Well it's the end of August and sadly the end of summer is in sight which, at our house, means back to school. In fact it's only a mere 3 1/2 days until all of my children are back in school again. Does it sound like I'm a little excited about that?
It's this feeling of excitement that we parents joke about this time of year as being "the most wonderful time of the year" (thanks to Staples ads of summer's past). But even when I say it, it still gives me that pang of guilt I know I shouldn't have but still do anyway. How is it that we can never truly allow ourselves to be guilt free as Moms? Even when we know we deserve some "me" time, why do we always let that voice in the back of our head interrupt those glorious thoughts of some much needed time to ourselves? If you've mastered a way to banish those guilty thoughts, please share; I know I'm not the only one who'd like to know the secret to guilt-free parenting.
If you're like me, having three children means you have a busy life whether they are in the baby/toddler stage or in my case, now when they're in the elementary school/tween stage. Fleeting moments of time to yourself are rare in a multi-child household and trips to get groceries can seem like you've spent a day at the spa sometimes. Even then I've found myself sometimes rushing to finish up shopping so I can be home in time to tuck my kids into bed while they're still awake. If I arrive home late and all are asleep, there it is again - guilt...I shouldn't have stopped to browse the magazine section at the drugstore, then I would have been home earlier to say goodnight.
I know for myself that when I've had a bit of a break from my children, whether it's a few hours or even a day (or two if I'm really lucky), I find I am a better parent. My patience and tolerance for noise and sibling squabbles goes up and I genuinely think it's good for my children as well. My husband is great with the kids if I have to be away, in fact he enjoys spending time with them on his own, and it seems as if the kids appreciate you a little more when you return. Those big hugs at the door that come with shouts of "Mom's home, I missed you!" make you feel like a superstar, even if it's only for a moment.
There are those who are part of a single parent family. It can be doubly hard and you may not have the luxury of a partner who can stay with your children while you try to take some time away. If you're in this situation, perhaps getting some help from relatives or close friends is something you could try to arrange. Even if it's only for a few hours to get away and run some errands, get a haircut, or grab a coffee, minus the Mom guilt. It's certainly worth the effort and will help you recharge those parenting batteries. Joining a local parenting group or getting in touch with your community group organization may be a good start to finding some connections to help you establish a plan to work in some Mom "me" time.
So, for all of you parents out there who are happily humming the Staples tune right now, I can relate. Here's an article that will give us all a bit of a chuckle on why you shouldn't feel Mom guilt. Despite the obvious humor, it still makes the point that we all need to take time for ourselves. Do take time to enjoy the read and enjoy those last few days of summer holidays - guilt free!
Parenting Article via CNN: Mom Guilt
Baby Luv Boutique
http://www.babyluvboutique.com
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Inflation hits diaper market
So along with gas and food prices, disposable diapers have increased in price. Click here to read an article on how inflation is affecting the cost of disposable diapers.
I know I've seen the cost of fuel and groceries rise sharply the past year and it has particularly impacted the amount of money we spend on groceries each week. My family goes through a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, which are very costly, and we've definitely noticed a difference at the checkout counter. I can't imagine adding the cost of disposable diapers to that total.
With consumer confidence low and personal debt levels high, perhaps one way to increase the cash in parents' wallet is to consider reusable diaper products. The overall investment is significantly less than the cost of disposables and practices such as line drying clothing and cloth diapers will allow you to save even further on your energy bills.
Inflationary pressures are something we're going to be keeping a close eye on in the coming months. As the start of our workshop season begins once again, we will continue to educate parents on the benefits of using cloth diapers. One of the topics we include is a detailed financial analysis of the cost of cloth versus disposable products. Most parents are shocked at the total cost of disposable products and now that they are increasing in price the gap is widening even further between them and cloth diaper products.
Cloth diaper systems will cost anywhere from $250-$1,000 depending on the type and number of diapers purchased. If properly cared for they can last beyond one child and often multiple children. Disposables will cost anywhere from $1,800-3,500+ per child. As you can see, the potential cost savings are huge.
Some raw material costs will be impacting the cloth diaper manufacturers as well however despite an increase in production costs, cloth diapers are still a very affordable and cost effective choice for families.
