On Using Cloth Diapers

{Marcelo - 2 months}

When I got pregnant with Mateo, I knew that I wanted to cloth diaper my baby.  I noticed how popular/common it had become with bloggers etc and I wanted in on "the fun!" I read up on it and my cousin recommended that I try Fuzzibunz.  She had been using them on her daughter and loved them (thanks Diane!) 

However, when the time came and I brought home this little 7 lb infant, I really didn't want to add anything that required [what seemed] "more work."  This is what I thought, and unfortunately what a lot of people will tell you when you say you are going to use cloth vs disposables.  Once you get started though, you see that it really isn't a big deal at all.  In fact, Im not sure why you wouldn't use them.  

I would like to say that I use cloth diapers for practical reasons, like how earth-friendly they are, or even for economic reasons, because these are really important, and they do make me feel good. But the main reason for me is that they are so darn cute.  

I love using them as shorts so I can enjoy those chunky legs!! 

Let me say that I am not a cloth diapering fanatic nor expert.  I have been cloth diapering now for over two years and I think its smart and easy!  I have had several people ask me about it, so I thought I would share what works for me.    Hopefully this could inspire one of you to give it a try too.  Don't be scared!  If I can do it you can...I always take the easy route, so you know it can't be hard!

1. I use FuzziBunz and Bum Genius cloth diapers.  These are AIO (all-in-one) diapers.  They have a cloth insert and come in a one-size fits all.  These will last you through potty training. I bought a 6 pack of Fuzzibunz on Amazon (then $109) when I was pregnant with Mateo.  I used some of my baby shower Target gift cards to buy another 6 Bum Genius. (This may seem like a lot to spend, but these pay for themselves if you calculate what you would spend after a few months of using disposables.)  12 is a good number to start with, but I eventually bought another 6 FB just to extend washing.  I wash diapers every 4-5 days. 
2. I started using cloth diapers on Mateo at 6 months/Marcelo at 1 month.   Partly because I was intimidated, and partly because I seemed to be doing less diaper changes at the 6 month point.  At the beginning, babies go through so many diapers a day.  Plus the diapers seemed too bulky.  With Marcelo I bought my friends huge supply of "size small" Fuzzibunz and started with him much earlier.  Marcelo has now outgrown them and I'll be passing them on to Lucy.
3. I rinse the diapers the old fashioned way.  You can buy a diaper sprayer that attaches on the toilet.  I wanted to buy this and just never got around to it.  It would be especially handy when the poopie is not solid yet.  Of course now Im used to just swishing the [poopy] diaper out right in the toilet so I don't feel like spending $60 on it.  If it is just a wet diaper I separate the liner and throw both the cover and liner into the pail. 
4. I have a DEKOR diaper pail and 2 Planet Wise diaper pail liners.  The bags make it easy because you never have to touch the dirty diapers.  Just pour them right into the washer and toss the bag in as well.  I always let the bag air dry so I have 2 to rotate. Easy.  The diaper pail does keep the smell in check until wash day.
5. I wash the cloth diapers with Charlie's Soap.  It is recommended that you use less soap when washing cloth diapers. Go figure!  With Charlie's Soap, you use so little that the 2.6 lb bucket will last for months and months. Totally worth the $15 price tag.  (I use it just for diapers, but it would also be great for baby clothes as it is fragrance free and hypoallergenic so it won't irritate skin.)  Before washing in hot water, run a cold rinse cycle.  Diapers come out white every time. It's really amazing how easily they wash. After two years of use, they still look new. Every once in a while I will throw in a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle to keep them smelling fresh. 
6. No leaks, no blowouts, no rash!  End of story.  Well,  there is "user error" to account for.  If you leave them on too long, they will leak.  You do have to change them more frequently than disposables.  If you have them too loose, there could be a blowout!   
7. I use disposables at night and when we travel.  Like I said, Im not hardcore.  I have disposables stashed in the car, so that is one less thing to remember when I leave the house. Sometimes when we travel for longer periods of time, it would make sense to take the cloth diapers with us, but....no, too much space.  I did buy the zipper top Planet Wise wet bag for travel, but ended up using it more for wet clothes than dirty diapers.  My kids sleep 10-12 hours at night and drink so much that disposables are ready to explode in the am, so 
8. These will hold up to pass on to someone or sell.  You will get half your money back by selling these on CL or ebay.  Not a bad ROI at all.

