International Women's Day - Our Inspiration

Today is International Women's Day.  This is a day to honor and to recognize those women who have made a difference to enrich the lives of other women and pave the way for us throughout history.   The theme this year is:  Connecting girls, Inspiring futures.

So many great women have achieved this and we can name quite a few - Joan of Arc, Catherine the Great, Mother Theresa, Helen Keller, Anne Frank, Margaret Thatcher, Oprah Winfrey.  The list of inspiring women is lengthy as it goes through the ages to the present day. 

Every woman has someone who has inspired them, given them strength, helped to shape them into who they are today - someone who has changed their life.  For me that person is my mother.  She was a loving, caring woman who possessed a great deal of strength.  She didn't have a formal education but through her work and life experiences she gathered a wealth of information on how to raise a family and still be a strong woman while doing it.

In our family she was definitely the hands on parent who handled the day to day duties as well as helping my father run our farming operation.  She taught us our manners, she taught us to respect others but most important she tried to teach us to always respect and value ourselves, to work hard for what you want in life and to never quit.  She sacrificed a great deal for her children and was always there to support us in whatever we did.  Whether it was our school and sports, when we started that new job, got married or when we became parents ourselves, she was there as a pillar of strength.   Her memory lives on even though she is no longer here to guide me and I still feel her strength; needless to say she is dearly missed.

Now that I am a mother to three children, two of them girls, I hope that I can emulate her in being a strong female role model to my daughters.  I strive to be the best I can be in achieving my education, taking on a career, and now, being a parent.   I hope if I show my daughters the same love and strength my mother showed me, then I can pass on the legacy she left so that they too can grow to be inspired, confident, strong women.

There are still challenges for women today but there is no doubt those who have come before us have done a remarkable job of breaking down barriers and opening up doors.  I'm thankful for the life lessons and inspiration from my mother.  I hope I can pass on a love of learning, a love of self and a passion for achieving what you want in life to my daughters while instilling the importance of tolerance and compassion.  I see two bright, shining sparks of youth in my girls and I hope to fan the flames so they grow into confident young women in the future.

Thank you Mom - you have done your job of connecting and inspiring me.  I will do my best to follow in your footsteps. 

Newborn Diapers - How Do You Choose?

If you're an expectant parent and looking at choosing cloth diapers you might be wondering what options there are for you and if you should consider newborn diapers. Babies come in many shapes and sizes and there are definitely some great choices available for newborn diapers. No matter if you're on a budget or are wanting products that will last beyond those early, early days, there's something for everyone and every baby.

We will sometimes hear parents say that they're going to start using cloth diapers but only after the first month or so once baby is bigger. Did you know that the newborn size disposable diapers are the most expensive when you look at the cost per diaper? They will average between $0.32-0.40+/diaper compared to the larger sizes that average $0.18-0.27+ each. That may not seem like much of a difference but when you are changing so often in those early days after baby arrives, the costs will add up and a good portion of your disposable diaper costs will be incurred with the newborn and smaller sizes.

Parents often ask about whether they can use cloth diapers while baby is still passing meconium. The answer is yes, you can. There are both disposable and reusable liners that can be laid in a diaper to help keep the solids off the fabric and help reduce staining. There are tools available to help make the clean up easier. Sunning out stains or proper use of a stain remover product when laundering can certainly keep them stain free.

So what type of newborn diapering options are there? The most economical option, which is also very simple to use, are prefolds and diaper covers. Newborn cotton prefolds coupled with sized diaper covers like the ones made by Bummis, are a great combination. You can get a set of 36 newborn preemie prefolds and 4-6 covers for about $110.00, depending on the style of cover you choose.

Bummis Super Lite

Bummis Cotton Prefolds

AMP Diapers Hemp Fitteds

In keeping with a two piece system and natural fabrics, a hemp fitted with a separate cover is also a great system for those wanting the look of a disposable with the benefits of cloth.  AMP Diapers Hemp Fitteds are a two size snap closure diaper made from super soft, super absorbent hemp and their size small will fit babies 7-18 lbs.  Combine this with a Bummis Sized cover or Mommy's Touch or Happy Heiny's One Size Cover and you've got a bullet proof diaper option for your little one.

If you want some two piece options that give you a bit more flexibility, then a system like the Mommy's Touch Budget Bottoms is one to consider. They have a double layer shell with a set of snaps at the top of the back end. It is here that you can snap in and snap out microfleece topped microterry soaker pads. As long as the shell is not soiled with solid waste you can reuse it by simply placing a clean soaker into the shell. These could also be used with cotton prefolds, but the microterry inserts will definitely give you a bit more absorbency as compared to the cotton. A set of 4 shells and 36 soakers will cost you approximately $250.00. Keep in mind these shells can also be used as covers over fitteds for a great nighttime solution.

Mommy's Touch Newborn Budget Bottom and Snap in Soaker

Mommy's Touch Newborn Budget Bottoms

Another system we love that we have recently added to our boutique is the Omni system of one size shells by Soft Bums.

