The following guest post from Nisha Sharma is an informative post about low-cost cloth diapering. Nisha represents a website called freestuff.co.uk, which is dedicated to offering you free stuff.

Cloth Diapers for Baby

Cloth diapering has been around for quite some time. There are a large number of benefits associated with cloth diapering, which is the reason why so many women are choosing cloth diapers for their babies. One common myth regarding clothing diapers is that they are expensive to purchase. Can cloth diapers be costly? Yes. But do they have to be? No. There are cost effective options for cloth diapering babies on even the tightest of budgets.

Go Second Hand

Cloth diapers have a lengthy shelf-life and can last for many years. As a matter of fact, many families can cloth diaper all of their babies using the same exact batch of diapers if they care for them properly. There are many websites out there that offer opportunities for women to purchase pre-owned cloth diapers for only a fraction of the cost of brand new cloth diapers. Consider asking a friend or relative if you can purchase their cloth diapers once they are finished using them. No one can have too many cloth diaper inserts, so never pass up opportunities to purchase them separately if offered a chance.

Keep it Simple

Families can successfully cloth diaper their babies without all of the fancy new diaper upgrades that are being
peddled these days. Sure it would be nice to have the latest and greatest in cloth diapers gracing your child’s bum, but the truth is that they are unnecessary. If the standard cloth diaper inserts are not providing the baby with enough absorbency, simply add an extra insert into the diaper and the problem is solved. For centuries, women have cloth diapered babies with just the bare minimum, but modern cloth diapers offer all of the bells and whistles that are needed to do a quality job.

Use Wash Rags for Wipes

Wash rags, or really any type of soft cloth for that matter, can thoroughly clean and refresh a baby without the need of store-bought wipes. A great deal of money can be saved by avoiding any type of unnecessary diapering items such as wipes. Cloth wipes can simply be tossed into the wash and reused for a long period of time. Cloth wipes are also much gentler for cleaning the skin and don’t cause exposure to chemicals or fragrances. Sensitive bums will appreciate the cloth wipes.

Air Dry

With the rising cost of electricity, some parents may feel that using an electric dryer for cloth diapers can become expensive. To limit the use of electricity, hang a line in your yard and allow the cloth diapers to dry outside. Generations before us got by on so much less than what we have become accustomed to, and there is no reason why we can’t do things the way they did. If line drying leaves the diapers feeling stiff, toss them into the dryer just until the material relaxes.

High-Efficiency Detergent

Despite what the labels on the laundry detergent state, it is common knowledge that a little detergent goes a long way, so refrain from wasting detergent by limiting the amount tossed into the wash. High-Efficiency detergents can do the same job as your standard detergent and require a much less amount.

Say “NO” to Disposables

It is not uncommon to find a hidden stash of disposable diapers in the closet of a cloth diapering mommy. Many families feel that they need to have a backup plan for diapering should they travel, leave the house, or any other well-meaning excuse for having disposables. Unfortunately, by having disposable diapers as a “Plan B,” families end up wasting money by investing even more additional cash into the diapering of their babies. Cloth diapers can work just as well as disposables when outside of the home. Consider using a “wet bag” to transport soiled items home.

One of the most difficult challenges that comes with motherhood is the loneliness and lack of companionship. Even though you are with somebody 24/7, you are actually alone,and it is not easy to make friends when you are taking care of that little person around the clock. I have really struggled with this area in my life and still find it difficult to make friends with other mothers. Now that I am in a completely new environment, it is time to learn how to create new “mom connections” and make friends.

I have been reading the book Mom Connection by Tracey Bianchi, which is about “creating vibrant relationships in the midst of motherhood,” to help me learn how to accomplish this. I love the MOPS organization and found their previously sponsored book to be very encouraging and uplifting. Now, I am learning an important life lesson through the workbook/inspirational book Mom Connection. A class on how to make friends and build relationships was not offered to me growing up, even though it is a very important part of life.

Some people are naturally outgoing and do not struggle with this nearly as much as we introverted people. Even with an outgoing personality, you may not know how to foster those connections you make, though. For those of you who feel like this is an area you need to develop more, the Mom Connection book is an amazing life tool. From creating your own life rhythm to sharing it with others, this book can teach anyone to grow their relationship personalities through it’s helpful tools and exercises.

This book is about living into life’s rhythm so we can connect and create vibrant relationships as moms. ~Tracey Bianchi

I have learned so much about myself and some of my personality flaws by seriously thinking through the questions Tracey poses at the end of each chapter. After understanding myself better, I have been able to improve my personality traits and this is helping me grow better relationships. This is extremely important because every mom needs to make connections if she wants to stay sane after having a baby.

