tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70631617325060139602024-03-05T04:57:22.474-05:00Soft and Cozy BabyThoughts from Baltimore's Only Natural Parenting StoreBaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13485034522641486768noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-16327755824883235462014-04-22T14:29:00.000-04:002014-04-22T14:29:31.785-04:00Meeting Other Mommies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjd3NrepnEIW2cqb8KB-JhrjvFhM5I_Pwozrx0KJBAa0HLgyurhLNBw9eDKabVc1xRkSU3jluKyuu7h4f7b5sCpsADej8aIM8CkxU9UATxEsbXQXEwVOPqZ9g2QoKe_iWxN-89HuiBpA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjd3NrepnEIW2cqb8KB-JhrjvFhM5I_Pwozrx0KJBAa0HLgyurhLNBw9eDKabVc1xRkSU3jluKyuu7h4f7b5sCpsADej8aIM8CkxU9UATxEsbXQXEwVOPqZ9g2QoKe_iWxN-89HuiBpA/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a>When I first became a Mommy, I found it pretty easy to talk to other moms. Perhaps the lack of sleep allowed me to lose my inhibitions. Perhaps, after giving birth, I felt like I had nothing to hide. Perhaps I just longed to hear adult voices instead of cries and coos. Somewhere along the way, I became self conscious again. <br />
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It was hard for me not to compare myself to other moms. There are so many amazing ladies out there who balance work, home, and raising beautiful children in an appearance of seamless grace. I wanted to know how they did it, but also felt too shy to ask. (There were many days where I felt like I was lucky to have gotten my laundry done so that I had a clean shirt to wear.) <br />
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On Wednesdays, Soft and Cozy Baby offers a Mom's Support G<br />
roup at 2:30pm. Here, I was able to come out of my shell a little bit at a time. The first time I went, I was warmly welcomed and introduced by one of the store associates, but I didn't talk much. However, just by listening, I realized that all moms have their own struggles. <br />
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The next time, I engaged a little more. There were several moms with children a few months older than my son and it was great to hear about the next stages of his development from moms who had been there. I found myself forming friendships and sharing information about everything from which restaurants in the area were particularly kid friendly to how to find a trustworthy babysitter. <br />
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It was so beneficial to know that other moms had faced some of the same struggles that I had and made it through successfully. It helped me to gain confidence in my own mothering abilities and to trust myself.<br />
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Besides the Mom's Support Group, Soft and Cozy Baby also offers a Breastfeeding Mom's Circle on Thursdays at noon. Both groups are drop-in, so feel free to come later after nap if that suits your needs better. We hope to see you there!<br />
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Happy Mothering!<br />
The Soft and Cozy MommaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568240837467519324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-74894240089549289752014-04-14T14:33:00.001-04:002014-04-14T14:33:36.460-04:00Spotlight on Svan Signet High Chair<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aNcYQyCeHSXzSLQ7B7oUoY-TqmLindSMvJMZUJVnIXMeuQioMrSQxw3zks9jAMXpeGkS932zjp2J-QLND1OHvg9NAXNJAbB6Ifma6LCXTc9JLCU5LBzqEcNzDxcGbTMBCAimRvq33Q/s1600/61NJsF3pUSL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aNcYQyCeHSXzSLQ7B7oUoY-TqmLindSMvJMZUJVnIXMeuQioMrSQxw3zks9jAMXpeGkS932zjp2J-QLND1OHvg9NAXNJAbB6Ifma6LCXTc9JLCU5LBzqEcNzDxcGbTMBCAimRvq33Q/s1600/61NJsF3pUSL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>When the Svan Signet high chair first arrived at Soft and Cozy Baby, I had many folks asking about it. Because it was new to the store, I didn't know much about it myself. So, I decided to do some research. What I found was that the Svan Signet high chair is a welcome addition to your family's home! This chair is fully adjustable, easy to clean, and works well in any dining room.<br />
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From the time baby can sit up and is starting to experiment with solid foods, the Signet high chair converts to provide the perfect place to eat. It has an ergonomic seat that will grow with them from baby to toddler and beyond. You can adjust both the seat height and depth. The foot rest moves with the child and provides support for lengthening legs so that your child is never left dangling. In addition, your child can use this chair up to 150 lbs. You may even find yourself using it!<br />
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My son is a very messy eater! I HAVE to have something that's easy to clean. This high chair comes with a plastic tray that pops off and can be put into the dishwasher. The chair itself is made of a birch that easily wipes clean. You can also purchase covers (in a variety of colors) that are fully machine washable. These are nice because they not only cushion your child as he or she sits, but make cleaning up a snap.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP-25Z7Ee5_yhm0amf9ewwQTlbVnTj2DD7UJ-fA-FB36bm1LXDDZe7Ce2Ysxhf0B9btuABnDsSuRvgfKNtSnB5BwFru5ESvw3ADUMmqo09GjdJHtlpqVpm-t3xbhA2z3uTBw7J-74dA/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP-25Z7Ee5_yhm0amf9ewwQTlbVnTj2DD7UJ-fA-FB36bm1LXDDZe7Ce2Ysxhf0B9btuABnDsSuRvgfKNtSnB5BwFru5ESvw3ADUMmqo09GjdJHtlpqVpm-t3xbhA2z3uTBw7J-74dA/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a>Finally, this stylish chair is perfect for your dining room! With its bentwood quality construction, it looks like it belongs with the grown-ups. It comes in five different shades of wood and you can add additional color with a choice of six cushions. The chair also has a small footprint and a handle on the back makes it easy to move around the house. Its compact style is great for row houses and city living. <br />
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We hope you come in and check out the Svan Signet high chair for yourself! Feel free to comment here or ask any additional questions in the store.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568240837467519324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-90532992637436622482014-04-08T13:55:00.000-04:002014-04-08T13:55:25.269-04:00Traveling with your ToddlerMy husband travels for work on occasion and because we want to spend as much time as possible as a family, I pack up our things, including our 19 month old and we go. Most of the time, this has been a positive experience. I like having a change in environment and our son loves exploring new places. However, in the last few months, our little man has become less agreeable about our travels. He would normally talk to us until he fell asleep and then stay sleeping for most of our time on the road or plane.<br />
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Now, he is awake the entire time! He is so interested in what is going on that he fights sleep and then becomes unhappy due to the lack of a nap. What's a mom to do?<br />
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I'm finding that for us, it's all about preparedness. Our diaper bag is full to the brim when it comes time to travel. Here are a few things that make our drive or flight much more successful:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3-TBkuHjZKYgRJ4XOCeU7t54ywWuwU7NyEGpjgNUbqM1jL81BIM7g4IQPdqUXyT7-YTLRv4E2dexufqbA-MOVX8laq7jJbg7GKh7cKqXtRLDqe7avfG5PcsMOjFQ42GqhzFbQTFuCg/s1600/thumbnail.asp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3-TBkuHjZKYgRJ4XOCeU7t54ywWuwU7NyEGpjgNUbqM1jL81BIM7g4IQPdqUXyT7-YTLRv4E2dexufqbA-MOVX8laq7jJbg7GKh7cKqXtRLDqe7avfG5PcsMOjFQ42GqhzFbQTFuCg/s1600/thumbnail.asp.jpeg" /></a>1) Changing diaper on time- It's easy to let a few hours slip away on a long car trip or when the fasten seatbelt sign just won't go off on your flight, but I try to keep my son changed just like I would at home, at least every two hours. In case I do go a little longer, I keep some extra inserts in the bag. Best Bottoms makes a snap-in hemp and organic cotton insert that is incredibly absorbent without being bulky.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPClGvMAzw8DvXwe6zyezkz2zHydJpwcjH5HXutp2kasHVBlMVLT0PXh8Tp38PEtWTGJMr52nxIN2aKphuO5dHsas1aWy40hlY7fMJoF8pWOYRCGmPqe6GvMKd9_tafpI7lgN28GAbA/s1600/886f5a5f-a96e-47a6-b152-5ba9be75f0c5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPClGvMAzw8DvXwe6zyezkz2zHydJpwcjH5HXutp2kasHVBlMVLT0PXh8Tp38PEtWTGJMr52nxIN2aKphuO5dHsas1aWy40hlY7fMJoF8pWOYRCGmPqe6GvMKd9_tafpI7lgN28GAbA/s1600/886f5a5f-a96e-47a6-b152-5ba9be75f0c5.png" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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2) Snacks, lots of snacks- Packing a variety of food, such as apple slices, bagels, cheese, hummus and carrots, helps to keep him happy. Although sometimes this results in a mess in our car, we found it's well worth it. Plus, if we use the Itzy Ritzy snack bags, he takes his time fishing each item out and eating it. Another less messy snack that we like are smoothies in the Sili pouch. This is also a time consuming process which means more happy time for him in the backseat and mom and dad in the front.<br />
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3) Little presents- Yes, this is a little silly, but I love to wrap small presents up for him and then dole them out along the trip at the most essential moments. He immediately becomes excited at the sight of them and he works his fine motor skills unwrapping the presents. Many times, they are actually things that we already have around the house, such as our Indestructibles books or his Pebble Snake Rattle. We also play a game where he tries to figure out what it is before he unwraps it, so we listen, feel, and look at the package before he opens it up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnu9Qwpa3K7SnJEaWZmdrG95b8ntBDZSj0_xIXOG1qNohj5JTkgCoSrPYnfPq6gb1Y-qPDnVJL_U825mdbhz7yi1uDzd49hwlS1NeMmgRkQmPHB1CxijPsodERoEHDjRglcar4XWzYQ/s1600/Pebble_Rattles___4f0137fd24bb8_200x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnu9Qwpa3K7SnJEaWZmdrG95b8ntBDZSj0_xIXOG1qNohj5JTkgCoSrPYnfPq6gb1Y-qPDnVJL_U825mdbhz7yi1uDzd49hwlS1NeMmgRkQmPHB1CxijPsodERoEHDjRglcar4XWzYQ/s1600/Pebble_Rattles___4f0137fd24bb8_200x200.jpg" /></a></div>
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4) Never be in a hurry!- Sometimes just knowing that you might be late and planning for that can help to relieve the stress of traveling. Give yourself extra time to get around the airport or try to leave at times where you will avoid rush hour if you're driving. Also, its nice to find out where play areas are along your route. Most airports, including BWI, have a kids' area that will allow your little one to burn off some extra energy before sitting down. <a href="http://www.bwiairport.com/en/service/things-to-do" target="_blank">Things to Do at BWI</a><br />
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5) Talk about it- Whether you're going to visit Grandma or you're traveling for work, it helps to let your child know where he or she is going and that you will be returning home. I also like to let my son know what we will be doing on our trip, especially if it is something exciting for him to look forward to doing. These explanations should be appropriate to your child's age as most toddlers have no concept of time.<br />
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Hopefully, this will be helpful in your travels. If you have any other suggestions for surviving long trips, I'd love to hear from you!<br />
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Happy Mothering!<br />
