First Diapers For Your Baby
August 28, 2010 by Julie Holland
Filed under pregnancy
Newborn cloth diapers are a much-debated area of cloth diapering. We began cloth diapering my little one before she was even 24 hours old. She is now almost two years old and we still use cloth diapers daily. Newborn cloth diapers are super easy - and you can do it!
Some parents are afraid to start cloth diapering at the very beginning. They worry that the fabric may be stained with meconium (the nasty black poops babies have the first few days). Yes, meconium can stain. Using a diaper liner prevent stains and sunlight will take out any stains. Sunlight is a natural whitener and is inexpensive too!
The other worry new parents have is that using real diapers will be so hard they can’t do it while they are adjusting to life with a newborn. There are easy reusable diapers and hard reusable diapers. pick out the easy ones and it will all be simple enough you can do it even in your sleep - and you will feel like you are sleep-walking those first few weeks.
Using cloth diaper wipes is much simpler than using disposables - and kinder to babies skin. Reusable wipes also work as diaper doublers for heavy wetters.
The simplest newborn cloth diapers are all in one diapers. These are one-piece diapers that have a waterproof outer layer so they don’t need a diaper cover. The inside has an absorbent soaker sewn in - so there is no need for stuffing or finding pieces in the wash. All in ones (AIOs) are as simple as cloth diapering gets for little ones of any size. They work just like a disposable except that they can be reused over and over - making your life easier since you never run out of diapers as long as you have access to a washing machine. A few popular AIOs include Lil Joeys and Little for Now all in ones.
The next most popular option is a fitted diaper with a waterproof diaper cover or a wool diaper cover. Popular fitted diapers include Kissaluvs and Little for Now sized fitteds. The most frugal option for newborn cloth diapers is prefolds with covers. Again, you can choose a waterproof cover or a wool diaper cover.
Chinese or Indian prefolds come in a teeny tiny size that will fit up to about 10 pounds and a larger “infant” size that will fit from about 7-15 lbs.. The larger size may be a bit bulky the first couple of weeks, but they will fit much longer. The itty bitty size fits great for most newborns, but is quickly outgrown. Prefolds are very inexpensive, so you can easily buy two or three dozen and only have to wash every 2-3 days. Just be sure to get enough covers. You can get by for a few days with 4 covers, but you’ll be a lot happier with 6-8 covers.
One size diapers may not fit will on a newborn, depending on the brand and the baby. Some brands don’t fit well until close to 10 pounds.
To keep things as easy as possible, we kept a zippered cloth diaper wet bag, a few cloth diapers, reusable wipes and a bottle of wipes solution near our bed so midnight (or midday) diaper changes were as easy as possible. No matter which newborn cloth diapers you choose, you’ll quickly adjust to using them.
Wait! Don’t throw away $2,000 or more on diapers - save big money with cloth diapers. You’ll love how cute your baby looks in newborn cloth diapers!
Why Risk Your Little One’s Wellbeing - Fit A Child Gate Immediately!
We are all full of joy and pride as we watch the daily progress of our “babies.” Then all of a sudden we are full of dread when they start crawling faster and faster, towards all sorts of possible dangers. The stairs, the kitchen, yes, even your furniture presents dangerous possibilities.
Where To Install A Child Gate?
Stair gates give parents and caretakers, of children, some peace of mind. Curtailing the movements of our little ones and steering them away from dangers in the home. Specifically the stairs.
The minimum protection a parent can give their toddlers is the installation of a stair gate, at both the top and bottom of a staircase. At the age of six months a child is learning independent movement and the curiosity that goes with it. A child falls, on their tiny butts, again and again before they are able to control their balance. After each fall and a quick kiss from mommy they are off again. This is a 24/7 job to keep them safe from harm.
There are many areas of your home that lend to possible dangers for the toddler. The most dangerous of these is the kitchen. Until your child reaches the age of understanding, it would be safer for him/her to be kept out of the kitchen with the use of a stair gate.
Other dangers also exist. Furniture in a living room or a dining room may have pointed edged furniture. A fall against such furniture could cause a serious injury to a child. Exposed electrical wires and cables in a home office offers a serious danger to a toddler.
Start developing a plan. Go through your home and find potentially dangerous areas. Each home is different so the areas will vary. One home may have a door to the basement stairs and another home may not have a basement to worry about. Some have two stories and stairs to the second floor. Others are one floor homes. Meanwhile teach your toddler some safety rules and to understand the word “no.” They will eventually understand what you are teaching them and be able to know danger when they see it.
