Summertime Fun with Baby in Tow

Summertime Fun with Baby in Tow

Building Your Diaper Stash

When getting ready to stock your diaper stash, there are many things to consider.  Are you diapering part time or full time?  What is your budget?  Will you be cloth diapering mostly in your home or with caregivers?  Do you travel often?  The answers to these questions will have an impact on the solution you ultimately choose.

How many diapers do I actually need?

This is probably everyone's first question when they make the decision to use cloth.  Diapers can be expensive, so you want to make sure you're making the most of your investment.

Most other sources claim that 8-12 diapers a day is sufficient.  I this is a gross underestimate.  As a point of reference, my son uses 20-25 diapers a day.  This is more than twice the figures most give for daily diaper usage.  That means if I want his diapers to last without having to launder every day or two, I have to have at least 60 in my diaper stash for full time cloth diapering.

I have a small budget.  Can I still cloth diaper full time?

Absolutely!  If you start slowly building your diaper stash from early in your pregnancy, you can have a sizeable collection by the time your little one is born, especially if you start baby registries at your favorite cloth diaper stores or ask for cloth diaper gift certificates.

If you choose to go with prefolds, you can cloth diaper full-time for about $100.  For a current price reference, I just built my ideal prefold starter kit (2 newborn Proraps covers, 3 small Proraps cover, 50 preemie size Indian prefolds, 1 infant Snappi fastener pack) for $105.50 at HeinyKing.com, and they offer free shipping for orders over $100.  My son is 19 pounds and still wears preemie size prefolds.  I have seen babies over 20 pounds who are still able to wear size small diaper covers, so don't worry about your infant outgrowing these too quickly.  The weights given are general guidelines and every baby is different, so you may be surprised at how far you are able to go with a particular size.

For those who decide to move into the one-size or AIO diapers, starting with prefolds will give you more time to build your stash and allow you to use cloth while they grow into the other diapers.

If your budget is larger, I would still recommend starting with prefolds or contours since it can be difficult to get the right fit for a newborn in the AIOs and pocket diapers.  Most one size diapers don't even start fitting until about 10 pounds.  The prefolds and contours are also good to have around for those days when you put off laundry because your little one kept you awake all night.

Other Considerations

Most covers do not come in a one size option, and some people choose not go with one size diapers since it can be hard to get the right fit.  Honestly, there is no true "one size fits all" diaper because they do not fit very small or very large babies and there differences in body shape/type that affect a diaper's fit even when your little one is in the optimal weight range to use one size diapers.  If this is where you find yourself and you're trying to decide what sizes should make up the bulk of your diaper stash, your baby will wear mostly smalls and mediums during the course of his or her diaper wearing days.  Another option to consider if you're not a fan of the one size diapers is the Thirsties Duo line of diapers and covers.  They have a nice selection of color options and are specially designed for maximum adjustability so that you only need two sizes from birth to potty training.  I made a diaper cover that works similarly to the Thirsties Duo, and it is the cover that has fit best ever since my son was a newborn.

I would stay away from fitted diapers regardless of your budget because they are like AIOs but without the built in waterproof cover but not significantly less expensive.  In fact, they can actually be more expensive than AIOs when you factor in the added cost of diaper covers and the fact that you can get such great bulk discounts on AIOs.  With the bulk pricing of an AIO set, you might be able to get them for less than some fitted diapers.  Spend the extra couple of dollars and get the AIO or save a lot with prefolds/contours and buy a good set of diaper pins or Snappis.  If you're handy with a needle and thread or own a sewing machine, you can even add your own Aplix closures to your contour diaper collection if it's the convenience you're after.

Next time...

I'll be covering how to choose your cloth diapers and decide which features and styles are best for you.    If you haven't already subscribed, be sure to do it now so you don't miss any of this series!

To read more about cloth diapers, go to the "Cloth Diapering" tab at the top of the page or click here.

Cloth Diapering 101

As promised, this is the first installment in my cloth diapering series.  In this post, I'll cover the basics of cloth diapering including the different styles of diapers and pros and cons of each one.  For quick reference, you'll find links to this series and future articles in the "Cloth Diapering" tab.

Prefolds

The most simple and basic way to approach cloth diapering is by using prefolds.  They come in different sizes from preemie to toddler, launder easily, and can be bleached as needed.  Obviously, you need a separate waterproof cover in order to use prefolds.  You may also want to use some type of fastener to keep it in position, especially if you have a looser fitting style of diaper cover.

As far as sizing, I have been using the preemie size (9.5"x13").  The suggest weight range is 4-10 pounds, but when I first started using them my son was over 10 pounds and I still had to fold the tops down so they wouldn't stick out of the diaper cover.  He is now 19 pounds and they still have a lot of use left in them.

There are two main kinds of prefolds--Chinese and Indian.  Both are 100%  cotton twill, highly absorbent, and easy to use.  Indian prefolds are softer, fluffier, slightly smaller, and tend to shrink a bit more on the first wash.  Chinese prefolds are more durable, handle the frequent laundering better, and are less bulky.  I personally use Indian prefolds because I like the softness.  I've used both kinds on different babies, however, and they both work well.  

There is a third type of prefold that is harder to find in bulk but that many like to use for traveling, camping, and outdoors activities because they are absorbent without the bulk of Chinese and Indian prefolds and dry quickly for those on the go.  This is the cotton birdseye flat weave prefold.  It is much larger in dimensions than Chinese or Indian prefolds.  Your mother or grandmother probably used used these.  Because most people don't use these as their primary diaper option, I will not discuss this type further in this article.

