Sunday, June 14, 2009
Here's a great blog to watch for giveaways...
Organic Girl blogs about contest giveaways which Canadians can usually enter. I'm hoping to win a few things myself!
Miessence Organics Giveaway
Discover the benefits of organic skin care through Miessence Organics. Miessence uses 100% beneficial and all natural USDA Certified Organic ingredients. Read about the experience mom blogger Kalisha at UV Skinz had with the Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm and Baby Bottom Mist and enter the giveaway to WIN each of them for yourself! Giveaway ends June 21st.
Another Giveaway!
Mommy Goggles is also having a giveaway for a Sun Smarties Canopy Tent from One Step Ahead.
Contest Entry for Nature Station Playhouse
Head over to Momma's Review for a chance to win a Nature Station Playhouse!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Vaccinations
Vaccinations is a very sensitive subject for many people. I personally feel that too many vaccines are given too early in life and too close together. I've put together a few links to information that might be helpful for parents who are facing choices about vaccinating their children.
Here's a user friendly vaccination schedule written by a medical doctor in the US. I highly recommend reading this article.
Generation Rescue is a website dedicated to discussing vaccinations, especially in regard to autism. The website founder is a Christian mother with an autistic son. There is some interesting reading on this site.
Dr. Katia Bailetti is a naturopathic doctor who has studied the current research on vaccinations. She has put together an excellent book and a workbook which provide parents with crucial information as they face decisions about vaccinating their children.
The Think Twice Global Vaccine Institute and the National Vaccine Information Center are two sites which are fairly anti-vaccination. There is tons of information and some very sad stories on these sites.
If you are interested in homeopathic alternatives to vaccinations, this is an interesting article.
And of course, there are many websites promoting vaccines as being very safe and with virtually no significant side effects. Those are easy to find and need no referencing.
I would highly encourage parents to fully research vaccinations for themselves before making a choice for their own children.
Here's a user friendly vaccination schedule written by a medical doctor in the US. I highly recommend reading this article.
Generation Rescue is a website dedicated to discussing vaccinations, especially in regard to autism. The website founder is a Christian mother with an autistic son. There is some interesting reading on this site.
Dr. Katia Bailetti is a naturopathic doctor who has studied the current research on vaccinations. She has put together an excellent book and a workbook which provide parents with crucial information as they face decisions about vaccinating their children.
The Think Twice Global Vaccine Institute and the National Vaccine Information Center are two sites which are fairly anti-vaccination. There is tons of information and some very sad stories on these sites.
If you are interested in homeopathic alternatives to vaccinations, this is an interesting article.
And of course, there are many websites promoting vaccines as being very safe and with virtually no significant side effects. Those are easy to find and need no referencing.
I would highly encourage parents to fully research vaccinations for themselves before making a choice for their own children.
Be your own designer! Diaper Bags
After 2 years of hauling around a black book bag as a diaper bag, I'd been casually checking out the diaper bag scene. I'd been wanting a diaper bag with outside pockets for sippy cups and water bottles, but I didn't feel like paying $40 plus (and that's the cheap ones) for a diaper bag. I was shocked to find that there are even diaper bags that cost hundreds of dollars! I'm not really much of a shopper to start with (unless it is for cloth diapers, baby carriers, strollers, housewares...) and I'm more into simple colours and designs (no florals or polka dots here).
The other day I did a google search on making your own diaper bag, even though I thought it would be much too complicated. I came across this website, and the directions seemed pretty simple. So I gave it a shot. I used leftover twill I had from making carriers, and I'm pretty pleased with the results. It's nothing fancy, and I don't think it will ever get mistaken for a $200 designer bag. But it suits me just fine. Not to mention that my husband won't have to carry around something pink and flowery :)
It really was a lot easier to make than I had anticipated. And it's fun because you can choose as many pockets as you like, whatever type of fastener, any fabric... It's great! I did put an extra piece with a zipper at the top, so I don't lose anything when my bag gets tipped.
The other day I did a google search on making your own diaper bag, even though I thought it would be much too complicated. I came across this website, and the directions seemed pretty simple. So I gave it a shot. I used leftover twill I had from making carriers, and I'm pretty pleased with the results. It's nothing fancy, and I don't think it will ever get mistaken for a $200 designer bag. But it suits me just fine. Not to mention that my husband won't have to carry around something pink and flowery :)
It really was a lot easier to make than I had anticipated. And it's fun because you can choose as many pockets as you like, whatever type of fastener, any fabric... It's great! I did put an extra piece with a zipper at the top, so I don't lose anything when my bag gets tipped.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Babywearing Bliss
Being able to wear my baby and have my hands free has been a lifesaver for me! If all you are familiar with is Bjorn and Snuggly carriers, you are in for a treat :) There are so many more options (and far more comfortable ones).
I personally prefer wraps for very small babies and a good soft structured carrier (SSC) for larger babies and toddlers.
