Yesterday I was fraught with mommy guilt. I had gone to the accountant's office for a meeting, came home and changed Charlotte right away. Then Tim's mom offered to help with the salsa I have been meaning to make now for two weeks. The tomatoes were slowly going bad on the counter and I knew it was a good opportunity to get this job done! Plus she had experience bottling things, and I had none (except for one jam experience with my mom a few years ago). So, away we went, chopping and stirring and sterilizing. What a job! (And the salsa turned out AMAZINGLY good, but only 6 jars out of 15 sealed.)
In the meantime, Charlotte was fussy (as she has a cold) and needing lots of attention and love. She also spit up all over herself and me, which required new outfits and a diaper change. When I went to change her, it had been about 2 hours, I was horrified to see that she had been dirty (probably for a little while it seemed) and I hadn't noticed. Her bum was bright red. I almost started bawling as it hurt her to be changed. I held it together (mom-in-law was still in the kitchen after all) and cried that night while giving her a bath!
We have had almost no diaper rash at all with Charlotte, and I think it is probably due to the frequency that I change her. I honestly can't remember the last time we had to use diaper rash cream. I try to keep her dry as much as I can. Plus the cloth diapers help, because I can notice right away when she is wet. (With fitted, anyway.) Ugh, I felt so horrible about this, because of me she has to deal with a sore bum on top of a nasty cold :(
I guess I need to count it as experience and move on. Any hints for dealing with mommy guilt out there???
Showing posts with label cloth diapering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cloth diapering. Show all posts
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
diapering and EC
I haven't posted on diapering and EC in a while, so I thought I'd give a little update on how things are going. I'll start with diapering!
I use mainly fitted diapers (without covers) or little undies while we are at home. That way I can tell immediately when she is wet and change her right away. This is a personal preference for me, I always try to keep her bum dry and clean. When we go out, I usually use my pocket diapers, or All-in-twos (they are waterproof). If I am out of clean diapers, or she hasn't had her poo yet, I will put on a disposable. (Although she rarely goes when we are out.) She still wears a disposable at night as well.
I was so excited about EC (elimination communication) after reading the book "Diaper Free". We did so well at first about communicating about her needs and she was peeing in the toilet a lot! I have been slacking off with this, and really have no excuse. It's easier to let her pee and then change it. I am disappointed, but would like to set some specific goals in the fall for myself to get back on track. (It has nothing to do with Charlotte, it's about me providing her sufficient opportunity to pee in her potty.) Basically, I would like to take her to pee - when she wakes up, and at intervals of every hour in the morning and afternoon. I would also like to use underwear primarily at home. And take her to pee when we are out, at least every hour. We are getting more undies (from my fabulously talented SIL!) and I will post pics when we get them. The ones she has are getting too small for her.
Anyway, I think I will re-read some of "Diaper Free" in order to renew my vision for this and realize why I was passionate about it in the first place. It is tricky to go against what is the norm, and I am coming to the realization that I need to stop worrying about what other people think!!
I use mainly fitted diapers (without covers) or little undies while we are at home. That way I can tell immediately when she is wet and change her right away. This is a personal preference for me, I always try to keep her bum dry and clean. When we go out, I usually use my pocket diapers, or All-in-twos (they are waterproof). If I am out of clean diapers, or she hasn't had her poo yet, I will put on a disposable. (Although she rarely goes when we are out.) She still wears a disposable at night as well.
I was so excited about EC (elimination communication) after reading the book "Diaper Free". We did so well at first about communicating about her needs and she was peeing in the toilet a lot! I have been slacking off with this, and really have no excuse. It's easier to let her pee and then change it. I am disappointed, but would like to set some specific goals in the fall for myself to get back on track. (It has nothing to do with Charlotte, it's about me providing her sufficient opportunity to pee in her potty.) Basically, I would like to take her to pee - when she wakes up, and at intervals of every hour in the morning and afternoon. I would also like to use underwear primarily at home. And take her to pee when we are out, at least every hour. We are getting more undies (from my fabulously talented SIL!) and I will post pics when we get them. The ones she has are getting too small for her.
