Wooden Toys for Kids
This holiday season, parents will flock to stores to buy all types of gifts for their children. We’ve all seen the videos of parents fighting over the hottest new figurine or doll. This year, shirk the plastic type toys and instead invest in some wooden toys.
Wooden toys were the first type of toys kids knew. Dads would whittle a piece of wood to create toys in the shapes of animals, wooden dolls, puppets on strings, and toy cars. Kids would play for hours with these toys. Once the kids outgrew them, they could be passed on to younger kids.
Wooden toys have not lost their luster or durability but they have been passed over for the more colorful plastic types that talk and move. When kids are young, the one thing they have is their imagination. Wooden toys inspire the use of the imagination during play.
Wooden toys are also environmentally friendly. Many are used in their natural wooden state. Paints used on eco friendly toys are non-toxic and safe for kids.
When other toys are broken or the kids get tired of them, they are thrown away. Each year something new will replace the old favorite and they will no longer like it as much. In a landfill, those toys just sit and take up space.
Lots of toys that are thrown away still have their batteries inside. Toys that are filled with substances still contain them when they are disposed of. These chemicals can be released into the ground as the housings break down. This poses a potential hazard.
When wooden toys are broken, they can be fixed. If you know someone good with their hands, they can fix it for you. The point is that you don’t have to throw them away. Wooden toys can be passed down from generation to generation.
They maintain their shape and if scratched, the imperfection can be sanded out. Wooden toys hold together better than modern toys created on an assembly line. Small parts that break off of new toys can choke a young child.
If wooden toys are old and no longer usable, they can be disposed of. Because they are made of natural wood, they can be chopped up and used in compost. Colored wooden toys can’t be used for that, but maybe they can be refurbished and donated to local charitable organizations.
Introduce kids to wooden toys when they are young. Puzzles come in wooden and paper shapes instead of plastic. Most wooden toys have rounded edges so they are safer to play with and handle. Even if they gnaw on wood it won’t hurt them.
Choose wooden toys for the young’uns. They are environmentally friendly, safe for young children, durable, and repairable if they are damaged.
Showing posts with label What's "best"?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What's "best"?. Show all posts
Friday, December 18, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Nautural Dyes for Homemade Play Dough
In an earlier blog I explored different homemade play dough recipes, but I've discovered some GREAT natural coloring ingredients for safe-to-eat (though not very tasty, LOL) play dough for your little one!
A quick reminder of one play dough recipe:
1 cup flour, 3/8 cup salt, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil...and any of the following natural dyes:
BROWN: 3/8 cup plus one tablespoon hot water and 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
FUCHSIA: 3/8 hot beet juice (you can use the liquid from a can of beets)
ORANGE: 3/8 cup hot water and 1 tablespoon paprika
YELLOW: 3/8 cup hot water and 1 teaspoon turmeric
Make sure you store your play dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator!
A quick reminder of one play dough recipe:
1 cup flour, 3/8 cup salt, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil...and any of the following natural dyes:
BROWN: 3/8 cup plus one tablespoon hot water and 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
FUCHSIA: 3/8 hot beet juice (you can use the liquid from a can of beets)
ORANGE: 3/8 cup hot water and 1 tablespoon paprika
YELLOW: 3/8 cup hot water and 1 teaspoon turmeric
Make sure you store your play dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator!
Friday, November 27, 2009
GREEN Christmas Gifts (Eco Friendly)
The world is going green. That’s not a bad thing. When we respect the environment it respects us. Besides, the fewer chemicals floating around in the air, the better our bodies feel as well. For Christmas this year, consider giving some of the folks on your list a less tangible but more sentimental gift.
You know the people in your circle better than anyone. For those who would appreciate an environmentally correct gift there are a few ideas to choose from. The first is making charitable donations in their names.
Everyone is not as appreciative of donation gift giving, so be sure that the recipients are the sentimental type. People who like to donate to charities and campaign for causes are more likely to find this a worthy type of Christmas gift. If you know their favorite charity, contribute in their name. Adopt a whale, adopt a dog or cat, or donate money in their name to the local homeless shelter or non-profit theater. These organizations can send you a confirmation that can be placed in a Christmas envelope and presented to the people on your list.