For more information on the costs of cloth versus disposable diapers, please contact us: inquire@babyluvboutique.com.
Baby Luv Boutique
I know I've seen the cost of fuel and groceries rise sharply the past year and it has particularly impacted the amount of money we spend on groceries each week. My family goes through a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, which are very costly, and we've definitely noticed a difference at the checkout counter. I can't imagine adding the cost of disposable diapers to that total.
With consumer confidence low and personal debt levels high, perhaps one way to increase the cash in parents' wallet is to consider reusable diaper products. The overall investment is significantly less than the cost of disposables and practices such as line drying clothing and cloth diapers will allow you to save even further on your energy bills.
Inflationary pressures are something we're going to be keeping a close eye on in the coming months. As the start of our workshop season begins once again, we will continue to educate parents on the benefits of using cloth diapers. One of the topics we include is a detailed financial analysis of the cost of cloth versus disposable products. Most parents are shocked at the total cost of disposable products and now that they are increasing in price the gap is widening even further between them and cloth diaper products.
Cloth diaper systems will cost anywhere from $250-$1,000 depending on the type and number of diapers purchased. If properly cared for they can last beyond one child and often multiple children. Disposables will cost anywhere from $1,800-3,500+ per child. As you can see, the potential cost savings are huge.
Some raw material costs will be impacting the cloth diaper manufacturers as well however despite an increase in production costs, cloth diapers are still a very affordable and cost effective choice for families.
For more information on the costs of cloth versus disposable diapers, please contact us: inquire@babyluvboutique.com.
Baby Luv Boutique
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Best of Summer - Right in Your Backyard
One of the reasons I love summer is the fact that this time of year I get to enjoy the fruits of my labour - literally - from my garden. When I was growing up I remember my Mom planting a huge garden. We had everything from potatoes, tomatoes, peas, carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, pumpkins, beets, radish, beans, corn, onions and garlic to strawberries, rhubarb and raspberries.
I used to think it was a ton of work to plant, water and weed it. Not to mention I hated shelling bags and bags of peas or cleaning bags and bags of beans to blanch and put in the freezer when I'd rather be doing something else fun outside. But everything sure tasted good when she cooked those vegetables or made jam and desserts with those fruits.
Well now that I'm an adult and have my own family guess what? I've got my own garden and we enjoy potatoes, tomatoes, peas, carrots, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, pumpkins, beets, radish, beans, peppers, corn, onions, garlic, herbs, zucchini, squash, strawberries and rhubarb. My husband wants us to plant raspberry canes and my kids want an apple tree as well. Those are next on the list to add to our yard.
Another treat we will enjoy this year is fresh Saskatoon berries. For those of you not from the Prairies who have never tasted a Saskatoon berry, you are sadly missing out. They are a little smaller than a Blueberry, but a little sweeter and they make wonderful pies, jam and jelly. We are lucky enough to have a stash of Saskatoon berry trees in our yard scattered among the native trees surrounding the property. We went out a few nights ago and picked enough to make a pie and have a few for fresh eating - yum!
I don't do as much canning and storing for winter as my Mom did but that's something I need to be more diligent about. I do make my own tomato sauce and sometimes Salsa as well if the tomato bounty is big enough. I don't think I've eaten a commercial jar of tomato sauce for quite a few years now and if I have to, the taste just doesn't compare to homemade.
Things not only taste out of this world good but I feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment when I can walk outside my house to the garden and pick enough vegetables to make my family a meal. I don't have to worry about how much or how long I'm washing things since they are chemical and pesticide free. I know I'm saving a ton of money this time of year as well since a trip to the store for groceries has tripled over the past couple of years with fruit and produce being most expensive. Don't you hate it how all the things that are good for you cost the most?
If you have the ability to plant a garden, big or small, I encourage you to do it. If you're like me when I was growing up I swore I'd never do all that work but here I am, carrying on the tradition I saw my family take part in. So far my kids like to help plant the garden and they sure like picking (and mostly eating) fresh strawberries, peas and carrots. I can only hope I'm instilling in them the importance of knowing where your food comes from and to take pride in the fact that you can grow it yourself. With numerous communities taking initiatives to begin community gardens, you may just be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour as well!
