tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30908051074089432962024-03-27T12:49:28.843-05:00Prefolds LoveA beginner's guide to prefold cloth diapers: Photo tutorials, product reviews, and more.Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-72812837577550403762017-01-04T22:56:00.000-06:002018-04-17T07:15:05.858-05:00Cloth Diapering, Pregnancy, Birth, Baby, and Beyond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwB2B39sqZvvx-S_lE5NXdawUgkLbX4cO80ccAjmAy3ysJYict4JkdLQuv_KaHaU9ZeGVn5iM__5BAJWEAi1B9T5w2qWI6dNE5oN2wWg2pkj-On7q_Rau9vhIyLE1HvF0k-HjRoyB5O8/s1600/PrefoldsLove-BlogPosts-ClothDiapersPregnancyBirthBaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Prefolds Love Blog Posts | cloth diapers, pregnancy, birth, baby" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwB2B39sqZvvx-S_lE5NXdawUgkLbX4cO80ccAjmAy3ysJYict4JkdLQuv_KaHaU9ZeGVn5iM__5BAJWEAi1B9T5w2qWI6dNE5oN2wWg2pkj-On7q_Rau9vhIyLE1HvF0k-HjRoyB5O8/s1600/PrefoldsLove-BlogPosts-ClothDiapersPregnancyBirthBaby.jpg" title="Prefolds Love | blog posts on Cloth Diapering, Pregnancy, Birth, Baby" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We started cloth in 2010</span></b> with our potty-training 2-year-old just before the birth of our second baby. We used them on and off (mostly on) until 2013, then again briefly in 2014 after the birth of our third baby.<br />
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I snapped pictures and wrote about it all along the way, and these posts are a little time capsule of that experience. One that I hope might help you in your cloth diapering journey.<br />
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Read the <b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/about-cloth-diaper-blog.html">Prefolds Love Story</a></span></b>, see where you are in the <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cloth Diapering Checklist</b></span></a>, checkout the full list of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/cloth-diaper-products.html">Cloth Diaper Products</a></b></span> we used, learn more about the prefolds cloth diapering system with <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/prefolds-covers_4.html">Prefolds + Covers 101</a></b></span>, and find <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/contact.html"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Me/Prefolds Love Elsewhere Online</span></b></a>.<br />
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Or browse the following list of post archives by category...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. Start of Cloth Diapering</span></h3>
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/07/cloth-diaper-love.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Why I Love Cloth Diapers</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/09/cloth-diapers-cost.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cost of Cloth Diapering vs. Disposables</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cloth Diapering Checklist</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/02/how-to-wash-cloth-diapers.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>How to Wash Cloth Diapers</b></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/03/cloth-diaper-changing-station.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cloth Diaper Organization - Changing Table</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2012/01/bathroom-cloth-diaper-storage.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cloth Diaper Organization - Bathroom</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/08/cloth-diapering-challenges-solutions.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cloth Reality Check | Challenges + Solutions</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/12/swishing-cloth-diapers.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>How to Swish a Poopy Diaper</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2012/01/cloth-diaper-beginnger-guides.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Beginner Guides to Cloth Diapering</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2012/06/snaps-vs-velcro.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Snaps vs. Velcro-style Closures</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/where-to-buy-cloth-diapers.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Where to Buy Cloth Diapers</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/09/when-to-start-using-cloth-diapers.html">When to Start Using Cloth Diapers</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. Prefolds and Covers</span></h3>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/08/prefolds-clothdiaper-benefits.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Why I've Got The Prefolds Love</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/01/cloth-diaper-change-prefolds.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>How to Change a Prefold Cloth Diaper</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/04/newborn-cloth-diaper-stash.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Newborn-6 Months Prefold Diaper Stash</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2013/04/our-toddler-cloth-diaper-stash.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>6 Months-Toddler Prefold Diaper Stash</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/09/prepping-cotton-prefolds.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>How to Prep Prefold Diapers</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2012/04/cloth-diaper-cover-reviews.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cloth Diaper Cover Reviews</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby</span></h3>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/03/baby-pregnancy-announcement.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Creating a Unique-to-You Baby Announcement</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/pregnancy-first-trimester.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>First Trimester</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/pregnancy-second-trimester.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Second Trimester</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/pregnancy-third-trimester.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Third Trimester</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/cloth-diapering-baby-checklist.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>New Baby Checklist (printable)</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/save-money-baby.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Saving Money on Baby</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/preparing-for-birth.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Preparing for Birth</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/printable-birth-planning-pages.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Birth Notes + Preferences (printables)</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/final-weeks-hospital-bag-checklists.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Final Weeks + Hospital Bag Checklists (printables)</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/resources-pregnancy-birth-parenting.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Books on Pregnancy, Birth, Parenting</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/dealing-with-mommy-guilt.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Dealing with Mommy Guilt</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/dealing-with-opinions-lovingly.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Dealing with Opinions... Lovingly</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. End of Cloth Diapering</span></h3>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2012/03/cloth-pullup-reviews.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cloth Pull-up Reviews</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2012/04/disposable-vs-cloth-diapers.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Time + Place for Disposable</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. Green- and Simple-Living</span></h3>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The following links are to posts on my personal blog <a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/">Beginner Beans</a>.</span></i><br />
<a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2013/06/homemade-deodorant.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Homemade Deodorant</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2012/04/greening-your-period-menstrual-cup-mom.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Greening Your Period (Diva Review)</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2012/02/curly-haired-girls-testimonial-to-no.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Curly-Haired Girl's Testimonials to No 'Poo</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2013/04/green-living.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>9 Steps to Green Your Everyday</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2014/03/simplifying-home-checklists.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Simplifying Home: 8-Week Checklist</b></span></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Find me elsewhere online...</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/trinarcress">twitter: @trinarcress</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/trinarcress/">instagram: @trinarcress</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKRg9_gVDaCf8412uN4AuVA">youtube: trina cress</a></span></b><br />
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Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-77144169950927101992016-06-21T11:53:00.000-05:002018-06-05T12:23:50.845-05:00Essential Oils for Babies + Young Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRTgbsXOrGoONKypGeE1sW3bFG2HvTT-XvPpJ0rbkV_x74VaocU1-Ltax830HyDhrtXQzBKi_iIPZU-3YtvcgVl6N8gVfU8QZghbBbZ9icjELG96v2i46IakWsZVQ_BS-zeBPJ-EF57g/s1600/EssentialOilsNurseryBabyKids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Use Essential Oils Safely on or around Babies + Young Kids" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRTgbsXOrGoONKypGeE1sW3bFG2HvTT-XvPpJ0rbkV_x74VaocU1-Ltax830HyDhrtXQzBKi_iIPZU-3YtvcgVl6N8gVfU8QZghbBbZ9icjELG96v2i46IakWsZVQ_BS-zeBPJ-EF57g/s1600/EssentialOilsNurseryBabyKids.jpg" title="Ideas for Using Essential Oils with Babies + Young Kids" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The benefits of essential oils are as many and as diverse as the plants they come from</span></b>. They can be calming, energizing, disinfecting. They can help ease some of the discomforts associated with headaches, tummy aches, and viruses. They are versatile and can be used aromatically or topically or mixed in to create a new product. They are natural, and they are <i>potent</i> so they are effective and one bottle can cover a <i>lot</i> of uses.<br />
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Despite all the benefits, there are some precautions to take to avoid the potential harms, especially when using essential oils on or around young kids. Below are some things to keep in mind and ways to use essential oils with a baby or young child in the house.<br />
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<i>Note: I am not a salesperson for essential oils or any other product for that matter, and I am not a medical or essential oil professional. Essential oils are often used for health and medical concerns, which should always be shared with your doctor or medical professional. Affiliate links are included to some of our favorite products, most of which we currently buy on Amazon.* (See full note below.)</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">10 Ideas for Using Essential Oils in the Nursery</span></h3>
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Essential oils are great, but before jumping in and getting careless, especially with young kids, here are a few things to keep in mind and ideas for using them cautiously.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. Essential oils are potent; check before use.</span></h3>
Essential oils come in a tiny bottle for a reason: They're potent and a little goes a <i>long</i> way. This is an important understanding for using essential oils safely. It doesn't matter if they're "natural." There are plenty of things in nature that should be avoided or used in moderation. The same is true for various oils. Remembering their potency can help prevent serious repercussions from misuse or overuse.<br />
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It might sound like a bit of a pain, but checking each oil before use is important. Some oils shouldn't be used on skin exposed to the sun, some can cause breathing problems especially in young kids or in people with asthma. Do your research before using a new oil (in a reputable/professional source, not a random post from Pinterest). And ditto for blends... know the individual oils in the blends so you know how to use them safely or if they should be avoided on your kids. This might mean you slowly ease in to using essential oils, researching one or two at a time before starting to use. That's a great way to get into it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. Refer to the pros.</span></h3>
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Bloggers (myself included), salespeople, etc. are different than medical professionals or even aromatherapists or herb specialists. Always consider who your information is coming from as you decide if you'll follow it. It's fine to get ideas and recommendations from a friend or essential oil salesperson or blogger; but don't take that (this blog post included) as sound medical advice, and double check with another source if something doesn't sound right.<br />
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I like checking the website <a href="http://www.usingeossafely.com/">Using Essential Oils Safely</a>, and there's a corresponding Facebook group, too. Lea Harris is a certified clinical aromatherapist who errs on the uber safe side, which I like. Her info goes along with the extensive information in <i><a href="http://amzn.to/24UV6Dc" rel="nofollow">Essential Oil Safety</a></i> by Robert Tisserand, except she uses terms I can understand. She also recommends <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1OtotKJ" rel="nofollow">The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness</a></i>. A local certified aromatherapist suggested <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1OtoG0s" rel="nofollow">Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art</a></i>. Those are all good sources to check out when looking at using essential oils safely.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. Dilute to avoid sensitization.</span></h3>
Dilution of essential oils is <i>so </i>important and <i>especially </i>when using on or around babies' and young kids' smaller and more sensitive bodies and skin. You can find dilution ratios in professional resources. And some oils need more dilution than others or should simply be avoided on kids.<br />
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We often use <b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1XsE7Zl" rel="nofollow">coconut oil</a></b> or <b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/28Irn50" rel="nofollow">sweet almond oil</a></b> to dilute an essential oil before applying it topically to the kids' skin. We use witch hazel and water in a spray bottle to dilute an oil that will be sprayed on or around the kids (i.e., bug spray or disinfecting spray). Water and oils do not mix, so this mixture has be shaken before and during use. We use an essential oil in honey to help it disperse if we're adding to bath water or use pre-scented <b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1ttKHST" rel="nofollow">epsom bath products</a></span></b>. And we use a <b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1Xsk25A" rel="nofollow">diffuser</a></span></b> to spread kid-approved oils throughout a room.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. Don't ingest essential oils.</span></h3>
Essential oils should only ever be ingested through the guidance of a trained professional. They know how to do it safely and which oils to avoid. If not done right, essential oils have the potential of burning your esophagus or other permanent damage. We don't put oils in our drinking water (remember, water and oils don't mix), and we definitely don't give them to our kids to swallow.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. Decide when and what to avoid on your kids.</span></h3>
Most sources agree that oils should be avoided altogether on babies, especially infants up to 6-months-old and even up to 2-years-old. Some stronger/hot oils could be avoided until they're older/bigger, even up to 12-years-old to stay on the safe side. Do your research and decide for yourself. We've only used some of the milder oils (i.e., lavender or sweet orange) extra diluted sparingly when the kids are younger.<br />
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We also avoid most "hot" oils while the kids are young. Imagine things like the <b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1tAG8XN" rel="nofollow">thieves blend</a></b>, clove, and other spice plants. They can be too strong for kids. Do your research and decide for yourself. Sweet orange is a milder oil that can be used in disinfecting sprays or diffused when kids are sick. And peppermint can be a thieves alternative for older kids, but we still avoid it on our baby/toddler.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6. Add a drop to a stuffed animal.</span></h3>
The kids love when I add a drop of <b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1V1KYCM" rel="nofollow">lavender</a></span></b> to their stuffed animals' necks and toss in the dryer for a couple minutes before bed. We only do this with oils that are safe for them to inhale. It's an easy way to "diffuse" without having to plug a diffuser in each of their rooms.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7. Make an essential oil spray.</span></h3>
As mentioned above under "dilution," you could mix together a couple different sprays with essential oils that are safe for kids. We combine equal parts water and witch hazel to <b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/24UUgWY" rel="nofollow">small cobalt glass spray bottles</a></span></b>. Then we add a few drops essential oils (check with a dilution chart). A <b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1V1L51e" rel="nofollow">sweet orange</a></span></b> or tea tree spray could be used to disinfect and de-scent the diaper trash after it's been taken out, or even used for hands in place of antibacterial hand-gel. A <b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1V1KYCM" rel="nofollow">lavender</a></span></b> spray could be used on diaper rashes (lavender and witch hazel are healing and calming for skin irritations) or sprayed on bedding before bed. A tea tree / lavender mixture (check other bug repelling essential oils that are safe on kids) could be used as a homemade bug spray.<br />
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Just remember, oils and water don't mix. So sprays need to be shaken during use.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">8. Mix oils in a jar.</span></h3>
When my husband and I use essential oils on ourselves, we often add a carrier oil (like coconut or sweet almond) to the palm of our hand, add a drop or two of essential oils, then rub and apply to where we need it on our skin. In order to use more accurate dilution ratios on our kids, it can be handy to pre-mix oils they use often. In a small jar, I'll add coconut oil (which I prefer for this, since it solidifies between uses) and the appropriate number of drops of essential oils. I especially do this with <b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1tAFf1s" rel="nofollow">peppermint</a></span></b> essential oil during the germy winter months to easily add to the older kids' chest or throat. A <b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1V1KYCM" rel="nofollow">lavender</a></span></b> mixture is handy for skin irritations or to rub on their legs when they get growing pains or feel restless before bed.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">9. Use when they're not around.</span></h3>
You can get some of the disinfecting benefits of the stronger oils when the kids aren't around. For instance, one of the stronger essential oil blends often associated with sicknesses (has some form of the name Thieves in many brands) shouldn't be used on or around kids. But if you wanted to diffuse it or clean with it to disinfect surfaces, you could do so in the main living spaces after they go to bed so that by the time they get up in the morning it's all settled and they won't directly breathe it in or get it on their skin.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">10. Use whole health, not just oils.</span></h3>
<div>
Essential oils are not a magic cure-all and end-all for good health. Keep your kids healthy by eating well-rounded meals, drinking lots of water, and staying active. If some need for essential oils could be prevented, even better. Taking care of ourselves is always the best choice over relying on something, natural or not, to ease our symptoms.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>When it comes to essential oils</b></span> (and anything health related), I believe it's better safe than sorry. Do your research and do what seems the best for you and your family. If anything feels off, change what you're doing. When in doubt, check resources and ask true health / medical professionals.<br />
