Cloth Diapers - What's a good deal?

We've been a cloth diaper retailer for almost five years and have been a cloth diaper user for almost a decade. There are numerous types and styles and it's often confusing to new parents considering this option when trying to choose which ones to purchase.

There are a number of things to consider, of course one of them being cost - but is that really the only thing? It's true that we're in times of some economic uncertainty and families are looking to make the most out of every dollar they spend. When it comes to cloth diapers there are some things to keep in mind when making your selection. We want to give you some thoughts to ponder when you are considering your cloth diaper budget and how much to spend on them.

It's true that there is a cloth diaper for ANY budget. In our workshops we definitely touch on the economic advantages of using cloth diapers versus disposables and the budget associated with each type and style. A complete set of cloth diapers and accessories to get you started diapering an infant will cost you about $210.00 including taxes (not including shipping, if applicable). These diapers will fit a baby from approximately 8-15 lbs. Once baby outgrows that size of system, you would need to purchase a similar set for a toddler that will cost about $200.00 including taxes (not including shipping). That means for less than $500.00 you can purchase enough cloth diapering products to last from newborn to toddler sizes in a two piece system, made right here in Canada with high quality materials and superior workmanship.

There are other styles of cloth diapers whose total cost could be around a maximum of $1,000.00. This type of budget represents the most convenient one piece type of cloth diaper systems - the top of the line models with all the bells and whistles.

There are of course products that will fall in between the spectrum of both so families can choose which ones suit their overall budget and completely tailor their choices to their exact needs.

What happens when you find what appears to be a Cadillac model of cloth diaper at a bargain basement price? Is this the Mother-of-all-deals? Or is it just a lemon made to look like a sweet cherry that will leave a sour taste in your mouth about cloth diapering? This is what we really want to address with new and prospective cloth diaper users. What kind of value are you getting for your cloth diaper dollars?

There are cheap, overseas made diapering products readily available in the marketplace today. This is not unlike any other product from shoes to clothes to toys to electronics; the list goes on and on. That being said, the quality of these items can be so poor that the performance is greatly compromised. For a new family just starting on their cloth diapering journey, this can spell disaster. Countless experiences of frustrated purchasers actually end up quitting cloth diapering because of these types of products - that's very sad.

Another thing to consider is the location in which products are manufactured. There are some factories that have fair trade practices. There are also many that do not. We've all seen the news reports regarding the appalling working conditions in these factories. Have the products been tested for lead and other potentially harmful chemicals? Do they adhere to any minimum safety standards for children's products?

As a business we support Canadian, US and European made products as much as possible or at least confirm with manufacturers that the country of origin is NOT located in an area with questionable practices. As a parent, knowing where the products are made that I'm going to be using on my child is very important to me and we know it's equally important to our clients and their families.

The old adage is true - you get what you pay for. If you want high quality products that will last, then spending a few more dollars to get that will provide you with a great deal of peace of mind. If you also value that they are sold to you by a business that fully supports you after the sale with whatever and how ever many questions you may have, then shopping with your local expert is an important factor to consider as well. The math is simple, no matter what type or style of cloth diapers you choose, you WILL save money in the long run.

Whether they are good quality, sustainably made products can also save you money as you won't have to replace them when they don't last even for your first baby. We also believe your time and satisfaction level is worth something too. If you're constantly frustrated with cloth diapers because of these inferior products that's costly as well. Who needs extra stress as a new parent? There are enough things to worry about, we want your cloth diaper experience NOT to be one of them.

A decade of cloth diaper experience and direct product experience is very important when helping families choose a cloth diaper system. If you want to learn more, attend a workshop. If you've ever got questions or wish to decrease your frustration with inferior diaper products, contact us - we love to help!

We sincerely hope this helps to shed some light on the benefits of choosing sustainable cloth diapering products and what factors determine the type of deal you get. Here's to nothing but sweet cherries for you!

Baby Luv Boutique

Stretching Your Diapering Dollar - Reusable Wipes

We've talked about how choosing to use cloth diapers has some serious economic advantages. We're starting to hear rumblings of challenges in the markets across the globe and that people are looking at ways to make their shopping dollars go farther. We wanted to let parents know a tip that can be overlooked sometimes when cloth diapering - the benefits of reusable cloth wipes and making your own wipes solution.

If you've made the choice to use cloth diapers (and we applaud you for doing so), another part of that commitment may be to choose reusable cloth wipes instead of disposable wipes products. Some people opt for disposable wipes products but they can be very costly and in some cases, contain numerous chemicals that can cause skin irritation for some children. We've used both types of products and if you have a child with sensitive skin, choosing the right wipes can make all the difference. There are some disposable wipes products that will contain alcohol and this can be very drying and irritating on baby's delicate skin. If your child has a diaper rash as well, disposable wipes with alcohol or excessive chemicals can cause a burning, painful sensation when being used.

Reusable wipes are soft, durable and well suited for the job they do. They can be used for baby's bottom as well as wiping little hands and faces. You'll want to designate a specific set for each type of job and not necessarily mix the two for obvious reasons.

Wipes can be made with hemp, cotton, bamboo, flannel or synthetic fabrics and the choice is very much a personal one as to what type to choose. You will want to have approximately 24-36 reusable wipes on hand at one time to ensure you have an adequate supply.

