I have something that can be used in food, for beauty purposes and hygiene, as well as a cure-all for various baby skin ailments:
Coconut Oil
I really never have less than three jars of this goodness in my house because of how many different things I can use it for. It's packed full of healthy fats that have a nice list of health benefits when consumed. It was previously thought that because coconut oil is high in saturated fat, that it should be avoided altogether. But recent evidence has shown that the fats in this oil are metabolized differently than other saturated fats and it does not harbor the same detrimental effects. Coconut oil can: lower cholesterol, help burn fat, keep your energy up, help to stave off infections, keep you satisfied longer, and boost brain function. Plus, it's not only good at keeping you healthy, it's got a long list of uses as well:
Baby:
-slathered on a baby's bottom can help cure diaper rash (cloth diaper friendly, yay!)
-cradle cap? no problem! Rub it on, let soak in, then use a baby hairbrush to brush away scales
-instead of using icky lanolin (often contains traces of pesticides), try coconut oil on sore, cracked, and bleeding nipples when breastfeeding
-helps with stubborn yeast rashes on baby's bottom and mama's nipples
-because it is natural and so gentle, can be used on baby's skin if dry
-because of it's antibacterial qualities, is a great way to help boo-boos heal faster
Beauty and Hygiene:
-ditch the nasty deodorant: mix coconut oil with baking soda, arrowroot powder, and some essential oils for a natural way to beat the stink
-coconut oil is great for dry skin and chapped lips, just slather it on!
-can be used for a detox practice called "oil pulling": fill up your mouth and "pull" and swish through your teeth for several minutes, then spit out
-a great option for cleaning your face (yes it can help!) Massage onto skin for a few minutes, then wipe off with a warm washcloth
-beat the stretchmarks by rubbing it on your pregnant belly a few times a day
-lovely eye makeup remover
-natural SPF 4 sunscreen
-rub into your hair to stop frizz in it's tracks
In the Kitchen:
-coconut oil makes a great option in baking and sweet treats because it enhances sweetness
-oils like olive are heat sensitive and will be altered with high heat cooking. Coconut oil can withstand higher heats without it's chemical structure altered
-wood cutting board? Treat it with coconut oil instead of gross petroleum products...your food goes there!
-season your cast iron too!
-can pretty much be used in anything for a healthy boost!
In the Bedroom:
-makes a great alternative to lube
-use for a yummy smelling massage oil
Any other uses I'm missing?
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Cloth Diapering a Newborn...and other FAQs
I've tried to cover as much about cloth diapering as I know so far but I thought that I would create a separate post about cloth diapering a newborn as well as other FAQs about the subject. Before Dominik was born, I did a ton of research not only on what types of diapers to use and how to care for them, but how to even start.
Cloth Diapering a Newborn
Babies are born in a shapes and sizes, even when born full term. It seems like the average is anywhere between 6 and 10 pounds...and that's a fairly large difference. And honestly, there's no way to know how big your baby will be before they are born, even if the doctor "estimates" a weight. As someone who is fairly petite, I would have never guessed my baby would be over 8 pounds. So as you await the birth of your bundle of joy, I know it's tempting to stock up on a ton of adorable diapers, but here are three tips:
1. Your one-size diapers probably will not fit right for at least the first several weeks, so chances are that you will need something smaller for that time
2. Wait until your baby is born to stock up on diapers for this beginning phase, you may not need newborn sized diapers at all
3. Try out a few different brands before investing in too many. Different brands fit some better than others, and you don't want to be stuck with 20 diapers that leak every time you use them.
Dominik was only in the newborn size prefolds for 3 weeks, but they fit so nicely during that time. Now I use the newborn sizes as backup and to stuff the few pockets that I have. I am glad that I invested in the next size up right away because it was almost as if Dominik woke up one morning too small for the newborns.
Dealing with Poop
This is a major question that I was given when people found out I was cloth diapering. People typically believed that I would be handling poop more so than I would with disposables. But honestly, the opposite has been true. Because I never get blowouts, I really never have to deal with poop up the back and all over clothes. But there are a few things regarding poop that I need to keep in mind.
Babies who are exclusively breastfed have poop that is water soluble, which means everything will rinse away with water in the wash. However, formula fed babies and those that are given any solid food have poop that needs to be dumped in the toilet before washing. This is actually true of disposable diapers as well (it's a sanitary issue in landfills), but no one really follows that rule. There are a few ways to go about this. You could just scrape and dump the poop, use a diaper sprayer to wash over the toilet, or use a flushable diaper liner and flush that. It really is personal preference. Dominik is still only breastfed, so I do not have experience or a preference as of yet. I do plan on trying out the flushable liners as well as the diaper sprayer to see what I like.
Traveling with Cloth Diapers
Traveling with cloth diapers is really not as bad as it sounds, but it can pose some problems. With disposables, you can just throw those away so there's no worries about carrying them around. Also, when you need more, you can just run to the store. If you would like to travel while only using cloth, be sure to bring more diapers than you think you need, plenty of cloth wipes, and a wet bag that will be large enough to carry the soiled diapers (one that zips). Also, depending on how long you will be away from home, consider how you will store and/or wash the diapers.
This can often be stressful so there are two alternatives: investing in a hybrid that uses disposable inserts or just use disposables for the time you will be away from home. Investing in a hybrid is the more ecologically friendly choice, but honestly, there's nothing wrong with baby using disposables for a little while. Traveling with kids is stressful enough, so don't feel bad. When we travel, we use disposables because hybrids don't fit into our budget. We do try to use the most natural and organic disposable diapers we can find to keep nasty chemicals away from Dominik's skin.
Beating the Stink of Microfiber
Microfiber is great in that it is cheap and super absorbent. But one of the most common complaints with this material is that it often becomes stinky after some use. This is usually because the microfiber is not being properly washed, usually due to the lack of water in high efficiency machines, hard water, or the wrong type of detergent. Here are some tips to getting diapers fresh again:
-For HE washing machines, try adding a wet towel to the diaper load to trick the machine into adding more water. This will help to ensure all detergent and waste is washed completely out.