When the weather turns cold and snowy here as it always does later in the year, I'm going to try some indoor container gardening with fresh herbs and lettuce. Maybe that will keep me inspired as I wait for spring next year!
Off to make some new potatoes with dill, butter and onions for supper - yum again! We hope you are enjoying the fruits of summer too - whether in your own garden or someone else'. Another great way to reduce your carbon footprint by growing food close to home. Gotta love summer!
Baby Luv Boutique
I used to think it was a ton of work to plant, water and weed it. Not to mention I hated shelling bags and bags of peas or cleaning bags and bags of beans to blanch and put in the freezer when I'd rather be doing something else fun outside. But everything sure tasted good when she cooked those vegetables or made jam and desserts with those fruits.
Well now that I'm an adult and have my own family guess what? I've got my own garden and we enjoy potatoes, tomatoes, peas, carrots, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, pumpkins, beets, radish, beans, peppers, corn, onions, garlic, herbs, zucchini, squash, strawberries and rhubarb. My husband wants us to plant raspberry canes and my kids want an apple tree as well. Those are next on the list to add to our yard.
Another treat we will enjoy this year is fresh Saskatoon berries. For those of you not from the Prairies who have never tasted a Saskatoon berry, you are sadly missing out. They are a little smaller than a Blueberry, but a little sweeter and they make wonderful pies, jam and jelly. We are lucky enough to have a stash of Saskatoon berry trees in our yard scattered among the native trees surrounding the property. We went out a few nights ago and picked enough to make a pie and have a few for fresh eating - yum!
I don't do as much canning and storing for winter as my Mom did but that's something I need to be more diligent about. I do make my own tomato sauce and sometimes Salsa as well if the tomato bounty is big enough. I don't think I've eaten a commercial jar of tomato sauce for quite a few years now and if I have to, the taste just doesn't compare to homemade.
Things not only taste out of this world good but I feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment when I can walk outside my house to the garden and pick enough vegetables to make my family a meal. I don't have to worry about how much or how long I'm washing things since they are chemical and pesticide free. I know I'm saving a ton of money this time of year as well since a trip to the store for groceries has tripled over the past couple of years with fruit and produce being most expensive. Don't you hate it how all the things that are good for you cost the most?
If you have the ability to plant a garden, big or small, I encourage you to do it. If you're like me when I was growing up I swore I'd never do all that work but here I am, carrying on the tradition I saw my family take part in. So far my kids like to help plant the garden and they sure like picking (and mostly eating) fresh strawberries, peas and carrots. I can only hope I'm instilling in them the importance of knowing where your food comes from and to take pride in the fact that you can grow it yourself. With numerous communities taking initiatives to begin community gardens, you may just be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour as well!
When the weather turns cold and snowy here as it always does later in the year, I'm going to try some indoor container gardening with fresh herbs and lettuce. Maybe that will keep me inspired as I wait for spring next year!
Off to make some new potatoes with dill, butter and onions for supper - yum again! We hope you are enjoying the fruits of summer too - whether in your own garden or someone else'. Another great way to reduce your carbon footprint by growing food close to home. Gotta love summer!
Baby Luv Boutique
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Preparing Cloth Diapers for Use
You've made the choice to use cloth diapers and you have your stash purchased. Now what? What do you have to do to get them ready for baby to wear?
Whenever you purchase cloth diapers you will want to wash them before baby wears them just to ensure they are clean for the first use. Some types of cloth diapers and the corresponding fabric used in them will require different levels of preparation. We'll cover them all so you know where to start no matter what type and style you have.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, microterry and microfleece often comprise the components of pocket diapers and/or All In One diapers. These materials should be washed and dried once prior to first use to clean the diapers. A wash cycle on hot with the recommended amount of cloth diaper friendly detergent with a cold rinse cycle and an extra rinse will be sufficient preparation. Dry them in the dryer or on the line, especially in the summer, and they are ready to go. Even in the colder months you can line dry diapers (and other laundry) inside on a drying rack. Line drying is a great way to save energy and reduce your costs all while helping to lessen your carbon footprint.