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<a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2016/06/getting-started-with-essential-oils.html">Go here >> for more about how we use essential oils.</a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy and oil on!</span></i><br />
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>>><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">also see:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html">new? start here...</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2015/04/cloth-diapering-pregnancy-birth-baby.html">all posts: cloth, pregnancy, baby</a></span></b><br />
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<i>*Note: Affiliate links used in this post. Any purchases made through these links could earn me a small commission with no extra cost to you. I only link to products we've used and like. I am not a direct salesperson for any particular product or brand. I am also not a medical professional; all things related to your health need to be shared with your doctor.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-13143344253161741012014-09-18T06:00:00.000-05:002015-02-04T19:43:25.379-06:00When to Start Using Cloth Diapers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pBQ3fmiWogjAd4sPrphhQncpCoflJ_dxIx6KPUF7Mx0JM2GFUmkUUpwgAXG_cLokR2Eq9sQkjDlUglD_qbFfgo31ymJHd_w6TmCq0lPDP5B0wxCRHdQ4N4LIfBWbHsx4RbEuxxEVyhw/s1600/when-start-using-cloth-diapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="When to Start Using Cloth Diapers" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pBQ3fmiWogjAd4sPrphhQncpCoflJ_dxIx6KPUF7Mx0JM2GFUmkUUpwgAXG_cLokR2Eq9sQkjDlUglD_qbFfgo31ymJHd_w6TmCq0lPDP5B0wxCRHdQ4N4LIfBWbHsx4RbEuxxEVyhw/s1600/when-start-using-cloth-diapers.jpg" title="when to use cloth diapers on newborn infant" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to the newest member of the Prefolds Love family! Oliver Daniel was born on July 16 at 2:41 p.m. He was 9 lbs 3 oz and 21" long. You're welcome to <a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2014/07/induction-birth-story.html">read his birth story >> here</a>, or <a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2014/08/free-birth-announcement-picmonkey.html">see how I designed my own birth announcements for him >> here</a>.<br />
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We started him in cloth diapers when he was a couple weeks old. Below are some thoughts on how we chose when to start our newborn in cloth diapers. Hopefully it helps you as you decide for yourself.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">When to Start Using Cloth Diapers</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 | in the hospital / immediately after birth</span></h3>
We have never used cloth diapers in the hospital, but it is certainly possible. You'd need enough diapers to last the time you're there (two days for each of our babies)--that would include about 24+ prefolds, 6-8 newborn or small covers, a snappi, 24+ cloth wipes, and a large pail liner or wet bag to put the dirty diapers in. (<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/final-weeks-hospital-bag-checklists.html">See full hospital checklist >> here.</a>) You'd also need some sort of liner (there are flushable ones) or even simple, cheap cloth wipes to protect your diapers from the sticky first poop. That is one of the main reasons we never used cloth in the hospital. Also, I really didn't want to have to do diaper laundry once we got home from the hospital.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 | after meconium passes</span></h3>
Another option is to wait until that first sticky poop (meconium) passes, then start using cloth. Then there's no need for liners or risk of ruining your new diapers.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 | after umbilical chord falls off</span></h3>
Some newborn-sized cloth diapers come with a scoop or a snapdown to keep the diaper off baby's umbilical chord as it heals. If you don't have those, or don't want to mess with it, then you could wait the first week or so until baby's umbilical chord falls off.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 | after circumcision heals</span></h3>
If you have a boy and he is/will be circumcised, you might prefer to wait until that is healed. Vaseline helps keep anything from sticking until it heals, but vaseline is also not good for cloth diapers. You would need to use a liner or cheap baby wash cloth to protect the vaseline from getting on the diapers.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5 | when they fit</span></h3>
If you don't have diapers that go small enough to fit your newborn, then you might need to wait until your baby fits into the cloth diapers you have. Depending on your reasons for cloth diapering, using disposables for a couple weeks might be better than buying newborn-sized cloth diapers that will only fit a short time. We had rather larger newborns (8-11 lbs), so fitting in small cloth diapers was not a problem. Even a size 1 Thirsties Duo Wrap can snap down to fit a smaller newborn. But if you have other brands/sizes and nothing that fits a newborn, then you might need to wait for baby to grow a bit.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6 | once supplies come in and diapers are prepped (for older babies)</span></h3>
Of course, some of us first learn about cloth diapers after we are already using disposables on our baby/toddler. When I first learned about cloth diapers and decided to go for it, my oldest was potty-training and I was pregnant with my second. We went ahead and jumped in with the potty-training 2-year-old for naps and nights as soon as products came in.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7 | when you're ready</span></h3>
Whatever your reasons, just jump in when you're ready. I personally wasn't ready until baby's umbilical chord and circumcision healed, so we started 2-3 weeks after baby was born. If you had a particularly difficult delivery that you're recovering from and not ready to jump into diaper laundry, then give yourself a little healing time. The point is to choose what timing works best for you.<br />
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As much as you can use the cloth diapers will help you get the most out of them in money savings and keeping diapers out of the landfill. But if a few days or a couple weeks delay in getting started is what you need to feel sane, then do it.<br />
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You've still got a couple years of diapers ahead of you ;)<br />
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>>><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">also read:</span></h3>
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2012/04/disposable-vs-cloth-diapers.html"><span style="font-size: large;">time + place for disposable</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/final-weeks-hospital-bag-checklists.html"><span style="font-size: large;">hospital bag checklist</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/09/cloth-diapers-cost.html"><span style="font-size: large;">cost of cloth vs. disposables</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/04/newborn-cloth-diaper-stash.html"><span style="font-size: large;">newborn cloth diaper stash</span></a><br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-16177752673091016782014-06-26T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-26T15:03:56.914-05:00Final Weeks + Hospital Bag Checklists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO_ZmOBT6ljMo_XH6qyJCLbTBztZyx3vjbE_0Aiv8WV7q6mIA39mSHWlSbkVbnYzirwoxtVVAL3leg7H-JlprBssTl5PsPHmz9b5gFOiBZ5P-wT6HRzw8gvyJeDLe7AmAxEg6n1lV7S4/s1600/HospitalBagFinalWeeksChecklists.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hospital Bag + Final Weeks Checklists" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO_ZmOBT6ljMo_XH6qyJCLbTBztZyx3vjbE_0Aiv8WV7q6mIA39mSHWlSbkVbnYzirwoxtVVAL3leg7H-JlprBssTl5PsPHmz9b5gFOiBZ5P-wT6HRzw8gvyJeDLe7AmAxEg6n1lV7S4/s1600/HospitalBagFinalWeeksChecklists.jpg" title="hospital bag packing list, final weeks of pregnancy to do list"></a></div>
<br>
It's true, I've gone a little checklist crazy with this pregnancy.<br>
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I've probably always gone checklist crazy, just this time I have printable PDFs instead of miscellaneous notebook paper scribbled on everywhere. So, to wrap up the checklist craze--you know, before I finally get busy <i>completing</i> the checklists--I have two more to share with you.<br>
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>>><br>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/final-weeks-hospital-bag-checklists.html#more">Read more »</a>Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-8380614463775249722014-06-24T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-26T14:49:14.797-05:00Pregnancy // third trimester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DY1hTQDB84lu1c_FghyTXUkxlymwfkD9IwU4O8xGawaE9Zs8T2Si18ceZrvPGdLUeHWOMUAu79t1eRyR_EUTXo0vpVTBFI4XjO_yXsrRYF2m6CtcUCil5sTo-lBErSzJC7VGmGE6NDY/s1600/Pregnancy-ThirdTrimester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pregnancy // all about the third trimester" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DY1hTQDB84lu1c_FghyTXUkxlymwfkD9IwU4O8xGawaE9Zs8T2Si18ceZrvPGdLUeHWOMUAu79t1eRyR_EUTXo0vpVTBFI4XjO_yXsrRYF2m6CtcUCil5sTo-lBErSzJC7VGmGE6NDY/s1600/Pregnancy-ThirdTrimester.jpg" title="fashion, products, symptom relief for third trimester of pregnancy" /></a></div>
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Am I really almost to the end of this third pregnancy? I can hardly believe it. Here are a few of my favorites and tips for this season of pregnancy. I'd love for you to share yours in the comments below!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Third Trimester Favorites</span></h3>
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Most of my favorite products from first and second trimesters are still relevant and still used regularly. Just three additions...<br />
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<i>1. Tinted Moisturizer</i></h3>
I can't believe I didn't mention this in the first trimester post! Even when just taking a shower wipes me out, I put on Physician's Formula tinted moisturizer and feel so much better. It's not a perfect cover up, but it really makes a big difference for the few seconds it takes to apply. Often, I'm also able to do just a minute or two makeover like <a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2014/04/simple-minimalist-beauty.html">the 10-minute beauty I wrote about >> here</a>. Little bit of effort for great results.<br />
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<i>2. Sonic Ice</i></h3>
Every pregnant woman should know that Sonic has amazing ice. It's pellet ice that is so easy to crunch, especially in the warm months or if you're like the women in my family and crave ice in pregnancy. The best part? Sonic will sell you a whole bag of it for just $2!<br />
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<i>3. Thank You Cards</i></h3>
Of course, it's that time to start writing thank you notes to the people already starting to shower this baby with love. There are so many great options. Some of my favorites are found in the dollar section of Target--perfect combo of cute and cheap.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, Anemia</span></h3>
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This time around, my 3rd trimester symptoms revolve around anemia. Lowered hemoglobin isn't uncommon in pregnancy or for vegetarians, and apparently the combination of the two hasn't been treating me well. I thought the shortness of breath, exhaustion and occasional lightheaded-ness were just an unpleasant way to wrap up this pregnancy. Turns out, they were all signs of anemia.<br />
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The iron prescribed to raise hemoglobin levels are known to be constipating, so stool softeners were more than recommended to me. I've found an even more pleasant solution has been natural iron sources found at stores like Whole Foods or other health food stores. They're much more pleasant on the stomach and non-constipating <i>and </i>effective. Who doesn't want that?<br />
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Of course, check with your health care provider because I am not a professional. At least know natural is an option if you're hoping to avoid the stool softener/constipation route. And start it sooner rather than later. At 36 weeks, I'm quickly running out of time to get levels back up before having baby which means looking into other solutions.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Killing Time</span></h3>
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These last few months, and especially the last few weeks, are when I really start feeling like a watched pot that never boils. Or a ticking time bomb. Everyone (seriously, <i>everyone</i>) asks about the baby and how I'm feeling and if I'm ready. Basically, no I'm not, but could he please get out soon?<br />
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When I'm feeling particularly grouchy or negative, and as many mornings and evenings as I can, I have been using this time to refer to <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/printable-birth-planning-pages.html">my Birth Notes sheet</a> and using the ideas for stretches and meditation. This really helps give me an attitude adjustment <i>and</i> it's one small way to get my head and body in the game for relaxing when labor starts.<br />
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There's also <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMfXv2enRXepxG92VoxfrEg">fun videos >> here</a> to watch to kill a little time :)<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ode to The Men's Shirt</span></h3>
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Forget trying to look cute. For me, "fashion" in the last couple months of pregnancy is all about trying to get comfortable and avoid buying new clothes that will soon be obsolete. At this point, I make due with what I have using the items from second trimester (adjusted waste bands, loose dresses, stretchy pants, layering tops, maternity staples, and accessories when going out).<br />
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This time around, I also discovered a renewed love for my husband's shirts. This is now the third pregnancy I've taken his shirts, but it usually ends up being just for relaxing around the house when frumpy is okay. This time, I've turned a couple he didn't need anymore into shirts actually meant for me. Meaning big enough for belly, but tight enough around shoulders/chest/arms to feel less sloppy.<br />
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They also have the potential of being comfy shirts for post-baby too. We'll see.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cottonandcurls.com/2012/07/mens-tee-to-a-flattering-tee-tutorial/">See the mens-shirt-to-maternity-shirt tutorial >> here.</a><br />
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>>><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>related posts:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/pregnancy-first-trimester.html">First Trimester</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/pregnancy-second-trimester.html">Second Trimester</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/preparing-for-birth.html">Preparing for Birth</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/final-weeks-hospital-bag-checklists.html">Final Weeks + Hospital Bag Checklists</a></span><br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-85107480588891761222014-06-19T06:00:00.000-05:002015-02-04T19:39:04.177-06:00Preparing for Birth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJO1cinzkV5gC9XGxQ2PmunjJgaxrX8H9JKSenvh0o3YpUIP1GcisXWI79AqgJuMjO6opv9qSJCy9zsLM17lS0STH_CTIBM_u4KIY3bWlQpw1ihzR_igTO7yA16PnxGjXggGZrpWen_s/s1600/PreparingforBirth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Preparing for Birth" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJO1cinzkV5gC9XGxQ2PmunjJgaxrX8H9JKSenvh0o3YpUIP1GcisXWI79AqgJuMjO6opv9qSJCy9zsLM17lS0STH_CTIBM_u4KIY3bWlQpw1ihzR_igTO7yA16PnxGjXggGZrpWen_s/s1600/PreparingforBirth.jpg" title="resources on preparing for birth" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Note: The following is strictly my opinions based on my own experiences and casual reading on birth. I am not a professional, and everything you do should be run by your personal caregiver first.</i><br />
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Last post I shared a couple <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/printable-birth-planning-pages.html">printable birth planning pages</a> that I created, and shared why I think creating a plan of sorts matters. (Hint: It's for you, not them). This week, I'm sharing some ideas for intentionally preparing for birth.<br />
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I've been contemplating birth a lot lately, especially as my due date sneaks up just four weeks away. (Third time in, I now grasp a little more how slowly this time feels and how fast it really goes.) As I look back on my other two births and process stories I hear, read or see on screen, I'm putting together a slightly more proactive view of birth than I had over six years ago when I went through it the first time.<br />
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I feel grateful to have had two smooth labor and deliveries when I did little-to-nothing to prepare for them. And having read more and heard lots of stories since, I now realize how different they could have turned out.<br />
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Especially as I think about what would have happened if I went in to the hospital during my first set of contractions with Brylee--they would have seen me go to 5 centimeters dilated and stall out, and likely given me pitocin rather than send me home. (<a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2010/12/brylees-birth-day.html">You can read about Brylee's 6-hour epidural birth >> here</a>. She was born at 39 weeks and weighed 8 lbs 4 oz.)<br />
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And especially as I think about what would have happened if I had a doctor instead of a midwife with Ian--they would have noted his large size and either had me induce early on or required me to have a c-section, instead of giving me the chance to push him out myself. (<a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2011/01/ians-birth-day.html">You can read about Ian's 5-hour epidural birth >> here</a>. He was born at 39 weeks 5 days and weighed 11 lbs.)<br />
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But why dwell on fear when everything turned out fine, right? Right.<br />
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Still, those thoughts linger as I prepare for this third birth. I'm ready to approach this birth equipped with a little more knowledge and preparation that I didn't do before. I'm ready to be empowered as a capable woman, not a fearful patient. And I'm doing that by going forward focusing on truths and what is within my realm to do.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To prepare for this birth, I will intentionally...</span><br /><i style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">(instead of passively, like I did twice before)</span></i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 | prepare for birth mentally</span></h3>
For me, this means learning about natural birth. I didn't read much on birth before my first, because I just didn't want to go there. When someone describes something, I wince in pain and I didn't need to dwell on that. That's likely because the little bit I was reading and the few stories I was hearing were all heavily medical. Episiotomies, possible interventions, and the terribleness of pitocin. Yuck.<br />
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This time, I've intentionally chosen all of my reading based on the natural birth process. Sure, they also share the necessary information on vacuums and forceps and pitocin. Being generically educated on all of it is good. But that's not the focus. The focus is a happy, healthy labor and delivery. Descriptions of how our bodies were made to labor. Empowering stories of normal women like me having babies without all of the fear and concerns. It's so encouraging, empowering and equipping.<br />
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Preparing mentally, for me, also means visualizing and keeping positive. Instead of focusing on fear and what-ifs, I've gathered some positive thoughts to keep me moving in the right direction. (<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/printable-birth-planning-pages.html">See the "encouragement" section on my Birth Notes pdf >> here.</a>) My most used mantra: I am calm, comfortable and capable in Jesus.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 | prepare for birth physically</span></h3>
Here's the deal: Beyond some walking and the occasional stretching, loss of energy knocks me out in my pregnancies. This isn't a huge deal. My labors, luckily, were short so I managed fine. But labor is exhausting. The breaks are short and get shorter as labor progresses. And the best positions for pushing (even if laying on your back in a hospital bed) require some hip-opening and spread eagle legs--wider than they've been stretched in nine months or more.<br />
