Natural Baby Clothes

The worry that you are going to ruin your cloth diapers is common among users. You have found the wonderful fluffy diapers and you want to keep them for a long time to come. There are some basic rules to follow when washing and using your cloth diapers to give you the best performance and longest life.

First things first, prewash.

When you get your diapers home the first thing you need to do is make them ready for use. Most cloth diapers need to be washed a full cycle before use. Knickernappies Disposanots Pocket diapers and inserts are ready to use but most other diapers are not. The natural oils of the materials need to be washed out. Hemp diapers and inserts will need to be washed 3 times separately before they are ready to be used.

Pick the right detergent

Having the right detergent will be the foundation of your diapers best performance and long life. Do not use detergents with additives such as brighteners, enzymes, and fabric softener. All these things will cause build up in your diapers.

Use the right creams

You go to change your baby and you see a small amount of redness on your baby’s bottom. Your first reaction might be to reach for the Desitin. But don’t do it! Most diaper rash creams will coat your diapers and cause repelling (they will no longer soak up the wetness). They can also do some serious staining to your diapers. Use only cloth diaper approved creams such as Northern Essence Diaper Salve.

If you follow these basic steps and rules you should have cloth diapers that last you a long time with no leaks. Remember to never use fabric softeners or other items such as creams that will build up in your diapers. Build up is a cloth diapers mortal enemy. The proper care of cloth diapers will make your diapering experience the best possible.

For more information about cloth diapers go to Sweet Infant.

New parents often want to know that what diapers would suit their baby. One cannot really blame their lack of product knowledge due to the attractive advertisements they show on TV on the disposable baby diapers. Did you know that more than keeping your baby dry and pleased, they can cause infections and allergic reactions in your baby’s sensitive skin?Sounds scary, isn’t it? Yes, this is right. We seldom realize this but a baby’s skin is the most delicate thing on earth. It is very sensitive to the slightest temperature changes, leave alone being sensitive to different materials. Often, the synthetic material in the disposable nappy-pad causes rashes and itches on the baby’s skin. Yes, they are a delicate lot!Really, the following items present in the diapers, react with the sensitive skin:Chemical perfumesBad odour control chemicalsSynthetic inner liningLotionsAbsorption gel, which is the main culprit.To prevent these from reacting with your baby’s ultra-sensitive and delicate skin, you should consider using organic cloth diapers for it. These are the best diapers that a baby can use without any problems of infections or allergies, whatsoever. After all, no parents would ever want their baby to develop an allergic bum!3 Benefits of using Organic Cloth DiapersImproved air circulation: Diapers which use the organic clothing ensure that the air flow is excellent through the micro pores present in the nappy. This makes the nappy dry easily and quick enough. No Synthetic Material: As discussed, a baby’s skin is very sensitive to artificial and synthetic materials. Therefore, it is a safe bet to keep the baby in midst of natural materials like organic cotton. The material not only ensures a dry bum for your baby, but also is anti-allergic. No person has ever had any allergy to organic cotton clothes.Environment Friendly: With millions of babies being born every minute around the world, there rises a serious problem of disposing of synthetic nappies. These are the most used items in a baby’s inventory and most of the parents prefer to use the disposable ones for their ease of use. What they do not realize is that the quantum of non-biodegradable hazardous waste they are contributing to! If you must know, the disposable diapers cannot be recycled easily and the absorbing gel used in them is a toxic waste, when mixed with soil.Surely, you wouldn’t want the earth to suffer more and become an unsafe place for your baby, would you?Go over to the revolution in the baby diaper material that is organic clothing. This material will ensure that your baby stays healthy, pleased and beaming as ever!

In your arms you hold this small person. You feel that you might bust from the feelings of like and protectiveness running through you. You would do anything for this person, your baby. Naturally you want to give your baby the best of everything and keep all harm away from your baby. Cloth diapering is one of the ways you can do just that.

