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Showing posts with label Giveaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giveaway. Show all posts

Friday, January 28

Bibmababy Hit 100 FANS!!!


Which means another item added to the giveaway! Made by my very own hooker, Grandma Bibmababy herself. Don't forget to enter to win all the exciting prizes on the left by visiting Bibmababy on Facebook!

Tuesday, December 7

Make my booty shine!

Avoiding the big 'V'
Comparing bum pastes, salves and ointments


Petroleum Jelly (aka Vaseline or soft paraffin, mineral oil) is claimed to be the baby essential. It's been trusted by moms for well over a hundred years. They've used it from diaper rashes to sticky eyes to cradle cap and even teething pain. Vaseline claims that it “protects chafed skin due to diaper rash, seals out wetness, treats and prevents diaper rash.” Sure, this is what marketing claims, but... considering it is a petroleum derivative, is it really safe? I've read a few researches in the last month or so on the subject and here are my findings. (Take this with what it is... a bored mom researching over the INTERNET.)

Mineral Oil blocks pores and forms a waterproof film on the skin's surface. It prevents the ability to perspire and expel toxins.Vaseline says that their product ensures a 100 percent barrier! Mineral oil seals pores to prevent germs and moisture from getting into the skin irritation. On the flip side, it doesn't allow any soothing anti-inflammatory to enter either. Taking this into consideration,... Vaseline doesn’t hurt, but it doesn’t heal either. Mineral oil is considered nontoxic because it doesn't get absorbed by the skin.

Dating back to a study in 2008, mineral paraffin was found to be one of the largest contaminants in our body. Mineral oil paraffin can be found in human body fat and milk. (Concin N, Hofstetter G et al. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2008 Feb; 46(2):544-52.)

Paraffin most commonly enters our body through food - but babies are formula and/or breast fed - they ingest 1% of mineral oils from moms through milk, or balms and salves used to ease nipple chaffing. Babies have been known to swallow up to 1.5 g of petroleum jelly a day. This said, no studies have determined the safe-level of petroleum jelly in children. I say that until we know - I'll use a greener method - plant oil–based creams.

Based on this, here are a few products I've tried in the last few months.
Remember, there is a difference between a salve, cream, paste (safe fir everyday use) - and then there's the ointment which should only be used when there's an actual presence of a diaper rash since these can be a little harsher.


Patatras! Crème by Pissenlit et Coccinelles
Retails: $11.99 CAD (30ml)

Calendula and white argyle based cream. Use very sparingly as a little goes a LONG way. Creates a protective barrier on baby's bum. No preservatives, no chemical additives that risk being absorbed by the skin. You get a big bang for your buck on this one...

Smell: 2.5 out of 5 - I'm not a fan of the smell but dad doesn't mind it.
Messiness: your hands stay greasy unless you do a thorough soap and water hand wash. On the plus side... my nails looked way healthier when I'd rub it into my fingers.
Ease of use: you need to work the cream between your fingers first, it doesn't feel too waxy, but it is a little thick.
CD Friendly?: Yes
Price: Most bang for your buck

Main Ingredients: Olea europaea (huile d'olive), Butyrospermum parkii (karaté), Calendula officinalis


Bum Balm by Dimpleskins Naturals
Retails: $12.00 CAD

Marketing Pitch: Zinc-Free and Cloth Diaper Friendly! Apply to diaper area at each diaper change. A must in every diaper bag and an excellent choice for cloth diapers. Learn the reason why we do not use zinc oxide! Pure, unbleached, Canadian beeswax provides a nice barrier on the skin, helping to keep moisture away, while organic Calendula oil provides natural healing properties for rashes.

Review: I find this a little waxy, but it gets the job done. I found this creme at a ridiculously cheap price - $7.99 at PharmaPlus Drugstores. Seriously folks... if saving money is the most important thing to you... just stick with this stuff. A little goes a long way. The smell well,... jury's out on it. It doesn't stink, but i wouldn't bathe in it either.

Smell: 3 out of 5
Messiness: needs a good hand scrubbing
Ease of use: feels waxy, really need to work it between your fingers first
CD Friendly?: Yes
Price: CHEAP!!

