My lack of blogging

I'm so sorry I haven't posted any content, reviews, or info lately. I've been really lazy with blogging. I've just been posting links on freebies as you can tell LOL! Hopefully I'll regain the desire to write! Thanks for sticking with me :)

Baby wearing info from another blog!

A great blog about the benefits of baby wearing! And a Moby wrap giveaway! Click here to visit :)

Thirsties duo wrap diaper cover

So I finally ordered a Thirsties Duo Wrap from Nicki's Diapers Click Here They are having free shipping on Diaper Covers at the moment so I thought I'd finally get one. I'll let you know how much I like it once it comes in. Until then, here's some info on the covers.

Thirsties Duo Wraps

Thirsties NEW Duo Wrap is a diaper cover that was developed to save you money! When trying to develop a one-size diaper cover, Thirsties discovered that no matter how they tried the one-size cover was too big on the average newborn and too small for most toddlers. By developing the Duo Wraps, Thirsties gives you very trim fitting covers in only 2 sizes that will cover your baby from birth to potty-training!

Thirsties Duo Wraps have 3 rows of snaps to adjust the rise to your baby's shape and means one size will fit twice as long. Rise adjustability and Thirsties great leg gussets make the Duo Wrap very versatile for all baby shapes and sizes. The hook & loop closures are durable and provides a secure fit. For advanced leak-proof protection, Duo Wraps have leg gussets that are super soft against baby's skin. The fold-over laundry tabs will protect the hook & loop closures from trapping lint in the wash.

The trim fit of the Thirsties Duo Wraps make it the preferred wrap for trifold prefold diapers and over trim fitted diapers, such as Thirsties Fab Fitted diapers. For bulkier systems and/or nighttime double stuffing, the roomier Thirsties Diaper Cover is recommended.

Size One on a 2-week old infant

Features:

• Adjustable rise for extended use to suit your growing baby
• Two sizes will fit from birth to potty
• Leg gussets provide superior protection against leaks
• Pliable and breathable in over a dozen fresh colors
• Pair with basic Prefold Cloth Diapers and save $2000 over disposables!
• Pair with Thirsties Fab Fitted Cloth Diapers and save $1000 over disposables!

Sizes:	Weight	Age
Size One	6-18 lbs	0-9 months
Size Two	18-40 lbs	9-36+ months

Great place to buy diapers!

Cloth diaper Shops are a great place to buy all your cloth diaper needs. Just go to www.clothdiapershops.com

Gro Baby video

Here is a video about Gro Baby diapers! A very clever idea in getting the word out about cloth! Just click the link :) Click here

New Kissaluvs fitted diapers!

kISSa's Cotton fleece fitted cloth diapers

Kissa's Fitted Cloth Diapers - in colors!

New! Version 2.0 Kissa’s. The same diaper, now twice as absorbent!
The v2.0 Kissa’s now feature microfiber soakers instead of cotton terry. Since the soaker is hidden, you will not feel or see any difference in the soaker, except the marked increase in absorbency. The v2.0 have rainbow serging in the Size 1 and 2 diapers and light brown in Size 0, to help you differentiate the from the original.

Kissaluvs diapers are known for quality fabrics and terrific fit. Our diaper fabrics are custom-made for us right here in the USA, including our wonderfully soft, absorbent, and durable cotton fleece.

Helpful "ingredients" you will find in our diapers:

• Beautifully textured fabrics to help contain even the runniest poop
• Fabric options, including unbleached cotton fleece and organic cotton with hemp, as well as gorgeous Limited Edition diapers of various colors and trims
• Stretchy elastic and fabrics for a snug fit without binding
• Elastic at leg and back openings to contain messes and floods
• Sturdy polyacetal resin snaps... easy access for parents, not so easy for curious toddlers
• Uniquely spaced adjustable wing snaps ... snap consecutively or over three snaps depending on your baby's build
• Overlapping wings on the larger sizes to fit even thin babies
• Unique fit with low-rise front and full coverage in back
• Simplicity of design, especially popular with dads and babysitters!
• See our fitted diapers on babies!

