Co-sleeping Personal Posts

Co-Sleeping and Arm’s Reach

Hopefully you have already read my post about Co-Sleeping: My Story as well as part 2, Co-sleeping: Facts and Expert Opinions. If not, I hope you do!

If we play a word association game and you say “co-sleeping” to me, I immediately think “co-sleeper” followed by “Arm’s Reach.” Though I had heard of Arm’s Reach Co-Sleepers, I didn’t actually know much about them until my desperate search when my son was an infant. I’ve had an Arm’s Reach Co-sleeper on my Amazon wish list since before my current bun was in the oven!

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Baby Products Eco-Friendly/Green Giveaway Made in the USA Review

Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Crib Mattress Review & Changing Pad Giveaway (CLOSED 11/29)

Naturepedic 1

Post contains affiliate link I mentioned during the virtual baby shower event that I really wanted to get my son a new crib mattress. He was using a hand-me-down mattress from my daughter, which was about 7 years old. It was cheap to begin with, and the side she had been using was cracked. I have no idea what brand it was, but it was white vinyl with pink & blue flowers printed on it, and it was about as far from organic as you can get!

Naturepedic 5 tag3

I heard about Naturepedic online and was immediately impressed. They have a long, long list of certifications including: Greenguard, Certified Organic Mattress Manufacturer, Organic Exchange and more. They’ve received numerous awards and recommendations as well.

Naturepedic 3 made in usa

When my husband as carrying the mattress upstairs for me, he was really surprised to see the “Made in the U.S.A.” sticker. He said something along the lines of “whoa, you don’t often see that!” Yep, Naturepedic products are made in the U.S.A. in Ohio!

From Naturepedic’s website:

Why Choose a Naturepedic Mattress?

Simple. The health and safety of your child should not be negotiable.

Naturepedic products eliminate hazardous chemicals found in conventional mattresses while offering a more natural and non-toxic alternative for parents. In addition, Naturepedic does not sacrifice critical features and benefits such as waterproofing and a hypoallergenic design. With so many “organic/natural/eco” options available (cotton batting, soybean foam, coconut husks, natural latex/rubber, wool, etc.), it can be difficult to differentiate among the various offerings.

Naturepedic was founded by a quarter century environmental engineer familiar with hazardous chemicals. Through in-depth research, Naturepedic has identified and selected the most natural and non-toxic materials that make sense on a practical level. All Naturepedic products follow these principles and priorities:

Priority #1: No harmful chemicals.

Priority #2: No allergenic materials.

Priority #3: Natural, organic and renewable materials wherever possible.

Priority #4: Practical design (e.g. easy-to-clean waterproof cover).

Priority #5: Third party independent testing and verification.

Naturepedic backs up its product development with scientific data. In particular, Naturepedic products are regularly tested for chemical emissions and are certified by GREENGUARD® to meet their strict standards for children.

Naturepedic doesn’t just have crib mattresses, they have twin, full and queen size organic mattresses, organic sheets and pillows, organic mattress pads & toppers and organic mattresses for bassinets, mini cribs, portable cribs, even organic mattresses for oval and round cribs like the Stokke Sleepi!

I was thrilled to receive the 2-in-1 Organic Cotton Ultra Baby Crib & Toddler Mattress.

Naturepedic 2 tag Naturepedic 4 tag2

This mattress is really unique, in that one side is a firm, waterproof organic cotton fabric, and the other is a softer, quilted organic cotton fabric (not waterproof) that looks and feels like a traditional, “grownup” mattress. The filling is organic cotton, and the mattress has 252 coils with heavy duty edge support. The firmness meets pediatrician and CPSC recommendations for crib mattress safety. However, I laid the mattress on the floor and tested it out myself and it was quite comfy!

The hypoallergenic design doesn’t have any wool or latex, and the non-toxic fire protection (based on the unique fire retardant properties of baking soda and hydrated silica permanently bonded to cellulose) meets fire regulations without using questionable chemicals. The organic cotton filling is also significantly less flammable than the polyurethane foam contained in most crib mattresses.

Naturepedic 6 waterproof side Naturepedic 7 waterproof side

I am using the waterproof side (which isn’t at all gross, crinkly, vinyl-y, hot/sweaty etc.) for now. Any accidents or messes can just be wiped up.