Ingredients: Coconut Oil, pure unbleached Beeswax, organic Jojoba Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Organic Calendula Oil (infused in Sunflower Oil), Cocoabutter, Vitamin e Oil (derived from pure Soybean oil), pure Lavender essential oil.


Bottom Balm by Earth Mama Angel Baby
Retails: $17.99 (60ml)

Marketing Pitch: Your new angel's skin – is anything softer? Is anything sweeter? Hey! What's that crud, and that rash, and those scrapes? Being a baby is a hard business, from diaper rash to tiny fingernail scratches, and then bangs and scrapes galore as they begin to explore. Clinically tested Angel Baby® Bottom Balm has got her back, his bottom, mama's dry skin, papa's razor burn and gazillions of other owies that come your family's way.

Our #1 best selling salve is clinically tested, safe for cloth diapers, and safely battles existing diaper rash and protects against flare ups. The only balm made with organic olive oil infused with a proprietary blend of naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal organic herbs, Shea butter and pure essential oils, soothes itchy bug bites, scrapes, chicken pox, minor rashes, and burns.
Allergy tested, non-irritating Angel Baby® Bottom Balm is vegan (no beeswax!) and works great for all your diapering needs, and especially well with all kinds of cloth diapers.

Review: This is by far my favourite, yet it is also the MOST expensive. I've used this product for more than baby's bottom - after giving birth, I used it on myself. It helped with that "not so fresh" feeling.

Smell: 4.5 out of 5
Messiness: easy to clean off your hands
Ease of use: feels like lotion. not waxy at all.
CD Friendly?: Yes
Price: I didn't give it a 5 out of 5 because it is pretty expensive for my taste...

Ingredients: Olea europaea (organic olive) oil, Calendula officinalis (organic calendula) extract, Hypericum perforatum (organic St. John's wort) extract, Stellaria media (organic chickweed) extract, Plantago major (organic plantain extract), Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, Euphorbia antisyphilitica (candelilla), Simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba) oil, proprietary blend of Lavandula angustifolia (organic lavender) oil, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) oil


Magic Stick Diaper Ointment
by
The Natural Baby Company (makers of GroVia)
and
Magic Stick by GroVia
This product goes by 2 different names.
Retails: $16.25 CAD

Marketing Pitch: Clean. Simple. Organic. All Natural Diaper Ointment. Now keep your hands clean when applying diaper balm. Easy to use Magic Stick goes on smooth and keeps baby’s delicate area protected and comfortable. We love this diaper ointment! It lasts forever and works wonders! Magic Stick®’s all natural and organic ingredients and petroleum-free formula is safe to use with cloth or disposable diapers. Keep Your Hands Clean and Baby Happy.

Features

  • Safe to use with cloth and disposables
  • Use a light layer to protect from wetness
  • Helps clear up minor rashes
  • Hate greasy, messy hands? Great NO MESS packaging makes application a cinch. Just the right amount will be left on baby's skin and NONE on yours!
  • Safe to use on minor skin irritations....chapped skin, stretch marks, most anywhere you need extra moisture
  • Made with natural and organic ingredients
Instructions
Use as needed with diaper changes and at night before bed. Apply to clean, dry skin. Use only one stick per child.

Review: SUPER easy to use, smells okay, but this one is an OINTMENT! Ointments are typically used for the treatment of rashes. It claims you can use it all the time, however a main ingredient is Grapeseed Oil which is a pretty harsh oil... I'd use this one if things look a little red - not for everyday use. (Seriously, try to take a Grapeseed Oil pill,... you'll understand what I mean afterward.)

Smell: 4 out of 5
Messiness: your hands never come into contact with it.
Ease of use: can barely tell that you're putting some on baby's bum.
CD Friendly?: Yes
Price: higher than average.

Ingredients
Vitis vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil, Apis mellifera (Beeswax), Limmnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Oil, Butyrospermun parkii (Shea) Oil, Rosa mosqueta (Organic Rosehip) and a proprietary blend of essential oils.


Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention
by Grandma El's

Retails: $18.99 CAD

Marketing Pitch: Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention is a Patented, Pediatrician recommended, healing ointment. Used with each and every diaper change it will help to protect, prevent, and heal diaper rash.