Anyway, I think I will re-read some of "Diaper Free" in order to renew my vision for this and realize why I was passionate about it in the first place. It is tricky to go against what is the norm, and I am coming to the realization that I need to stop worrying about what other people think!!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
stripping diapers
I wanted to briefly post about stripping your cloth diapers. I switched laundry detergent for the cloth diapers last week (from Nature Clean to Wonder Wash). If you want to get the most out of your cloth diapers, I think it is important to use detergent that is good for cloth diapers. (Less chemicals and build up on the diapers.) Both of the detergents I have used are safe for cloth, but I had tried a sample of Wonder Wash (check out www.littletreehugger.ca) and preferred it to Nature Clean. I have bought quite a few diapers used, and had not stripped them, so I decided to do all my diapers last weekend.
Basically, if your diapers begin to smell, or you want to make sure the excess soap build up is gone, you should strip your diapers. The residue on your diapers may lead to bacteria growth, which is not good to have on your baby's bum! Residue may build up because of using too much, or too little soap and you may wish to alter your washing routine after stripping. (In my case, I use less soap... only the recommended amount and have switched soaps.)
To strip diapers, take the clean diapers, and wash them on a HOT cycle with 1 or 2 drops of dish soap (a very SMALL amount). Then I rinsed them using hot water multiple times. I rinsed them until I couldn't see bubbles coming out in the water from the washer. I think I rinsed them 6 - 7 times. There were still a few bubbles but I had been rinsing them all day!
Click here for more laundering instructions and details about stripping diapers. (www.littletreehugger.ca)
Basically, if your diapers begin to smell, or you want to make sure the excess soap build up is gone, you should strip your diapers. The residue on your diapers may lead to bacteria growth, which is not good to have on your baby's bum! Residue may build up because of using too much, or too little soap and you may wish to alter your washing routine after stripping. (In my case, I use less soap... only the recommended amount and have switched soaps.)
To strip diapers, take the clean diapers, and wash them on a HOT cycle with 1 or 2 drops of dish soap (a very SMALL amount). Then I rinsed them using hot water multiple times. I rinsed them until I couldn't see bubbles coming out in the water from the washer. I think I rinsed them 6 - 7 times. There were still a few bubbles but I had been rinsing them all day!
Click here for more laundering instructions and details about stripping diapers. (www.littletreehugger.ca)
Monday, April 6, 2009
cloth diapers part 2
The update on cloth diapering...
It's going well! I still like it, but I get frustrated with not having enough diapers that fit well. Soon there will be a sale here, (www.littletreehugger.ca) so I am hoping and crossing my fingers that I will be able to stock up on some of my favorite diapers.
I still use disposable when we are out. Which apparently is a lot!! I have tried using cloth a couple of times (when Charlotte has already had her big poo for the day) and I am hoping to become comfortable enough (eventually) to use them all the time, when we are out.
I thought I would explain some more about different kinds of diapers.
FITTED
I have a few fitted diapers, bought used. They are easier to get on than pre-folds, but they still need a cover for waterproof protection. It's like putting on two diapers - not a big deal, but it is quite bulky. I also find it tricky to get the front part totally covered by the cover. If it is not covered, it will leak. I think the reason for this is, the fitteds are a bit too big, and some of my covers are quite low in the front.
POCKET
Pocket diapers are my FAVORITE! They have an slit inside that allow you to tuck an insert in to absorb everything. They dry easily, and I stuff them right after they come out of the dryer - not a big deal to me. They are easy to put on - no cover needed! Shown above is Ecobumz, I got these used, and they are alright. Not my favorite, because I always need to make sure the fleece part is tucked in to prevent leaks. Also, the velcro tabs are SO long, it is very bulky at the top. Also, there are no velcro tabs for washing, so the velcro sticks to the other diapers. I don't enjoy this!
