Well yesterday started the Flats & Handwashing Challenge and we accomplished our first day totally fine!
I wasn't feeling any type of fancy folds, even though I know how to do them just fine. Since yesterday was major laundry dry, I just picked to padfold and we went through 6 diapers. Totally normal for us. For nighttime, I padfolded two flats with a preemie prefold in the middle of them under a Bummis SWW!
With the challenge, you can only have 5 covers.. too bad my covers aren't dry right now because its chilly out and its just not drying fast in my bathroom. I actually used 5 covers, I have no idea why I did that. I just did. So I am using a Thirsties cover until they dry.
I love this challenge. Handwashing is totally easy to do!
First, I run water in the tub and rinse the flats.. just run water over and wring them out. Then, I put some water in the tub, stop the drain and put some Tide in the water and let them sit a bit.. move them in circles a bit. Then, drain the water and rise again. Probably took me like 10 minutes total. Hanging to dry is the hardest for me because my bathroom is tiny. If it was nice out, they would be on the line and they dry super fast in the wind.
As I was washing the diapers last night, I was reminded of this article I read lately that stated that since the economy has gone down, parents are having a terrible time affording diapers. People actually reuse disposable diapers. I find it sickening. I understand that times are tough.. but in my eyes, parenting comes with responsibility. Even if you don't want to cloth diaper and don't want to have to handwash the diapers.. we have a responsibility that comes with parenting. Disposable diapers are a luxury if you can afford to use them, if not, then they shouldn't even be a option. The responsibility of a parent is to diaper the child in a proper way. I am sure doctors would say that it is unsanitary to reuse disposable diapers and the rashes that will come from it will probably be painful for the baby. I can afford disposable diapers, but I don't like them. They smell like chemicals, they give rashes, they are terrible for the environment, and cost too much for something that gets thrown away.
I hope that someone who reads this or any of the other blogs that are linking up for the challenge and realize their are alternatives.
A set of flats, 12, is about $30, depending on where you get them from. But, some of the best flats are flour sacks that you can get at Target or Walmart, or the ikea burp cloths are huge and often used as diapers. Receiving blankets are commonly used, I have used them. The burp cloths that are given at the hospital to use, at least in my area, are cloth diapers. Covers can be cheap, especially previously used. Amazon sells Dappi covers which are very cheap.
We are parents have a responsibility. Diapering is one of them.
We are onto our second day, so I will update later!
Showing posts with label Cloth Diapers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cloth Diapers. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Friday, November 5, 2010
Benefits of Cloth
In light of the whole CBS cloth scandal that they brought upon themselves because of lack of information, I wanted to make a little post about CDing and my experience so far.
Cloth diapering has been the best parenting decision so far. Well, one of them. I personally love cloth diapers and I love seeing her cute butt in cloth. Its so adorable. But, besides the total cute factor, there are REAL benefits to cloth diapers.
Saving money! Who really doesn't like to save money? I might not be saving now because I am buying tons of cute diapers lol but really, it is very very easy to save money with cloth. Super easy. Prefolds and flats are the most cost effective option and while they seem hard, they truly are not. Even so, a stash of just pockets, AIOs would save money if the average family spends $2,500 on disposable diapers per family!
Do you remember the Pampers Dry Max scandal? When those poor poor babies had CHEMICAL burns on their butts?! Yeah. That doesn't happen with cloth. How could it? There aren't any chemicals in cloth!
Speaking of that, rashes are far less frequent with cloth than with disposables. Caelyn has rarely had rashes. She might get a bit red but it tends to be from being in sposies and even if she is red, a couple hours in flats cure it - air circulation!
I won't even get into how long it takes to decompose a disposable diaper, but I do want you to think about what chemicals go into making disposable diapers. They are made with plastic, wood pulp and all kinds of poly chemicals, some of which have been linked to infertility. I encourage you to do research and decide if putting those chemicals near your baby is worth it.
I never want to push someone into something, especially cloth. But, there are amazing benefits to this! I urge you all to do research. Go to diaperswappers.com and talk to the lovely ladies who will help you make up a stash for your baby. Go to diaperpin.com and read reviews on kinds of diapers. If in the end you decide it isn't right for you, then you did the research and maybe even tried. It is better than the biased opinion from CBS.
Cloth diapering has been the best parenting decision so far. Well, one of them. I personally love cloth diapers and I love seeing her cute butt in cloth. Its so adorable. But, besides the total cute factor, there are REAL benefits to cloth diapers.