Now You Need To Decide On What Stair Gate Is Best:
Once you’ve completed your inspection of your home and know all the potentially dangerous areas, it is time to install the gates needed.
Stair gates will accommodate any situation you are faced with. Irregular, narrow or wide gaps are the type of areas covered by today’s stair gates. Straight lines have auto closing, multi panel configurations can be installed around an open staircase or even a section of corner of a room.
Once-upon-a-time installing a stair gate made your home a prison. For everyone not just your toddler, but no more. Manufacturer have become aware of the realities, of what it means to confine family members along with toddlers. The safety of the toddler is of prime concern and always will be. However, parents can now choose different styles of stair gates that compliments the interior of their home. Colors, like silver, black, white, and wood finishes like oak, gun tree, mahogany and beechwood are readily available.
What Kind Of Fit - Pressure Or Screw?
The most popular of the stair gates is the pressure fitted variety. There is no need to show your DIY skills. No need to drill holes in walls or banister posts. Many of these gates have an auto-closure features, eliminating the worry of a gate being left opened due to carelessness. Some stair gates of this kind feature a light indicator. This light indicator warns when a gate has been nudged out of alignment and needs to be adjusted.
Pressure fitted gates have a trip bar. This bar is at the bottom, on the floor, and runs the length of the gate when the stair gate is mounted. In most cases, this trip bar, presents no problem. But, if the gate is at the top of the stairs, it could prove to be dangerous. Especially when carrying a laundry basket or a baby. A safety hazard to be avoided if at all possible. Additional step plates can be purchased to allow you to convert the trip bar into a slight ramp. This is a definite recommendation if you do intend to install a fitted pressure gate.
The screw fitted gates main advantage is that there is no trip bar necessary. This type of gate sits on screw fittings and is similar to a barn door when it opens and closes and doesn’t need a horizontal bar to stay in place. Both styles are sold by reputable stores in the UK and have been rigorously tested for durance and safety.
If a screw fitted gate has been knocked against, or had been leaned on, it will not need readjusting, giving parents that extra advantage of stability and safety that is needed. Once this gate has been installed it should not move or ever need readjusting.
Many also come with quick release fittings, giving the parents, grandparents or caregivers the option of removing the gate when not in use and putting it back up when children or grandchildren are once again with them. Simply slotting the gate back into its fittings.
When Should A Safety Gate Be Installed?
When! As soon as your little one becomes active. To be on the safe side it should be installed before you need it, so that you’re prepared for when the mischief begins. Trust me, you’ll be ready, prepared and glad of having the stair gate in place.
This should occur around sixth months, however, this timing is also dependent upon the child’s growing abilities. It is during this time that your child will be showing better walking skills and becoming more aware of the dangers, recognize them and avoid them. Now, perhaps, you can consider removing the gate.
For further information on baby gate stairs security, which includes substantial savings on many extra wide baby gate products, you must visit us today.
Accessories For Baby Strollers At Bargain Prices
November 28, 2009 by Mario Duran
Filed under pregnancy
Few pushchairs have captured the attention of people across the world like Quinny’s Buzz Stroller. Their wild designs and brilliant colors have made them instant crowd favorites, so why not pick up a few accessories to enhance your time walking your little one?
For More Storage: Quinny Buzz Box; $49.99
The only real complaint against the Buzz was its lack of storage space, so Quinny’s addressed that with this great add-on. Simply attach this box to the Buzz’s bottom behind your storage and you’ll get even more space to keep the important stuff, like diapers and toys. A rain shield is included here also, so no matter what happens your stuff will stay dry.
Comfortable Sleeping Bag: Quinny Buzz Footmuff; $69.99
Don’t let the name fool you, this has very little to do with anybody’s feet. It’s simply a miniature sleeping bag that laces into the Buzz’s harness, leaving the top removable so you can easily slip your baby out if you need to. For the super stylish, this footmuff comes in black or sulphur colors. The best part? You won’t need to remove the Footmuff to use the Buzz Stroller’s automatic folding and gas spring technology.
No Stroller Scratching: Quinny Buzz Travel Bag; $169.99
Being on the road can be stressful with a collapsed stroller lingering in the trunk. Why not pick up a great travel bag with an easy to carry handle to keep it out of sight and protect against scratches and weather damage?