Even though I have struggled to make good mom friends, I have a supportive family that I knew I could always depend on whenever I needed help or advice. Now that I am on the opposite side of the continent, I need a new support group that I know I can depend on. I will always have my family to talk to, but I need some mom connections too.

If you would like a copy of Mom Connection, you can buy it on Amazon.com and enter to win it in my giveaway. This book is sponsored by the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) organization, which I absolutely love and encourage all moms to check them out. If you would like to know more about Tracey and this book, check out her website called TraceyBianchi.com.

Continue reading “Relationships in Motherhood: Mom Connection (Book Giveaway)” »

Our arctic adventure began with a long, multi-layover flight from Huntsville, Alabama to Kotzebue, Alaska with a baby in tow. Anneliese had never been on an airplane before, so I was not sure what to expect from her. I read all that I could find on the internet about flying with a baby, but it did not prepare me for what we went through.

I had heard that going through airport security with children was difficult and that they might not let me bring my baby’s milk in her sippy cup. I was a little confused about the policy concerning babies and toddlers and I felt unprepared when it was time to go through the TSA security checkpoint. After hearing so many horror stories of rude, thoughtless TSA workers, I was it would be a hassle with my baby.

They were actually very nice and courteous to us the whole time. I found out that you can bring milk for babies in their bottle or sippy cup and it is not a problem. Also, young children are not required to take off their shoes or jackets. Although Anneliese can now walk, she was intimidated by the metal detector, so I had to carry her through. TSA didn’t have a problem with that either. (They did get on to me for not taking my laptop out of the bag before sending it through the scanner.)

My baby was developing a slight cold so I decided to buy some infant ibuprofen before boarding the plane, hoping that it would also help with any ear pain during the flight. Take-off and landing seemed to go pretty well on the first flight. Luckily the flight was not crowded, so I was able to put her in the seat next to me even though she was technically a lap infant.

Our second flight did not have as much luck. It was overbooked and crowded, and Anneliese started screaming halfway through the flight. I was able to get her asleep for about an hour but she started screaming again after she  woke up. She decided she was sick of flying and her ears were hurting. On top of that, I had to change her in that tiny airplane restroom twice because she had diarrhea.

Anneliese sleeping at the airport

Our third flight, which was delayed for  a couple of hours, took us to Anchorage and it was just as packed as the previous one. We were all exhausted, my baby even more so, and sick of feeling cramped in those tiny airplane cabins. Anneliese screamed less during that flight, probably because she was so tired.

We arrived in Anchorage around midnight and our final flight taking us to Kotzebue was scheduled for 6 a.m. the next morning. Since it was too late to get a good night’s rest in a motel, we decided to sleep in the airport.

Other than the bright lights, intercom announcements, and cold temperature; it was not too bad. Anneliese and I spread out on the benches, while Jonathan slept in a massage chair. It was not the most restful sleep, but I felt pretty good the next morning.

Sleeping with my baby in the Anchorage airport.

The flight to Kotzebue was not crowded, so we got to spread out a little and Anneliese preferred that to being stuck in my lap. Plus, we learned a new trick to help with ear pressure during take-off and landing. Holding plastic cups over my baby’s ears really helped to prevent ear pain and turned into a fun game that we played throughout the flight.

Flying to Kotzebue

Finally we arrived in Kotzebue! The temperature was low but it did not feel too bad. The snow was beautiful and the wide open scenery was breathtaking. I can’t wait to show you more!

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the choices and features of baby monitors, the founder of babymonitorsonline.co.uk, Kerri Bullock has plenty of helpful information. The following article is written by Kerri, and it gives a great detailed breakdown of baby monitor options.

Choosing a baby monitor can be a very daunting task for new parents due to there being so many different models available on the market. There are so many different brands, types, and features to consider.

First of all you need to decide which type you are going to choose.

There are three main types of monitors to consider. Would you be happy just being able to listen to your little one’s sounds? Or would you like the added benefit of being able to see them as well as hear them? Or maybe you would have better peace of mind if your baby’s breathing is monitored.

Here is a little bit of information on each type:

Audio monitors: With this type you will be able to listen to your little one, whether it is a cry or a mumble. This monitor has a transmitter which is known as the baby unit, and a receiver which is known as the parent unit.

Video monitors: This type allows you to watch over your baby as well as hear them. A lot of parents like the added benefit of being able to see their little one. It comes with a handheld screen (parent unit) and a camera (baby unit).

Breathing monitors: This type of monitor detects your baby’s breathing. These either consist of a small device which attaches to baby’s nappy, or consists of a sensor mat (which gets placed under baby’s mattress) and an alarm unit. Some breathing monitors have audio monitoring built in too.

Do you have a budget you need to stick to?