Soft Bums Omni as a pocket diaper

They can be used three ways: as a cover for a prefold, as a pocket diaper or with the Soft Bums pods which can be snapped in and out of the shell allowing it to be reused if not soiled. These diapers will truly fit any size baby right from newborn to toddler without a lot of bulk to their fit like some one size styles can have on newborn or tiny babies. These are great for families with more than one child in diapers as well since they can be

Soft Bums Omni as a diaper cover

Soft Bums Omni with snap in pod

adjusted to fit any child, eliminating the need to have two sets of diapers.  If you wanted to start out with them being used as shells then a set of 8-12 shells and 24-36 pods will work best.  This would cost approximately $364-498 depending on your choice of pods.  You could always add more shells as baby grows or if you return to work post maternity leave and wish to have enough shells and pods for a complete pocket diaper system for daycare.

bumGenius! All In One Size XS

All in one newborn styles mimic disposables so they offer the greatest convenience.  A set of 24 bumGenius! Newborn All In One diapers will cost you approximately $528 and will last baby to approximately 10  lbs.  They will easily last through more than one baby and offer a trim, customized fit just like a disposable.

Tots Bots Tiny Fit 5-12 lbs.

Tots Bots Tiny Fits are another all in one style that also offer a pocket opening allowing you to add extra insert material if needed for naps and overnight.  These currently have a rayon from bamboo interior and this combined with thirsty Turkish microterry offer a super absorbent yet soft option for your little one.  Aplix closures make them Grandparent and babysitter friendly so changes are very quick and easy to do.  A set of 24 Tiny Fits will cost you approximately $605.  These are rated to fit babies 5-12 lbs. so you can get a bit longer time frame for wearing them before baby grows out.  This style will allow you to transition into a regular one size system when baby is a bit bigger so that they don't endure the added bulk that comes with some styles.

If you are looking for a pocket diaper style, you have numerous options to choose from.  Happy Heiny's makes a sized line of pocket diapers that will fit baby from XS right through to toilet learning.  They also offer a Mini One Size and Regular One Size product.  The Mini One Size will fit babies 4-16 lbs. and like the Tots Bots, will offer a size range that will transition baby into a regular One Size product or a larger sized option.

The last type we want to note is the Mums Bums All In One diaper.  This is a sized line of all in one product and the size small will fit babies 8-14 lbs.  These diapers have 7 layers of hemp built into the body of the diaper and also have three options for the interior fabric:  microfleece, suedecloth and bamboo velour with organic French cotton terry for those looking for more natural fabric options.  These are the "Cadillac" of cloth diapers and will cost $27.00-28.00 per diaper but they are a very absorbent, trim fitting all in one product.  Once the interior hemp is fully primed, there would likely be no need to add any further absorbency to this diaper as the hemp is a heavy gauge. 

Mums Bums All In One (Sized)

As you can see there are numerous newborn options for cloth diapers to choose from.  No matter if your family is on a budget, has preferences for or sensitivities to certain fabrics, there truly is a diaper for you.  There is no need to wait until baby is bigger.  With these types of products it is possible to start cloth diapering right from day one.

If you aren't sure where to start, think about what you want out of a diaper.  What type of closure system do you prefer?  There are snap or Aplix options for a number of products.  If you have a budget, you can always find something that fits it.  If you want to try a few styles to see what works best, that allows you to get a feel for the various types.  Once you've done that, you can choose more of your favorites.

We're always pleased to help our clients.  If you are thinking about choosing cloth for your new little bundle, contact us.  We commend you on your choice and would be happy to chat more about what newborn options would be right for your family.  Visit us at Baby Luv Boutique today!

Thankful and Inspired

After hosting one of my workshops this past weekend, I spent an afternoon with a friend. I'm so glad I had the chance to connect with her as it had been some time since we'd seen each other. Over the past year we each went through events in our life that impacted us profoundly and changed us forever. I think what she went through was in many, many ways more difficult than my own experience. I was blessed to share her thoughts and talk to her about it.

On my drive home after our visit I thought about the things that we both went through and how life can take a much different turn than one expects in any given moment; when that happens you are tested. Some of us fail. Some of us find ourselves in a whole new light and create awareness and inspiration for others through our experience. I think my friend is truly an inspiration to others. She's a person with a gift for sharing experiences through her ability to write. It is in this way that she helps to heal the hearts of others while healing her own as well.

How often do we take for granted the dawn of the day and the fact that we rise each morning to greet it like we did the day before? How many times as parents do we wish for a certain phase to pass with our children or wish that parenting just wasn't so hard?

At times it's so easy to forget that each day is a gift and that if you are blessed to be a parent, those children will not be children forever. All of the phases and stages will too soon become memories. At times it's also easy to think that you are suffering in silence alone with your problems when it's true there are many, many others who share in daily struggles that test their strength and faith.

As Moms we often place enormous amounts of pressure upon ourselves and others. We have expectations of ourselves that are so much higher than anyone else would place on us. I also see how we often choose to judge or criticize instead of stepping up to ask if someone needs help and support, even if it's just the offer to listen and understand what someone is going through. We don't know what another person might be dealing with each day.

My friend and I spoke of faith and how the strength of it or lack of it can play a role in how you handle experiences that test you to the core. It helps us to be thankful for the things we have - our relationships, our children, our family, our friends. It inspires us to be a better person and to give to others remembering that everyone has challenges and struggles along the way.

I'm thankful there are people like my good friend who can manage to see the beauty in things that others may not, that they can take a life experience that has tested their own personal limits and still be able to help shine light into souls shattered and surrounded in darkness. It truly is something remarkable and to see someone amidst their own pain be able to pass on peace to others, truly inspires me to be a better person, a better spouse, a better parent, a better friend. It's a lesson to us all that we have much to give from within ourselves even when we think we don't.

Thanksgiving is not just another holiday long weekend. It is a time to sincerely reflect on all of the things we are given in this life and to recognize all of the gifts we receive, like the gift my friend gave me: the gift of inspiration. I'm thankful for her friendship and for the fact I have the ability to learn and grow as a person because of it.

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!