Oh Baby! Raising Your Young One in Woodbury

Woodbury is a young community. Approximately 7.5 percent of our residents are under 5 years old.

That means, on any given day, there are over 4,500 infants, toddlers and preschoolers romping around our fair city.

So I asked Amber Gehring, the proud mother of 10-month-old Lincoln, what it’s like to have a baby in Woodbury.

Me: Where was your delivery?

Amber: . The environment there is very caring and holistic with a helpful staff and easy access for visitors.

Me: Where do you go for Lincoln’s continued medical care?

Amber: Central Pediatrics. They’re amazing! They have walk-in and late hours. They’re quick to respond to my questions and are very affirming. They never make me feel like I’m asking something stupid. They also have a Facebook page with regular updates about new services and some retail baby product recalls.

Me: Where do you shop for baby stuff?

Amber: mostly. They provide disinfectant wipes for the carts, which is important to me because Link likes to chew on the handle. Babies R Us has a nice mother’s room separate from the bathroom, which is nice since some places don’t even have changing stations in their bathrooms. I mostly shop garage sales, Craig’s List or the Munchkin Market for toys and clothes.

Me: What about eating out?

Amber: Mostly, I cook at home. is good for most groceries. But Link and I are soy and dairy free, so I shop other places, too. Trader Joe’s has inexpensive organic foods and Tailor Made Nutrition stocks a few items I can’t find elsewhere. I go to for bread that is soy and dairy free.

When we do eat out, most restaurants have good allergen menus. But has been especially accommodating to our dietary needs. The chef at Outback actually came out to ask about my diet and prepared a special meal for me.

Me: What about childcare?

Amber: I’m a working mom with in home daycare. One way I stay connected is through the Baby Connect application for iPad. Link’s caregiver can input diaper changes, feedings and naps. And if Lincoln’s ever ill, I can monitor his temperature and medications. Baby Connect is also great for tracking my pumping and Link’s sleep patterns.

Me: Wow, I’m getting old. I’m about to quote my mother, who would say, “We didn’t have any of that stuff when we had our babies.”

Me: What do you do for fun with your baby?

Amber: We like to take walks around with friends. But there’s not a place in Woodbury where you can’t find a good walking path. The playgrounds are baby friendly. Link likes the infant swings.

We did some baby yoga in St. Paul and I wish I would have done pre-natal yoga. I’ll probably do that next time around because I’ve heard lots of stories from other moms who say it helped them with labor.

We also like to go to the library for story time and might sign up for a music class through Parks and Recreation. The and also offer baby swim lessons. But for now, it’s mostly just about spending quality time together.

…

Amber smiles at her sweet baby as he stands wobbly and endeavors a few steps. The adoration on her face is surely the same as any mother, in Woodbury or anyplace else.

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