Who says that a Christmas gift has to fit into a package? Instead of bringing the gift to them, bring them to the gift. This Christmas, think of gifts that won’t leave any waste behind.
Instead of buying a CD for a friend who likes music, treat them to a concert. Wrap up two tickets to an upcoming concert or a night of jazz on the town. Live music sounds better than recorded anyway. This is an excuse to dress up in our best evening wear.
Tickets for other shows are appropriately eco friendly as well. Take the kids to the zoo, the aquarium, or a science show as a part of their Christmas present. Younger kids seem to appreciate this type of activity more.
For a person who wants to go “green” help them out with a useful Christmas gift. Call it a “go green” starter pack. The present can be as simple as a composting bin for someone who likes to work outside. Use a gift basket to display the gifts. A fruit or nut basket leaves only the basket behind when the gift is gone.
Give new or soon-to-be parents a green "starter" set from amongst your favorite baby products at UndergroundBaby.net! You might help them replace their not-so-green disposable diapers with easy (and earth friendly)All-in-one Diapers. Even a cute Organic Holiday Outfit or baby blanket would benefit the earth and please new parents!
For Christmas, it is not so much about what we take but what we give. With eco friendly gifts, we are giving back to the environment and taking only what we need.
You know the people in your circle better than anyone. For those who would appreciate an environmentally correct gift there are a few ideas to choose from. The first is making charitable donations in their names.
Everyone is not as appreciative of donation gift giving, so be sure that the recipients are the sentimental type. People who like to donate to charities and campaign for causes are more likely to find this a worthy type of Christmas gift. If you know their favorite charity, contribute in their name. Adopt a whale, adopt a dog or cat, or donate money in their name to the local homeless shelter or non-profit theater. These organizations can send you a confirmation that can be placed in a Christmas envelope and presented to the people on your list.
Who says that a Christmas gift has to fit into a package? Instead of bringing the gift to them, bring them to the gift. This Christmas, think of gifts that won’t leave any waste behind.
Instead of buying a CD for a friend who likes music, treat them to a concert. Wrap up two tickets to an upcoming concert or a night of jazz on the town. Live music sounds better than recorded anyway. This is an excuse to dress up in our best evening wear.
Tickets for other shows are appropriately eco friendly as well. Take the kids to the zoo, the aquarium, or a science show as a part of their Christmas present. Younger kids seem to appreciate this type of activity more.
For a person who wants to go “green” help them out with a useful Christmas gift. Call it a “go green” starter pack. The present can be as simple as a composting bin for someone who likes to work outside. Use a gift basket to display the gifts. A fruit or nut basket leaves only the basket behind when the gift is gone.
Give new or soon-to-be parents a green "starter" set from amongst your favorite baby products at UndergroundBaby.net! You might help them replace their not-so-green disposable diapers with easy (and earth friendly)All-in-one Diapers. Even a cute Organic Holiday Outfit or baby blanket would benefit the earth and please new parents!
For Christmas, it is not so much about what we take but what we give. With eco friendly gifts, we are giving back to the environment and taking only what we need.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Purposes of Baby Toys—the good, the bad, and the ugly!
With the holiday season upon us, I’ve been slowly building the following list of reasons we give our babies toys…there are some very positive reasons, of course, but I’ve also been pondering the not-so-positive (but sadly true, if we’re honest) reasons as well…
1. To help teach baby developmental skills that common household objects might not teach as safely or efficiently.
2. To entertain/distract baby when mom or dad need a momentary break from the job of full-time most interesting person in the universe.
3. To babysit baby—i.e. replace mom and dad.
4. To calm when baby is bored, over-stimulated, tired, or upset.
5. To give baby something safe to “put in the mouth” (for sucking, chewing, etc).
6. To provide safe tactile stimulation for baby’s growing senses.
7. To safely encourage baby’s boundless curiosity and exploration.
8. To expand baby’s horizons—through music, bright colors, manipulation, etc.
9. To help baby play pretend—either practice/ role-play adult activities (like cooking, eating, building, etc.), imagination-stirring toys (like unicorns and dragons), or experience aspects of the world not otherwise available to baby (like foreign cultures or being a horse trainer).