This pleasant fragrance-free ointment soothes baby's most sensitive skin while keeping it protected. It is absolutely the most effective diaper rash treatment product available today. Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention reduces the redness, pain, itching & irritation caused by diaper rash. This ointment creates a patented breathable, softening, protective barrier which prevents wetness from coming in contact with the skin, therefore keeping your baby comfortable. An application of Grandma El's will heal & protect, helping your precious little one to be more comfortable while sleeping, playing & exploring. Use Grandma El's with your next diaper change.

Three children & four grandchildren later, Grandma El has decided to share her patented secret with you. Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention was discovered & developed in 1974, by Grandma El's husband, Bob, who has been a staple in the skin care industry for many years.

Most diaper rash is caused by wetness coming into contact with baby's sensitive skin. Anhydrous Lanolin & Yellow Petrolatum USP are combined to form a barrier preventing wetness from coming in contact with the skin. Vitamin E & Salicylic Acid USP are also included in this product to encourage healing. The unique combination of all the ingredients in Grandma El's is simply miraculous.

Review: Strong and unpleasant smell. Overpriced. Contains salicylic acid and petrolatum. If you search it online, it seems to get 5 stars all around... I don't understand why really,... lack of knowledge about other salves out there maybe? Better marketing? Who knows. Not my fave.

Smell: 2 out of 5
Messiness: easy cleanup
Ease of use: like using a thick lotion
CD Friendly?: Yes
Price: Too expensive for my taste...

Ingredients:
  • Anti-oxidant Natural Vitamin E, derived from Wheat Germ Oil (D alpha tocopherol acetate)
  • Natural active derivatives of the plant Balsam of Peru, a known healing agent
  • Salicylic Acid, derived from Willow bark and Wintergreen; this ingredient acting with Vitamin E can promote the growth of new skin
  • Yellow Petrolatum, derived from naturally occurring mineral oil
  • Insecticide-free Anhydrous Lanolin, a naturally occurring, allergy-free protecting and healing agent
Yellow Petrolatum and Insecticide-free Anhydrous Lanolin are FDA approved healing agents and protectants, while Vitamin E, Derivatives of Balsam of Peru, and Salicylic Acid heal and stimulate production of new cells.

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There are still several more balms I'd like to try and 29 Diapers is having a Giveaway a Zoe Organics Baby Balm click here!


I'd also like to try try:



Thirsties Booty Luster spray (8 oz)

Retails: $11.00 CAD

Marketing Pitch:
Thirsties Booty Luster is blended by hand in small batches, using flowers, plants, resins, and high quality organic ingredients. Each component of our wipes solution has been carefully selected to not only clean your baby's diaper area, but to soothe and moisturize, as well. And perhaps most importantly, the properties of Thirsties Booty Luster actually help to restore the natural barrier your baby needs to protect him/herself from harmful, rash-inducing bacteria. Use Thirsties Booty Luster at every diaper change to clean thoroughly--yet gently, to moisturize, and to help protect your baby from diaper rash.

Features:
  • A completely non-toxic, non-irritating solution
  • Custom formulated by a chemist especially for use in cleaning your baby’s diaper area
  • Designed to help loosen waste, thoroughly cleanse, and gently moisturize your baby’s skin
  • Restores skin’s natural barrier against bacteria
  • Soothes skin and helps prevent diaper rash
  • Dries completely clean; will not leave residue
  • Made in the USA
Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, water-based Extract of Coconut, Honey, Grapeseed Extract, traces of Glycerin, Avocado Oil, Humectant Moisturizers, and other Organic Ingredients.
Thirsties Booty Luster is free of petroleum, alcohols, animal products, parabens,

NOTE: I did not receive any compensation for this review. I have purchased all of these products on my own.

Monday, November 8

New Diaper on the Block


MiniMaestro from an Ottawa Mom!
(WEB) (BLOG) (FACEBOOK)

I spend a lot of time looking on-line for new and better cloth diapering options. I'll be honest - I find it hard to stop. There's so many different kinds of diapers we've tried (FuzziBunz, Little Beetle, GoodMama, MonkeyDoodlez, White Elephant, KiwiPie, Kawaii, Anne-Marie Padorie, AppleCheeks, Jamtots, Dream-Eze, Diapeze, Econobum, Woolly Bottoms and there's still a few others on my list which I'd like to try.

