Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Cloth Diaper Week -Our Picks
There seem to be two main reasons people choose to cloth diaper. One is expense, the other is environmental conservation. We probably lean more towards the second, but the reduced cost of cloth diapering certainly doesn't hurt!
We've sort of jumped around all over the place in terms of which diapers we're using on The Bean.
Currently, at home we've mostly been using MotherEase One Size Fitted Cloth Diapers with a Thirsties Duo Wrap cover. The MotherEase have been able to contain all messes. For nap times we add a doubler since The Bean is a heavy wetter and that seems to do the trick. As mentioned in a previous post, I really like the Thirsties Duo Covers. I like that they're adjustable so they will fit for a long time. I like snaps over velcro since they don't destroy other things in the washing machine. And I like the double leg gusset which acts as a back up reinforcement for the above-mentioned messes. There are a few steps involved with this system and sometimes we have to drag The Bean back to his change pad a couple of times before we're finished changing him, but it works and we're pretty happy with it.
When I'm feeling lazy (usually first thing in the morning) I'll grab one of our BumGenius 4.0s and put The Bean in that. It's super-easy (although the snapping still does take some time). It also fits him well. There is very little bulk with this diaper so he looks better-proportioned in it too. The drawback is that they're expensive and we only have a couple. Flips and Kushies are my other "lazy" diapers. (I really like that the Flip covers can be reused.)
We used to use disposables when we went out, but we've switched over to using gDiapers with biodegradable inserts. We usually carry a couple extra inserts and one extra cover. It's nice not to have to carry around stinky or wet diapers if we end up needing to change him.
A final note, Jen and I have decided that though we love cloth diapering, it is not always the best solution for us. The Bean is an extremely heavy wetter, and even when he was just a few months old, would often be completely soaked when we changed him during the night. Even the most absorbent of cloth diapers often felt like they could be rung out. We didn't like the thought of him sleeping with wetness on his skin for hours every night, so we made the decision to use disposables overnight. We feel it has been the right decision for us. Although we wish we weren't adding waste that will take hundreds (or thousands) of years to break down, one diaper a night is a lot better than the eight plus a day we could be using, and we are glad that we've been able to put less into landfills by using cloth diapers the majority of the time.
Disclaimer: This, along with all of the posts in our "Cloth Diaper Week," is not a paid endorsement of any type of diaper, it is merely meant as a reference for people interested in finding out more.
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| Our Tiny Guy in a Thirsties Duo Wrap Cover |
Currently, at home we've mostly been using MotherEase One Size Fitted Cloth Diapers with a Thirsties Duo Wrap cover. The MotherEase have been able to contain all messes. For nap times we add a doubler since The Bean is a heavy wetter and that seems to do the trick. As mentioned in a previous post, I really like the Thirsties Duo Covers. I like that they're adjustable so they will fit for a long time. I like snaps over velcro since they don't destroy other things in the washing machine. And I like the double leg gusset which acts as a back up reinforcement for the above-mentioned messes. There are a few steps involved with this system and sometimes we have to drag The Bean back to his change pad a couple of times before we're finished changing him, but it works and we're pretty happy with it.
When I'm feeling lazy (usually first thing in the morning) I'll grab one of our BumGenius 4.0s and put The Bean in that. It's super-easy (although the snapping still does take some time). It also fits him well. There is very little bulk with this diaper so he looks better-proportioned in it too. The drawback is that they're expensive and we only have a couple. Flips and Kushies are my other "lazy" diapers. (I really like that the Flip covers can be reused.)
We used to use disposables when we went out, but we've switched over to using gDiapers with biodegradable inserts. We usually carry a couple extra inserts and one extra cover. It's nice not to have to carry around stinky or wet diapers if we end up needing to change him.