If you have set yourself a budget, you will need to think about whether it is a high enough budget for the type of monitor you want to purchase. Generally audio monitors are cheapest, and are still a very popular type. Check the pricing of each type online and in your local stores to get an idea of what you can and can’t afford.

What features do you need to look out for?

The latest technology comes with impressive features such as photo capture and video recording, both of which are only seen in video monitors of course. There are other more common features however, that you may like to consider (the first three are more basic features that you will see in every monitor):

Length of range: This range is the distance that the baby unit and parent unit can be apart without the signal being lost. Remember however, that walls and floors affect the length of range.

Signal type: Audio and video monitors have either an analogue or a digital signal. Digital signal is much more popular nowadays due to it providing a much better connection as well as interference free monitoring – this means other electronics in the home won’t interfere with the monitor’s signal.

Sound level lights: This feature is a display of lights usually on the front of the parent unit which show the sound level of baby’s cries and mumbles. This feature is especially useful for those who are hard of hearing.

Two-way talkback: This allows the parent to communicate with baby via the parent unit. This is useful if you want to reassure your baby or sing them to sleep.

Lullabies: Lullabies can sometimes help to soothe baby to sleep quicker. Some monitors even allow you to record your own music which is handy if there is a particular song that never fails to send your baby to sleep.

Night vision: This feature is only seen in video monitors. It is a very important feature to look out for when choosing a video monitor, as it allows you to watch over your baby even when the room is dark.

Night light: This is useful for creating a soothing atmosphere for baby and is also useful for the parent too as it takes away the need of switching on the main light each time you check on your baby.

How can you tell if the baby monitor is suitable and is of good quality?

As well as learning about the baby monitors available on the market, there are other things you can do to ensure you make the right choice.

• Speak to family and friends. If you know anyone else who recently had a baby, ask them about their baby monitor. Which one did they purchase, and why did they purchase it? Would they recommend it? They may even show you the device in action.
• Chat on the forums. The parenting forums are full of parents who love to share their experiences and give advice to one another. It may be worth your time asking the new mums on the forums about the baby monitor they have chosen. Ask them questions about why they purchased that particular model and whether they would recommend it.
• Speak to customer advisors in baby stores. The advisors will be able to give you some recommendations based on your requirements, and may also tell you which models are the most popular and why.
• Always read product reviews.There are tons of reviews on the internet and reading the reviews for the baby monitors you are interested in should allow you to make better decisions. The reviews will give you an idea of the quality and reliability of each product. Remember that you will always find negative reviews, so go by the percentage of bad reviews rather than being put off by one bad review amongst many good reviews. If you are concerned about something mentioned in a bad review, simply question the manufacturer about it.
• Always check the manufacturers’ product guarantee.This is important as you want the peace of mind of being able to get the device fixed or replaced should something go wrong with it.

Finding a baby monitor that suits you and your baby’s needs should be much less stressful if you follow the information and tips provided in this article.

A week from last Monday was filled with bittersweet goodbyes as we prepared for our new adventure in the arctic. All day long Jonathan and I sorted through everything, trying to decide what to pack. That night we had a mini going away party at Dairy Queen with all of our friends and family.

Packing for the arctic is especially difficult when you’ve never experienced anything near that type of weather. I am so glad for my family in Colorado, because they were able to teach me so much about dressing for cold weather. The most cold weather gear I have ever needed was a sweater, coat and gloves. Now we needed down parkas, wool sweaters and socks, snow boots, snow pants, insulated gloves, long johns, ski masks and goggles, wool scarves and hats, etc. All of this took up precious space in our shipping containers.

This brings me to the hassle of moving large quantities to the arctic. I could not find any moving companies willing or able to ship our things from Alabama to Kotzebue, Alaska without charging an exorbitant fee. We finally decided that the best and least expensive way to move our belongings would be through UPS. You can ship any container as long as it is less than 150 pounds. So we bought several sturdy totes and filled them up with basic living necessities, clothes and dry goods.

We took a much needed break from packing to say goodbye to our friends and family. It was difficult, especially for me. I hated to see my family so sad about our departure but at the same time I am very excited about moving to the arctic. It was a bittersweet goodbye filled with promises, hugs, kisses, pictures, and a few tears. I love my family. I will miss them, but I am ready for an adventure, a change of pace.

The day after our goodbyes had been said was filled with more packing, final preparations, and plenty of anxiety. We mailed the last of our things and packed our luggage. There was plenty more that we wanted to take but we ran out of time. Our flight was scheduled for 10:50 Wednesday morning and we needed to be well rested before embarking on our journey.

I was so nervous but everything went smoothly the morning of our flight, but I will tell you all about that in the next post. I am really behind because I have been busy adjusting to my new job, but I am trying to catch everyone up. Also, the internet is slow, so I may not be able to post as often as I did in Alabama.