Saving money! Who really doesn't like to save money? I might not be saving now because I am buying tons of cute diapers lol but really, it is very very easy to save money with cloth. Super easy. Prefolds and flats are the most cost effective option and while they seem hard, they truly are not. Even so, a stash of just pockets, AIOs would save money if the average family spends $2,500 on disposable diapers per family!
Do you remember the Pampers Dry Max scandal? When those poor poor babies had CHEMICAL burns on their butts?! Yeah. That doesn't happen with cloth. How could it? There aren't any chemicals in cloth!
Speaking of that, rashes are far less frequent with cloth than with disposables. Caelyn has rarely had rashes. She might get a bit red but it tends to be from being in sposies and even if she is red, a couple hours in flats cure it - air circulation!
I won't even get into how long it takes to decompose a disposable diaper, but I do want you to think about what chemicals go into making disposable diapers. They are made with plastic, wood pulp and all kinds of poly chemicals, some of which have been linked to infertility. I encourage you to do research and decide if putting those chemicals near your baby is worth it.
I never want to push someone into something, especially cloth. But, there are amazing benefits to this! I urge you all to do research. Go to diaperswappers.com and talk to the lovely ladies who will help you make up a stash for your baby. Go to diaperpin.com and read reviews on kinds of diapers. If in the end you decide it isn't right for you, then you did the research and maybe even tried. It is better than the biased opinion from CBS.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
I Have Been Thinking..
I spend a lot of time thinking lately. That sounds strange, but I do. I love to sit and sew cloth wipes (that I sell or trade) and as I play with my sewing machine, I think. This time is usually either late at night or during nap periods. Its one of my favorite times.
This may seem weird, but follow my train of thought, or pretend you can.
I think that living simple is better. I used to dream about all the modern thing I could have and would have. When I found out I was pregnant, trust me, I would never have thought about cloth diapering, babywearing, going green, or anything. I wanted all the modern, cool things. As much as I love some modern baby items (come on, Boon puts out some really cool things), I realize... is modern any better than traditional?
My family sometimes jokes with me that I've gone "old-school" or basically gone back in time with my parenting style. Maybe I have. I can tell you that I am different than anyone else I know.
Disposable diapers have become the norm, when long ago, they were not. Cloth diapers were something that would be seen in every neighborhood. Long ago when my great-grandparents were little, if you walked through a neighborhood, I bet almost everyhouse would have a clothes line with cloth diapers out to dry.
I believe there is something beautiful and nostalgic about line drying clothes. I do it and love it. I hope the passer-bys see them from the road. My backyard is hidden, but I love doing so.
Babywearing is definitely one of the oldest things in the book. I can guarantee you that Mary wore Jesus. It was the norm. But, with the development of strollers, babywearing was put aside. There is something so beautiful about a mother wearing her child, whether it be in a SSC like the Ergo, or a simple ringsling or wrap. Its the closeness to the parent that the child loves and is comforted by.
Caelyn is adjusting to babywearing. At first, she seemed to not like it, but now? She settles right in for a stroll on mommy.
I remember reading a study that said that babies in tribes that the mom wears the baby... they cry less.
Nowadays, you get that stupid, if you hold or carry your child too much, they will be spoiled. Who cares? My daughter is spoiled and I don't care. She is so precious to me.
So, where am I going with this?
I really have no idea. No, I do but how do I explain it to you?
Are times better now than they used to be? I would say yes and no from a mothers standpoint. Technology has bettered our lives for sure, but with that came the need for convenience. With that, came the destruction of families.
Fastfood chains led to dinners not being around the table. I really believe that is something that effected the rise in divorce rates.
Convenience led to disposable diapers which I could get on my soapbox and tell you why those are not good, but lets leave it at..... they suck.
I have rambled long enough. Sometimes I need a post like this.. when my random thoughts, even if they make no sense when written out, are spilled out for you to read.
Parenthood changes you. I have changed my views on almost everything. I am thankful God has led me down this path. I believe its the best for me and my family. I am thankful Robert allows me to lead us down this path and supports me.
I hope one day Caelyn brings up her little ones with cloth diapers and wears them in carriers.
This may seem weird, but follow my train of thought, or pretend you can.
I think that living simple is better. I used to dream about all the modern thing I could have and would have. When I found out I was pregnant, trust me, I would never have thought about cloth diapering, babywearing, going green, or anything. I wanted all the modern, cool things. As much as I love some modern baby items (come on, Boon puts out some really cool things), I realize... is modern any better than traditional?
My family sometimes jokes with me that I've gone "old-school" or basically gone back in time with my parenting style. Maybe I have. I can tell you that I am different than anyone else I know.