-Try adding an extra rinse and spin
-Let your diapers dry outside in the sun. The sun is a great natural form of bleach so your diapers will air out, freshen up, and look white again
-Try switching detergents
-If you have hard water, you could try to add a softener like Calgon. Hard water prevents detergent from completely rinsing
When Diapers Repel
Microfiber can also sometimes repel moisture instead of absorbing it. This can be from a buildup of detergent or if a substance that's not cloth diaper friendly finds it's way onto the dipes (like petroleum jelly). For this, you need to "strip" the diapers. Some people add things like Dawn dish soap or bleach to their wash cycles for this, but you really don't need to. To strip your diapers, all you really need to do is wash them on hot for several cycles. This is kind of a way to "reset" the diapers.
Prepping Prefolds
Yay your fluff mail is finally here! You rip open the package to find perfectly flat and square prefolds that are waaay larger than you thought. In order to use them, they need to look smaller and have pillowy bumps all over them so it's time to prep them. Prepping natural fibers gets the natural oils washed away so that they are left being super absorbent and soft. To prep:
-Wash diapers on COLD with no detergent to rinse away factory gunk
-Wash diapers on HOT with detergent
-Dry diapers on HOT in dryer
-Repeat 4 more times
*Do not wash natural fibers with microfiber until AFTER they have been prepped. The natural oils will cause your microfiber to repel. If it accidentally happens, no worries, but you may have to strip the microfiber.
Happy Diapering!
Cloth Diapering a Newborn
Babies are born in a shapes and sizes, even when born full term. It seems like the average is anywhere between 6 and 10 pounds...and that's a fairly large difference. And honestly, there's no way to know how big your baby will be before they are born, even if the doctor "estimates" a weight. As someone who is fairly petite, I would have never guessed my baby would be over 8 pounds. So as you await the birth of your bundle of joy, I know it's tempting to stock up on a ton of adorable diapers, but here are three tips:
1. Your one-size diapers probably will not fit right for at least the first several weeks, so chances are that you will need something smaller for that time
2. Wait until your baby is born to stock up on diapers for this beginning phase, you may not need newborn sized diapers at all
3. Try out a few different brands before investing in too many. Different brands fit some better than others, and you don't want to be stuck with 20 diapers that leak every time you use them.
Dominik was only in the newborn size prefolds for 3 weeks, but they fit so nicely during that time. Now I use the newborn sizes as backup and to stuff the few pockets that I have. I am glad that I invested in the next size up right away because it was almost as if Dominik woke up one morning too small for the newborns.
Dealing with Poop
This is a major question that I was given when people found out I was cloth diapering. People typically believed that I would be handling poop more so than I would with disposables. But honestly, the opposite has been true. Because I never get blowouts, I really never have to deal with poop up the back and all over clothes. But there are a few things regarding poop that I need to keep in mind.
Babies who are exclusively breastfed have poop that is water soluble, which means everything will rinse away with water in the wash. However, formula fed babies and those that are given any solid food have poop that needs to be dumped in the toilet before washing. This is actually true of disposable diapers as well (it's a sanitary issue in landfills), but no one really follows that rule. There are a few ways to go about this. You could just scrape and dump the poop, use a diaper sprayer to wash over the toilet, or use a flushable diaper liner and flush that. It really is personal preference. Dominik is still only breastfed, so I do not have experience or a preference as of yet. I do plan on trying out the flushable liners as well as the diaper sprayer to see what I like.
Traveling with Cloth Diapers
Traveling with cloth diapers is really not as bad as it sounds, but it can pose some problems. With disposables, you can just throw those away so there's no worries about carrying them around. Also, when you need more, you can just run to the store. If you would like to travel while only using cloth, be sure to bring more diapers than you think you need, plenty of cloth wipes, and a wet bag that will be large enough to carry the soiled diapers (one that zips). Also, depending on how long you will be away from home, consider how you will store and/or wash the diapers.
This can often be stressful so there are two alternatives: investing in a hybrid that uses disposable inserts or just use disposables for the time you will be away from home. Investing in a hybrid is the more ecologically friendly choice, but honestly, there's nothing wrong with baby using disposables for a little while. Traveling with kids is stressful enough, so don't feel bad. When we travel, we use disposables because hybrids don't fit into our budget. We do try to use the most natural and organic disposable diapers we can find to keep nasty chemicals away from Dominik's skin.
Beating the Stink of Microfiber
Microfiber is great in that it is cheap and super absorbent. But one of the most common complaints with this material is that it often becomes stinky after some use. This is usually because the microfiber is not being properly washed, usually due to the lack of water in high efficiency machines, hard water, or the wrong type of detergent. Here are some tips to getting diapers fresh again:
-For HE washing machines, try adding a wet towel to the diaper load to trick the machine into adding more water. This will help to ensure all detergent and waste is washed completely out.
-Try adding an extra rinse and spin
-Let your diapers dry outside in the sun. The sun is a great natural form of bleach so your diapers will air out, freshen up, and look white again
-Try switching detergents
-If you have hard water, you could try to add a softener like Calgon. Hard water prevents detergent from completely rinsing
When Diapers Repel
Microfiber can also sometimes repel moisture instead of absorbing it. This can be from a buildup of detergent or if a substance that's not cloth diaper friendly finds it's way onto the dipes (like petroleum jelly). For this, you need to "strip" the diapers. Some people add things like Dawn dish soap or bleach to their wash cycles for this, but you really don't need to. To strip your diapers, all you really need to do is wash them on hot for several cycles. This is kind of a way to "reset" the diapers.
Prepping Prefolds
Yay your fluff mail is finally here! You rip open the package to find perfectly flat and square prefolds that are waaay larger than you thought. In order to use them, they need to look smaller and have pillowy bumps all over them so it's time to prep them. Prepping natural fibers gets the natural oils washed away so that they are left being super absorbent and soft. To prep:
-Wash diapers on COLD with no detergent to rinse away factory gunk
-Wash diapers on HOT with detergent
-Dry diapers on HOT in dryer
-Repeat 4 more times
*Do not wash natural fibers with microfiber until AFTER they have been prepped. The natural oils will cause your microfiber to repel. If it accidentally happens, no worries, but you may have to strip the microfiber.