So, what do you think? are you sold? Any questions?  

Fuzzibunz 6 pk

BumGenius

My "Must Haves" as a New Mama

I was so lucky to have 2 baby showers thrown for me while I was pregnant.  One in Ohio with my family and one with Ernesto's family in California.   When I started thinking about a baby registry, it was a bit overwhelming.  Soooooo much stuff.  What do I really need?  At the time we were living in a one bedroom apartment and did not want to fill it with unnecessary things.  All of the reviews and forums out there just overload you with opinions.  Who do you trust?  

I reached out to all my friends who were recently new mom's themselves and got a list of their "must haves."  I just went right down the list and registered.   Of course, every mother is different.  Every baby is different, therefore....lists will be different.

Now, 8 months later, I have compiled my own list.  Take it for what you will, my new mom friends. 

My #1 purchase (and splurge) The B.O.B. Revolution SE Stroller.  

No regrets, best money I've spent! This thing rides like a dream.

We bought the car seat adapter (which was an extra $50) so we could use this as our "travel system" until he was big enough to sit in it solo.  It worked out perfectly.  Of course, you must buy the cup holder too (come on B.O.B.!),  but it's a necessity, especially if you are using this thing for running/walking. 

And then you need a carseat!  This Chicco Keyfit got great reviews, and I liked the look.  Done. Easy.

Chicco Keyfit

We bought the Ergo Carrier after a few friends recommended it was [and continues to be] a great alternative to the stroller.  We bought the infant insert and little Matiti snuggled in and slept like a baby while we walked around and had our hands free.  Papi loved wearing baby in this too!  I also have the Moby wrap which I found great for around the house.

ERGO

Now all you need is the Diaper bag and you are ready to leave the house! 

I found this Skip Hop diaper bag for $2 at a liquidation sale.  But this was not a bag papi would want to carry,  so we got this bag by Diaper Dude.  Its great for both of us!  Roomy with pockets and hooks onto stroller.

Diaper Dude

At my shower in Ohio I was gifted these  Aden + Anais Swaddle Wraps.  (thanks Treff!)

Little did I know how much we would use these.  The are so light and soft, great for covers in car/stoller, cover while breastfeeding. (not that I ever did that, but they would be great for that:)  Little Mateo loved to be swaddled from the beginning and these are big enough to make a nice tight little burrito.  

Aden + Anais Swaddle Wraps

Our little Mexi-can was busting out of these pretty quickly.  The pre-made swaddlers are the best.  They are like a sleeping bag with velcro, no tucking.  You can have baby wraped up in 10 seconds flat....and he's not getting out!  We had a couple made of fleece and one cotton for the warmer nights.  I found a 2 pack of the  Summer Infant SwaddleMe wraps at TJMaxx for $7 and ended up having to buy a large size too since we swaddled for so long.  

SwaddleMe swaddlers

I may have thought it was crazy to have a video monitor, but after hearing my brother and sis-in-law talk about how much they loved it, I bit the bullet and got one too.  No regrets!  Again, this is a splurge worth the money.  If you don't have a picture and you hear noises, you are left to wonder/imagine what baby is doing.  Then you will have to go in to peek and if baby sees/hears you, it's all over.  (for an older baby)  When you have an infant, you'll want to see baby at all times anyway.  You can't imagine how good it feels just to watch them sleep.  It's piece of mind.