10. To sell merchandise associated with popular movies or TV shows.
11. To acculturate baby into gender-specific societal norms—like dolls and purses are for girls, trucks and transformers are for boys.
12. To subliminally teach/reinforce our own values and beliefs upon our children (ie: what we think is beautiful, right, appropriate, desirable, worthy, etc.)
13. To grow up good little consumers, who think that the more the better, and who always want something NEW.
14. To make mommy and daddy feel less guilty for not spending the time with baby that baby needs...
15. To reward or celebrate a milestone or special occasion with baby.
16. To satisfy our own need/desire to spend money (all the while justifying our poor choices because "it's for baby") by buying far too much for baby!
I hope this list gives you pause as it gave me—please email me with any other purposes that I might have missed!!
1. To help teach baby developmental skills that common household objects might not teach as safely or efficiently.
2. To entertain/distract baby when mom or dad need a momentary break from the job of full-time most interesting person in the universe.
3. To babysit baby—i.e. replace mom and dad.
4. To calm when baby is bored, over-stimulated, tired, or upset.
5. To give baby something safe to “put in the mouth” (for sucking, chewing, etc).
6. To provide safe tactile stimulation for baby’s growing senses.
7. To safely encourage baby’s boundless curiosity and exploration.
8. To expand baby’s horizons—through music, bright colors, manipulation, etc.
9. To help baby play pretend—either practice/ role-play adult activities (like cooking, eating, building, etc.), imagination-stirring toys (like unicorns and dragons), or experience aspects of the world not otherwise available to baby (like foreign cultures or being a horse trainer).
10. To sell merchandise associated with popular movies or TV shows.
11. To acculturate baby into gender-specific societal norms—like dolls and purses are for girls, trucks and transformers are for boys.
12. To subliminally teach/reinforce our own values and beliefs upon our children (ie: what we think is beautiful, right, appropriate, desirable, worthy, etc.)
13. To grow up good little consumers, who think that the more the better, and who always want something NEW.
14. To make mommy and daddy feel less guilty for not spending the time with baby that baby needs...
15. To reward or celebrate a milestone or special occasion with baby.
16. To satisfy our own need/desire to spend money (all the while justifying our poor choices because "it's for baby") by buying far too much for baby!
I hope this list gives you pause as it gave me—please email me with any other purposes that I might have missed!!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Two Great Web Resources!
Z Recommends, the site for healthy ideas for your little one.
(and their archive of articles...like a list of BPA-free products, etc)
Safe Mama, resource for child safety, product recall, and Eco-conscious products.
(and their archive of articles...like a list of BPA-free products, etc)
Safe Mama, resource for child safety, product recall, and Eco-conscious products.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
ANNOUNCING: ONE-SIZE-FITS ALL WOOL DIAPER COVERS!!!!!
MamaBear Woolen Diaper Covers Are Here!
FINALLY! A One-Size-Fits-All Wool Diaper Cover!
Forget buying 3 or 4 or more different sizes for your babies; this one-of-a-kind wrap has fully encased, gently elasticized legs and back and your choice of snap or velcro closures to make adjusting a breeze and to keep your wrap looking beautiful use after use! Buy these one-size wraps and use them interchangeably on your newborn and toddler - forget messing with stacks of different sizes!
High quality to last your baby from birth through potty training (and the next one too!) It is turned and top-stitched and includes 29 individually set snaps guaranteed by the manufacturer to last thousands of machine washes (wool should generally be washed by hand), OR super strength hook and loop tape with fold-back laundry tabs.
This wrap should fit over any cloth diaper, fitted, prefold, or flat-fold! Will even work over lay-ins such as soakers and even towels, t-shirts, or other materials in a pinch.
Color Choices: Boy, Girl or Gender Neutral (you may specify preferred colors during checkout, and then your custom made one-size-fits-all cover will be made for you!
Size: Your one-sized cover will adjust to fit babies from birth (approx. 8 lbs)
to potty training (approx. 40 lbs)!
The Measurements are:
Waist: 11-23"
Rise: (front to back) 15-20"
Leg Openings: 7-16"
Style: Wrap with snap or velcro closures and adjustable rise settings.