Disposable diapers have become the norm, when long ago, they were not. Cloth diapers were something that would be seen in every neighborhood. Long ago when my great-grandparents were little, if you walked through a neighborhood, I bet almost everyhouse would have a clothes line with cloth diapers out to dry.
I believe there is something beautiful and nostalgic about line drying clothes. I do it and love it. I hope the passer-bys see them from the road. My backyard is hidden, but I love doing so.
Babywearing is definitely one of the oldest things in the book. I can guarantee you that Mary wore Jesus. It was the norm. But, with the development of strollers, babywearing was put aside. There is something so beautiful about a mother wearing her child, whether it be in a SSC like the Ergo, or a simple ringsling or wrap. Its the closeness to the parent that the child loves and is comforted by.
Caelyn is adjusting to babywearing. At first, she seemed to not like it, but now? She settles right in for a stroll on mommy.
I remember reading a study that said that babies in tribes that the mom wears the baby... they cry less.
Nowadays, you get that stupid, if you hold or carry your child too much, they will be spoiled. Who cares? My daughter is spoiled and I don't care. She is so precious to me.
So, where am I going with this?
I really have no idea. No, I do but how do I explain it to you?
Are times better now than they used to be? I would say yes and no from a mothers standpoint. Technology has bettered our lives for sure, but with that came the need for convenience. With that, came the destruction of families.
Fastfood chains led to dinners not being around the table. I really believe that is something that effected the rise in divorce rates.
Convenience led to disposable diapers which I could get on my soapbox and tell you why those are not good, but lets leave it at..... they suck.
I have rambled long enough. Sometimes I need a post like this.. when my random thoughts, even if they make no sense when written out, are spilled out for you to read.
Parenthood changes you. I have changed my views on almost everything. I am thankful God has led me down this path. I believe its the best for me and my family. I am thankful Robert allows me to lead us down this path and supports me.
I hope one day Caelyn brings up her little ones with cloth diapers and wears them in carriers.
Friday, June 4, 2010
We Made the Switch
So, until recently, we had been a pocket and AIO type family when it came to cloth diapering. We were using Flips, Coolababy, and Fuzzibunz primarily. Robert is a fan of the Flips; I preferred pockets.
Well, I have been in a FIERCE battle with ammonia smell. I have tried EVERYTHING. I stripped with Dawn and washed probably 7-8 HOT rinses - no suds. I stripped with bleach (yes I know but I had to). I even boiled the damn things!
My water bill is going to hit the roof (I'm not telling Robert about my experiments!).
But still, no matter what water cycle I use, how many rinses, and detergent changes have fixed my ammonia smell.
I'm beginning to wonder if its just Caelyn's pee. I wonder this because I had bought new diapers - after one wash, the ammonia smell was there. It didn't have enough time for detergent build up.
But, I also figured that, even though the microfiber really really absorbed greatly, it probably absorbed the smell worse.
So, we have made the switch to prefolds and covers. I thought it would be hard, but I should have known that they wouldn't be. We still use flips, though I like prefolds in them.
I'm hoping that the covers and prefolds will make laundry day less worse.
I do need some advice though, so any suggestions? I have tried EVERYTHING. I use Hard Rock RNG. I've tried Thirsties pre-wash and super wash. I've tried vinegar. WTF?!?!
Well, I have been in a FIERCE battle with ammonia smell. I have tried EVERYTHING. I stripped with Dawn and washed probably 7-8 HOT rinses - no suds. I stripped with bleach (yes I know but I had to). I even boiled the damn things!
My water bill is going to hit the roof (I'm not telling Robert about my experiments!).
But still, no matter what water cycle I use, how many rinses, and detergent changes have fixed my ammonia smell.
I'm beginning to wonder if its just Caelyn's pee. I wonder this because I had bought new diapers - after one wash, the ammonia smell was there. It didn't have enough time for detergent build up.
But, I also figured that, even though the microfiber really really absorbed greatly, it probably absorbed the smell worse.
So, we have made the switch to prefolds and covers. I thought it would be hard, but I should have known that they wouldn't be. We still use flips, though I like prefolds in them.
I'm hoping that the covers and prefolds will make laundry day less worse.
I do need some advice though, so any suggestions? I have tried EVERYTHING. I use Hard Rock RNG. I've tried Thirsties pre-wash and super wash. I've tried vinegar. WTF?!?!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Coolababy Diapers
So, in my quest and adventure of starting to cloth diaper, I have been trying a lot of diapers. So far, my opinions on what I've tried.....
Flips = awesome! I've had no leaks, I love the inserts - I use them for tons of other diapers. Basically, awesome.
