Eco Baby Buzz Blog Has Moved December 31, 2008

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Please Support Our Natural Parenting Bloggers December 28, 2008

As I recently searched the net for other natural parenting bloggers, I found many interesting blogs with great posts. The problem was, that half of these blog posts were a couple of years old. It really saddens me to think that these bloggers were probally trying to become WAHM’s by earning some income from their blogs, and weren’t able to, so they quit.

Just think how many great articles and posts that could really help someone, that will not be written now. So, I would like to ask for those of you that are reading this, to please help support our natural parenting and other related bloggers so they can continue to write great blogs. This means you simply need to click on their adsense ads to help them generate a little bit of income. Then pass on the word to others about their great blogs and ask them to click on the adsense ads as well.

I do not have any adsense on this blog, but I do have some on my home site Eco Baby Buzz. I have made it a point to start clicking on other bloggers adsense in hopes of helping someone else out and maybe getting some good adsense karma along the way. I hope that some of you will do the same thing. We need to support each other in these hard times, and especially support others who are trying to educate and inform about natural parenting, green living, cloth diapering, etc. Thanks!

Breastfeeding is Best December 24, 2008

Breastfeeding has numerous advantages and is definitely the best choice for your beautiful newborn baby. Your breast milk will provide the perfect nutrients that are made just for your baby.

Breast milk has even been shown to help protect babies from illness. There have been several studies that have shown that breastfed infants have lower rates of ear infections, rashes, diarrhea, allergies, hospital admissions and other medical problems than infants that have been given formula.

As you may know, infant formula is made from cow’s milk, but you may not realize that formula does not contain the type of protein that is made in human milk, nor does it contain all of the nutrients that your baby needs. Formula lacks fatty acids for brain development, amino acids for central nervous system development, and the correct proportions of calcium and iron. Not to mention that many babies have trouble digesting the protein found in formula. And these are only a few of the many missing ingredients that aren’t found in formula, but are found in your breast milk.

One of the ways breastfeeding helps your child is that your antibodies are transferred from mother to baby. These antibodies help to protect your infant from diseases such as asthma & allergy, diabetes, childhood cancer, ear infections, urinary infections, sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory disease, and more. Almost 80% of the cells found in human milk protect against viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Breastfeeding also helps to promote a sense of security and a close bond with the mother. Unlike bottle feeding, a nursing mother is required to spend a great deal of time cuddling and holding her baby over the course of the day. Breastfeeding creates an attachment between mother and child that begins at birth.

Not to mention that breastfeeding can save you thousands of dollars on formula. When your baby is crying and needs to be fed, you will never have to worry about making a bottle, or even running to the store if your out. Breast milk is always ready and at your disposal. And every time you breast feed you are using up calories making it easier to lose weight postpartum.

When you make the decision to nurse your baby, there are a few things you should be aware of. Even though breastfeeding is indeed the most natural choice, it doesn’t always come naturally. You may experience some difficulties in the beginning, such as sore or cracked nipples, engorement, low milk supply or poor latch from your baby. Please don’t be discouraged. There are many wonderful resources out there, such as La Leche League, where you can find help with all these problems and more. And remember, with patience and practice, things will get better and you will have a deep connection with your breastfed baby.

After you give birth, it is best to place your newborn to your breast as soon as possible. Although you won’t be producing milk yet, you will be producing a wonderful substitute called colostrum. Colustrum otherwise know as “mother’s gold”, is high in protein, carbohydrates, and antibodies and is perfect for the first few days of your infants life. A newborn babe should be fed every 1 – 2 hours for the first few months, or you may even want to feed them “on demand” until they settle into more of a schedule on their own.

Whether you are a new parent, or an experienced parent, you will want to give your baby the very best. Breastmilk is one of the best ways  you can give to your new child the very best. It is made just for your baby and will make give her a head start on a healthy and happy life.

For more great articles and information on natural parenting topics, please go to Eco Baby Buzz!

Selling Diapers in This Economy December 23, 2008

With the way the economy is now days, it has become increasingly hard to sell your used diapers. I have witnessed Goodmama’s go from being sold used at $45  and unable to get from The Goodmama herself, to being able to go to the site and see pages of diapers just sitting there.

Muttaqin Baby, who would previously be sold out of diapers within hours, has lowered her prices of all her diapers by $5 or more. Diapers that had “hard to find” prints and were being sold for 30 some odd dollars are now being sold for $22 – $25. This was absolutely unheard of a few months ago.

With the way things were then, I was able to sell any of my diapers for almos the price I paid for them, because they were so highly sought, yet so hard to get. Now, with the ever declining economy, I can barely sell a Muttaqin Baby diaper for $10. Yes, $10! So, with that in mind, it is important to consider all this when you try to sell your diapers now.