One Handed Easy Carry: Quinny Curbb Hip Soft Carrier; $79.99
Guys, there’s no excuse anymore for not taking Junior for a stroll. Delightfully sexless and simple to adjust, the Quinny Curbb Hip Soft Carrier sports a nice little papoose that you can throw over a shoulder and carry your young one anywhere you want to go — hands free! You can use the ergonomic Curbb for your left or right side, with baby facing front. It’s designed for babies under twenty pounds, but it is capable of holding heavier babies.
Don’t Wait For Coffee: Quinny Buzz Cup Holder; $19.99
There’s nothing worse than heading out the door with baby in his or her stroller on a cold and rainy day, only to find out two or three minutes later that you’re thirsty. Never underestimate the power of keeping a hot beverage on hand to boost your mood. Don’t dare go dry. Buy a cup holder instead.
Keeping Baby Safe From Mother Nature: Sasha’s Sun and Insect Cover For the Quinny Buzz
This mesh cover will block out sun rays and irritating bugs so your baby’s cute little arms and legs stay happy and healthy rather than cooked and chewed. Sasha’s Sun and Insect Cover attaches to the front and the sides, so you’ll never have to worry about Mother Nature’s tomfoolery again.
Babies grow up so fast, and before long they don’t even need their strollers anymore. Enjoy your little one to the fullest and pick up a few of these excellent accessories to make your walking experience the best it can possibly be, both for you and your child.
Add ons for Quinny Buzz Strollers are readily available all over the Internet. Bare in mind that the only way to fill your shopping cart with original products for great prices is to stick to purchasing from reliable suppliers of Quinny stroller accessories.
Baby Bedding Sets - A Suffocation Hazard For Your Child?
June 30, 2009 by Bee Fraley
Filed under pregnancy
If you purchase a baby bedding set in preparation for the arrival of your baby, you will find that included items like comforters aren’t needed in the beginning.
There’s also a big controversy going on when it comes to the use of bumpers. In the end it comes down to what you feel is the right choice.
Thinner bumpers are safer than the big fluffy ones that can be a suffocation hazard for your baby. It’s best to remove the bumpers once your baby can stand and climb.
To avoid suffocation, all your baby really needs in the first 12 months is a sheet, mattress, and a crib skirt for aesthetics. Avoid anything fluffy and heavy in your baby’s crib.
If you want to make sure your baby is comfortably warm, consider getting an organic blanket for swaddling or an organic cotton sleep sac that also wraps up snugly around your baby and doesn’t present a suffocation hazard.
So, what do you do with the comforter or quilt that came in the baby bedding set? They make great accessories for your baby’s nursery.
You can hang the quilt over a rack designed for it, or simply mount it on the wall.
It’s also a good idea to purchase a complete baby bedding set, if you are planning on using it throughout your child’s toddler years as well. It would be difficult finding the matching pieces at a later time.
Or you can just keep it simple in the beginning and transform your child’s room throughout the years just by purchasing a new bedding set.
Benefits Of Purchasing Organic Baby Bedding For Your Baby
June 24, 2009 by Bee Fraley
Filed under pregnancy
If you are worried about your baby’s thin skin absorbing the pesticides and fertilizers that can be found in non-organic baby bedding, you will want to purchase nursery bedding that is made from organic cotton.
Even after conventional cotton is harvested, the baby bedding manufacturers use chlorine bleach and toxic dyes to achieve bright whites are varies colors, while organic baby bedding manufacturers use only non-toxic coloring agents.
In organic comforters, bumpers and pillows, not only the outer shell is organic, but also the stuffing made from organic cotton or organic sheep wool. The sheep wool provides resistance to the growth of bacteria and dust mites.
Organic wool comes from sheep that are raised organically. These sheep are moved around to prevent overgrazing which could make the farm land infertile.
Organic wool doesn’t have to be treated with chemicals to fireproove it, because it is naturally flame retardant. Without those harsh chemicals in the wool, the bedding ends up being so much softer than when conventional wool is used.
You can contribute to the green revolution by purchasing 100% organic cotton bedding for your baby and reap the benefits of it being softer and more durable at the same time. Yes, purchasing organic will increase your expense considerably, but you can always get started with just a couple of sheets and a blanket, while still purchasing regular crib skirts and bumpers.
