Claire Gagne

Claire Gagne

Claire is a Toronto-based writer, editor and content creator with a focus on health, parenting, education and personal finance. She is currently the director of special projects at Maclean's magazine.

Latest from Claire Gagne

A busy mom of three tried the Peloton bike—here's what happened

A busy mom of three tried the Peloton bike—here's what happened

When I was offered the chance to take home the pricey Peloton exercise bike, I was hesitant but intrigued. Here's how I quickly became a convert.

Docs say the flu shot is ESSENTIAL this year—but it might be hard to get

Docs say the flu shot is ESSENTIAL this year—but it might be hard to get

In a pandemic, getting the flu shot is more important than ever. But Ontario paediatricians say a wide-scale vaccination plan is urgently needed.

5 Morning Problems Solved

5 Morning Problems Solved

Weekday mornings suck for almost every parent, for all sorts of reasons. Try these solutions to common-but-painful morning-routine killers.

The surprising reason many babies die around the world—and what's being done about it

The surprising reason many babies die around the world—and what's being done about it

Just before the world shut down due to COVID-19, I travelled to Ethiopia to report on the number one cause of death in babies worldwide: prematurity. Here's what I learned.

Age-by-Age Guide to Getting Your Kid to Talk to You

Age-by-Age Guide to Getting Your Kid to Talk to You

We don’t need to be our kids’ best friends, but it’s nice to hear about their day. Here’s what to do when it comes to getting your kid to talk to you.

The Infant Swing Danger Most Parents Don't Know About

The Infant Swing Danger Most Parents Don't Know About

Wondering if it's safe for your baby to sleep in a swing? They're known to lull babies to sleep, but swings aren't safe for overnight sleep or even napping.

Finally! Here's how to start forming your "social circle"

Finally! Here's how to start forming your "social circle"

Teaming up with another family to create a "double bubble" could help with child care while still limiting the spread of COVID-19.

We caved and hired a babysitter and it’s been a lifesaver...for my kids

We caved and hired a babysitter and it’s been a lifesaver...for my kids

To protect my kids' mental health, we've started taking small, calculated risks. Until there's a vaccine for COVID-19, it's the only way forward.

How to prepare your kid for the coronavirus nasal test

How to prepare your kid for the coronavirus nasal test

What does it feel like? How long will it take? Will it hurt? How can I get my kid to stay still? Here's how to prepare for the coronavirus test for kids.

12 Baby Sleep Tips for Exhausted New Parents

12 Baby Sleep Tips for Exhausted New Parents

We asked the sleep experts to share their best tricks for newborn babies (and their parents!) to get some shut-eye.

How to protect your kid's mental well-being when they're stuck at home

How to protect your kid's mental well-being when they're stuck at home

Anxious. Bored. Lonely. Acting out. Our kids are feeling this HARD. Here’s how to help your kid feel better when they’re stuck at home.

Why is no one talking about how unsustainable this is for working parents?

Why is no one talking about how unsustainable this is for working parents?

As this "temporary" situation threatens to drag on for months and parents are losing steam, I'm wondering why the government hasn't come up with a plan.

6 tips for getting your baby to sleep in a crib during naptime

6 tips for getting your baby to sleep in a crib during naptime

When you're ready to transition your baby to nap in her crib, here’s how to get her to sleep with as little fuss as possible.

Should your kid be wearing a mask in public?

Should your kid be wearing a mask in public?

There's a lot of confusion over kids' masks. We explain why they're recommended, when your kid needs one and how often they need to be cleaned.

28 self-care hacks for newbie parents

Postpartum care

28 self-care hacks for newbie parents

After the birth, there are oh-so-many ways your body will ache. We asked midwife Tracy Hydeman and other experienced parents for their soothing suggestions.

Wait, so I'm actually responsible for my kids’ education now?

Wait, so I'm actually responsible for my kids’ education now?

Will they be giving us a training manual? Because I am NOT prepared for this.

If your kid has a fever, you might want to avoid ibuprofen for now

If your kid has a fever, you might want to avoid ibuprofen for now

Parents are often told to treat a fever with Advil. But with coronavirus starting to circulate in our communities, here's why you may want to choose Tylenol instead.

If my kid has a cough or runny nose, what do I do?

If my kid has a cough or runny nose, what do I do?

We spoke to Toronto paediatrician Dina Kulik about how to deal with a sick kid during the coronavirus crisis, and why it's hard to get your kid tested.

What parents need to know as the coronavirus spreads

What parents need to know as the coronavirus spreads

Canadians are now seeing coronavirus spread within our own communities. Here's what this means for you and your family.

What to do when your child doesn't want to go to school

What to do when your child doesn't want to go to school