Summer infant video monitor

We ended up moving into our house one week after Mateo was born. (yeah.  crazy, I know!)  I had bought a co-sleeper instead of trying to squeeze the crib into our bedroom at the apartment.  But after perusing Craigslist, I found this Kolcraft Bassinet and decided to get it (for just $50!) It was less bulky, rocked and had a pull out moses basket.

It was perfect.  We were able to bring the basket from room to room.  We also took it for a weekend trip.  I pulled the bassinet right up to my bed and when I heard Mateo stir in the middle of the night I rocked him without getting up and he [usually] fell back to sleep. 

Kolcraft Contours Bassinet

Another shower gift I am greatful for was the Leachco Safer Bather.  Genius! No plastic tub here.  Baby lays in the  contour of this padded tub and you know he's comfy.  You could also use this in your sink.  When you are finished, hang it in the shower (by the provided hook) and it is dry in a couple hours.   I had never seen this thing before, so thanks to my cousin Julie for introducing me! (she has 7 kids, I would consider her a professional)

E

Leachco Safer Bather

Even if you are planning on breastfeeding exclusively, I would recommend getting a good breast pump.  It's nice to have some milk frozen or in the fridge for dear 'ol dad to take a turn feeding at night, or maybe you will just want to leave the house for a while.  I had researched breast pumps a bit, but didn't actually purchase one until after Mateo was born.  I am glad I waited.  My hospital gave my an Ameda hand pump and a bag full of all new attachments for the Ameda electric pump.

Ameda Purely Yours Ultra

Since I had all new parts, I searched for the motor on Craigslist.  I found this Ameda Purely Yours Ultra for $100.  It was used only a few months! What a score.  It sells on Amazon for $240!    It is a serious workhorse.  I could pump 5-7oz in less than 10 minutes.  No complaints.  I highly recommend it!

Breastfeeding was a bit of a challenge, (to say the least) but what made it easier was My Brest Friend (too bad I didn't discover it until 4 months in) Anyway, it is an awesome nursing pillow.  I found it to be waaaaay better than the Boppy.  It helps to position you and baby comfortably.  Saves your back and makes latching on so much easier!! 

 

My Brest Friend

Since my little Mexi-can was born in September, we did have a couple cold months when he was still tiny.  (Plus we went to Ohio for Christmas.)  I found this JJ Cole BundleMe at TJMaxx for $25 and I loved it.   No layering lots of clothes or having to tuck straps.  The bottom piece stays in the car seat and you just zip the top piece up once the baby is strapped in.

JJ COLE BundleMe

Something else you will probably want is a play mat for "tummy time."  Of course at first a blanket will do, but pretty soon, when baby's eyes start focusing on things, he will appreciate some things hanging over his head for entertainment.   I have this one, and Mateo loved it!  Black & white are supposed to be most stimulating for infants (?)

One more thing I would recommend is a swing of some sort.   I ended up getting the Mamaroo [because I got a STEAL of a deal on it] because I loved the look of it.  When Mateo was really tiny and sleeping all the time, this thing was nice for swaying/vibrating naps.  Not $200 nice though. 

MamaRoo by 4Moms

I really think a swing that has more movement would be a better investment.  Something like the Fisher Price Cradle n Swing.  When we went to San Diego, Ernesto's sister had this and Mateo loved it.  He was kicking around and having a good time.  If he was awake in the Mamaroo, he was bored.

You may want to put music/white noise for your baby.  The Ipod app White Noise Ambience is awesome.  There are 12 sounds you can play...for free.  My favorites are forest dawn (birds), evening twilight (crickets) and restaurant chatter. 

A friend recommended Baby 411 and I have found this book extremely helpful/interesting.  Of course there are many good ones out there. 

 
Clothes go on the list without saying.  So many cute things, so just have fun with it.  The only thing I might suggest is getting some of the side snap newborn shirts.  They are easier to get on baby vs. going over his head, great for layering and won't rub on umbilical cord. 

Also don't forget about yourself.  All I wore for a few months were these Targets nursing tank tops.  So comfortable.