the Soft and Cozy Momma<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568240837467519324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-12522805840054391482014-04-03T16:58:00.000-04:002014-04-03T16:58:30.222-04:00Let's Hear it for the Dads!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MWWwLo_UdHvEaNcR2uqCemCkbCix1n5l08DXb5SzmQnCpY2BPZBygl9kHIUB0qZ8LrCP0UN-459gP7crrHX8GmTtAWIssYy1F8DCCgIYLaPBctuocE-VO9jsvANe0HPTUyWv2W_-eg/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MWWwLo_UdHvEaNcR2uqCemCkbCix1n5l08DXb5SzmQnCpY2BPZBygl9kHIUB0qZ8LrCP0UN-459gP7crrHX8GmTtAWIssYy1F8DCCgIYLaPBctuocE-VO9jsvANe0HPTUyWv2W_-eg/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a>Did you know? According to www.childwelfare.gov, "<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17px;">Even from birth, children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social connections with peers." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Daddys often play with their children differently than moms and this is a good thing! While most moms help children to interact with objects and provide language for baby, dads arouse baby's curiosity through vigorous play. Both of these kinds of play are important for baby's emotional, physical, and cognitive development.</span><br />
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At Soft and Cozy Baby, we've been supporting moms and babies for years now. This has indirectly resulted in helping dads, but we really wanted to do something just for this very important caregiver!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA-DZOy1lGakY9o0WRXWcUSmReO_PEDbvV2hgoLkBntYU3Zq-nQtxLPt5tIHT-UXc387v2tAOvBi0ZKw52DfBT4hxcHwxBrZ7p8m28f388-CpDjObG9SepsLWQ3OE8hntgbAlT1YGrg/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span 0="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA-DZOy1lGakY9o0WRXWcUSmReO_PEDbvV2hgoLkBntYU3Zq-nQtxLPt5tIHT-UXc387v2tAOvBi0ZKw52DfBT4hxcHwxBrZ7p8m28f388-CpDjObG9SepsLWQ3OE8hntgbAlT1YGrg/s1600/images-1.jpeg"></span></a><span new="" roman="" serif="" times="">Introducing Daddy Club! A drop-in support group for dads that offers guy advice from fellow fathers in the thick of it. Starting this Thursday, come by anytime from 6:30-8:30pm for a beer, a snack, or just to hang out. Feel free to bring your little one with you if you'd like. </span><br />
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This informal gathering will meet once a month. We'll start out at the store and possibly move to different locations as suits the group.<br />
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Oh, and moms, we <br />
haven't forgotten you! We'll still have our weekly Mom's Support Group on Wednesday afternoons and Breastfeeding Mom's Circle on Thursday afternoons. Plus, check out our online calendar for other classes and special events!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568240837467519324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-31188451048140486302014-03-25T16:00:00.003-04:002014-03-25T16:00:29.834-04:00The Taming of the Boobs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbvOO5xBoGOflZ8310AqS0F_aQZvab-SFH28YN40bhneYGNdSU6PQ2VVL5hU4VxXcfbhwPVwmKCnTos2Sgg6y1vyD0sqUBOekrxX9LmKaajDmcnZth8D78S6ksSi8cLCST8PCXvmx5A/s1600/Sub-Section-BSS-L.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbvOO5xBoGOflZ8310AqS0F_aQZvab-SFH28YN40bhneYGNdSU6PQ2VVL5hU4VxXcfbhwPVwmKCnTos2Sgg6y1vyD0sqUBOekrxX9LmKaajDmcnZth8D78S6ksSi8cLCST8PCXvmx5A/s1600/Sub-Section-BSS-L.gif" height="251" width="320" /></a>Immediately after having my son, my chest grew to the point where neither myself nor my husband would have recognized my breasts had they not been attached to me. Yes, they were large, but also full and firm. (Ready to nourish my newborn, not for you hubby.) I needed support and I needed it fast. <br />
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I sent my Mom-in-law to Target to buy a nursing bra. She came back with a few nursing camisoles that had scrawny shelf bras. When I tried them on I was terribly uncomfortable. It felt like there was too much pressure around the rib band and not enough support. I ended up not wearing a bra half the time, which limited me to the house. How did I manage to overlook such an important part of the Mommy experience?!?<br />
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Since then, I have learned so much! According to several studies found in this article: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brassiere" target="_blank">Brasserie-Wikipedia</a>, 80-85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. This is not just limited to pregnant and nursing moms, but it seems that if we can't get it right when our breasts are not undergoing massive changes, then we're probably not correctly sizing ourselves when they are fluctuating with our milk production. <br />
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At Soft and Cozy Baby, we offer free bra fittings with a certified Bravado specialist. Bravado bras are designed to provide support, grow with you for comfort, and last throughout your time of nursing and beyond. They also come in a variety of designs and we encourage you to try on several so that you can find a great fit AND a style that makes you feel beautiful!<br />
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By giving yourself the gift of a great nursing bra, a healthy breastfeeding practice can be established. You will be feeling and looking great, but even more importantly, your baby will be getting the best nourishment that you can offer. That's something to feel amazing about!<br />
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For more information and support on breastfeeding, you can check out the <a href="http://www.bravadodesigns.com/info/resource-library" target="_blank">Resource Library on the Bravado website</a>, come to our monthly Breastfeeding Class with the wonderful lactation consultant Katy Linda, or please join us each Thursday at noon for our Mom's Breastfeeding Circle. We hope to see you there soon.<br />
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Happy Mothering!<br />
the Soft and Cozy MommaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568240837467519324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-65786873276496723562014-03-17T12:30:00.000-04:002014-03-17T12:30:15.106-04:00Time for Teething!After being woken up last night at 3am due to my son's painful teething, I was willing to try almost anything to help my little man. Normally his amber necklace is enough, but his molars really seemed to be bothering him. I totally understood why as I looked into his mouth to see swollen gums through which the teeth are trying to erupt. I would be crying out in pain too!<br />
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Fortunately, I remembered that I had brought home a sample of Punkin Butt's Teething Oil. Grabbing the little vial, I ran upstairs to wash my hands and then put a couple of drops on my pointer finger. The oil smelled nice, reminding me of warm apple cider. My son must have smelled it as well because he stretched his neck out and put my finger in his mouth. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ngRXHT3YodUNmrpL-STY5x2NA7OaZoQE4ExxxFtHRXetx_RdN66LzW-eqDaSQ3ZbxXFcRTq3sp2KO3H-UWrhRDkaiUjM9R9sD8RJsXgxeTO0Erv1Xur_-qWIWkP8mO6VK4QZQ_NzTg/s1600/PB+Teething+Oil+3+bottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ngRXHT3YodUNmrpL-STY5x2NA7OaZoQE4ExxxFtHRXetx_RdN66LzW-eqDaSQ3ZbxXFcRTq3sp2KO3H-UWrhRDkaiUjM9R9sD8RJsXgxeTO0Erv1Xur_-qWIWkP8mO6VK4QZQ_NzTg/s1600/PB+Teething+Oil+3+bottles.jpg" /></a></div>
I worked slowly, massaging the gums and adding more oil as needed. It probably took me about two minutes to get the four corners of his mouth where the molars are protruding and the surrounding swollen areas. The relief was immediate and my 18 month old was soon back to sleep. I will definitely be purchasing a larger bottle to have on hand throughout this teething period.<br />
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The oil helped in reducing my son's pain quickly and that was the most important thing to me at 3am, but looking at the ingredients this morning, I became an even bigger fan. Punkin Butt uses all natural oils in this blend including chamomile, clove, and peppermint essential oils. These oils are professionally mixed and diluted to provide right amount of numbing and anti-inflammatory agents for babies.<br />
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My little guy slept through the rest of the night waking up at his usual time of 7am. He played for about an hour before he started sticking his whole hand in his mouth again, drooling everywhere, and showing all the irritable signs of teething pain. I was pretty impressed that the teething oil lasted for five hours, although I'm not sure if those results are typical. We shall see as I'm positive that I'll be massaging my son's gums throughout the day. :)<br />
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Happy Mothering!<br />
from the Soft and Cozy Momma<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568240837467519324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-74235285300236931882014-03-10T22:02:00.000-04:002014-03-10T22:02:38.826-04:00Soft and Cozy Baby Blog: Reboot!Soft and Cozy Baby would like to announce the reboot of our blog! In addition to providing you with reviews of products, exclusive information about sales, and the upcoming offerings of classes, we would like to address real issues from Baltimore Moms, Dads, and caregivers. Feel free to post comments and questions as we are happy to share our knowledge. <br />
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With this blog, we are able to supply you with a searchable list of topics that matter to your family. We will try to cover a variety of topics including finding the right nursing bra, what kind of diapers work well for overnight, and how to calm an irritable, teething child. As always, our excellent customer service is available for you in the store, but this will hopefully be a resource for those times when we're closed or you just can't make it out to see us.<br />
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Like most parents, we might not have all the answers, but we promise to help you research if there is something that you'd like to know about (Baby related, of course. I can't help you sell an old car). </div>
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Thanks for reading and we hope to hear from you soon!</div>
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Happy Mothering!</div>
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from the Soft and Cozy Momma</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568240837467519324noreply@blogger.com1Baltimore, MD, USA39.2903848 -76.61218930000001139.0937408 -76.9349128 39.4870288 -76.289465800000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-40843693542097852052012-11-10T12:48:00.001-05:002012-11-10T12:48:07.333-05:00Cloth Diapering: JUST DO IT!When I told my fiance that I wanted to cloth diaper our unborn baby, he smiled and nodded in much the same way one smiles and nods when a toddler asks for a pony. I'm surprised that he didn't come right out and pat my head and tell me "bless your heart."
Undeterred, I suggested (nagged) that we visit the diaper store. He finally indulged me, and we walked into Soft and Cozy Baby. The moment I saw the wall of diapers, I decided disposables were fine. My head swam - AIO, AI2, hybrid, prefold, pocket, fitted, overnight, wash routine, CD safe diaper cream, liners, fleece, minky, hemp, bamboo, microfiber...who could possibly make sense of any of it? To me, hybrids were cars, microfiber was couches, and bamboo was what pandas eat. I left, defeated.
Once my daughter was born and I saw the amount of disposables we were using, plus her ever present diaper rash from them, I decided to try to revisit cloth. I was college educated, and I'm a smart woman. Diapers couldn't be THAT hard. I came back to the store and instead of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of diapers, I focused on what I thought was cute. I picked the Grovia Owls print and sort of held it out vaguely. "I like this."
The girl helping me explained I'd need an absorbent part to go with that, and that the nice thing about Grovia was the disposable component. I left with the shell, a pack of disposable liners, and a two pack of cloth liners. I went home and washed it, then snapped it on my daughter and waited excitedly for her to poop. When she did, I snapped it off and stuck it in a wet bag. I washed it, and it came out clean and didn't smell like poo. I snapped it on her again. Success!!