Fuzzi Bunz = awesome also! My only worry is that it will be too hot in the summer. They are thick with fleece, but GREAT for nighttime.
Rainshine Designs = nice. I've had some leaks but I think it is because I haven't found the right insert to use yet. This are made by a WAHM. Mine is bright yellow on the outside with a... hot pink JERSEY inside. I love that because it really makes this breathable. I really think everyone should try them. The benefit? You can completely customize them. There is a huge selection of outside prints and inside fabrics plus the color snaps. Its a custom diaper!
Kookabum = a no go. Luckily I bought this on diaperswappers.com. I HATE THE INSIDE FABRIC! I like the outside fabric, but I won't use it. Maybe it was just this one, but I don't like it at all.
Baby Kicks Bumboo Pocket = I like this but it doesn't fit Caelyn right. I wish it did. I love that they are made from all natural fibers and it is soo soft inside. Idk if I am going to sell it or keep it in hopes that it will fit later.
gDiapers = Ok. I've had leaks, but I think I need new liners. I like the fabric on the outside, its cotton and feels like normal underwear. The liner design is kinda strange. I like the velcro on the back, but I don't like velcro. Maybe snaps would be better? They are my go-to when we are doing laundry!
Last but now least...
Coolababy = great! I bought diaper on diaperswappers.com for $9 and I love it. Its made in China and you can buy them in ebay. They are very cheap compared to most other brands. We've had no leaks, I love the colors that they come in and they are "cool" on her. For the price that they are, I would suggest everyone to try them. They are pockets, and I'm find the pocket love!
Some people are anti buying things from China, but honestly, everything nowadays is made in China and for the price they are.. well I definitely am going to buy a few more!
Have you ever tried Coolababy? If so, what did you think of them?
Speaking of awesome diapers, don't forget to check out my Nifty Nappy Cloth Diaper Review & Giveaway!!!
Flips = awesome! I've had no leaks, I love the inserts - I use them for tons of other diapers. Basically, awesome.
Fuzzi Bunz = awesome also! My only worry is that it will be too hot in the summer. They are thick with fleece, but GREAT for nighttime.
Rainshine Designs = nice. I've had some leaks but I think it is because I haven't found the right insert to use yet. This are made by a WAHM. Mine is bright yellow on the outside with a... hot pink JERSEY inside. I love that because it really makes this breathable. I really think everyone should try them. The benefit? You can completely customize them. There is a huge selection of outside prints and inside fabrics plus the color snaps. Its a custom diaper!
Kookabum = a no go. Luckily I bought this on diaperswappers.com. I HATE THE INSIDE FABRIC! I like the outside fabric, but I won't use it. Maybe it was just this one, but I don't like it at all.
Baby Kicks Bumboo Pocket = I like this but it doesn't fit Caelyn right. I wish it did. I love that they are made from all natural fibers and it is soo soft inside. Idk if I am going to sell it or keep it in hopes that it will fit later.
gDiapers = Ok. I've had leaks, but I think I need new liners. I like the fabric on the outside, its cotton and feels like normal underwear. The liner design is kinda strange. I like the velcro on the back, but I don't like velcro. Maybe snaps would be better? They are my go-to when we are doing laundry!
Last but now least...
Coolababy = great! I bought diaper on diaperswappers.com for $9 and I love it. Its made in China and you can buy them in ebay. They are very cheap compared to most other brands. We've had no leaks, I love the colors that they come in and they are "cool" on her. For the price that they are, I would suggest everyone to try them. They are pockets, and I'm find the pocket love!
Some people are anti buying things from China, but honestly, everything nowadays is made in China and for the price they are.. well I definitely am going to buy a few more!
Have you ever tried Coolababy? If so, what did you think of them?
Speaking of awesome diapers, don't forget to check out my Nifty Nappy Cloth Diaper Review & Giveaway!!!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Nifty Nappy Review & Giveaway!
GIVEAWAY CLOSED
I want you all to meet Vilate, from Nifty Nappy. Vilate nicely sent me one of her wonderful diapers to review. Let me start by saying I contacted Vilate way back when I was first starting to cloth diaper. Ok, that wasn’t too long ago. I asked for samples. I had no idea cloth diapers didn’t have samples, so funny of me! I mean, other diapers had samples! Anyway, we started to talk and she answered tons of questions for me. Thank God for her or I might still be lost!
