Today we’re meeting Samantha Cockburn, owner of BabyAuric cloth diaper service. Baby Auric has been working with Bummis cloth diaper boutique to organize a Montreal event that’s part of the global Great Cloth Diaper Change.

I Spy Montreal: Hi Samantha, please introduce yourself!

Samantha: Over 5 years ago, I started BabyAuric, and have since been running Montreal’s only cloth diaper service. Both my kids have used our service, as well as hundreds and hundreds of other bottoms around Montreal, the West Island and South Shore.

I Spy Montreal: What is the Great Cloth Diaper Change?

Samantha: The Great Cloth Diaper Change is a global effort to outdo the Guinness World Record set in 2011 – when 5,026 babies were changed into cloth diapers at the very same minute. Bummis & BabyAuric, the Montreal organizers, plan to host more than 100 cloth diaper babies and their families at this year’s event, doubling last year’s numbers.

The goal of this event is to create awareness of cloth diapering as an affordable, easy to use alternative for parents. The fact is that today’s cloth diapers are surprisingly easy to use, and using cloth diapers will prevent at least one ton of garbage per baby from ending up in our landfills.

Diaper services deliver to your door, but cost the same or less than using disposables. Buying and washing your own cloth diapers will save you about $2,000.

Not only that, but cloth diapers are now incredibly cute and very comfortable. If you are thinking pins and plastic pants, think again! Snaps, Velcro and high-tech comfort fabrics have changed everything.

Bummis and BabyAuric encourage both parents and the media to attend this fun-filled family event. Spend the day before Earth Day 2012 with us to show your support for this important environmental initiative. Find out more about why Quebec leads the world in diaper subsidy programs, and how to encourage your municipality to offer subsidies for cloth diaper purchases!

The official record breaking event will be taking place at 12:30 p.m. at 4302 St. Laurent Blvd. Arrive around noon for opening ceremonies. Extra cloth diapers will be on hand for those who need something to change into!

I Spy Montreal: We hear there are gift bags? Can you give any hints about them?

Samantha: To date there are over $5,000 worth of raffle prizes. Plus there will be face-painting, story time, baby yoga, snacks and more!

Very important: Pre-register to participate at http://gcdcmontreal.eventbrite.ca and get a free gift bag! Our suppliers and partners have been incredibly generous: baby balms, wash cloths, pacifier chains, toothbrushes, bibs, sunglasses, swim diapers…and that is just a small sampling.

For more information: Jamie Wolfe (514 831-9688) or Samantha Cockburn (514 483-2874), or visit http://www.facebook.com/GCDCMontreal

I Spy Montreal: Can you share a favourite family weekend activity?

Samantha: As for weekend activities, you have already said a lot about sugar shacks, however we recently celebrated my daughter’s 3rd birthday at the Chalet des Érables in Ste. Anne des Plaines. It is a busy place, but only about 40 minutes from the city and incredibly well set up for a full day of kid fun.

My 3-year-old loved the big bouncy castles and merry-go-round, while my 6-year-old son went on a mini 4-wheeler (twice!) and even a roller coaster. Exciting times! The food was good with efficient service and the whole thing was reasonably priced. All in all, a successful family day.

Related posts:

1. Laval Offers Cloth Diaper Subsidies
2. Montreal’s AppleCheeks Diapers on Dragon’s Den Tonight
3. I Spy Parent Interview: Marie-Ève in Montreal

Photo by Richard Lam

The Plateau is a great place to head for holiday fun with the kids this weekend. The annual Puces POP craft fair is on Dec. 10 and 11, with a free, bilingual activity station set up for kids age 2 to 10. Organizers promise that kids get to craft, parents get to shop. Hey, it’s worth a shot!

Also, right next to the craft fair at the St. Enfant Jésus Church, are the annual Nöel Dans le Parc festivities at Lahaie Park. It’s all set for the holidays, with Christmas trees for sale, woolly sheep to pet, sausages and marshmallows to grill, cider and hot chocolate to drink, plus warm wine for the grownups to glug sip. Here’s a shot from last year:

On Dec. 10 and 11, between 1 and 5 p.m., Nöel Dans le Park entertainment will include live music, a children’s show, a clown and carriage rides. If your kids have a letter to Santa ready to go, they can send it special delivery on Mont Royal Ave., where elves will be patrolling on festive bicycles between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, as part of the Nöel sur l’Avenue activities.

Puces Pop Holiday Craft Fair, with kids crafts
When: Dec. 10 and 11, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: St. Enfant Jésus Church, 5035 St. Dominique St.

Nöel Dans le Parc
When: Dec. 1 to 25
Where: Parc Lahaie, corner St. Dominique et St. Joseph

Related posts:

1. Noël dans le Parc 2010
2. This Just In: Craft Fair with Kids’ Activities
3. This Just In: Christmas Bazaar with Kids’ Workshops

The Pop Montreal indie music festival happens this week, and organizers haven’t forgotten about Montreal kids!

On Sunday, Sept. 25, Pop Montreal hosts an afternoon of funky kids’ workshops, including:

• Instrument-making
• Body painting
• Sculpture making
• Dress-up photo booth
• Yoga
• Sculpture
• Sandbox
• Sing-alongs with Brie Nielsen

Related posts:

1. Weekend Events for Kids and Families in Montreal – September 15, 2011
2. Montreal Labour Day Weekend Events 2011
3. Weekend Activities for Kids and Families in Montreal – September 8, 2011

Ciao! Montreal Italian week welcomes families with several kid-friendly activities happening this weekend.

First, there’s the children’s zone, featuring inflatables, animation and face-painting, open Aug. 12 to 14 from 1 to 7 p.m. on St. Laurent Blvd. between Shamrock and Jean Talon Sts.

Young car enthusiasts may also enjoy the Ferrari parade on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cars vroom around St. Laurent Blvd. and then park for visitors to check out. There will also be Vespa scooters and Fiats.

Foodie parents may want to stick around to find out who wins the canoli contest at 3 p.m.

Check out the full Montreal Italian Week program.

Related posts:

1. Downtown Montreal Street Party Welcomes Families
2. Splash! Montreal Water Parks Open This Week
3. Montreal High Lights Festival 2011 for Families

On the program: a storytelling corner, inflatables, games and food kiosks. There will also be dance performances and a children’s play presented by la Théâtre Magique at 7 p.m.

Wilfred Laurier Park, on Laurier Ave. E near Mentana St., is great for all ages. There’s a range of playground equipment, a pool and soccer field. There are lots of yummy-looking eateries on Laurier Ave., plus a Bilboquet ice cream shop a few blocks away. More information.

No related posts.