I bought my first cloth diaper when my daughter was around 4 months old. In a few days, she'll be exactly 17 months old. That means in just over a year I've gone from completely confused to working at the store and giving lessons in cloth. I totally understand when someone comes into the store and just stares at the diaper wall. It CAN be overwhelming, but it doesn't HAVE to be. If you're questioning cloth, frustrated with cloth, wish you knew more about cloth, or have any questions at all about cloth, we can help.
The bottom line about cloth diapering is that starting is the hardest part. Picking what you like, what fits your child, and what works for your personal routine is all you have to get past. After that, everything is smooth sailing. You have nothing to lose by trying!
-CaitlinUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-85422042358680275402012-07-17T22:43:00.000-04:002012-07-17T22:43:57.725-04:00Tova’s Top Ten Reasons to Cloth Diaper<b>
10. They’re adorable! </b>
I mean, who would choose a crumply, white, pad-looking sposie over an adorable, brightly colored, cloth nappy?! CAUTION: Be warned, the cute factor makes cloth diapering dangerously addicting. Have you seen the new Bum Genius prints?? Let’s not even mention the Tots Bots Easyfits that are on their way…
<b>
9. They rarely (if ever) leak! </b>
That’s right, you heard me. Of course, you may have to find which diaper fits your child best and that can take trial and error. But once you’ve found it, you’re set! Have you ever dealt with a ‘breastmilk-poop-splosion’ up your baby’s back? All the way up to their hair??? Well, I haven’t. But I’ve heard it is nasty. It’s funny to me that the thought of washing ‘poo-laundry’ turns people away from CDing. Because disposable diapers cause an awful lot of poo laundry…
<b>
8. They act as cushioning for your baby’s butt! </b>
If your baby is not mobile yet, you may not understand this. Once your baby starts standing and cruising, they fall. A lot. And baby’s fluffy, padded bum acts as a sort of “butt helmet” to minimize the fall!
<b>
7. You can make a diaper co-op! </b>
A what?! You mean, people share diapers??? Yesiree! If you have friends that are due at different times, you can all pitch in for a fab newborn stash and rotate it! You can borrow different types of diapers from friends to see which brand you like best. You can create a collection with friends who have kids different ages than yours. (This makes CDing even cheaper)!
<b>
6. They come in one size.</b>
One-size diapers have many advantages. For one, they grow with your baby. That minimizes both the cost and the carbon footprint. Secondly, if you ever have two children in diapers at the same time, you can use the same stash! You don’t have to worry about which diapers you take with you; which ones need to be washed; where the toddler’s diapers are…they can both wear the same diaper!
<b>5. Children tend to potty train earlier in them.</b>
True stuff! This is mostly because cloth diapers feel wet (although there are stay-dry options) and a child learns to tune into their body’s signals earlier. Disposables wick away moisture and give children no motivation to train because they can’t feel wet.
<b>
4. They are MUCH cheaper.</b>
This is probably my husband’s favorite reason for CDing. My entire stash cost me under $300. There are both cheaper and more expensive ways to cloth diaper but even if you used the priciest nappies, you would not come close to disposables. Now, it would be unfair to ignore the energy cost (since CDing does involve a little extra laundry here and there). However, I think we can say it cancels out since disposables require constant gas usage whenever you realize you are out and have to run to the store. If you were to buy enough disposables for your child to last from birth-potty training, it would cost at least $2000 (and that would be generic brand). Also, that doesn’t include pull-ups (which some children will wear for a couple of years). So I think we can all agree, CDing saves. Unless you are not careful and you get addicted…
<b>3. They don’t have nasty chemicals</b>
Off the top of my head, most disposables contain at least some of the following: dioxins, sodium polyacrylate, tributyl-tin, VOCs, dyes, fragrances, plastics, and petroleums. Ok, confession, that was not off the top of my head. But it scares me nonetheless! Some of the possible effects from those chemicals include respiratory issues, eye, nose, throat and irritation, damage to liver, impairments to the immune system, nervous system, and reproductive functions. Blech. That makes me nauseous. I feel much more comfortable knowing my daughter wears diapers made from natural, sustainable fibers.
<b>2. Save the environment!
</b>
No one knows how long it takes a disposable diaper to decompose because since they were invented, none have begun to break down! It is estimated that it may take as long as 500 years. Now, don’t tell me that a lot goes into manufacturing cloth diapers as far as pollution. Because, even though that may be true, a lot goes into manufacturing disposables as well. They certainly chug their fair share of toxins into the atmosphere! When I am done using my cloth nappy, I don’t throw it in the landfill. I wash it and use it again! When my child is potty trained, I put it away for the next child, give it away, or sell it! When they become really beat up, I turn my diapers into cleaning rags. Sounds like reducing, reusing, and recycling to me!
<b>1. Did I mention how cute they are?</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-71798528170935013282012-06-27T21:33:00.000-04:002012-06-27T21:33:06.625-04:00Cloth Wipes for the Win!!!I always find it amusing when people come into the store, and tell me that while they are on board with cloth diapering, there is NO WAY they will use cloth wipes. For some unknown reason, they feel that is going too far.
Why use cloth wipes? Well, if you were using disposable diapers and wipes, you would wipe your baby, place the wipe in the diaper and throw it away. With cloth diapers and cloth wipes, you do pretty much the same thing- put the dirty wipe in the diaper, and chuck it into your wet bag; it all gets washed together. But if you are using disposable wipes, with cloth diapers, you just made an extra step for yourself- you wipe, have to find a place to set the poopie wipe while you finish your diaper change, then throw the wipe into the trash can, and put your diaper in your wet bag. Inevitably, you will end up washing some disposable wipes. It’s not a huge issue, but why create extra work and expense?
Another reason to use cloth wipes is because they actually work better than disposables! They really do! With a really messy diaper, you can use around five, six, maybe more disposable wipes. I have NEVER needed more than two cloth wipes. Seriously! Plus, with cloth, you know what you are putting against your baby’s butt. Those disposables? They contain preservatives and parabens (to keep the liquid solution from going rancid), humectants (to make sure they don’t dry out), surfactants (to clean and lubricate), and artificial fragrance (so your baby can smell like an artificial baby). The wipes themselves are made of a variety of textiles, including strands made of melted plastic. Yuck!
I decided to make my own cloth wipes while nesting before my last baby was born. I hunted out the cutest, softest flannels, cut and stitched simple squares. It was that easy. Then my older kids accidentally ripped a nice fitted sheet, and rather than trash it, I cut that sucker up as well. Repurposed! I felt great about not throwing that soft, patterned flannel away! Here I am a year and a half later, and I’ve noticed those cute flannels have faded under constant washing, and some have thinned. I figured it’s about time to make some more. Unfortunately, being a homeschooling, part-time working mom of three kids has left me NO time to make more. I decided to go ahead and purchase some to supplement my stack and save myself the stress of trying to do it all. I found there are so many options! There are standard flannel- both patterned, and plain unbleached natural, and there are Kissaluvs Premium organic cotton, and Lucky Green Baby wipes. I’ve already used the standard wipes; I was ready to try something different. So I grabbed a few of the Kissaluvs- they run 2 bucks a piece, but oh, the luxury! They have a cute flannel pattern on one side, and super soft organic cotton velour on the other! I’d heard these wipes are wonderful used dry for snotty baby noses and since we had some snotty noses at home, that was my first experience with them! They worked great! Super soft on sore little noses, no redness, no screaming when we needed to wipe. I went ahead and washed them with my diapers, but felt almost resistant to trying something so nice on a poopie butt. But I did. The flannel side worked like my normal wipes, and the longer nap on the velour side was prefect for creases, and gave a smooth wipe. I will say, the two sides shrink up once washed, and never make a perfect square again, but…who cares? Next I tried Lucky Green Baby wipes! These wipes, made by a local stay at home mom, are also two-sided- one side with flannel, the other with soft cotton terry. These have become my go-to wipe for poop messes! The terry side cleans the stuck on poo; fold, flip, and the flannel side just wipes the whole area clean. Smooth and easy! And since all the fabrics had been pre-washed, they stay perfect squares that don’t get lumpy when you fold them. And either of these wipes would make great baby wash cloths as well!
Lastly, people always ask how to use cloth wipes. Do you presoak them so they are already moist? Use them dry? What do you use as a wipes solution? The answers vary from person to person. Everyone seems to have their own preference. For the longest time, I kept mine pre moistened, in a wipes warmer, and in a normal wipes case in my diaper bag. Then, I had some wipes in the diaper bag for too long, and when I opened it, they smelled a little funky from sitting so long with no chemicals keeping them “fresh”. So I decided to try another method many of my CD friends recommend- I keep my wipes dry, and keep a peri bottle (you know, the kind they give you at the hospital after having a baby) with my wipes solution in it. I squirt what I need right onto the wipe (and okay, sometimes straight on my baby’s bum), and wipe! I really like this method because I can keep a corner dry to dry off the creases before putting a new diaper on. I close up the bottle top, and it easily tucks into my diaper bag- and now I have dry wipes handy for snotty noses too. As far as solutions go- again, you have lots of options! You can buy a concentrated solution you mix with water, a handy foaming pump or spray for your diaper bag, check out some options here: http://www.softandcozybaby.com/category_25/Cloth-Wipes-Solutions.htm Or, make your own solution. There are a variety of recipes out there. I use about 2 cups of water, 1-2 Tbs of whatever baby wash we have handy, a few drops of tea tree oil (it’s antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial, so it keeps your wipes fresh!), lavender oil (it an antiseptic and antifungal…but I just like the smell), and a ½ tsp of olive or coconut oil to give a smooth wipe, and protect baby’s bum. And some people…just use plain old fashioned water. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-17212409892685595702012-06-18T16:02:00.000-04:002012-06-19T22:25:45.705-04:00We Survived Potty Training!Can I make a confession? When I was pregnant with my first I was not afraid of morning sickness, hemorrhoids or unmedicated birth. I was afraid of potty training the child. Insane, right? The very concept has always struck fear deep in my heart. Luckily, my first son basically taught himself a little before three. My second? Not so much. I started him using the potty at about two and a half without a lot of luck. It was not until last month that he showed some interest and made any progress. Before I knew it he was full trained! I can now say (bittersweetly...) that we are a diaper-free house!
Now that I have emerged victorious from the potty training (or potty learning if you prefer) gauntlet I wanted to share some thoughts and product recommendations. I am not going to pretend as though I am the potty training guru because, well, I am not.
First, cloth training pants. Let's face it, disposable training pants are expensive and sort of gross. Cloth training pants, on the other hand, are reusable and adorable. There are several different brands and styles on the market but the Blueberry Trainer has been very popular among staff and customers alike. They are made to feel like real underwear and are good at catching daytime accidents. The inner lining is made with a super soft cotton velour and a hidden layer of microterry and PUL that make these trainers great for small accidents. I would not recommend these for overnight as they are not designed to hold much pee. Added bonus? The prints are cute!
