Are You Expecting?
If you are pregnant, especially for the first time, now is the time to prepare yourself for the arrival of your baby. There is a reason we are given nine plus months to get ready for the big event. We need the time to learn everything necessary to deliver and care for our babies. When I became pregnant for the first time, I didn’t do much to prepare myself for childbirth. Sure, I read the ‘What To Expect When Your Expecting’ handbook, and I frequented the boards at Parenting and Baby Talk, but mostly I believed that giving birth was natural, and would come…well, naturally!
When the big day did come, I found myself terrified and in denial. I had not thought much about how the baby was going to get here, and I was unprepared, and sadly, scared. I was so sure that I was NOT in labor, that I refused to let my husband bring our bags into the hospital. When the doctor announced that I was at six centementers, and that we indeed were going to have a baby that day, my response was “Oh no we’re not, I’m not ready!
Now that I am older, and… ahem, wiser, I know that just like everything else in life, when it comes to pregnancy, preparation is key.
In my first attempt at public speaking class in college, I found that I could not talk in front of my class. Unfortunatly, I didn’t make a very good grade, and as it turned out, it wasn’t the fear of public speaking that was holding me back, but the lack of preparation. If I had spent time properly researching the topics I was assigned, I would have had the confidence necessary to succeed in the class. Once I made this realization, I was able to apply it to everything I do in life. Whether it be working at the bank, giving a workshop on cloth diapers, writing a blog, or studying for my nursing degree, I do my research so that I am prepared and confident. The same holds true in childbirth.
Now is the time to begin your research. There are many things you need to know about pregnancy and childbirth. For example, breastfeeding can be difficult. Choosing an induction over natural labor can increase your risks of a cesarean section, particularly in first time births. If you aren’t up to date on the debate about vaccines, NOW is the time to begin reading and forming your opinion, not after your little one gets here! If you are researching cloth diapers and you plan to put your child in daycare, you need to start talking to the daycare provider NOW so that you can choose the right diapers to fit your lifestyle.
The more you know about how your body works and how to prepare it for the big day, the better your confidence and ability to care for your baby when he finally gets here!
In the next few posts, I will be addressing some of these topics in more detail. Until then, remember, knowledge is power! Now go research something! :0)
Posted: September 2, 2008 | by Marilyn
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The Diaper Sprayer, A Modern Convenience!
When I first began researching cloth diapers everything I read said “all you have to do is shake the diaper over the toilet”. Simple enough it seemed. Unfortunately, no one mentioned that this method worked for babies that primarily ate solid food. So, as you can imagine, I was not so thrilled to have to consistently, dunk and swish my dirty diapers in the toilet.
As it turned out, breastfed babies, and babies with softer stools, make it much more difficult to get your diapers clean. Now, I have heared, and perhaps you have too, (maybe you do this yourself) that the washing machine takes care of everything for you, and in essence, for a breastfed baby it does. Personally though, I just couldn’t bring myself to skip the rinsing stage once we got past breastfeeding. For the longest time, I continued the unpleasant method of dunking and swishing. I just didn’t want to break down and buy the darn diaper sprayer thingy!
Eventually, I did some research, and learned that I could make my own diaper sprayer for minimal money, and a trip to the hardware store of my choice, but after I learned the steps involved, I decided that the time and effort involved just wasn’t worth it. Plus, I wanted something that wouldn’t be an eye soar in the bathroom. Once I received my diaper sprayer, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to hook up…and then I didn’t know how I ever lived without it!
Now, I am pleased to be able to offer a diaper sprayer to all of you. This is brand new on the market and was developed by Bumgenius, so we know its great! If you want your diapers to be free of stains, and you want to spend less time with your poopy diapers, lol, believe me, its worth it! And you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Order it here!
Posted: August 12, 2008 | by Marilyn
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New Arrivals and Restocking Notice
I hope everyone is having a great summer and enjoyed their 4th of July! I know we have been busy as a family, and with business as well. We have done our best to restock the items you love and bring in some new things too. Here is an update:
Bum Genius 3.0 Pocket Diapers (all colors)~ In Route
Bum Genius Cloth Diaper Sprayers~ Back Ordered
Thirsties Cloth Diaper Covers ~Restocked
Northern Essence (all products) ~Restocked
Wahmies Cloth Diaper Pail Liners~Restocked
Wahmies Regular Wet Bags~Resocked
Bum Genius Bottom Spray~ Back Ordered
Snappi Diaper Fasteners~ Restocked
Chinese Prefolds~Restocked
Indian Prefolds~Infant size has been ordered
NEW Arrivals!!