Naturepedic 8 quilted side Naturepedic 9 quilted side

When we switch over to the toddler bed, and my son has the night time potty thing mostly down, we’ll flip the mattress over to the quilted side (using a waterproof pad on top, just in case!)

Naturepedic 10 in crib

The crib mattress measures 27.75″ x 52″ x 6″ and also fits toddler beds. The mattress fits snugly, which is recommended for optimum safety. However, I didn’t find it difficult to get the mattress into the crib either. Pardon the wrinkly sheet! It was a clean one I’d just put on and it had been in a drawer, not exactly neatly folded, LOL.

Naturepedic products are premium products that have been designed with the help of pediatricians, orthopedic specialists, chemists, and engineers, so I’m not surprised that the classic crib mattress starts at $259. The 2-in-1 mattress I reviewed retails for $399. However, this is a truly organic crib mattress, with none of the chemicals or hazards associated with traditional mattresses. They are an incredibly high quality product, and I would expect it to last from birth until your child is ready for a twin bed, however long that is. They are even backed with a limited lifetime warranty. Naturepedic is also a family owned business and the products are made in the U.S.A.

You can shop for Naturepedic products on their website, or find a store near you.

Be sure to check out the Naturepedic blog, sign up for the Naturepedic Newsletter, “like” Naturepedic on Facebook, follow Naturepedic on Twitter and subscribe to the Naturepedic YouTube Channel.

changing pad

Naturepedic also sells fabulous Organic Contoured Changing Pads, and one of you is going to win one! This prize has a $99 value!!

Organic Changing Pads

  • Waterproof Organic Cotton Cover
  • Features a luxurious organic cotton fabric with a clear 100% polyethylene food-grade waterproof coating. Non-allergenic and easy-to-clean.

  • Organic Cotton Filling
  • Pure, Natural, and chemical-free

  • Firm Support
  • Features Air-Core™, a non-toxic environmentally friendly support layer made from
    100% food-grade polyethylene. Air-Core is a network of closed cell air pockets that provide a firm and comfortable base without the toxic properties of polyurethane foam and the allergenic concerns of latex rubber.

  • Non-Toxic Design
  • NO Vinyl, PVC, or Phthalates
    NO Polyurethane Foam
    NO Latex or Wool (for allergy concerns)

  • 2-Sided and 4-Sided Options Available
  • Features Safety Buckle to Secure Baby while Changing
    Easy Snap Screws Secure to Dresser
    Measures 16.5″ x 33″ x 4″

Giveaway: One winner will receive a 4-sided organic contoured changing pad (ARV $99.) Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.

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Cloth Diapering Mailbox Mondays

Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays 11/21/11 – Cloth Diapers Causing Rashes?

#clothdiapers causing rashes via @chgdiapers

It’s Mailbox Monday, so it’s time to answer a cloth diaper question. Every week, I will answer a reader submitted question, and ask my readers to help too!

Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.

Joanna says:

Maria,
I need help with my daughter’s constant diaper rash! The only thing that ever gets rid of it is letting her wear disposables for a few days. We only use natural detergents on our cloth diapers (currently we’re using Eco Sprout) and no matter what detergent we use, the rash always seems to come back. We have tried all sorts or rash creams that are safe for cloth diapers. I even bought some CJ’s Butter because I heard such good reviews on it but I think that it actually made her rash worse. My younger daughter (who has eczema) has NEVER had a diaper rash and I wash their diapers all together.

I have stripped their diapers using RLR and also when we switched to Eco Sprout.
What can I do to help my daughter’s bum?
Thanks!

I asked Joanna a few questions to try to get a better idea of what’s going on. They use pocket diapers (Bumgenius & Blueberry mostly), and her daughter had the same problem with gDiapers’ cloth inserts. Her other child does not have this problem, and she washes their diapers together. The rash sometimes comes along with little open sores. The Eco Sprout detergent ids doing a good job of getting the diapers clean, they aren’t having any odor issues.