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Even if I've slacked on working out, these last few weeks are as good a time as any to jump into the physical preparations. <i>Daily</i> walks to improve stamina. <i>Daily</i> stretching, specifically working on areas necessary for delivery or that could provide relief in labor (child's pose, squat, frog, butterfly). Simple, but effective.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 | learn about medical interventions before they're necessary</span></h3>
This goes along with #1 preparing for birth mentally. These medical interventions are the very reason I didn't read up on birth before. However, as noted before, I can learn about them from more natural sources that will give the necessary facts in a less dooming way. Learning about them doesn't set me up for them. It helps me become familiar enough if the need for them comes up. No need to dwell on it--just know what they are so I can make my best educated decisions should the need arise. And, better yet, know ways to avoid them in the first place if at all possible.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 | keep partner in the loop</span></h3>
As I avoided reading on birth or attending classes, my husband didn't prepare either. While we still have yet to attend a birth class or read a birth book together, I am attempting to have more open communications about birth, my fears and concerns, and my hopes and intentions for a happy, healthy labor and delivery. This time I am aiming to be clearer about what I hope for him to do in birth, and how he can help me through the process.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5 | create a comfortable atmosphere</span></h3>
Both times, I showed up at the hospital and went with whatever they had set up. This wasn't terrible. Except that the truth is, I intended to have music both times and forgot; I hate fluorescent lights and would have been much more relaxed with different lighting; and while I only wanted Daniel in the room for the delivery, it would have been nice for him to tag out to eat somewhere else instead of in front of me.<br />
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So, I'm thinking more about creating a more relaxing and supportive ambiance this time around. I'd like to have back-up support, music playing, less artificial lights, and other tools from my Birth Notes sheet. We'll see how those efforts for a more comfortable atmosphere turn out.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6 | do exercises to get baby in position</span></h3>
Our first was side-lying. If she didn't flip by the time she was full term, the doctor talked to us about trying to manually rotate it which might not stick, or a c-section. I didn't like either option. And I didn't do anything about it, but thankfully she flipped into proper position on her own and was delivered fine. Then, our son was forward facing in the final weeks ("sunny-side up"), so our midwife gave me exercises to do to get him to rotate and engage in the pelvis the right way. It worked and he also got positioned right and came out fine.<br />
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If this baby doesn't settle in properly, I plan on going the proactive route and finding ways to help him along. Hopefully the yoga poses I'm doing are also helping him get settled in right for a smooth delivery. There's no reason to settle for medical intervention when baby isn't positioned right--may as well make a good effort before it comes to that.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7 | induce naturally</span></h3>
There are a variety of ideas for inducing naturally: Sex, castor oil, acupuncture, evening primrose oil, etc. My thoughts on those in my experience is that they generally only work when body and baby are ready. So, I'm all for trying to get things moving around 38 weeks. (Of course, they should only be tried if baby is full term and everything checks out well with caregiver.) I prefer to kill some time in those last couple weeks trying natural methods rather than doing nothing and then jumping into medical-induction at my due date.<br />
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It's also good to note that some of these natural inducers might bring on stronger contractions temporarily that don't necessarily result in active labor. I experienced that with both of mine. Intimacy especially seemed to bring on strong contractions. With my first, that lead to cramping/contractions/dilating to 5 centimeters at 38 weeks, but active labor didn't start until a week later. With my second, it lead to false labor landing me in the hospital a couple times before labor really began.<br />
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Which brings me to the next point of laboring at home as long as possible...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8 | labor at home</span></h3>
Both of my labors started with my water breaking, which isn't as common as TV and movies lead on. I've read as few as 10% of women notice their water break at the start of labor. That meant heading straight to the hospital to prevent infection. However, I took that a little too literally and was headed to the hospital within minutes of my water breaking. I likely could have hung around home a <i>little</i> while, moving around comfortably and freely to get contractions started. Thankfully, with both I was already 5 centimeters dilated before going into active labor, so I didn't get pressured into pitocin to start contractions or hurrying labor to prevent infection.<br />
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The truth remains that once I check into the hospital and seem to be in active labor (regular contractions or broken water), I am on <i>their</i> timeline. If labor seems to stall out, I'm not as likely to have freedom to wait for it pick back up. So, I plan to wait it out. If contractions seem to be getting more regular, I'm going to be sure that they're getting stronger and wait until they're harder to manage. If my water breaks, I might linger just a long enough for contractions to get going before rushing to the hospital.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">9 | follow body and baby's lead</span></h3>
I had epidurals with both of my previous deliveries. The first, I was so numb that I didn't know when I was having a contraction and had no idea if I was pushing. With the second, I felt lots of pressure and every contraction which I surprisingly liked better. I was able to say when I felt the urge to push and follow my own intuition rather than the traditional count to ten with contractions. I felt much more connected to the birthing experience, and noticed a more immediate connection to baby too.<br />
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In general, I hope to incorporate more of that in this birth. Over and over nature proves that females are made to labor and deliver and a majority are able to do so by instinct without intervention. For a happy and healthy labor and delivery, I hope to tap into more of that natural instinct. Following my body and my baby, knowing that we were made for this. If something serious comes up, I am thankful for the presence of medical interventions. Otherwise, I'd like to be left to do what's natural for my body and my baby.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">10 | embrace this birth as a love story</span></h3>
No matter what happens and possibly above anything else, I am preparing myself to embrace this birth as a love story. Births are all so different and unique, and when things happen different than expected, it can be all too easy to feel disappointment. There are other aspects of labor and delivery that can lead to a feeling of detachment or other slightly negative perspectives on the experience.<br />
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However it plays out, I want to focus on the positive. I want to seek the beauty and the blessing, dwelling in appreciation and contentment. That's up to me, not the unpredictable specifics of the birthing experience.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">extras | birth reading</span></h3>
Finally, here are a few resources I've enjoyed reading this pregnancy (<i>the following are affiliate links; see full note below</i>):<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S1LT1A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000S1LT1A&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=5ZOSWO6GEQJJVJTC"><i>Ina May's Guide to Childbirth </i>by Ina May Gaskin</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DUKAS7W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DUKAS7W&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=6RGFGITU4GJS3QOQ"><i>The Yoga Birth Method</i> by Dorothy Guerra</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0757302661/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0757302661&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=4CTSTCL2I54JDXIA"><i>HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method</i> by Marie Mongan</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DNL32RQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DNL32RQ&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=D5YFZ2DW4K576MXT"><i>Holistic Pregnancy and Childbirth</i> by James Marti</a></li>
</ul>
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Other resources I've heard about or seen referenced, but have not read myself:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CX914HO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CX914HO&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=5ZH26ZO3ANLCJM6Y"><i>Childbirth Without Fear</i> by Grantly Dick-Read</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1570671044/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1570671044&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=ALRPP4Q4M6INYABU"><i>Spiritual Midwifery</i> by Ina May Gaskin</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0452276594/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0452276594&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=TRGJKLPCUTFURQJG"><i>Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way</i></a></li>
</ul>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing to get ready for birth? Any resources helping you feel better prepared?</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">also read:</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/printable-birth-planning-pages.html">birth notes</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/final-weeks-hospital-bag-checklists.html">final weeks + hospital bag checklists</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/resources-pregnancy-birth-parenting.html">a few favorite reads</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/cloth-diapering-baby-checklist.html">new baby checklist</a></span><br />
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<i>Note: Amazon affiliate links used above. Purchases made could earn me a small commission with no extra cost to the buyer. Thanks :)</i><br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-62720032346288156642014-06-05T06:00:00.000-05:002016-04-18T21:31:09.624-05:00Birth Notes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAydWC-7M7A/U4-Eve2QfLI/AAAAAAAALro/yQCSTEJxSdE/s1600/PrintableBirthNotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Printable Birth Planning Pages" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAydWC-7M7A/U4-Eve2QfLI/AAAAAAAALro/yQCSTEJxSdE/s1600/PrintableBirthNotes.jpg" title="Downloadable Birth Preferences and Relaxation Notes" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In preparation for my due date (six weeks away) and just in time for my sister-in-law's due date (1 week away), I put together a couple printable birth pages.</span></b> I didn't do much on this for my other two, and their births went great. But there were smaller things I wished I had remembered, that got lost in the flurry of active labor (i.e., I wanted music both times and completely forgot both times).<br />
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A lot of birth plans I found online compiled several pages of information and preferences together (can we say overwhelming and impractical?!) <i>or</i> they had just one short condensed sheet meant for the hospital with nowhere to remind me of the important stuff like <i>push play on my music</i>. So, I put together the following two printable pages...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. <a href="https://app.box.com/s/9rrojjso3s86z4xxd0d2">Birth Notes for Relaxation</a></span></h3>
This is a list of relaxation reminders for the laboring process, giving me and my support peron(s) a toolbox for a happy, healthy labor and delivery. These are also great to use for discomforts throughout pregnancy so that they become a little more natural and automatic by the time labor starts. This list was compiled with ideas from a variety of birthing books that I'll share next week. Music is on the list :)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. <a href="https://app.box.com/s/5tqp7njgl1ikx6sur55v">Birth Preferences and Intentions</a></span></h3>
This is a condensed blank 1-page sheet to fill in my intentions for a happy, healthy delivery. I'm completing it <i>after</i> going over the longer list of terms to read up on and finding out what applies to my caregiver and my birth place. Many birth plans I found online include the full list with checkmarks to put your preferences, but I see those more for personal processing and finding out what is relevant for me. No need to get worked up about shaving and enemas if my hospital doesn't do that, you know? :) This page can be shared with medical staff and my support people, or kept for my own recollection.<br />
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Here are a couple pretty thorough lists of what to learn more about:<br />
<a href="http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/articles/tool-birth-plan.aspx">The Bump</a> -- list of birth options to consider putting on birth plan<br />
<a href="http://trimestertalk.com/evidence-based-birth-plan/">Trimester Talk</a> -- questions to consider for what to put on the birth plan<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Why Write a "Birth Plan"</span></h3>
In short, a birth plan is more for you than it is for "them." Writing a birth plan, especially an overly detailed plan, can lead to inflexibility and regret if things don't go how you want. But writing a birth plan of sorts (or what I'd rather call Birth Notes or Birth Preferences) is still important and so helpful in the birth process--maybe not for the reasons you'd expect.<br />
<ul>
<li>It can help you know what interventions could come up so you can read up on them and understand them before you're pressed to make a decision. <i>Wait, what are forceps again?</i></li>
<li>It can help you know what to ask your medical professional and/or birthing facility. What routine procedures can you expect? <i>So, will I be hooked up to an IV once I check in?</i></li>
<li>It can help you prepare for birth, or "get your head in the game" so to speak. What positions or breathing should you be doing to relax now so it's more natural in birth? What mantras should you memorize and repeat now so they come to mind when needed later?</li>
<li>It can act as a checklist along the process--at what point will you go to the hospital? What ambiance do you want to create when you get there? Who do you want in the room during labor, delivery, bonding time? Who needs to be called or texted and when?</li>
<li>It can help your partner or support persons know how to get involved. What words could they use to encourage you, what could they suggest to try, how could they help you through contractions?</li>
<li>It can bring to mind your relaxation techniques--reminders for breathing, intentions or mantras, positions to try, jokes or videos to get you laughing and loosening your muscles.</li>
<li>It can help you think about how you'll move on if things don't go as planned. Because the unexpected and unplanned is always a possibility. But your baby's birth will still be a labor of love. Be prepared to embrace it as such, no matter what comes up.</li>
</ul>
These are all things that you might know on some level without writing them down. But the excitement of labor can make even the smaller, no-brainer stuff escape your memory. It's worth having them on hand as a quick recap for you and especially whoever is supporting you.<br />
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Next week, I have some of my own thoughts on birth to share with some resources I've loved reading this time around.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Download (free, of course)...</span></h3>
<a href="https://app.box.com/s/9rrojjso3s86z4xxd0d2"><span style="font-size: large;">Birth Notes for Relaxation</span></a><br />
<a href="https://app.box.com/s/5tqp7njgl1ikx6sur55v"><span style="font-size: large;">Birth Preferences and Intentions</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Have you written a birth plan? Which reminders were helpful for you and which weren't?</i></span><br />
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>>><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>also read:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html">new? start here...</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/preparing-for-birth.html">preparing for birth</a></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2015/04/cloth-diapering-pregnancy-birth-baby.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>all posts: cloth diapers, pregnancy, birth and beyond</b></a><br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-54112399240902622622014-05-29T16:15:00.000-05:002016-05-03T19:34:25.315-05:00Dealing with Opinions... Lovingly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7BqP6vF_grZwhmIrtawqPk92Q5qP1zoiaw4w0wnD24ueGRxiSlvzvBbbP4MYJRj9_ihhF0xc5JK0pWBOeFpHKnfRwUO9APqmsK70-LUQ6aaX0znaWnBKcy-2J3Te5OvJzpuCxn9XUC4/s1600/DealingwithOpinionsLovingly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tips on How to Deal with Opinions in Motherhood" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7BqP6vF_grZwhmIrtawqPk92Q5qP1zoiaw4w0wnD24ueGRxiSlvzvBbbP4MYJRj9_ihhF0xc5JK0pWBOeFpHKnfRwUO9APqmsK70-LUQ6aaX0znaWnBKcy-2J3Te5OvJzpuCxn9XUC4/s640/DealingwithOpinionsLovingly.jpg" title="Dealing with Opinions... Lovingly" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>I have been subjected to other's opinions many times over.</b></span> This isn't necessarily a problem--we all have opinions and <span style="font-size: medium;">conversations are often built on these</span>. The problem arises when these opinions confuse or discourage me, when they're from sources I don't trust, or when they're otherwise unwelcome.<br />
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Like the stranger who asked if I knew what was wrong with my face (I have acne scars and blemishes) and said baby butt paste could cure me of it. Or the input on reasons for my son's difficulty (picky-eating, anti-potty-training, aggressive) and <span style="font-size: medium;">what we should be doing</span> to prevent or fix it--from people who don't know our specifics. Or the many people that had definite disgusted opinions against cloth diapers, without having done any of their own research into it.<br />
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When being a mom (or just a generally good person, for that matter) is already tough, I don't need <span style="font-size: medium;">outside influences</span> further discouraging, confusing, or fostering doubt in me.<br />
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So, to go with my <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/dealing-with-mommy-guilt.html">four mantras for beating mom guilt</a> from last week, here are a few tips I've used to get through the plague of "all the opinions" with a little bit of love.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">4 Tips for Dealing with Opinions... Lovingly</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Above all, seek and recall to mind fact and truth.</span></span></h3>
Opinions, by nature and definition, are judgements and views not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. That's why they tend to make us feel defensive, because they often contradict what we know to be true. Before they roll in--because they will, welcome or not--I need to drench myself in facts and truth. This might mean researching a topic for myself, or it might mean reciting what is true for me (like <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/dealing-with-mommy-guilt.html">the mantras from last week</a> :)<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Intentionally surround yourself in support.</span></span></h3>
Obviously not all opinions are unwanted or unwelcome. When we're facing a tough decision or working through a challenging situation, it's perfectly normal to seek out help from others. Intentionally seeking support from family, friends, mentors, peers, or various leaders that we trust can fill us with those opinions that matter--thoughts and ideas that might actually give us the direction we need.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Know who's words are worth taking to heart.</span></span></h3>
