covers with snaps, inserts, liners – the list goes on and on. My first experience with cloth diapering was more than a dozen years ago and the options were limited to plastic pants with elastic leg openings and pins. Back then I thought it was great when I could coordinate the colored pins with my daughter’s outfit, how things have changed!
When I was expecting my second child I knew I was going to use cloth, but which â€systemâ€? After much trial and error (and lots of laundry!) I finally settled on prefolds with waterproof, Velcro covers, which has served us well for the last 10 months but is not without a few annoyances such as the bulkiness of the prefolds – especially when you have to double up like we often do.
Despite having combed every corner of the internet to research and compare the endless array of options, I seem to have missed contour diapers or assumed they had to be used with specific covers or would only fit for a short amount of time. Turns out, I should have tested them long ago. The Bumkins Contour Diaper is much more versatile than I expected – these diapers work with most covers (I tried it with two types and it worked perfectly), are incredibly slim but absorbent and very soft. I tested the diaper overnight without doubling up and to my surprise, no leaks or wetness. Another plus for me is the Bumkins diaper line-dried in the same amount of time as the prefolds. The only downside I noticed is the Contour Diaper is only available in one size so they might not work for smaller babies.
While the Bumkins Contour Diapers are not cheap – $10.95/cotton, $12.95/bamboo – I think having a few on hand is definitely a worthwhile investment, especially for those of us that stubbornly insist on using cloth diapers outside of the home but don’t want the extra weight in the diaper bag.
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Something I had forgotten from long-ago diaper changes with my daughter was the inevitable and often nose-pinching experience of disposing of solid waste, or dare I say poop. It’s a subject most of us try to avoid – poopy diaper changes after the introduction of solid food is downright unpleasant. Given my dislike for this aspect of babyhood I was excited to try Bumkins new Flushable Diaper Liners with my son. These handy liners come in packs of 100 and are biodegradable, which makes me feel better about using them. When it’s time for clean up just dispose of the mess, including the liner, in the toilet and flush away. An added bonus is the liner offers a bit of stain protection to keep your diapers in top shape.
Unfortunately these are not recommended for homes with septic systems but you can throw them in the trash after flushing the poop if necessary.
Bumkins Flushable Liners are priced competitively at $9.95 for a pack of 100.
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I totally get it. The idea is to have the comfort, support, safety, and cuddliness of a wrap, but easier to learn and faster to put on. I think this carrier successfully does all of these things, though it does lose a few wrap-qualities along the way.
The Baby Nest allows you to do a very well-supported and comfortable carry, with 2-3 layers of fabric over the baby, but it is not quite as intimidating as one huge 15-foot length of fabric…as they say, it’s a wrap-less wrap. Instead, it consists of 3 loops, two of which are already crossed together and the third, which is adjustable.
Advantages:
–the material!! This is the softest, greatest-feeling carrier, so very delicious to wear! It’s got just the right amount of stretch, less stretch than a Moby or a Sleepywrap.
–stays off the floor. One of the annoying things about wrapping is getting set up without dragging the ends of the fabric on the floor–or worse, adirty/wet/slushy parking lot. No such problem with the Baby Nest.
–The adjustable belt layer also has a pocket! Slip a diaper and some wipes in there, maybe your wallet, and that’s all you need to carry for a quick trip into a store.
–All the advantages of babywearing are here. Baby gets physical comfort and mental stimulation, while parent gets the use of both hands while still cuddling baby, plus easy exercise.
Disadvantages:
–Though it is easier to learn than a wrap, it is less adjustable than a wrap and you need to get the right size for you–and this can change as the mama loses baby weight and the baby grows. But because this is a stretchy fabric, that might not be too big of a deal.
–The number of carries you can do is limited. The carrier must be put on first, and then the baby put in it. I can’t imagine doing a back carry on my own withthis carrier; it would definitely take two people. The package also shows a forward-facing-out front carry, which is not something I recommend.
–The packaging claims the carrier is good for birth-35 lbs. I would disagree. In general, a stretchy fabric is less comfortable/useful as the carried one gets bigger. I tried it with my 30-lb 2 year old, and it was not supportive enough for me. But I can’t wait to use it with this next baby in May!
You can purchase the My Baby Nest baby sling at The Wardrobe in Hunt Valley.