Mainly a NEW diaper introduced here in our own back yard...
"
Sophie Gratton wanted to make cloth diapers that fixed some of her pet peeves from when she cloth diapered her children. She wanted a trim diaper, that was leak free, made in Canada and of course affordable. MiniMaestro diapers are made in Montreal. The manufacturer is a non-profit organization that fights poverty and violence and ensures it provides fair working environments and wages. The manufacturer’s mission is to help people, mostly immigrant women, single, unemployed or living on welfare." - Namaste Mommy

MiniMaestro offers a variety of purchasing options. Great affordable bundles or a la carte diapering. I'm so happy to see more Canadian alternatives to cloth diapering. I hope to get my hands on a diaper real soon - and you can too!

GIVEAWAY!! A head over to Namaste Mommy to take your part in a chance to win a “Taster Bundle” which contains 3 same size diapers with inserts + 1 doubler, a value of $62.69!

Or buy now! :) www.minimaestroweb.com


UPDATE!
I saw these in person over the weekend. They look like Happy Heiny's, but are a little more bulky. However the Aplix closure seems FAR more baby-proof. Will update when I get my hands on them.

Friday, October 29

Why did I decide to use cloth?

I blogged about this in the past - and some of you still have no idea what compelled me to actually wash diapers every other day rather than just using disposables. In all honesty, my main goal was to save money and to keep the chemicals away from Kate's "blow-hole"... keeping garbage out of landfills was just a perk for us.

So, what MAKES a good diaper? As a new mom jumping into cloth diapering, I was overwhelmed by the choices I had - basically my best advice,.. trials. You THINK you may know what you want, but in reality, you have no clue what baby's build is going to be, or whether or not he/she'll be a heavy wetter (yes, that does make a difference in what you decide to buy). Talk to other moms and even ask to borrow 1 or 2 for a few days and see if you like their preferred brand... I opted for buying many many used diapers from different companies. Eventually I found my favourites... for now.

As much as I'm all for supporting WHAMs (Work at Home Moms... I'll give a breakdown on abbreviations in a bit) - but I've been burned by many home-made diapers. My favourite so far is 4ward Thinking. Not only are they super cute, but they are very well made. I'm an fan.

Kate is wearing a candy corn cover and baby leg warmers (top) and a ruffle diaper cover in cherries (right) from 4ward Thinking.

What makes an awesome diaper?
  • Hidden snaps or side snaps - reduces bulk
  • Not too few and not too many snaps
  • Breathable!!! bamboo and hemp is great, but almost always needs a cover...
  • No red marks on the baby
  • Very absorbent, but not too bulky
  • Not too wide or too narrow between the legs
  • No “bubble” butt
  • Softness and durability of the fabric
  • Obviously, lasts more than a couple of years

What kind of diapers are out there?

The choices can be overwhelming. I’ve tried my best to test out as many different varieties as I could and came to one conclusion. Origami is not for me – therefore I keep my prefolds for after shower naked time in the crib and to make really cute burp pads. Here’s a quick and dirty list of what’s out there… please note there may still be more to discover…

Pocket diaper: made of two (or more) layers of fabric sewn together to form a pocket that will hold an absorbent insert. These can be as convenient as disposables, but they do require stuffing an insert into the pocket after every laundry run.

All-In-One diaper: has a waterproof outer fabric (referred to as PUL) and an absorbent inner fabric, all sewn together to create one piece. This one resembles a typical disposable diaper the most.

All-in-Two diaper: same as the All in One, except the inner fabric is detachable.

Hybrid diapers: are best of both worlds. It’s an AIO with a pocket to allow for customization of your diaper for nighttime use or on long outings.

Covers and prefolds: the cheapest but not the easiest way to CD. Covers are a single layer of waterproof fabric. Whereas prefolds are what your mom (or grandma is some cases) used. There is no need for pins with a “snappi” and/or a cover. Prefolds are all cotton or bamboo (I have been seeing hemp lately) and come with a bleached (pure white) or unbleached (wheat colour) option.