This isn't too far off from the idea above. Getting opinions that we value can help balance out the unwanted opinions. Like when a stranger has input without knowing any of the specifics of my situation. I retaliate in my mind, "You don't know me!" And it's likely true. If someone doesn't know us or the full scope of our situation, then their opinions likely aren't for me. Intentionally seeking support from sources I trust (above), will be the words worth listening to.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Perfect the smile-and-nod.</span></span></h3>
And that's where the smile-and-nod comes in. For all those opinions that were unsolicited or otherwise unwanted, there is no reason to be rude. If it seems fitting, the input can be nicely declined. For everything else--especially those short snippets of advice from a stranger in passing--just smile and nod and move on. They feel they've done their duty to advise, and I've done my duty to listen in love. But listening does not mean I have to take to heart anything that is not fitting for me, my family, and my life.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As with all opinions, wanted or not, I'd do well to take what fits, leave the rest, and carry on.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">also see:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html">new? start here...</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/dealing-with-mommy-guilt.html">mantras to beat mom guilt</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2015/04/cloth-diapering-pregnancy-birth-baby.html">all posts: cloth, birth, baby</a></span></b><br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-20144078647273670122014-05-22T06:00:00.000-05:002016-05-03T19:34:51.420-05:00Dealing with Mommy Guilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUWaPfw0cAw_qrV1owDvXvDvg3hgCPzNsuW-qPEBjWeyKRaa5z7MFsEIDnLSr1eSIV_QN56kT7HIvghtzxqC6PpPnyKfG-0zz9ZZyAjc3YRj-Beh5uxVDQq9zcpVWseUo9BLTZOghiF4/s1600/MantrasforBeatingMomGuilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Things to Remember When You're Having a #MomFail" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUWaPfw0cAw_qrV1owDvXvDvg3hgCPzNsuW-qPEBjWeyKRaa5z7MFsEIDnLSr1eSIV_QN56kT7HIvghtzxqC6PpPnyKfG-0zz9ZZyAjc3YRj-Beh5uxVDQq9zcpVWseUo9BLTZOghiF4/s640/MantrasforBeatingMomGuilt.jpg" title="4 Mantras for Beating Mom Guilt" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Four years ago, I was hesitant to admit my initial interest in cloth diapering. Mostly because of guilt.</b></span> I wasn't sure if I would or could follow through on this idea. If no one knew about it, I could <span style="font-size: medium;">brush it off</span> as nothing and carry on no questions asked. If anyone knew of this interest and I didn't follow through? Then I would feel guilty for not acting on my conviction.<br />
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I wish I could say I got over that, but I haven't completely. We committed to cloth diapering and used them almost exclusively for the first five months. Then, we moved and that transition put little guy in disposables for a few months. And back in <span style="font-size: medium;">crept the guilt</span>.<br />
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Later, he started eating solids and teething and had various bouts of terrible poops and resulting rashes often leading to a little <span style="font-size: medium;">cloth hiatus</span>. <i>Hello, guilt.</i><br />
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He was over six months past his second birthday (when his older sister was potty-trained) and still flat out refused to cooperate on potty-training. I had already bleached the prefolds to put them away, and did so even though potty-training was not successful. He is now in disposable pull-ups fulltime during the day and disposable diapers fulltime at night... <span style="font-size: medium;">until further notice</span>. Same with that potty-training post that has been on my list for over a year.<br />
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<i>Pile on lots of guilt</i>.<br />
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Of course, using disposables and delayed potty-training are not my only areas of mom guilt. This just happens to be a cloth diaper blog, so those are the examples I'm using. Each of these <span style="font-size: medium;">hang-ups in my confidence</span> as a mom take a little pep-talking and refocusing to snap out of it and keep doing my best for my kids.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">Four Mantras for Beating Mom Guilt</span></h3>
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I've noticed guilty feelings generally result from two areas: 1) I have a high standard of good mothering that I am not meeting; and/or 2) I feel I am not meeting other's high standards of good mothering. Following are four mantras I have used to get me through these feelings of judgment from myself and others (whether real or perceived) and the resulting guilt.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What "they" think is none of my business.</span></span></h3>
Sometimes the judgments of others are real; often they're made up. Either way, it's none of my business. I don't need to entertain or listen to these voices.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am doing my best with what I'm given.</span></span></h3>
I only have my unique brand of strengths and weaknesses and my kids' unique brand of sweetness and crazy. No one else can do what I do because they're not me and my kids aren't theirs.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My best will look different than other moms' best.</span></span></h3>
What I consider essential as a mother will inevitably be different from what other mom's consider essential. Different doesn't mean better or worse, it just means <i>different</i>. No reason to judge or feel inferior when we're all just doing our best.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Good enough is always good enough.</span></span></h3>
My standards tend to swing between perfectionism and giving up when perfection isn't possible. Even when we think we've obtained perfect, we will inevitably disappoint our kids in ways we didn't even realize. So I'd do well to accept my best effort as good enough.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They will survive and so will we.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>also see:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html"><b>new? start here...</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/dealing-with-opinions-lovingly.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>dealing with opinions... lovingly</b></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2015/04/cloth-diapering-pregnancy-birth-baby.html"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">all posts: cloth, baby, and more</span></b></a><br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-24331933199016744842014-05-15T14:55:00.000-05:002016-11-16T13:42:11.176-06:00Where to Buy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkIScke5iJwUAjI8BBH6YyYwDXjcPIl-qUu1lClWdgggFNml1mknNXHArWstB9iq7JZi5nHkpuzdG4C8JQIwgdOObM9H8z2spaoVEY-YD2ad9Vl2671J1HcwH6_vJse1I-33A8HF-ChQ/s1600/where-to-buy-cloth-diapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Buy Cloth Diapers" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkIScke5iJwUAjI8BBH6YyYwDXjcPIl-qUu1lClWdgggFNml1mknNXHArWstB9iq7JZi5nHkpuzdG4C8JQIwgdOObM9H8z2spaoVEY-YD2ad9Vl2671J1HcwH6_vJse1I-33A8HF-ChQ/s1600/where-to-buy-cloth-diapers.jpg" title="questions for choosing the best online cloth diaper store"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">After you start wrapping your mind around the idea of cloth diapering, you might wonder where you should buy them. There are </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">lots</i><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> of cloth diaper stores popping up online and sometimes even locally. Here are a few considerations in choosing where to purchase, along with thoughts on some cloth stores I find worth noting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">How to Choose Where to Buy Cloth Diapers</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While cloth can save you lots of money, this savings is generally over a longer period of use and can actually require quite an initial investment. Here are some questions to ask for all local and online stores when choosing where to spend all of that money.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do they have the system you want?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is kind of a no-brainer, but the first thing to look for when comparing cloth diaper stores. If they don't have the system or brand you're looking for (i.e., covers and prefolds, or Thirsties covers), then cross them off your list and find a store that does.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Example:</i> While most cloth diaper stores offer <i>some</i> sort of prefold option, very few offer the sized prefolds that we prefer. That limits where we shop when we want to include prefolds in our order. If we're not buying prefolds, then our stores choices are much wider.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do they offer free shipping?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The options I've usually seen from online cloth diaper stores is free shipping after a certain amount spent (usually $50 or %75), free shipping on everything, or paid shipping. Of course, local stores will not have shipping charges for whatever you purchase on site.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Example:</i> If I'm making a big purchase of lots of cloth diaper supplies, then free shipping on orders over $50 or $75 will suffice. But if I just need a couple extra covers, I make sure to buy where shipping is always free.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What is their return policy?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Who pays the shipping and what is required (i.e., tags still attached)? Are returns allowed only for product defects, or can you return simply if you change your mind?</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Example:</i> I haven't paid too close attention to return policies, because I didn't make purchases until I knew exactly which products I wanted. I have only had to make one online return and was able to do so easily directly through the manufacturer because of a product flaw.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do they run any sales, quantity discounts, or coupon codes?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Generally, over $100 (sometimes far more than $100) is being spent to get started cloth diapering. Even smaller sales, discounts when you buy more than one, and coupon codes can make a difference. Once you find a site (or a few) that you like, sign up for their e-mail list and/or follow them on Facebook to be notified of any sales or coupons. You can always unsubscribe when you're past the cloth stage.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Example:</i> We got a discount for buying our prefolds in dozens, and we got discounts for buying several covers at once. We have also purchased during sales (often holiday weekends), and coupon codes. I signed up for several of my favorite sites, then unsubscribed when I was positive I was done buying and my stash was stocked. I generally tried to avoid paying full price for anything, even if I only saved 50 cents per item, it still adds up.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do they provide a gift registry?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This may not be essential but is worth asking. Putting your specific cloth diaper wish list on a gift registry is a perfect place to direct curious family and friends. However, not all sites offer a registry option, so it's worth looking into. And a registry that offers you a discount on any remaining items is even better.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Example:</i> I registered for cloth diapers when we were expecting before (we already have all the cloth supplies we need for this baby). However, no one except a close family member purchased anything cloth-related for us. I'll share some more thoughts on making the most of a cloth diaper registry in another post.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do they offer other supplies?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Besides the cloth diapers, there are other essential supplies like pail liners, wet bags, free + clear laundry detergent, dryer balls, etc. If you are able to put these in the same order to save on shipping or use a discount code, all the better.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Example:</i> Many of these supplies can be found other places, so this isn't necessarily a deal-breaker for me.</span><br>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/where-to-buy-cloth-diapers.html#more">Read more »</a>Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-16113101836470779212014-05-08T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-08T06:00:05.182-05:00A Few Favorite Reads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iizqnS95gI8/U2KPdInQtPI/AAAAAAAALj0/Fj6Evv3MnBU/s1600/Resources-PregnancyBirthParenting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="on pregnancy, birth and parenting" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iizqnS95gI8/U2KPdInQtPI/AAAAAAAALj0/Fj6Evv3MnBU/s1600/Resources-PregnancyBirthParenting.jpg" title="books, videos, documentaries on pregnancy, birth and parenting"></a></div>
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<i>*Affiliate links used in this post; see full note below.</i></div>
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There's plenty to think about in having and raising a baby beyond cloth diapering. These are some of my favorite resources outside of the potty-world. Depending on your lifestyle or parenting style, some or none of these might interest you. They're worth checking out, then follow the Amazon rabbit trail toward the bottom of the page ("Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought") to find others that might interest you.<br>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/resources-pregnancy-birth-parenting.html#more">Read more »</a>Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-8521797055143519182014-05-01T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-26T14:47:32.253-05:00Pregnancy // second trimester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrtbSywZCOKN2iN1GeP16K57SUSf87VL4wGmlW6_uJG0qPrUrE_DjXjTwZap62h6HQDdZjkC6eK1kiSuDQOBk2RSQ6BqvNtFZmEXRJZXZbpFALaPoVeqK8N0fRsTi1CjEb51agysFZHs/s1600/pregnancy-secondtrimester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pregnancy // 2nd trimester favorites, relief and fashion" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrtbSywZCOKN2iN1GeP16K57SUSf87VL4wGmlW6_uJG0qPrUrE_DjXjTwZap62h6HQDdZjkC6eK1kiSuDQOBk2RSQ6BqvNtFZmEXRJZXZbpFALaPoVeqK8N0fRsTi1CjEb51agysFZHs/s1600/pregnancy-secondtrimester.jpg" title="second trimester pregnancy products, symptom relief, maternity fashion" /></a></div>
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<i>*Affiliate links used in this post. See full note below.</i></div>
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And just like that, I've made it through the second trimester for the third time! Here is a collection of some of my favorite essentials and tips for this season of pregnancy...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV_aK4G2AupoVs_8bbWk0v9Gfo5viJdgTR-fC7m612aKw3uvL8Ug0boGQVL0NKVfIUsWdF-dRjikyZcpsCcWJLt3rjegZsYBSS3iCuyvP90lngwWs04hhHt0JL1kpDqrtLUL8KVqR12c/s1600/pregnancy-secondtrimester-essentialproducts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pregnancy // 2nd trimester favorites" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV_aK4G2AupoVs_8bbWk0v9Gfo5viJdgTR-fC7m612aKw3uvL8Ug0boGQVL0NKVfIUsWdF-dRjikyZcpsCcWJLt3rjegZsYBSS3iCuyvP90lngwWs04hhHt0JL1kpDqrtLUL8KVqR12c/s1600/pregnancy-secondtrimester-essentialproducts.jpg" title="second trimester pregnancy essential products" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br />Second Trimester Products</i></span></h3>
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Some of <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/pregnancy-first-trimester.html">my favorite products shared >> here in the first trimester</a> are still my favorites and used into the second trimester--my chiseled cup (that I use for water and tea and smoothies), my planner, my gummy prenatals, and my yoga pants are all still essentials.<br />
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In addition to those, below are some other things I'm loving in the second trimester...<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VLZ8D0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002VLZ8D0&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=PCY2ESO7FCRJ7BJA">1. Coconut Oil</a></i></h3>
In my first pregnancy I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010ED5FC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0010ED5FC&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=65QBVX5NNHXGACG6">Palmer's cocoa butter lotion for stretch marks</a>. If you're prone to stretch marks, you're gonna get them whether you lotion up or not. But, it relieved the dryness and itching across my belly as I grew and my skin stretched. For over a year or so I've been using coconut oil to moisturize key dry areas after showers/baths. My skin is quite a bit less dry overall and I don't notice the need for it everyday like I did with lotion. Now, coconut oil is my belly moisturizer too and it is working great. I've heard good things about other oils, too, like Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or Jojoba for something lighter.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018VDKHU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0018VDKHU&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=GAP7NGJA5ZWN3GOK">2. Caffiene-Free Cappuccino Mix</a></i></h3>
I got a bit of a frappuccino craving with my last pregnancy and I've noticed it reappearing with this one as well. I found an alternative that's quite a bit cheaper: 1-2 TBSP decaf cappuccino mix, 6 cubes ice, and 1+ cup coconut milk (or almond or chocolate almond). It definitely fills my craving.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051TPWG2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0051TPWG2&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=ENVDPFGMXORHM6NK">3. Chocolate-Covered Almonds</a></i></h3>
I have a major sweet tooth, and it gets worse in pregnancy, if that's even possible. 6-9 dark chocolate covered almonds are just enough to fill my craving with not <i>as much</i> unhealthiness of a candy bar or cookie. I don't necessarily get strange cravings, but I certainly get unhealthy ones.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZJJ9CI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003ZJJ9CI&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=B3ZZOSIY6DHV2D42">4. Prenatal Yoga/Pilates DVD</a></i></h3>
I always have good intentions to work out regularly, but I frequently find myself out of the habit. Especially after surviving a debilitating first trimester due to exhaustion and morning sickness. Second trimester is a perfect time to take up prenatal yoga/pilates. I got this Parents DVD with my last pregnancy and I feel the breathing and some of the poses helped a lot in preparing for delivery.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003GC4GH2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003GC4GH2&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=YMWSCUT5KV4CNGLW">5. Epsom Salt</a></i></h3>
Warm baths with a cup of epsom salt are so soothing for shifting joints and muscles. Light a candle and lean back and relax. It also offers hemorrhoid relief, if that becomes an issue (see symptoms below).<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E58CBYG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00E58CBYG&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=RUWBEDOMWKZG4BGK">6. Notebook</a> + <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000T9Q6E6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000T9Q6E6&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=5TTUNOEDN4KE4INV">Pen</a></i></h3>
Second trimester is when I start getting a boost of energy--physically and creatively. I keep a notebook handy to write down all of my lists and ideas--baby-related and not. I may not get them all done, but at least I can dump my brain so I can try and get good sleep at night.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ELNA6TW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ELNA6TW&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=I7QGA32HLYWCN6VA">7. Blender</a></i></h3>
Even with all that energy, cooking isn't necessarily where I'm motivated to use it. I care about being healthy, but just can't seem to get with the program at meal time. An easy way to get greens, berries, and oats is throwing them in a blender for a smoothie. I can even add peanut butter and chocolate almond milk to fill a craving at the same time. It sounds like a strange combination, but it's actually really good. We love our Vitamix blender, but before that we used a more <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043R4GBU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0043R4GBU&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=LA6HTFTMQBBYSRZV">affordable KitchenAid blender like this >> one</a> that worked great.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Second Trimester Symptom Relief</i></span></h3>