Before you begin using your prefolds, wash and dry them on high heat a few times to fully shrink and fluff them.

Pros

·      Inexpensive--Preemie size is $14/dozen at several suppliers

·      Can be bleached

·      Can be used as inserts in All-in-One or Pocket Diapers

·      May be used from birth as there are sizes to accommodate the smallest babies

·      No special laundering needs

Cons

·       Need for separate covers and diaper fasteners

·      Takes time and practice to figure out how to fold and fasten them

·      Hard to teach others how to use them

Contour Diapers

Contour diapers are the descendents of prefolds.  They are a basic coverless diaper that have been contoured to fit baby without having to fold them first.  They can have leg gussets or not.  The gusseted version will have a more tailored fit and hold in messes more effectively.  Some contour diapers come made with built in fasteners or in one size fits all options.

Pros

·      Easy to make your own

·      Can be bleached, depending on type of fabric

·      No special laundering instructions depending on fabric

·      May be used as inserts for AIO/pocket diapers

·      Fit  a wider weight range than prefolds

·      Bigger selection of fabrics than prefolds

·      More user friendly than prefolds

·      Sizes for newborns available

Cons

·      Much pricier than prefolds starting around $5/each when not on sale

·      Not usually as absorbent as prefolds and may need additional inserts 

 All-in-One/Pocket Diapers

All-in-One (AIO) diapers and pocket diapers have a built in waterproof shell and soaker pad for added absorbency where you need it.  They are very easy to use because they work like disposables.  If you need extra absorbency, you can lay an extra liner inside of it. of either style

AIOs come in a variety of colors, patterns and styles so you can coordinate outfits and baby accessories with your diapers as well as choose gender specific color schemes.

Unless you invest in a one size fits all style, you'll need a full set in every size as your baby grows.

Pros

·      Easy to use

·      No separate cover or fasteners needed

·      Many colors and styles to choose from

·      Easy to add extra absorbency without too a lot of extra bulk

·      Premie size prefolds are the perfect size to add absorbency to pocket diapers

Cons

·      Expensive--AIOs and pocket diapers are anywhere from $15-30 a piece

·      Must be replaced as your baby outgrows each size

·      Cannot be bleached as it will destroy the waterproof lining and/or ruin the colors

·      Must use care when laundering the velcro/applix fastened styles

·      May not fit newborns right away even in the smallest sizes

One Size Fits All

Many cloth diaper manufacturers offer a one-size fits all style of AIO/pocket diapers/diaper covers.  These are an attractive option because it removes the necessity to restock for each size as your baby grows and they still come with many color options.

There are several one-size kits  and multipacks on the market right now such as the Econobum diapering system which is a prefold and diaper cover solution or the package sets by Fuzzi Buns, bumGenius, and others.  The kits and multipack sets are the most economical solutions, but they will be bulky on babies at the smaller range of the spectrum.  This is especially true of the Econobum since larger prefolds are included in order to accommodate baby's growth.

I personally couldn't afford to invest upfront in the amount of one-size AIOs needed for full-time use, so I use them as my night time solution and stuff a prefold into it for extra absorbency.

Pros

·      Most economical way to cloth diaper with AIO/pocket diapers

·      Grows with baby

·      No separate fasteners or covers required for the one-size AIO/pocket diapers

·      Requires less diapers over time

Cons

·      Don't fit newborns

·      Can still be quite costly

·      Cannot be bleached

·      Must use care when laundering the velcro/applix fastened styles

·      Bulky on smaller babies, especially the Econobum

Up Next...

Stay tuned to my diaper series by subscribing to my feed.  Tomorrow we'll be covering how to stock your cloth diaper stash!

Father's Day Lesson: Travel Do's and Don'ts

In the recovery period of an exhausting family activity day, I realized I still have some things to learn about taking my baby out.  I've done several shorter or less involved outings that went pretty smoothly, so I thought I had this covered.  But there were a few differences that made it a whole different ball game.  First, I'd never done cloth diapers on a long day away from home.  My son started getting a rash from wearing disposables while the cloth diapers were in the wash, so I decided to bite the bullet use cloth.  Second, I'd never spent a day out that wasn't primarily at someone else's home, especially not at a large, crowded, noisy restaurant with a long wait for everything because of the holiday.  Next time I'll be ready!

Do expect to take 2-3 times as long as anticipated.  Our impromptu Father's Day gathering involved the meeting of several of my extended family members and their children for a mini family reunion with a total of 14 people.  The wait at the restaurant pushed us 30 minutes past our reservation.  Even though we sat at two separate tables, the high business volume made all of our courses run 10-15 minutes later than usual.  The talk between our two tables and oohing and aahing over the baby made everyone eat slower than usual.  It took three times longer than was typical to close out our tabs because of the busyness at the restaurant.  Then there was the after meal catch up session at my uncle and aunt's house during which almost everyone got caught up in watching Avatar, a 2.5 hour movie, on my Uncle's big screen HDTV.

Do bring more outfits than you think you'll need.  I almost didn't do this.  I thought for sure the most he could possibly need was 2 extra outfits, so I almost put the third one back in the drawer.  He spit up all over the first one at the restaurant.  Then while visiting with my family, my son decided to bathe himself in his own drool.  So I ended up using the third outfit, which I originally believed superfluous.

Don't wear the heels.  You know all the walking around you do at home to offer comfort and succor to your fussy baby while you wait for his bottle to warm up, to convince him that he's sleepy, or when he's randomly upset for reasons unbeknownst to you?  Enough said.