A final note, Jen and I have decided that though we love cloth diapering, it is not always the best solution for us. The Bean is an extremely heavy wetter, and even when he was just a few months old, would often be completely soaked when we changed him during the night. Even the most absorbent of cloth diapers often felt like they could be rung out. We didn't like the thought of him sleeping with wetness on his skin for hours every night, so we made the decision to use disposables overnight. We feel it has been the right decision for us. Although we wish we weren't adding waste that will take hundreds (or thousands) of years to break down, one diaper a night is a lot better than the eight plus a day we could be using, and we are glad that we've been able to put less into landfills by using cloth diapers the majority of the time.
Disclaimer: This, along with all of the posts in our "Cloth Diaper Week," is not a paid endorsement of any type of diaper, it is merely meant as a reference for people interested in finding out more.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Cloth Diaper Week -Types of Cloth Diapers
Newbies to the cloth diapering world may quickly become intimidated by all of the options out there. In this first post for our "cloth diaper week," we'll do a run down of the different types of cloth diapers that are available.
Many people, including us, make up their diapering system from several of these options. Your preferences, lifestyle, and baby will guide you in finding what works best for you.
When talking about cloth diapers think in terms of:
1. The style of diaper such as prefolds, pocket, etc. as outlined in the post.
2. The size of the diaper. Usually either sized (small, medium, large, etc.) or one-size-fits all (adjusted by folding or snapping)
Here we go...
FLATS
Flats are what many people think of first when they hear the term "cloth diaper." They are the old fashioned way of cloth diapering where a piece of fabric is folded, pinned or snappied, and covered with a water proof pant of some sort. The biggest advantage of flats is probably the price, as they are by far the least expensive form of cloth diapering. They wash easily and dry quickly. Can be sized or one-size-fits all.
PREFOLDS
Prefolds are similar to flats, but have a thicker middle section. Like flats, they can be folded in a variety of ways to suit your needs, but will need to be pinned, snappied, or folded into a sung-fitting cover. They come sized and the smaller sizes can be used as "doublers" once your child outgrows them. Like flats, they are also quite inexpensive. They take a slightly longer time to dry than flats.
FITTED/SIZED DIAPERS
Fitted diapers look like disposables made out of cloth. They have elastic at the legs and back and usually close using snaps or hook and loop closures. They come in both sized and in one-size-fits-all styles and must be worn with a cover. They usually take a little longer to dry than flats or pre-folds.
Motherease (2 size fitted diaper)
Motherease (1 size fitted diaper)
COVERS
Covers are what go over all of the above-mentioned types of diapers. They are waterproof and usually close using snaps or hook-and-loop closures, although there are also pull-on options. Nowadays, they are usually make out of Polyurethane Laminate (PUL), fleece or wool. Covers can usually be used a couple of times before it is necessary to wash them. They can be sized or one-size-fits all.
POCKET DIAPERS
Pocket diapers are made with a layer of material such as fleece sewn to a cover and an opening in the back so that the inside of the diaper can be stuffed with an insert. The fleece lining wicks moisture away from the baby's skin. Before washing, the insert must be separated from the rest of the diaper so that it gets clean. The covers cannot be reused because the lining gets wet or soiled during use. They can be sized or one-size-fits all. (The blueberry diaper link below goes to a video that explains how a pocket diaper works plus how to adjust the rise on a one-size-fits all diaper.)
ALL-IN-TWOS (AI2s)
With all-in-twos an insert is placed directly against the baby's skin. When soiled, the insert must be taken out, but the cover may be worn again with a new insert. Biodegradable inserts are available, creating a hybrid system that falls somewhere between disposables and cloth. They can be sized or one-size-fits all.
ALL-IN-ONES (AIOs)
All-in-ones are diapers where the absorbent part of the diaper and the cover are combined into a single diaper (like disposables). The biggest advantage is that they are easy to use. Like disposables, once they are soiled, the whole diaper must be taken off and washed. They can take a long time to dry. Most of the AIO's we've seen are sized.
BumkinsTomorrow we'll do a quick run down of our favourite brands of diapers and what we like about them.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Transition
To help ease the transition of me going back to work, but still keep the blog active, Jen and I have prepared a series of posts on cloth diapering for the upcoming week. Hope you enjoy!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
End of the Summer
So, I meant to write this post just shortly after 8am, when I got up and was enjoying my morning cup of tea.