My first thought is that she may just have a little one with very sensitive skin! I’d first try changing more often (if you’re changing every 2 hours, try every hour.) I’d also suggest trying a very thin layer of “cloth safe” diaper rash cream at every change, as a preventative measure. Some that I’ve tried and liked are Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm and Motherlove Diaper Rash & Thrush Salve.

Some babies are sensitive to synthetic materials such as microfleece, microsuede & suedecloth used as diaper inners, and/or the PUL outers. I’d be very interested to see if the rash cleared up with natural fiber fitteds or prefolds either coverless, or perhaps with a wool cover.

Joanna did say they may just end up working on potty training a bit early if it is the diapers in her stash, and that she doesn’t think her childcare provider would do prefolds.

I would also maybe take a look at the wash routine. I know you stripped when you switched to Eco Sprout, but it wouldn’t hurt to do several hot washes (with nothing but water) to get all residue out and see if it helps. If you don’t already do an extra rinse when you wash, consider adding one.

Since the rash clears up in disposables, and your other child doesn’t have it, I doubt it would be yeast (and yes, Joanna has taken her to a doctor, don’t worry!) 🙂

Has anyone dealt with a rash in cloth that cleared up in disposables? Did you figure out what caused it?

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A Merry Fluffy Christmas Giveaways

Merry Fluffy Christmas #FluffyXmas & Changing Diapers Sweepstakes – Don’t Miss Them!

I have a lot of exciting things coming up for you in the next month+! I have some valuable giveaways from amazing sponsors, and I’m also excited to be a part of the Merry Fluffy Christmas Event again this year!

It’s actually going to be bigger, but simpler than last year. There are about 30 blogs participating, and each will have a single cloth diaper prize package worth at least $50. Giveaways will begin on 12/1/11 at 12:01 A.M. and end at 12/5/11 at 11:59 P.M.

Bippy Diapers is sponsoring our package, so get a leg up on the giveaway by “liking” Bippy Diapers on Facebook and following the Bippy Baby blog now!

I’m also proud to be sponsoring the Changing Diapers Fluffy Days Sweepstakes! Did you know that Kelly‘s Book, Changing Diapers, has earned the Parent Tested, Parent Approved (PTPA) winner’s seal of approval? How exciting!

Entering the sweepstakes is so easy. Just go to the sweepstakes page and enter your name & email address!

You get bonus entries if you “like” the sponsors’ Facebook pages (no commenting over & over, it automatically awards the entries based on what pages you “like” – 2 bonus entries for each), and if you share the giveaway with friends (1 extra entry for each friend who enters!)

You can enter every day between now and January 2nd, 2012. The grand prize is an iPad 2, and there are over 2 dozen cloth diaper related prizes to win!! This sweepstakes is open to Canadians too!

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Friday Giveaway Linky Giveaways Linky

Cloth Diaper Giveaway Roundup for 11/18/11 (Plus Linky for All Giveaways)

Cloth Diaper Giveaway Roundup

Friday means it’s time for another cloth diaper giveaway roundup. Every week, you’ll find cloth diaper, accessory and baby wearing giveaways here, so you don’t have to hunt for them.

If you’d like me to list your cloth diaper, accessory, baby wearing (etc.) giveaway next week, send a link and description to maria at change-diapers.com, or Fill out my contact form for readers.

diapering today dvd 1 frontsprout change cloth diaper

My Diapering Today DVD/Sprout Change Cloth Diaper Giveaway ends 11/24 and is open to the U.S. and Canada RC

The Cloth Diaper Whisperer

This week’s giveaway is two Bumgenius 4.0s in the new colors! (ends 11/24) RC

Ewie’s Diapers Starter Kit Mandatory Facebook “like” and comment, entry is on a Facebook Photo, ends when 400 fans are reached

*Prizes from Fuzzibunz (no set end date, ends at 25k fans) Entry is through Facebook app, must “like” them on Facebook to enter

*Baby Bahoonie Cloth Wipes from Manager to Mom (ends 11/18) RC

*Raising Baby Green Book from The Balanced Mama (ends 11/18) RC

*Bummas Wipes from Live Laugh Love (ends 11/18) RC

*Buns Up Baby Diaper from On Being a Mom Mandatory Facebook “like” and email subscription (ends 11/19) Open to the U.S. and Canada