My favorite thing about MamaBear Woolens are their light footprint on the earth: all of these wonderful diaper covers are brand new for baby made from recycled sweaters and other woolens, medium weight. Fabrics are chosen for their softness as well as their color.
All wool items are pre-felted (as needed), and then washed and lanolized upon completion so that when you get them they are ready for your BabyBear to wear right away.
AMAZING PRICE: $22.50 per cover!!!
Check out Undergroundbaby.net to order--these are truly the best on the market (and I've looked!)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wool Diaper Covers: Do They Really Work?
Organic Wool Diaper Covers: Do They Really Work?
(exerpted from an article by Marye Audet)
Wool is a sustainable choice. We have raised sheep. Trust me, they love getting that wool removed in the summer. It is thick, hot, and smelly and in order to keep sheep at their healthiest all that wool has to come off. So, other than the occasional nick with the shears it is entirely cruelty free to shear sheep...at least to the animal. The human on the other hand...let’s just say that there is nothing fun about cuddling a sheep that weighs as much as you do.
Anyway, there are other benefits besides sustainability.
The lanolin, a natural oil, makes it waterproof.
It wicks moisture away from you baby.
Wool is naturally antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial.
Because of the antibacterial qualities the wool does not need to be washed that much; a few hours drying time and it is ready to go.
Warm in winter and cool in summer because it breathes. That means less likelihood of diaper rash.
These diaper covers are durable. With care they will last through several children.
One of the biggest arguments against the wool covers that I have heard is the initial expense of them. This is true, they are generally $35.00 or more each. However, you only need three or four of them at most. Plus, when you are done with the wool diaper covers you can sell them on eBay for almost as much as you bought them for. They retain their value really well. You can also ask for them as baby shower gifts.
How to Lanolize Wool Diaper Covers
If there is poop on the cover, use an olive oil bar soap and gently wash it out prior to lanolizing. If you don't have olive oil bar soap, Ivory bar soap will work fine. Do not use Woolite or other commericial wool detergents on diaper covers.
Melt 1/4 inch of Lansinoh Lanolin in hot water (it helps to place it in a Tupperware-type container and swish it around until completely melted). Add 1/2 capful of Eucalan (or another) Woolwash to the hot water. Mix to break up and mix in the Lanolin. Fill sink. The water should be room temperature. Not ice cold, and not too hot. Place wool cover in sink and gently push cover under the water. Let it soak for about 15 minutes.
After soaking, gently squeeze excess water out, then roll it between two towels to get even more moisture out. Let it dry for about 24 hours.
(exerpted from an article by Marye Audet)
Wool is a sustainable choice. We have raised sheep. Trust me, they love getting that wool removed in the summer. It is thick, hot, and smelly and in order to keep sheep at their healthiest all that wool has to come off. So, other than the occasional nick with the shears it is entirely cruelty free to shear sheep...at least to the animal. The human on the other hand...let’s just say that there is nothing fun about cuddling a sheep that weighs as much as you do.
Anyway, there are other benefits besides sustainability.
The lanolin, a natural oil, makes it waterproof.
It wicks moisture away from you baby.
Wool is naturally antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial.
Because of the antibacterial qualities the wool does not need to be washed that much; a few hours drying time and it is ready to go.
Warm in winter and cool in summer because it breathes. That means less likelihood of diaper rash.
These diaper covers are durable. With care they will last through several children.
One of the biggest arguments against the wool covers that I have heard is the initial expense of them. This is true, they are generally $35.00 or more each. However, you only need three or four of them at most. Plus, when you are done with the wool diaper covers you can sell them on eBay for almost as much as you bought them for. They retain their value really well. You can also ask for them as baby shower gifts.
How to Lanolize Wool Diaper Covers
If there is poop on the cover, use an olive oil bar soap and gently wash it out prior to lanolizing. If you don't have olive oil bar soap, Ivory bar soap will work fine. Do not use Woolite or other commericial wool detergents on diaper covers.
Melt 1/4 inch of Lansinoh Lanolin in hot water (it helps to place it in a Tupperware-type container and swish it around until completely melted). Add 1/2 capful of Eucalan (or another) Woolwash to the hot water. Mix to break up and mix in the Lanolin. Fill sink. The water should be room temperature. Not ice cold, and not too hot. Place wool cover in sink and gently push cover under the water. Let it soak for about 15 minutes.