Thirsties Fab Wipes
Thirsties Fab Doublers
Thirsties Hemp Doublers
Loopy Doo Inserts
Super Doo Inserts
Knicker Nappies Pocket Diapers
Posted: July 9, 2008 | by Marilyn
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The Great Cloth Diaper Hunt Starts Today!
What is the GCDH? Why it’s a virtual scavenger hunt! Registered participants go from website to website looking for a cloth diaper icon.
“By visiting the sites on the hunt during the month of May 2008, you have an opportunity to explore a myriad of excellent natural family sites as you qualify for 35 random prize drawings, including One Ultimate Grand Prize worth over $600 and a Daily Prize for each day of hunting!”
As if that weren’t enough, many participating retailers also offer discounts to the hunters! If you haven’t already registered, sign up by going here:
The hunt lasts until the end of May! To see a list of participating retailers, and the prizes you can win, please visit diaperdecisions.com.
Happy Hunting!!
Posted: May 1, 2008 | by Marilyn
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Going Green Can Save Some Green!
| Save Money By Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
With Earth Day 2008 just around the corner, I thought I would focus a little on other ways that we can preserve the planet! Cloth Diapers are, for obvious reasons, a fantastic contribution to the earth friendly movement but what else are you doing to ‘go green’?
Have you ever noticed that going green seems to go hand in hand with saving money? If you would like to continue to increase your savings, while saving the planet, here are five things you might consider doing:
1) Make the switch to energy efficient light bulbs. Changing over to energy efficient bulbs can be a little pricey in terms of up front cost; but after you do so, you will see an immediate savings. After replacing your bulbs you will see a pretty good drop in your overall electric bill. To calculate your savings and see how much energy you are preserving go here.
Why switch? Most energy is produced using non renewable resources such as coal, and gas. When we use this energy, we release gas emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Energy saving compact fluorescent lights last 10 times longer than the standard incandescent bulbs, and use 70 percent less heat.
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, if every U.S. household replaced just one regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb, it would prevent 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, the equivalent of taking 7.5 million cars off the road.
2)Plant a garden. Gardening can be fun and is a wonderful way to teach children about responsibility. Growing your own fruits and vegetables can greatly reduce your grocery bill, and nothing tastes better than organically grown produce!
3) Stop buying harsh cleaning products, and make your own earth friendly version! Not only do commercial cleaning products harbor dangerous chemicals, but they are also expensive and are purchased in large plastic or cardboard containers that must disposed of. Your home can be just as clean, and smell just as fresh, by using household ingredients. For a few recipes and tips here is a great site.
4) Drive less! Save money on gas by doing one or more of the following: Consider carpooling. Carpooling doesn’t have to be limited to coworkers and spouses. It can be as simple as grocery shopping with a friend or neighbor. Reroute your driving patterns. Look for alternate ways to get to and from that take less time, and less gas! If you live near enough to your child’s school, think about walking them to or from. If you are close enough to the store and only need a few items, try biking or walking. Its great exercise and can offer valuable family time. While you’re at it carry your own reusable grocery bags.
5) Join your local free cycle or earth cycle program. Do a yahoo groups search for a program in your area. The idea is that members post items that they want to get rid of, and those that are interested pick them up. Everything is free and it keeps especially large items out of the landfills. On our free cycle here in SC, I see items such as refrigerators, TV’s, furniture and clothes nearly every day! Even smaller items like hairdryers, magazines, books, and dishes are offered. You’d be surprised at what people give away. You could score something you really need like a dresser or new bed, and save big bucks while you’re at it! |
Posted: April 9, 2008 | by Marilyn
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March Is National Kidney Month
The Month of March has been designated as National Kidney Month. Kidney Disease is a growing epidemic and in the United States alone more than 26 Million Americans suffer from Kidney disease. Many of them do not even know it!