Do invest in a wet/dry bag.  If you plan to cloth diaper full-time, this is the way to go.  I used the little green dirty diaper sacks which are basically mini plastic bags.  I don't have a sack dispenser, so I had to search for the wad of bags every time I did a diaper change.  Only 2-3 cloth diapers fit in each, and you have to knot them off to make sure they don't escape in your diaper bag.  After a full day out, I ended up with 4 tightly knotted sacks floating around which I had to rip open when I got home.  Do yourself a favor.  Get the wet/dry bag.  They come in a dizzying array of sizes, styles, and patterns.  You can use one side for all your clean diapers and changing items while keeping the dirty diapers safely sealed off in the other compartment.  It's more organized, convenient, and less waste.  They also double as great swim bags, so you'll be using it long after your child is out of diapers.

Do bring extra diapers, formula, and other basics.  When it comes to diapers and food, it's always better to have more and not need it than not enough.  I brought much more than I needed because I expected that we would take longer than everyone insisted was the maximum.  Because we took longer than even I anticipated, however, I used every single cloth diaper and diaper cover I brought then had to use the emergency disposables and I used almost all the formula I brought with me.

Do bring the travel bottle warmer.  If you bottle feed and you're driving longer than about an hour, these are absolutely indispensable, especially if you drive these kinds of distances regularly.  I live in a rural area, so this is definitely true for me.  You can find good travel warmers for under $15, and I'll definitely be getting one before my next road trip (4 hour drive to a wedding in July).  Use the bottle warmer to keep the water heated up for the next meal.  When baby gets ready to eat, just add formula, dissolve, and feed.  Easy!

Don't be shy to tell people when it's time to leave.  No one knows your baby like you do.  You know her routine, and you know when she's had enough socializing.  Leave before your baby reaches her limit.  It's better to cut the visit short than to have a long drive home with a crying, hungry, sleepy baby who's too cranky to eat or fall asleep.  Once you're on the road, it's not as easy to comfort your little one. Drive separately if that's what it takes to avoid staying out too late.

Convertible Car Seats?

I got an email this morning from an online baby supplies store saying that my 5 month old was ready to "graduate from an infant car seat to a convertible one".  After I recovered from the initial indignation of some commercial interest prematurely aging my baby (he's not going to be 5 months until the 30th!), I said to myself, "Here I was thinking that his car seat was good for another 10 pounds...is it really time to be shopping for a convertible car seat?"

So I did a little research, and this is what I've found.

What is the weight limit on infant car seats?


I double checked mine, and it said 22 pounds.  My son is 18.5 pounds , so good thing I looked.  When I was car seat shopping during my pregnancy, I saw infant car seats that went up to 35 pounds and I was considering starting with a convertible car seat so that I wouldn't have to get another for while.  I would have gotten one of those, but ended up receiving this one as a gift.  It's been a great car seat!  If my son wasn't such a little fatty, he'd definitely get a lot of use out of it.


What is a convertible car seat anyway?

A convertible car seat can be positioned in the vehicle to be rear-facing for infants and forward-facing for toddlers.  They should still have a 5 point harness for safety.  They are also secured the same way as infant car seats.


Are the weight limits different for convertible and infant car seats?


Like infant car seats, the weight limits vary for different models of convertible car seats.  The weight limit is also different for when the car seat is facing the front or back.  According to about.com baby products guide Heather Corley, the limit is about 30 pounds rear facing and 40 pounds front facing.  Some new models go up to 65 pounds.  I've even seen a few convertible/3-1 car seat options go as high as 100 pounds.  But something to remember is that the higher the weight limit, the bigger the car seat.  Make sure your vehicle can handle it before making the purchase.


How long should baby use a rear-facing car seat model?


Child passenger safety experts recommend at least 1 year and a weight of at least 20 pounds before switching to a forward-facing model.  It's best to keep your child rear-facing for as long as the weight limit allows on your car seat model.  The new recommendation is to keep your child rear-facing until 2 years old if at all possible.


Thinking ahead:  How long should I use a car seat for my child?


The current recommendation is that children should be restrained in a car seat or booster seat until they are at least 4 years old or 40 pounds.  The longer the better.  Because of how fragile small children's bone structures are, staying rear-facing as long as possible is safest as it greatly reduces the inertial impact of a collision.  Seat belts in vehicles are designed for adults (3 point rather than 5 point restraints) and can cause serious injury in an accident including but not limited to spinal cord injury, intestinal stricture, and bone fractures.  Even in an appropriate child safety seat, serious injury can occur during accidents if the harness is not appropriately fitted to the child.


The Verdict

Yes!  It's time to start shopping for a new car seat.  My son is 3.5 pounds away from the maximum weight limit and will very likely outgrow his current model by the time he's 6 months old.  For those who can, I am definitely in favor of starting with a convertible car seat for newborns so that you get longest use out of it.  Going through all the transitions as your baby grows can mean buying as many as 3-4 child safety seats.  If you can buy one that does more, you'll be saving money in the long run and decreasing your consumer waste.


My Car Seat Picks

Most economical:  Cosco Scenera ($39-60 new)

Weight limits: 5-35 pounds rear-facing, 22-40 pounds front-facing.  Features a removable cup holder and 4 harness locations for maximum adjustability as your child grows.  It comes in a variety of color options.  Available at most retailers.  Online prices vary by color.  Lowest price found was $39.99 in Meridian pattern (charcoal grey) at Baby Depot.


