So this business of buying a whole box of disposable wipes every week is getting ridiculous. So we decided to invest in some re-usable baby wipes from Belly Sprout. The cloths and the soap are sold separately. The soap is called Baby Bits and it is hand-made by Soaps by Denise. Here's the description:
This mild handmade glycerin soap is made with plantain and chickweed infused olive oil to help clear irritated skin. Tea tree essential oil is added for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, keeping wipes water clean. Relaxing lavender essential oil calms your baby and gives your nursery a floral scent.
I was actually a bit surprised at how well they work. For some reason, I thought they would smear the poop, but they don't at all. In fact, I think they are a bit more user-friendly than disposable wipes. The soaps come in little squares that we drop into one cup of water in a spray bottle. The solution can then be sprayed onto the wipe or directly onto baby to wipe his sweet little bottom clean.
Again, like the diapers, there are more aesthetic options with these! We bought wipes that come in adorable little prints. Just another little thing that makes diapering a lot more fun!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
More Breastfeeding Politics
This one includes an "expose" of Republican Pres. Candidate Mit Romney and his underground connections with the formula industry. It's from Mothering.com, the website of a magazine about natural parenting, that I really like. Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Ovation Awards
Our two leads from Death of a Salesman were both nominated for an Ovation Award! For those of you who don't know, this is the biggest theatre award in California. Very exciting! The leading actress was actually nominated twice in her catagory. Congrats Eddie and Anne!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Laundering Cloth Diapers
There are many different opinions about how to wash cloth diapers and I have found that what you choose largely depends on your situation with your house, your diaper pail and your washing machines. We happen to live in a one-bedroom apartment, so our laundry room is communal and obviously not in the house. At first I thought this would be a deterrent, but when I went to Belly Sprout, I talked to two of the girls there who do cloth and they both live in apts w/ coin-operated, communal laundry rooms. I was very encouraged by this.
Most people will tell you to pre-soak in cold water to prevent staining. In my washer, I would have to pay twice for this, so I don't do it. I simply wash them on hot. I have found that they must be washed on the hottest temp possible and that I shouldn't bother throwing in any extra laundry. This is against my usual obsession with efficiency, but I just have to deal with it. It's still cheaper than disposables. In fact, a load that is less full will actually get cleaner. All this contributes to the lack of odor. As for staining, they do stain a little, but after all they are diapers. No one is looking on the inside of my son's diaper and judging me (I hope). I use rice paper to catch the poop-- that helps with staining for us.
Okay, soap. It is important to use detergent with no perfumes, dyes or additives of any kind. They can effect the absorbancy of the diaper or irritate baby's skin. Tide, Allen's Natural or Charlie's Soap are all good options, from what I hear. I use Charlie's Soap and I love it so far. They offer free shipping if you order off their website. They also sell it at Belly Sprout. If you use regular detergent, use only half the regular amount. Oh, and no fabric softener or bleach. Just plain ol' soap and water!
As for the diaper pail and preventing odor... I was told that plastic absorbs odor. So if you store the dirty cloth diapers in a plastic pail, it will always smell-- even when it is empty. Although a lot of people do it. Controlling odor is important to us because the diaper pail is in our bedroom. We were advised to get a stainless steel trash can to use as a diaper pail. It is working fabulously. We got one with a foot pedal and a plastic pail inside. So about every 1-2 days I simply lift out the inside pail and dump it in the laundry.
Or you could use a diaper service such as Dy-Dee Diaper and have them do it all for you. But I imagine it must be more expensive.
Most people will tell you to pre-soak in cold water to prevent staining. In my washer, I would have to pay twice for this, so I don't do it. I simply wash them on hot. I have found that they must be washed on the hottest temp possible and that I shouldn't bother throwing in any extra laundry. This is against my usual obsession with efficiency, but I just have to deal with it. It's still cheaper than disposables. In fact, a load that is less full will actually get cleaner. All this contributes to the lack of odor. As for staining, they do stain a little, but after all they are diapers. No one is looking on the inside of my son's diaper and judging me (I hope). I use rice paper to catch the poop-- that helps with staining for us.