Natural fabrics like cotton and hemp will require some additional steps in the preparation process. Natural fabrics contain oils and wax in the case of unbleached cotton. These oils and wax are released from the fabric during the initial wash and dry cycles. These fabrics will also shrink and fluff up so washing cotton and hemp products in hot water, rinsing and drying in the dryer multiple times will remove the natural oils and prep the fabric. Each time these fabrics are washed and dried it helps to prime the fabric or make it more absorbent. Hemp will require 8-12 wash and dry cycles to allow it to reach it's maximum absorbency. It can be used after the first wash and dry cycle however after each washing it will gain more absorbency each time.
If you are using hemp or cotton inserts/prefolds inside of pocket diapers you will want to wash these fabrics separately from your pocket diapers and microfleece products for the first 4-6 wash and dry cycles in order to prevent the natural oils and wax from coating the interior fabric of your pocket diapers potentially causing them to repel liquid and leak. Once these initial wash and dry cycles are complete, then all your diaper products can be washed together without concern of the natural oils/wax coating your diapers.
When line drying hemp it can get a bit hard and stiff but you can always put the hemp in the dryer on the fluff or wrinkle release setting to soften them up. You can also take them off the line while just slightly damp and place them in the dryer for a few minutes to soften them as well. The addition of PVC free or wool dryer balls in your dryer will help to soften clothes and reduce drying time as well.
Once you've got those diapers washed and dried you are ready to begin using them. I can see baby's smiling face already - so comfortable in their new cloth diapers!
Be sure to contact us if you ever have questions regarding preparation and care - we luv to help!
Baby Luv Boutique
Whenever you purchase cloth diapers you will want to wash them before baby wears them just to ensure they are clean for the first use. Some types of cloth diapers and the corresponding fabric used in them will require different levels of preparation. We'll cover them all so you know where to start no matter what type and style you have.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, microterry and microfleece often comprise the components of pocket diapers and/or All In One diapers. These materials should be washed and dried once prior to first use to clean the diapers. A wash cycle on hot with the recommended amount of cloth diaper friendly detergent with a cold rinse cycle and an extra rinse will be sufficient preparation. Dry them in the dryer or on the line, especially in the summer, and they are ready to go. Even in the colder months you can line dry diapers (and other laundry) inside on a drying rack. Line drying is a great way to save energy and reduce your costs all while helping to lessen your carbon footprint.
Natural fabrics like cotton and hemp will require some additional steps in the preparation process. Natural fabrics contain oils and wax in the case of unbleached cotton. These oils and wax are released from the fabric during the initial wash and dry cycles. These fabrics will also shrink and fluff up so washing cotton and hemp products in hot water, rinsing and drying in the dryer multiple times will remove the natural oils and prep the fabric. Each time these fabrics are washed and dried it helps to prime the fabric or make it more absorbent. Hemp will require 8-12 wash and dry cycles to allow it to reach it's maximum absorbency. It can be used after the first wash and dry cycle however after each washing it will gain more absorbency each time.
If you are using hemp or cotton inserts/prefolds inside of pocket diapers you will want to wash these fabrics separately from your pocket diapers and microfleece products for the first 4-6 wash and dry cycles in order to prevent the natural oils and wax from coating the interior fabric of your pocket diapers potentially causing them to repel liquid and leak. Once these initial wash and dry cycles are complete, then all your diaper products can be washed together without concern of the natural oils/wax coating your diapers.
When line drying hemp it can get a bit hard and stiff but you can always put the hemp in the dryer on the fluff or wrinkle release setting to soften them up. You can also take them off the line while just slightly damp and place them in the dryer for a few minutes to soften them as well. The addition of PVC free or wool dryer balls in your dryer will help to soften clothes and reduce drying time as well.
Once you've got those diapers washed and dried you are ready to begin using them. I can see baby's smiling face already - so comfortable in their new cloth diapers!
Be sure to contact us if you ever have questions regarding preparation and care - we luv to help!
Baby Luv Boutique
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Update: Pampers Dry Max Lawsuit Results
We had covered the issue surrounding the Pampers Dry Max diapers last year when it was suggested that a number of families in the US and some here in Canada, had their children experience severe skin reactions after using the product.