After soaking, gently squeeze excess water out, then roll it between two towels to get even more moisture out. Let it dry for about 24 hours.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Instinctual Parenting...
Listen to your child.
Listen to yourself.
Stop listening to the advice of every "expert" (or "well-wisher") who comes along (including me).
Follow your instincts...you know your baby better than anyone else. (Nine months better, in fact.)
Trust what your child tells you.
Trust what your gut tells you.
Your baby chose you to be mommy and daddy for a reason...
Listen to yourself.
Stop listening to the advice of every "expert" (or "well-wisher") who comes along (including me).
Follow your instincts...you know your baby better than anyone else. (Nine months better, in fact.)
Trust what your child tells you.
Trust what your gut tells you.
Your baby chose you to be mommy and daddy for a reason...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
SUMMER SLEEP GIVEAWAY!
UndergroundBaby.net is giving away one Sounds for Silence Baby Settling and Sleep Program to celebrate summer and this amazing new program that REALLY WORKS!!!
This program, which normally retails for $59.95, includes the proven Sounds for Silence CD and 100 page Sounds for Silence Baby Settling and Health Guide. Even the most settled babies have their irritable moments and times when they do not sleep.
The Sounds for Silence Baby Settling and Health Guide is a comprehensive and practical book containing over 100 pages of reassuring advice for parents on baby sleep and settling strategies, managing irritability and infant health issues. Dr Zehnwirth's informative and encouraging Guide offers parents practical tips, ideas and support.
Chapters in the book include:
• Intuition
• Infant irritability
• Strategies for managing irritability
• Baby sleep and settling
• Feed, play, sleep
• Helpful general information
• Scary episodes
• The preterm infant (prematurity)
• Alarm bells
• Harry's maxims - the minimum you should know
• Family stories
• Troubleshooting
• More information
• Behaviour diary
Dr Harry Zehnwirth has been specializing in Pediatrics for over 20 years. After caring for thousands of babies with irritability and sleep difficulties, he wanted to provide parents with practical answers to help them manage these common problems. What he developed was Sounds for Silence Baby Settling Program.
For more information about this great program, check out:
http://www.okidokiebaby.com/
CLICK HERE TO WIN YOUR OWN FREE COPY!
Here's to peaceful summer nights!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Baby Slings with SUNBLOCK!
SolarWeave Baby Slings are perfect for these hot summer days...these slings are made from a unique material known as SolarWeave! It has a very smooth finish, is soft and is light-weight.
SolarWeave is 100% non-irritating fabric (even for the most sensitive skin) and will protect your little one from 97% of the ultra-violet light. This sling is a must-have for summer use!
Comes in black, white, or light blue--check out UndergroundBaby.net to order!
40+ UPF / 97%+UV
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
New Diaper Colors!
Our Organic Bamboo Diapers just got better! Check out this beautiful array of colors, and don't forget our FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Simply THE BEST Nursing Covers!
Baby Time Nursing Covers are simply the best nursing covers available...for more information about these wonderful innovations, check out: UndergroundBaby.net
Friday, May 8, 2009
WHY ARE ORGANIC CLOTH DIAPERS BEST?
Organic cloth diapers are free of the harmful chemicals found in disposable diapers!
Most disposable diapers contain dangerous chemicals:
•Dioxin is an extremely toxic by-product of the paper-bleaching process, listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals, and banned in most countries, but not the U.S.
•Tributyl-tin (TBT) is a toxic pollutant known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals.
•Sodium Polyacrylate is a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) of which the gel-like beads are made of that form the absorbency of disposable diapers. A similar SAP was used tampons until the early 1980s, and later discontinued when it was discovered that it increased the risk of toxic shock syndrome.
Some additional reasons that organic cloth diapers are better for your baby:
•In 2000 research showed that disposable diapers might be the cause of the rise of male infertility. The study suggested that heat trapped in disposable diapers could affect boys' reproductive organs from developing normally.
•Babies who are often plagued by constant diaper rash in disposables are relieved of the rash once being switched to cloth.
Organic cloth diapers are better for the environment:
•The average disposable diaper can take more than 250-500 years to decompose.