Okay, soap. It is important to use detergent with no perfumes, dyes or additives of any kind. They can effect the absorbancy of the diaper or irritate baby's skin. Tide, Allen's Natural or Charlie's Soap are all good options, from what I hear. I use Charlie's Soap and I love it so far. They offer free shipping if you order off their website. They also sell it at Belly Sprout. If you use regular detergent, use only half the regular amount. Oh, and no fabric softener or bleach. Just plain ol' soap and water!
As for the diaper pail and preventing odor... I was told that plastic absorbs odor. So if you store the dirty cloth diapers in a plastic pail, it will always smell-- even when it is empty. Although a lot of people do it. Controlling odor is important to us because the diaper pail is in our bedroom. We were advised to get a stainless steel trash can to use as a diaper pail. It is working fabulously. We got one with a foot pedal and a plastic pail inside. So about every 1-2 days I simply lift out the inside pail and dump it in the laundry.
Or you could use a diaper service such as Dy-Dee Diaper and have them do it all for you. But I imagine it must be more expensive.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Milk Money
Check out this fascinating 20/20 spot about how the infant formula industry squelched a public service campaign promoting the risks of not breastfeeding.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Growy Boy!
Peer went to the doctor yesterday and we found out he has grown to a whopping 10 pounds and 12 ounces! Here's him in his little onesie from church.
Peer loves to ride in the Moby!
Peer's first bath in the big bathtub! Doesn't he look thrilled?!Thursday, September 13, 2007
Researching Cloth Diapers
So after I decided that I wanted to look into cloth diapers, I began hunting the internet for information on it. I was pretty sure I didn't want to use pins on my baby. I'm far too clumsy for that. And, of course, I had absolutely no idea how it worked. The first site I looked at was a shop in AZ called Comfy Bummy. This site had videos on it showing exactly how cloth diapering is done. Here I also discovered that there are so many new ways cloth is done now compared to when I was a baby. I loved what I saw, but I was uncomfortable buying all these things off the internet without ever seeing them. At the same time I was also researching Bradley Method classes and found The Birth Connection in Fullerton. (unfortunately, they are no longer in business) It turned out that The Belly Sprout, their retail store, sells a variety of cloth diapering supplies! Hooray! The Belly Sprout has since went out on their own and moved to a different location in Fullerton. All the women who work the store cloth diaper their babies (the first ones I ever met!) and they were very very helpful. Here I also met Christy, who is an expert on cloth diapering and she gave me a thorough education!
I'm hoping that some people might read these posts as part of their own cloth diapering research, so I'm going to get detailed here. Bear with me. So here are a few of the most popular options in cloth diapering:
All-in-Ones: These diapers are just like disposables, except they are made of cloth and you wash them instead of throwing them out. They are soft inside, usually fleece, and come in cute prints and colors. You can match these designs to baby's clothing. They fasten with velcro or a snap.
The Pro: they are easy and attractive
The Con: they are single-use. You must wash them after one diaper change.
Pocket Diapers: Much like All-in-One's, these diapers are also single-use. The difference is that they come without innards and must be stuffed with a hemp or microfiber insert. They also come in beautiful prints and colors to match baby's clothes. Happy Heinys and BumGenius are two good brands. I have found these to be very handy. I use them when we are on the go. The part next to baby's skin is fleece, so they stay very dry. The moisture travels right through the fleece and into the insert. They are also good for overnight since they stay dry and the absorbency can be controlled.
The Pro: attractive, easy and travels well.
The Con: they are single use and because they stay dry, baby tends to sit in his own waste for longer.
Diaper Covers & Prefolds: Prefolds are the old-fashioned white cloth diapers your mother used. A diaper cover is similar in structure to a disposable, but has absolutely no lining and must be used with a prefold or contour diaper. Diaper covers are waterproof and have velcro fasteners. The prefold is folded and placed directly into the cover. The whole thing is then placed on the baby and fastened. Of these I like my Thirsties best, but I also have some Bummis. This is the system I use the majority of the time at home. I like it because it is efficient. I use the diaper cover all day or until he messes it. I just replace the prefold at each changing. You must make sure the prefold is tucked entirely into the cover, or you will have leakage. This is why I like Thirsties, for their double leg gussets.
The Pro: With this system, once baby is wet he becomes very uncomfortable and lets you know! So you are more likely to change his diaper often, creating a more sanitary environment for your baby. It is also very efficient.