"What Babywearing Means: Our Story" by Dr. Sears
This is an excellent article discussing the benefits of babywearing. It's written by Dr. Bill and Martha Sears, a pediatrician and RN respectively, and also parents to eight children! They talk specifically about using a sling, but any of the baby carriers would have the same benefits. If you are hesitant to wear your baby, this article will inspire you!
"Baby Wearing in a Nutshell"
This is a good intro article explaining some benefits of baby wearing and the different types of carriers.
"Infant Carriers and Spinal Stress"
Here's an article written by a chiropracter about popular baby carriers with a narrow seat (for example, Baby Bjorn) and infant spinal stress.
The Babywearer
The Baby Wearer is the definitive baby wearing site! Start with this site to learn more. You can read reviews on different carriers. The forums are an excellent place to get opinions on different brands, solutions to common baby wearing issues, and just about everything to do with baby carriers. The do-it-yourself (DIY) forum is a great source of information for those who want to try making their own carrier. There is also a for sale or trade forum where you can get great carriers at good prices.
Links for Sewing Your Own Carrier
If you are into making your own carriers, this is an excellent webpage with links to sewing instructions.
Baby wearing groups are great to attend if want to try out a variety of carriers before buying something or if you just want to meet like-minded parents. I do recommend first checking out reviews on whatever you are considering purchasing. The Babywearer forums are a great place to find reviews and other information.
I personally prefer wraps for very small babies and a good soft structured carrier (SSC) for larger babies and toddlers.
"What Babywearing Means: Our Story" by Dr. Sears
This is an excellent article discussing the benefits of babywearing. It's written by Dr. Bill and Martha Sears, a pediatrician and RN respectively, and also parents to eight children! They talk specifically about using a sling, but any of the baby carriers would have the same benefits. If you are hesitant to wear your baby, this article will inspire you!
"Baby Wearing in a Nutshell"
This is a good intro article explaining some benefits of baby wearing and the different types of carriers.
"Infant Carriers and Spinal Stress"
Here's an article written by a chiropracter about popular baby carriers with a narrow seat (for example, Baby Bjorn) and infant spinal stress.
The Babywearer
The Baby Wearer is the definitive baby wearing site! Start with this site to learn more. You can read reviews on different carriers. The forums are an excellent place to get opinions on different brands, solutions to common baby wearing issues, and just about everything to do with baby carriers. The do-it-yourself (DIY) forum is a great source of information for those who want to try making their own carrier. There is also a for sale or trade forum where you can get great carriers at good prices.
Links for Sewing Your Own Carrier
If you are into making your own carriers, this is an excellent webpage with links to sewing instructions.
Baby wearing groups are great to attend if want to try out a variety of carriers before buying something or if you just want to meet like-minded parents. I do recommend first checking out reviews on whatever you are considering purchasing. The Babywearer forums are a great place to find reviews and other information.
The Best Double Stroller
Now that I have two lovely little girls, I've been researching double strollers. Although I really love babywearing, there are times when wearing the youngest (who is already 20 lbs at 7 months) is not feasible. However I think I may have overdone stroller reasearch a bit... I'm even dreaming about strollers... LOL!
So after reading far too many reviews, looking at Youtube, and trying to decide what would be the best, I discovered Bumbleride's Indie Twin stroller. It's an all terrain stroller that steers very easily and is reputed to fit through any standard size doorway. And they are stylish as well as functional!
What's more, Simple Reviews is having a giveaway for an Indie Twin. The contest ends March 30, 2009. The blogger also has a great review of the Indie Twin.
One forum on strollers I found helpful is Windsor Peak.
So after reading far too many reviews, looking at Youtube, and trying to decide what would be the best, I discovered Bumbleride's Indie Twin stroller. It's an all terrain stroller that steers very easily and is reputed to fit through any standard size doorway. And they are stylish as well as functional!
What's more, Simple Reviews is having a giveaway for an Indie Twin. The contest ends March 30, 2009. The blogger also has a great review of the Indie Twin.
One forum on strollers I found helpful is Windsor Peak.
Addicted to Cloth!
Strange but true: since having children, I've become addicted to cloth diapering... And even stranger: I'm not alone! There are hundreds (maybe even thousands) of other moms (and some dads) who love to discuss cloth diapers.
I've put together some of my favorite links about cloth diapers.
Types of Cloth Diapers
Here's a great description with photos of the different types of cloth diapers available. There are so many wonderful options. It is much different from the cloth diapers of a generation ago.
FAQs About Cloth Diapers
Here's a list of answers to many commonly asked questions about using cloth diapers.
Diaper Reviews
If you are considering buying some diapers, be sure to check out some reviews on them first.
Diaper Swappers
I love this site!! Diaper Swappers is a forum dedicated to cloth diapering topics and other parenting things. A great place to look for advice.
There are many, many on-line stores selling cloth diapers. If you search for "cloth diapers Canada," you'll find many. You may even find one that allows local pick up in your neck of the woods, so you can avoid shipping costs.
Parenting By Nature
I love this company!! They carry many types of cloth diapers, baby carriers, and a ton of other great items. I highly recommend taking some time to browse through this site. This company carries most of the popular brands of diapers and covers.