Hope this helps some of you out there.  Im sure I forgot something, (experienced moms??) but you will figure it out once baby has arrived.  You can't be 100% prepared for everything....so why try?!  That's my motto!

Obsessed: Boon Products

Is this not the coolest highchair? 

Boon Highchair

I knew when I first saw it that Mateo had to have it! A big thanks go out to our friends Richard & Floyd for gifting Mateo this beautiful chair!  Im really excited for him to use it!

It has great reviews for being sturdy, easy to clean, and stylish of course!  Another plus is that the adjustable height allows it to be used for a longer time.   The first Boon product I bought was this cute countertop drying rack [from Target] and I have been so happy with it. As far as clutter on the counter goes, this is something I won't have to justify to my sister.  (she's is 100% anti-clutter)

Boon Drying Rack

After that I was hooked.  I kept seeing random Boon products at TJMaxx and Marshalls at a fraction of the cost (compared to Amazon) and I now I have a whole collection of modern baby dining ware.

Boon Fluid

Boon Snack Ball

Boon Benders Utencils

Boon Plate Set

Spill Catcher Bowl

You know TJMaxx is my favorite store right? (that includes Marshalls and Homegoods too)
Do you guys shop there?  What has been your best find?

Stroller, Bassinet and Carset: Check!

Just a couple more days before baby arrives! We tried to get the apartment cleared out a bit more this weekend.   It is going to be just fine in our little place.

Remember a while ago, I bought the Arm's Reach Co-sleeper?  Well, I returned it.
Instead, I bought this little bassinet for $50 [on Craigslist]  and put it next to the bed. 

It comes with a moses basket [within the bassinet] and think it will work out great.  It will be nice to have something portable.  When I go to a friends house or for an overnight trip, this will be perfect.  Either bed would only last the baby a few months, so price, size and portability all played a part in my decision.  I am planning to change the fabric and add some memory foam to the bottom for added comfort. 

As far as a full size crib, I am still getting one.  I thought I was decided on the Baby Mod crib but I couldn't get this one out of my head.

I have always liked the Jenny Lind crib classic style.  It has a vintage feel and once I add some modern fabric, I think it is going to look fabulous! As it turns out it's delivery has been delayed until October. (Come on Target!)

Ernesto moved one of our leather chairs into the bedroom where I can relax and feed the baby.  It is not a rocker, but will have to do. 

Between Amazon, Target and Babies R Us, we have been receiving packages with baby supplies in the mail everyday.  We are saving all the boxes in the garage in hopes that we will be moving into a house someday soon.

After the xmas lighting season, we will say goodbye to my trusty Saab and buy a new car.  Dare I say...a "family car?" (Im not talking mini-van folks, because that would be way to practical for me, plus I have made fun of them for years so I just couldn't)  In the mean time, Ernesto cleaned up my car and fixed a few [of the many] things that have been broken for a long time.  He also detailed the inside.  I was flabbergasted by what a difference it made.  Who would've known that a clean car is much more enjoyable to drive. Ha! 

The car seat has been installed.  Ernesto read the manual AND looked up a video online to make sure it is installed correctly.  It is really important to get that double checked and make sure it is secure.  

We also picked up our BOB Revolution Stoller from REI.  How am I so excited about a stroller?!  I could push (and steer) this thing with one finger.  It is the perfect stroller for our walking/running lifestyle.  I plan on taking walks with the baby daily and with the uneven pavement, trails and brick sidewalks outside our door, this will do the trick! 

Because infants are not able to sit in these strollers for several months, we bought the converter piece for our  Chicco KeyFit car seat to sit inside the stroller.

The papi-to-be is very handy and had everything together in a matter of minutes.  Since we plan on walking to the hospital to have the baby, we may even use this to bring baby home.