Comfort

You have bought the softest blankets, clothes, and toys. You have made sure that none of the tags are scratchy and nothing will make your baby uncomfortable. Naturally you would want the diaper you place on your baby to be as comfortable as possible too. Cloth diapers are made of just that, cloth. Soft, stretchy cloth will be against your baby’s skin. Disposable diapers are made from paper. Scratchy, rough paper will be against your baby’s skin if you use disposables.

Health

You are trying to do everything to keep your baby safe. You have baby proofed your house, not small parts are anywhere to be found, and you are feeding your baby just what the doctor ordered. But by using disposable diapers you are exposing your baby to some of the harshest chemicals around. Disposables contain many chemicals not limited to Dioxin. Dioxin is used to bleach the paper and is considered by the EPA as one of the most toxic of cancer related chemicals. By using cloth diapers you have taken away all exposure to the perilous chemicals found in disposables.

Environment

There is much talk today about doing our part to protect the planet. If you are like me there may not be many options open to you in recycling. I live 120 miles away from the closest center. But there is something that everyone can do, use cloth diapers. It is estimated that a disposable diaper will take between 250 and 500 years to decompose. Your children’s grandchildren will be around to see if Fantastic Fantastic Grandpa’s diaper did in fact decompose. It really takes 2.3 times more water to manufacture a disposable diaper than it takes to wash a cloth diapers for the life of the child. Disposable diapers are the 3rd largest single consumer item in landfills.

Cost

In our current economic times we are all trying to find ways to save money and cut costs. Did you realize that it is estimated that by the time a child reaches two years ancient the average consumer will have spent $1,600 in diapers. That is $66 per month. While if you use cloth diapers you will spend between $300 (using prefolds and covers) to $1000 (using organic materials and other expensive brands). What a difference! Not only is there that savings but those used diapers can be sold to recoup some of your costs or they can be used for future children. It is hard to correctly estimate the total savings because the possibilities to save are so many.

Cloth diapers are reusable, comfortable, cost efficient, and one of the best choices that you can make for your baby. You will be keeping your baby in comfort, making less waste for the planet, and saving money all at the same time.

Welcome to the wonderful world of simple-to-use modern cloth diapers. Look at the many advantages cloth diapers have to offer:

USE CLOTH DIAPERS AND SAVE OVER $1000! On average, you will spend $2000 on disposable diapers per child. Compare that to an average of $700 (that includes laundering expenses) for your first child’s diapering years using cloth diapers. A second and third child will cost much less, as many of the diapers can be re-used. Depending on the diaper system you use you can spend a small less or more than the above mentioned amount for your first child.

USE CLOTH DIAPERS AND REDUCE DIAPER RASH! Diaper rash is seldom a problem when using cloth diapers. Cloth diapers are more breathable and cloth diapered babies are changed more often, as the diaper starts feeling damp after (on average) 4 hours. Disposable diapers mask the wetness, therefore child care providers and parents have no indication of how long the child has been wearing a wet or poopy diaper. This, together with the fact that disposable diapers become much hotter, allows more rapid bacterial growth which can cause diaper rash. If your baby has sensitive skin the reaction to the chemicals in disposable diapers may also contribute to diaper rash.

CLOTH DIAPERS ARE QUICK AND SIMPLE TO USE – UNIQUE FASTENER/LINER SYSTEM! The new styles of cloth diapers now available are as simple to use as a disposable. The added effort of doing two additional loads of laundry per week is worth the many benefits for your child, your pocketbook and the environment.

CLOTH DIAPERS ARE COOL & COMFORTABLE FOR BABY! Cloth diapers are soft and comfortable made of natural, chemical free, very absorbent fibers. Most diapers are made of cotton. Sometimes hemp is used. Unlike disposable diapers, cloth diapers stay cool even on the hottest summer day.

POTTY TRAINING IS SIMPLER WITH CLOTH DIAPERS! On average cloth diapered children potty train 6 months earlier than children wearing disposable diapers. Cloth diapers do not mask the sensation of wetness.