Kissa's Fitted Cloth Diaper

Suggested Retail: $12.95 Unbleached / $13.95 COLORS!

Size 0 - Newborn	Size 1 - Medium	Size 2 - Large
Fits approximately 5-15 lbs Light Brown stitching	Fits approximately 10-25 lbs Pastel Rainbow exterior stitching	Fits approximately 20-40 lbs Primary Rainbow exterior stitching

Probiotics for Babies and Children

I use Nature's Way Primadophilus powder for Children with baby K. I found it a Wholefoods for around $15.
I usually put the recommended dose in some of her baby food and feed it to her first thing. That way if she doesn't eat all of her food, it won't go to waste.

Here is an article I found online:

Friendly Helpful Bacteria Probiotics for Babies Health Probiotic used successfully for Infants & Children.

An article published in Prevention Magazine as early as 1993 reinforces the benefits of friendly helpful bacteria or probiotics for babies health. They report that the effects of friendly helpful bacteria such as L. acidophilus in the intestines have been well documented. Not only are they said to have a positive effect on our health and well being but also, they are implicated in the denaturation of certain carcinogenic compounds, reduction of serum cholesterol and in the production of vitamins and hormones.

The article goes on to say that not only adults benefit from these friendly helpful bacteria. Breast-fed babies generally have a lower incidence of colic and other digestive disturbances than bottle-fed babies, and this has been attributed to friendly micro-organisms in the digestive system whose growth is encouraged by mother's milk.

The acidophilus-type microorganisms that predominate in the intestinal tracts of healthy, breast-fed infants are called Bifidobacteria. These beneficial microorganisms account for up to 99% of a healthy, breast-fed baby's intestinal flora i.e. babies probiotics.

Bifidobacteria or bifidus are now believed to be very important to a young child's well being. Research has shown that bottle-fed babies have far fewer Bifidobacteria in their stools than breast-fed babies; and after breast-fed babies have been weaned, the type of Bifidobacteria specific to infants and small children, called Bifidobacterium infantis, is found only in small numbers. These numbers continue to decline as the intestinal flora shifts towards what is normally found in adults.

Prevention Magazine reiterates that research and scientific interest in Bifidobacteria has continued to grow as it is shown that breast-fed babies are much less susceptible to infections than bottle-fed babies.

For example, a study of infant intestinal flora was conducted in a rural area of Guatemala. Out of 210 babies born in the village, 109 were breast-fed. The breast-fed infants showed high concentrations of Bifidobacteria - nearly 100%. Only 4 of the breast-fed babies developed Shigella infections that can cause severe diarrhea. But the rate of Shigella infection for the non-breast-fed infants was much higher.

• Bifidobacteria (Bifidus) inhibit the colonization of the intestine by invading disease-causing bacteria through competition for nutrients and attachment sites.
• They also produce anti-microbial substances that inhibit growth of common pathogens.
• Nutritionally, Bifidobacteria encourage better weight gain in infants through nitrogen retention.
• These babies probiotics also assist in the absorption of calcium and other vitamins and minerals and help to produce lactose, the enzyme necessary for milk sugar digestion.

Babies are naturally inoculated with Bifidobacteria infantis and other friendly and helpful microorganisms as they pass through the birth canal. These friendly bacteria enter the baby's intestines through the mouth and feverishly attempt to attach themselves to sites on the gastrointestinal wall before other not-so-friendly microorganisms from the outside world try to do the same.

Breast-feeding then fosters the growth of Bifidobacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria infantis. Babies delivered by Cesarean section do not receive such a healthy head start with these friendly microorganisms. If they are then bottle-fed as well, they end up with adult-type microflora that are not optimal for their health.

Even in healthy, breast-fed infants, however, the babies probiotics - intestinal flora - is relatively unstable. Small changes in an infant's environment may upset the balance of these friendly microorganisms, sometimes leading to bacterial "overgrowth" of the small intestine and stomach, reducing nutrient absorption and causing other types of problems.