As soon as I give the word, my  parents are hopping on a plane and coming down to stay with us and meet their newest grandchild.  My sister and brother-in-law will head down a few days after!  Everyone says to accept all the help you can get at the beginning, and I have NEVER been one to turn it down.   It's funny because in my head I am thinking, "Oh yay, my family is coming to visit, we are going to have so much fun."  I know I just can't fathom how tired I am going to be.  I don't think we will be able to sit up late laughing and playing cards every night...or will we**?
** I am not THAT naive.

Making Room for Baby

Happy Monday everyone!  This weekend was pretty great! How was yours? We strolled around Grant Park with some friends for the Summer Shade Festival Saturday morning and then Sunday had a beautiful brunch with our new supper club couples! 

After the realization set in that [barring a miracle] we will be in this apartment for baby's arrival, we got started purging and organizing all of our stuff.  We already had much of it packed and ready to go to the "new house," and we didn't feel like unpacking it. We had been living in this clutter for two weeks.

You can see there is just some random stuff left on our shelves and then stacks of tubs that have now gone to storage.  Our apartment already feels better/bigger.  The walk in closet and our huge armoire were cleaned out and now have lots of room for baby stuff. 

I washed a bunch of the baby clothes, they are so darn cute!

In other news, since we are just 3 1/2 weeks away from my due date, (I still can't believe this!) Ernesto and I figured we better start reading up on childbirth.  Ha!  Actually, I have read quite a bit online, but I always jump around to different topics.  I wanted a book that really explains all the different stages of the birthing process.  The Borders by our place is going out of business, so the selection is not the best, but I did find a book that I like: Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide.

What I like is that the book goes into great detail on the actual childbirth (cesarean too) and is not biased to using an epidural or going natural.   I haven't written a birth plan.  (come on, are you surprised?)  I  am approaching this pregnancy considering a natural childbirth but open to using drugs if needed.  My friend Aileen got me a book called Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth.  It is very highly recommended and has a ton of birth stories (mostly natural).  I am anxious to read this, and see if it gives me the confidence it gave Aileen.  (She gave birth in her home with a midwife...uh, I will never be that brave!)

Ernesto got a book called Fathers & Babies.  It has pictures.  He is all set.

We did the usual grazing round at Whole Foods and sat down with our new books to get educated.

{Ernesto wanted me to mention that we are "shiny" because we were just outside walking in 97 degree heat. He is worried about looking dirty. Don't judge!}

We also started painting the armoire.
As you can see we are going with the turquoise.  I was pretty sure I was going to paint it yellow, but then Ernesto surprised me one day by painting half of it when I was working....with the turquoise.  It's better he just made an executive decision.  I like it...and it's almost finished.  Ill post a pic soon.

We did look at quite a few houses this past week too.  There is no shortage of homes for sale, we just need to find THE ONE!  Wish us luck!

More Baby Gear

I feel like the luckiest pregnant girl ever!  Besides feeling like a million bucks for the last 8 months, I had not one, but two baby showers and everyone was so generous!  Besides all of the baby gear I received at my Ohio baby shower, I have a ton of gift cards from my San Diego baby shower, and have enough to buy everything I need for baby.
While my mom was here last week [for our house closing that didn't happen] we went to Babies R Us to do some shopping.

As it turns out, I was not really ready to commit to the "big stuff."  Maybe part of this is that we are not in a house yet, but really I think the problem is that I am a chronic bargain hunter.  I search craigslist  [like it is my job] for furniture and baby stuff and now I am finding it hard to buy some things brand new when I know I can get it lightly used for less than half price.   

Do any of you moms out there feel this way?

I realize that because I have gift cards, Im not really spending money out of my own pocket,  [and that is why I was given them] but I would still like to spend wisely.  Purposefully.  Baby supplies are used for such a short time, it seems silly to buy everything brand new.

Despite all this, I picked up the Arm's Reach Co-sleeper with one of my gift cards.  (I may still buy one used and return this, but I felt I had to buy SOMETHING since we drove all the way to the store.  The only other things I bought were Dr. Brown's bottles, sheets and some storage baskets.)  It has great reviews and is cute to boot!  I will also buy a good little mattress to go inside as the one it comes with is pretty thin.