Here is a recent article on the outcome of this and the lawsuits pursued by parents whose children experienced those reactions while using the Pampers product. Click HERE to see the full article.
This series of articles certainly gives parents more food for thought on the choice to use cloth versus disposables and potential health issues that can arise as a result.
We feel that cloth diapers are the best option for families for many, many reasons. The lack of education and true understanding about the latest innovations in cloth diaper products is why we host our regular Cloth Diaper Workshops.
If you want the real story about cloth diapers and their benefits, attend a workshop and get the facts. Articles like the one listed here motivate us to continue educating families which we feel is a very valuable service to provide.
Here is a recent article on the outcome of this and the lawsuits pursued by parents whose children experienced those reactions while using the Pampers product. Click HERE to see the full article.
This series of articles certainly gives parents more food for thought on the choice to use cloth versus disposables and potential health issues that can arise as a result.
We feel that cloth diapers are the best option for families for many, many reasons. The lack of education and true understanding about the latest innovations in cloth diaper products is why we host our regular Cloth Diaper Workshops.
If you want the real story about cloth diapers and their benefits, attend a workshop and get the facts. Articles like the one listed here motivate us to continue educating families which we feel is a very valuable service to provide.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Summer's Hot - Your Diaper Pail is Not?
Summer's in full swing and it's been sweltering hot the past few days. How's your diaper pail doing in this weather? If you don't enjoy the luxury of air conditioning in your home it can make diaper pail management a bit of a challenge. We'd love to give you some tips and some relief if you have been struggling with keeping things smelling fresh and odor free.
We've always recommended our clients use baking soda in the bottom of their diaper pail. A generously sprinkled layer in the bottom will do a great job of eliminating odor. Washing your diapers no more than once every 2 days maximum will also help reduce odors in your nursery.
Recently we've come across a new product that can make this task even easier to do and we loved the idea so much, we brought it into our store. Ever Bamboo, located in Canada, offers a Diaper Pail Deodorizer product made from bamboo charcoal. We've had some of our clients test this product and it has performed very well.
The bamboo charcoal is made from moso bamboo which can grow two feet or more in a single day, reaching up to 60 feet tall in two to three months.
Due to the growth characteristics of moso bamboo, millions of tiny holes are created as the plant densifies as it matures, a process taking approximately five years. It is these tiny holes that ultimately give the resulting bamboo charcoal its revolutionary abilities as both a deodorizer and dehumidifier. These benefits have been enjoyed for more than five centuries in Asia. Compared to regular charcoal, bamboo charcoal has 10 times more surface area and is 4 times stronger in its absorption rate.
Bamboo forests are widely planted throughout Asia, and due to the resurgence in the recognition of its benefits, many more acres are planted every day. And as bamboo takes only five years from seedling to mature plant, it will be readily available for all future generations.
With proper care, your bamboo charcoal product can last an entire year or more. To recharge your diaper pail deodorizers, place your bamboo charcoal product outside under direct sunlight (2-3 hours per side) monthly or weekly for optimal performance. After it's useful life, and because it is a 100% natural product, it can be recycled into the ecosystem.
Using the Ever Bamboo Diaper Pail Deodorizer couldn't be easier. You can simply place it in the bottom of your diaper pail/pail liner or tape it to the lid of your pail and it will do an awesome job of keeping your pail smelling like, well nothing really. No knock-you-over ammonia smell when you walk into your laundry room or nursery.
A very eco-chic and inexpensive product, the Ever Bamboo Diaper Pail Deodorizer will make diaper pail management a breeze and your summer sensational! You can find them right here at Baby Luv Boutique.
Enjoy your summer and don't worry about company dropping in - your diaper pail will be odor free no matter what season it is!
We've always recommended our clients use baking soda in the bottom of their diaper pail. A generously sprinkled layer in the bottom will do a great job of eliminating odor. Washing your diapers no more than once every 2 days maximum will also help reduce odors in your nursery.
Recently we've come across a new product that can make this task even easier to do and we loved the idea so much, we brought it into our store. Ever Bamboo, located in Canada, offers a Diaper Pail Deodorizer product made from bamboo charcoal. We've had some of our clients test this product and it has performed very well.