Best Value:  Evenflo Titan Sport ($67.54 and up)

Weight limits: 5-35 pounds rear-facing, 20-50 pounds front facing.  Features include removable cup holder and storage compartment, 2-position recline, and multiple harness slots to accommodate growth.  This model is affordable, compact, and easy to install with the LATCH system.  Lowest price $67.54 in Stonehill color option at Amazon.com.  A Titan Elite model is also available with more features.  The Evenflo Triumph line also offers some good choices.


Most versatile:  Recaro brand convertible carseats

Weight limits: 5-35 pounds rear-facing, 20-70 pounds forward facing.  May be used for children up to 8 years old.  Features include side impact protection, ergonomic shape, infinite adjustable headrest, double wall head support, and ventilation system to keep baby cool, approved for airplane use.  Some features vary by model, so check the specific model an accurate list.  I was impressed by their long history as an automotive seat designer for over 100 years and manufacturers of the first child safety seat.  Recaros are on the pricey side, running between $200-300 brand new, but no one else comes close in safety and comfort features, and they have the highest maximum weight limits, which means you'll be able to keep your child in a car seat style safety restraint (the safest) for as long as possible.  They come in a variety of colors and styles.  Diapers.com has many Recaro closeouts available for up to 50% off.

If you're looking for a booster seat, Recaro makes a great, affordable model.  For $90, you can get a booster seat for children up to 100 pounds complete with side impact protection unlike other booster seat models.


Best All-Around:  The First Years True Fit Convertible Car Seat C630 ($147 and up)

Weight limits:  5-35 pounds rear-facing, 20-65 pounds forward-facing.  The C630 model was given 4 out of 5 stars by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Aministration (NHTSA) for ease of use in both forward- and rear-facing positions.  The C670 rated a full 5 stars in both forward- and rear-facing..  They were the only ones to be rated this highly in both the rear-facing and forward-facing categories.  Features include no-rethread harnesses for easy height adjustment, removable headrest, side impact tested, built in lock offs, low center of gravity allows deeper, wider, and taller seating area with increasing the outer dimensions, and multi-position buckle.  One draw back is that this a very wide seat.  It may not be a great option if you have a smaller vehicle.

Note:  All car seats sold in the USA are considered safe as they meet a minimum safety requirement required by law.  The ease of use, however, increases overall safety as the easier a product is to use and install properly, the less room for user error which may lead to death or injury in the event of an accident.  Others rated 4 and above were the Recaro Signo (FF), Graco My Ride 65 (RF), Safety 1st Complete Air (FF).


Current Sales and Discounts

Free shipping on all order $49 and up at BabiesRUs.com

Free shipping on orders over $49 and 15% off select car seats and strollers at Diapers.com.  Use code SCGEAR at checkout.

Free two-day shipping for Amazon Prime members.  Free one-month trial available.

New ways to follow Cool Mom's Blog

Follow my tweets

My Facebook Feed for Facebook addicts

The subscriptions are now being handled by FeedBurner.  Have my feed updates sent directly to your email by filling out the short form to the right.

Baby Clothing Size and Selection Guide

I learned my first lesson about baby clothes while I was still pregnant:  there is no real standard when it comes to newborn clothes sizes.  The other lesson (always always always allow for shrinking), I learned with the first wash.  Within a few days of giving birth, I learned my third lesson:  zippered pajamas and one piece pullovers that snap shut as opposed to 2-piece top and bottom outfits are most convenient for the 20ish diaper changes I do every day.

Some brands ran very oversized swallowing my infant son though they were labeled 0-3 months or even newborn!  Others claimed to be 0-3 months but were barely larger than some premie sized clothing I had.  Yet another strange scenario I encountered was the occasional discrepancy of size within a brand.  For instance, the striped 0-3 months size Faded Glory organic footy pajamas were significantly larger than the ABC pattern in the same size and line.  My son wore the ABC's for weeks before the striped ones fit.  As my son has grown, this problem has not decreased.  To complicate matters, almost all baby clothing regardless of brand shrinks significantly after laundering.  I have seen a few items decrease by nearly half!


Above: 5 days, 5 lbs. 10 oz., wearing Carter's premie size long sleeved onesie with newborn size socks


Right: 2 weeks, 6 lbs, wearing Gerber Newborn size pajama


Below: 2 weeks, 6 lbs, wearing Faded Glory Organic 0-3 months size pajama in ABC print


As you can see, even the newborn size was large on my little guy, and the empty legs are splayed out as he bends his knees.  While it is hard to tell in the picture of the Faded Glory, it's actually much larger than the Gerber.  The Faded Glory was cut very generously for width, which I appreciated as he grew.  I've found Gerber brand clothing to run the smallest of any clothing line for babies that I've encountered.


Faded Glory Pros:  Organic 100% cotton, conveniently available at WalMart, Organic pajamas and two-piece clothing sets for $5, soft fabric, comfort features like padded zippers
Faded Glory Cons:  Inconsistent sizing, some styles/color selections ran too big to fit newborns, some styles/color selections (stripes again, specifically the blue stripes...tan stripes were large but didn't pill) had a bad problem with pilling in the wash

Gerber Pros:   Best fit for newborns, variety of cute patterns, and designs, available at almost all baby stores, almost always come in multi-packs with a mix of colors, comfort features
Gerber Cons:  Thin material, don't seem as durable as other brands, are outgrown quickly since they are so small (my son wore them comfortably for about two weeks and outgrew them within 4 weeks of receiving them)

Now my son is 4 months old and about 18.5 lbs and 25.5 inches long at his 4 month check up.  For the most part, he wears 12 month sizes or larger.  We have started stocking up on 24 month sizes as they go to clearance.