So this brings me to my favorite diaper so far... the Bumgenius. It is the one diaper we have bought brand new, which is probably why it is my favorite. I'm sure that I will love other brands that have a similar style. You can see the slit for the insert in this picture:
Here is the insert... nice and thick. The diaper comes with two inserts, one is thinner for newborns and a thick one for older babies. There are snaps to adjust the size of the insert.
This diaper is a one-size, which means that it will fit a baby from 7 lbs - 35 lbs. The snaps adjust for the different sizes in the front. (This is different from the blue diaper pictured above. I like the idea of the one-size, it saves you money in the long run.)
ALL IN ONE
I don't have any all in ones, but basically, they are just like a disposable, in that there are no pockets, no covers, you just put them on and go! They are thick though, and could take a long time to dry. They would be the easiest to use.
So that's that! If you are reading this, and know more about cloth diapers than I do, feel free to add your comments! (Or if I have made any errors in the explanations.)
I think the one thing to remember is, cloth diapering does NOT have to cost you an arm and a leg, it can be as simple as picking up used diapers at yard sales, or online. It does not have to be about the latest fad, or having your baby in the cutest diapers. I mention brand names on here, because it is what I have tried and what I know. I can't wait to get out to yard sales in the spring and look around for good deals on diapers. I guess the important thing is trying different options, seeing what works for you, and going with it! More to come on my HOMEMADE diaper sprayer :D
It's going well! I still like it, but I get frustrated with not having enough diapers that fit well. Soon there will be a sale here, (www.littletreehugger.ca) so I am hoping and crossing my fingers that I will be able to stock up on some of my favorite diapers.
I still use disposable when we are out. Which apparently is a lot!! I have tried using cloth a couple of times (when Charlotte has already had her big poo for the day) and I am hoping to become comfortable enough (eventually) to use them all the time, when we are out.
I thought I would explain some more about different kinds of diapers.
FITTED
I have a few fitted diapers, bought used. They are easier to get on than pre-folds, but they still need a cover for waterproof protection. It's like putting on two diapers - not a big deal, but it is quite bulky. I also find it tricky to get the front part totally covered by the cover. If it is not covered, it will leak. I think the reason for this is, the fitteds are a bit too big, and some of my covers are quite low in the front.
Pocket diapers are my FAVORITE! They have an slit inside that allow you to tuck an insert in to absorb everything. They dry easily, and I stuff them right after they come out of the dryer - not a big deal to me. They are easy to put on - no cover needed! Shown above is Ecobumz, I got these used, and they are alright. Not my favorite, because I always need to make sure the fleece part is tucked in to prevent leaks. Also, the velcro tabs are SO long, it is very bulky at the top. Also, there are no velcro tabs for washing, so the velcro sticks to the other diapers. I don't enjoy this!So this brings me to my favorite diaper so far... the Bumgenius. It is the one diaper we have bought brand new, which is probably why it is my favorite. I'm sure that I will love other brands that have a similar style. You can see the slit for the insert in this picture:
Here is the insert... nice and thick. The diaper comes with two inserts, one is thinner for newborns and a thick one for older babies. There are snaps to adjust the size of the insert.
This diaper is a one-size, which means that it will fit a baby from 7 lbs - 35 lbs. The snaps adjust for the different sizes in the front. (This is different from the blue diaper pictured above. I like the idea of the one-size, it saves you money in the long run.)
ALL IN ONEI don't have any all in ones, but basically, they are just like a disposable, in that there are no pockets, no covers, you just put them on and go! They are thick though, and could take a long time to dry. They would be the easiest to use.
So that's that! If you are reading this, and know more about cloth diapers than I do, feel free to add your comments! (Or if I have made any errors in the explanations.)