I was sent a Peachy Keen pocket, a Nifty Nappy fitted, and a pair of wool knickers. I loved them at first sight! I first tried the peachy keen pocket because I am most familiar with pockets. What makes this pocket better, in my opinion, than most is that the PUL is on the inside! Not against the skin though, the fabric goes from outside to inside… Fabric print, PUL, insert, and fleece against their butts. Perfect! Many people have problems with pockets because the PUL separates from the fabric and you wind up with holes. Well, this fixes this problem! They fit Caelyn nicely. I find them to be very trim compared to other pockets I have tried with a low-rise fit which definitely makes them onesies and even jean worthy! She had no saggy butt, but a true “fluffy” bum! I tried the pocket at night with one of my hemp doublers and no leaks.
Next, we tried the fitted and wool knickers. I have been very skeptical about wool because just the word wool sounds hot to me! Surprisingly, I put them on her and it was about 70 degrees outside and she didn’t feel hot to me at all! I was super surprised. They are so soft. They are handmade out of recycled sweaters, which I think is awesome because I’m all about secondhand and recycled items. The fitted fits like a glove! I love the print; the colors are so bright and eye-catching. The insert was very soft against Caelyn’s little butt. The insert is organic and is made from bamboo and hemp. I tried it in one of my pocket diapers and it worked great there too. It absorbs very, very well! The wool never felt wet – I am just amazed by this.
After trying Nifty Nappy’s diapers in my rotation for 5 days, I have to say that they are very well made! The stitching is fabulous. They fit well. I think everyone needs to try out one of the Nifty Nappy’s awesome diapers. I didn’t have many issues with this diaper. At first I had to adjust to only have one row of snaps which I am used to two rows. This was just a learning curve on my end. I can’t think of any cons to tell you all about. These are well made diapers.
I love buying diapers from WAHMs especially because they can be truly customized. Nifty Nappy has a huge amount of prints to pick from. The wool is made by order with your child’s measurements. All of the diapers are one-sized, which I prefer. Perfect! Nifty Nappys are great cloth diapers– I can’t wait to get more! The Nifty Nappy sells for for $22, as does the Peachy Keen Pocket. Wool varies from $20 - $25!
Giveaway: Nifty Nappy is offering a $35 gift certificate to one of my followers!
Mandatory Entry: Go to Nifty Nappy and leave a comment suggesting a fabric print that they don't have - Help her come up with new ideas!
Extra Entries: leave a separate comment for each of these!
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Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each one and include your email address so I can contact the winner. Winner needs to be confirmed within 72hours or another winner will be picked!
Giveaway ends: May 25th, 2010 at 11:59PM.
(I was not compensated for this review. I was sent the items for review and these are my honest opinions)
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Ask the Mamas - Cloth Diapering During Hot Weather
With summer fast approaching and me new to cloth diapering, I have a question for all you cloth diapering moms - do your babies seem hotter with cloth diapers on?
I look at my cloth diapers, like my Fuzzi Bunz, which I love, but they are fleece and I keep thinking OMG her butt is going to be soooooooo warm. I constantly worry about her being hot actually. I hate to be hot, I hate to be cold but I pick cold over hot anyday.
I currently have in my stash: Flips, gDiapers (which I no longer like and only use if I have to - I get leaks every damn time thank god they were given to me!), coolababy, Rainshine Designs, Kookabum, and Fuzzi Bunz. I'm looking to try some more like Gro Baby, Thirsties Duo, and Bum Genius.
So, my question really is... how do you cloth diaper your baby during hot weather? I mean I know when it is hot she will be wearing less clothes, a lot of onesies, dresses, etc.. but still.. any suggestions and advice for me would be GREAT!
Friday, May 7, 2010
SAHMs - Changing Your Lifestyle.
Ok, so yesterday I told you all that all mom's CAN be a SAHM and I know you were all dying with anticipation, right?! Just say right haha. So here goes...
There really is no reason to have two incomes in a family. The problem comes when you live above what one income could afford. When a family has two incomes, they adjust to a higher living style. They buy more expensive things - it is just how it is. I think the biggest piece of advice I would give to any starting up family without kids is to expect the woman to want to be come a stay at home mom. If they buy a house and such that doesn't allow that, she won't have that option and it may really cause her to be unhappy. So, leave that option open
This starts when you buy a house. When you buy a house you need to make sure that you could make the payment with only one income. Also, is there a need for two cars? Generally, yes, but honestly, you can survive with one. Make sure the payments can be made with just one income.
Ok, so those are two big things that can help open up the option of being a SAHM. But, say that you already did those things, and you could make it on one income, but it would be really TIGHT and you're worried. What do you do then? I'll tell you! haha
As a SAHM, you will have extra time, maybe not a lot, but put down the blog or facebook for awhile haha.
You see, a lot of things that will save you money, take extra time. I know a lot of SAHMs who tell me that they worry about money but they refuse to do anything that would be a "pain in their butts" or take time away from something else.