CLOTH DIAPERING FITS ANY LIFESTYLE! Cloth diapering easily adapts to fit even the busiest lifestyle or any full time daycare situation.

CLOTH DIAPERS ARE THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE – SAFER FOR NEW DELICATE SKIN! Cloth diapers don’t contain any of the harmful chemicals that disposables are loaded with. See “how perilous are disposable diapers”.

How Perilous Are Disposables?

Your child will spend the first 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years of his or her life in diapers. Disposable diapers are an simple way of diapering, but are the possible health hazards these diapers pose worth the simplicity?

MALE INFERTILITY Disposable diapers could be the cause of the sharp rise in male infertility over the past 25 years. It is thought that disposable diapers heat up boys testicles to such a degree that it stop them from developing normal.

SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, which is linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome and can therefore no longer be used in tampons, is the super absorbent gel in disposable diapers. You can find the small “gel balls” on the skin of your baby’s bottom. It is fascinating to note that employees in factories manufacturing sodium polyacrylate suffer from female organ problems, slow healing wounds, fatigue and weight loss.

TBT (TRIBULYTIN) In May 2000 Greenpeace found TBT in Pampers® Baby Dry in Germany. TBT is one of the most toxic substances ever made. It harms the immune system and impairs the hormonal system. There is speculation that it could cause boys to become sterile.

DIOXIN Traces of the carcinogen Dioxin have been found in disposable diapers. Dioxin causes liver disease, immune system suppression and genetic hurt. It is a byproduct of bleaching with chlorine gas and is banned in most countries. Unfortunately, the USA still allows it.

ASTHMA In 1998 a study showed that childhood respiratory problems, including asthma, might be linked to inhaling the mixture of chemicals emitted from disposable diapers.

UTI INFECTIONS IN BABY GIRLS also seem on the rise with an increased use of disposable diapers.

BABIES POORLY DEVELOPED OUTER SKIN LAYER ABSORBS ABOUT 48 CHEMICALS if you use disposable diapers & wipes and standard baby products. This can be greatly reduced by using cloth diapers and natural baby products.

Every child adds a minimum of 6500 disposable diapers (30% of which is non biodegradable) to our landfills. Included in the soiled diapers are many of pounds of raw fecal matter. Viruses found in the feces can pose a threat to our water supplies and wild life, by seeping through cracks that sometimes develop in landfills.

The manufacturing of disposable diapers poses another threat to our environment, requiring large quantities of wood pulp (trees) and perilous complex chemical substances, which leave behind many harmful byproducts.

Compare all that to the resources used to make and clean three to five dozen cloth diapers with no raw fecal matter!)

Cloth nappies are not only excellent for your baby. They are also very friendly to the environment. Using cloth nappies does not only protect your children, but you are also protecting the environment that will nurture the next generation.The environmental impact of cloth nappies is considerably lesser than disposables. In fact, most preliminary studies on the use of cloth nappies validate the common knowledge that it can really bring more benefits for the environment.Disposable nappies are non-biodegradable. They can exist for more that five hundred years without decomposing. Disposables are one of the hazardous materials that are dumped on land fills throughout the world. And because disposable nappies are non-biodegradable, those than have been used the past several decades are still wreaking havoc on the environment.Cloth nappies on the other hand can be re-used over and over. Some traditional families really pass children’s clothing, including nappies, to the next generation of children in their household.Because cloth nappies can be re-used, they can lessen the amount of valuable natural resources needed for their production. In comparison, disposable nappies consume non-renewable and renewable resources at an ever increasing rate due to quicker mass production.In producing one disposable nappy, manufacturers would have to consume one large cup of crude oil for its machineries. In fact, the overall production of disposables worldwide will need four times the energy requirement in producing cloth nappies.The water needed for producing disposable nappies on the other hand is two times greater than the amount needed for washing modern cloth nappies. With the acceleration of global warming resulting to scarcity of water, this fact alone points out why cloth nappies considerably help environment preservation. Global natural resources can be affected by nappies. Disposables use eight times more non-renewable resources for its production compared to cloth nappies. Renewable resources but have been devastated by disposable nappies as factories need ninety percent more than those required for the production of cloth nappies.Some sectors contend that the environmental benefits of cloth nappies are not conclusive. There are also arguments that the after-production environmental impact of nappies made from cloth is really larger.It is right that cloth-based nappies need constant rewashing. Because of this, the soap suds, water, and drying requirements of cloth nappies will certainly have some impact on the environment.But, modern cloth technologies have been introduced reducing the soap requirements for nappy washing. Modern cloth nappies today can be washed easily without the need for too much soap powder, bleach, or other chemical pollutants.Families are also advised to schedule their wash day twice a week instead of washing the nappies everyday. Modern solar energy equipments can also help in drying cloth nappies. They can simply be air dried under the sun which is more hygienic as bacteria can be eliminated by intense sunlight.Indeed, cloth nappies have more benefits for the environment than disposables. You can do your part by using cloth nappies. Your baby then can become a champion of mother earth.