Happy Diapering!
Friday, April 25, 2014
Clothing Diapering: Washing and Care
So now that we've covered why people cloth diaper in the first place and the different kinds of cloth diapers, what happens when you are actually cloth diapering? Today we work out how to wash, care, and manage daily use of cloth diapers. Let's do this by going through the motions of a typical cycle of using and washing cloth diapers:
Changing and Storing:
It's time for the baby to be changed...again. The soiled diapers are taken off the baby and put into a wet bag. These are basically bags made of the same material as a diaper cover, so that they are waterproof and will not leak. Some people buy large bags to line a trash can. I use a bag with handles by Planetwise (I like the handles because I am able to use those to carry and empty the bag). Diaper covers can either be reused or thrown right into the wet bag with the diaper. I have seen that there are people who use wet pails to store dirty diapers before washing. These are basically buckets filled with water that allow the diaper to soak before washing. Personally, I really don't think presoaking is all that necessary. Also, having a bucket filled with water and dirty diapers is pretty gross and both a sanitary and safety hazard, particularly if there are small children and pets around. The wet bags go right into the wash with the diapers, so everything stays nice and clean. I own two hanging wet bags so that when one is in the wash, I have another to use. Cloth wipes also go right into the wet bag.
Wipes and Solutions:
Some people use disposable wipes, but using cloth is honestly way easier since it all goes right into the wet bag (as opposed to separating between a trash and a wet bag). Plus, disposable wipes are soaked in all kinds of chemicals and fragrances (most are carcinogenic, allergenic, and/or hormone disrupting) that are irritating to baby's skin.
When you use cloth wipes, there are tons of different solutions you can add to make them wet and cleaning efficient. Most of the time, I use plain water. I just keep a bottle of water with my wipes and squirt one down. This avoids the mold problem that sometimes arises when storing cloth wipes in water. If it's an especially dirty bottom I need to clean, I have two solutions in spray bottles that I spray directly onto the wipe: 1. half water and half witch hazel and 2. 3/4 water with 1/4 California Baby Diaper Area Wash. I have also seen tons of recipes out there that basically consist of water, an oil, castile soap, and either tea tree oil or lavender oil. It really depends on personal preference and baby's skin sensitivity. Also, if you are battling yeast rash, different solution recipes are out there to help.
Washing and Drying:
The wet bag is full and clean diapers are running low... it's time to wash! Out of all the research I did on cloth diapers, this seemed to be the most daunting. I can only use certain detergents? On which cycle? What? But it turned out to be a fairly smooth process.
Your washing routine will depend on the type of diaper that you use. For just prefolds, washing with whatever detergent you have is fine; prefolds are pretty darn hard to screw up in the wash. But anything with microfiber requires detergent, ointments, and wipes solutions that are cloth diaper friendly. For example, petroleum jelly will make microfiber repel moisture. Oh and also, the "sanitary" cycle option is totally not necessary and will probably ruin anything with a waterproof layer. Wool cannot be washed with your diapers but instead needs to be hand washed. If they need lanolin, I just use the kind meant for nipples. Anyways, here seems to be the most recommended routine:
-Put all diapers, covers, and bags into the machine. run a COLD rinse with no detergent
-Now add detergent and run a HOT cycle (I use the bulky option)
-Optional: an additional COLD rinse and drain
-Dry prefolds and wipes on hot (I use the bulky option again)
-Everything else needs to either be dried on a lower setting or air dried to preserve the waterproof layer
Next time: Cloth diapering a newborn and other FAQs!
Changing and Storing:
It's time for the baby to be changed...again. The soiled diapers are taken off the baby and put into a wet bag. These are basically bags made of the same material as a diaper cover, so that they are waterproof and will not leak. Some people buy large bags to line a trash can. I use a bag with handles by Planetwise (I like the handles because I am able to use those to carry and empty the bag). Diaper covers can either be reused or thrown right into the wet bag with the diaper. I have seen that there are people who use wet pails to store dirty diapers before washing. These are basically buckets filled with water that allow the diaper to soak before washing. Personally, I really don't think presoaking is all that necessary. Also, having a bucket filled with water and dirty diapers is pretty gross and both a sanitary and safety hazard, particularly if there are small children and pets around. The wet bags go right into the wash with the diapers, so everything stays nice and clean. I own two hanging wet bags so that when one is in the wash, I have another to use. Cloth wipes also go right into the wet bag.
Wipes and Solutions:
Some people use disposable wipes, but using cloth is honestly way easier since it all goes right into the wet bag (as opposed to separating between a trash and a wet bag). Plus, disposable wipes are soaked in all kinds of chemicals and fragrances (most are carcinogenic, allergenic, and/or hormone disrupting) that are irritating to baby's skin.
When you use cloth wipes, there are tons of different solutions you can add to make them wet and cleaning efficient. Most of the time, I use plain water. I just keep a bottle of water with my wipes and squirt one down. This avoids the mold problem that sometimes arises when storing cloth wipes in water. If it's an especially dirty bottom I need to clean, I have two solutions in spray bottles that I spray directly onto the wipe: 1. half water and half witch hazel and 2. 3/4 water with 1/4 California Baby Diaper Area Wash. I have also seen tons of recipes out there that basically consist of water, an oil, castile soap, and either tea tree oil or lavender oil. It really depends on personal preference and baby's skin sensitivity. Also, if you are battling yeast rash, different solution recipes are out there to help.
Washing and Drying:
The wet bag is full and clean diapers are running low... it's time to wash! Out of all the research I did on cloth diapers, this seemed to be the most daunting. I can only use certain detergents? On which cycle? What? But it turned out to be a fairly smooth process.