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Y3OYqIB7L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Y3OYqIB7L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a>
I told you! My son did not have any problems pulling them up and down like some other trainers we had tried out. I liked how nicely they washed up. Word to the wise though, they shrink a good deal so order a size up if your child's weight is in between two sizes!
Another great potty training item to keep handy is the My Carry Potty. This potty is great for use at home or on the go and does not require the use of disposable bags. Bonus feature? It seals shut to keep its contents inside until you can get to a bathroom. I bought it knowing how much my kids hate the self-flushing toilets that are now in most public restrooms- it freaks them out. We took this bad boy to a local amusement park and avoided long bathroom lines and stayed accident free all day! Once my littlest gets over his fear of the flushing surprises in public restrooms we will keep this in the car for roadside potty emergencies.
<a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/images/sm/mycarrypotty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="362" width="362" src="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/images/sm/mycarrypotty.jpg" /></a>
We have a great variety of potty training supplies in the store and online- from trainers to books to a success chart. Check it out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-92090440872578317052012-06-07T08:44:00.001-04:002012-06-07T08:44:38.710-04:00It’s that time of year again!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcarDarHfBshc1EqKN8AFKlryW6yeZ6wOwXcEGLN4ryXjaLQA0P6t_g8xrBFSodHfHRp4L21KxDkvyOmLQdkxpI7yjHBlnPPYznExTom6Kms1z2wmKUM3PTGyFHUKIhd0h4sUnx6yyzbq/s1600/sun.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="126" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcarDarHfBshc1EqKN8AFKlryW6yeZ6wOwXcEGLN4ryXjaLQA0P6t_g8xrBFSodHfHRp4L21KxDkvyOmLQdkxpI7yjHBlnPPYznExTom6Kms1z2wmKUM3PTGyFHUKIhd0h4sUnx6yyzbq/s320/sun.png" /></a>
Here we go again, after a mild winter and rainy spring, summer is suddenly upon us! The last few days
have been hot and humid, with lots of gorgeous sunshine. With that sunshine comes some intense
UVA and UVB rays. Skin protection is important for the entire family and ever year I find myself looking
for the best sunscreen available to slather on mine and my children’s skin. We must go through 2 or 3
bottles a summer!
That being said, today’s sunblocks are often loaded with chemicals and toxins. One out of every
four sunscreens available on the market contain excessive levels of Vitamin A, an additive that can
accelerate the growth of skin tumors and lesions. The Environmental Working Group has exposed many
of these sunblocks, finding “from hormone-disrupting compounds to lung-damaging nanoparticles,
ingredients in sunscreens may protect the skin but pose other kinds of health risks.” Since our skin is our
largest organ and 60% of what we put on it is absorbed into the bloodstream, we must choose carefully
the products we use.
This last Memorial Day weekend I was on the hunt for some good, safe, NON-TOXIC sunblock to put
on my children. After reviewing the many, many different varieties available, I decided to go with the
recommendation from a co-worker to grab a bottle of the Loving Naturals Clear Face sunscreen.
Loving Naturals is a company based in New Hampshire. The couple that started the company in 2005
were concerned about the heavy burden of toxins and chemicals every person on the planet has to
carry, starting prenatally. They set out to make a new line of products that were as gentle and natural
on the body as possible. So far, the line includes sun care, baby bath products, children’s bath products,
moisturizers, body washes, and all natural insect repellant.
The sunscreen boasts two different types. The Adorable Baby product is formulated specifically for
delicate baby skin. The Clear Face line is appropriate for use on the face, but can be used on the whole
body. The Loving Naturals SPF 30 is an adult sunscreen that is for the entire body, but is a bit heavier in
texture. Both of these types are also available in a convenient stick. All sunscreens are formulated with
non-nano zinc oxide as the main protecting ingredient. Zinc oxide offers a wide range of protection
from UVA and UVB rays, while staying safe, pure, and non-toxic. Other ingredients include organic
sunflower oil, organic shea and cocoa butters, beeswax, organic hemp oil, coconut oil, organic raw
sugar, and aspen bark extracts. They are water resistant, cruelty-free, and completely vegan. The
Adorable Baby product is also gluten free.
Feeling comfortable with these ingredients, I went ahead and grabbed a small bottle (2.5 oz) and a large
bottle (4.3 oz). The sunblock itself is pretty thick, I had to warm it between my hands to make it a bit
softer before applying it. Once it is softened, it spreads very easily and doesn’t leave any funky traces
of white on the skin. None of these products have any weird or overwhelming artificial scents added to
them.
I applied the whole body sunblock once in the morning (manufacturer recommendations are to apply 30
minutes before sun exposure) and then several hours later as the kids weren’t swimming, just playing a
lot in the sun. I noticed that the sunblock does tend to be somewhat greasy, and leaves almost a thick
protective barrier on the skin. This might bother some people, but I would rather take a more natural
product loaded with antioxidant oils then something artificial and toxic any day.
I chose the Loving Naturals all over sunblock for myself and then I forced my husband to put some on
his arms and neck(MEN!). I am so glad I made my entire family put this on! When I looked at my skin
and the kids later that evening, we were COMPLETELY burn free! I am very pleased with Loving Naturals
and I will absolutely be purchasing more products from them soon. Next up is the Loving Naturals Insect
Repellent. I have already heard some excellent reviews, so I am excited to try it on my family while
camping this summer.
Try out the sunblock, you won’t be disappointed! http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_325/Loving-Naturals-Sunscreen.htmUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-63669171425439274482012-06-01T14:53:00.001-04:002012-06-01T14:53:11.191-04:00Spotlight on.... JILL!Today we are starting a new series to introduce you all to our employees J These are the faces you see when you walk in the store. First up is Jill Mills…
<b>1: Give us a little about you!</b>
I'm Jill - owner of Heartlove Photography :)I grew up in Pasadena, MD, spent the last 4 years at Camp Lejeune and now we’re back home in MD.
I am married to Zack and together we have Miss Delilah, 2, and Madeline, 9 months, plus 2 crazy mutts, Crimson and Clover. I am a 2011 graduate of UNC Wilmington with a bachelor's in Elementary Education - I joke that it makes me a highly qualified Mom since I do not plan on teaching in the near future. I'm a self-taught photographer - I went to the University of CreativeLive & Google.
<b>2: How did you start using cloth?</b>
When I was pregnant with my first, I had a great friend who introduced me to the crunchy parenting world. She made me my first sling, showed me how to fold a prefold and coached me through those tough first days of breastfeeding. I was very reluctant at first, but once I knew about the benefits of cloth diapers, breastfeeding and babywearing – it’s the only decision that made sense for our lifestyle.
<b>3: How did you come to work at Soft & Cozy?</b>
After being away for a few years, we moved back to MD and none of my old friends had children yet. After finding friendship at a diaper store in Wilmington, NC – I knew I’d find like-minded moms at a similar place. In February, I googled “Baltimore Cloth Diapers” and Soft and Cozy came up. I packed the kids in the car and we left immediately – Stephanie and Tova greeted me and they mentioned the store was hiring and that I could bring my nursling. The next day I applied and by the end of the week I was working with come other incredible moms and have lucky to meet new friends everyday!
<b>4: Everyone has an opinion these days – what’s your best parenting advice?</b>
From every angle, many moms feel their parenting decisions are under attack – the media, their own parents, their friends (sometimes friends who don’t even have kids yet!), even strangers tend to weigh in out in public. I think the best advice I have is that you do not have to put down other moms to validate your own decisions. Be positive and let love guide the words you say – vaccines, circumcision, epidurals… no matter if you are for or against, there is no reason to put another mom down for her decision. We can’t imagine the road another took in their journey to motherhood; you don’t know what drove them to make the decisions they did or how they may regret the way things have worked out. It’s easy to be defensive about your choices when so many are weighing in, but you can stand for your beliefs without tearing others down.