Left:  6 weeks, 12 lbs, Carter's 3 Month size.  Fits very well, and was tight by the time he turned 3 months old.


Right:  4 months, 18.5 lbs, Gerber 3-6 month sleeveless onesie.  I should note that this onesie seems to run slightly larger than sleeved versions in the same size.  As you can see, he won't be wearing this much longer.

Now for the shrinkage problem:

On the left side is a 9 month pair of jeans from the Genuine Baby line by OshKosh pre wash.  On the right is post wash.  No more folding necessary!  I actually bought several 9 months Genuine Baby clothes on clearance at Target while I was pregnant.  What I did not anticipate is that he would outgrow them before the fall, which is when I intended to use them!  It was too late to return them because Target has a 60 day policy, so I used them for the purpose of this article.  These pictures are from this week--one before laundry day and one after.  For the record, the jeans did not shrink much in the width.  Most of the shrinkage was in the length, which worked out well since they were way too lon.  The other Genuine Baby items (2 piece hoodie and pants set, cotton knit sweater, and long sleeve onesie) did not shrink significantly unlike every other brand he's worn.

To the left, he's sporting a long sleeved 12 month Carter's onesie.  The picture was taken about 3 weeks ago.  Notice how it is roomy but not too huge on my 4 month old?  Also take note of how his socks fit now.  And, yes, he is quite pleased with his attempts to denude himself!  On the right, he's wearing a 12 month Carter's again, but in the short sleeved variety.  This was taken about the same time, but for some reason the 12 month short sleeve onesies fit more snugly in both length and girth than the long sleeve.  The material is thicker too in the short sleeved version.

Above we have 3 different brands of 24 month sized onesies.  From left to right we have Gerber, Toughskins, and Faded Glory Organic.  As you can see, the Gerber still runs the smallest and fits very well, but the length makes it more like a play romper than a traditional onesie.  It is also still the flimsiest material compared with the other 2 onesies.  The Toughskins, which I found at Sears, is a very well-made brand made with high quality fabric.  It runs the largest of the 3.  The organic Faded Glory onesie is the softest.  All three were very economical choices.  The Gerber came in a 5-pack for $9.99, the Faded Glory was $3 at WalMart (not bad for organic), and the Toughskins were on sale for $4.  It is the thickest, most durable, and roomiest of the 3 choices so I don't mind that it costs a little more since he'll also be wearing it the longest.

Here are some pictures of my son in 18 months clothing.  Can you believe it?  My 4 month old can wear 18 month sized baby clothes!  On the left, he's wearing an 18 month Carter's Romper, which was on sale at Sears this week for $4.  As you can see, it an overall good fit.  It's a little long in the crotch, but that's good because it leaves him plenty of room for his diapers.  He wears mostly cloth, so he needs the space.  Even here though, there is some disparity of size.  I have another 18 month romper purchased previously from Beall's Outlet (another place to find great deals on baby clothing and gear...love those dot discounts!), but it is bigger than this romper.  It may possibly be because the romper from Beall's snaps up all the way.  This one is a pullover style.  FYI, I love rompers because they have the convenience of onesies but with more substance for cooler temperatures or going out.

In photo to the right, he's wearing an 18 month shirt and shorts set by Circo from Target.  The t-shirt is roomy, but the shorts fit comfortably without being too loose.  These were on clearance for under $5 last month along with a number of other prints, colors and sizes going up to 5T.

Here are some mix and match shirts and pants.  Both of those pictures were taken within the past 2 days.  The yellow shirt is a 9 month size by Bon BeBe paired with Carter's 12 month size pants.  The shirt is a nice fit right now and does stretch out a lot after being worn, so he has plenty more use left in that.  The pants are on the long side to allow for growth and comfortably sized in the waist.  In the other picture, he's wearing an Okie Dokie brand, 18 month shirt with Faded Glory's organic 0-3 month pants.  The pants came as a set with a matching striped hoodie for $5 regular price.  They still fit well because of the roomy cut, but they are a little short now.  And the shirt has plenty of room without being ridiculously big.

There you have it!  I hope this helps a few moms pick the clothing styles that make diaper changes easy in sizes that will allow the most comfortable fit and longest use for their babies.

5 Must Have Baby Travel Accessories

School is out and families are getting ready for their summer vacation plans.  For many, including myself, this is will be the first time traveling with baby.  Figuring out what you need is overwhelming.  It may take several short practice runs before you feel comfortable for the big road trip.  If you need help getting started, Cool Mom has 5 suggestions to make your travel plans, whether by car, plane, or train, more streamlined and infant friendly.









1) The First Years Fast Heating Travel Warmer by Learning Curve - Nothing beats a cup of super hot water for reheating a bottle, but when you're on a road trip with no Starbucks in sight, this gadget is what you need.  The uniquely designed warmer adjusts to any size and shape of bottle and features push-button settings for more accurate temperatures.  It plugs directly into the car and has a safety feature to prevent overheating.  Those who have irregularly shaped bottles (i.e. not perfectly round or straight) will especially appreciate this warmer.

2) Philips Avent ISIS Manual On the Go Breast Pump - For breast feeding moms who need to pump, this is my favorite.  The convenient one-hand design and natural let down of Avent breast pumps makes it easy and painless to use.  A Medela hand pump was given to me, and I much preferred the Avent.  Plus the carrying case is a great place to store extra bottles, nursing pads, and other breast feeding accessories.

