season. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers
PLAYSCAPE AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS
Located on Level 3 of the museum, Playscape was created especially for the 5 and under set. But even better, there is a special area just for babies, so you can let your little one roll around, crawl and explore new sights and sounds in a safe space designed just for them. Playscape also offers amenities like private nursing areas, family restrooms and diaper-changing stations. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS ZOO
A trip to the Indianapolis Zoo can be a magical experience for even the youngest baby. Babies will see and hear the animals from their storybooks come to life on a trip to the zoo. 1200 West Washington St., Indianapolis
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THE MONON CENTER
Located in Carmel, the Monon Center offers many activities that baby and mom can enjoy. Memberships and daily passes are both available, and give families access to the whole center. The KidZone childcare, Toddler Open Gym sessions, kids classes, and indoor/outdoor pools are a few things that make this a perfect spot for babies. The Monon Center also provides a Mamava Lactation Suite - a private and quiet spot to nurse your baby. 1195 Central Park Dr W, Carmel
PARENT-CHILD CLASSES ATTENDING A WEEKLY PARENT-CHILD CLASS WITH YOUR BABY IS A GREAT WAY TO BOND WITH YOUR CHILD WHILE LEARNING SOMETHING NEW. PARENT-CHILD CLASSES ARE ALSO A GREAT PLACE FOR PARENTS TO MEET OTHER PARENTS IN SIMILAR STAGES OF LIFE.
Aqua-Tots Swim School
Their Parent & Tot class for 4-12 month olds is designed as a child’s first introduction to swim lessons and gives a caregiver the opportunity to connect with their little one in the pool to adapt to the water together. aqua-tots.com/northindianapolis
Gymboree Play and Music
Gymboree classes are designed for early childhood development. Through play, your child is challenged physically, socially and cognitively, building crucial skills to support a lifetime of learning. Parent-child classes start as early as 0 months. gymboreeclasses.com
Kindermusik
Children thrive on music! It’s one of the best vehicles to help young children learn. Kindermusik takes musical learning to the next level. Classes are offered in multiple locations around Indy, Find a class at kindermusik.com.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Daily programs at museum designed specifically for children ages 0 to 5 include Experiencing Art Together, Making Music Together and Sharing Stories Together. Babies and toddlers will enjoy these quick programs held within Playscape. The programs are first-come, first-serve, and included with general admission. childrensmuseum.org
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stroller-friendly
walking paths EVERY BABY LOVES A STROLL AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT SOMETIMES A CHANGE OF SCENERY IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE. HERE ARE FIVE OF OUR FAVORITE STROLLER-FRIENDLY PATHS AROUND INDY.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Coxhall Gardens, Carmel
This beautifully manicured garden in Hamilton County has lots of things to see from the stroller, including ducks in the pond and outdoor statues. Bonus: There’s a Children’s Garden in the park with a small playground and play houses.
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The Monon Trail, multiple
locations around Indianapolis This popular paved trail is perfect for strollers. There’s lots to explore with baby on this trail, as it’s the only trail in Central Indiana that goes from downtown Indy to Sheridan.
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Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Downtown Indianapolis
This eight-mile urban bike and pedestrian path in downtown Indy connects six cultural districts: Mass Ave, Fountain Square, The Canal & White River State Park, Indiana Avenue, the Wholesale District and Market East.
Nickel Plate Trail, Fishers
This newer Hamilton County trail connects Indy, Fishers and Noblesville, and offers interesting stops along the way.
Play Pocket Trail, Greenwood Stretching along Greenwood’s Main Street, this stroller-friendly trail features four separate playgrounds, each with their own theme. The playgrounds offer fun stops while walking on this beautiful Greenwood trail.
CHILDCARE DIRECTORY Feeling overwhelmed by all of the childcare options available today? We’ve compiled a handy guide to help you make that all-important decision.
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