Kidney disease is an issue very near and dear to my heart as I have many family members who suffer from this illness known as the silent killer. My father is currently in stage 3 renal failure and my mother who after a long battle with the illness was blessed with a transplant in April of 2005. I have also lost a grandmother to the illness and an Aunt who passed away at the very young age of 21.
Kidney disease is known as the silent killer because when symptoms are felt, the kidneys are usually already damaged beyond repair. Currently, the only treatment available for kidney failure is either dialysis or kidney transplant, but it is preventable if you just know the risks!
So what can you do? Know your family history. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes, you are at risk for kidney disease. If someone in your family has had kidney disease you are also at risk. Currently 26 million Americans- men, women, and children alike, suffer from kidney disease and this number is steadily growing.
In support of Kidney Awareness Month, 10% the proceeds from all purchases for the month of March will go to the National Kidney Foundation. This is a wonderful non-profit organization that supports those who suffer from kidney disease with everything from patient and family education, to financial assistance with medical bills and prescription drugs.
Mach 13th is World Kidney Day! Blog readers will enjoy a special 5% discount on all orders with the coupon code: Kidneyblog on March 13th only so don’t miss out! For more information on Kidney Disease, its causes, available treatments and symptoms, or to find out what you can do to help, please visit the National Kidney Foundation Website
Posted: March 12, 2008 | by Marilyn
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You CAN Make The World A Better Place (On My Soap Box)
I was recently sent this email from one of my customers: http://www.storyofstuff.com/ after watching the video, I was pretty depressed. We all know that there are things in our country that need to be fixed. But when you think to yourself “What can I do”? It is so overwhelming that you can’t imagine you could make a difference. Worse, many people choose to pretend that the problems don’t exist.
I was reading one of my Yahoo Groups for retailers the other day, when a discussion between two retailers regarding the effects of Tea Tree and Lavender essential oils occurred. The retailers were on opposing sides, and at some point the discussion became quite heated (in a friendly debatable way). I rather enjoyed reading the posts in which both women made excellent points. It was obvious that each had done her research and come to her own conclusion. In the end the retailers agreed to disagree and called a truce, but the posts were quite intelligent, inspiring, and thought provoking.
My point? It is enlightening to see women in our society who care enough to do their research and make informed decisions. On a day to day basis we are bombarded with information from the media regarding studies and statistics and many of the women in our society continue to blindly believe what they hear on the news, or assume that because a study was performed that the information must be true. The fact is that statistics can always be skewed in favor of the person using them. And while studies may be done, it is important to look into who is providing the funding behind them.
As a retailer of cloth diapering products, I am constantly reading and researching studies performed that are relevant to the products I sell. As a consumer I take media hype with a grain of salt, but as a mother, I err on the side of caution when I hear about potentially hazardous products, i.e. anything made in China these days. And as a mother, it is appalling to me that more parents are not doing their research or showing that they care.
So many of us are afraid of confrontation, or assume that if there is a problem with something, that someone ELSE will fix it. Thats just not the case. Take all of the recent issues regarding lead hazards in Chinese made products. Not just toys! All kinds of products. There have been so many recalls, that it has become second nature. My question is why hasn’t anyone done anything about it? We just assume that something will be done, but has it?
I know how hard it is to be a parent. I know how busy and hectic life can get, and I know that we can’t wrap our children in eco friendly bubble wrap and keep them away from all the harmful things in this world. But I CAN pick a few things to be passionate about, and I CAN talk to other moms about those things, and I CAN write to my senator, and I CAN blog about it, and I CAN make sure that someone, somewhere, knows that its important to me, and it just might make a difference.
I know I am being long winded here, but my point is that I would like to see more people in our society take a proactive stance on the things that need to be changed, and show that they care. There are so many things going wrong today that it is overwhelming, and easier to just do nothing than to find where to start. But we don’t have to fix everything. Choose something thats important to you. Do the research, make informed decisions, if you can, join a group, and talk to others about it. You will be surprised at the number of people who feel the same way you do, and if they don’t, make them see why they should, or at least try!
The only way to bring about change is to make it happen. We all have a voice, but if we don’t use it, it will never be heard!