Here is my list of ways to save money:
1. CLOTH DIAPER! I personally am just starting up so it is taking extra money now. The startup cost can be a bit higher, if you buy all brand new. DiaperSwappers.com is a great place to get gently used diapers. Just wash them up and they can be half the price of new ones! I won't buy anything with stains and most sellers tell you if there are stains. A family can spend around $800 per year per child in diapers. Spend $500 - this is brand new, you honestly can get a lot used for tons cheaper, and you are DONE! And they are reuseable for the next baby!
2. Use cloth wipes. I spent $6 on fabric and have made a bunch of cloth wipes. A simple wipe mixture is 2tbsp baby oil, 2tbsp baby wash and 2 cups water. Or, a lot of moms just use water and add soap if the baby really needs a cleaning, but i prefer that mixture! Wipes may seem cheap, but a family can use, on average, $100 a year on wipes. Go cloth!
3. Coupon. This takes time - I take about 2 hours a week on clipping, organizing, and matching sales. 2 hours?! Coupons can save a ton - honestly, there are tons of websites to teach you how to coupon correctly and I promise you will save money.
4. Create a stockpile of food of things your family eats alot or you use to cook with frequently. The grocery bill will go up at first, but then will go down drastically! My stockpile is sooo good that I spend on average $30 a week - which is meats, dairy stuff like eggs, deli meats and fruits/veggies. If something is low in my stockpile, I find some coupons for it, and get as many as I need.
5. Make your own baby food. It isn't hard. I have only made a little bit, but I can tell you I've already saved close to $20 and that adds up! It doesn't take a lot of time, effort, or money. Its great! Also, it is healthier for them. There are no preservatives in it or pesticides if you buy organic!
6. Check out yard sales, flea markets, and second hand stores. I don't always buy stuff from these places, but I like to check them out for cool decorations that I can redo cheaply and make my own. Its like an adventure. I love Once Upon A Child also. The toys are gently used that I can give a good cleaning and be great. Also, when babies are young, they go through so many clothes. This is the perfect place to get a lot of good play clothes that they can get dirty!
7. Ditch paper towels and napkins. Yup, I said that! Honestly, you don't need them and its just more waste for the landfills. Get some cheap towels at the dollar store to use for your cleaning. Get good dishtowels and rags for the kitchen. Get some fun fabric at a craft store and sew your own cloth napkins or buy some at Target or Wal-Mart. Wash them when they are dirty!
8. Make your own cleaning products. The products you buy in the store have a ton of harmful chemicals. Personally, I don't want Caelyn around those. I only use store bought cleaning products for the bathroom and those are still the "green" products that are out lately because of this go green movement. The best cleaning products are vinegar, baking soda, and lemons which can all be purchased for very cheap.
9. This is something I don't do which I regret.. BREASTFEED! Hello, this is free and the best thing you can do! I don't need to say much more about this!
10. Create a small vegetable/herb garden. This saves on the grocery bills, you can make healthy meals for your family and if you combine this and making your baby food... then your baby food is FREE and you know where it is coming from! How perfect is that?!
11. Cut back on your electric bill by line drying your clothes during nice weather. Plus, who doesn't love the smell of line dried clothes?!!?
See.. this is just a few things you can do. There are plenty more. You can save money, but it will take your time. I wish all women knew this because I wish all mothers could be SAHMs.
As I said yesterday, I consider myself a part-time SAHM, but I do everything I can to stretch the money that Robert makes. He works hard and I want to be able to get a lot from that money. So, I take the time to do extra laundry for her cloth diapers, I take time to coupon and everything else.
Also, if you cloth diaper and use cloth wipes, think about selling homemade cloth wipes and learn how to make cloth diapers. I myself am looking into doing this. This is a great way to bring money into your home and still be a SAHM!
I hope this helped someone!
There really is no reason to have two incomes in a family. The problem comes when you live above what one income could afford. When a family has two incomes, they adjust to a higher living style. They buy more expensive things - it is just how it is. I think the biggest piece of advice I would give to any starting up family without kids is to expect the woman to want to be come a stay at home mom. If they buy a house and such that doesn't allow that, she won't have that option and it may really cause her to be unhappy. So, leave that option open
This starts when you buy a house. When you buy a house you need to make sure that you could make the payment with only one income. Also, is there a need for two cars? Generally, yes, but honestly, you can survive with one. Make sure the payments can be made with just one income.