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Second trimester really is my favorite. It may not be as golden as all the books describe. (Lush hair, amazing sex, incredible energy?! Sign me up!) Still, the symptoms I feel are so much better compared to first trimester, and the energy is relatively great sandwiched between first and third trimesters.<br />
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I don't remember many symptoms in my second trimester with my first pregnancy, but these are a couple I've noticed more with my second and third pregnancies...<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;">Back, Hip, or Pelvic Discomfort</i></h3>
Second trimester is when that baby is starting to expand the belly, and hips and other things might start shifting. I especially noticed this more with the second and third--I guess my body remembered what to do and wasn't as tight as the first time. We have an ice pack holder that I put warm water in and can lay on my lower back while I lean over a pillow, or can lay it on my hip or lower belly. It offers some relief. Also getting my husband to put pressure on the area, or taking a warm bath with Epsom salts. And yoga/stretching can do wonders.<br />
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However you deal with pain now is a little glimpse into how you might deal with it in labor. If you find yourself doing a lot of whining and complaining about it, but not really addressing it, it might be a good time to get proactive. Read up on solutions (like the couple I wrote above) and actually <i>do</i> them. Think positively, breathe calmly, and do the best you can. Being able to do this with these everyday aches and pains is good practice to create good habits that will be more natural in labor.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;">Braxton-Hicks Contractions</i></h3>
I barely noticed these practice contractions in my first pregnancy. In my second, they were a bit stronger and started earlier. Now in this third, they can sometimes even feel a little achy or uncomfortable. As long as there is no reason for concern (baby is moving good, no blood or heavy discharge, no severe or ongoing pain, etc.), then I try to just use the ideas mentioned above--warmth, massage, change positions and stretch. When these practice contractions cause discomfort, then why not practice managing it well?<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;">Constipation and/or Hemorrhoids</i></h3>
I have heard of hemorrhoids causing problems during pregnancy and after birth, but haven't experienced it until this pregnancy. Warm baths, avoiding sitting long periods especially on hard surfaces, and witch hazel provided relief within a couple days. Of course eating a good diet of high fiber foods and drinking lots of water can help prevent constipation that could lead to hemorrhoids. As baby grows, our digestive system slows, so foods that didn't used to bother might now cause problems. Err on the side of healthier than normal to prevent problems.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>When Everyone has an Opinion</i></span></h3>
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Every woman who goes through pregnancy will likely have a list of ridiculous things that people--friends, family, coworkers, strangers--have said. Often it's related to belly size. ("Wow, you're huge!" or "Do you have a big event coming up or are you just fat?" Both actually said to me.) The best I've found is to reply nicely and calmly, then just move on. I've even found myself saying something to a pregnant woman that I should know not to say--sometimes it just slips without thinking of how the other person will take it. Give the person the benefit of the doubt, and try not to take it personally.<br />
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What can be even more of a challenge is when everyone wants to share their advice--how you should deliver your baby, whether you should swaddle or use a pacifier, cosleeping and baby-wearing, and products you "absolutely need." If this advice comes from a trusted source, then go ahead and look into it or give it consideration. For everything else--smile and nod and move on.<br />
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No need to get bogged down with how everyone else thinks you should birth and care for this baby. Only you know what will work for you and your family. If you're afraid people will judge your choices, just don't advertise them. For example, if you want to cloth diaper, just do it. You don't have to hear everyone's negativity or disapproval of your choice. Then, seek out those people who could actually understand and support your choices. It helps to have a source to go when you have a question.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ42xHhKPVWKbEAXi5t1rboOTnsPjj01VVtXQb07jQmoX0f6f4vyrAfxEeMid1j4MOuwSiiSks_q31jFnsv0vQ6DTFj5VVhkIONaT_SKwlMDL8Diqvp-O7rXCBeD0HuaI4msa38Sa3WA/s1600/Pregnancy-SecondTrimester-MaternityFashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pregnancy // 2nd Trimester Fashion" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ42xHhKPVWKbEAXi5t1rboOTnsPjj01VVtXQb07jQmoX0f6f4vyrAfxEeMid1j4MOuwSiiSks_q31jFnsv0vQ6DTFj5VVhkIONaT_SKwlMDL8Diqvp-O7rXCBeD0HuaI4msa38Sa3WA/s1600/Pregnancy-SecondTrimester-MaternityFashion.jpg" title="second trimester pregnancy maternity fashion staples" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br />Second Trimester Fashion</i></span></h3>
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A lot of what I shared about <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/pregnancy-first-trimester.html">first trimester fashion >> here</a> still holds true into the second trimester. That's the benefit of trying to stick with versatile staples. The only difference is that those loose shirts that hid the bump might no longer be able to hide that growing belly. This is a good time to start wearing more ruched/fitted shirts, and belts above the belly to define a new waste line. Here are a few of my second trimester clothing essentials:<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HB7JC1I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HB7JC1I&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=GQ4CDMRW4OUE2I6L">1. Adjusted Waist Bands</a></i></h3>
As my belly grows, my waste isn't exactly where it used to be. This is when I've liked having an empire waste skirt and dress (like the one I'm wearing in the first photo in this post). I'm able to adjust the waste above my belly, then add a belt if I wish. If it's not a maternity specific item, then I won't be able to do this much longer. But it works through most of the second trimester.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008BDJ1IK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008BDJ1IK&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=EAQPJEJZP3ZBSAJH">2. Loose Tunics and Dresses</a></i></h3>
Loose shirts, tunics and dresses may not look as loose anymore. But they can usually still be worn into the second trimester. And of course, maternity specific tunics and dresses work great. If the belly shortens them up, then wear leggings underneath and boots or sandals depending on the season. Of course, a belt thrown over top can look cute too.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00857O8V2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00857O8V2&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=6KSWJYQPR2R2KKJ5">3. Leggings</a></i></h3>
Workout clothes (basic yoga pants, capris, shorts, etc.) are still a must beyond the first trimester. I like having a pair of fitted black leggings no matter the season, then yoga pants, capris or shorts depending on the season. I especially focus on buying these cheap so that I can get the right size and not care if I only wear them a couple months. They can look nice or casual depending on the choice of shirt, shoes, and accessories.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E25HW5K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00E25HW5K&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=YRTLSIKYL4XIZMWX">4. Layering Tops</a></i></h3>
I finally have a good mix of cardis--a long one that covers my bum when worn with leggings, a short black cardi that looks nice with anything, and a colored cardi to add life to an outfit. A basic chambray or white button-up is also a great layering option. It can be left open with a tee or tank underneath, paired with a dress or skirt, or even tied over a dress or shirt. If it's cool out, keep the sleeves long with a sweater over, and in the summer, roll the sleeves up.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B2HAPSC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B2HAPSC&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=LNWYS5QQVMJ5T7J7">5. Maternity Staples</a></i></h3>
If I didn't buy maternity staples in the first trimester, then this is when I fill in those basics--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B2HAPSC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B2HAPSC&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=LNWYS5QQVMJ5T7J7">tanks</a>, tees and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HN5C13Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HN5C13Y&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=4QH4MTINO7FQQFOO">skinny jeans</a>. These end up being my uniform of sorts, and can be mixed up with the layering, accessories or shoes I pair them with.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DEIRMHE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DEIRMHE&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=OUPXBASFBPXX7375">6. Accessories</a></i></h3>
I recently added two <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DEIRMHE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DEIRMHE&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=OUPXBASFBPXX7375">skinny belts</a> to my wardrobe--one neutral and one colored. These can be worn with tees, sweaters, dresses. They're a really easy way to complete an outfit when I don't want to look so plain, and they help make the bump look a little cuter. And of course <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JJGYF2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005JJGYF2&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=JLCKWH3K6CLRBK4U">basic stud earrings</a> are low key but cute.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009KY1T70/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009KY1T70&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=PGOEIJ5TLJ45L5UK">7. Unmentionables</a></i></h3>
I still use the wire-free bras and cotton undies that I bought in first trimester. If I find myself starting to get bigger than expected (<i>hey, it happens; let's blame swelling</i>), then I don't hesitate to buy a new package in a larger size. That's the perk of buying cheap--no worries if I stretch them out or have to buy a couple packages throughout the pregnancy. Still cheaper than one pair of maternity underwear! I also find the low-rise more comfortable. Even though cotton is more breathable, I really like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009KY1T70/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009KY1T70&linkCode=as2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=PGOEIJ5TLJ45L5UK">microfiber panties</a>. They're a little smoother and silkier, so a cotton dress isn't as likely to stick to them.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What are your second trimester tips and essentials?</i></span><br />
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<i>Related Posts:</i></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/pregnancy-first-trimester.html">First Trimester</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/pregnancy-third-trimester.html">Third Trimester</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/cloth-diapering-baby-checklist.html">New Baby Checklist</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/save-money-baby.html">Saving Money on Baby</a></span><br />
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<i>*Note: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=begibean-20&linkId=MXJVZJP6ZKCG6KWI">Amazon</a> affiliate links used in this post. Any purchases made through these links could earn me a small commission with no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!</i><br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-37000945780762932532014-04-24T06:00:00.000-05:002014-04-24T16:38:20.959-05:00Saving Money on Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oewFd-8mUn0/U1h4mg981cI/AAAAAAAALgQ/Xl__PyYKK1k/s1600/Saving-Money-Baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saving Money on Baby" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oewFd-8mUn0/U1h4mg981cI/AAAAAAAALgQ/Xl__PyYKK1k/s1600/Saving-Money-Baby.jpg" title="tips on how to save money preparing for a new baby" /></a></div>
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Our first baby (<i>pictured above and is now 6</i>) was born during finals week in our senior year of college. As full-time college students growing a family, to say we were financially tight in that season of our lives is a tremendous understatement. Yet, I look back on that time and feel incredibly blessed to have <span style="font-size: large;">afforded all the necessities</span>. We had all of the baby items we needed, and didn't go broke doing so.<br />
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Baby stuff (even affordable options like cloth diapers) isn't always cheap and the costs can really add up. So, whether you're on a tight budget or just looking for ideas to <span style="font-size: large;">keep those baby costs under control</span>, here are a few ways we've saved the most while preparing for now three babies.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">Saving Money on Baby</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Tip 1. Reevaluate "Needs"</i></span></h3>
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Get ready to hear lots of must-have recommendations--from family, friends, advertisements, and even well-meaning strangers. The story will likely go that they just could not have survived parenthood without fill-in-the-blank. You think, <i>Well, they had a baby, so they must know</i>. You stock up on fill-in-the-blank and as it turns out, baby hates it, or you hate it, and it gets pushed aside and rarely used.<br />
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Going into baby prep it's easy to think everything is necessary. And it's not until after you've gone through it yourself that you realize maybe babies really are born with basic needs. I mean, keep them diapered, fed and rested, with lots of love and some age appropriate sensory play--and they will be living like royalty.<br />
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The bottom line: Rethink what is truly essential for the baby.<br />
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/cloth-diapering-baby-checklist.html"><span style="font-size: large;">See and print my "just the essentials" list >> here.</span></a><br />
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We never had a bottle or wipe warmer, we almost never used our baby monitor, our diaper genie became a nuisance within a few weeks (when we used disposable diapers), and our babies were content with a simple bouncer, not 50 different seats/play stations/swings.<br />
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Of course, some people swear by those products, but it's a matter of choosing what makes sense and what's important for you. Choose a couple cool gadgets you're interested in and make sense for your personality, then forget the rest. You can always change your mind later.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;">Tip 2. Shop Short-term</i></h3>
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As you think about what you need, start especially with the first 3-6 months in mind. As you get a hang of your own parenting style and preferences, you'll likely add to that (or neglect some of it) as you go. No need to shop for the whole first year before baby shows up--you'll end up with more than you'll ever need or use.<br />
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Remember, what one parent considers a must-have, another parent will never use. Start with the basics (diapering, clothing, feeding, sleeping), then go from there. Better to leave room to add later as needed. Or, you just might be pleasantly surprised how content you are with just the essentials.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Tip 3. Reconsider Secondhand</i></span></h3>
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Thankfully, secondhand items no longer have quite the stigma that they used to. Reusing is a good choice for everyone, because it's not only budget-friendly, it also reduces waste. We've had a lot of hand-me-down baby products with our kids, and most of it has been like-new. Babies grow out of things fast, sometimes within a couple months, so secondhand can often still have lots of use left.<br />
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There is also the added bonus that depending on how much use you put into it and how long you use it, you could sell the same item for close to what you paid for it. It's nice to know there's not a huge loss in value just because you took something out of its packaging.<br />
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Some good sources for reusing:<br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Family and Friends</i></span><br />Used items from those you know could cost you nothing if they are offered or lended, or they could be affordable from a source you trust.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Craigslist</i></span><br />Browse the "Baby+Kid" category or type specific brands/products in the search bar.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Local Facebook consignment group</i></span><br />These seems to be growing in popularity. Ask around and find out how to get added to your area's local consignment group. Often there is one specifically for baby items, sometimes even divided by gender.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Ebay or Amazon</i></span><br />These sites seem to be featuring more and more new stuff, but there are still great discounts to be found, and even secondhand if you appreciate the value of reusing.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Baby-Focused Secondhand Stores (like Once Upon a Child)</i></span><br />Most areas are now opening these secondhand stores especially for kids clothing and baby gear. They're organized better than the average thrift store, and have a wide range of brands and such.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Garage Sales</i></span><br />The Midwest is big on garage sales. And young neighborhoods especially tend to sell lots of baby stuff this way. This option can often be far cheaper than secondhand stores that have a business to run.</li>
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If you start looking soon enough, you'll likely even be able to find some of the high-end products and brands for an affordable price. Unless you have family or friends that like buying nice gifts, start shopping around for the bigger, nicer items, and save the smaller items (clothes, smaller gadgets, etc.) for your registry.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;">Bonus Tip. Buy Discount</i></h3>
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Okay, I'll wrap it up with one last tip. For anything that you decide is a "need" and you plan to buy new, wait to buy on discount. We generally don't buy too much brand-new. But of the items not weeded out in tip 1 or not available through tip 3, we make our best effort to not spend full-price.<br />
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This might seem like a no-brainer, but here are a couple ways to not spend retail:<br />
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<li><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sales</span></i><br />Stores like Target run sales all the time on all sort of items from diapers to clothes to larger items like carseats. Wait to buy items from your list until they're on sale.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Coupons</i></span><br />Coupons can come from the store or from the manufacturer, and sometimes from both. When you decide on brands and products, do a quick search online and see if you find any sources for coupons. Pair these up with sale prices and you get an even better discount.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Registry Discount</i></span><br />After you've had your shower and after people buying you gifts has slowed, buy some of the remaining items yourself with 10% off. Target and Amazon are two registries that do this, but some others likely do too. Even if this is a subsequent pregnancy, go ahead and make a registry so you can use that discount on a big purchase.</li>
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Okay, <i>now</i> I'm done. And now it's your turn...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>What helped you save money on preparing for baby?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>also check out:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/cloth-diapering-baby-checklist.html">New Baby Checklist</a> (<i>with printable</i>)</span><br />