Your washing routine will depend on the type of diaper that you use. For just prefolds, washing with whatever detergent you have is fine; prefolds are pretty darn hard to screw up in the wash. But anything with microfiber requires detergent, ointments, and wipes solutions that are cloth diaper friendly. For example, petroleum jelly will make microfiber repel moisture. Oh and also, the "sanitary" cycle option is totally not necessary and will probably ruin anything with a waterproof layer. Wool cannot be washed with your diapers but instead needs to be hand washed. If they need lanolin, I just use the kind meant for nipples. Anyways, here seems to be the most recommended routine:
-Put all diapers, covers, and bags into the machine. run a COLD rinse with no detergent
-Now add detergent and run a HOT cycle (I use the bulky option)
-Optional: an additional COLD rinse and drain
-Dry prefolds and wipes on hot (I use the bulky option again)
-Everything else needs to either be dried on a lower setting or air dried to preserve the waterproof layer
Next time: Cloth diapering a newborn and other FAQs!
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Cloth Diapering: Hybrids, Pockets, and All-in-Ones
So last time we covered prefolds and covers, and today: pockets, hybrids, and all-in-ones. I decided to condense all three of these types of diapers because they are fairly straight forward.
Hybrids
Hybrid diapers are very similar to prefolds and covers. You have a diaper cover and an insert that gets changed out with each soiled diaper. There are two differences, however. The first is that you have the choice between a disposable or reusable insert. The disposable inserts, though disposable, are most often biodegradable and a great compromise for parents not able/wanting to go the full cloth diaper route. The second difference is that the inserts are just laid right into the diaper (most have a way to snap it in) instead of folding it onto the baby.
Good hybrid diapers usually go for around $12- $20 for a cover and around $5 for 18 disposable inserts or about $2-$5 per reusable insert. Pricier than prefolds and covers but super convenient. I don't have any hybrids, but as my stash continues to grow, I'm sure I will add a few to try out.
Pockets:
Pocket diapers are pretty close to how you would use a disposable, but there are a few steps to using them. They are like a basic diaper cover, but with a lining (usually fleece) sewn right onto them. The absorbent layer is a separate pad of microfiber that you stuff in between the lining and the cover. Because the lining is attached to the cover, the entire diaper goes into the wet bag when it is soiled. You also have to remove the insert before placing both pieces into the bag.
These diapers seem to be the most popular. They are cheaper than all-in-ones but are very similar to a disposable. No folding and pinning, just stuff and put on the baby. Also what's nice about this type of diaper is that you can essentially stuff it with whatever material you want. Microfiber inserts usually come with the pockets and are super absorbant. However, they are often hard to care for. Microfiber requires a cloth diaper friendly laundry detergent and ALOT of water when washed. Not an option for us with a high efficiency front loader. But, you can always stuff the pockets with prefolds or inserts made of cotton, hemp, or bamboo (which are much easier to care for).
Because you need a whole new diaper with each change, these are more expensive than prefolds. Especially if you are buying separate inserts, the price goes up fairly quick. A typical pocket costs about $15 and you would need at least 24 one sizes, or 24 of each size. That's a lot of diapers. But if you can afford it, they are SOOOOOO darn cute, much trimmer than prefolds/covers, and very versatile due to the fact that you can stuff them with whatever and how ever much your child needs. The downside is that you need to re-stuff before putting the diaper onto the baby.
All-in-Ones
All-in-ones are pretty self explanatory. This is as close to a disposable as you can get. All the absorbent layers are sewn into the diaper and it goes onto the baby just like a disposable. They are ultra-convenient but are expensive and not as versatile. They also take forever and a half to dry because of the multitude of pieces. All-in-ones are the most expensive and will run for about $20-$25 per diaper and you will need about 24 of each size (unless you use one size, but those are often too big on a newborn).
Next time in the cloth diapering series: washing and care!
Hybrids
Hybrid diapers are very similar to prefolds and covers. You have a diaper cover and an insert that gets changed out with each soiled diaper. There are two differences, however. The first is that you have the choice between a disposable or reusable insert. The disposable inserts, though disposable, are most often biodegradable and a great compromise for parents not able/wanting to go the full cloth diaper route. The second difference is that the inserts are just laid right into the diaper (most have a way to snap it in) instead of folding it onto the baby.
Good hybrid diapers usually go for around $12- $20 for a cover and around $5 for 18 disposable inserts or about $2-$5 per reusable insert. Pricier than prefolds and covers but super convenient. I don't have any hybrids, but as my stash continues to grow, I'm sure I will add a few to try out.
Pockets:
 |
| Bumgenius 4.0 with microfiber insert |
 |
| Bumgenius 4.0 |
Pocket diapers are pretty close to how you would use a disposable, but there are a few steps to using them. They are like a basic diaper cover, but with a lining (usually fleece) sewn right onto them. The absorbent layer is a separate pad of microfiber that you stuff in between the lining and the cover. Because the lining is attached to the cover, the entire diaper goes into the wet bag when it is soiled. You also have to remove the insert before placing both pieces into the bag.
These diapers seem to be the most popular. They are cheaper than all-in-ones but are very similar to a disposable. No folding and pinning, just stuff and put on the baby. Also what's nice about this type of diaper is that you can essentially stuff it with whatever material you want. Microfiber inserts usually come with the pockets and are super absorbant. However, they are often hard to care for. Microfiber requires a cloth diaper friendly laundry detergent and ALOT of water when washed. Not an option for us with a high efficiency front loader. But, you can always stuff the pockets with prefolds or inserts made of cotton, hemp, or bamboo (which are much easier to care for).
Because you need a whole new diaper with each change, these are more expensive than prefolds. Especially if you are buying separate inserts, the price goes up fairly quick. A typical pocket costs about $15 and you would need at least 24 one sizes, or 24 of each size. That's a lot of diapers. But if you can afford it, they are SOOOOOO darn cute, much trimmer than prefolds/covers, and very versatile due to the fact that you can stuff them with whatever and how ever much your child needs. The downside is that you need to re-stuff before putting the diaper onto the baby.