The article goes on to say that

• sudden changes in diet,
• vaccination,
• common infections and
• even sudden changes in the weather

may cause such imbalances.

• Antibiotics,
• steroids and
• certain other drugs

may also cause major imbalances in the microflora, with resultant diarrhea, thrush, or other problems. Probiotic supplements may be administered to infants and young children to aid in the control of diarrhea and colic.

BabyKicks Hemparoo Joey-Bunz Review

I asked on another blog about how to keep the bulk down in Baby K's diapers. They suggested Baby Kicks Hemparoo Joey Bunz inserts. I'm so glad I decided to try them out!

They have 3 different size inserts. Small, medium, and large. I bought the medium size because Baby K is on the middle rise in her one size diapers.

I am hooked on these inserts! They are so thin! And really absorbent. And I don't feel like Baby K's diaper is as big as an elephant!

They need to be washed a couple of times to be absorbent. So there is some prepping time involved.

I recently bought some more of these just because they are definitely my favorite insert so far!

If you cloth diaper and have pockets, I encourage you to give these a try. Your baby's clothes will say thank you because of less bulk!

Angel Baby Bottom Balm Review

So I bought some of this balm at an organic store in Ashville, NC. It was a little on the expensive side but I was willing to give it a try since it had organic all natural ingredients in it. And it smelled like aromatherapy. Which I couldn't resist!

I quickly learned this stuff goes a really long way. It spreads so easily. I have had my small jar for over 4 months and have only used about half! Although, I only use it when baby K has a diaper rash. Which is every once in a while.

Since I use cloth, I always use a rice paper liner to keep from causing my diapers to repel.

I have also used the balm on areas of irritation, bug bites, and such. And it immediately soothes the area.

It also seems to repel bugs away. So If I don't have my natural bug spray handy, I just use the balm.

Even though it is a little more pricey, its probably not that much more than the regular stuff. It just spreads so well and you only have to use a small amount.

This stuff has so many duel purposes and its just plain great!

An artical on Birth Doula's

Cesarean Rates And Epidurals Reduced By Doula Support During Labor

During labor, the continued presence of a doula - an experienced non-medical female companion who provides continuous labor support - has significant beneficial effects for middle- and upper-class women in childbirth, even when they have their male partner or other family member with them, according to a new study in the journal Birth.

Over a 5-year period, 224 of a group of 420 pregnant women in their third trimester were randomized to have a doula accompany them during labor, and 196 women did not receive this intervention. Cesarean delivery rates decreased by 12%, the need for an epidural dropped by 11%, and the need for a cesarean after induced labor decreased by 46% when a doula arrived shortly after hospital admission and remained with the woman throughout her labor and delivery when compared with the group without a doula. Support from the doula included close physical proximity, touching, and eye contact with the laboring woman, and teaching, reassurance, and encouragement of the woman and her partner during the birth. On questionnaires administered the day after delivery, 100% of couples with doula support rated their experience with the doula positively.

"The assistance provided by new fathers, while extremely important for other reasons, does not have the same positive impact on perinatal outcomes as does that of experienced doulas," conclude study authors Susan K. McGrath, PhD, and John H. Kennell, MD, of Case Western Reserve University. "Continuous support by a doula during labor is a risk-free, low-cost method of reducing cesarean delivery rates that should be available to all women."

----------------------------
Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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This study is published in the June

bumgenius one size 3.0 pocket diaper review

The bumgenius one size 3.0 pocket diaper is the first diaper I ever purchased before baby K was born. I had read so many great things about this diaper. And I agree with most. This diaper makes up most of my cloth diaper stash.

It comes with 2 inserts. One large one that snaps down for different sizes. And one newborn/doubler insert. I used the newborn insert when she was tiny and it worked great. As for the larger one, I do not like the snap down feature. It just seems way to bulky. I honestly use a different insert when going out to keep her happy bottom from looking so huge. But at night, the larger snap insert works great. And since she has gotten older, I have to use both the large snap insert and the newborn/doubler for nighttime absorbency.