*Eco Sprout Detergent from Baby and the Chis (ends 11/19) RC

*Monkey Toe Diaper from Baby and the Chis (ends 11/19) RC

*Itti Bitti Tutto from Sapsmama (ends 11/19) RC

*Super Undies Training Pants from The Nurse Mommy (ends 11/19)

*GroVia Biosoakers from inRandom (ends 11/19)

*6 Bumgenius 4.0 Cloth Diapers from Squishy Tushy (ends 11/20) RC

*Bububibi Cloth Diaper Package from The Jacobsen Family Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/20) RC

*Fluffy Rumps Soaker from The Jacobsen Family Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/20) RC

*Glow Bug Diaper from So Easy Being Green (ends 11/20) RC

*GroVia Shell & Biosoakers from Wishing Penny Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/20) RC

Large Super Undies from The Nurse Mommy (ends 11/20)

*Applecheeks Diaper from Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique and The Jacobsen Family Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/21) RC

*Planet Wise Wet/Dry Sport Bag from Children Teaching Mama (ends 11/21) RC

*Grovia AIO from Midwestern Moms (ends 11/21) RC

Charlie Banana Diaper from In The Know Mom (ends 11/21)

Cheeky Cloth Diaper from Cloth Diaper Addiction (ends 11/21) GD

Rearz Newborn Cover & Prefolds from Life is Not Bubble Wrapped (ends 11/21) Easy, single comment entry

*Smartipants Diaper from Sisters N Cloth (ends 11/22) RC

*Fluffy Rump Soaker from Thrifty Nifty Mommy Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 11/22) GD

*Super Undies from Crum’s This N That (ends 11/22) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Incredibum Diaper from One Smiley Monkey Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/23) RC

*Incredibum Diaper from One Smiley Monkey Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/23) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Smartipants Diaper from She Hearts It (ends 11/23)

*Grandma El’s Diaper Rash Remedy from Life With Twins and a Drama Queen Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/23) RC

$50 Diaper Junction GC – Daily winner (ends 11/23) Entry via Woobox form, must “like” the page

Thirsties Duo Diapers (ends 11/23) RC

*Grandma El’s Diaper Rash Remedy from Beautifully BellaFaith Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/24) RC

*Fuzzibunz Elite Pocket Diaper from Mommy and Me Giveaways Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/24) RC

*Fuzzibunz Medium Perfect Size Diapers from Crunchy Katie Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/24) RC

Couture Fluff Diaper from Nicki the Eval Gal (ends 11/24) RC

LETJOY Diaper from Surf Mommie Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/24) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted & Wrap from Happenings of the Harper Household Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/25) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Omaiki Diaper & Swim Diaper form Kelly Wels (ends 11/24) Open tot he U.S. and Canada RC

AMP Diaper from Life with my Littles Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/25) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

$10 Sandbox Lane GC from Mama on a Green Mission (ends 11/25) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Peanut Shell Sling from Adventures in Fluff Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/25)

Fuzzibunz or Rumparooz Diaper from Changing Diapers & Crum’s This n That (ends 11/25) RC

Blueberry Bamboo Diaper from Naturally Thrifty Mom (ends 11/25) RC

Tender Tushies Diaper from Crum’s This n That Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/25) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Incredibum Diaper from Sandbox Lane and 17 Sirens (ends 11/25) RC

*Sunbaby Diaper from Vibrant Wanderings (ends 11/26) Open Worldwide

*Lotus Bumz Diaper from Daily Mothering (ends 11/26) RC

*Thirsties Fitted, Wrap & Inserts from Letters from Momma (ends 11/26) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Bumgenius 4.0 Cloth Diaper from Kissed by the Moon and Dirty Diaper Laundry (ends 11/26) RC

Incredibum Wet Bag from Mama on a Green Mission (ends 11/26) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Fuzzibunz or Bumgenius Diaper from Kissed by the Moon and Crazy House (ends 11/26) RC

$20 Mommy’s Own GC from Life with my Littles Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/26) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Itti Bitti Diaper from Tales from the Nursery (ends 11/26) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Grovia AIO or $15 Credit from Dearest Diapers & One More Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook comment (ends 11/26) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Hiney Lineys Newborn Diaper from Under the Apple Tree (ends 11/26) RC