The bamboo charcoal is made from moso bamboo which can grow two feet or more in a single day, reaching up to 60 feet tall in two to three months.
Due to the growth characteristics of moso bamboo, millions of tiny holes are created as the plant densifies as it matures, a process taking approximately five years. It is these tiny holes that ultimately give the resulting bamboo charcoal its revolutionary abilities as both a deodorizer and dehumidifier. These benefits have been enjoyed for more than five centuries in Asia. Compared to regular charcoal, bamboo charcoal has 10 times more surface area and is 4 times stronger in its absorption rate.
Bamboo forests are widely planted throughout Asia, and due to the resurgence in the recognition of its benefits, many more acres are planted every day. And as bamboo takes only five years from seedling to mature plant, it will be readily available for all future generations.
With proper care, your bamboo charcoal product can last an entire year or more. To recharge your diaper pail deodorizers, place your bamboo charcoal product outside under direct sunlight (2-3 hours per side) monthly or weekly for optimal performance. After it's useful life, and because it is a 100% natural product, it can be recycled into the ecosystem.
Using the Ever Bamboo Diaper Pail Deodorizer couldn't be easier. You can simply place it in the bottom of your diaper pail/pail liner or tape it to the lid of your pail and it will do an awesome job of keeping your pail smelling like, well nothing really. No knock-you-over ammonia smell when you walk into your laundry room or nursery.
A very eco-chic and inexpensive product, the Ever Bamboo Diaper Pail Deodorizer will make diaper pail management a breeze and your summer sensational! You can find them right here at Baby Luv Boutique.
Enjoy your summer and don't worry about company dropping in - your diaper pail will be odor free no matter what season it is!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Cloth Diaper Care Part 2: Detergent
This is our second instalment on cloth diaper care. One of the hottest topics regarding cloth diapers is what detergent to use when washing them. There are a number of options available from mainstream detergents to ones specifically geared to use on cloth diapers. Our clients always want to know "What detergent should I use on my diapers?" Read on to find out the answers!
We did a great deal of research on this topic and want to acknowledge a wonderful resource in Shirley Murdock at Bummis. She has a background in chemistry so any questions we have on detergents, their ingredients and suitability for use on cloth diapers can be successfully answered.
Some of the science behind detergent, key ingredients to look for, recommended varieties for use on cloth diapers and local sources of recommended brands will be shared.
As we noted in our first instalment on cloth diaper care, location and water hardness will be a factor in how well detergents will work. What works for some may not work for others but this is intended to be a guide that will give you a great place to start on developing a successful care routine.
Water hardness will be a very large factor in doing any type of laundry including diaper laundry. Variations in pH will be evident from province to province, city to city and even from household to household. There may be a detergent that works well for your neighbour but not at all for you simply because they may have a slightly different routine or some other factors that contribute to laundry success. If they have a water softener and your house does not, that will impact on how detergent performs.
The Science Behind Detergent
Let's start with some of the science behind detergent and highlight some key ingredients that can be very good and in turn, very bad.
Ingredients in detergents may include the following:
Sodium Carbonate– is known as a builder and is an ingredient that you will want to have in your detergent. Sodium Carbonate is a surfactant as these help to dislodge dirt from fabric and hold it in suspension so that it is not redeposited on the fabric during washing. Builders are water softeners. These chemical compounds are agents that remove calcium ions by complexation or precipitation. Typical builders are sodium carbonate, complexation agents, soap, and zeolites. They function by sequestering or precipitating the problematic ions.
Sodium Bicarbonate – is problematic if detergents use too much and it can be harsh on finer fabrics like bamboo. Tots Bots does not recommend detergents that contain Sodium Bicarbonate for use on their products. If it is not completely washed and rinsed from the fabric, residual sodium bicarbonate will attack fabric in the dryer.
Sodium Percarbonate – is an acceptable oxygenated bleach component as long as it does not have any other components combined with it for that purpose. If used sparingly or in moderation it will work well for most fabrics. You will want to ensure it is completely rinsed from fabrics. It may be safe to use but if not completely washed out of fabric before drying, it will break down all fabrics, not just those that are sensitive or delicate.