If you want to sell a diaper now, that you paid $20 + for a few months ago, know that you will not be able to sell it for that much now. I recomend starting at a low price from the start. Otherwise you will find yourself slowly lowering the price until you can finally find a buyer.

If you have a diaper to sell that is not a popluar one, unfortunatly you will have to lower the price even more, no matter what you paid for it. Mama’s just don’t have the money to buy diapers anymore, or are switching to inexpensive diapers. Luckily there are always diapers that will sell, as long as the FSOT isn’t saturated with them.

So the one piece of advice I have for you is this, the lower the price, the faster it will sell. Lower your expectations on what you think you should get for your diapers (or wool for that matter). What was once worth everything you paid, is now worth less than half that price. And even with prices lowered, things are still sitting on FSOT for weeks.

In these hard times, you may even want to consider trading for other items you need. I have had some great trades myself. I have been able to trade some Muttaqin Baby diapers for recyled wool, knit wool, and mama pads. I am now in the works of selling an almost new serger for wool. Trading can be a great way to go!

I can only hope that the economy gets better for us all, and not because of the diaper situation. Hopefully with this new year and new president, things can slowly start getting better for us all!

Addicted To Cloth December 22, 2008

I have a serious addiction to cloth diapering. For those of you who do not use cloth diapers, or who do not have a serious shopping addiction, you may not understand this. i’m not sure if my addiction stems from my love of shopping or my need to enjoy something cute and fluffy. Whatever it is, I’m in deep.

When I find a diaper I love, I have to have more of them. Alot more. I have gone through spurts where I have a new favorite diaper every month. As you can imagine, that doesn’t help out my pocket book much. Thankfully, I take good care of my diapers and have been able to  sell them for close to what I paid for them. It has been quite a roller coaster ride though, and luckily I have convinced my husband that it’s ok!

It all started with Bumgenius. I tried them and a few other diapers, and decided that was the diaper – there was nothing better. So I started to grow my stash so I had enough diaper to last a few days and had all Bumgenius. I was quite happy with it like that for a few months. Then I couldn’t resist the urge to try something new. (I think that was about tax refund time) And that was when it was really all over. With a little money to play with, I quickly began changing up my stash, several times. Do you have any idea how many kinds of diapers there are out there? So many….. So I tried a bunch of the popular ones, switched from all pockets to prefolds to fitteds and then to fitteds and pockets. LOL.

I can say that I am mostly over my trying everything out phase. I pretty much have to be with the state of the economy anyway. I have found one type of fitted I love, and one type of pocket I love, and have built a nice stash with them. I am pretty happy. Except when my favorite WAHM puts out a new pretty batch of fluffies that I have to try to resist. Thats when I have to find something to sell so I can buy more!

I mean you should see these diapers! They are adorable! The prints are so cute, the diapers so soft! I love to wrap a new and soft diaper on my baby’s bum and know how nice it must feel against his skin. Such luxury! I wish I could have something so nice. I’m just glad that cloth diapering is something we can both enjoy. I wonder what he’ll think when he gets older and relizes all this?

Benefits of Baby Wearing December 21, 2008

Your baby spends nine months in your womb; the closest two people can be to each other. He feels the warmth of your body, hears your heart beating rhythmically, and is filled with the familiar smells of mommy. So it is only natural to mimic that closeness by using a baby carrier or sling with your sweet newborn baby. Baby wearing is not only good for newborns though. Its also good for older babies and toddlers, as well as for moms.

As A Lifestyle

With the many variety of baby carriers out these days, it is possible to find one that can suite your life and the stages of your child. When you are out at the store and your baby is crying to be held, when you are in desperate need of something to eat but your baby doesn’t want to be put down, when you are amongst strangers and your little one needs a little extra security – these are all perfect opportunities for  .

The closeness of having your baby snuggled into you, held securely with a sling or carrier, can help keep you in tune with her needs. Babies who are constantly kept close do not need to cry out as often to get attention – mommy is already right there. You will be more in tune when you baby is hungry or needs a diaper change and able to tend to those needs before your baby becomes upset.

It’s important for babies to have a trust and sense of security in the world. Being carried and held close often can bring that feeling to your baby. That trust will bring happiness and contentment to your little one. As your baby grows older, he will have an innate sense of security and love, which will help him become self-reliant and secure.

Baby wearing can be great for fathers too. There are many styles and prints that are geared towards dads to help get them into the baby wearing vibe. Many dads love to use baby carriers as a way to develop that same closeness that usually only mothers get. Your baby will become used to his voice, movements and heartbeat, forging a new kind of bond for the two of them.