3) The First Years Take & Toss Feeding Variety Pack - This 28 piece set has everything you need for feeding baby on the go. PVC, pthalate, and BPA free, It includes 6 bowls, 6 spoons, 6 bowls with lids, 6 snack bowls with lids, and 4 spill proof cups all in a zippered pouch for easy packing.


4) Munchkin Powdered Formula Dispenser Combo Pack - Carry cereal and formula with this handy two-pack. At under $5, you can buy multiple sets for the most versatility and convenience. Both 8 oz. capacity dispensers feature a pour spout lid. One has a single compartment and the other is divided into 3 chambers. BPA free.

5)Pandigital PAN7000DW 7-Inch Digital Picture Frame - Rip your child's favorite videos to an SD card for hours worth of entertainment without the stacks of DVDs. Play a continuous video loop or select individual movies. Use a power inverter like this Schumacher model to plug it into your car. Older children can watch it in their laps. For babies, zip tie it to the headrest in front of them. I personally have an Aluratek, which was given to me, but I would personally choose the Pandigital for its many travel friendly features and extras such as built in 1GB memory, 6 in 1 card reader, alarm, calendar, WiFi compatibility, and more. If only they had a cordless version, it would be perfect!

Who's Training Who?

After 4 months of being his mother, I already know some things about my son that both thrill and terrify me.  I know he is an attention hog.  He doesn't like it when people aren't watching him and hanging on his every (though somewhat limited) antic.   I know that he is a sucker for praise and will do many cute baby "tricks" if he knows he'll be rewarded with by the awe and amazement of his audience. I know that he loves to smile and will do so at the slightest stimulus.  When I speak to him in sweet and gentle tones, I know he will respond with his own special brand of gurgling, cooing baby talk.  I also know he is my most ardent admirer.  If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I am flattered beyond belief several times a day.


Because I know these things, I find myself going down a self-perpetuating path of what some may consider parental narcissism.  My days are spent wanting to see my son smile at me--at me his mother who loves him and has devoted a large portion of her every day life to his health and happiness!  My heart skips a beat when he mimics a sound or gesture from me, and I spend much time attempting to illicit the imitation of speech from him.  He has been known to repeat "I love you" and "Aaaaooooogah!" back to me.  I am pleased when he learns to take "performance" cues to sit or stand or blow bubbles on command.  When he does the expected and hoped for action, I am lavish in my approbation and a feeling of warm, fuzzy, motherly pride wells up in my heart over how smart and strong my son is.  He is being trained to associate obedience and excellence with motherly praise and happiness.


My son is only four and half months old, but he is learning fast.  He knows things about his mother too.  He knows that I will spend all day holding him if he cries pitifully enough even when I'm so tired my eyes won't stay open, even when I don't know if my back can't take it anymore.  He knows that he's sad or not feeling well, I'll cradle him until he falls asleep no matter how lengthy or piercing his screams of discomfort.  He knows that when he smiles, I am captive to his whims and will dedicate myself to his jollity and entertainment for as long as he continues to express his delight.  He is training me to be a slave to his childish fancy.


A day is coming, however, when just knowing that he pleases me won't be enough.  He'll seek his independence and forge his own way with little to no thought for my desires and my happiness.  Just as I realized soon after bring him home that my kisses did more to make me feel better then him when he was fussy, I will one day make the bitter discovery that my attempts to connect and amuse him will be inadequate.  And he will learn in time that no amount of smiling or appealing to my sympathies will move me when I decide to put down the proverbial foot.


But that day is not now.  He is a curious infant, exploring his world and learning his place in it.  I, his mother, drunk with the wonder and awe of it all, am overwhelmed by a kind of love I never understood before.  We will both grow in the days, months, and years to come.  Constantly redefining our relationship and the boundaries between mother and child, our roles, motivations, and intentions will forever be in flux.  


We are both training each other speak the love language we understand best.  May we always do it with grace.

On Sale Now!

This week, head to Sears for deep discounts on newborn baby clothes and gear.  Get 40-75% off newborn clothing.  A large selection of Avent products is on clearance for quick sale, including bottle warmers, bottles, nipples, gift sets, orthodontic pacifiers, and more.  Larger sizes (12-24 months) of Carter's brand rompers and Toughskins brand onesies and other clothing are on sale for $5 and under.  There was no signage for the Carter's or Toughskins discount, so you may find even more deals on other items.

Belk is currently offering an additional 30% off clearance items.

For those of you last minute Father's Day shoppers, Amazon.com is offering free 2-day shipping with no minimum purchase requirement just for enrolling in a free one-month trial in their Amazon Prime incentive program.

Disclaimer: Discounts and in store stock based on Brunswick store locations.  Savings and item availability may differ at your local stores.

Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Why Cool Moms Should Love Cool Cucumbers

Cucumbers, it would seem, are the unsung heroes of the summer garden.  More than just a beauty treatment, cucumbers can clean crayons off the wall, act as a caffeine free pick me up for the busy mom, and reduce the appearance of cellulite for those afternoons at the pool or beach. There is even documentation of the existence of cucumbers in many ancient civilizations including Greece, Turkey, China, and Sumer.  Ancient peoples used cucumbers for food, a facial and skin cleanser, and as the base ingredient in many household cleaners.  Because cucumbers are inexpensive and readily available, there is no reason to NOT take advantage of all the wonderful things they can do.