Enzymes - The enzymes used in laundry detergents act on materials that make up a variety of stains and soils so that these materials can be washed away more easily. These enzymes are named after the materials they can act upon, for example, proteases break down protein based stains, lipolases break down lipid (fat) based stains and amylases break down starches and other carbohydrate based stains (amyl is Greek for starch). Since one enzyme molecule can act on many substrate (i.e., soil) molecules, a small amount of enzyme added to a laundry detergent can provide a big cleaning impact according to manufacturers. However, enzymes can cause rashes, blisters and sores for some babies if they have sensitive skin or if it is not completely washed out of the fabric and becomes reactivated by urine or bowel movements causing a skin reaction.
Fragrance – either natural or synthetic, these additions to detergent are not essential cleaning ingredients and for those with allergies or sensitive skin, they can cause reactions in some.
Optical Brighteners – these chemicals are added to some detergents to help bend or refract the light to make clothing appear cleaner or whiter. They can be problematic in that they will cause build up over time in the fabric and lead to leaking or wicking problems with diapers and insert material.
Fabric Softeners– either built into detergent, added as a liquid or used in the dryer in the form of dryer sheets are not recommended as they will cause build up and leave a residue which will cause leaking. Items like dryer balls will help reduce static in the dryer if you wish to dry your diapers in that way. Even if you use fabric softener on other laundry and not in the loads of cloth diaper laundry, it can still leave a residue in your machine and dryer which can be transferred onto your cloth diaper laundry when it is being washed and/or dried.
Pure Soap– despite being a more natural cleaning component, pure soaps will leave a scum or residue on fabric and it will build up over time leading to leaking and repelling issues. Detergent which states it contains soap will not be the best choice for cloth diapers.
If you have a solid wash routine and a good detergent choice, then laundering cloth diapers can be successful for everyone.
Detergent Information Listing
For a detailed listing of recommended cloth diaper detergents please check out Bummis detergent information here.
Local Sources of Recommended Detergents
Here are the locations in Humboldt, Saskatoon and area that carry the following brands recommended for use on cloth diapers:
Humboldt:
Nature Clean and some varieties of Seventh Generation - Causeway Natural Health
St. Brieux:
Nature Clean - Lifewise Body Systems
Saskatoon:
Nature Clean - Dad's Nutrition, Nutters on Primrose Drive, Sangster's, Superstore
Country Save - London Drugs
Nellie's Laundry Soda - London Drugs
Seventh Generation - Delicate Care variety only is recommended for use on cloth diapers - Dad's Nutrition has some varieties of Seventh Generation
For Watkin's Laundry Powder contact your local Watkin's area representative.
As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. We love to hear from you. If you need troubleshooting tips or laundry fixes, we can help!
Now that summer's here you can also hang those luvly cloth diapers on the line to dry. They'll smell so fresh and clean and the sun will naturally bleach out any stains.
That wraps up our second instalment on cloth diaper care. Our next topic in this area will address how to keep your diaper pail smelling fresh - even in summer. Now that's going to be sweet!
Baby Luv Boutique
http://www.babyluvboutique.com
(306) 682-5746
1-866-231-5135
We did a great deal of research on this topic and want to acknowledge a wonderful resource in Shirley Murdock at Bummis. She has a background in chemistry so any questions we have on detergents, their ingredients and suitability for use on cloth diapers can be successfully answered.
Some of the science behind detergent, key ingredients to look for, recommended varieties for use on cloth diapers and local sources of recommended brands will be shared.
As we noted in our first instalment on cloth diaper care, location and water hardness will be a factor in how well detergents will work. What works for some may not work for others but this is intended to be a guide that will give you a great place to start on developing a successful care routine.
Water hardness will be a very large factor in doing any type of laundry including diaper laundry. Variations in pH will be evident from province to province, city to city and even from household to household. There may be a detergent that works well for your neighbour but not at all for you simply because they may have a slightly different routine or some other factors that contribute to laundry success. If they have a water softener and your house does not, that will impact on how detergent performs.
The Science Behind Detergent
Let's start with some of the science behind detergent and highlight some key ingredients that can be very good and in turn, very bad.