The Con: You are changing diapers quite often! Not good for traveling. Lots of steps at diaper changing time.
Contour Diapers: These are an alternative to prefolds. They go inside a diaper cover, but are cut to fit baby's body. They do not have to be folded. I can't say much about these because I don't have any. I kinda wish I did 'cause it sounds cool.
Diaper Liners: These are made of rice paper or some other biodegradable material. They are little slips of tissue that you place into baby's diaper. They are designed to catch solids and let liquid pass through. They help prevent staining. I use the Kushies brand that Babies R Us sells. I don't know if they are best, but I like them. Buying these allowed me to use my store credit! When it's time to change his diaper, the liner can be flushed or simply discarded. They are earth-friendly and are supposed to decompose pretty quick.
Okay, later on I need to talk about diaper pails and laundering.
I'm hoping that some people might read these posts as part of their own cloth diapering research, so I'm going to get detailed here. Bear with me. So here are a few of the most popular options in cloth diapering:
All-in-Ones: These diapers are just like disposables, except they are made of cloth and you wash them instead of throwing them out. They are soft inside, usually fleece, and come in cute prints and colors. You can match these designs to baby's clothing. They fasten with velcro or a snap.
The Pro: they are easy and attractive
The Con: they are single-use. You must wash them after one diaper change.
Pocket Diapers: Much like All-in-One's, these diapers are also single-use. The difference is that they come without innards and must be stuffed with a hemp or microfiber insert. They also come in beautiful prints and colors to match baby's clothes. Happy Heinys and BumGenius are two good brands. I have found these to be very handy. I use them when we are on the go. The part next to baby's skin is fleece, so they stay very dry. The moisture travels right through the fleece and into the insert. They are also good for overnight since they stay dry and the absorbency can be controlled.
The Pro: attractive, easy and travels well.
The Con: they are single use and because they stay dry, baby tends to sit in his own waste for longer.
Diaper Covers & Prefolds: Prefolds are the old-fashioned white cloth diapers your mother used. A diaper cover is similar in structure to a disposable, but has absolutely no lining and must be used with a prefold or contour diaper. Diaper covers are waterproof and have velcro fasteners. The prefold is folded and placed directly into the cover. The whole thing is then placed on the baby and fastened. Of these I like my Thirsties best, but I also have some Bummis. This is the system I use the majority of the time at home. I like it because it is efficient. I use the diaper cover all day or until he messes it. I just replace the prefold at each changing. You must make sure the prefold is tucked entirely into the cover, or you will have leakage. This is why I like Thirsties, for their double leg gussets.
The Pro: With this system, once baby is wet he becomes very uncomfortable and lets you know! So you are more likely to change his diaper often, creating a more sanitary environment for your baby. It is also very efficient.
The Con: You are changing diapers quite often! Not good for traveling. Lots of steps at diaper changing time.
Contour Diapers: These are an alternative to prefolds. They go inside a diaper cover, but are cut to fit baby's body. They do not have to be folded. I can't say much about these because I don't have any. I kinda wish I did 'cause it sounds cool.
Diaper Liners: These are made of rice paper or some other biodegradable material. They are little slips of tissue that you place into baby's diaper. They are designed to catch solids and let liquid pass through. They help prevent staining. I use the Kushies brand that Babies R Us sells. I don't know if they are best, but I like them. Buying these allowed me to use my store credit! When it's time to change his diaper, the liner can be flushed or simply discarded. They are earth-friendly and are supposed to decompose pretty quick.
Okay, later on I need to talk about diaper pails and laundering.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Post Partum Dr. Visit
On one hand, I'm a very lucky (I should really say "blessed") mama. Of all the people I've known this summer who have been pregnant, I know more women whose babies were born via c-section than those who have given birth vaginally. What the heck?! I am one of the lucky ones who not only had a vaginal birth, but actually had a natural, unmedicated one. Praise God! I like to call it birth God's way.
On the other hand, I wish I could say a big I told you so to the whole obstetrical industry. Why you say? Because of my lovely episiotomy. A friend told me a while back about the napkin theory. If you snip a little cut into a napkin and apply pressure, the napkin will tear. Soft tissues will do the same. That is what happened to me. I didn't want to ask at the birth, but today I asked the doctor how many stitches I had. He said it doesn't really work that way because it is a straight line. Oh, okay... Then he said it was the equivalent of (get this... you ready?) twenty or thirty stitches. Holy crap. I thought he was going to say, like, four or six. It's been five weeks and it will take another four weeks to heal, probably. That's nine frickin' weeks to heal.