The earth and your own body will thank you for making the choice to buy organic. Did you know that 90% of the pesticides used in cotton farming end up in the soil, water, and the air? From there it’s not long before they end up in your own body.
Purchasing organic baby bedding sets is becoming easier as more manufacturers provide organic bedding in a variety of designs. So you are sure to find the bedding set that will match your taste and nursery decoration. Whether you like solid whites or cream colors, or are interested in print designs, you will find something to fit your needs.
Choosing the Right Color Scheme For Your Nursery
May 20, 2009 by B. Fraley
Filed under Caffeine and Pregnancy
There are several things that you need to think about when you want to choose the right color scheme for your baby’s nursery. Small children love bright primary colors, but large swatches of red, blue and yellow can be a little over the top. Consider a color scheme that is comfortable for both you and your baby.
As long as you know what you are doing and plan ahead, just about any color scheme can work for you. Remember that there are going to be some things that spook your kids, whether they are certain toys, colors or even cartoon characters, so remember that using clear light colors are important. As your child grows up, his or her needs are going to change and your dcor should as well.
If the nursery is not as bright or as sunny as it could be, look for vibrant warm colors like cranberry, coral, ruby or even barn red to brighten it up. If these colors are a little strong for you, consider peach, primrose or desert pink to warm you up instead.
Don’t forget to balance your color. If you use rich tones on your walls, keep the ceiling, floor and furniture light. Cream, pale blue or green, and white will balance your red walls by providing a cool serenity. If you go with the lighter tones on the walls, like yellow, peach, pink, or melon, accent with furniture, rugs, toys and accessories that go POW.
For a neutral boy/girl look, try a cheery indoor garden approach. Paint the ceiling a light sky blue and add some puffy white clouds, the walls a pale yellow, and the floor neutral - a natural wood tone or a taupe tile. A border paper of pink and white daisies, or pink, blue and white balloons, and a cotton throw rug that looks outdoorsy would be great. The furniture can be white, pale green, or a natural light wood.
If you have your heart set on a whimsical look, do everything permanent in a monochromatic color scheme. For example, you are doing a nursery for your baby girl in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Walls, floor, and ceiling would be lovely in mint green, using its different values by adding white or black to your mix. Then add your colors with bedding, borders, posters or pictures, rug, play table and chairs, etc.
With monochromatic rooms, you are going to have some distinct advantages. Rooms that are designed like this tend to look very large, especially if the ceiling and floor are painted the same color. With a high ceiling in a small room, paint the ceiling darker to give it some weight, and if you have a low ceiling that you’d like to raise, leave the ceiling white.
Because children outgrow their nurseries so quickly, moving up to the next step, toddler, becomes an easy and inexpensive process. The monochromatic color can remain the same. Then all it takes is changing the bed, updating the border on the wall, removing the changing table and adding a play table and chairs and Voila.
Baby Furniture Cribs - What Kind to Get
May 4, 2009 by B. Fraley
Filed under Caffeine and Pregnancy
If you are in a place where you need to shop for a crib for your baby, it can be very easy to get overwhelmed. There are lots of things to think about, after all!
When you go to buy a crib, remember that you should consider your space constraints as well as who might be coming in and out of your nursery. Also remember what your budget is like and how much you spend.
What kind of cribs are available for you to choose from?
The first one that you are likely to run into is the standard crib, which is very common and can be purchased just about anywhere. They have single or double drop sides, which make it easier to get to your baby.
A double drop side crib really only makes sense when the crib is not located against the wall and can be accessed from either side.
Then there is the Convertible Crib. Convertible cribs provide a great way to safe money throughout your baby’s childhood. While the upfront cost is higher than a standard crib, you will easily make up for the additional cost in just a few years. A convertible crib can easily be converted from a crib to a toddler bed, a day bed, and even a full-size bed.
Essentially, the head and foot boards are often detachable, which means that the mattress can be easily replaced. Look for a crib that will allow you to modify it into something that will please an older child. This will let you keep it comfortably in the nursery even after you have converted the rest of the room into an actual bedroom.
Want to add some elegance to your baby’s nursery? Then, you may want to choose a Canopy Crib. They typically have posts on all four corners of the crib to allow for a canopy frame on which the canopy will then sit.
You can look for canopies that are designed to go on the bed, or you may decide to get crafty and to try making it yourself. You can use fabric that you have already used when it comes to decorating your nursery. Canopies can also be a great way to give a baby some privacy if he or she shares with you or with a sibling.
