This is a topic that comes up often enough in my office that I felt it might be beneficial to share some of the products that I recommend for stimulating oral motor function.  These are all great toys for you and your baby to play with together but this is certainly not an exhaustive list and there are always new and interesting products hitting the market.  Here are just a few of my favourites:

Oball Classic TM
Innobaby Teether (Grip Star, Fruit, or Flower Rattle)
Chewy Tubes P's and Q's
​Manhattan Toy Atom Teether
​Manhattan Toy Skwish Teether
Comotomo Teether
Baby Banana Toothbrush
Baby Banana Octo Teether
​
(*Note: the Atom and the Skwish from Manhattan Toys can be particularly helpful for those with higher arched pallets.)

​For children less than 3 months of age, you can hold the toy up to their mouths while they are on their back (or on their tummy for an even more advanced workout!) and allow them to explore with their mouths and tongues.  For older babies, they can hold and manipulate the toys themselves, but I'm sure you can find lots of creative and fun ways to play together.

​When shopping for a new oral motor toy, I think it's important to consider the materials used, how soft/firm it is and whether it is appropriate for the age of the child it is being purchased for? Consider the quality of the product and whether or not bits can be bitten or broken off, the shape and texture of the toy and how the baby might be able to use and manipulate it?  Can they hold it themselves? What areas of the mouth will it stimulate? Can it reach to the molars, roof of mouth etc? Will it inspire the child to use his or her tongue to play, feel and explore the toy?
​
Please note that I am not affiliated with any of these products or their brands and do not benefit from the purchase of these items. The links provided above are to the manufacturers websites however, these products can be found at various retailers both online and in-stores nationwide.

In accordance with the recommendations from Province of Ontario on May, 26, 2020 and the College of Chiropractors of Ontario, I am happy to announce that the office is now open for in-person appointments as of June 4, 2020! My hours are limited during this initial phase as we begin a gradual re-opening and we have implemented some new safety measures to help minimize the risk of COVID-19 for our patients, our team and all of our families.  If you would like to learn more about what to expect when attending for in-person services, please visit Rebirth Wellness Centre's website or give us a call at 226-663-3243.  We'd be happy to answer any questions you might have and look forward to seeing you again soon.  Virtual appointments will continue to be available and booking for both options is available here. ​

In anticipation of our COVID-19 clinic closure lasting beyond April 5th, I wanted to set up a secure way to connect with you from the safety of your own home.   If I am not able to see you in person at my office, I plan to offer appointments via doxy.me a secure, HIPAA/PIPEDA compliant platform that will allow me to conduct virtual appointments where I will be able to discuss your symptoms and concerns, offer recommendations for self-management, exercises/stretches etc.  If this is something you might be interested in, please contact me by email at dr.holly@rebirthwellness.ca and we will set up your virtual appointment. 

It's been quite a while since I've last created a blog post and hopefully you have been following along with my Facebook and Instagram accounts in the meantime. In lieu of the recent developments with COVID-19/coronavirus, I thought it would be wise to post this info to as many places as I could in hopes that it will reach all of you.

I'm sure you've all been monitoring this situation closely and I encourage you to stay up to date with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the World Health Organization and the Ontario Ministry of Health for the latest info and details on risk and outbreaks. 
 
I continue to take extra care with hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting my office space and would appreciate if those of you who are feeling ill and showing any signs or symptoms of illness, to reschedule your appointment.  I will also be taking a few extra precautions and will be removing the children’s toys from my office temporarily. While the toys are continually being cleaned and disinfected, I would like to be extra cautious and minimize the chance for the spread of any germs to our youngest visitors and their families at this time.  If you are bringing your little ones with you, please feel free to bring a few of your own favourite toys along for them to enjoy while attending your appointment.
 
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of coronavirus (fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing), please follow the recommended steps to be treated and avoid spread to others. (see below) 
 
If you are booked for an appointment and have returned from ANY flight in the last 2 weeks, OR if you are exhibiting cough, fever or difficulty breathing, kindly call our office to reschedule your appointment with no cancellation fee.
 
Once two weeks has passed, if you are not exhibiting any signs or symptoms of illness, we’d love to see you again!
 
Thank you for your assistance in helping keep all of us safe and healthy.
Sincerely, 
Dr. Holly Beckley

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

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