It's now after 10pm and I'm finally sitting down to write.
This is my last weekend of "summer break". I'm trying not to think about it too much. It's not that I dislike my job; it's that this has been such a wonderful summer and I am sad that after tomorrow I won't be able to spend my days with the two people that I love the most.
This summer was special. It is probably the only summer that Jen, The Bean and I will spend together. Next summer, even if The Bean stays home with me, Jen will probably be working. When Baby #2 comes along, I'll probably be the one taking maternity leave. It's true that we will have weeks that we're all off together, and although I know they will be special, I'm sad that this special time is coming to an end.
I do love the fall though. The crispness of the air. Trees changing colour. Hats that start coming out of storage. Apples to be picked. Warm soup and hot tea. I'm sure I will enjoy even more this year, now that we have The Bean to share it with.
He, by the way, has been keeping us very busy. He has spent the last two weeks or so mastering crawling. He's pretty much a pro now. Sometimes he gets over-excited and launches himself forward onto his face. (He has the bruises on his forehead to prove it.) Of course, being able to crawl is not enough and he is now eager to pull himself up on everything. Mommy, the ottoman and, oh yes, the side of his crib. I panicked yesterday when Jen went in to get him from his nap and found him up on his knees gripping the edge of his crib, smiling his biggest toothless smile at this accomplishment.
The crib mattress has been lowered.
I can sleep soundly now knowing that our child will not tumble headfirst onto the bare wooden floor in the middle of the night. And that's what I plan to do. And tomorrow I will enjoy our last day of summer vacation together. All three of us.
This is my last weekend of "summer break". I'm trying not to think about it too much. It's not that I dislike my job; it's that this has been such a wonderful summer and I am sad that after tomorrow I won't be able to spend my days with the two people that I love the most.
This summer was special. It is probably the only summer that Jen, The Bean and I will spend together. Next summer, even if The Bean stays home with me, Jen will probably be working. When Baby #2 comes along, I'll probably be the one taking maternity leave. It's true that we will have weeks that we're all off together, and although I know they will be special, I'm sad that this special time is coming to an end.
I do love the fall though. The crispness of the air. Trees changing colour. Hats that start coming out of storage. Apples to be picked. Warm soup and hot tea. I'm sure I will enjoy even more this year, now that we have The Bean to share it with.
He, by the way, has been keeping us very busy. He has spent the last two weeks or so mastering crawling. He's pretty much a pro now. Sometimes he gets over-excited and launches himself forward onto his face. (He has the bruises on his forehead to prove it.) Of course, being able to crawl is not enough and he is now eager to pull himself up on everything. Mommy, the ottoman and, oh yes, the side of his crib. I panicked yesterday when Jen went in to get him from his nap and found him up on his knees gripping the edge of his crib, smiling his biggest toothless smile at this accomplishment.
The crib mattress has been lowered.
I can sleep soundly now knowing that our child will not tumble headfirst onto the bare wooden floor in the middle of the night. And that's what I plan to do. And tomorrow I will enjoy our last day of summer vacation together. All three of us.
Friday, August 26, 2011
{this moment} Dimples
After a bit of a hiatus, I've decided to resume my {this moment} posts. Hope you enjoy. Feel free to link to your own.
A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
Inspired by SouleMama.
A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
Inspired by SouleMama.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Summer Cleaning
...well, more like summer purging.
One of our big "to dos" this summer was to go through the closet in The Bean's room and decide what to do with a bunch of the stuff we have in there.
We still haven't made it through that entire closet, but in the past few days we've gone through pretty much every other closet, cupboard, drawer and dresser. At least a dozen bags have been taken to Goodwill. (That's on top of the three garbage bags of clothes we took there at the beginning of the summer.) There is a pile in our bedroom of items we hope to sell on Craigslist (we're giving them until Labour Day and then taking them to Goodwill). Hand-me-downs have been passed along to my sister.