Ok, so those are two big things that can help open up the option of being a SAHM. But, say that you already did those things, and you could make it on one income, but it would be really TIGHT and you're worried. What do you do then? I'll tell you! haha
As a SAHM, you will have extra time, maybe not a lot, but put down the blog or facebook for awhile haha.
You see, a lot of things that will save you money, take extra time. I know a lot of SAHMs who tell me that they worry about money but they refuse to do anything that would be a "pain in their butts" or take time away from something else.
Here is my list of ways to save money:
1. CLOTH DIAPER! I personally am just starting up so it is taking extra money now. The startup cost can be a bit higher, if you buy all brand new. DiaperSwappers.com is a great place to get gently used diapers. Just wash them up and they can be half the price of new ones! I won't buy anything with stains and most sellers tell you if there are stains. A family can spend around $800 per year per child in diapers. Spend $500 - this is brand new, you honestly can get a lot used for tons cheaper, and you are DONE! And they are reuseable for the next baby!
2. Use cloth wipes. I spent $6 on fabric and have made a bunch of cloth wipes. A simple wipe mixture is 2tbsp baby oil, 2tbsp baby wash and 2 cups water. Or, a lot of moms just use water and add soap if the baby really needs a cleaning, but i prefer that mixture! Wipes may seem cheap, but a family can use, on average, $100 a year on wipes. Go cloth!
3. Coupon. This takes time - I take about 2 hours a week on clipping, organizing, and matching sales. 2 hours?! Coupons can save a ton - honestly, there are tons of websites to teach you how to coupon correctly and I promise you will save money.
4. Create a stockpile of food of things your family eats alot or you use to cook with frequently. The grocery bill will go up at first, but then will go down drastically! My stockpile is sooo good that I spend on average $30 a week - which is meats, dairy stuff like eggs, deli meats and fruits/veggies. If something is low in my stockpile, I find some coupons for it, and get as many as I need.
5. Make your own baby food. It isn't hard. I have only made a little bit, but I can tell you I've already saved close to $20 and that adds up! It doesn't take a lot of time, effort, or money. Its great! Also, it is healthier for them. There are no preservatives in it or pesticides if you buy organic!
6. Check out yard sales, flea markets, and second hand stores. I don't always buy stuff from these places, but I like to check them out for cool decorations that I can redo cheaply and make my own. Its like an adventure. I love Once Upon A Child also. The toys are gently used that I can give a good cleaning and be great. Also, when babies are young, they go through so many clothes. This is the perfect place to get a lot of good play clothes that they can get dirty!
7. Ditch paper towels and napkins. Yup, I said that! Honestly, you don't need them and its just more waste for the landfills. Get some cheap towels at the dollar store to use for your cleaning. Get good dishtowels and rags for the kitchen. Get some fun fabric at a craft store and sew your own cloth napkins or buy some at Target or Wal-Mart. Wash them when they are dirty!
8. Make your own cleaning products. The products you buy in the store have a ton of harmful chemicals. Personally, I don't want Caelyn around those. I only use store bought cleaning products for the bathroom and those are still the "green" products that are out lately because of this go green movement. The best cleaning products are vinegar, baking soda, and lemons which can all be purchased for very cheap.
9. This is something I don't do which I regret.. BREASTFEED! Hello, this is free and the best thing you can do! I don't need to say much more about this!
10. Create a small vegetable/herb garden. This saves on the grocery bills, you can make healthy meals for your family and if you combine this and making your baby food... then your baby food is FREE and you know where it is coming from! How perfect is that?!
11. Cut back on your electric bill by line drying your clothes during nice weather. Plus, who doesn't love the smell of line dried clothes?!!?
See.. this is just a few things you can do. There are plenty more. You can save money, but it will take your time. I wish all women knew this because I wish all mothers could be SAHMs.
As I said yesterday, I consider myself a part-time SAHM, but I do everything I can to stretch the money that Robert makes. He works hard and I want to be able to get a lot from that money. So, I take the time to do extra laundry for her cloth diapers, I take time to coupon and everything else.
Also, if you cloth diaper and use cloth wipes, think about selling homemade cloth wipes and learn how to make cloth diapers. I myself am looking into doing this. This is a great way to bring money into your home and still be a SAHM!
I hope this helped someone!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Cloth Diapering
Well, its pretty much official that I love cloth diapers! I mean, I'm not a HUGE fan of the whole poopy diapers, but I can live with it. What I do love...
- Knowing that once I have a big enough stash, I won't have to really buy too many diapers! I will continue to buy the flip disposable inserts which work for the flips and I also put them in the gdiaper that my friend gave me and I will have regular diapers here for when babysitters are here, which is maybe once or twice a week, so thats not a lot - maybe a small pack a month!