•Over 92% of all single-use diapers end up in a landfill; it is estimated that each baby will go through approximately 6000 diaper changes within their first 2 years of life.
•Disposable diapers are allowing toxic waste to be deposited into our ground water at an alarming rate.
•The manufacture and use of disposable diapers amounts to 2.3 times more water wasted than cloth. (VERY IMPORTANT fact, especially for Californians!)
•Organic cloth diapers are reusable and recyclable. If cared for properly, they will last through multiple children.
Why choose ORGANIC cotton diapers instead of regular cotton diapers:
•Conventional cotton farming represents less than 3% of the world's farmland yet accounts for over 25% of insecticide and pesticide use, making it one of the most heavily sprayed crops on the planet.
•Organic cotton is grown without toxic chemicals so it: eliminates contamination in the soil, air and water supply; supports a system of sustainable agriculture; reduces incidence of chemical sensitivity, cancer, allergies, asthma, rashes and other health issues for both farmers and consumers; organic cotton is softer, more durable, more luxurious and healthier not only for humans but also for our fragile environment.
Most disposable diapers contain dangerous chemicals:
•Dioxin is an extremely toxic by-product of the paper-bleaching process, listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals, and banned in most countries, but not the U.S.
•Tributyl-tin (TBT) is a toxic pollutant known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals.
•Sodium Polyacrylate is a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) of which the gel-like beads are made of that form the absorbency of disposable diapers. A similar SAP was used tampons until the early 1980s, and later discontinued when it was discovered that it increased the risk of toxic shock syndrome.
Some additional reasons that organic cloth diapers are better for your baby:
•In 2000 research showed that disposable diapers might be the cause of the rise of male infertility. The study suggested that heat trapped in disposable diapers could affect boys' reproductive organs from developing normally.
•Babies who are often plagued by constant diaper rash in disposables are relieved of the rash once being switched to cloth.
Organic cloth diapers are better for the environment:
•The average disposable diaper can take more than 250-500 years to decompose.
•Over 92% of all single-use diapers end up in a landfill; it is estimated that each baby will go through approximately 6000 diaper changes within their first 2 years of life.
•Disposable diapers are allowing toxic waste to be deposited into our ground water at an alarming rate.
•The manufacture and use of disposable diapers amounts to 2.3 times more water wasted than cloth. (VERY IMPORTANT fact, especially for Californians!)
•Organic cloth diapers are reusable and recyclable. If cared for properly, they will last through multiple children.
Why choose ORGANIC cotton diapers instead of regular cotton diapers:
•Conventional cotton farming represents less than 3% of the world's farmland yet accounts for over 25% of insecticide and pesticide use, making it one of the most heavily sprayed crops on the planet.
•Organic cotton is grown without toxic chemicals so it: eliminates contamination in the soil, air and water supply; supports a system of sustainable agriculture; reduces incidence of chemical sensitivity, cancer, allergies, asthma, rashes and other health issues for both farmers and consumers; organic cotton is softer, more durable, more luxurious and healthier not only for humans but also for our fragile environment.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Which cover is best for my cloth diapers?
I've tried them all, and it's time to talk: what are the pros and cons of each type of diaper cover?
WOOL DIAPER COVER
Pros: Completely natural, environmentally "green", and recyclable. Incredibly soft and breathable for baby's bottom (no more diaper rashes, mom!). Least amount of upkeep for longest lifetime (all your children will be using these!) If lanolized correctly, holds in moisture beautifully--great for night time use and heavy wetters! Don't have to wash as often as other types of diaper covers.
Cons: Most expensive investment (especially upfront...however, if you have more children you will easily recoup the money you initially invest). Some people don't like lanolizing (a fifteen minute procedure about once a month) wool covers, but this is essential for waterproofing. I've heard of occasional wool allergies, but I've never actually MET anyone who's baby has had this problem...
PERFECT POCKET DIAPER COVER
Pros: A One-size-fits-all (no matter how skinny or fat, long or short) diaper cover (TRULY unique in the business)! Best buy in the long run (lasts throughout the diaper life of at least one baby). Can be used with every type of cloth diaper out there, including pocket diapers. Waterproof exterior, with organic cloth interior that allows baby's bottom to breathe more than a purely PUL cover. Easy care and upkeep (machine wash and wear).