The causes of acne can be complex, ranging from hormone imbalance to poor diet to poor skin care.

From a skin care point of view the answer is simple; keep skin as clean as possible, free from bacteria, excess sebum (oil) and dead skin cells that would otherwise clog pores, cause infection and lead to outbreaks

Acne is not caused by unclean skin. But keeping skin clean is an vital part of its control; but, we need to be thinking a small deeper than simple washing. Exfoliation is the next step.

Exfoliation simply means removing the surface layer (epidermis) of the skin to expose the new cells formed in the lower dermis. This shedding action has the effect of unclogging pores and removing imperfections. whilst at the same time, toning and brightening the skin by increasing circulation.

Exfoliation (or microdermabrasion) with a microfiber peel cloth is not only a safe and highly effective method of removing excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells, there are other benefits too, such as scar reduction and the increased production of collagen( a main connective tissue protein).

Microdermabrasion peel cloths are made up of ultra fine microfibers. Tiny fibres, woven together to form a unique cloth of microscopic wedge shaped filaments. Each filament has a nylon micro core that acts to lift and trap oil, dirt and debris, holding it like a magnet away from the skin surface. The result is exceptionally clean skin.

It is vital to note that not all microfibers are suitable for skin use. Some have been developed for the domestic market. Be sure to use only cosmetic grade microfiber, (80% polyester,20% polyamide) that has been dermatologicaly tested and is therefore safe for use on even the most sensitive skins.

These unique fibres are very fine, each fiber no thicker than one hundredth the width of a human hair, with fibers finer than silk…The results are quite incredible.

Micro peel cloths are not a daily treatment, and although results are immediately visible, the trick is not to overdo it. It’s a process, and the recommended treatment is 1-3 minuets every 7 to 10 days, depending on skin sensitivity.

As mentioned earlier, although not perhaps the root of acne, bacteria and clogged pores are a primary causes for concern. The processes discussed here ensure we are not promoting an environment in which bacteria can flourish.

Microdermabrasion peel cloths, with there deep cleansing exfoliating properties provide a perfect means for keeping pores clear of microbes… but why stop there?

If bacteria are the foe, then a natural product with powerful antibacterial properties could be just what’s needed…

Honey …are you aware of its incredible healing properties?

Honey has outstanding antibiotic and antibacterial properties, in fact most micro organisms cannot exist within it. It’s a real kryptonite for bacteria!

Honey has many supporters and is currently even being trailed in the fight against MRSA. But this is not a new tale. This miracle of nature has been used as a treatment for wounds and skin ailments for over 2000 years. The ancient Egyptians had over 500 uses for healing honey, and today this inexpensive home treatment is just waiting for you to learn it!

Of the many types of honey and honey products available, raw honey is considered to be the best in terms of antibacterial content, and of the raw honeys without doubt the most fascinating from our point of view is “MANUKA “.