All-in-Ones
 |
| Bumgenius Freetime All-in-One |
 |
| Inside of the Freetime |
All-in-ones are pretty self explanatory. This is as close to a disposable as you can get. All the absorbent layers are sewn into the diaper and it goes onto the baby just like a disposable. They are ultra-convenient but are expensive and not as versatile. They also take forever and a half to dry because of the multitude of pieces. All-in-ones are the most expensive and will run for about $20-$25 per diaper and you will need about 24 of each size (unless you use one size, but those are often too big on a newborn).
Next time in the cloth diapering series: washing and care!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Cloth Diapering: Prefolds and Covers
So last time we went over the cloth diapering basics and why people do it. Today we start to dive a bit deeper into the types of cloth diapers. Let's start with the most basic and old school type of diaper: the prefold.
Prefolds are the diaper that people most often think of when they hear someone mention "cloth diapers". Luckily, plastic pants are a thing of the past and adorable covers are the new norm. These are the kind of diaper we use on a regular basis and has been, in my opinion, the easiest. It is also the most affordable out of all of the options.
Prefolds are essentially a square of fabric that is thicker down the middle for more absorption. There are tons of brands and fabrics used (cotton, hemp, and bamboo, etc.) I use the Green Mountain Diaper brand, which I have heard is the best you can get. This particular brand comes in sizes priced to about $25 to $30 a dozen.
Pins are not essential and the alternative is a Snappi. It's basically a plastic piece with "claws" that hold the diaper in place:
There are several different ways you can get it on the baby, with these being the most common:
You can use the angel wing fold (this is what I use) where you only fold the portion that comes up over their tummy:
The jelly roll fold where you roll the edges inward before folding up (good for those liquidy poops and babies that like to blow out of their diapers):
The bikini twist where you twist and then fold up over their tummy:
Or you can simply trifold the prefold and place it right into the cover (the easiest, but most likely to get poop on your covers):
 |
| Green Mountain Diapers unbleached infant size |
Prefolds are the diaper that people most often think of when they hear someone mention "cloth diapers". Luckily, plastic pants are a thing of the past and adorable covers are the new norm. These are the kind of diaper we use on a regular basis and has been, in my opinion, the easiest. It is also the most affordable out of all of the options.
Prefolds are essentially a square of fabric that is thicker down the middle for more absorption. There are tons of brands and fabrics used (cotton, hemp, and bamboo, etc.) I use the Green Mountain Diaper brand, which I have heard is the best you can get. This particular brand comes in sizes priced to about $25 to $30 a dozen.
Pins are not essential and the alternative is a Snappi. It's basically a plastic piece with "claws" that hold the diaper in place:
There are several different ways you can get it on the baby, with these being the most common:
You can use the angel wing fold (this is what I use) where you only fold the portion that comes up over their tummy:
The jelly roll fold where you roll the edges inward before folding up (good for those liquidy poops and babies that like to blow out of their diapers):
The bikini twist where you twist and then fold up over their tummy:
Or you can simply trifold the prefold and place it right into the cover (the easiest, but most likely to get poop on your covers):
Once the prefold is on the baby, a waterproof cover is used to keep the moisture in. Whenever we have had any blowouts with prefolds, the cover always has contained the mess. If the cover has no poop on it, it can be reused several times. The soiled prefold simply goes into the wetbag and waits to be washed.
Here is Dominik in a few of our covers when he is around 12 lbs:
 |
| Dominik with the angel fold |
 |
| Thirsties Duo diaper cover size 1 |
 |
| Flip one size diaper cover |
There are sooooo many different types of covers out there. Basically there are sized and one-size covers that are typically made of either PUL or wool/fleece. The sizes depend on budget and build of your baby. If you can afford different sizes, these are the best fit but one size options are available. PUL diapers are basically a cover with a waterproof lining. Wool/fleece covers are the most natural and breathable but are typically very expensive.
Care for the diaper depends on the type of fabric the prefold. I use cotton prefolds which hold up great with frequent washing in hot water. They are definitely the easiest to care for because microfiber can be difficult to wash and often gets stinky. We have hard water PLUS an high efficiency front loading washer (notorious for being difficult to wash diapers with) so cotton prefolds work perfectly with our situation. Covers are just washed with the diapers but are dried outside to prolong the waterproof lining.
If you are washing every other day, a typical prefold and cover stash include:
24 prefolds (total per size)
6-8 covers (you could probably get away with 3-4)
3-4 Snappis
3-4 dozen cloth wipes (cheap washcloths or cut up fabric are a great economical options)
Next time: Pockets and hybrids!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Cloth Diapering Basics
Happy Earth Week! In honor of this very important holiday, I am going to post a series about cloth diapering.
1. Cloth diapering basics
2. Prefolds and covers
3. Pockets, all-in-ones, and hybrids
4. Washing and care
5. Cloth diapering a newborn
Today, the basics!
Alright. So I know many reactions to cloth diapers are those of surprise, awe, and quite possibly disgust. I know when people found out that I planned on cloth diapering, I got a whole range of reactions, but it was mostly because many people really don't know that much about cloth diapering. The majority think that cloth diapering still involves prefolds, pins, and plastic pants. How they are washed and dealing with poop were also popular responses and questions I received. But guess what?
Cloth diapering is really not that scary. Or gross. Or difficult.
I promise.
Disposables are yucky, but I totally understand how awesomely convenient they are. In fact, we used disposables the first week of life for Dominik because I was still way to sore and tired to tackle something new. And if we are out and about for longer than an hour or two, we bring disposables to minimize the amount of dirty diapers we carry around. And honestly, there are a great many people who, for them, cloth diapering is just not a good option if the resources aren't there. For example, if you are washing your clothes at a laundry mat or outside of where you live, I highly doubt it would be appealing to lug dirty diapers to one every other day. Disposables are definitely there for a good reason and I would never judge someone for choosing them. If it's an option, cloth diapering is honestly fun and beneficial.