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Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-13217188671071369602014-04-10T06:00:00.000-05:002015-04-10T11:10:53.217-05:00Pregnancy // first trimester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyuUiys3cs31YNCRQUSW0aIteT8CjCj7u72Q_IfunWIsX8-9JggKcCx-p5Rr3LQUXUcMvP1NVjIjMgVTpGANKD9ZHBdcHQWCGWkbVMGHj_z2JcNWwdLIrwImtRSRxubNJDOpc3FSb27Y/s1600/pregnancy-firsttrimester-guide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pregnancy // all about the first trimester" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyuUiys3cs31YNCRQUSW0aIteT8CjCj7u72Q_IfunWIsX8-9JggKcCx-p5Rr3LQUXUcMvP1NVjIjMgVTpGANKD9ZHBdcHQWCGWkbVMGHj_z2JcNWwdLIrwImtRSRxubNJDOpc3FSb27Y/s1600/pregnancy-firsttrimester-guide.jpg" title="miniamlist, green guide to first trimester of pregnancy"></a></div>
<i>*Affiliate links used in this post. See full note below.</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I patiently await a new little model for cloth diaper-related posts</span></b>, I'll be sharing little updates and tidbits through the rest of this pregnancy. And, because I haven't written much about my other two pregnancies, I'll talk about them all together in these trimester posts. If you're pregnant or interested in pregnancy related things, these posts will be packed with just about all I've got on the topic.<br>
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If you're not pregnant or interested in pregnancy related things, go ahead and <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html">browse the cloth diaper posts I already have published</a> or <a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/">checkout my personal blog >> here</a>.<br>
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Let's kick things off with the First Trimester, which I actually wrapped up a couple months ago for likely the last time ever...<br>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/pregnancy-first-trimester.html#more">Read more »</a>Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-31261517927414673232014-04-03T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-26T14:54:06.511-05:00New Baby Checklist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhERUBRSC9LU_VLUxjeCRKm-aSp1Gd2ZakRDPaZEvzlOMFAv0IZkGZPiF0j5NDDI2mAfvh_EuKiebt3UVi7LgeoPYFIRGz3NNymbhdKOFR77zyGc5zFMSxBcSEz93Fy_ja6XUjd0hD4I/s1600/SimpleNewBabyChecklist-ClothDiaperingEssentials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simple New Baby Checklist // just the essentials for cloth-diapering moms" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhERUBRSC9LU_VLUxjeCRKm-aSp1Gd2ZakRDPaZEvzlOMFAv0IZkGZPiF0j5NDDI2mAfvh_EuKiebt3UVi7LgeoPYFIRGz3NNymbhdKOFR77zyGc5zFMSxBcSEz93Fy_ja6XUjd0hD4I/s1600/SimpleNewBabyChecklist-ClothDiaperingEssentials.jpg" title="simple minimalist new baby checklist"></a></div>
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Over halfway through this third pregnancy, and it's slowly sinking in that I have another baby to prepare for! As usual, I created a quick reference list of things I need for baby, as well as items I already have (from previous). This time, I decided to turn it into a PDF to share with you. Feel free to print and use it, or just reference it in creating your own list.<br>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/16iqhxtg5u0xf6gp0g6w">Download Simple Checklist of New Baby Essentials for Cloth-Diapering Moms >> here. <i>Free, of course</i> :)</a></span></h3>
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The main thing to note about my list is that I believe in simple and green living, and try to keep this in mind with bringing home baby, too. We live in a small space, and after two babies I've already seen how much excess baby stuff goes unused even if you plan carefully and intentionally. So, I try to focus on needs and differentiate those from wants.<br>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">Saving Money on Baby</span></h3>
I'll likely share more thoughts on saving money on baby later in another post. For now, keep in mind two things:<br>
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<i style="font-weight: normal;">1. Consider the option of buying secondhand.</i></h3>
So many baby things are only used for a few months! Or less, if a parent decides they don't like that particular product or brand. You can find many like-new items for a fraction of the cost at secondhand children's stores, local kid's consignment sales, on Craigslist or local Facebook sale groups, or even from a friend or family member.<br>
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<i style="font-weight: normal;">2. Start with the first 3-6 months in mind.</i></h3>
As you get a hang of your own parenting style and preferences, you'll likely add to that as you go. No need to shop for the whole first year before baby shows up--you'll end up with more than you'll ever need or use. What one parent considers a must-have, another parent will never use. Start with the basics that make sense to you, then go from there.<br>
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Now that that's out of the way, on to the checklist.<br>
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<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/cloth-diapering-baby-checklist.html#more">Read more »</a>Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-75321576750389826802014-03-27T06:00:00.000-05:002015-09-18T11:10:35.774-05:00Baby Announcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXnQAiSPhZ4MqF6udGzS8bYI-DjhNqO3uUrGdbomiGqTaeTvhZqmdytL_cVcyoxr6o-fVc5WpIhSRx5ph0xp9oS3LFfLdRa4IZQwGND6AdcQNbn1LBHOeRKQ9uT0TG0OCciHDJxnEqAI/s1600/prefoldsclothdiapers-uniquebabyannouncement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making a Simple Unique-to-You Baby Announcement" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXnQAiSPhZ4MqF6udGzS8bYI-DjhNqO3uUrGdbomiGqTaeTvhZqmdytL_cVcyoxr6o-fVc5WpIhSRx5ph0xp9oS3LFfLdRa4IZQwGND6AdcQNbn1LBHOeRKQ9uT0TG0OCciHDJxnEqAI/s1600/prefoldsclothdiapers-uniquebabyannouncement.jpg" title="prefolds cloth diapers pregnancy announcement ideas" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2014/08/free-birth-announcement-picmonkey.html">UPDATE: See our Baby's Birth Announcements >> Here.</a></span><br />
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Guess who gets to start reusing their <span style="font-size: large;">cloth diaper stash</span> this summer!<br />
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That's right--this girl!<br />
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We are so excited to be <span style="font-size: large;">adding a baby boy</span> to our family! I was completely ready to reuse our blue and green stash on a girl--but even more perfect that we're having another boy.<br />
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This means that I will also be <span style="font-size: large;">adding new content</span> to Prefolds Love that has been on my list for a while. (Night time diapering or cloth on-the-go, anyone?) I stalled out because a 3-year-old cloth diaper model just looks a little out of place :) I hope to fill in some gaps to make this a more complete site covering as much of the prefolds-covers cloth diaper process as I can.<br />
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I also will be using this space to share a little more about preparing for baby in general--<span style="font-size: large;">minimalist new baby checklist</span>, thoughts on preparing for birth, and such. Many of us start the cloth diaper research while those beans are still cookin', so those topics are likely to be relevant and helpful to some.<br />
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Anyway, this is my <i><span style="font-size: large;">hello</span></i> as I re-enter and refresh this site.<br />
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Hope to see more of you!<br />
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And, because I don't like adding content here unless it is applicable to others, here are some thoughts on creating your own special pregnancy announcement.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Creating a Unique-to-You Baby Announcement</span></h3>
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Okay, so we've all seen the same ol' pregnancy announcement trends, haven't we? Shoes, and the them-plus-her-equals-5, and big brother/sister-to-be, and the onesies, and the family-growing-by-two-feet, and have I mentioned the shoes? We all want to be unique with our announcement or at least a little bit original so our announcement is personal to us and doesn't look like a total knock-off of someone else's idea.<br />
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Here are a few ideas on doing just that...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 // worry less about being one-of-a-kind</span></h3>
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Here's the deal, it's highly likely your idea has been done before. By someone somewhere. What's even more important, is that it doesn't matter. Because you're not putting <i>their</i> announcement in your permanent memory box or family photo album, you're putting <i>your</i> announcement there. So don't worry so much about being one-of-a-kind according to Pinterest or the great world-wide web.<br />
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And what's so wrong with following a popular trend anyway? Who cares if everyone else is announcing their pregnancies with a pair of adorable miniature shoes. If that's an idea you like, then do it! I already mentioned <i>your</i> announcement is the one you'll hang onto and cherish. So don't let an idea you love get away just because it's popular right now.<br />
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Just focus on making your announcement specific to you, and I'm guessing years from now that is what you'll remember and that is what will make it special.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 // make it creatively yours</span></h3>
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You don't have to directly follow the popular trends already floating around. In a nutshell, a pregnancy announcement gets the idea that a) there is a fetus growing, and/or b) there will soon be a baby added to the family. The ideas really are limitless on how you can do this.<br />
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When you find an idea you love, find those small details that make it uniquely you. The location the photos are taken could mean something special (location of your outdoor wedding?), or the style of the shoes (are you big fans of chucks?), or the big brother/sister outfit(s) (anyone else have a pirate and a princess?), or the miniature object you show (a trike if you're bicyclers or miniature jersey if you're sports fans?), or the food you say is in the oven (any pizza lovers?).<br />
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Those are the details that will capture your family's uniqueness.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 // keep it simple</span></h3>
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Who says you have to do a big announcement photo shoot anyway?! I really try as much as possible to keep our photos condensed to what is essential so that years down the road our memories are easy and fun to look through and <i>not</i> overwhelming. So, when it comes to pregnancy announcements, we keep it simple. Really simple. With our second it was a matter of posting "Heard baby's heartbeat!" and with our third--a picture of the ultrasound hanging on the kids' art wall.<br />
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Because I certainly want to document this--but early on I just want to get the news out. The documenting will come later with a few shots of baby growing in my tummy, and even more later when that cute thing shows his face.<br />
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So, try not to stress too much about it. Get a picture or two of your excitement however you wish to document that. Then just enjoy that baby growing inside, because soon enough those sleepless nights will be a little less than exciting ;)<br />
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<i>Some of my favorite announcement ideas:</i><br />
<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/8e/c1/38/8ec138f2cb9ea194b259745dbac0f31e.jpg">belly anatomy</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151279759272085&set=a.312773787084.156278.275275547084&type=1&theater">reading for baby</a><br />
<a href="http://becomingmrsg.blogspot.com/2011/11/lord-has-dealt-bountifully-with-me.html">hearts over belly + bump ahead</a><br />
<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/1a/de/16/1ade1642b8473e8f875a31d58d21242d.jpg">chalk bump</a> // <a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/e0/8f/e6/e08fe67393818bea2489320aacfb1f07.jpg">chalk crib</a><br />
<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/80/05/55/800555e78c4013b739200bfc4265ed7b.jpg">onesie initials</a> // <a href="http://indulgy.com/post/Go4TrpGl62/pregnancy-announcement">onesie heart</a><br />
<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/64/13/8a/64138a68162ae7cb68a094e0ca0d3f21.jpg">them plus her equals 5</a><br />
<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/e0/3b/49/e03b4979f49a2fcb1e7a2334125e8a4a.jpg">bike crew</a><br />
<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/56/ca/b0/56cab090e1d8d13b578a7dfa7e9d4ef3.jpg">matching shoes</a><br />
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>>><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>also read:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/2014/08/free-birth-announcement-picmonkey.html"><b>our baby's birth announcements</b></a></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/04/pregnancy-first-trimester.html">first trimester</a> | <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/05/pregnancy-second-trimester.html">second trimester</a> | <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2014/06/pregnancy-third-trimester.html">third trimester</a></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html">cloth diapering checklist</a></span></b></div>
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Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-23016541154521182352013-06-06T21:09:00.000-05:002013-06-06T21:09:24.637-05:00Using Prefolds in Pocket Diapers // Maria of Change-Diapers.com<center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfocCPe-0V_g17EwLRm8LPhYcGY4ntvlDUVgIgFUcpe_7IDz__uEQH4tTQhRCVHaWyrsO_vO4zc3yquV5SDDJjMT6hSXJtqQ5ml2eiuZaa3uJNTPx91HoVhgALVjoEEJdUHPydL265OgU/s1600/guestpost-mariachangediapers-prefolds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="guest post by maria of change-diapers on using prefolds in pocket diapers" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfocCPe-0V_g17EwLRm8LPhYcGY4ntvlDUVgIgFUcpe_7IDz__uEQH4tTQhRCVHaWyrsO_vO4zc3yquV5SDDJjMT6hSXJtqQ5ml2eiuZaa3uJNTPx91HoVhgALVjoEEJdUHPydL265OgU/s1600/guestpost-mariachangediapers-prefolds.jpg" title="prefolds trifolded and stuffed in pocket diaper" /></a></div>
<br />
Today, I introduce you to Maria from <a href="http://change-diapers.com/">Change-Diapers.com</a>. Although, because I'm new in the cloth diaper blog world, you've likely heard of her before you've heard of me. She maintains a great <span style="font-size: large;">giveaway roundup</span>, keeping you in the loop of lots of awesome current cloth diaper related giveaways. <a href="http://change-diapers.com/category/friday-giveaway-linky/">Check out the giveaway linkup here</a>.<br />
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She shares lots of other cloth diaper related posts on her blog. I asked her to share about <span style="font-size: large;">her experience with prefolds</span>--she's used them in a different way than I have.<br />
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And now, I give this post over to Maria...<br />
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>>>>><br />
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I can't help but chuckle at my 2009 self. Back then, I was <span style="font-size: large;">intimidated by prefolds</span>. Now I have origami folded flats, have even used pins and all! I love prefolds, from the standard cotton to luxurious hemp and bamboo. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUr9XRNGh-6i5syQ8ctbbi8TbORhAJ7JGixa-EJlC-6qUXGnnNypF-3pSnxIZQ_T6iB__MF1rT6BytqFn0kQi-1QabDA4TDIoABOUcaKy0F02zfV3IFuD1AIaF0h9vp6v4hiF5QVsOzU/s1600/prefolds-boingos-snappis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="prefolds, boingos, snappis (guest post by maria)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUr9XRNGh-6i5syQ8ctbbi8TbORhAJ7JGixa-EJlC-6qUXGnnNypF-3pSnxIZQ_T6iB__MF1rT6BytqFn0kQi-1QabDA4TDIoABOUcaKy0F02zfV3IFuD1AIaF0h9vp6v4hiF5QVsOzU/s1600/prefolds-boingos-snappis.jpg" title="guest post by maria of change-diapers on prefolds in pocket diapers" /></a><br />
No pins are necessary to use prefolds--grab a snappi or <a href="http://change-diapers.com/2012/08/boingo-cloth-diaper-fasteners/">Boingo</a>, which grip the prefold with "teeth." <br />
I think one of the easiest ways to use prefolds is as an all-in-two system or as <span style="font-size: large;">pocket diaper stuffing</span>. In fact, since I discovered Geffen Baby in 2011 (I work for them now too!), a M/L <a href="http://geffenbaby.com/products-page/jersey-prefold-diapers/">hemp jersey prefold</a> has been my go-to night time diaper for my heavy wetters. Trifold, stuff in the pocket and you're done. <br />
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I find that the prefolds are much <span style="font-size: large;">easier to get clean</span> than a very thick night time insert, and they are far trimmer than a bunch of inserts. (I ended up with leg-gap from putting so many inserts in the pocket!) <br />
Most prefolds are 12-16 layers when trifolded, so they are an excellent alternative to pricey, multi-layer inserts, and often have far more absorbency as well.<br />
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<strong>Have you used prefolds in pocket diapers?</strong><br />
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Thank you for sharing, Maria! Prefolds do seem like a great <span style="font-size: large;">affordable, low maintenance</span> insert to stuff inside a pocket diaper.<br />
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Remember to check out <a href="http://change-diapers.com/category/friday-giveaway-linky/"><span style="font-size: large;">Maria's giveaway linkup</span></a> each week to see the new things around the web to win!<br />
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<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-58428315801658462422013-05-30T06:00:00.000-05:002013-05-30T06:00:05.630-05:00Baby Doll Cloth Diapers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDVYFUzdjdkUbt040NfJRHry6e56uhUvq05JMcVYbVSDhwy5OhC5UBVSGK1ZN_gVYNlvQg_FQPxdegOaW8e1_Nk6c9GY1XIvCxiP5lzfSiCtD2EFy4LD8XTdSZTcocv77dEvhflI9Q-I/s1600/baby-doll-cloth-diapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="just for fun // doll cloth diapers from onelittleproject.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDVYFUzdjdkUbt040NfJRHry6e56uhUvq05JMcVYbVSDhwy5OhC5UBVSGK1ZN_gVYNlvQg_FQPxdegOaW8e1_Nk6c9GY1XIvCxiP5lzfSiCtD2EFy4LD8XTdSZTcocv77dEvhflI9Q-I/s1600/baby-doll-cloth-diapers.jpg" title="Doll Cloth Diaper Tutorial from Debbie at OneLittleProject.com" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://onelittleproject.com/how-to-make-cloth-diapers-for-a-baby-doll/">baby doll cloth diaper tutorial</a> // <a href="http://onelittleproject.com/">onelittleproject.com</a></td></tr>
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Along with loving cloth diapers on baby, I love that <span style="font-size: large;">big sis gets to learn</span> about them too. We don't always talk about it and she hasn't asked a ton of questions. But they're normal to her, and I love that.<br />
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It was also fun to pull out a newborn prefold, a size 1 Thirsties Duo Wrap snapped down, and a Snappi for her to play with on her stuffed animals. How's that for <span style="font-size: large;">teaching them young</span>?<br />
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Take it one step further (especially for dolls too small for newborn cloth diapers already in your stash), and you can <span style="font-size: large;">make your own cloth diapers</span> for your toddler's (or big sister's) doll. Check out Debbie's <a href="http://onelittleproject.com/how-to-make-cloth-diapers-for-a-baby-doll/">doll cloth diaper tutorial</a> on her blog <a href="http://onelittleproject.com/">onelittleproject.com</a>.<br />
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Seriously, how cute are these baby doll diapers?!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Does your little play with cloth diapers?</span></i><br />