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Are you looking for hip baby products at great prices? Check out Baby Steals- a deal of the day site. Basically, every weekday they post one product (sometimes in various styles, sizes, and colors) that is reduced by 50% at least (sometimes more). They are usually overstocks from past seasons, but, It is always trendy baby gear that “in the know” moms want like BabyLegs, Bical Grippers, Peanut Shell baby slings, various brands of cloth diapers, diaper bags, etc. One more reason why we love shopping with Baby Steals is the great shipping prices. Go read their FAQ section for more details.
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I know you have been there. You are in a public restroom and about to change a diaper, and feel so bad for your baby as you have to lay them down on a cold, hard surface to change their diaper with only a thin, flimsy changing pad between them and the table. Or you are in your home and need to change a diaper, you don’t want to go all the way upstairs to the changing table, but want something comfortable for baby to lay on while you do the deed. Well, now with The Plush Pad from Ah Goo Baby, you will have a soft and cozy place to change your little one.But, this is more then a soft and cozy changing pad! It has memory foam in the changing area to contour to the baby’s body while being changed. The plush minkee fabric is waterproof, but, it is also machine washable, so just zip out the inner pillow and wash! It is well constructed and high in quality, the zipper was concealed, but, easy to find and to remove the memory foam inner pillow. There is even a cover over the memory foam that can be unzipped and washed…and you never know what might happen when the diaper change from hell might come along- it’s best if everything is machine washable!
For quick changes it is easy to roll up and toss into a diaper bag, with the rolled up dimensions being a 3 inch by 10 inch cylinder. It also has elastic loops to keep it rolled up when not in use.
Ah Goo Baby offers several fashionable fabric choices in hip designer prints, so you will definitely find one that matches your style and your diaper bag.
Other uses include: a soft place for a baby to nap or have tummy time. I could also see a child wanted to snuggle with it or use it as an extra pillow (after the diaper days have past). My daughter was using this as a baby sized yoga mat while doing her downward dogs and also wanted to take it to bed with her because it was so soft and comfy to lay on. The Plush Pad is all luxury and function, which makes for great value and who could ask for more?
Use coupon code BM123 for 15% off expires 12/31/08.
The site offers articles and resources for natural pregnancy, family, and home including information about Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, massage, and avoiding environmental toxins. Â There are recipes for your baby or toddler, tips for healthy grocery shopping, and a list of the “dirty dozen” (the twelve fruits and veggies that contain the most pesticide residue).
And then there are the clothes: onesies, t-shirts, lounge pants, hats, and blankets, all made from 100% organic cotton. Â You can choose Wild Baby (animal graphics) or Yoga Baby (like the Lotus Baby t-shirt pictured here, which retails for $22). Â These clothes are high quality and manufactured in ways that are safe for our Earth. Â And, of course, they are super cute and super soft for your little pakora.
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There’s still time to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in October and beyond.  Bumkins Finer Baby Products is offering a special promotion in an effort to raise consciousness regarding this deadly threat that affects approximately 240,000 women annually.  They have placed their popular Grande Diaper Bag (Rose Circle Print) on sale for $36.95 and will include five pink Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon pins with each bag’s purchase.  Keep one and give four away to show support for those struggling with breast cancer and to call for further research and funding to eradicate the disease.
 Bumkins will run this promotion until the end of October. Visit their website for further details or to order your bag now. And, as a Baltimore Mama, you can use coupon code bmama08 at the checkout for free shipping on orders of $75 or more.
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Invented by a crafty parent, this sling-style travel high chair is both ingenious and incredibly simple. Those of you familiar with the Ergo or similar carriers will recognize the straps and buckles that create a snug pouch and attach your child safely to most square-backed chairs (as long as it isn’t too tall). Â The set-up is quick and easy, and the quality of the fabrics and construction lets you breathe easy between sips of your latte. My daughter, who isn’t a fan of most types of restraint, was comfortable and happy in the seat; she had the freedom of movement that she craves while still being secured tightly to the chair. Â Extremely portable, My Little Seat folds into a tiny matching pouch that you can throw into your diaper bag or even the pocket of your Ergo. It’s made of 100% poly-cotton, so it’s a breeze to wash and dry, and there are several cute prints to choose from. This is the product I wish I had invented: so intuitive and so useful. We take ours everywhere, and we often use it at home too!
My Little Seat is appropriate for babies who can sit unassisted and children up to 35 pounds. Â As with all baby products, it’s important to read all directions and warnings before use. You can purchase yours at their website for $39.99, which, when you consider how much stress you’re saving yourself and how long you can use this product, doesn’t seem too expensive at all.