<b>5: and a picture:</b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUot287ZSmerktUj1HZRiyeN6LEMbgHNICJ-Eg1Hc-sG4bNFiyVoKBhS7Sn0Ki9Uy44PDxsE02RUo5YRjKHMgaB3KpSXxwptwpvKcEGqdHnbQwmZI7RYGeSid1aAR6P8QLG3aQ2Q2qwsjb/s1600/jill.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUot287ZSmerktUj1HZRiyeN6LEMbgHNICJ-Eg1Hc-sG4bNFiyVoKBhS7Sn0Ki9Uy44PDxsE02RUo5YRjKHMgaB3KpSXxwptwpvKcEGqdHnbQwmZI7RYGeSid1aAR6P8QLG3aQ2Q2qwsjb/s320/jill.jpeg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-48425001705428048432012-05-03T10:47:00.001-04:002012-05-03T10:52:47.359-04:00Wet Bags: A Million and One UsesNow that I am done with diapers *sniff*, I am left with a pile of wetbags that have been relieved of diaper duty. Do I find myself taking pictures and posting them on diaperswappers.com to get them out of my life as fast as I did with the diapers? <br />
<br />
NO WAY!<br />
<br />
In fact, I find myself wanting to buy even more!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yKtsNVeCYbbEWs_0NOvkAhFeD40mXQvGElNy_Nu1h1riQsxfEWd9eSriYwyibvW-TgyZ4tq2CIb4L_oe5pARHNWV3llR0pnxuVV1d0wVpv7rMVEi8M9zbtwocjGn2QugQ5nQ9iwhyphenhyphenYk/s1600/IMG_5195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yKtsNVeCYbbEWs_0NOvkAhFeD40mXQvGElNy_Nu1h1riQsxfEWd9eSriYwyibvW-TgyZ4tq2CIb4L_oe5pARHNWV3llR0pnxuVV1d0wVpv7rMVEi8M9zbtwocjGn2QugQ5nQ9iwhyphenhyphenYk/s320/IMG_5195.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.sarahsstitches.com</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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I don't know how I made it so far in life without the help of a stylish wetbag. Here's what I've been using them for, besides dirty diapers:<br />
<ul>
<li>Swimwear: store your wet swimsuits!</li>
<li>Travel Hamper: Large wetbags such as the <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_563/PlanetWise-WetDry-Bags.htm" target="_blank">Planet Wise hanging bag</a> or the <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_501/Rumparooz-Pail-Liner.htm" target="_blank">Rumparooz Pail Liner</a> work great as a travel laundry bag/hamper.</li>
<li>Leakproof Toiletries Storage: Store your leak-prone toiletries in a wetbag in your luggage. (I've had the unfortunate opportunity to test this out several times, and my Sarah's Stitches small wetbag has contained the mess every time.)</li>
<li>Emergency Potty: Fashion the wetbag into a potty and place it on the ground/hold it on the butt for those emergency potty breaks that are so common with the newly potty-learned. I fill my wetbag with some decommissioned cloth wipes that can absorb the pee, as well as serve as boogie-wipes.</li>
<li>Snacks: Great for chips, sandwiches, etc. (You may want to use a new wetbag or sanitize an old one for this)</li>
<li>Travel pet water/food dishes: At the airport, I filled a small wetbag with water for my cat to drink immediately, and it worked for the short-term. (I'm sure it would leak eventually.) </li>
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I'm sure there's a zillion more uses for wetbags! Write in and let us know how you use yours! <br />
<br />bedheadmaestrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02081770548191502962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-88014393399616457142012-04-23T07:41:00.002-04:002012-04-23T07:42:43.360-04:00What Will You Wear on Your Special Day?You spend 10 months, and likely longer, preparing for it. You spend hundreds of dollars on classes, support, clothing, supplements, furniture, and more. Not to mention the immense emotional investment. And then the special day arrives - likely out of the blue and unexpected.<br />
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Your Wedding Day? No, your Birthing Day!<br />
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What will you wear on this special day? The day you've been waiting for and preparing for for months. The day that will be presented in photos and videos for posterity.<br />
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You show up to the hospital and they give you a drab, square shaped piece of fabric that's open in the back for the world to see. This isn't what you were planning! You're not sick, not a hospital patient! You're a lady in waiting! Soon to change your status forever to that of Mama! Soon to welcome in that mysterious baby you've been bonding with for months. And not to mention all the people who will be seeing the photos of your labor and birth!<br />
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And if you give birth at home or in a birth center, what will you wear? A sports bra that may be difficult to remove later, after the birth. An outfit you really don't want to ruin. Some drab old t-shirt and yoga pants that aren't too flattering. Or maybe nothing at all, but you'd like some type of coverage for the photo shoots.<br />
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You're not the only one wondering what to wear for that momentous occasion; the day you'll remember for the rest of your life. And luckily now there are options!<br />
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<a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_377/Pretty-Pushers-Delivery-Gown.htm" target="_blank">Pretty Pushers</a> came out with an adorable gown that is very hospital-compatible. There are tie-openings in the front to provide access to your belly for fetal monitoring. It has a handy halter top that is easy to remove for breastfeeding. And the back is all open in case you decide on anesthesia. They come in 3 adorable screen prints of those things pregnant women crave but can't have while they're expecting: Sushi, Coffee, and Mai Tai. They also come with a headband to keep your hair out of your face - very useful when you're huffing and puffing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_377/Pretty-Pushers-Delivery-Gown.htm" target="_blank">Pretty Pushers</a> also offers Plus Size gowns and <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_378/Pretty-Pushers-gift-set.htm" target="_blank">Gift Sets</a> which include lip gloss, a mirror, massage oil, and a lemon scented towelette - to keep you looking picture-perfect!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BWTCIwhJkJiDpXfVRNUSbx22ns7jBeA-vUgRRdFly2Tot6dgpbJpsdzZ5nxRxA5JVESSCSS4QGdrCVwajRmhgswocjwpKc-ApfzBQiWS4YFfUU2pnNLm_etp9dJMXUUeG2PKmLqVON4/s1600/maitais.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BWTCIwhJkJiDpXfVRNUSbx22ns7jBeA-vUgRRdFly2Tot6dgpbJpsdzZ5nxRxA5JVESSCSS4QGdrCVwajRmhgswocjwpKc-ApfzBQiWS4YFfUU2pnNLm_etp9dJMXUUeG2PKmLqVON4/s200/maitais.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXPTnURAr-VEWB7P4K0aEGRUIKhOU1v4S8QjQzVOf9EK7MyoCpvK1PBttGG47vhUgVZGylWU3Vc1EYt8K0nMgmWS7zSJHIKtap5zvvCwJPzWsiGxYYz6F8ofJPiF5uPImdVlp4qZ5ZfE/s1600/sushiback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXPTnURAr-VEWB7P4K0aEGRUIKhOU1v4S8QjQzVOf9EK7MyoCpvK1PBttGG47vhUgVZGylWU3Vc1EYt8K0nMgmWS7zSJHIKtap5zvvCwJPzWsiGxYYz6F8ofJPiF5uPImdVlp4qZ5ZfE/s200/sushiback.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEcndWZXvt_h9ki__RUC_lnYxJuiIhd-hGJrVCZj4X8Ce6D8KhSv6xO9nNDi5ZeqnlH8BXQH3DhjyXg_iV8mNoW_m7bk0OoqNOqrUYHLxBc7V34K4XjB8RSIdiawYEkHodoR7S7-QzTY/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEcndWZXvt_h9ki__RUC_lnYxJuiIhd-hGJrVCZj4X8Ce6D8KhSv6xO9nNDi5ZeqnlH8BXQH3DhjyXg_iV8mNoW_m7bk0OoqNOqrUYHLxBc7V34K4XjB8RSIdiawYEkHodoR7S7-QzTY/s200/coffee.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><br />
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Our newest gown, the <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_786/Birthing-Gown.htm" target="_blank">Birthing Gown</a>, is even more exquisite. It really is so flattering that it could be worn to a party or luncheon and no one would bat an eye. Until, that is, they notice the velcro shoulders that open easily for nursing access. The extra soft fabric creates a wrap dress with a beautiful bow that ties at a flattering empire waist. Definitely suitable for a lounging gown on those days after the baby that you need something comfortable and breastfeeding-friendly to wear!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-YmDEN5BaH0QysZq-7rCUZNbkfJ66L6RBsKhTEtPe_EaCwkKm9Z52mGxCnBVzl2a_A5eywV8fgf5FQyvsE2qTAk2_900GaxoN7i7H3JAR5D9UhftwNlbd5IwvrDcBg_-i_uLOaqCBL0/s1600/birthinggown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-YmDEN5BaH0QysZq-7rCUZNbkfJ66L6RBsKhTEtPe_EaCwkKm9Z52mGxCnBVzl2a_A5eywV8fgf5FQyvsE2qTAk2_900GaxoN7i7H3JAR5D9UhftwNlbd5IwvrDcBg_-i_uLOaqCBL0/s200/birthinggown2.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TZkhRX-19qWnr0I3XB8S85oZgaA7jnoXx8B61__pEBTMRccEbaABPEFMqHNxML8UGR-vKgB8oHOrk_BrxiA4RS3SG5TICzZfLQfs96Oq-U3HR_-owTtxavcsPWiQq1CN9oU7wptXpOk/s1600/birthinggown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TZkhRX-19qWnr0I3XB8S85oZgaA7jnoXx8B61__pEBTMRccEbaABPEFMqHNxML8UGR-vKgB8oHOrk_BrxiA4RS3SG5TICzZfLQfs96Oq-U3HR_-owTtxavcsPWiQq1CN9oU7wptXpOk/s200/birthinggown.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Birthing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Baylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12075153439567476010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-62935319064589902722012-04-05T20:23:00.003-04:002012-04-05T20:31:20.127-04:00Confessions of a "Newbie"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s9mZR3u87vHR_jxegvE3ijSOcsKFHDMGA3WWqbeAjdLQhyphenhyphenNA_d4SpHys-5oezkLpcuYnty1Ec527S27j8YdSyzFggcsAkVWIzJDZLsyHWTGgBRp5cuYe7wePLMATayIyFPUq29C8yH8h/s1600/cutebaby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s9mZR3u87vHR_jxegvE3ijSOcsKFHDMGA3WWqbeAjdLQhyphenhyphenNA_d4SpHys-5oezkLpcuYnty1Ec527S27j8YdSyzFggcsAkVWIzJDZLsyHWTGgBRp5cuYe7wePLMATayIyFPUq29C8yH8h/s320/cutebaby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728078554736381394" /></a><br /><br />Contributed by Miracle- our newest employee here at Soft and Cozy Baby!<br /><br />When I first discovered I was pregnant with my oldest son in 2007, I immediately began thinking about the best way to birth him and feed him. Like any pregnant or new mother, you research the best options for your child, from car seats and cribs, to daycares and pediatricians.<br /><br />For me, breastfeeding was a given, as was attempting the most natural and intervention free birth possible. For some reason, it never occurred to me to think about using cloth diapers as part of a more “natural parenting” lifestyle. Diapering was hardly a blip on my radar!<br /><br />After my son was born, a friend mentioned her use of a hybrid cloth diaper and this allowed me a tiny peek into the world of cloth, but I was still unconvinced. It seemed like this unreachable goal for me and I kept visualizing dipping diapers into the toilet and smelly, stinky mess everywhere. I did not have the<br />confidence in myself as a new mother to try out a new system. (I have since learned that I am capable, strong, and absolutely can do this!)<br /><br />As he grew older, I discovered multiple problems with using disposables. He would break out into a rash, they always seemed to leak (up the back blowouts anyone?), they were expensive and smelly, we ran out constantly, and it felt as though my trash was always overflowing. I also started thinking more the environmental impact of these diapers…where do they end up when they are used? A landfill? What resources are being used to make them? What exactly are in these things?<br /><br />All of these questions continued to follow me through the course of my son’s baby and toddlerhood, but I did not have adequate information, support, or resources to make a decision at that time. When I discovered I was once again pregnant with baby #2, I made a firm decision to research cloth diapering.<br /><br />What I found was definitely surprising. The variety, ease of use, and flat out cuteness of cloth diapering was amazing. I knew this time I would be able to have success with cloth, I just needed someone to inform and encourage me. With the help of my sister and several people at the store, I was able to stock different types of diapers and covers. Since the birth of my second son, I have not only had success with diapering, but I have grown to love cloth and trying out and collecting different diapers. My husband teases me whenever I come home with new diapers! One of the best moments I have had with cloth diapering is my grandmother telling me how proud of me she is for using cloth. If cloth was good enough for her, it is good enough for me!