Cons: Doesn't last quite as long as wool diaper covers. Organic cloth interior with PUL exterior, so not completely "green". Baby's bottom doesn't breathe completely, as with a wool diaper cover, so there's a possibility of diaper rash if not changed regularly. Some people don't like the neon color choices, although personally I love them.
PUL WATERPROOF DIAPER COVER
Pros: Cheapest up front. Completely waterproof. Easy care and upkeep (machine wash and dry). Note: Baby Milano PUL diaper cover is the softest by far of this type available--and trust me, I've looked!)
Cons: The least "green" option--but still better than disposables! Have to keep "buying up" as baby grows (4 sizes). Doesn't last as long as other diaper cover options (wears out faster). Doesn't allow baby's bottom to "breathe", so greater chance of diaper rash if not changed regularly. Limited color choice: white.
Don't want to bother with diaper covers? Of course, there is one last cloth diaper option...
ALL-IN-ONE (AIO) Diapers:
Pros: Easy, easy, easy--daddys and caregivers love them! Lots of attractive colors. Less bulky than a diaper with a separate diaper cover, so works well even under the skinniest baby clothes--less steps to put on and take off. Once properly pre-washed, a delight to use--very similar to disposables, except far more "green"!
Cons: A bit tricky to wash because of the combination of materials (can't use vinegar or natural bleach with PUL cover, for example). Need to wash many times before first use so that the PUL does not leak or "wick" moisture (I learned this the hard way). Pretty expensive option--but you're trading your money for the ease and convenience.
WOOL DIAPER COVER
Pros: Completely natural, environmentally "green", and recyclable. Incredibly soft and breathable for baby's bottom (no more diaper rashes, mom!). Least amount of upkeep for longest lifetime (all your children will be using these!) If lanolized correctly, holds in moisture beautifully--great for night time use and heavy wetters! Don't have to wash as often as other types of diaper covers.
Cons: Most expensive investment (especially upfront...however, if you have more children you will easily recoup the money you initially invest). Some people don't like lanolizing (a fifteen minute procedure about once a month) wool covers, but this is essential for waterproofing. I've heard of occasional wool allergies, but I've never actually MET anyone who's baby has had this problem...
PERFECT POCKET DIAPER COVER
Pros: A One-size-fits-all (no matter how skinny or fat, long or short) diaper cover (TRULY unique in the business)! Best buy in the long run (lasts throughout the diaper life of at least one baby). Can be used with every type of cloth diaper out there, including pocket diapers. Waterproof exterior, with organic cloth interior that allows baby's bottom to breathe more than a purely PUL cover. Easy care and upkeep (machine wash and wear).
Cons: Doesn't last quite as long as wool diaper covers. Organic cloth interior with PUL exterior, so not completely "green". Baby's bottom doesn't breathe completely, as with a wool diaper cover, so there's a possibility of diaper rash if not changed regularly. Some people don't like the neon color choices, although personally I love them.
PUL WATERPROOF DIAPER COVER
Pros: Cheapest up front. Completely waterproof. Easy care and upkeep (machine wash and dry). Note: Baby Milano PUL diaper cover is the softest by far of this type available--and trust me, I've looked!)
Cons: The least "green" option--but still better than disposables! Have to keep "buying up" as baby grows (4 sizes). Doesn't last as long as other diaper cover options (wears out faster). Doesn't allow baby's bottom to "breathe", so greater chance of diaper rash if not changed regularly. Limited color choice: white.
Don't want to bother with diaper covers? Of course, there is one last cloth diaper option...
ALL-IN-ONE (AIO) Diapers:
Pros: Easy, easy, easy--daddys and caregivers love them! Lots of attractive colors. Less bulky than a diaper with a separate diaper cover, so works well even under the skinniest baby clothes--less steps to put on and take off. Once properly pre-washed, a delight to use--very similar to disposables, except far more "green"!
Cons: A bit tricky to wash because of the combination of materials (can't use vinegar or natural bleach with PUL cover, for example). Need to wash many times before first use so that the PUL does not leak or "wick" moisture (I learned this the hard way). Pretty expensive option--but you're trading your money for the ease and convenience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