- That one day when I have another baby, these can be used on that baby too!
- Her little butt in these diapers! I told Robert that she has a "badonkadonk" butt in them - I love it.
The Flip diapers, if you haven't tried them, are awesome and super cheap compared to almost all of the other ones I have looked at. Diapers.com sells a day pack which has 2 covers and 6 inserts for $49 plus free shipping! The covers for the flip are made of PUL so its reuseable. The inserts?!Made of microfiber and a stay-dry type suede against her little butt. Her butt never feels damp.
The only complaint that I have seen about the diapers? Well some complain that poop sometimes doesn't stay on the insert and gets on the cover. It doesn't leak out tho. Its just that the insert isn't as wide as the cover. But, honestly, who cares? A regular diaper.. poop gets everywhere! At night, I doubled up the inserts and NO LEAKS!
Basically, I love cloth diapers thus far. I have Flips and gDiapers.. I need inserts for the gDiapers, currently I'm just using my disposable inserts with those. I don't want to use the ones that have to have covers over them - I feel like that would be too hot. Just my personal opinion I guess. Soooo I still want to try Grobaby and Fuzzibuni... any other suggestions?!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Ask the Mamas - Cloth Diapering
Ok cloth diapering moms, I need your help! We, well mostly I, have made the decision to go to cloth diapers. We are going to continue using regular diapers until we build up our stash, hopefully by middle of May - sidenote, I love how you can buy disposable inserts for the Flip diapers which are just as soft as the regular inserts, perfect for when she goes to my parents (who don't think I should CD) and when we go out. I'm ordering my next pack on Monday. I also want to try Grobaby and gDiapers.
Anyway, I have a few questions for you ladies, help me out?! haha
What kind of pail do you use, wet or dry? I feel like the dry will be stinkier but with the wet, its harder to bring downstairs and won't it get mildew on it or something weird? I'm thinking of keeping a smaller pail upstairs in her room, then another pail downstairs by the washer and dryer. At the end of the day, I will bring them downstairs and maybe keep that the wet pail and a dry pail upstairs? Plus I can scrub the poopy ones with the sink downstairs. Good or bad idea?! HELP! haha
What kind of detergent do you use? I bought Purex Free and Clear. I like Purex, I use it for us. I know that I can't use fabric softener or dryer sheets.
What is your laundry routine? I hear alot of women do like two washes in the washer. I didn't with the first load I just did (haha only 8 items - a waste of water, even on a x-small setting) but I did one only because they had been soaking in cold water for a day.
I'm sure I will think of more later - help me out!
Anyway, I have a few questions for you ladies, help me out?! haha
What kind of pail do you use, wet or dry? I feel like the dry will be stinkier but with the wet, its harder to bring downstairs and won't it get mildew on it or something weird? I'm thinking of keeping a smaller pail upstairs in her room, then another pail downstairs by the washer and dryer. At the end of the day, I will bring them downstairs and maybe keep that the wet pail and a dry pail upstairs? Plus I can scrub the poopy ones with the sink downstairs. Good or bad idea?! HELP! haha
What kind of detergent do you use? I bought Purex Free and Clear. I like Purex, I use it for us. I know that I can't use fabric softener or dryer sheets.
What is your laundry routine? I hear alot of women do like two washes in the washer. I didn't with the first load I just did (haha only 8 items - a waste of water, even on a x-small setting) but I did one only because they had been soaking in cold water for a day.
I'm sure I will think of more later - help me out!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
We are going to try it!
So, the decision has been made - kind of. We are going to try cloth diapers. I am going to order a starter kit of Flip diapers that I found at Happy Baby Company.
We are only buying a small kit because I don't want to spend a bunch of money and not like it - if we do, we will buy more. I am sooooo excited to get to try these things.
Have any of you tried Flip Cloth Diapers? I've read great reviews, so I am hoping they will be good. I haven't ordered them yet, so if you have an suggestions, I will check those out first before ordering.
I soooo hope I love them! The only thing I am confused on is where to keep the soiled ones? In a bucket? Trashcan? What?! And what kind of laundry detergent? Any suggestions for me?!
We are only buying a small kit because I don't want to spend a bunch of money and not like it - if we do, we will buy more. I am sooooo excited to get to try these things.
Have any of you tried Flip Cloth Diapers? I've read great reviews, so I am hoping they will be good. I haven't ordered them yet, so if you have an suggestions, I will check those out first before ordering.
I soooo hope I love them! The only thing I am confused on is where to keep the soiled ones? In a bucket? Trashcan? What?! And what kind of laundry detergent? Any suggestions for me?!
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