<br /><br />So, my confessions are that I was not a faithful cloth user with my oldest son, but I am a loyal cloth user now and I am so glad I made the change! It is never “too late” to try cloth. Even if your child is a toddler, you did not use cloth with your older children, or you just aren’t sure what is out there, switching to cloth can still be a very cost effective and helpful change,. So if you aren’t already using cloth or<br />considering, give it a try!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-63640356181351175242012-01-15T13:59:00.003-05:002012-01-25T17:26:42.959-05:00EEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW that smell!!!!I am going to drop some truth on you guys here.... cloth diapers sometimes get a case of the smells. How will you know when it strikes? It should be easy to detect... An ammonia smell that takes your breath away or a poo smell that no amount of washing can get rid of. If this happens do you know what to do about it? What about how to prevent it in the future?<br /><br />The cause of these smells is often buildup on the diapers. The buildup can be caused by a number of things: detergent that did not get rinsed out completely, issues with your wash routine or cycle or even diaper creams that are not safe for cloth. If you believe detergent buildup is the culprit there are a couple of fixes. First is to make sure that you are using a detergent approved for cloth diapers- Country Save, Rockin' Green, Thirsties Super Wash and Planet just to name a few. If you are using a mainstream detergent brand make sure it does not have added scents, whiteners, brighteneners etc that can build up on the diapers. When it comes to washing your stash the more basic the detergent the better. You should also be doing an extra rinse (or even two) at the end of your wash cycle to make sure that all the soap is being rinsed away. Another important element is the way in which you wash your diapers. Most experts recommend doing a cold prewash with or without a soak (I soak mine in BioKleen Bac Out overnight to help combat the smellies), then a hot wash with more than enough water. My average diaper wash load of 10-12 covers and inserts is considered a large load. When it comes to cloth diaper washing- the more water the better! <br /><br />You may need to "strip" your diapers to get the buildup off. One popular method utilizes Dawn dish soap (just the plain blue kind). Just a little squirt (key word being LITTLE.. the more you add the more you will need to rinse)in a hot wash with clean diapers will help remove any built up detergent. RLR Laundry Treatment is another option for stripping diapers to remove buildup. This economical option is available on our website and in the store: http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_375/RLR-Laundry-Treatment.htm. After you have stripped the diapers you might consider adding Rockin Green Funk Rock to every load. This "ammonia bouncer" is very popular and seem to do the trick for lots of people: http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_426/Funk-Rock-Ammonia-Bouncer--30-loads.htm.<br /><br />Another important factor in keeping your diapers smelling fresh is washing at least every 2 to 3 days. Too often I put off doing diaper wash because I have enough to get through but this inevitably causes issues. Think about it.. the longer the wet and dirty diapers sit the harder they are to get clean. When I wash every other day I find that smell is not even a factor anymore.<br /><br />Are you fighting the good fight against smelly diapers? What has worked for you??Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-25497612712830730222012-01-11T16:44:00.000-05:002012-01-11T16:47:28.572-05:00Spontaneous Product Review: purEcosheetConfession: I love fabric softener and/or dryer sheets. I love the smell. I love the feel of fluffy towels. I think part of my adoration stems from warm, fuzzy memories of my mom giving me clothes straight from the dryer that still smelled like Snuggle :)<br /><br />Sadly, my love affair with "main stream" dryer sheets and fabric softener had to end when I started cloth diapering my son. Part of it was because I knew that they were bad news for the absorption factor of my stash. The bigger issue was my newly gained knowledge of what is actually in those products. Just a few of the ingredients found in fabric softeners like Downy and Snuggle: alpha-terpineol (causes CNS disorders), benzyl acetate(carcinogen-linked to pancreatic cancer), choloroform(neurotoxic, carcinogenic, anesthetic, ethyl acetate (narcotic), linalool (narcotic). Pretty scary, right? <br /><br />After learning about the potential poisonous side of fabric softener I went cold turkey. I found that using better detergent like Country Save eliminated some of the static automatically but not completely. I've experimented with Ecover's line of fabric softeners but was not overly impressed. Bayla, our fearless leader here at Soft and Cozy Baby, ordered a product called purEcosheet and I was intrigued. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKVSZQcuwONl8peGgBA2JZPMqBreVzQMwGjokaVpr-Qaguo7SR66r5wtzqmh1c8jTGV4kt1Z8OOvAo7902JwZkUNSQhbhXjeeRQzVbaOwwSHoIR7FdhMWJJQXLEzaxBUc6o403IbKcuEE/s1600/pureco.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKVSZQcuwONl8peGgBA2JZPMqBreVzQMwGjokaVpr-Qaguo7SR66r5wtzqmh1c8jTGV4kt1Z8OOvAo7902JwZkUNSQhbhXjeeRQzVbaOwwSHoIR7FdhMWJJQXLEzaxBUc6o403IbKcuEE/s320/pureco.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696492091930059954" /></a><br /><br />PurEcosheet bills itself as having "all the advantages of a traditional dryer sheet, with none of the chemicals. The perfume, dye and chemical free way to keep your fabrics soft, natural and free of static". I figure it was worth a shot. Two reusable sheets (good for 100s of loads according to the box) is $14.95 so fairly comparable in price to other options out there. The package gives instruction for how to prep (wash in any load of laundry after their first three uses) and maintenance (wash again every 3 months for best performance). After about a month I can tell you that these really do work! My towels and sheets feel softer and my clothes have less static. I cannot think of a single drawback!<br /><br />Here are some other great things about purEcosheets:<br />*unscented<br />*made in North America<br />*100% hypoallergenic<br />*safe for use on infant's sleepwear, cloth diapers, technical fabrics, fine linens and towels<br />*safe for allergy and eczema and allergy sufferers<br />*great for baby's sensitive skin<br />* sold at Soft and Cozy Baby! <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_779/Purecosheet.htm"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-62795857549062596122011-12-28T17:46:00.004-05:002011-12-28T18:25:28.598-05:00Hey Target, What's the deal??In case you have not heard, a mother was recently harassed in a Target store while she tried to breastfeed her 4 month old baby under the cover of a baby blanket. Initially an employee of the Texas Target informed her that she should nurse in one of the changing rooms. When she declined another employee told her that she could be cited for indecent exposure. Within minutes word must have spread throughout their staff and several other workers walked by to get a peek and shake their head in disapproval. Disapproval of a woman feeding her baby. Apparently these employees were concerned that her public act of breastfeeding would bother her fellow shoppers. How many customers complained? Not one. After this story had garnered national attention (at least among those concerned with breastfeeding and women's right), Target issued a statement saying that “guests who choose to breastfeed in public areas of the store are welcome to do so without being made to feel uncomfortable". <br /><br />Unfortunately, I did not find this story very shocking. As a mother that breastfed two babies for a total of 35 months between them I had experienced a fair amount of ignorance and ill treatment. A museum employee once approached me while I nursed my son under a nursing cover and told me that I would be more comfortable in the "mom's lounge" in the bathroom? When I walked into the stale air of the restroom I was greeted by a folding chair. I turned right around and assumed my former position and fed my son. I have several stories like this and they all end in me standing my ground and feeding my baby. Many times I was able to nurse my babies while wearing them and no one was the wiser. Who was I hurting??<br /><br />What disturbed me most about this incident was reading the comments on articles about the story. Grown men and women referring to breastfeeding as "icky" and "inappropriate". That this woman must have wanted to cause a scene because she refused to be relegated to a stall to feed her baby. Others questioned her fitness as a mother for not pumping bottles in anticipation of his hunger. Still more made rude comments about her body (HELLO, she just had a baby four months before!. I was aghast. Do these same people clutch their pearls when they pass a Victoria's Secret? when they watch cable? Can't they understand that this woman was just trying to provide milk to her baby??<br /><br />Listen, I know that not everyone can or wants to breastfeed. I feel very strongly that "breast is best" but I know that every mother just wants to raise a healthy baby and has to make her own choices. What I do not understand is why all the moms of the world are not enraged at what happened in Target. Why it is okay for corporate America to use images of breasts to sell clothes, beer, cars and so much more but not okay for me to feed my baby? Nursing moms are not trying to expose themselves, to shock people or to cause a commotion- they just want to feed their babies. They do not want to feed them in a dank public restroom or in the broom closet. Why aren't we more concerned with nurturing these moms so that they can feel more comfortable in their role as a mother? Why are breastfeeding moms being harassed in 21st century America??<br /><br />My sons are 5 and 2. I have no problem with them witnessing a mother nurse their child. I want them to grow up knowing that breasts serve a biological purpose and are not just there to be ogled. If I am ever blessed with a daughter I want her to know the power of her body and all that it is capable of. I want her to breastfeed confidently without feeling as though she is going to be harassed. I want her to feel as though her rights as a woman are upheld.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-58225455409241866472011-11-01T20:30:00.002-04:002011-11-01T20:35:31.451-04:00Review: Nosefrida the Snotsucker<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2-nD3olOYuVGfkVjajWyY38YgsJYSTrLRXtrGKxdzfg5KSWoFAtMZ-BJbGnyjCn93oRUBJwP0e3RqR5kNMW4I0ndAUuEa5ggeX0ak18z_xWDlEuROgj-rYrdfbQt6Hi4GR4pCFmffOI/s1600/IMG_6371.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2-nD3olOYuVGfkVjajWyY38YgsJYSTrLRXtrGKxdzfg5KSWoFAtMZ-BJbGnyjCn93oRUBJwP0e3RqR5kNMW4I0ndAUuEa5ggeX0ak18z_xWDlEuROgj-rYrdfbQt6Hi4GR4pCFmffOI/s320/IMG_6371.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670190078643442962" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> 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semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">One of the first things you learn to do as a mother is use a bulb syringe to clear out your baby’s nose.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone knows about the battle of the bulb syringe!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a rite of passage! Fortunately, one of my friends eventually turned me on to the Nosefrida, a Swedish invention that has been used in Europe by pediatricians, nurses, midwives and parents for over 10 years. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> The Nosefrida is a simple tapered plastic tube connected to a hose with a mouthpiece.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You bite the mouthpiece, insert the tube into a nostril (it is designed so it doesn’t actually enter the nose, but plugs baby’s nostril to get a good suction) and slowly suck in, providing sustained and gentle suction.