So first, why use cloth diapers in the first place? Babies pee and poop, a lot. Disposable diapers really are wonderful because they are convenient, especially since babies go through so many. However, disposable diapers do not just magically disappear with the garbage, they stick around in landfills. In fact, they are the third largest consumer item in landfills. About 27.4 billion diapers end up in landfills in the U.S. alone each year and those diapers are estimated to require up to 500 years to decompose. The process of making diapers is not any better. It requires over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum supplies, and 20 pounds of chlorine to make diapers for just one infant... each year.
And all that chlorine and other chemicals (like dioxin, a known carcinogen) in the diapers? Against a baby's soft and brand new bottom. I know that Dominik gets instant rashes if he needs to wear a disposable, even with the "organic" brands.
Still not convinced? Remember how infants go through a TON of diapers? Disposables require a new diaper with each change. That adds up to almost $2000 to put one baby through diapers. Cloth diapering costs anywhere from around $200 to $1000 (depending on the kind) and will last through more than one child. In the long run, that at least a grand saved.
In a nutshell: cloth diapering will conserve resources and be nice to the environment, are safer for your baby's skin/body, and will SAVE YOU MONEY. (That last one was what convinced my husband) Plus, they are really darn cute.
I swear it's really not bad. My mom, who was a skeptic and requested I buy disposables for her, loves her grandson's adorable cloth diapers. And it's honestly not any messier than using disposables; in fact, I never have leaks or blowouts unless he is wearing a disposable. When he done with a diaper, I put the diaper into a wet bag instead of a trashcan, that's really the only difference. Breastfed babies have poop that washes right out in the wash. Solid food poop needs to be dumped in the toilet, but honestly that's what people are supposed to do with disposables too. Worried about washing poopy things in the washing machine? If your child gets poop onto his clothes or vomits in his bed, that goes into the machine, and cloth diapers aren't much different. They come out clean and your washer will still be clean enough for normal laundry.
Okay, so what kinds of cloth diapers are out there? Some are easier than others and they come in a wide variety of prices. There are prefolds, pockets, hybrids, and all-in-ones. I will post about each kind coming up!
1. Cloth diapering basics
2. Prefolds and covers
3. Pockets, all-in-ones, and hybrids
4. Washing and care
5. Cloth diapering a newborn
Today, the basics!
Alright. So I know many reactions to cloth diapers are those of surprise, awe, and quite possibly disgust. I know when people found out that I planned on cloth diapering, I got a whole range of reactions, but it was mostly because many people really don't know that much about cloth diapering. The majority think that cloth diapering still involves prefolds, pins, and plastic pants. How they are washed and dealing with poop were also popular responses and questions I received. But guess what?
Cloth diapering is really not that scary. Or gross. Or difficult.
I promise.
Disposables are yucky, but I totally understand how awesomely convenient they are. In fact, we used disposables the first week of life for Dominik because I was still way to sore and tired to tackle something new. And if we are out and about for longer than an hour or two, we bring disposables to minimize the amount of dirty diapers we carry around. And honestly, there are a great many people who, for them, cloth diapering is just not a good option if the resources aren't there. For example, if you are washing your clothes at a laundry mat or outside of where you live, I highly doubt it would be appealing to lug dirty diapers to one every other day. Disposables are definitely there for a good reason and I would never judge someone for choosing them. If it's an option, cloth diapering is honestly fun and beneficial.
So first, why use cloth diapers in the first place? Babies pee and poop, a lot. Disposable diapers really are wonderful because they are convenient, especially since babies go through so many. However, disposable diapers do not just magically disappear with the garbage, they stick around in landfills. In fact, they are the third largest consumer item in landfills. About 27.4 billion diapers end up in landfills in the U.S. alone each year and those diapers are estimated to require up to 500 years to decompose. The process of making diapers is not any better. It requires over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum supplies, and 20 pounds of chlorine to make diapers for just one infant... each year.
And all that chlorine and other chemicals (like dioxin, a known carcinogen) in the diapers? Against a baby's soft and brand new bottom. I know that Dominik gets instant rashes if he needs to wear a disposable, even with the "organic" brands.
Still not convinced? Remember how infants go through a TON of diapers? Disposables require a new diaper with each change. That adds up to almost $2000 to put one baby through diapers. Cloth diapering costs anywhere from around $200 to $1000 (depending on the kind) and will last through more than one child. In the long run, that at least a grand saved.
In a nutshell: cloth diapering will conserve resources and be nice to the environment, are safer for your baby's skin/body, and will SAVE YOU MONEY. (That last one was what convinced my husband) Plus, they are really darn cute.
I swear it's really not bad. My mom, who was a skeptic and requested I buy disposables for her, loves her grandson's adorable cloth diapers. And it's honestly not any messier than using disposables; in fact, I never have leaks or blowouts unless he is wearing a disposable. When he done with a diaper, I put the diaper into a wet bag instead of a trashcan, that's really the only difference. Breastfed babies have poop that washes right out in the wash. Solid food poop needs to be dumped in the toilet, but honestly that's what people are supposed to do with disposables too. Worried about washing poopy things in the washing machine? If your child gets poop onto his clothes or vomits in his bed, that goes into the machine, and cloth diapers aren't much different. They come out clean and your washer will still be clean enough for normal laundry.
Okay, so what kinds of cloth diapers are out there? Some are easier than others and they come in a wide variety of prices. There are prefolds, pockets, hybrids, and all-in-ones. I will post about each kind coming up!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Happy Spring!
With the weather warming up, Dominik and I spend time together in our backyard while the dogs run around chasing birds and barking at the neighbors. He is only a month old, but I think he enjoys the view of the different plants my husband is growing. Apparently, I can only grow babies because the plants will wilt under my care. So, Kelley keeps them alive. I have found that having a small garden is not only aesthetically pleasing, it's pretty useful for someone who's: 1. cheap, 2. lazy, and 3. trying to eat organic when possible. There's many a night when I realize the fridge is empty and instead of heating up carbs with a side of carbs, I can just get a few fresh veggies from the garden. This really made me realize how useful a garden can be, so I thought I would throw together some tips on creating a garden in honor of spring.
1. Pick plants that are edible....and that you and your family will actually eat. Having an edible garden will save you money normally spent at the grocery store. But beware of getting the beautiful zucchini plant...that only you will eat. Go for a few plants that are easy to grow and that will work themselves into your family's menu.