Cucurbitin and fatty oil in the seeds

• Have diuretic properties and may be used to treat constipation
• Promote healthy digestion
• Have been used to expel intestinal worms including tapeworm
• Sooth irritated skin

High potassium level and moderate amounts of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, phosphorous, and magnesium

• Stave off hunger.  Ancient European trappers used cucumbers to keep from starving on long expeditions.  Take a cue from them and bring sliced cucumbers on your next road trip or offer them as a healthy snack.
• Provide a natural, stimulant free energy boost
• Replenish electrolytes as effectively as power drinks but without the artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup

Enzymes and Phytochemicals

• Relieve burns and skin irritations as effectively as aloe.  Place a slice directly on the affected area or put it in the blender to make a salve
• Tighten collagen in your skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite, swelling, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles.  For a low cost, 5 minute spa treatment, bring a sliced cucumber to a boil, remove from heat, and lean over the steam.  The chemicals will mix with the steam to rejuvenate your complexion and the fresh scent will leave you feeling relaxed.
• Kill bad breath.  Just place a slice under the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds.  The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria that causes odor.
• Revitalizes and conditions skin
• Can be used to polish shoes.  Rub a slice on your favorite pair and watch them shine.

A "cool" food that stays up to 20 degrees cooler than the external temperature

• Soothes burns, rashes, and other skin irritations such as diaper rash
• May prevent overheating by acting as a natural refrigerant when ingested

           

Cucumber skins

• Erase crayon markings and can also erase pen and ink mistakes or stains.  Just rub the cucumber on the mark and watch it disappear!
• Contain trans-2-noneal chemicals that repel cockroaches

Cool Ideas

• Cucumbers are known to lower high blood pressure and may lower cholesterol.
• Remove tarnish by rubbing it with a cucumber slice.
• Lubricate squeaking door hinges and cabinets with a slice of cucumber.
• Prevent bathroom mirror fog by rubbing a slice of cucumber on the glass.  It will also leave a fresh, clean scent that lasts.

* Take precautions when using cucumber medicinally.  Cucumbers may cause or aggravate a pre-existing electrolyte imbalance or dehydration.  Pregnant and nursing women should consult a doctor before beginning medicinal use of cucumbers.

5 Ways to Go Green While Saving the Green

All over the country young adults who came of age in the world of PETA, animal rights, global warming, conserving resources, and Captain Planet are searching for ways to live life and raise their children in an earth friendly, environmentally conscious way. Sounds like a big job? You may be closer to living a greener lifestyle than you think. Here are 5 ways to incorporate earth friendly habits into your parenting routine by following the old mantra "reduce, reuse, recycle". You'll even save some money while you're at it.
1) Try cloth diapers. Diapers and wipes are the biggest source of infant consumer waste. My son goes through 20-25 diapers per day. That's 150+ diapers a week and over 7,800 diapers in a year! Switching to cloth diapers even just part time will literally keep thousands of disposable diapers out landfills. For an extra eco-friendly choice, use reusable cloth wipes instead of disposable. It may seem old fashioned, but cloth diapering for modern moms is easier than ever before! Stay tuned for more information later this week on cloth diapering resources and how to get started.
2) Accept hand me downs. Waste not want not. Reusing items prevents them from being thrown away or deteriorating from age while waiting in storage. When your baby outgrows his hand me downs, you can keep the cycle going and pass them along to another family.
3) Shop used. By purchasing existing baby supplies, you decrease the need for manufacturers to produce more which conserves our resources. Often times older products are better made, so you will be getting a higher quality product for less money. This in turn also means you'll that another baby will be able to inherit these items when your infant is done with them.
4) Preserve the resale value of your baby supplies. Infants grow so fast that much of your gear will be in great condition when your little one stops using it. Used baby items sell very well on Ebay and Craigslist. Saving as much of the of the original packaging and instruction manuals and taking care of your infant's clothes, bottles, toys, and other paraphernalia will make it easier to resell and fetch the highest price. If you decide to pass them down rather than selling, the original boxes and intact instructions will be very appreciated by your friends and family. Either way, you're keeping baby items that would otherwise still have a lot of life in them out of the garbage and out of your closet.

5) Recycle by finding a new use for seemingly "junk" items. For example, the boxes for bulk diaper packages make wonderful designer storage boxes. Use scrap fabric or recycle gift wrapping paper to cover them over with fun designs and pretty colors. The boxes already have handle cut outs so they're great for a variety of uses. Have different sizes? Make a nesting storage set and give it to an expecting mother as a unique, handmade baby shower gift.
Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

10 Things Cool Mom Can't Live Without

These infant toys, baby supplies and websites make it easier for this mom to tackle her busy schedule while keeping baby happy and healthy.

1) Charlie's Soap is an all natural laundry soap made right here in the USA! One tablespoon is all you need for even a large load. It leaves clothes clean and smelling great without harsh chemicals, dyes, or perfumes. This soap rinses residue free to eliminate skin irritation and eliminates the need for fabric softener. This is the best soap for cloth diapers that I have found. For extra cleaning power, I usually use 2 tbsp on diapers.


2) Baby's Only Organic Formula by Nature's One is the only formula on the market that doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup. They use brown rice syrup instead. As a hypoglycemic mom, I have concerns about keeping my baby's blood sugar stable, but I don't need to worry with this formula.


3) Safety 1st Baby Monitor - A great value for under $20. The sound quality is good for the price. It has a long range so I can go outside or do chores on the other side of the house while he sleeps and know that I'll be able to hear him if he needs me. It works with either a 9v battery or the included adapter for use in variety of situations.