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To keep the suction tube clean and your mind settled, the Nosefrida incorporates a disposable foam filter that keeps the snot and bacteria in the tube and out of your mouth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love and trust all things Swedish, so of course I ordered one!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Right on cue, my 1-year-old daughter got another cold, so I was able to give the Nosefrida a good workout right away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> And it was excellent!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was able to begin sucking into the tube before approaching my daughter’s nostrils, so I got a good 3-4 seconds of strong, sustained suck before she swatted it away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The clear tube allowed me to see my prize….a gallon of mucus, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">at least</i>!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had to get the other nostril, so, I started sucking, aimed, and…she let me stick it in her nose without complaint!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She welcomed it, in fact, grinning the whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Of course it’s funny!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Look at what you are doing!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Another gallon of mucus retrieved.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was a very pleasant interaction, and I could tell that my daughter felt much better.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She has gotten two or three colds since then, and snotsucking has now become a funny game for us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With a bulb syringe, you have to squeeze, aim, insert deep into the nose, and then get a ½ second of measly suck action if you managed to get it in the right place…and then you have to somehow clean it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Cleaning the Nosefrida is simple.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You just take the hose and filter off and then flush the tube with soap and water.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Good as new, with visual confirmation that there are no boogies left.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’m cheap, so I just rinse the filter and use again, but you are supposed to use a fresh filter for each snotsucking session.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I do change mine at the end of each illness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> This, along with the Ergo Baby Carrier, BabyLegs and Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets, is one of my top items for new moms and old moms alike.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> NIKKI!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>bedheadmaestrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02081770548191502962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-2246484784911935452011-10-08T22:06:00.000-04:002011-10-08T22:06:43.845-04:00How UnderCover Mama Saved My Baby from Chickenpox!A few weeks ago I noticed 2 itchy spots on my belly and back. I thought it was mosquito bites but had no idea how they got to my belly! Someone suggested it was poison ivy but again, almost impossible. A couple days later it turned into a blistery rash. As we were going out of town the next day, I decided to go to Patient First being that it was quite uncomfortable and I wanted to make sure it wasn't contagious.<br />
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The Doctor at Patient First took one look at it and announced, "That is definitely Shingles." Shingles?! I thought that's for old people! She said that she's seen a few young people with it lately. So am I contagious? Only if someone comes into direct contact with the lesions. But I am nursing a baby! She said my baby was likely already exposed so there's nothing I can do about it anyway. Someone can contract chickenpox from shingles, but they wouldn't contract shingles. But my 8 mo old nursling has not had the chickenpox or the vaccine, and he's the only one who has been in direct contact with my belly!<br />
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Her only advice was to keep it covered, wash my hands, and take an antiviral. I was taken off work for a week as I'm a midwife and don't want to expose my patients - just in case. I called my pediatrician who wasn't concerned. It's not dangerous for a baby at 8 months to get chicken pox.<br />
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So we went on our trip as planned. And my baby never got the chicken pox!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbDjbSbaXyv8f3THNVf11eh8ZP96scEGaelgClWX7HCP2zBosFKf4QDL6eAdctQ3t3AUgrkXczToVKDRe4la1M9rq-9ogQrmwBar_E93Zk0TOmFYdRnvPS0d4qMaJ4tAlZhUg-kyIbIA/s1600/summary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbDjbSbaXyv8f3THNVf11eh8ZP96scEGaelgClWX7HCP2zBosFKf4QDL6eAdctQ3t3AUgrkXczToVKDRe4la1M9rq-9ogQrmwBar_E93Zk0TOmFYdRnvPS0d4qMaJ4tAlZhUg-kyIbIA/s320/summary.jpg" width="320" /></a>I attribute it to my <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_569/Undercover-Mama.htm">Undercover Mama</a>! I LOVE the <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_569/Undercover-Mama.htm">Undercover Mama</a> and wear one all the time! It is great because it just hooks to your regular nursing bra and is much cheaper than a nursing tank. I like that it keeps my belly covered while I'm nursing as I wear a lot of T-shirts. I also wear it to sleep because nursing in bed makes for a cold tummy! I think because my <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_569/Undercover-Mama.htm">Undercover Mama</a> kept my belly covered all the time, my baby was never exposed to the shingles lesion.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpOvlZKTVYkKoEZ8IpceEh3Z5vwkU0N9z2LqqaKBmycgKPjElEY1L5CVe4Cjuu2J1nssPUV_kSaONvYEjvh2kOsEm2-jSTiAdI4gwJF_cSNrv1Bp4pfqCOkUh3lgiQJ7Znl_EICZIy3M/s1600/white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpOvlZKTVYkKoEZ8IpceEh3Z5vwkU0N9z2LqqaKBmycgKPjElEY1L5CVe4Cjuu2J1nssPUV_kSaONvYEjvh2kOsEm2-jSTiAdI4gwJF_cSNrv1Bp4pfqCOkUh3lgiQJ7Znl_EICZIy3M/s320/white.jpg" width="192" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazmSCZcwkPw8OAxlFR1bMdAISK6BQfg5h-6qaJjMFsp0cUFWmBLqS7DDJNNU9tjwlchsTEAz3RyA4vRrbrDozqNf34iZaH5xGQhU12SvMddSOOkAaLgdiTE_VIuJPA14BheAeeo50smo/s1600/open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazmSCZcwkPw8OAxlFR1bMdAISK6BQfg5h-6qaJjMFsp0cUFWmBLqS7DDJNNU9tjwlchsTEAz3RyA4vRrbrDozqNf34iZaH5xGQhU12SvMddSOOkAaLgdiTE_VIuJPA14BheAeeo50smo/s320/open.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
Another great benefit of the <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_569/Undercover-Mama.htm">Undercover Mama</a>!Baylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12075153439567476010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-37308932948840053952011-08-28T22:02:00.002-04:002011-08-28T22:07:30.806-04:00Lollidoo Overnight EcoPocket to the Rescue!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8LZsGQw14DhVJGq41MCxidR9iI_GhaknCNILSoUx-dPfd3GowpbtzFuM_BXaQn_JVOZouCI-j_3iwqfLwFZ7TMYLFVIKDTzqovGvOqaCWbUkn06JiWuV5lIIPSCBZEcjTWXxybnfSsA/s1600/lollidoologo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8LZsGQw14DhVJGq41MCxidR9iI_GhaknCNILSoUx-dPfd3GowpbtzFuM_BXaQn_JVOZouCI-j_3iwqfLwFZ7TMYLFVIKDTzqovGvOqaCWbUkn06JiWuV5lIIPSCBZEcjTWXxybnfSsA/s200/lollidoologo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646093698071191634" border="0" /></a>
<br />All moms suffer from lack of sleep and look forward to a time when their little one will sleep through the night without waking. We dream about it, well actually moms who don't get good sleep don't actually get to dream, but we daydream about dreaming...lol
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<br />The heartbreak happens when the time comes, baby sleeps through the whole night, the problem? Well the problem is that your <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/category_1/Cloth-Diapers.htm">cloth diapers</a> can't make it through the whole night without wicking or leaking and there's nothing like a soaked <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/category_1/Cloth-Diapers.htm">cloth diaper</a>, sheets and onesie to wake a sleeping babe! I know, it's a sad thing, all you want to do is sleep and finally baby wants to sleep, but you need to find an <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/category_77/Lollidoo.htm">overnight cloth diapering system</a> that works!
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<br />That's where the <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/category_77/Lollidoo.htm">Lollidoo Overnight Ecopocket</a> comes in! Fleece is a really awesome cloth diapering solution for heavy wetter and overnight and that's why Lollidoo has created a pocket diaper for overnight using it! Fleece repels moisture which keeps the wetness inside the diaper, in the inserts where it belongs.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:large;">About Lollidoo: </span></span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Made in the <span class="style1">U</span>S<span class="style3">A</span></span> with recycled and organic fibers, <span style="color:#99cc00;"><span class="style29" style="font-weight: bold;">Lolli</span></span><span class="style28" style=" font-weight: bold;color:#3366cc;" >Doo</span> <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/category_77/Lollidoo.htm">cloth diapers</a> are available in a whole host of styles, beginning with our versatile <span class="style4" style="font-weight: bold;">eco-p<span class="style5">o</span>ck<span class="style5">e</span>t</span> pocket-style cloth diaper with recycled fleece outer and your choice of certified organic cotton skin liner or recycled StayDry skin liner. <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_595/Lollidoo-Overnight-Eco-pocket.htm"><span class="style4" style="font-weight: bold;">eco-p<span class="style5">o</span>ck<span class="style5">e</span>t</span></a> diapers are available in <span class="style7">Classic</span> or <span class="style8">Overnight</span> styles in an array of vibrant colors.
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<br />The <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_595/Lollidoo-Overnight-Eco-pocket.htm">Overnight Ecopocket</a> comes with THREE absorbent innies/inserts.
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/category_77/Lollidoo.htm"><img src="http://www.earthangelsdiaperco.com/images/eco-pocketupdateddiagram.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Visit <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/">Soft and Cozy Baby</a> today and check out the <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/category_77/Lollidoo.htm">Ecopocket by Lollidoo</a>! We promise, you won't regret it!
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<br />Guest Author: Julie, the "Cloth Diaper Geek"
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<br />Baylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13485034522641486768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-79768455514477854342011-08-10T18:43:00.001-04:002011-08-10T18:43:44.651-04:00You use what kind of diapers??!!One of the things I love most about cloth diapering (and working at a cloth diaper store) is getting to share my knowledge and passion with others. I love when a fellow mom expresses interest in learning more and gives cloth diapering a try. I get a thrill when a fellow mom notices my son's adorable diaper in the Nordstrom ladies lounge. What better way to spread the word?
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<br />That being said, I often run into those that are super skeptical of the whole cloth diaper concept. I hear questions like "You wash that in your washing machine?", "You have to rinse them out?", "You know disposables are so much easier, right??". I wish I knew the perfect way to respond but I am usually at a loss. I generally revert to smiling and conceding that cloth diapering might not be the best choice for everyone... I wish I could express to them how cloth diapering changed the way I look at consumerism, the environment, my budget, my baby's health and so much more!