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>>>>><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">PS</span>, you might notice I'm still settling into a posting routine here. I haven't quite settled into the when and how often (so far once a week on Thursdays) and what (i.e., giveaways on the 4th Thursday, and a "just for fun" post when there's a 5th Thursday). I'll keep you posted when these are more settled so you know what to expect and when.<br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-68751564486475787202013-05-23T05:00:00.000-05:002013-05-30T06:21:27.422-05:00Hemp Bag Giveaway (closed) // #SharingtheLove @TinyHandsIntl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeY2zWFz201E8GYFZLHqIUADCoMpXI5qlsWt2t09Ggi9-1YawIhB7fVxOASDL27kXG_SkknMx6j-D_sqKsCVUuYVz4FB1-7B2VqshtpxogcD3WRTgZWt33taG-OCLQLznWibC9memDJs/s1600/sharingthelove-tinyhandsintl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hemp bag giveaway #sharingthelove with @tinyhandsintl" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeY2zWFz201E8GYFZLHqIUADCoMpXI5qlsWt2t09Ggi9-1YawIhB7fVxOASDL27kXG_SkknMx6j-D_sqKsCVUuYVz4FB1-7B2VqshtpxogcD3WRTgZWt33taG-OCLQLznWibC9memDJs/s1600/sharingthelove-tinyhandsintl.jpg" title="Hemp Bag Giveaway: Sharing the Love with Tiny Hands International" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Congrats, Dana at Happy Little Lovelies! You are the winner. Contact me at squishytush//at//gmail.com by June 6 to claim your prize.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, everyone, for your part in helping raise awareness for Tiny Hands International and the work they're doing in South Asia!</span><br />
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>>>>><br />
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A big thing happened since I posted <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2013/04/cloth-diaper-giveaway.html">last month's giveaway</a>. (Besides the blog changing from SquishyTush.com to PrefoldsLove.com // <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2013/05/prefolds-love-cloth-diaper-blog.html">you can read about that change here</a>.)<br />
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People showed up.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You</i> showed up.<br />
<br />
Leaving a total of 122 comments on this baby blog ("baby" because the blog is just 1 mo. old) and almost that many shares on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.<br />
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Thank you! I felt the love through all of your awesome responses answering why you love cloth diapers.<br />
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And I got to thinking, <i>What if all that love shared on the blog was less about cloth diapers, and more about people? And, what if all those shares in social media were less about the giveaway and more about helping someone?</i><br />
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So, after a lot of thought, prayer, consideration and brainstorming over the last four weeks, I've decided to do something a little different with the giveaways here on PrefoldsLove.com. Here's the 4-step break-down on how it will work.<br />
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<h3>
<i style="font-weight: normal;">1 | First, there will be something up to win.</i></h3>
This is essential for a giveaway, afterall. These might be gift cards to cloth diaper stores (like last month), cloth diaper or baby products or accessories, or products from companies that give part or all of their proceeds away (like this month). They will all be cloth-diaper or at least semi baby-related.<br />
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<h3>
<i style="font-weight: normal;">2 | Next, there will be an organization to share the love with.</i></h3>
These will be chosen by me, or will be the company/organization where the product came from (if it's a company that donates some of its proceeds or if it's an organization that helps people).<br />
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<h3>
<i style="font-weight: normal;">3 | Then, you will share the love for up to 3 chances to win the giveaway.</i></h3>
Instead of just promoting the giveaway, you'll help raise awareness for (or "share the love with") the chosen organization. Tweet, Pin, Instagram, share on Facebook, blog, post on Tublr. Do the top 3 social media shares that make sense for you to share the love (be sure to include #sharingthelove @theorganization and comment here with a link to your share) for up to 3 chances to win.<br />
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<h3>
<i style="font-weight: normal;">4 | Finally, someone will win the giveaway.</i></h3>
And we all might sleep better at night knowing we have done <i>something</i> to raise awareness and help others in need. (Or maybe we'll actually <i>lose</i> sleep because we're finally awakened to the needs of our neighbors. Results may vary. Whatever happens, go with it.)<br />
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Now that you know how this giveaway (and I hope future giveaways!) will go down around here, let's get on with the giveaway, shall we?!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enter This Hemp Bag Giveaway</span></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmenrubgryA/UZvgzL311kI/AAAAAAAAKVY/FFxAWLtjF7Q/s1600/hemp-diaper-bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="hemp bag #giveaway // #sharingthelove @tinyhandsintl" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmenrubgryA/UZvgzL311kI/AAAAAAAAKVY/FFxAWLtjF7Q/s1600/hemp-diaper-bag.jpg" title="hemp diaper bag giveaway // tiny hands international" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tinyhandsinternational.org/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=47">hemp bag</a> // <a href="http://www.tinyhandsinternational.org/">tiny hands international</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1 | The Giveaway: <a href="http://www.tinyhandsinternational.org/store/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=47">An original hemp bag from Tiny Hands International</a>.</span><br />
This bag is 100% hemp exterior in slate grey (not blue like the filter made it look in the first photo), with a mustard yellow band around the top. It has two small open pockets on one side of the interior (smart phone size), and a zippered pocket on the opposite side. It's a very roomy bag to hold all those cloth diaper and baby essentials. Top zips closed. The strap is thick and the material of the whole bag flexible making it comfy and easy to carry.<br />
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It's a $25 value (more when you add shipping ;) And one of you loving people will win it!<br />
<br />
100% of proceeds from Tiny Hands' product sales (<a href="http://www.tinyhandsinternational.org/store/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=6">bags</a>, <a href="http://www.tinyhandsinternational.org/store/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=8">bracelets</a>, <a href="http://www.tinyhandsinternational.org/store/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=4">necklaces</a>, <a href="http://www.tinyhandsinternational.org/store/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=7">scarves</a>, <a href="http://www.tinyhandsinternational.org/store/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=10">tees</a>) go toward supporting and improving their children's homes, anti-trafficking efforts, and women's empowerment ministries.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">2 | The Organization: <a href="http://www.tinyhandsinternational.org/">Tiny Hands International</a></span><br />
Tiny Hands International is a Christian non-profit that helps love "the least of these." They work with orphans, street children, and victims of the sex-trafficking industry in Nepal, India and Bangladesh. They run children's homes, intercept girls being trafficked and so much more.<br />
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Let's help raise awareness for the love they bring to South Asia!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">3 | Share the Love...</span><br />
Share the love for Tiny Hands for up to three chances to win this giveaway.<br />
<br />
Use your favorite social media outlets (up to 3) and give a shoutout to share the love (and raise awareness for) @tinyhandsintl. Tweet, pin, Instagram, share on Facebook--whatever makes sense for you. Then, be sure to leave a comment below saying that you've done so <i>with the link directly to where you shared it</i>.<br />
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Need ideas on what "sharing the love" looks like? Try one of these phrases in your tweet, pin, share, or blog post...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Win a @TinyHandsIntl hemp bag that helps orphans in Nepal. #sharingthelove via PrefoldsLove.com -- <a href="http://clicktotweet.com/54jWr">Click to tweet</a>.</li>
<li>Hemp bag giveaway on PrefoldsLove.com #sharingthelove @TinyHandsIntl -- <a href="http://clicktotweet.com/oSV1b">Click to tweet</a>.</li>
<li>Over 10k Nepali girls trafficked each year into the sex slave industry. Help @TinyHandsIntl help them. #sharingthelove via PrefoldsLove.com -- <a href="http://clicktotweet.com/p46L3">Click to tweet</a>.</li>
<li>603 girls intercepted by @TinyHandsIntl from sex-trafficking so far this year! #sharingthelove via PrefoldsLove.com -- <a href="http://clicktotweet.com/1bcxD">Click to tweet</a>.</li>
<li>Praying for @TinyHandsIntl anti-trafficking efforts in Nepal. #sharingthelove via PrefoldsLove.com -- <a href="http://clicktotweet.com/2noju">Click to tweet</a>.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4 | Find out if you won...</span><br />
This giveaway will be open through next Wednesday (May 29). The winner will be announced <i>in this post</i> next Thursday (May 30) and will have one week to contact me and claim the prize.<br />
<br />
NOTE: This giveaway open to continental U.S. shipping addresses only. If you are outside of the continental U.S., you are still welcome to join in sharing the love with @tinyhandsintl but will not win the bag. Thank you for understanding.<br />
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>>>>><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Congrats, Dana at Happy Little Lovelies! You are the winner. Contact me at squishytush//at//gmail.com by June 6 to claim your prize.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, everyone, for your part in helping raise awareness for Tiny Hands International and the work they're doing in South Asia.</span><br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-13581727401036977362013-05-07T06:00:00.000-05:002017-03-16T16:48:24.444-05:00Eden's Prefolds Love Profile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today's Prefolds Love Profile is a good friend of ours</span></b>. Tori is a good friend from college. Our bond got even tighter when they decided to cloth diaper their baby girl and I had the privilege of lending some of our newborn and small prefolds to get more use out of the cost.<br />
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Keep reading for Tori's perspective cloth diapering their baby girl, Eden.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Name and age of your little cloth wearer:</span></h3>
Eden, 6 months<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your cloth diapering system and why you chose it:</span></h3>
We use prefolds and shells. We chose this option for a few reasons. One, I have a friend (you) who used them and really liked how they work. Two, after looking through all the options of cloth, they made the most sense to me. All-in-ones were more expensive and seemed to maybe not be able to get as clean because of how thick they are. The inserts didn't make sense to me because since some inserts go "in-between" the crotch of the shell and so the inserts and the shell gets dirty vs. prefolds that keep a clean shell. The prefolds and shells were also much more affordable.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Why did you decide to cloth diaper?</span></h3>
We chose to try cloth: One, for cost; two, because there is no such thing as a "disposable" diaper; three... they are cute.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
How long have you used cloth?</span></h3>
We have used cloth since Eden was a newborn, so about 6 months now.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
What processes or products have you changed from when you first started?</span></h3>
To my knowledge there is nothing greatly new from when we started.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
What is your wash routine?</span></h3>
We wash our diapers about every 3 days. We rinse poopy diapers in the toilet but otherwise toss them in the pail until washed. We then throw them in the wash on a rinse cycle and then add a mild detergent and wash on hot or the "white" cycle on our machine. I have started hanging laundry to save money so we hang the diapers and then throw them in the dryer for a 10 min. fluff cycle. Since I am hanging them, this helps them to be a bit less "crisp" on Eden's bottom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkWgyIxsWRikYt2xxmPQBdBG6Jn16d5ts6t2R3eAq6WaGGf78e_v44Q81NgHG_PM39jG77HSH5INc2n2LIiriSikzxWALjQG7tXyxIzLDa86AeoX_8aRFTxMFFK9ku3RR0sfuYYzW2z8/s1600/cloth-diaper-love-eden2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkWgyIxsWRikYt2xxmPQBdBG6Jn16d5ts6t2R3eAq6WaGGf78e_v44Q81NgHG_PM39jG77HSH5INc2n2LIiriSikzxWALjQG7tXyxIzLDa86AeoX_8aRFTxMFFK9ku3RR0sfuYYzW2z8/s1600/cloth-diaper-love-eden2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Preferred cloth diaper brands/products:</span></h3>
We use mostly cloth-eez pre-folds but have a few of (I think Gerber brand) prefolds. The cloth-eez are excellent! They are thick and durable. The Gerber brands I use for short periods such as a nap. These were given to me so I use them but I can't recommend buying them.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
#1 reason you love cloth diapers:</span></h3>
I love the cloth because I can't help but feel that I am saving so much money! I also really like the concept of living simply and using cloth fits right into this. They are just fun!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Biggest cloth diapering challenge and how you get over it:</span></h3>
I have had two challenges with the cloth. One, they are bulkier so I usually need to buy the next size up on pants. For instance, my baby is about 6 months so I use 9 month bottoms. Second, Eden pees A LOT. At night we have had challenges with using her normal size of cloth diaper because she "pees out". We have beat this by using a large size diaper plus a hemp/fleece insert. As long as this is all tucked in correctly we can make it for an 8 hr. night. Again, we have to be in the next size up p.j.'s because of the larger diaper.<br />
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Cutest cloth diaper/cover:</span></h3>
We don't have any super cute covers/shells. Just plain colors.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Money spent on cloth diapers so far:</span></h3>
We used some new and some borrowed diapers. Another reason I like cloth, you can trade, share or buy new. Because we used some from a friend our start up cost was a bit less. We have spent about $200 for 24 (large and med. diapers), 12 shells (sizes 1 & 2) and 3 inserts.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">also see:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html">new to cloth? start here...</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/prefolds-covers_4.html">prefolds & covers 101</a></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2015/04/cloth-diapering-pregnancy-birth-baby.html">all posts on pregnancy, baby, cloth</a></span></b></div>
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Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-25680835508347521282013-05-02T06:00:00.001-05:002013-05-02T06:00:08.791-05:00PrefoldsLove.com | a cloth diaper blog that gives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello, friend</span>.<br />
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I've been working on this lil cloth diaper blog for a couple months now and "officially" launched it a little over a week ago. Now, here I am making a <span style="font-size: large;">total overhaul of this site</span>--new name, new focus, new purpose.<br />
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When I first started planning to switch my cloth diaper posts from <a href="http://www.beginnerbeans.com/">my personal blog</a> to their own site, "Squishy Tush" was <span style="font-size: large;">the obvious name</span>. It's what I've called the profiles I've done of my friends who cloth diaper, and it just fit. I proceeded with design and updating photos and content.<br />
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I also felt like <span style="font-size: large;">something was missing</span>.<br />
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I believe in God and feel Him calling me to <span style="font-size: large;">courageous things</span>, even in (<i>especially</i> in) the little stuff. I knew my new little blog project wasn't an exception, but I just wasn't sure what that meant in practice. Sure, maybe give away a portion of potential income from said project. But was that enough? What else? And could I work that into the brand?<br />
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While I prayed and wrestled with that, I got my site up and realized I had been a little... well, there's just no better word... stupid. I didn't do much "market research" <span style="font-size: large;">before launching</span> my blog. I didn't want to get distracted with what everyone else was doing and lose focus of what <i>I</i> needed to do.<br />
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And, in that simple choice to be blind, I completely missed something obvious: There is already a cloth diaper related site called <span style="font-size: large;">Squishy Tushy</span>.<br />
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Notice the resemblance?<br />
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A little confusing some might say. Others might even go as far as to call it "<span style="font-size: large;">trademark infringement</span>."<br />
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<i>Big gulp</i>.<br />
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I couldn't believe it. All this work, all this designing when I'm not a designer and SEOing when I'm not an... SEOer. It felt wasted. Door not just shut, but <span style="font-size: large;">slammed in my face</span>. A door that was there all along if I had simply been smart enough to research it--or at least do a quick Google search.<br />
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This is where the wrestling came <span style="font-size: large;">full circle</span>.<br />
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Finally, the prayers for direction were answered--a path was made out of this shut door. This wasn't just a frustrating roadblock--it was an opportunity to <span style="font-size: large;">pursue something bigger</span>. An opportunity to scratch my own big ideas, and instead be courageous.<br />
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This is where Prefolds Love was born. In the brief hours that I went from blog launching, to scratching it all, to <span style="font-size: large;">salvaging it</span> in a new name and with a new purpose.<br />
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The new name: <span style="font-size: large;">Prefolds Love</span>.<br />
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It's a phrase I first heard in a cloth diapering board referring to people who use prefold cloth diapers and love them. And, well, that's me. We briefly tried Flip covers and stay dry inserts, then switched to prefolds and covers full-time when our son was born, and we love them. I also love helping other beginners get past the "<i>yuck!</i>" of cloth diapers to <span style="font-size: large;">find the "<i>love!</i>"</span><br />
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The new purpose: <span style="font-size: large;">Loving</span>.<br />
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No, not just cloth diapers.<br />
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What truly excites me is that I don't know all the details of this part, I just know the possibilities are there. I'm starting with <span style="font-size: large;">giving part of our proceeds away</span>--at least 30%. (We still have quite a bit of student loan debt to pay off, otherwise I'd say 50% or 75% or, heck, give it all away!)<br />
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We have potential to earn money on the hard work in all the posts, pictures and resources provided here through things like affiliate links and sponsor ads. And we've decided to give a portion of that away to help fulfill our mission in <span style="font-size: x-large;">loving others</span>--feeding the homeless, caring for orphans or otherwise loving God's children.<br />
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(We'll find a way to share the progress with you. To let you know how much you've helped give away, and who it's helping.)<br />
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It's also an opportunity to help my fellow consumers--moms, dads, cloth diaper buyers, disposable diaper-buyers--<span style="font-size: large;">pause to love</span>. And finding the joy to do so in the little things--like buying cloth diaper products through someone's affiliate link that won't just help a momma pay down some debt for her family, but help an even needier momma feed her kids or help care for a kid who has no momma.<br />
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Whenever it is that you've found yourself here on PrefoldsLove.com, I hope you'll stick around. I hope you'll return. I hope you'll <span style="font-size: large;">share the love</span> by tweeting, pinning, or even using affiliate links for your cloth/baby purchases.<br />
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More than anything, I hope you'll find <i>something</i> here that will <span style="font-size: large;">inspire you to love</span>.<br />