2. Planting some bee friendly plants will ensure a beautiful garden as well as lend a helping hand to a species very much in trouble. Colony Collapse Disorder is affecting bees everywhere and is decimating the bee population. Providing an organic food source for your local bees is a small step in hopefully protecting their hive. Remember: if you enjoy fresh food, you NEED bees! Also, butterflies are in decline as well, so bee friendly plants are great to help out these fellow pollinators! Some bee friendly plants: goldenrod, honeysuckle, clover, thyme, crabapples, basil, geraniums, lavender, and a TON more.
3. Get the kiddos involved. Gardening is an amazing experience for children of all ages. It gets them outside in the fresh air, teaches them about biology/plants, allows them to use their sensory skills, and is a sneaky way to get them interested in veggies. Usually when kids take an active part in growing and preparing food, they have more of an interest in tasting them!
4. Make sure the garden is pet friendly and safe. Before buying any plants, make sure the ones you choose are safe for the whole family. Especially if you have small children or pets and even if you just have neighborhood animals or kids that could find their way into your yard. For example, foxglove is a beautiful plant but is toxic if ingested and can be fatal if ingested by humans, dogs, or cats.
5. No yard? Small potted plants like herbs look beautiful in windows and are delicious! We are currently renting a house, so even though we have a yard, most of our plants are in pots so that they can travel with us when we move.
Happy gardening!
1. Pick plants that are edible....and that you and your family will actually eat. Having an edible garden will save you money normally spent at the grocery store. But beware of getting the beautiful zucchini plant...that only you will eat. Go for a few plants that are easy to grow and that will work themselves into your family's menu.
2. Planting some bee friendly plants will ensure a beautiful garden as well as lend a helping hand to a species very much in trouble. Colony Collapse Disorder is affecting bees everywhere and is decimating the bee population. Providing an organic food source for your local bees is a small step in hopefully protecting their hive. Remember: if you enjoy fresh food, you NEED bees! Also, butterflies are in decline as well, so bee friendly plants are great to help out these fellow pollinators! Some bee friendly plants: goldenrod, honeysuckle, clover, thyme, crabapples, basil, geraniums, lavender, and a TON more.
3. Get the kiddos involved. Gardening is an amazing experience for children of all ages. It gets them outside in the fresh air, teaches them about biology/plants, allows them to use their sensory skills, and is a sneaky way to get them interested in veggies. Usually when kids take an active part in growing and preparing food, they have more of an interest in tasting them!
4. Make sure the garden is pet friendly and safe. Before buying any plants, make sure the ones you choose are safe for the whole family. Especially if you have small children or pets and even if you just have neighborhood animals or kids that could find their way into your yard. For example, foxglove is a beautiful plant but is toxic if ingested and can be fatal if ingested by humans, dogs, or cats.
5. No yard? Small potted plants like herbs look beautiful in windows and are delicious! We are currently renting a house, so even though we have a yard, most of our plants are in pots so that they can travel with us when we move.
Happy gardening!
Friday, April 18, 2014
Grandpa's Enchiladas
Growing up, my dad would make us enchiladas as a special treat. My sister and I would look forward to this momentous occasion because these enchiladas are...amazing. My dad uses the recipe that my grandfather used (and gained a bit of fame for here on the west coast). My grandpa made these enchiladas with turkey, cheddar cheese, and salsa while my dad used chicken instead of turkey. As the generations continue to change, I use beans and veggies to replace the meat. It's a bit of a long process so this is a special occasion or day at home meal.
*Remember: this is a family recipe that is "eyeballed" so the exact amount of these ingredients depends on the taste of the enjoyers :)
Grandpa's Enchiladas (Veganized):
Ingredients:
- One can of enchilada sauce (I like La Victoria brand)
- About one cup of salsa
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 bunch of cilantro
- Around 10 corn tortillas (more or less depending on how you fill them)
- Canola oil
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- veggie of your choice (I used three zucchinis)
- optional: vegan cheddar cheese
Directions:
1. Prehead the oven to 350 F. Dice the onion, cilantro, and tomatoes and mix in a large bowl with the salsa. In another bowl, mix the beans and veggie of your choice.
2. Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium heat. In a saucepan, pour the enchilada sauce and turn the burner on the lowest setting. Be sure to have your casserole pan ready.
3. Fry one tortilla at a time, making sure that each side is golden. Immediately dip the tortilla into the enchilada sauce to coat well. Transfer to the casserole dish and fill with the salsa, veggie and bean mix and any other fillings you like (such as the cheese). Gently roll the tortilla around the filling and tuck tube into the casserole dish.
4. Once the casserole dish is filled, drizzle the top with enchilada sauce (no more than 1/4 of a cup or you will have soggy enchiladas) and if you choose, vegan cheese.
5. Bake uncovered for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and gently crisped on top.
6. Serve hot. Leftovers are good too!
*Remember: this is a family recipe that is "eyeballed" so the exact amount of these ingredients depends on the taste of the enjoyers :)
Grandpa's Enchiladas (Veganized):
Ingredients:
- One can of enchilada sauce (I like La Victoria brand)
- About one cup of salsa
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 bunch of cilantro
- Around 10 corn tortillas (more or less depending on how you fill them)
- Canola oil
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- veggie of your choice (I used three zucchinis)
- optional: vegan cheddar cheese
Directions:
1. Prehead the oven to 350 F. Dice the onion, cilantro, and tomatoes and mix in a large bowl with the salsa. In another bowl, mix the beans and veggie of your choice.
2. Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium heat. In a saucepan, pour the enchilada sauce and turn the burner on the lowest setting. Be sure to have your casserole pan ready.
3. Fry one tortilla at a time, making sure that each side is golden. Immediately dip the tortilla into the enchilada sauce to coat well. Transfer to the casserole dish and fill with the salsa, veggie and bean mix and any other fillings you like (such as the cheese). Gently roll the tortilla around the filling and tuck tube into the casserole dish.