Posted: January 30, 2008 | by Marilyn
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Win Free Stuff! Our Monthly Contest Is Starting
As we mentioned in our last newsletter, we will begin holding a monthly contest for free stuff! Everybody likes free stuff right? For our first contest, tell me what your dream day would be like. A day with out kids? Perhaps you would enjoy a massage, or a day for you and your significant other all alone. All entries must be received by January 20, 2008. The winner of this months contest will receive their choice of one of the new Haute Pocket Diapers! Get started today. Submit your entries to contests@dapperdiaperstore.com. For information on future contests, please sign up for our newsletter, and visit our ‘contests’ page.
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Posted: January 3, 2008 | by Marilyn
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New Cloth Diaper Resale Website
If you’re looking to make back some of the money you spent during the holidays, or if you’re itching to try out some of the newer cloth diapers on the market but first need some cash; there’s great news! At http://www.clothdiaperbid.com you can buy or sell previously loved diapers for FREE! The website is a brand new Ebay style auction site with many of the same features and without the cost. If you have been looking for a place to resell your cloth diapers since the Ebay ban, check it out. Did I mention it was FREE!?
Posted: December 30, 2007 | by Marilyn
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Smelly Diapers? Need Help?
When you use cloth diapers, one of the things that unavoidably comes with the territory is occasional issues with odor. If you have found that your diapers aren’t smelling so fresh lately, try the following:
1) Strip your diapers
- Place your all ready CLEAN cloth diapers and inserts into the washing machine
- Add 1 tablespoon of DAWN dish washing detergent.
- Run the cycle as usual
- Run an additional cold rinse
- Dry your diapers on med/high
Dawn dish washing liquid removes the build up that is left behind after frequent use of powder and liquid laundry detergents. The build up of these detergents can stick to the PUL (waterproof layer) of your diapers and diaper covers. The detergent build up can also trap in odor and eventually cause your diapers to leak through the material.
Successfully stripping your diapers is just the first step. Now that you have stripped your diapers, you have taken care of the build up issue, but that is often not enough to eliminate problems with odor. To insure that your diapers have a clean fresh smell take this next step.
2) Rewash your Cloth Diapers and Inserts using a small amount of Bleach. (YES BLEACH)
- Place all diaper inserts and prefold or other CLOTH diapers into the wash. (you can also add your pocket diapers, but please use caution when doing this as too much bleach can ruin your diapers and void all warranties)
- Add your usual amount of laundry detergent and NO MORE than 1/8cup of bleach.
- Use a LARGE cycle with plenty of water and room for agitation
- Run the cycle with an extra rinse
- RERUN the entire cycle with NO DETERGENT/Bleach (water only)
- Dry your diapers on med/high
Now I know that using bleach scares a lot of cloth diaper users, but I have used bleach on all of my diapers with no ill effects. Only a very small amount is needed, and this should only be done once in a blue blue moon. One time will usually take care of any issues. But, if you are leary of using bleach on you PUL coated diapers and covers there is something else you can do. I recommend rewashing those using a full scoop of OXYCLEAN FREE in addtion to your laundry detergent. The oxyclean will nutralize odors and it works best on organic messes i.e. dirty diapers.
Now that your diapers are clean and odor free, you may want to get to the source of the problem. What caused the build up and odor?
3) Evaluate your laundry detergent
- Does it contain phosphates?
- Does it contain whitening or other enzymes?
- Does it contain buffering agents?
- Does it contain stabilizers?
- Does it contain Brightening agents?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, change your detergent. All of these items will cause build up and odor issues with your diapers. Some can even cause serious burn like diaper rash to occur. The best options for cloth diaper detergent are those with no perfume or dye, and no boosting ingredients. We recommend Purex Free and Clear, Publix (or store brand) Free and Clear. [DO NOT USE All Free and Clear, or a store brand that says compare to All Free and Clear]. Going forward, use a scoop of oxyclean FREE in combination with your regular detergent in every load.
Lastly, if you have a High Efficiency washer and you are having problems getting your diapers clean, try washing in smaller loads with more water. HE machines are designed to conserve resources. Unfortunately, cloth diapers do need plenty of water and room for agitation to get them fully clean.
If you follow all of these steps, you should find your diapers are smelling fresh and clean once again and you can go back to the joys of cloth diapering! O.k,… off to do some laundry!
Posted: December 19, 2007 | by Marilyn
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