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That's a long story to <span style="font-size: large;">explain the sudden changes</span>, and the confused design and miss-watermarked photos as I continue on the transition. This part will be done as soon as possible, and we'll get on with the fun stuff--new posts, and giving updates!<br />
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In the meantime, <span style="font-size: large;">welcome</span>. Feel free to peruse. And I'll see you back here next week.<br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-50196170603313807062013-04-22T08:52:00.000-05:002013-05-02T01:00:19.211-05:00Cloth Diaper Blog Launch Giveaway | $25 to Diaper Safari (closed)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6YpKwOmocuGO5EdtxIRqK2KQaMyGtIhrZg2Ph_PZ6WN4IzAJvR5nP-cC_8yUhY5W2zkvdP4Dd1fC9i_7JuTeiLILwxaWd7nRwLniBtV_rrUodfQgmKr6hYZ5S6jSe6dRhVZzC4rDrFQ/s1600/clothdiaperbloglaunchgiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="giveaway from a new cloth diaper blog open apr 22-28, 2013" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6YpKwOmocuGO5EdtxIRqK2KQaMyGtIhrZg2Ph_PZ6WN4IzAJvR5nP-cC_8yUhY5W2zkvdP4Dd1fC9i_7JuTeiLILwxaWd7nRwLniBtV_rrUodfQgmKr6hYZ5S6jSe6dRhVZzC4rDrFQ/s1600/clothdiaperbloglaunchgiveaway.jpg" title="cloth diaper blog launch giveaway" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Congrats, Laura Beth! You are the winner. Contact me at squishytush//at//gmail.com by May 6 to claim your prize.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, all, for contributing.</span></i><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Hello, and welcome to Prefolds Love--a new cloth diapering blog especially for beginners.</span></h3>
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You might be wondering, <i>If PrefoldsLove.com is a new site, <span style="font-size: large;">how are there already posts</span> starting in 2011 and one as early as 2009?</i><br />
<i><br /></i><span style="font-size: large;">
Great question</span>.<br />
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My name is Trina, and I've been sharing our cloth diaper journey on my personal blog <a href="http://beginnerbeans.com/">BeginnerBeans.com</a> for the last couple years. The time came when I was ready to <span style="font-size: large;">get the poop out of my personal blog</span>, and share these cloth diaper posts with an audience more specifically interested in cloth diapers.<br />
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I've spent the last month transferring posts here, updating photos, and building pages that might be helpful to <span style="font-size: large;">beginner (or reluctant) cloth diaper users</span>. Despite my best effort, it's not quite done yet--a few more posts are still to be published and a couple pages are still in progress.<br />
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Today starts the beginning of <span style="font-size: large;">brand new content</span> to be posted every Thursday, <span style="font-size: large;">cloth diaper giveaways</span> shared once a month (and open for a week), and opportunities for you to <span style="font-size: large;">get involved</span> with sharing in your own experience and more.<br />
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First, let's go ahead and <span style="font-size: large;">start things off with a giveaway</span>, shall we?<br />
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<i>Note: Affiliate links used below. See full disclosure at bottom of post.</i><br />
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This week I'll be giving away a <span style="font-size: large;">$25 gift certificate to <a href="http://www.diapersafari.com/?AffId=59">Diaper Safari</a></span>.<br />
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In choosing which cloth diaper stores and products to "represent" as an affiliate* here on Prefolds Love, Diaper Safari stood out to me because of their <i>free shipping</i>. I'm all about helping you find the best deals, and <span style="font-size: large;">free shipping kind of takes the cake</span>. (A $50 or $75 minimum is a little more common to get free shipping at cloth diaper stores.)<br />
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They're also offering <span style="font-size: large;">10% off site-wide today</span> (Mon. Apr. 22) for Earth Day. So enter to win this $25 gift certificate to buy whatever cloth diaper product(s) tickle your fancy.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enter this Cloth Diaper Blog Launch Giveaway</span></h3>
I'm also all about hoop-free giveaways. These are simply a way for me to say thank you for visiting and supporting. You could receive two chances to win this giveaway. Simply...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 | </span>Share this give-away (or another Prefolds Love post) on Twitter, Pinterest, or Facebook, and leave a comment below saying you've done so <i>with the link directly to where you shared it</i>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 | </span>Leave a comment below answering the following question: What do you love most about cloth diapers?<br />
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This giveaway will be open through next Sunday (Apr 28). The winner will be announced <i>in this post</i> next Monday (Apr 29) and will have one week to claim his/her prize.<br />
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Giveaway open to entrants worldwide--just note that Diaper Safari free shipping only applies to continental U.S. and military addresses.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to check this post Mon Apr 29 to see if this gift certificate is yours.</span><br />
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<<<<<<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Congrats, Laura Beth! You are the winner. Contact me at squishytush//at//gmail.com by May 6 to claim your prize.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Thank you, all, for contributing.</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.diapersafari.com/?AffId=59"><img border="0" src="http://www.diapersafari.com/assets/images/affiliateBanners/affiliateBanner3.jpg" /></a><br />
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*<i>Affiliate simply means if you click on their links through this site and buy something, I will receive a portion of the sale as a commission at no extra cost to you. It's a simple way to say thank you to your favorite bloggers for putting together helpful information and resources by purchasing items you were already going to buy. I will only share brands, products or companies I have used or find actual value in using, and will tell you anytime I use an affiliate link in a post. With a "note" like the one above and a "disclosure" like the one below...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Disclosure: <a href="http://www.diapersafari.com/?AffId=59">Diaper Safari</a> affiliate links used in this post. Purchases made through these links could earn me a small commission at no extra cost to the buyer. If you choose to make your cloth/baby supply purchases through these links, thank you for your support!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com123tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-81902013411313845432013-04-18T06:00:00.000-05:002017-03-16T15:19:55.636-05:00Our Toddler Cloth Diaper Stash<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0TEX4FHgKsg/UYLdQfnbj4I/AAAAAAAAKME/7mOy5ltnSKc/s1600/prefolds-cloth-diaper-stash-toddler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="toddler prefold cloth diaper stash" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0TEX4FHgKsg/UYLdQfnbj4I/AAAAAAAAKME/7mOy5ltnSKc/s1600/prefolds-cloth-diaper-stash-toddler.jpg" title="prefolds cloth diaper stash 4 months to 2 years" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can't believe it's been 2 years since I wrote <a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/04/newborn-cloth-diaper-stash.html">our last cloth diaper stash post</a></span></b>. Our baby was 3-months-old at the time, and still using everything from his newborn stash (except the newborn prefolds; at 11 pounds, he was pretty much out of those at birth).<br />
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See how things compare in the products we've been using since our baby was about 7 months old (we took a cloth-diapering break from June to August 2011 while we moved and were homeless a couple months) until now at 2-years-old.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*Affiliate links used; see full note below.</i></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cloth Diaper Products 6 mos to 2 yrs...</span></span></h3>
1. 18 <a href="http://amzn.to/2myfsUf" rel="nofollow">large prefolds</a> (we ended up skipping the medium size)<br />
2 | 6 <a href="http://amzn.to/2m5u0P4" rel="nofollow">Thirsties Duo Wraps</a>, size 2<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cloth Diaper Products used since birth...</span></span></h3>
3. 1 <a href="http://amzn.to/2mMYbHR" rel="nofollow">pail liner</a> (Planet Wise)<br />
4. 3 <a href="http://amzn.to/2mNitRg" rel="nofollow">snappis</a><br />
5. 2 <a href="http://amzn.to/2m5rTdW" rel="nofollow">small zippered wet bags</a><br />
6. 48 <a href="http://amzn.to/2mwHuyH" rel="nofollow">cloth wipes</a> (baby wash cloths)<br />
7. 3 <a href="http://amzn.to/2m5y55M" rel="nofollow">hemp inserts</a> (used to add absorbency for nights)<br />
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Products used specifically from birth through now cost around $55 new.<br />
Products used specifically from about 6 months through now cost less than $130 new.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Biggest lesson I've learned on creating a cloth diaper stash...</span></span></h3>
Curiosity costs money.<br />
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You'll notice the one-size covers from our last stash are now out of rotation. We didn't buy any covers specifically for the fun prints in this size. And I got a Rumparooz that we didn't need, and I don't really like. I'm glad we bought 1 medium prefold to use for sizing, rather than stocking up on a whole stash. Having it on hand helped us make the decision to skip medium prefolds and go straight to large.<br />
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We would have done better to stick with the products we chose after doing the research (sized prefolds and Thirsties Duo wrap covers). We could have always explored other options if those weren't working, but they did and have worked great for us.<br />
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I feel like we still saved a lot of money, even with a little product experimenting. But I'm glad we didn't do anymore than we did, or that would have added up and wasted money.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">See more ↓</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">new? start here...</span></b></a><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2011/04/newborn-cloth-diaper-stash.html">our infant diaper stash</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/cloth-diaper-products.html">our full cloth diaper supply list</a></span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2015/04/cloth-diapering-pregnancy-birth-baby.html"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">all posts: cloth, birth, and motherhood</span></b></a><br />
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<i>*Note: Affiliate links used in this post. Purchases made through these links could earn me a small commission with no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!</i><br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-76612162295441835062013-01-21T12:17:00.000-06:002017-03-16T16:53:03.080-05:00Josiah + Lucia's Prefolds Love Profile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_U9YCb78UNEUsmjfwt45o6z7rvp2iPTbggF4gWC8KHMaNhkkMcNbA_4UkOPCkmEAshQ8VFhEnx2cfAdedX9XlnImVMoyctFlrqdcBXKmjy50TzM4OicDJQjisa1qnzsfLRjLcCa8IEQ/s1600/moriahmakes-clothdiaperreview-prefoldscovers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cloth diapers, flip covers, bummis prefolds, user review" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_U9YCb78UNEUsmjfwt45o6z7rvp2iPTbggF4gWC8KHMaNhkkMcNbA_4UkOPCkmEAshQ8VFhEnx2cfAdedX9XlnImVMoyctFlrqdcBXKmjy50TzM4OicDJQjisa1qnzsfLRjLcCa8IEQ/s1600/moriahmakes-clothdiaperreview-prefoldscovers.png" title="cloth diaper user interview" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Friends: Cloth diaper-users are everywhere!</span></b> It's so exciting to see how popular cloth is becoming. I knew exactly zero people using cloth when I started, and now I'm meeting lots. Moriah was the sweet community leader at the Influence Conference I attended in October. I was excited to see not only do we have "the common thread of the Good News," she also cloth-diapers her babies.<br />
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Keep reading to learn about Moriah's experience with cloth.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
Names and ages of your little cloth diaper wearers...</span></h3>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3090805107408943296" name="more"></a>Josiah (2.5 yrs old) and Lucia (1.5 yrs old)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Your cloth diapering system you use and why you chose it...</span></h3>
One-Size Diaper Covers and Prefolds because it seemed like the cheapest/economical option.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
Why did you decide to cloth diaper?</span></h3>
We were simply curious and wanted to see if they'd save us money in the long run since we knew we wanted to have lots of children close together. Because I was going to be a full time stay-at-home-mom, it seemed like the perfect option for us.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
How long have you used cloth?</span></h3>
Since Josiah was born, 2.5 yrs ago.<br />
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What processes or products have you changed from when you first started?</span></h3>
We've always used the same system, but along the way, have been gifted many more covers and prefolds along the way from friends who no longer used theirs, as well as gifts from family when we were having a second child.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
What is your wash routine?</span></h3>
We only use generic, non-scented detergent. The cheapest we've been able to find at our grocery store. It's always worked for us! 3-4 times a week I do a load of diapers, first cold/cold no detergent, then hot/cold with detergent. Once a month, I wash the prefolds with bleach.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
Your preferred cloth diaper brands/products...</span></h3>
We've always used Flip Covers with Bummis Prefolds.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
#1 reason you love cloth diapers...</span></h3>
Cost effective and great for our children's sensitive skin.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
Your biggest cloth diapering challenge and how you get over it...</span></h3>
Going out in public for long hours. Eventually we decided to invest in disposables for long outings, because lugging around an extra cloth diaper bag did not make sense for us. Luckily, our children wear the same size, so we've been able to still save money in some ways. I would guess that we've spent around $150 in disposable diapers in the past 2 years for outings and vacations.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
Your cutest cloth diaper/cover...</span></h3>
LittleNeetchers.com is actually in the final stages of creating their own brand of cloth diaper and I've been able to test one out for them. They've picked out some really beautiful fabrics that I'm excited to pick from when they launch their new line.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
Money you've spent on cloth diapers so far...</span></h3>
Before Josiah was born, we asked for cloth diapers as a gift and received almost everything we needed for $150. Since then, we've probably invested about $30 on additional covers when we see sales online. We have purchased all of our cloth diapers and accessories from LittleNeetchers.com<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can get more from Moriah on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/moriahsunde/">@MoriahSunde</a>.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">also see:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html">new to cloth? start here...</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/prefolds-covers_4.html">prefolds & covers 101</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2015/04/cloth-diapering-pregnancy-birth-baby.html">all posts on pregnancy, baby, cloth</a></span></b><br />
<br />Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3090805107408943296.post-50441589177735197122012-10-04T06:00:00.001-05:002017-03-16T16:07:31.031-05:00Abigail + Austin's Prefolds Love Profile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L7uUIQXMGSM/UUof-UGhyyI/AAAAAAAAJfk/gEU1jYZqrpE/s1600/clothdiaperreview-prefoldscovers-abigailaustin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cloth diapers, econobum, imagine, flip, green mountain diaper, thirsties" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L7uUIQXMGSM/UUof-UGhyyI/AAAAAAAAJfk/gEU1jYZqrpE/s1600/clothdiaperreview-prefoldscovers-abigailaustin.jpg" title="cloth diaper user interview" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's time to meet another cloth diaper user!</span></b> Gigi is a friend from our church here in Nebraska. She is a crafty and creative mom, always inspiring me with the activities she does with her girls. Here she shares about her experience cloth diapering her two youngest, Abigail (Abbi) and Austin.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Name and age of your little cloth diaper wearers...</span></h3>
Abigail, 23 months + Austin, newborn<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your cloth diaper system and why you chose it...</span></h3>
Prefolds and diaper covers. Cheapest route and I didn't want to deal with the washing precautions when it came to pocket/microfleece.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Why did you decide to cloth diaper?</span></h3>
We lived in Berrien springs, MI for 3 years and a lot of moms there did cloth diapering. I always had a interest in it but I just didn't know if I could do it. I was the type that if poop got on their clothes I would throw it out. After seeing how much money we spent on Audrey for diapers and then with Abbi, I decided that with a third coming we needed to switch. So we switched with Abbi first so we were "prepared" for the little Austin. I couldn't stand spending that much money on diapers!! lol<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
How long have you used cloth diapers?</span></h3>
It will be eight months now.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
What processes or products have you changed from when you first started?</span></h3>
I started with the cheapest brand, Econobums. I actually really liked it but definitely started getting more "high end" diaper covers. With Austin I decided to invest in sized prefolds and I love them. I did buy 2 pocket diapers, just to try something different but I prefer prefolds.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
What is your wash routine?</span></h3>
I do laundry every 2 to 3 days. I use a hang up wet bag from planet wise. I start with a cold rinse, a heavy hot wash, and a warm/cold light wash. I use Seventh Generation detergent and haven't had any problems as of yet. I line dry my wet bag and my liners.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Preferred cloth diaper brands/products...</span></h3>
I do like the flip covers over the econobums. I recently bought some "imagine" covers from Nicki's Diapers and fell in love with them because of the fit and how cheap in price they are. With Austin I bought green mountain prefolds, thirsties, and some other new brands & LOVE THEM.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
#1 reason you love cloth diapers...</span></h3>
$$$$$ & cute bums lol<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Your biggest cloth diapering challenge and how you get over it...</span></h3>
Biggest challenge is probably getting people to accept or not be totally grossed out about it. And on lazy days sometimes I don't really want to do swishing of any kind but realize in the end its all for the best. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Your cutest cloth diaper/cover...</span></h3>
Thirsties owl print and kawaii's grey minky diaper (they look super cute but not my fav. as far as washing)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
Money spent on cloth diapers so far...</span></h3>
about $240<br />
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>>><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">also see:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/new-to-cloth-diapering-start-here.html">new to cloth? start here...</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/p/prefolds-covers_4.html">prefolds & covers 101</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prefoldslove.com/2015/04/cloth-diapering-pregnancy-birth-baby.html">all posts on pregnancy, baby, cloth</a></span></b><br />
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Trinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788472427941513136noreply@blogger.com0