Manuka honey as the name suggests is made from the flowers of the manuka bush (from New Zealand) and has been shown to contain a very high degree of healing properties apart from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), common to all honey.

Manuka honey seems to contain an additional antimicrobial healing agent, termed UMF (unique manuka factor); it has proved to be effective against all infectious organisms, and is the recommended form to use.

As you can see the topical use of honey helps maintain a positive skin environment and makes a perfect partner for your home microdermabrasion treatment.

Here are some simple recipes for you to try…Remembering that although nothing is guaranteed to work for everyone in every case, honey is really safe and natural and therefore well worth trying. (If you can’t get manuka then simply use the honey available)… You may be pleasantly surprised by the simple substance sitting on you kitchen shelf!

Raw honey Mask. Open the lid, grab a dollop, and smear it on! Leave on your skin for 20-30 minuets and rinse of with warm water. Can be used straight after micro peel cloth treatment.

Honey and Cinnamon Mask. Mix 3tbsp of honey and 1 tea spoon of cinnamon powder into a paste. Apply as a spot treatment and leave on overnight. Repeat daily for two weeks…

Yogurt Honey and Oat Mask. Mix together 1 table spoon of honey 2tbsp natural yogurt and 1tbsp of oats. Apply to skin and allow to dry.

Honey and Apple Mask. Oily skin…Blend 1 apple with 3table spoons of Manuka Honey in a blender until you has a smooth paste. Apply to your skin and leave for 20 minuets. (Refrigerate remainder and use within 3 days).

Honey, Egg and Glycerin Firming Mask. Wisk together 1 egg white 1tbsp of honey and 1 tea spoon of glycerin (available at any chemist). Add enough plain flour to make a paste. Apply to skin leave for 10-15 minuets.

The Two Part Treatment. 1. Mix together ½ tbsp of honey, 2 sprinkles of salt and oregano leaves add 1 capful of vinegar and ½ a finger of toothpaste. Gently massage this blend into clean washed skin and leave or 20- 30 minuets. 2. Remove with warm water and after 10 minuets apply plain toothpaste to acne affected areas and leave on overnight.

Honey and Almond Cleansing Mask. Mix 1tbsp of almond oil with 2tbsp of honey. If you have oily skin add a few drops of lemon juice (start with just a few drops) apply to clean skin and leave for 30 minuets. Can be used as a daily treatment. Keep refrigerated

These acne fighting recipes are simple and inexpensive and while honey can be slightly messy to use, the benefits will speak for themselves. …

Try the combination of healing honey and a home microdermabrasion cloth…you could be well on your way to fabulous skin!

©2008Micro Peel Acne Cloth™

There are thousands of reasons to switch from disposables to cloth nappies. The baby products advertising industry has been able to blur the benefits of cloth nappies over the disposables. The truth is: mothers, babies and the environment would be better off using cloth nappies.The most vital and profound reason why you should switch to cloth nappies is its impact on the environment. Cloth nappies pose no significant hazards to nature. They can be re-used for years so wastes and rubbish would not choke the environment.Disposable nappies are one of the most environmentally unsound products ever invented. They will not degrade and will become toxic after years underground. In fact, disposable nappies will remain in the world’s land fill areas for five centuries. Imagine how this will impact on the ecosystem. If you switch to cloth nappies, you are really contributing a significant part to environment preservation. Another profound reason why you should switch to cloth nappies concerns the preservation of limited natural resources. The production of disposables exacts too much pressure on energy and other natural resources. This is very wasteful because you will only use disposables just once but the resources they consumed cannot be replaced anymore.Compared to cloth nappies, producers will not spend much on energy and other natural resource for their manufacture. And because cloth can be used over and over for longer periods, it will not exact too much pressure on the earth’s natural resources.Aside from the benefit of cloth nappies for the environment, they can provide huge savings for you. Based on estimates, you can save by as much as $2,000 to $3,000 if you switch to cloth nappies.This is a staggering amount which can do a lot for your baby. You will certainly have extra cash for baby foods, medicines, multivitamins, clothes, and toys. All these benefits you can get if you made a choice to switch from disposables to cloth nappies.Cloth nappies can also provide superior comfort, safety, and health benefits for your children. This may sound surprising as most advertisements point to the superiority of disposables in these areas.But modern cloth nappies are now made from high end cloth materials that have superior absorbency. The fiber cloth materials can last longer and if you want extra protection for your child, you can easily insert use a booster cloth. This is ideal for overnight use of cloth nappies. Your child can sleep peacefully and will not be bothered by wet nappies.Cloth nappies can also protect the skin of your baby. They don’t have harmful chemicals and gels that can be found on disposables. In fact, if a burst nappy happens, the absorbent gel of disposables can harm the sensitive parts of your baby. With cloth nappies, you are assured that your baby will not be exposed to harmful chemicals.Making a switch from disposables to cloth can be very hard at first. But the long term benefits you can get from cloth nappies will surely make the switch more rewarding.