4) Winnie the Pooh Umbrella Stroller - I use mine for quick trips to the grocery store when I don't need to pack the kitchen sink. Sometimes taking a few laps around the house is the only way to make my son stop crying. He even falls asleep in it most of the time. If you do some comparison shopping, you can find them brand new for under $15.


5) Vtech Move & Crawl Ball - This brightly colored, motorized ball lights up, talks, and sings. It teaches numbers, shapes, animals, and animal sounds while keeping my son distracted so that I can wash the dishes or take much needed bathroom breaks.

6) Diapers.com - So far, this is the best place I've found for my recurring diaper and formula needs. The prices are hard to beat, and they constantly offer coupons and referral discounts. My purchases always arrive within 2-3 days of ordering, and they offer free shipping. They have a huge selection of baby and toddler products so it's easy to find those useful and necessary add-ons to meet the minimum purchase amount for free shipping.

7) Dr. Brown's Formula Mixing Pitcher - Mix up to 32 oz. of formula at once. The unique design dissolves formula quickly and breaks up clumps while introducing a minimal amount of air into the formula. When mixing formula for individual servings, I usually have to shake the bottle to make the powder dissolve faster which creates a huge amount of air bubbles and gives my baby more gas. With this pitcher, that problem is solved and I can make a whole pitcher in less time than it took me to make one bottle.


8) Avent Powder Formula Dispenser and Snack Cup - Pre-measure up to 3 servings of milk for easier travel. No scooping and measuring in the car, just twist and pour for perfectly measured servings! The dividers are removable so the dispenser doubles as a lidded snack cup for long term functionality. Having 2 or 3 of these will make road trips more convenient from infancy on.

9) Ebay.com - Save big on new and used baby and toddler items! They grow so fast that most baby supplies are like new when they stop using them. I've saved literally hundreds of dollars by buying high quality used items. When your child outgrows his or her clothes, toys, and other baby gear, you can turn around and resell them for extra cash and room and more closet space.

10) Munchkin Bottle Warmer - Takes the guess work out of warming bottles. I've used it so much that I don't even need to time it.

Cool Mom's Guide to Looking Your Best for Summer 2009

Losing weight after baby and regaining your pre-pregnancy figure can be a daunting task. Cool Mom knows this from experience as she is in the throes of post partum transitions, and she wants to share her holistic approach of nutrition, physical activity, and conscientious clothing choices to help you look better and feel better this summer. By following these simple steps, Cool Mom has already lost 10 pounds in the past 6 weeks with minimal exercise and has learned to artfully disguise what's left of the deflated balloon stomach for a chic and slim summer look.

• Drink more water! Staying hydrated keeps the body from storing excess water reserves (AKA bloating) and has the added benefit of making your skin look fresher and more youthful. You can lose as much as 10 lbs. and keep it off by upping your water intake.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are low calorie, nutrient packed dietary powerhouses. They promote healthy digestion with fiber. The sugars in fruit keep blood sugar levels more stable than sweet snacks like cookies, candy, and other foods made with refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup. Eating one vegetarian meal a day is what kick started Cool Mom's weight loss even more so than exercise!

• Wear tops with long lines and side rouching. Remember how your maternity tops had side rouching to make your pregnant tummy look cute instead of fat and plunging necklines to draw the eye away from your burgeoning midsection? That trick still works after you have the baby. Rouching gives your clothing a more tailored fit while accentuating the curve of your waistline and creating folds in the fabric to hide the tummy pooch. Cool Mom made a dress based on this concept that does a great job at disguising the post-baby tummy sag.

• Bottoms with wide waistbands that sit lower on the waist are most flattering to the post baby figure. They flatten the tummy and take attention off the flab without creating unsightly muffin tops. When paired with a flattering top, it's a winning combination for a sexy postpartum look. Think gauchos and gauzy wrap skirts for a fun, summer wardrobe that beats the heat.

• Incorporate playing with baby into your exercise and activity plan. Entertaining our little ones is something we mothers already do every day. If you can turn play into a way to also get your body moving, you'll be amazed at how much more exercise you can fit into your day without even thinking about it. Here are some ideas to get your started.

1. Turn crunches and sit ups into a game. My son loves it when I sit him on my chest during crunches and make silly sounds or attack his toes every time I come up.
2. No one likes to run during the hot months of summer. If you baby is anything like mine, he doesn't always nap long enough to allow significant outdoor activity. No matter how hot it get, however, most babies still enjoy taking a trip in the stroller. Beat the heat by making a track in your home. With an umbrella stroller, maneuvering around sharp turns and household obstacles is a breeze. To burn more calories, make it a power walk. For Cool Mom, an added benefit is that a 10 minute power walk around the house usually puts her baby to sleep.
3. Use your baby as a makeshift weight. When your infant is able to comfortable hold his or her own head up without assistance, he or she will probably love to do the superman. For a great arm workout, do several reps lifting and lowering your little one above your head.

• Make every second count. As mothers, we have more opportunities than we realize to get our bodies moving. In addition to using the far away parking spot or opting for the stairs instead of the elevator, there are many daily chores that can be turned into multi-tasking moments for exercise. Do squats while waiting for the water to boil. Stand up and down on your tip toes or do hip and glute presses while you wash the dishes. Do bicep curls with the laundry basket on the way to the washer. Be creative and consistent, and adding activity to your day will soon become a life long healthy habit. Before you know it, you'll be popping in the exercise videos during your little one's naps!