I think the one thing to remember is, cloth diapering does NOT have to cost you an arm and a leg, it can be as simple as picking up used diapers at yard sales, or online. It does not have to be about the latest fad, or having your baby in the cutest diapers. I mention brand names on here, because it is what I have tried and what I know. I can't wait to get out to yard sales in the spring and look around for good deals on diapers. I guess the important thing is trying different options, seeing what works for you, and going with it! More to come on my HOMEMADE diaper sprayer :D
Friday, March 27, 2009
did you know that.....
"Even when using disposable diapers, the contents should be emptied into the toilet so that the waste can be properly treated."
http://www.ec.gc.ca/envirozine/english/issues/45/any_questions_e.cfm
This quote is taken from the Environment Canada website. Click here for the article. Before looking into cloth diapers, I had no idea this was the case. It is dangerous to dispose of feces in our landfills.
http://www.ec.gc.ca/envirozine/english/issues/45/any_questions_e.cfm
This quote is taken from the Environment Canada website. Click here for the article. Before looking into cloth diapers, I had no idea this was the case. It is dangerous to dispose of feces in our landfills.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
cloth diapers part 1
So far, I am really enjoying cloth diapers. I use them while we are home, during the day. Once I become more comfortable, I would like to use them when we are out during the day. I worry about getting a really messy one while we are out, and trying to find a place to clean it. Night time is another tricky one because Charlotte still eats during the night and has a VERY full diaper when she wakes up in the morning.
I have only had one messy diaper (the others were when we were out), and I didn't know quite what to do with it! I rushed it to the bathroom, and it was liquid, so I wiped off what I could with toilet paper and took all the diapers to the washing machine immediately. That is not what you are supposed to do! But I kind of panicked in the moment! To me, dirty diapers are the difficult thing about cloth diapers. But I think once I get into a system, it will be fine. The liquid will just wash off in the machine and solids can be dumped in the toilet. Some swish the diaper in the toilet water which is tricky for me, we have a duel flush (that only uses 3 L and 6 L) and the water only covers the very bottom of the toilet. There are fancy diaper sprayers which would be perfect for me, but are pretty expensive. I share this not to gross you out, but to be honest about the hard part of cloth diapers... at least in my opinion!
I thought that I would like prefold diapers. Prefolds are one of the simpliest (and cheapest) way to diaper your baby. They look like this:
You can fold them different ways to suit your baby. Click here for some different ways to fold prefolds. You need a cover for these, my favorite so far are the Thirsties covers (www.littletreehugger.ca). Charlotte is in a small size (they run a little big) and it has a trim fit, which I really like. Some people just tuck the prefold into the diaper, but I think that would cause leaks for Charlotte. She still mainly drinks breastmilk and pees quite a bit! So I need something to hold the prefold together, around her body, and THEN put the cover on. The snappi is WONDERFUL for this. I must say, I still have yet to get used to wrapping the prefold and using the snappi. I think once you had a system that worked for you, it would be fine. My favorite diaper so far is the pocket diaper which I will write another post on!!
Charlotte with her Thirsties cover
I have only had one messy diaper (the others were when we were out), and I didn't know quite what to do with it! I rushed it to the bathroom, and it was liquid, so I wiped off what I could with toilet paper and took all the diapers to the washing machine immediately. That is not what you are supposed to do! But I kind of panicked in the moment! To me, dirty diapers are the difficult thing about cloth diapers. But I think once I get into a system, it will be fine. The liquid will just wash off in the machine and solids can be dumped in the toilet. Some swish the diaper in the toilet water which is tricky for me, we have a duel flush (that only uses 3 L and 6 L) and the water only covers the very bottom of the toilet. There are fancy diaper sprayers which would be perfect for me, but are pretty expensive. I share this not to gross you out, but to be honest about the hard part of cloth diapers... at least in my opinion!