4. Once the casserole dish is filled, drizzle the top with enchilada sauce (no more than 1/4 of a cup or you will have soggy enchiladas) and if you choose, vegan cheese.
5. Bake uncovered for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and gently crisped on top.
6. Serve hot. Leftovers are good too!
Chocolate Chip Cutie Muffins
One of the highlighted ingredients in these muffins are clementines, often sold under the brand name, "Cuties". Clementines are a citrus fruit that originate either from Father Clement Rodier's garden in Algeria as a mandarin hybrid, or from a very close variety (the Canton mandarin) found in certain provinces of China. They are essentially a cross between a sweet orange and a mandarin. Whatever the origin, these beautiful babies are like oranges but super easy to peel, seedless, oh-so-sweet and juicy, and small enough to fit into the palm of your hand.
Clementines are a winter citrus, so my husband and I have to wait until November through January to eat them, and we tend to go through an insane amount. They are just so easy to peel and snack on! Like other citrus, they are high in Vitamin C, which is a particularly important immune boosting vitamin during flu season. Vitamin C is also a natural antihistamine and an antioxidant.
Chocolate Chip Cutie Muffins
Ingredients:
Dry:
-2 cups all purpose flour
-2 tsp baking powder
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1 tsp ground ginger
-1/4 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (more or less depending on how spicy you want it)
Wet:
-3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (other mild tasting nondairy milks will do too)
-1/3 cup grapeseed oil (or canola)
-1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp agave nectar
-2 Tbsp lemon juice
-5 clementines (juice 3, dice 2)
-2 tsp clementine zest
-1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another.
2. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until smooth and well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
3. Pour batter into greased muffin tins and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Smashed Avocado Pesto
We've recently planted a whole bunch of new goodies in our garden. Tomatoes, crookneck squash, swiss chard, lavender, strawberries, pumpkins, red bell peppers, spinach, jalapenos, and basil. Well, my husband takes care of them while I cook what we harvest. I am notorious for killing any and all plants, mostly due to the fact that I forget to water them and then over-water to make up for it. Our basil and swiss chard seem to be doing particularly well so I've been using them quite a bit.
But to be honest, I'm not a huge fan of swiss chard. It really needs to be the right recipe, otherwise it tastes bitter and tough or slimy (if cooked incorrect). I've found that a great way to use it, so that our bodies get the maximum benefit from it as well, is to blend it up. You can blend it with some sweet fruit to make a green smoothie (warning: still a bit bitter) or with basil to make a pesto.
Pestos are so convenient and delicious and most importantly, quick. You can also pretty much put pesto on any type of grain, not just pasta. Pesto with quinoa is particularly yummy. When I decided to make a pesto, I was craving something creamier, so I mashed in some avocado. The extra healthy fats were a bonus!
Note: when making a pesto, there's honestly no set recipe. It's up to you (and also what you have on hand) how your pesto turns out.
Smashed Avocado Pesto:
Ingredients:
-1Ib pasta or any grain you want
-about 1 cup fresh basil leaves *throw in some swiss chard leaves or kale if on hand
-1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-2 Tbsp lemon juice
-1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
-pinch of pepper
-scant 1/4 cup raw cashews
-1-2 small/medium garlic cloves
-ripe avocado
Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions or if using another grain, prepare it.
2. In a food processor, blend all ingredients except the avocado until well mixed (basil, swiss chard if using, salt, pepper, olive oil, cashews, lemon, and garlic)
3. In a separate bowl, smash the avocado with a fork until nice and creamy.
4. Mix both the pesto and the avocado with the pasta and enjoy!
No Bake Carob Cookies
My husband is on a sugar/caffeine free diet in order to help rid him of debilitating migraines. So far it seems to really be helping. This was no easy feat. This is a man who can easily down a box of girl scout cookies in one sitting. We were able to replace certain foods with Zevia soda (a fantastic soda made with stevia, caffeine and sugar free), chia seed pudding, sugar free peanut butter, etc. But what he missed most? Chocolate. Finally, I realized the solution: Carob!
Carob is a type of legume that grows in pods, similar to peas and to chocolate. The pods (not the seeds) are dried and ground to make a mildly sweet powder that tastes very similar to chocolate. When the hubby requested a chocolate-y treat made with carob, I wanted to stick to something easy, rich, and at least somewhat healthy. And oh. my. goodnesssssss. These are freaking delicious. They taste like very rich chocolate/peanut butter brownies.
No Bake Carob Cookies
makes 8-10 cookies
Ingredients:
-1 cup rolled oats
-1/2 peanut butter
-5 Tbsp carob powder
-1 ripe banana, smashed
-1 Tbsp neutral tasting oil (like grapeseed)
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1/2 tsp nutmeg
-3-4 scoops stevia powder*
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients until well combined. Roll into cookies and chill in the fridge until firm (about 15-30 minutes). Store in fridge or freezer.
*The stevia powder I got is from Trader Joe's and comes with a tiny scoop. Stevia is very sweet, so if there is no scoop, start with a very scant 1/8 teaspoon
Carob is a type of legume that grows in pods, similar to peas and to chocolate. The pods (not the seeds) are dried and ground to make a mildly sweet powder that tastes very similar to chocolate. When the hubby requested a chocolate-y treat made with carob, I wanted to stick to something easy, rich, and at least somewhat healthy. And oh. my. goodnesssssss. These are freaking delicious. They taste like very rich chocolate/peanut butter brownies.
No Bake Carob Cookies
makes 8-10 cookies
Ingredients:
-1 cup rolled oats
-1/2 peanut butter
-5 Tbsp carob powder
-1 ripe banana, smashed
-1 Tbsp neutral tasting oil (like grapeseed)
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1/2 tsp nutmeg
-3-4 scoops stevia powder*
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients until well combined. Roll into cookies and chill in the fridge until firm (about 15-30 minutes). Store in fridge or freezer.
*The stevia powder I got is from Trader Joe's and comes with a tiny scoop. Stevia is very sweet, so if there is no scoop, start with a very scant 1/8 teaspoon
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