Another great design that we are only going to be seeing more of is the Round Crib. A round crib is exactly what it sounds like. It allows your baby to sleep in any direction that he or she pleases, and the drop side will let you reach in and scoop your baby up whenever you please. These cribs have no concussion points, unlike traditional rectangular cribs and they will not endanger your child’s safety. This can be a great way to give your baby a 360 degree view of the world around them.
How To Choose Baby Nursery Bedding For Boys
May 3, 2009 by B. Fraley
Filed under Caffeine and Pregnancy
A brand new baby boy is sure to be a great joy to his parents. Of course to welcome your baby boy into the world, setting up a great nursery for him is an excellent idea. One great way to have a nice nursery with a great theme is to pick out baby bedding that will give you a basis to work with for the entire nursery.
The first thing that you need to do in decorating your little boy’s nursery is to pick out one of the great baby boy bedding sets that are on the market. In today’s marketplace you can find all sorts of different styles of baby nursery bedding. The key here is to balance the comfort and quality with the style of the baby bedding sets. Ultimately the most important thing is the comfort and quality of the sheet set.
First take a look at the baby bedding and the quality of the material when picking baby boy bedding sets. You will want the material to be soft so it won’t irritate the skin of your newborn. Make sure that you go with bedding that is not too heavy. Bedding that is too heavy for your baby boy may keep him from sleeping through the night.
Additionally, you want to be sure that the sheet set that you use for your new son fits their mattress well. The last thing that you want is for the sheet to be easily pulled free while your child is sleeping as that could put them at risk for suffocation.
When you are sure that you have found baby bedding sets that are of high quality, then you will want to start thinking about the style for the sets.
For boys, the traditional hue that is chosen is blue, and it can help to create a really lovely nursery. If you want to be somewhat traditional, but with a spin you may consider incorporating different shades of blue into the nursery. Or maybe choose baby boy bedding sets that have blue in them with other colors like soft greens and yellows.
Going with baby bedding with a theme is another great idea to consider. You’ll find that there are a variety of different themes out there to choose from when you are picking out your baby boy bedding sets.
If you have always dreamed of having a son to play sports with then why not make that the theme of your nursery? Choose baby boy bedding sets that feature basketballs, footballs, or baseballs on them. Or maybe you want your little boy to be surrounded by race cars, trains, or motorcycles. The truth is that the only limit on your options is your imagination.
So be creative and go shopping. You will be surprised at what you will find!
Decorating Your Baby Nursery for Less
May 2, 2009 by B. Fraley
Filed under Caffeine and Pregnancy
When you find out that you are going to have a baby, it can be the most exciting time of your life. You’ll find that getting your nursery set up and decorated can really bring the truth home to you that you are going to have a baby.
There are many different decorating options for nurseries. Decorating can be incredibly fun, but the truth is that decorating can also be very expensive. The key is to find a way to completely decorate your child’s nursery without overspending on frivolous items that you don’t need.
Let’s get started! The first, and perhaps hardest part is to set a budget. Before you set anything in stone, make sure that you head to the stores to see what an average price is. Make sure that you have an idea what it might cost to outfit a basic nursery and make sure that anyone who is contributing money to this endeavor has a say.
Now you will have a much better idea of how much money you will need and you can then compare that with how much you can afford to come up with in your budget. Additionally, when determining your budget you will need to make a list of your must-have items. Below you will find some recommendations, but don’t be afraid to add your own to this list.
Necessary Items to Consider
1) A comfortable place to let your baby sleep. Usually this is a crib or a bassinet.
2) At least three sets of comfortable baby bedding. Choose bedding that matches your nursery theme.
3) A changing table where you can store diapers and where your baby will be safe and clean.
4) A rocking chair. This is going to be a comfortable place for you to sit when you want to rock your baby to sleep.
5) Grooming Items. Babies need a lot of grooming so you will need to have things like nail clippers, brush, baby powder, and cotton balls to name a few.
6) Diaper bag. A diaper bag is something that you are going to need if you are going to be on the go with your baby at all. Keep it stocked with lots of diapers.
7) Several lamps. You will need different lamps for different purposes, from night lights to task light, to lights that can be dimmed and more.
If your budget allows you can add to this list. If you are on a limited budget, however, you may consider purchasing some items used. The best items to purchase used are the furniture for your nursery, like the crib, dresser, play table and chairs.