And you know what? It feels good to be rid (or almost rid) of it all! It's amazing how much accumulates or sits around unused, just taking up space. This is probably something we should do more often!
One of our big "to dos" this summer was to go through the closet in The Bean's room and decide what to do with a bunch of the stuff we have in there.
We still haven't made it through that entire closet, but in the past few days we've gone through pretty much every other closet, cupboard, drawer and dresser. At least a dozen bags have been taken to Goodwill. (That's on top of the three garbage bags of clothes we took there at the beginning of the summer.) There is a pile in our bedroom of items we hope to sell on Craigslist (we're giving them until Labour Day and then taking them to Goodwill). Hand-me-downs have been passed along to my sister.
And you know what? It feels good to be rid (or almost rid) of it all! It's amazing how much accumulates or sits around unused, just taking up space. This is probably something we should do more often!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Parents.com Best Blog Award
Our blog has been nominated as the "Best All-Around Mom Blog" at Parents Magazine. The contest runs until October and it would be much appreciated if you were able to vote! There is quite a bit of competition, but how awesome would it be for a blog of a family that has two moms to win?
I've added a button on the sidebar that you can click on to vote. I believe you have to register to do so, but you don't have to sign up for any emails or a subscription or anything (just uncheck all the little boxes).
Please help us with this! We're excited at the prospect of more people seeing an example of life as a two-mom family. Hopefully the more exposure there is, the more understanding grows, and that's good for everyone!
THANK YOU!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Some People Just *Get* It
...I am not one of those people.
Lately, I've been reading all kinds of blogs... mommy blogs, educational blogs, design blogs... and it seems like every two minutes I'm saying to Allison, "Hey, listen to this idea!" And, Allison (patiently listening to me explain) has usually already heard of the idea and has started doing something similar.
Anyway, looking at this picture from Allison's Ikea Hack post made me realize how sometimes Allison just *gets* stuff that would take me years to think of or figure out and then implement.
See the top shelf?
It has two pieces of pretty cool art on it, right?
Right. (You're supposed to agree with me there.)
The picture on the left is a piece we ordered from Etsy. The piece on the right is a picture that one of Allison's students drew for The Bean last year. When she put the shelves up last week, Allison found the picture, grabbed the frame from a pile of empties, cropped the picture, framed it, and added the finished product to the shelf (all while entertaining The Bean during my morning to sleep in).
I didn't even know we had half that stuff.
The student who drew the picture was a favorite of mine because she took a huge shine to The Bean last year, so I was ecstatic to walk in and discover her artwork displayed so nicely on his new shelf.
I might not *get* it, but I'm glad Allison does.
To be fair, Allison totally doesn't get electronics, but I'm an ace.
Is there anything your significant other seem to be able to do that you would just never think of?
Lately, I've been reading all kinds of blogs... mommy blogs, educational blogs, design blogs... and it seems like every two minutes I'm saying to Allison, "Hey, listen to this idea!" And, Allison (patiently listening to me explain) has usually already heard of the idea and has started doing something similar.
Anyway, looking at this picture from Allison's Ikea Hack post made me realize how sometimes Allison just *gets* stuff that would take me years to think of or figure out and then implement.
See the top shelf?
It has two pieces of pretty cool art on it, right?
Right. (You're supposed to agree with me there.)
The picture on the left is a piece we ordered from Etsy. The piece on the right is a picture that one of Allison's students drew for The Bean last year. When she put the shelves up last week, Allison found the picture, grabbed the frame from a pile of empties, cropped the picture, framed it, and added the finished product to the shelf (all while entertaining The Bean during my morning to sleep in).
I didn't even know we had half that stuff.
The student who drew the picture was a favorite of mine because she took a huge shine to The Bean last year, so I was ecstatic to walk in and discover her artwork displayed so nicely on his new shelf.
I might not *get* it, but I'm glad Allison does.
To be fair, Allison totally doesn't get electronics, but I'm an ace.
Is there anything your significant other seem to be able to do that you would just never think of?
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