We are planning to keep baby by our bedside at the beginning because we will have an influx of guests and would like to let them have a room with adjoining bath for their stay.  Plus, I like the idea of being able to check on the baby/feed without getting out of bed at night. 

I can't shake the feeling that I overpaid for this bassinet, but on the other hand I have gotten so many bargains elsewhere that it balances out!  For example, I bought this Turquoise Bumbo Seat for $3 at a local thrift shop.  This sells for $40 elsewhere!  Many mothers have raved over this, while others claim it is a waste of money and you only end up using it for a few weeks.   I don't think I could regret spending $3, even if I only use it for one week!

More Bargains
Have you guys ever heard of Scoutmob?  It is a discount program similar to Groupon in that you recieve daily "deals" through email or your smart phone.  Unlike Groupon though, you don't have to put any money up front, you can simply go to the restaurant/store and use the 50% off deal by showing the coupon on your phone to the cashier.  (We use it a lot when we go out to eat!)

About a month ago B. Braithwaite had an offer for 50% off one item in their store.  B. Braithwaite is a beautiful, high end baby boutique in West Midtown.   I had been in there before, and I love what they carry, but it is out of my price range.  With the coupon though I was able to get a deal.  I bought the ERGO baby Carrier for half off!  This carrier comes highly recommended from a couple mommy friends and I think it will be a great alternative to the stroller when Ernesto and I are out and about.  

I also registered for the 100% cotton Moby Wrap carrier and my sweet cousin sent it to me a couple weeks ago. (Thanks Laura!)  I remember seeing many moms walking around art shows wearing their babies in it.  I thought it was so unique and stylish, like a cute wrap shirt.  There are several ways to tie it and I have read that it takes some practice, but I am excited about trying it out.  I envision myself wearing the little one around the house so I can have my hands free.

The other day Ernesto and I drove 25 miles north of Atlanta to check out this warehouse in Duluth. They sell a myriad of goods wholesale, on ebay and on craigslist, which is where I found out about it.  I saw an add for the BOB Revolution Stroller for just $279!  (Yes, still expensive, but a bargain compared to the $450 they want on Amazon)   As it turns out, the guy was out of them and is expecting another shipment in a couple weeks.  He took my name/phone number and promised he will set one aside for me! Yeah!!! 


The warehouse is HUGE and not organized in the least.  I love searching for a gem [which is why I love Tjmaxx, thrift stores and yard sales.]  When I find a good deal, it's a rush! My digging paid off and I found this Mamaroo Swing which sells on Amazon for $198.   I paid $40!

Supposedly the Cadillac of baby swings, this thing has great reviews.  It can move in three directions: back and forth, side to side and up and down.  Additionally, the MamaRoo can emulate five kinds of motion, [including car ride and a kangaroo] and has different sounds, one being ocean waves and white noise.  Alternatively you can plug your ipod in for your choice of music.  The colors are not my top choice, but for $40 bucks I couldn't pass it up.

I also got this awesome  Skip Hop Diaper Bag  [that retails for $70] for only $2!! The strap tore off one side and needs sewn back on, but otherwise it is perfect!  I love that it looks like a purse. 

I haven't bought the crib yet, but I am leaning toward the Jenny Lind because I love the vintage look and the storage possibilities underneath.  I like both the white and the ebony...hmmmm.

There is a huge sale starting today on baby/kids stuff in Atlanta called Kidsignments.
The bi-annual sale is held in 2 separate buildings and the local news has been reporting live all morning.  (Apparently a very big deal) It is only held twice a year and people were waiting for hours in line to get in when it opened at 10 am.  Although it is probably 30-40 north of me, Im sure it would be worth my drive.  Ill have to make a list of what I still need and make the trek.  Ill let you know what I score!