Mother Ease
Mother Ease sells its own unique brand of diapers and covers. Their Sandies diapers are the absolute best diaper for containing runny messes. And their One Size diapers are great too! If you are looking for easy to use, long lasting, almost leak-proof diapers, check these out.
Recipes for Diaper Wipes Solution
Some recipes for diaper wipes solution. You can also just use plain water. You can buy cloth wipes from most companies that sell cloth diapers, but I found that the thin baby washcloths work quite well (and are very inexpensive). I use them with plain water.I highly recommend the Prince Lionheart Ultimate Wipes Warmer. You can just put plain water in it and dip in cloth wipes as needed. It heats from the bottom, so it works well for keeping water warm.
Laundry Detergent Choices
Here's a chart listing which laundry detergents do and do not work well for cloth diapers. Most of them are American brands, but some of them can be found in Canada. I am currently using Nature Clean powdered detergent which has been working very well.
Here's another list with mostly Canadian brands.
Frugal Diapering Tips
This is a great site if you want some money-saving ideas! I made my own diaper pail liners with PUL fabric that I bought on ebay. They're washable and waterproof, so I can throw them in the washing machine along with my diapers. You can also buy them at most cloth diapering stores.
About diaper pails... I first bought the Diaper Champ from Babies R Us. It works well at containing smells, but only holds about 15 or so cloth diapers... And the diapers tend to get stuck in the chute. So I sold my Diaper Champ and bought a 30L stainless steel garbage can with a pedal, and I love it!
You can also make your own fleece liners by cutting them out of a thin microfleece. No sewing required!
The Potty Pail
The Potty Pail and diaper sprayer is a fabulous idea! You can also purchase diaper sprayers from other places including Parenting By Nature.
Cloth diapering can be quite an adventure with its own joys and frustrations. But at the end of the day, you can feel good about choosing a healthier, earth-friendly, economical (unless you are addicted to routinely trying new expensive diapers) and more fun (I mean, who gets excited about disposable diapers?) option for your precious child.
I've put together some of my favorite links about cloth diapers.
Types of Cloth Diapers
Here's a great description with photos of the different types of cloth diapers available. There are so many wonderful options. It is much different from the cloth diapers of a generation ago.
FAQs About Cloth Diapers
Here's a list of answers to many commonly asked questions about using cloth diapers.
Diaper Reviews
If you are considering buying some diapers, be sure to check out some reviews on them first.
Diaper Swappers
I love this site!! Diaper Swappers is a forum dedicated to cloth diapering topics and other parenting things. A great place to look for advice.
There are many, many on-line stores selling cloth diapers. If you search for "cloth diapers Canada," you'll find many. You may even find one that allows local pick up in your neck of the woods, so you can avoid shipping costs.
Parenting By Nature
I love this company!! They carry many types of cloth diapers, baby carriers, and a ton of other great items. I highly recommend taking some time to browse through this site. This company carries most of the popular brands of diapers and covers.
Mother Ease
Mother Ease sells its own unique brand of diapers and covers. Their Sandies diapers are the absolute best diaper for containing runny messes. And their One Size diapers are great too! If you are looking for easy to use, long lasting, almost leak-proof diapers, check these out.
Recipes for Diaper Wipes Solution
Some recipes for diaper wipes solution. You can also just use plain water. You can buy cloth wipes from most companies that sell cloth diapers, but I found that the thin baby washcloths work quite well (and are very inexpensive). I use them with plain water.I highly recommend the Prince Lionheart Ultimate Wipes Warmer. You can just put plain water in it and dip in cloth wipes as needed. It heats from the bottom, so it works well for keeping water warm.
Laundry Detergent Choices
Here's a chart listing which laundry detergents do and do not work well for cloth diapers. Most of them are American brands, but some of them can be found in Canada. I am currently using Nature Clean powdered detergent which has been working very well.
Here's another list with mostly Canadian brands.
Frugal Diapering Tips
This is a great site if you want some money-saving ideas! I made my own diaper pail liners with PUL fabric that I bought on ebay. They're washable and waterproof, so I can throw them in the washing machine along with my diapers. You can also buy them at most cloth diapering stores.
About diaper pails... I first bought the Diaper Champ from Babies R Us. It works well at containing smells, but only holds about 15 or so cloth diapers... And the diapers tend to get stuck in the chute. So I sold my Diaper Champ and bought a 30L stainless steel garbage can with a pedal, and I love it!
You can also make your own fleece liners by cutting them out of a thin microfleece. No sewing required!
The Potty Pail
The Potty Pail and diaper sprayer is a fabulous idea! You can also purchase diaper sprayers from other places including Parenting By Nature.
Cloth diapering can be quite an adventure with its own joys and frustrations. But at the end of the day, you can feel good about choosing a healthier, earth-friendly, economical (unless you are addicted to routinely trying new expensive diapers) and more fun (I mean, who gets excited about disposable diapers?) option for your precious child.
First blog post ever!
Welcome to my blog! I hope you find some great food for thought here. I am very interested in baby products/information, green living, health, and spirituality. Enjoy!
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