Ingredients in detergents may include the following:
Sodium Carbonate– is known as a builder and is an ingredient that you will want to have in your detergent. Sodium Carbonate is a surfactant as these help to dislodge dirt from fabric and hold it in suspension so that it is not redeposited on the fabric during washing. Builders are water softeners. These chemical compounds are agents that remove calcium ions by complexation or precipitation. Typical builders are sodium carbonate, complexation agents, soap, and zeolites. They function by sequestering or precipitating the problematic ions.
Sodium Bicarbonate – is problematic if detergents use too much and it can be harsh on finer fabrics like bamboo. Tots Bots does not recommend detergents that contain Sodium Bicarbonate for use on their products. If it is not completely washed and rinsed from the fabric, residual sodium bicarbonate will attack fabric in the dryer.
Sodium Percarbonate – is an acceptable oxygenated bleach component as long as it does not have any other components combined with it for that purpose. If used sparingly or in moderation it will work well for most fabrics. You will want to ensure it is completely rinsed from fabrics. It may be safe to use but if not completely washed out of fabric before drying, it will break down all fabrics, not just those that are sensitive or delicate.
Enzymes - The enzymes used in laundry detergents act on materials that make up a variety of stains and soils so that these materials can be washed away more easily. These enzymes are named after the materials they can act upon, for example, proteases break down protein based stains, lipolases break down lipid (fat) based stains and amylases break down starches and other carbohydrate based stains (amyl is Greek for starch). Since one enzyme molecule can act on many substrate (i.e., soil) molecules, a small amount of enzyme added to a laundry detergent can provide a big cleaning impact according to manufacturers. However, enzymes can cause rashes, blisters and sores for some babies if they have sensitive skin or if it is not completely washed out of the fabric and becomes reactivated by urine or bowel movements causing a skin reaction.
Fragrance – either natural or synthetic, these additions to detergent are not essential cleaning ingredients and for those with allergies or sensitive skin, they can cause reactions in some.
Optical Brighteners – these chemicals are added to some detergents to help bend or refract the light to make clothing appear cleaner or whiter. They can be problematic in that they will cause build up over time in the fabric and lead to leaking or wicking problems with diapers and insert material.
Fabric Softeners– either built into detergent, added as a liquid or used in the dryer in the form of dryer sheets are not recommended as they will cause build up and leave a residue which will cause leaking. Items like dryer balls will help reduce static in the dryer if you wish to dry your diapers in that way. Even if you use fabric softener on other laundry and not in the loads of cloth diaper laundry, it can still leave a residue in your machine and dryer which can be transferred onto your cloth diaper laundry when it is being washed and/or dried.
Pure Soap– despite being a more natural cleaning component, pure soaps will leave a scum or residue on fabric and it will build up over time leading to leaking and repelling issues. Detergent which states it contains soap will not be the best choice for cloth diapers.
If you have a solid wash routine and a good detergent choice, then laundering cloth diapers can be successful for everyone.
Detergent Information Listing
For a detailed listing of recommended cloth diaper detergents please check out Bummis detergent information here.
Local Sources of Recommended Detergents
Here are the locations in Humboldt, Saskatoon and area that carry the following brands recommended for use on cloth diapers:
Humboldt:
Nature Clean and some varieties of Seventh Generation - Causeway Natural Health
St. Brieux:
Nature Clean - Lifewise Body Systems
Saskatoon:
Nature Clean - Dad's Nutrition, Nutters on Primrose Drive, Sangster's, Superstore
Country Save - London Drugs
Nellie's Laundry Soda - London Drugs
Seventh Generation - Delicate Care variety only is recommended for use on cloth diapers - Dad's Nutrition has some varieties of Seventh Generation
For Watkin's Laundry Powder contact your local Watkin's area representative.
As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. We love to hear from you. If you need troubleshooting tips or laundry fixes, we can help!
Now that summer's here you can also hang those luvly cloth diapers on the line to dry. They'll smell so fresh and clean and the sun will naturally bleach out any stains.
That wraps up our second instalment on cloth diaper care. Our next topic in this area will address how to keep your diaper pail smelling fresh - even in summer. Now that's going to be sweet!
Baby Luv Boutique
http://www.babyluvboutique.com
(306) 682-5746
1-866-231-5135
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)