Convenience is another reason many mothers choose to wear their baby. If you have an older child who needs your hands on attention, babywearing can keep you free to tend to them. Or if you need to move about the house to cook a meal or do a chore, wearing your baby will keep her safe and content while you go about your daily routines. The gentle rocking motion of your movements will keep her sleeping peacefully much longer than if you were to leave her alone.

As you baby becomes a toddler you do not need to put away your baby carrier. There are many carriers that are made to hold the weight of toddlers while giving your back a break. Your toddler will love to have the advantage of being held, giving him an adults eye view of the world and a secure place to retreat to when things become more than he can handle.

With the many different types of baby carriers out, you may find yourself with more than one. You may choose to have a sling for around the house and a backpack for outtings. You may want a wrap for your newborn and a structured carrier for your toddler. And with so many prints to choose from, you may want more just because you love the look. Babywearing can compliment your life and bring you closer to your child as well.

How To Have A ‘Green’ Christmas December 19, 2008

Living a green lifestyle doesn’t have to stop when it comes to the holidays. There are many ways in which you can extend that lifestyle into your family traditions and even the gifts you give. Here are some great ways to make your holidays green.

For Your Home

One of the best ways to go green this year is to start at the “root” of it. Instead of going out to a tree lot or Christmas tree farm, you can start a fun new family tradition with a potted or balled tree. You can start with a baby tree or go for a little bigger tree. Either way you can watch your beloved family Christmas tree grow every year, giving you many fun and happy memories to carry with you. The Original Living Christmas Tree has some great care instructions to help you keep your tree healthy.

Once you have your living tree in your home, make sure to decorate it with LED lights. LED lights last much longer, use 80 – 90% less power than regular lights and are cool to the touch so they won’t burn tiny hands (or mouths). Then you can create another great family tradition by making the ornaments for your tree. Many children have already begun making sweet little ornaments at school, and you can make more ornaments as a family using everyday items around the house, or from things found in nature. Things that can be fun to use are pine cones, pictures, old toys, toilet paper rolls…the possibilities are endless. And if your stuck for ideas, there are tons of sites on the web to help you with crafting your own ornaments! Just do a simple search.

Gift Giving

Going green with gift giving is super easy! You can make wreaths from discarded Christmas tree branches, make ornaments or bake cookies. You can also go green by buying locally made gifts, organic clothing, choosing gifts from recycled sources or that use recycled packaging, buying gifts that don’t require batteries, or gifts made from recycled products. Here is a fun site I found, and there are tons more! Gigglefish

Don’t forget to go green when wrapping those presents. There are many companies now making recycled wrapping paper. Or you can choose to use newspaper or paper bags for your gifts. I often save gift bags I get over the year to reuse them myself. Don’t forget to recycle or reuse any wrapping paper, gift bags, boxes and ribbons you get!

Christmas Dinner

Another great way to go natural is to buy an organic, free range turkey for your Christmas meal. You can pair it with fresh, organic vegetables and other organic sides. And for dessert you can use unrefined sugar and unbleached, organic flour. Luckily for me, I have a great store in my city that has tons of great products like this for pretty good prices.

With these simple ideas you will have a wonderful time creating wonderful new traditions for your family. Have a green & Merry Christmas!

How To Avoid Stains December 18, 2008

Imagine this: you get your beautiful new fluffies in the mail, all soft and smelling fresh. They are so nice you want to hug them or pet them or just put them on display. Of course you don’t, because you are so excited to use them. So you prep them right away and wrap that sucker on your baby’s bum. Then five minutes later, it happens. You feared it, but hoped it wouldn’t happen. Your baby poops in his brand new diaper! Oh, the horror …

This has happened to me many a time. I think babies must love new diapers as much as us mamas do, because they certainly seem to love to poop in them. It’s OK though. You don’t have to worry about that lovely new diaper staining. You can keep it pretty and new looking with a few tricks.

The first trick is to rinse or spray your diaper off soon after your baby poops. You can either just dunk it in the toilet or spray it with a diaper sprayer until most of the poop comes off. You can also use a wet pail method where you keep dirty diapers in a bucket of water with a bit of vinegar or baking soda in it. I have also used my washer as a sort of wet pail, putting dirty diapers in to soak and doing small loads of diapers daily.

Another trick is, if you can’t or don’t want to rinse or spray your diapers, or use some sort of wet pail, you can use Bac-Out to help combate stains. Bac-Out is a wonderful product that is made with natural live enzymes that is great for getting stains and odors out of your diapers. You can either squirt some in your pre-rinse during your wash routine or you can squirt some in and soak your diapers in it before wasing. Just remember that Bac-Out is concentrated, so a little goes a long way!