*Itti Bitti Change Mat from Eco Crazy Mom (ends 11/27) RC

*Trend Lab Diaper from Green Mama Jama Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/27) RC

*Bumgenius & GroVia Diapers from My Baby Wears Cloth & The Jacobsen Family Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/27) RC

Fuzzibunz Elite Diaper from Doable Diapers and So Easy Being Green (ends 11/27) RC

Bumgenius XS AIO from Wee Willie Winks and Life with my Littles Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/27) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Sprout Change Diaper from Under the Apple Tree (ends 11/27) RC

*Beco Gemini Carrier from Familylicious Reviews Mandatory Email subscription and Facebook “like” (ends 11/28) RC

$20 Earthy Crunchy Mama GC from Life with my Littles Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/28) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

$50 Ultimate Green Store GC from The Life of Rylie (ends 11/28) RC

$50 Ultimate Green store GC from Shibley Smiles (ends 11/28) RC

Bum Covered Diapers Fitted from Nicki the Eval Gal (ends 11/28) RC

GoGreen Champ & Adapt-a-Snap from My This n That Life Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/28) RC

2 Kissaluvs Marvels AIOs from Nicki’s Diapers Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 11/28)

Boba Baby Carrier from Mama Dweeb Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 11/29) RC

Turtle Bums Cover from Sisters N Cloth (ends 11/29) RC

Fuzzibunz Elite Diaper & Trainer from The Bragging Mommy (ends 11/29)

GroVia AIO from Belle Baby Bottoms and Newly Crunchy Mama of 3 Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/29) RC

*Softbums Diaper from Green Diaper Demos and Padded Tush Stats Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/30) GD

*GoGreen Champ & Adapt a Snap from Padded Tush Stats (ends 11/30) GD

Hipeez Diaper from Thrifty Nifty Mommy Mandatory Facebook “like” and comment (ends 11/30) GD

Cloth by Tel Diaper from Thrifty Nifty Mommy Mandatory Facebook “like” and comment (ends 11/30) GD

$30 Lovely Eco Chic GC from Mama on a Green Mission (ends 11/30) RC

Palm Tree Cover from Cloth Diaper Outlet & Under the Apple Tree (ends 11/30) RC

$20 Green Jelly bean GC from Life with my Littles (ends 11/30) RC

Cloth Diapers Inc. Sweepstakes (includes a $250 GC) (ends 11/30) Entry on Facebook

FluffyRumps Longies from My This n That Life Mandatory GFC follow (ends 11/30) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Little Bee Co Diaper from Life with my Littles Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/1) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Super Undies fromA Mommy’s Blessings Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/1)

Simple Additions AI2 from Peace Love & Poop Mandatory Facebook “like” and comment (ends 12/1) RC

GroVia Shells & Soaker Pads from The Green Nursery and Dirty Diaper Laundry (ends 12/1) RC

Earthies Bioliners from Midnight Mommy Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/3) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Happy Heinys Diaper from Lovely Eco Chic and Under the Apple Tree (ends 12/3) RC

Econuts & Applecheeks Diaper Two mandatory Facebook “likes” (ends 12/4) Open to the U.S. and Canada Entry is on Facebook via a Woobox form

GroVia Diaper & Shells from Ten Tiny Piggies and Twice the Fun Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/4) RC

Little Bee Newborn Diapers from Homegrown Families (ends 12/4) RC

*Glow Bug Diaper from Green Mama Jama Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/6) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Rocket Bottom Diaper from Cloth Diaper Kids and Organic Mama (ends 12/20) Open to Canada only RC

Lotus Bumz Diapers from Networking Witches (ends 12/26)

*$25 Bugaboo Baby & You GC from DIYMommyPonx Mandatory RSS feed subscription and Facebook “like” (ends 1/1/12)

*giveaways that have been listed in a prior week’s roundup
RC Entries collected via Rafflecopter
GD Entries collected via Google Docs Form

You may enter any “family friendly” giveaway in the linky below. The form Blog name – Giveaway Item – Ending date works well. Please at least include the item and end date, and link directly to the giveaway.

View my where I list my giveaways post, to find more places to link up your giveaways!

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