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<br />Have you encountered many nay-sayers?? How do you respond?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-69023153205724673102011-04-04T15:23:00.011-04:002011-04-04T16:32:56.967-04:00cloth wipes: all the cool people are using themWhen I first ventured into the world of cloth diapering I was hesitant about a lot of factors: washing, leakage, practicality etc. I was ultimately won over by the environmental impact of disposables AND their impact on my wallet. Why then was I not as excited to jump on the cloth wipe band wagon? For some reason I held onto that last vestige of disposable diapering. I was happy to ditch the paper diapers but I felt like the wipes practical and inexpensive enough to keep using them. I was so wrong!<br /><br />After about a month of cloth diapering I realized the disposable wipes were cramping my style. First, I discovered how flimsy they were and just how many I needed to clean up an atomic #2 diaper. Second, I could no longer just wrap them up in the disposable diaper and throw them out (ohhhhhhhhh the landfills........). It actually ended up being MORE work to separate them out without making a mess. I ended up banishing disposable wipes from my house (I do keep them in the car for emergencies!) and making an effort to use the cloth option. <br /><br />For those that are skeptical (or scared) here is "Cloth Wipes 101".<br />Lots of cloth diaper makers have gotten in on the cloth wipe action: BumGenius, Fuzzi Bunz, Kissaluvs, the list goes on and on. You can also use washcloths (baby or otherwise- the baby ones tend to be a little softer on the bum), pieces of old textiles- you get the picture. You can use them dry with a spray bottle, wet with plain ol' water, or wet with a diaper wipe solution. There is no wrong way- just what you find that works best for you.<br /><br />Here is how I "get my wipe on":<br /><br />I use Thirsties Fab Wipes (and let me tell you, they ARE fab!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/images/sm/tfw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/images/sm/tfw.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />For a solution I use Punkin Butt Organic Wipe Concentrate:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/images/sm/pborws.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 141px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/images/sm/pborws.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I love that one little bottle makes 50 batches!!!<br /><br />I use a plastic wipes container but any tupperware (or even a wipe warmer) will do. I use an old Huggies tub because I like the opening better for "pop-up-ability". I won't include a picture of that because I bet our readers are super smart and know what one looks like ;)<br /><br />Now here is where I get kind of fancy. I like my wipes to pop out of the tub like a disposable wipe would. Here is how I make that happen:<br /><br />Step 1: Lay out the first wipe and put the second wipe halfway over it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueDrMqp8qWm5HH99U5L-16ybMHpMct4lrNeZksih-QrfC78cD58iPK6CfJPa-dphEQnERjen8jJClSjAo1o-L7T6hEwAT8pyYLBA4MOVX0C02iGJj-O4LZeoudCZRqkmamnNClxv3-oPA/s1600/fortheloveofgodpleaseowrk+238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueDrMqp8qWm5HH99U5L-16ybMHpMct4lrNeZksih-QrfC78cD58iPK6CfJPa-dphEQnERjen8jJClSjAo1o-L7T6hEwAT8pyYLBA4MOVX0C02iGJj-O4LZeoudCZRqkmamnNClxv3-oPA/s320/fortheloveofgodpleaseowrk+238.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591828078157738882" /></a><br /><br />Step 2: Fold one wipe over the other. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJibRqQ77-HzNwksGLzrwHCcgo5DNpK_458U_GFqNDfMzO-qibzFi36vED2ijTlX215s9mHg6cH-1QAgcm7eTwfMKklBGj3UGhdA2Qzzo6L9oPaKj2Wg-82DRcKm7ywFELnys2fhmowoHi/s1600/fortheloveofgodpleaseowrk+237.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJibRqQ77-HzNwksGLzrwHCcgo5DNpK_458U_GFqNDfMzO-qibzFi36vED2ijTlX215s9mHg6cH-1QAgcm7eTwfMKklBGj3UGhdA2Qzzo6L9oPaKj2Wg-82DRcKm7ywFELnys2fhmowoHi/s320/fortheloveofgodpleaseowrk+237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591826463520598242" /></a><br /><br />Step 3: Lay another wipe over the side you just folded over.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiez0_h9_iDCZmAohZyLG67jFlLmqwelR4jiIH0rnNBLNLKs7GyPircwYqU9277ZXyTBveAVq7H87hbr6e90pp9xS2fg8eTyjGg4LJVpCiZpu7icCnB1gfj_jT99Q0OEl-0dcVcTeVEMo6I/s1600/fortheloveofgodpleaseowrk+239.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiez0_h9_iDCZmAohZyLG67jFlLmqwelR4jiIH0rnNBLNLKs7GyPircwYqU9277ZXyTBveAVq7H87hbr6e90pp9xS2fg8eTyjGg4LJVpCiZpu7icCnB1gfj_jT99Q0OEl-0dcVcTeVEMo6I/s320/fortheloveofgodpleaseowrk+239.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591825499770039778" /></a><br /><br />Step 4: Fold the opposite side over the cloth you just laid down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZpx9KVem5Cw9HhHwtuFaFNwJ_zrq3c63Hits07oNQG_KI1RGrUDau7W77UUMOlvYw1TYAcDPCEsQv32bglZS0b67my6OKjbeHfw_NEklnK5fr0gqvO1Oo0Juupjb-wPzMNOjHBPSJ7Ak/s1600/fortheloveofgodpleaseowrk+240.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZpx9KVem5Cw9HhHwtuFaFNwJ_zrq3c63Hits07oNQG_KI1RGrUDau7W77UUMOlvYw1TYAcDPCEsQv32bglZS0b67my6OKjbeHfw_NEklnK5fr0gqvO1Oo0Juupjb-wPzMNOjHBPSJ7Ak/s320/fortheloveofgodpleaseowrk+240.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591825932540973026" /></a><br /><br />Continue folding this away until you have used the desired number of wipes and place them in your wipe container. Next, add your wipe solution to one cup of boiled water and pour over the wipes. You're done!! Once you get the hang of folding the wipes this will go a lot faster :) If the folding is not your think you can skip this step. Other mamas prefer to wet wipes as needed or just keep a spray bottle with water or wipe solution on hand to spray dirty bottoms. No matter which way you do it cloth wipes saves you money AND benefits the earth!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063161732506013960.post-30595736457368015542011-03-16T23:00:00.002-04:002011-03-16T23:33:06.594-04:00Breastfeeding NecessitiesMy son is now 8 weeks old and I am LOVING breastfeeding my second time around! Breastfeeding should be simple, right. Just you and the baby. No bits and pieces to take along or wash. You're ready to go whenever baby needs with no cleanup required (except for the milk mouth)!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuHFxL-ENGOp0uCB0Wc_R16sz9PgeGf1xucWkOv1EhDT4SoOMP3T768NjzOA0sK2Vgpmh4ZvZ6lWGQhtxDXI0XFrZmpL2Vh51DRg4L2ffeN4yibBofu9cZxw5Hp0GzqojVnXPfo1wgK-p/s1600/open.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuHFxL-ENGOp0uCB0Wc_R16sz9PgeGf1xucWkOv1EhDT4SoOMP3T768NjzOA0sK2Vgpmh4ZvZ6lWGQhtxDXI0XFrZmpL2Vh51DRg4L2ffeN4yibBofu9cZxw5Hp0GzqojVnXPfo1wgK-p/s200/open.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584873521632459810" border="0" /></a><br />That is true and makes breastfeeding so much nicer than bottle feeding with all its included preparation and clean-up. But I want to share some of the gadgets that I've been using which is turning breastfeeding into almost as much of an obsession as cloth diapering! I just love all these things that I've found to make the experience that much more exciting!<br /><br />The first is the <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_569/Undercover-Mama.htm">Undercover Mama.</a> This awesome invention keeps your belly covered while you nurse. Instead of buying an expensive nursing tank or forfeiting your favorite bra, you can keep your bra and save money with this product. It attaches to your own bra and drops down when you release the clasp on your bra! I am living in it these days! I wear it to bed too because my belly always gets cold when I'm nursing in bed at night!<br /><br />Next is the <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_428/Milkies-Milk-Saver.htm">Milkies Milk Saver</a>. This thing is ingenious. All you can think about when you take off your soaking breast pads is how much milk was wasted that is now going to be wa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdA08V6CEGiaDGBdDT8aSSdBfOaU_g2g2iLsREs6wfVTL0Gzyzb80p9b6c-VrJFQivBfw-z1sMg-w3D_8hy4tafoXo3N8nPK65JRB-mOZPqWfmpeN-3m7p3A_IzYvCuNX0nCGZyDPoBUz0/s1600/milksaver1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdA08V6CEGiaDGBdDT8aSSdBfOaU_g2g2iLsREs6wfVTL0Gzyzb80p9b6c-VrJFQivBfw-z1sMg-w3D_8hy4tafoXo3N8nPK65JRB-mOZPqWfmpeN-3m7p3A_IzYvCuNX0nCGZyDPoBUz0/s200/milksaver1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584874061954676978" border="0" /></a>shed out. Especially when you need to pump and every drop counts! It is a little large and I would love one that I could wear all day long, but it's got a great design. You put it in your bra on the other side than you're nursing on. And it catches all the milk with let-down. I once collected 2 oz using this! It even comes with a heavy-duty case that acts as a stand to hold it upright.<br /><br />My last ingenious invention is <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_560/Milk-Trays.htm">Milk Trays</a>. With my first child, I couldn't believe how expensive those bags are to freeze breastmilk in. Were they really necessary? What's wrong with plain old freezer bags? Of course no one had an answer so I used them - protecting my precious breastmilk for my baby. I'd hate for it to get ruined or freezer burned. Then I saw Milk Tr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHnrQdfB-IQn5H2AVSUU4gEE63PQN8IBeKdSroKJJfktIO_zxqtvLSHcI3aUtaQWZISPxrDocJvRhnuOFbySwdXbQn9sbrC1gHP2eV11Pl7Vmk8nZGDBH3O0dvj3lRo9YYr7GEoXpIBcC/s1600/milktrays.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHnrQdfB-IQn5H2AVSUU4gEE63PQN8IBeKdSroKJJfktIO_zxqtvLSHcI3aUtaQWZISPxrDocJvRhnuOFbySwdXbQn9sbrC1gHP2eV11Pl7Vmk8nZGDBH3O0dvj3lRo9YYr7GEoXpIBcC/s200/milktrays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584874254745931282" border="0" /></a>ays. They are specially designed, made of medical grade plastic, with 1 oz compartments. You pour the milk into the compartments from the bottle that you pump into. Then you freeze it. When they're frozen, you pop out the one-ounce sticks and store them in a regular freezer bag. Date the bag by the week so you use up old milk first. To defrost just put as many sticks as needed into a bottle and defrost in warm water like you normally would. This way you save every drop and don't defrost more than you need and have to throw it away. Then just rinse out the trays and reuse!<br /><br />Of course, I would be remiss if I failed to mention <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_429/My-Brest-Friend-Nursing-Pillow.htm">My Brest Friend</a> as a true nursing necessity. It provides unbelievable support and comfort, even for the new breastfeeding mama with a tiny newborn. At that early stage you truly don't have enough hands and support to keep everythin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19GMbcuLmggnrM-NN03r_GTxD_g5thzrA4-FjYA16qZh4pWGH0TmnzxIOTUKMnO8xWzt7_HiojkXCZBfGNfojuvulS1wiUBehRDimbw0peVSFJ-4AvWgudYqQevaLJSqBAXsAKyeTuQtG/s1600/mbfhipster.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19GMbcuLmggnrM-NN03r_GTxD_g5thzrA4-FjYA16qZh4pWGH0TmnzxIOTUKMnO8xWzt7_HiojkXCZBfGNfojuvulS1wiUBehRDimbw0peVSFJ-4AvWgudYqQevaLJSqBAXsAKyeTuQtG/s200/mbfhipster.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584876901286983874" border="0" /></a>g in place. This pillow wraps around your body and is very adjustable both in how high or low you set it and in how snug it fits around your belly. It has a flat surface so the baby doesn't roll in to you and supports your arms and back. The great thing I've found, even with nursing an older (relatively-speaking) baby, is that it comes in very handy when I'm nursing on one side and pumping on the other. I do that to maximize my pumping, which I need to do for work. The pillow completely supports the baby, so I don't need to use 2 hands to hold him, and I can hold the pump and usually still read a book or type on my laptop. For the modern woman!<br />My Brest Friend comes in super pattern choices, offers a plush deluxe cover option, has slipcovers that can be switched out, and even has a Twin Pillow!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNohpo2FTL2WbtTj-ve97OqY8YAhvU1wiqVKnZhEVtXPGu4Lc4uMMLG-FR7xnCnnWdEipvApOkIs9YPxKtF3Q0c6qTm2xu0dKt7ylbuzyUOBQMdNqmTjXT5o9vCm6qdDg4MT_4i-wyhcAc/s1600/EE+Bustier-02.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNohpo2FTL2WbtTj-ve97OqY8YAhvU1wiqVKnZhEVtXPGu4Lc4uMMLG-FR7xnCnnWdEipvApOkIs9YPxKtF3Q0c6qTm2xu0dKt7ylbuzyUOBQMdNqmTjXT5o9vCm6qdDg4MT_4i-wyhcAc/s200/EE+Bustier-02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584877163684819762" border="0" /></a><br />Speaking of the modern breastfeeding mama, check out the <a href="http://www.softandcozybaby.com/item_525/Easy-Expression-Bustier.htm">Easy Expression</a> by Medela. It comes as a halter or bustier and holds your pump in place so you're hands-free and can get things done! Truly vital if you're pumping at work. I have even heard first-hand of some women who pump in the car on their long commute. Have to be hands-free for that!<br /><br /><br />Happy Breastfeeding!Baylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13485034522641486768noreply@blogger.com1