As for wipes solutions, we have a few recipes we can share:

Basic and Popular Solution
2 cups boiling water
2 Tbsp Baby Bath (sodium laureth sulfate free)
2 Tbsp Baby Lotion (paraben free)

Mix all together once water is boiling then let cool and pour onto wipes in container.

Essential Oil Based Solution
2 Cups warm water
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Drops Tea Tree Oil
2 Drops Lavender Oil

Mix all ingredients together and pour over your wipes, or store in a separate container.

Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Solution
1-2 cups water
2 Drops of Tea Tree or Lavender Oil

Mix together and it is ready for use.

Essential Oil & Baby Shampoo Solution
3 Cups water
1/8 Cup Olive Oil
4 Drops Tea Tree Oil
8 Drops Lavender Oil
1 Tbsp Baby Shampoo (sodium laureth sulfate free)

Stir well, ready to use.

The solutions with the essential oils in them will be mildew resistant and have some antibacterial and healing properties. We have even more solution recipes so if there is something else you'd like to see aside from those listed, please contact us - we love to help!

We know that sometimes parents choose to opt for a little bit of convenience by choosing disposable wipes. As with anything, once you get started it's often a very easy change to implement. Going with reusable cloth wipes is a great way to save money and introduce a more natural product into baby's routine all while reducing your carbon footprint. It eliminates one more disposable product from your household.

For more information on reusable wipes and wipes solutions, please contact us by phone: (306)682-5746 Toll Free 1-866-231-5135 or email us: inquire@babyluvboutique.com.

Enjoy the extra green in your pocket knowing you're choosing to go green while doing it!

Mom Motivation: What get's you going?

The title to my post today could be about a lot of things, but today I'm talking about getting off the couch, getting out to DO something, like exercise, you know?

How many times have you said to yourself "I've really got to exercise more." Like me you've got good intentions but there always seems to be something that easily gets in the way. Whether it's when your baby is nursing non-stop or is up frequently throughout the night and you'd trade anything for sleep, including exercise. Or maybe your house has a baby and a toddler and life is flying past you at warp speed. Suddenly you look at yourself in the mirror and wonder what happened to me and how'd I get so out of shape?

I've always respected those Moms who have managed to fit in some time each day for themselves to work out, go for a walk, do some strength training, or head to an exercise class of their choice. I've always tried to walk throughout my pregnancies, with my children in strollers and especially now that they are all old enough to walk along or ride their bikes. They laugh as they go past me on the way home already as I'm still walking to the midway point of our journey.

This summer I've made a conscious effort to get back into shape. Over the past three weeks I've tried to walk or do weights every day, sometimes both if you can believe it! I have to say it feels really good to get back into an exercise routine. The noticeable results of inches coming off those places we'd all like to see shrink and the fact that my husband has a harder time getting me off the tube at the lake means I'm getting stronger.

Now that fall is on the way and our activities begin to shift inside, can one keep motivated and keep going? I'm sure going to try. If you've got a good summer workout routine going, share your tips for staying focused and on track throughout the colder months ahead. Here's some tips on healthy summer habits to carry over into fall.

I love these crisp sunny mornings when it's not scorching hot and all is quiet except for the sound of your feet crunching on the gravel. In a few months it'll be snow crunching under my feet but that just means I'll walk faster to get back inside! Here's to a healthy you and to staying motivated!

Baby Luv Boutique Fabulous Fall Contest

The days are getting shorter (don't like it), the evenings are getting cooler (it IS better for sleeping), so that must mean a change of seasons is on the way. Fall is a few short weeks away and to help you say "Good Bye" to summer, we've got another contest announcement to celebrate.

There are a few ways to enter and all of them are super easy. The first way to enter is to become a fan of Baby Luv Boutique on Facebook and post your comments and tips on how you and your family get prepared for fall, the change in seasons and the cooler weather. If you're already part of our community of fans, post your comments and tips with the start of the post being "FABULOUS"!

Please post your comments from now to the end of our contest date: September 27th.

The second way to enter: All orders placed from August 19th/11 through to September 27th/11 will receive double the entries. So when you purchase product from us you'll get at least two chances to win.

Here's the third way to enter: Simply refer your friends to sign up for our monthly newsletter, join our Facebook community, or follow our blog. If your friends sign up, make sure they tell us you sent them and you will both be entered into the contest draw.

What can you win? Our Fabulous Fall Contest winner will receive a prize package valued over $100! It will include products that will help you stay organized, warm and cozy from Cloud B and Mommy's Touch, skin care products to keep baby's skin soft and protected by Matter Company and Dimpleskins Naturals, and a product that will help dry clothes and cloth diapers in a chemical free and static free manner!

Our tip for fall is to make sure to keep baby's and your skin moisturized. As the weather cools off and the wind picks up, the air begins to get dry. This can lead to dry, flaky skin so regularly applying a great moisturizer or body balm will help relieve that dryness and prevent chapping and the itchiness that can come with it.

We hope you have fun with this one. Be creative and share your best tips and tricks for handling the start of fall and the cooler weather. Summer's been fun but fall's going to be fabulous!