My last trick is one that I don’t really use, but it works well. Try using either a disposable or reusable liner. There are many disposable liners out and you can find them at most cloth diaper stores. Fleece liners are also great and can help keep your baby’s skin dry. You can also make your own fleece liners and save money. Just buy a 1/2 yard of fleece and cut them into diaper size strips. Then when your baby poops your diaper is saved from it and you can either throw away your liner or rinse it (or not) and it’s a super easy, no-mess solution.

If you use these tricks, you should have no problems with those nasty stains. You can keep your diapers lovely and clean looking for a long time!

For more information on cloth diapering, please go to www.ecobabybuzz.com for tons of articles, how to’s and more!

Dunking and Spraying December 17, 2008

One question I hear often from those new to cloth diapering is, do I need to dunk my dirty diapers in the toilet? Thankfully, the answer is ‘no’! Then the question that usually follows is, ‘if I don’t dunk, then what do I do?’ When I first started looking into cloth diapering, that was one of the questions foremost in my mind.

Honestly, the thought of dunking poo into the toilet was a total turn off; especially coming from using disposables with my first two sons. That’s why when I heard the answer I got really excited. If your baby is exclusively breast/bottle fed, you can just throw your poopy diapers into your diaper pail until wash day with the rest of your diapers. It’s really that easy! Newborn poo is so watery that it just dissolves into the wash, and it doesn’t change that much as they get older.

So what happens when your baby starts solid foods? Luckily your baby won’t be eating enough solids to change the consistency of their poo for quite awhile. That means that you can go most of the first year without worry of doing anything special during your diaper changes. Gotta love that!

When your baby finally does start eating enough solids to change poo from goo to solid poo, then you will need to make some changes in your diaper change routine. Once you find (and excuse me if this is too much information) bits and chunks of food in your baby’s poo, you won’t want to put that into your washer. Those bits will not rinse out of your washer and you will have to clean them out of the machine yourself.

That is when your friend the diaper sprayer comes in. A diaper sprayer is a very convenient tool that you hook up to the tank of your toilet. You can adjust the water pressure so that the spray can either be light or heavy. The neat thing about a diaper sprayer is that it can also double as a bidet. Kinda nifty I think. Diaper sprayers can cost anywhere from $30 – $40 and you can find them at most any cloth diaper store. I recommend looking for a good sale when purchasing one though.

Diaper sprayers are very easy to use. You can use them on a fresh dirty diaper or one that has had to sit for awhile. Simply hold your diaper near the inside of the toilet bowl, and carefully spray the affected area until it’s free of anything to thick or chunky. If it doesn’t come off very easily, adjust the water pressure to get things loose. Just watch for splashing – it can get very messy if you have the water too high. You will also want to keep a wet bag or something of that nature in the bathroom to keep your wet diapers in at least temporarily.

Of course you don’t have to use a diaper sprayer if you don’t want to. You can easily dunk diapers or soak them in a wet pail even. I highly recommend trying a diaper sprayer though. They can save you time and make your diaper cleaning routine much easier.

For more information on cloth diapering, please go to www.ecobabybuzz.com for tons of articles, how to’s and more!

Sunning Stains Out December 16, 2008

The sun gives us light, warmth and so much more, but did you also know it can get rid of those nasty stains from your cloth diapers too? You may have read it one forums or heard it from other mamas, but never tried it yourself. Well, let me tell you, it really works! I have to say, the sun is like a miracle stain remover! And it’s not just for cloth diapers either. You can sun out stains on your clothing as well. I have done it many times.

So how do you use the sun to get rid of stains? It’s very simple. You lay out your diaper (or whatever) in the morning in a spot where you know the sun will shine for most of the day. You can either lay it flat or drap it over the back of a chair. Make sure all the stained areas are exposed to the sun. Then leave it there for the day. You will usually come back at the end of the day to find a completely stain free item. And it even works for microfiber. I have had diapers and inserts that were so stained it just looked gross, only to sun them out and have them looking almost new again.

The winter months are a little harder to sun things out, but it still works. Believe it or not, you can still sun your stains out even if you can’t actually see the sun. There were several weeks here in California where there were forrest fires that left it smoky outside and the sun was covered by haze. These were actually some of the best sunning days I had. On winter days, I just do the same thing I normally do, but it might take longer than a day. And just make sure you bring your things in when it rains.

So what happens if you leave your diapers outside to sun and the stain doesn’t come out in one or even two days? Unfortunatly, as well as sunning stains out works, some things just can’t be sunned out. You will have to choose a more aggressive stain removal method. If after a day you don’t at least see some improvement on the stain, then that means that the sun most likely will not do the trick.

If you haven’t tried using the sun to get stains out of your diapers, I highly recommend it. When I first heard about about this trick, I didn’t think it could actually work. Let me tell you, seeing is believing.

For more information on cloth diapering, please go to www.ecobabybuzz.com for tons of articles, how to’s and more!