There’s also another little thing… Sizing!

The sized diaper is a fit that varies by cloth diaper brand. So read the weight suggestions carefully before purchasing. Newborn, XS, S, M, L, XL, Toddler

The One-Sized diaper is a one size fits most (definitely not all) from newborn to toddler.
This is accomplished by MANY MANY snaps that interlock like puzzle pieces to make a near perfect fit. These can be bulky when baby is little but is great when it comes to your pocketbook.

Troubleshooting

  1. You most definitely going to get pilling. Avoid using the dryer. This increases the longevity of your diaper.
  2. You're going to get stains... don't use harsh chemicals to remove them.. otherwise use mother nature... the sun! Soak in HOT water overnight and use an oxygen fortified detergent, rinse well and leave in the sun. You may have to do this 2-3 times, but I have yet to meet a stain I couldn't handle.
  3. Velcro not sticking? you probably have lint and hair stuck in there. Rub a rough bristle brush and clean them out. You may at one point have to replace the velcro. I've done this to one of my used diapers - saved a LOT of money since the mom thought they were goners. Whip out the needle and thread!
WHAM bam thank you Pam

It wasn't until recently that I finally asked the question... What does all your shorthand mean??? I was lost in all these blogs and reviews. Here's a quick breakdown of words and shorthands you may encounter:

  • AIO: All in One - diaper that consists of absorbent material with a waterproof outer shell
  • AI2: All in Two - diaper has an absorbent insert that sits in or sometimes snaps-in and a waterproof outer shell
  • CD: cloth diaper
  • Cover: waterproof outer shell - can be vinyl, lanolized wool or microfleece. Ideal for overnight diapers, prefolds, or any diaper that does not have waterproofing.
  • DC: dear child
  • DD: dear daughter
  • DH: dear husband
  • Doubler: Extra pad for added absorbency
  • DS: dear son
  • EUC: excellent used condition
  • Fitted: Diapers that come in Newborn, Small, Medium, Large or Toddler
  • OS: One-size - diaper has snaps to allow to custom fit the height of the diaper and sometimes even has elastics that you can measure to size around the baby's thighs.
  • Pocket: A slit that you insert an absorbent material (prefold, bamboo , hemp or microfleece insert) with a waterproof outer shell
  • Prepping: Washing a NEW diapers in hot water 3-4 times to get it at its most absorbent.
  • Soaker: Absorbent part of the diaper or diaper pad
  • Stripping: Cleaning your unsoiled diaper in HOT water without detergent to remove residue. Sometimes boiling a diaper for 10 minutes in a large pot also helps.
  • Swishing: Dunking a diaper in the toilet to remove any soils.
  • Wet Bag: Diaper storage bag with a waterproof layer for soiled wet diapers can be thrown inside out in the wash.
  • WHAM: work at home mom

* I have not received any compensation for this post. These are my honest opinions.


Want to try your hand at cloth diapering? - CONTEST CLOSED


You can enter to win a Rumperooz diaper from The Changing Table! (www.thechangingtableok.com)

Monday, September 13

Rachelle Anne Miller Big Facebook Fan Giveaway!


I can't stop gushing about about this woman's work... please have a look at her portfolio. She's amazing!!!

In celebration of her recent news (baby on the way!) and to thank all the wonderful people who have joined her Facebook Fan Page, Rachelle Anne Miller is going to host her biggest giveaway to date! She will be giving away 3 art prints from her Etsy store to one lucky Facebook fan! The art prints are of the winner’s choosing :)

The draw will be done once her Facebook Fan page reaches 1000 members, so the more people you tell about it, the sooner the giveaway will be announced!

Good luck!!

Win a Paul Frank Diaper Set designed by Forward Thinking!



Chicago Mom Cheryl is giving away a set of her very cute cloth diapers, leg warmers, t-shirt, bib and wipes! She sells through Facebook under 4ward Thinking or through Sew Crafty Baby.
Simply "like" her page and at 2500 "likes" - Forward Thinking will GIVE AWAY a Full Paul Frank Set. If she makes her mark by Forward Thinking's 1yr Anniversary (Sept. 15th) she will also give away a second set to another lucky winner!