You know it is possible to help reduce the amount of disposable diaper waste in landfills by using cloth diapers, but you are nervous about how to wash them. This is a common concern being raised by many young mothers who were raised with disposable diapers. You may be surprised to know that cleaning cloth diapers is not as hard or even as yucky as you might imagine.
Cleaning cloth diapers formerly involved soaking, bleaching, pre-washing, and air-drying when my girls were small. In the past, this process was quite time consuming and full of work. Plastic pants have been replaced by pliable, washable, diaper covers and can still be used with the traditional plain prefolded diapers. Today’s generation of cloth diapers are 100% better than the ancient style. There are many all-in-one cloth diaper systems to choose from. One such brand is Fuzzi Bunz cloth diapers, which are diaper and cover in one piece, with an optional insert. Everything can be washed together, including the “wet bag” which is used to contain the wet diapers until laundry day.
Here are some simple steps to help you clean your soft, natural, cloth diapers.
If baby has solid waste, you can simply drop the stool into the toilet and flush it away. No swirling and wringing of the diaper is necessary. Store the wet and/or dirty diapers in a diaper pail or your wet bags until laundry time. There is no need for soaking anymore and you can leave them the way they are. Run the diapers first through a cool water rinse when you are ready to launder. The next step is to wash the diapers with detergent in a hot water wash. A lot of people feel that soap is better, as it leaves the diapers softer, but soap can also leave an oily residue, which means the diaper will not be as absorbent for your small darling’s bottom. You can experiment with the amount of laundry detergent you use for all your washing needs, not just the cloth diapers. Frequently, manufacturers suggest you use more detergent than is required. Irritating deposits can be left on the cotton if too much detergent is used. One way to see if you can use less detergent is to use about half the recommended amount to see if it is effective for you, and adjust the amount from that point. Follow the hot wash with a cold rinse. Most machines these days automatically use a cold rinse, but check your settings to make sure.
If you’re not sure how much detergent is too much, run the diapers through a second rinse. The rinse water should be clear. During the rinse cycle, if you notice suds, this indicates there was still some residue left in the diaper. Fabric softeners are not recommended for use with cloth diapers. Fabric softeners can reduce diaper efficacy because they leave a coating on the fabric which inhibits absorbancy. There is more chance of irriation and diaper rash and more need to change the baby if your diapers are lose absorbancy.
Cloth diapers can be air dried or dried in the dryer. Of course, everyone has a preference, and I do like the softness the dryer provides, but the sun provides natural disinfecting and bleaching. Check the washing instructions on your particular brand. Fuzzi Bunz diapers recommends using a low setting on the dryer, while some of the others say to use the hot.
It is possible for you to help preserve the environment by washing those soft natural diapers and keeping the disposables out of the landfills. And don’t forget you can and place the baby in your favorite Ellaroo baby carrier and go delight in your world naturally as well!