I thought that I would like prefold diapers. Prefolds are one of the simpliest (and cheapest) way to diaper your baby. They look like this:
You can fold them different ways to suit your baby. Click here for some different ways to fold prefolds. You need a cover for these, my favorite so far are the Thirsties covers (www.littletreehugger.ca). Charlotte is in a small size (they run a little big) and it has a trim fit, which I really like. Some people just tuck the prefold into the diaper, but I think that would cause leaks for Charlotte. She still mainly drinks breastmilk and pees quite a bit! So I need something to hold the prefold together, around her body, and THEN put the cover on. The snappi is WONDERFUL for this. I must say, I still have yet to get used to wrapping the prefold and using the snappi. I think once you had a system that worked for you, it would be fine. My favorite diaper so far is the pocket diaper which I will write another post on!!
Charlotte with her Thirsties cover
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
the world of cloth!
I must admit, the world of cloth diapering can be a little intimidating. With all the different kinds of diapers, specific laundering instructions and even the extra laundry, it took me a while to open the grocery bag of diapers a friend lent me. I had thought about cloth in the past, however I was skeptical that I could do it.
On Monday night, I went to a cloth diapering session. It was wonderful to meet new moms (and a grandmother to be!) and really see how other people do it. The host made everyone feel welcome and most of all, made cloth diapering seem ACCESSIBLE. You don't have to be rich to make the investment! Most of her diapers were from yard sales and some were pretty worn! I think cloth diapering has become such a fad in some ways and the initial investment seems scary. (Although much cheaper than disposables in the long run.) For me, with hubby in school right now and me on maternity leave, it seemed practically impossible to make the investment. But seeing this mom explain her experience and her joy at contributing to a healthier environment, and her passion about using cloth was amazing. It was not about cute diapers with patterns and little fashion statements crawling around! It was about making a difference in a big way. And simplifying that by not needing all the extra gear. Thanks so much, because you know who you are!
So feeling empowered to try this for myself, I broke open the grocery bag and outfitted Charlotte yesterday. And it was...... EASY! She didn't leak, and although I didn't have to clean a messy one, it was not hard to do cloth. (I will keep you updated on this!) So onto kijiji and the fredkid classifieds I went, to find some used diapers! I am excited, I know that it will be worth it cost-wise and to know that I am making a difference in the landfills by choosing cloth. Now, I know it's not for everyone, and I will keep you updated on my experiences!
I am looking forward to providing a healthier option for Charlotte. There are many chemicals in disposables and we have dealt with rash and dry skin, perhaps because of this. Let me know about your experiences and worries about cloth. I don't know many moms who do cloth, but I think it is a good and valuable option and important to have support and encouragement!
On Monday night, I went to a cloth diapering session. It was wonderful to meet new moms (and a grandmother to be!) and really see how other people do it. The host made everyone feel welcome and most of all, made cloth diapering seem ACCESSIBLE. You don't have to be rich to make the investment! Most of her diapers were from yard sales and some were pretty worn! I think cloth diapering has become such a fad in some ways and the initial investment seems scary. (Although much cheaper than disposables in the long run.) For me, with hubby in school right now and me on maternity leave, it seemed practically impossible to make the investment. But seeing this mom explain her experience and her joy at contributing to a healthier environment, and her passion about using cloth was amazing. It was not about cute diapers with patterns and little fashion statements crawling around! It was about making a difference in a big way. And simplifying that by not needing all the extra gear. Thanks so much, because you know who you are!
So feeling empowered to try this for myself, I broke open the grocery bag and outfitted Charlotte yesterday. And it was...... EASY! She didn't leak, and although I didn't have to clean a messy one, it was not hard to do cloth. (I will keep you updated on this!) So onto kijiji and the fredkid classifieds I went, to find some used diapers! I am excited, I know that it will be worth it cost-wise and to know that I am making a difference in the landfills by choosing cloth. Now, I know it's not for everyone, and I will keep you updated on my experiences!
I am looking forward to providing a healthier option for Charlotte. There are many chemicals in disposables and we have dealt with rash and dry skin, perhaps because of this. Let me know about your experiences and worries about cloth. I don't know many moms who do cloth, but I think it is a good and valuable option and important to have support and encouragement!
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