Quality Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Appeal Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Value Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Functionality Rating: 5 out of 5 starsÂ
Style Rating: 5 out of 5 starsÂ
Overall Rating: 100% A
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The Box is organized into easy-to-navigate sections of index cards, and the information is presented clearly and in a friendly, helpful tone. Â The recipes are broken down by year (1-2 and 2-3) and are often simple and healthful variations on familiar foods (I wouldn’t have thought to throw some spinach into hummus, but why not get the extra vitamins and minerals?). Â And I particularly appreciate the inclusion of vegan recipes, like Tofu French Toast and Tasty Toddler Grilled Tofu, as well as vegan variations on meat/dairy dishes.
More than recipes, though, this Box has a ton of information about nutrition and lifestyle and how to cultivate early habits that lead to longterm wellbeing. Â It stresses the importance of modeling healthy food choices, not making food the center of power struggles, and exposing young children to a variety of nutritious options. Â There are sections on food and environmental safety, including allergy alerts and the impact of pesticides on what we eat. Â There are discussions of vital nutrients and supplements (even specific info for the vegan toddler), and suggestions for ways to get your toddler moving as a precursor to regular exercise. Â Most importantly, perhaps, for parents of “picky eaters,” are descriptions of toddler tendencies and creative cures for finicky tastes.
So, although I don’t expect the next few years to be as easy as the days when nursing was enough, I’m glad to have a box full of up-to-date, researched nutritional information and tasty recipes to guide us through the transition to toddlerhood.
The Toddler Bistro Box retails for $27.95, which is about what you’d pay for a good cookbook, and can be purchased online.
Quality Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Appeal Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Value Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Functionality Rating: 5 out of 5 starsÂ
Style Rating: 5 out of 5 starsÂ
Overall Rating: 98% A
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You may have read my recent post about Bumkins‘ super easy All-in-One diaper, and maybe you’re wondering what else Bumkins has to offer. Well, how about a bamboo diaper by Bambinex paired with a Bumkins’ signature cover?
I could go on and on about the merits of bamboo, but I did that already (Bamboozle that Bottom). Â Suffice it to say that this fiber is close to miraculous: it grows quickly and easily without the use of pesticides, it’s naturally antibacterial, and it makes for a really absorbent diaper. Â Bambinex bamboo diapers are a leading brand of cloth nappies in Europe and are now available in the US through Bumkins. Â These are high quality bamboo diapers that include a removable doubler insert and an overlapping Velcro closure system. Â Bamboo is the perfect material to have close to baby’s skin because it is so soft, and the adjustable Velcro provides a quick and easy change. Â The diapers are easy to wash, and they don’t seem to need extra drying time. Â They’ve maintained their shape and silky softness after many washes and have become more absorbent over time. Â The only thing I can find to complain about is the same thing I always complain about: I would like it if the diapers provided more coverage on my daughter’s bottom. Â The rise is quite high, making it tough to get the legs snug enough without pinching her tummy. Â Even so, we’ve had a lot of success with these diapers. Â They retail for $19.95 or $99.95 for a six-pack bundle and come in two sizes (size 1 fits babies 7-22 pounds and size 2 fits 22-35 pounds).
Quality Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Appeal Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Value Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Functionality Rating: 4 out of 5 starsÂ
Style Rating: 4 out of 5 starsÂ
Overall Rating: 86% B
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The Bumkins cover was my favorite part of this system. Â Like their AIOs, these contain no phthalates, PVC, BPA, or vinyl, and they come in a tremendous variety of cute prints like paisley, polka dots, and even Dr. Seuss characters. Â The cover has convenient overlapping, rounded Velcro tabs with a self-closing laundry flap. Â The vented back helps it to dry faster than any cover I’ve tried. Â The waist and gusseted legs contain internal elastic for leak protection, and the entire cover (including trim) is totally waterproof. Â We used these covers with a variety of diapers and found them to be extremely effective with each. Â You can buy these online for $14.95 (white) or $16.95 (prints).
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Quality Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Appeal Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Value Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Functionality Rating: 5 out of 5 starsÂ
Style Rating: 5 out of 5 starsÂ
Overall Rating: 96% A
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Attention Baltimore Mamas! If you order from Bumkins soon, you can get free shipping (UPS ground) on orders of $75.00 or more. Use coupon code bmama08 at the checkout. This deal expires on 12/31/08.
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