The hook and loop (Velcro) is okay. It doesn't stick as well as her Gro Baby diapers. But the laundry tabs work really well. And I have read that some other moms have had problems over time with their hook and loop (Velcro) wearing out. But so far, I've had no problems with mine.

The snap down feature is great! It's supposed to fit a baby from 8lbs-35lbs. And I really believe it's true. They do start out a little bulky on the little wee one's. But after they put on some weight it doesn't seem so bulky. Baby K is almost 9 months and about 21lbs. She is currently on the middle snaps.

Since this is a pocket diaper and it is either lined with suede cloth or fleece. Your baby's happy bottom stays fairly dry.

They recently came out with 4 new colors. My favorite is Zinnia.

Lastly, this diaper is one of the most reliable diapers I own. I rarely have any leaks!

If you would like to purchase any cloth diapers. You can click on the link box (Kelly's Closet) on the left side of my blog. If you choose to, I earn 5% of whatever you purchase :)

Smoothie Time

Everyday I try to make some sort of smoothie made with as many organic ingredients as possible.

I went to Wholefoods the other day and found a great sale on organic cherries. I love cherries! So here is what I put in my smoothie this morning:
-1 1/2 cups of fresh pitted organic cherries
-1/2 cup of low-fat organic vanilla yogurt
-1 cup of ice
-1 Tablespoon of Barlean's flax seed oil
-1/4 cup of organic frozen blueberries

Here is some information on cherries you might want to know:

A growing body of science reveals tart cherries, enjoyed as either dried, frozen cherries or cherry juice, have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, when compared to other fruits. They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times more than blueberries or strawberries) vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.

Emerging evidence links cherries to many important health benefits – from helping to ease the pain of arthritis and gout, to reducing risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

Cherries also contain melatonin, which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process.

A recent study from the University of Michigan reveals new evidence linking cherries to heart health benefits. The study found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered total weight, body fat (especially the important “belly” fat), inflammation and cholesterol-all risk factors associated with heart disease.

Have yourself a smoothie time of your own and do your body some good!

Gro Baby Review

So I purchased 3 Gro Baby diapers about 2 months ago. I have 2 Blackberry and 1 Vanilla with Snaps. As well as 4 additional snap in soakers. They are extremely easy to use. They are really stretchy around the legs and waist. Which I love since my little one is a little chunk.

The hook and loop (Velcro) is soft. So it doesn't scratch baby K at all. The laundry tabs on the hook and loop (Velcro) are okay. They tend to stick to other diapers in the laundry. But it hasn't bothered me too much.

The feature of being able to snap another soaker in if the shell isn't soiled is a plus. Because of this feature you save a lot of room in your diaper bag.

Since these are organic cotton, you do have to wash these a few times for them to be absorbent.

They do come with a doubler for heavy wetters and overnight. So far, we have not been able to use this diaper for overnights though. Even with the doubler, she tends to have wet areas on her pj's when she wakes up in the morning. So I stick with her bumGenius diapers at night.

Overall, I love this diaper for the day and when we're out and about. Lastly, I have been able to place a prefold in the shell. And it works out great!

Charlie's Soap

Laundering my diapers has definitely become an art! I did so much research before I started cloth diapering.

I first used Allens naturally detergent and I bought a gallon of it! Well after about a month I ended up having some stink issues. So I decided to try Charlie's soap. I found it at Wholefoods for around $10. At 80 loads a bag! I love this stuff.

I also wash our other clothes with it as well. I no longer have any stink issues with anything I wash.

Also, I used it to scrub my bathtub. It worked better than anything else I have ever tried. Probably because I typically only use some sort of natural soap to clean with. I try to stay away from any kind of chemicals. So with this being a soap I had to give it a try and it really worked!

So grab you a bag of Charlie's. You would really love it!

Welcome to my new blog!

Welcome to my new blog! I will be posting reviews on some of the different cloth diapers and baby products I have tried. As well as some different tips on cloth diapering from day to day. I am also currently working on becoming a doula so I am hoping to post certain information on birth. I hope you find interest with my blog :)