I did not want an episiotomy in the first place. But talking to doctors, they don't seem to know any other way. My birth plan indicated that we were trying to avoid this procedure, but we didn't want to push it. If the doctor had had the coaching tools to guide me toward a slower, easier & gentler manner of pushing, I do think that I could have avoided both an episiotomy and a "massive tear." The way it ended up, I got both. Oh well. It's better than a massive tear/cut in my abdomen.
On the other hand, I wish I could say a big I told you so to the whole obstetrical industry. Why you say? Because of my lovely episiotomy. A friend told me a while back about the napkin theory. If you snip a little cut into a napkin and apply pressure, the napkin will tear. Soft tissues will do the same. That is what happened to me. I didn't want to ask at the birth, but today I asked the doctor how many stitches I had. He said it doesn't really work that way because it is a straight line. Oh, okay... Then he said it was the equivalent of (get this... you ready?) twenty or thirty stitches. Holy crap. I thought he was going to say, like, four or six. It's been five weeks and it will take another four weeks to heal, probably. That's nine frickin' weeks to heal.
I did not want an episiotomy in the first place. But talking to doctors, they don't seem to know any other way. My birth plan indicated that we were trying to avoid this procedure, but we didn't want to push it. If the doctor had had the coaching tools to guide me toward a slower, easier & gentler manner of pushing, I do think that I could have avoided both an episiotomy and a "massive tear." The way it ended up, I got both. Oh well. It's better than a massive tear/cut in my abdomen.
Cloth Diapering-- the Beginning
So as Sarah and I have been talking back and forth about cloth diapers, it struck me that I actually have a lot to say about it. In that case, I should probably blog about it, because that's what blogs are for.
I first became interested in cloth when I was pregnant because the thought of all those disposable diapers was very daunting. And to think they all just sit in a landfill for God-knows-how-long. (actually it's about 500 years) Not that I'm much of a tree-hugger, but it just seems absurd to me. We take the most biodegradable thing in the whole world-- our own waste-- and wrap it up in plastic many, many times a day, and then toss it into a huge pile of trash out in the ocean or wherever. And this has only been going on for the past 25 years or so. Before then, since the beginning of time, mothers have cloth diapered their babies.
As I began researching, I found that there are a lot more than just environmentally-conscious reasons to cloth diaper. I don't know why I never thought of it, but cloth is far more economical than disposable. Apparently, the difference is in the thousands of dollars. Even with the extra laundry. On top of that, cloth is also healthier for babies. Babies who are cloth diapered have considerably less diaper rash. That being said, it is obviously more comfortable for baby. I mean, which would you rather sit in? Soft cloth or itchy plastic?
That's all I have time for today. Cloth diapering saga to be continued...
I first became interested in cloth when I was pregnant because the thought of all those disposable diapers was very daunting. And to think they all just sit in a landfill for God-knows-how-long. (actually it's about 500 years) Not that I'm much of a tree-hugger, but it just seems absurd to me. We take the most biodegradable thing in the whole world-- our own waste-- and wrap it up in plastic many, many times a day, and then toss it into a huge pile of trash out in the ocean or wherever. And this has only been going on for the past 25 years or so. Before then, since the beginning of time, mothers have cloth diapered their babies.
As I began researching, I found that there are a lot more than just environmentally-conscious reasons to cloth diaper. I don't know why I never thought of it, but cloth is far more economical than disposable. Apparently, the difference is in the thousands of dollars. Even with the extra laundry. On top of that, cloth is also healthier for babies. Babies who are cloth diapered have considerably less diaper rash. That being said, it is obviously more comfortable for baby. I mean, which would you rather sit in? Soft cloth or itchy plastic?
That's all I have time for today. Cloth diapering saga to be continued...
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Our Little Surfer Boy
When PJ was finally big enough to fit into his surfer diaper, we just had to dress him up in all the surfer attire we could find in our house and get some pictures. Later on that day, we took him to Seal Beach pier. But by then, he of course had already wet his surfer diaper.
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