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Baby Wipes

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

Baby wipes help make changing times easy, fast and mess-free. Wipes are soft tissue-like papers or smooth cotton strips that are generally moist and sometimes perfumed.

Wipes are generally used to clean up a baby’s bottom. You can finish off your diaper-changing sessions with wipes to ensure clean and dry bottoms. They are also useful for a quick and general clean up of grubby hands and a sticky or dirt-streaked face.

When you are running short of water or cannot make cleaning up very elaborate, go for baby wipes. Wipes are also a great way of reducing your wash load (for that reason alone, they are a godsend).

Features of good baby wipes:

Moisture: To do a good job, wipes should retain a fair amount of moisture. Packaging plays a very important role in retaining wetness. Wipes that come in boxes or tubs hold on to the wetness much longer than refill packs do. But tubs are bulky and not very portable when you travel. Some tubs have a pool of liquid collecting at the bottom, which makes the last few wipes saturated with liquid. While they should be moist, wipes should not be dripping wet. If they leave wetness behind, wipes can lead to diaper rash.

Packaging: The boxes or tubs should be sealed tight so that they do not flip open easily. If you have young children at home, you will have to be extra careful with your wipes.

Texture: Wipes are used to clean the soft and tender skin of a baby. It is only natural that their texture must be very soft. Thicker wipes obviously cost more. Expensive wipes feel almost cloth-like in texture.

Fragrance: To make wipes saleable, various ingredients are added to them. Scenting the wipes helps to make them popular with parents who want their babies to smell clean and fresh. But doctors advise that baby wipes should be fragrance-free as well as alcohol-free. Fragrance means chemicals, however light it is and fresh it seems. And that is something your baby’s tender skin can do without. Babies with skin problems should completely avoid the scented variety. Chemicals can burn red, tender skin that is peeling away due to a recent bout of diaper rash or eczema.

Effectiveness: How many wipes do you need per changing? Do the wipes leave a residual soapy feeling or smell funny as you reach the bottom of the pack?

Are baby wipes unhealthy?
Many leading dermatologists advise against using baby wipes because they can trigger a rash or aggravate eczema and other skin problems. Doctors suggest using commercially sold wipes only as a last resort, as in traveling or parties. It would be intelligent to use washcloths at home, and wipes while traveling.

Baby wipes should ideally be free of chemical ingredients that may lead to skin problems. While this may not be feasible in store-bought wipes, homemade cloth wipes offer the best of both worlds. You can even make your own scented lotion and pour them over your homemade wipes to give them a pleasant smell (though this is not advisable unless you are using natural ingredients). Keep baby wipes in airtight containers and you can easily use these without fear of any skin problems.

As with any baby product, it is wise to make a detailed investigation of the ingredients being used in baby wipes, and use wipes only if they are completely safe for the baby.

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Changing Pads

August 11, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

As parents of a newborn baby, you will be doing a lot of diapering for quite a while. A number of diapering accessories will make life easier for you. Changing pads typically do not come as part of the changing table. You will have to buy them separately. For convenience, your changing pad should be lightweight, waterproof and portable. Baby changing pads can be flat or contoured and disposable too. Good models come with tabs at the bottom that help you secure the changing pad to a table. The bottom of a changing pad is usually stiff and coarse, making it slip-resistant and safe for use.

As most moms will tell you, it is much easier to change diapers at arms level than bending over a bed, or on the floor. That’s where changing pads become handy. Their greatest advantage is that you can place them on any flat surface like a table or a dresser and lo, your changing table is ready. This is most useful when you are on the move and may need to change your baby when away from home. If you have a changing pad, you can even place your baby on the ground and diaper him.

When your baby is little, contoured changing pads are useful because they help to keep your baby stationary. The design of the contoured changing pad makes it much safer to keep a wiggling baby safe. The pad will be about 1-1.5 inches thick in the middle and may rise to 4.5-5 inches at the sides. This makes it almost impossible for a young baby to roll off.

Some models have a safety belt with buckles that can be tied across the center. But, as your baby becomes bigger and is able to really move about, the high sides may become dangerous.

Changing pads usually have a waterproof surface. This makes it easy to clean and wipe away any mess. Most changing pads come in attractive colors and quilted patterns. Vinyl covering seems to be the most favorite, as it is soft to touch and easy to clean. But vinyl is cold and may make young babies uncomfortable. Besides, any irregular patterns on the changing pads may cause accumulation of dirt or bacteria. I’d personally feel comfortable with a terry cover or a denim cover over the vinyl covering, before placing Junior in it. Even an ordinary hand towel can be placed over the vinyl.

Changing pads are essential accessories of a diaper bag. Store-bought diaper bags come equipped with plastic covered changing pads. But these may not be soft enough for a young baby. You will be using thinner and flatter changing pads with a diaper bag. So, get yourself a changing pad that is made of layers of spongy fleece material with a water resistant top. These kinds of changing pads are comfortable for travel because they fold up very well. They will also fit nicely into a diaper tote if they are soiled.

Changing pads can be very trendy and stylish. You may like to go for a piece that suits the theme of your nursery. For parents who are interested in color coordination, you get changing pads that perfectly match your diaper bag. However, it’s nice to remember that changing pads are useful only until your baby is potty trained. So, it doesn’t make much sense to spend a fortune on them.

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Cloth Diapers

August 10, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

The life of a parent is fraught with important decisions. As parents who also aspire to be responsible citizens, we have to choose carefully. Cloth versus disposables is a much-debated battle with no clear victors. Supporters of disposable diapers cite the inherent convenience of disposables as the prime reason for their popularity.

Cloth diapers have to be folded, stored, washed and dried. For a lot of busy parents, all this is too much hassle.

Are cloth diapers difficult?

As a parent who has used ONLY cloth diapers for my first baby, and disposable diapers only during travel for my second baby, I can tell you that cloth diapers are actually very simple. Disposables are already pre-cut and molded to fit babies of a certain weight, and come with adhesives that are easy to stick. Cloth diapers may not be that convenient. But, once you get the hang of clipping the cloth diaper properly, diapering becomes almost an automatic activity. So, you won’t really notice the difference.

Advantages of cloth diapers:

Babies spend their whole day in diapers. If you use cloth, you need not worry about the substances and chemicals rubbing off on your baby’s delicate skin. Cloth diapers are natural, irritant-free and chemical-free. If you wash them properly and dry them in the sun, cloth diapers are almost the best possible care you can give your baby. In comparison, a baby’s tender skin may react strongly when disposable diapers are used continually. Diaper rash is more common among babies wrapped up in disposables.

Cloth diapers are gentle on the environment. An average baby may need up to 5,000 diapers until he is through potty training. If you’re using disposables, that’s a LOT of plastic.

Cloth diapers are easy on the pocket too. If you use good cotton cloth, it can even be passed on from child to child. Depending upon the cloth and accessories, you can over a thousand dollars per child if you use cloth diapers versus disposable diapers.

Methods of cloth diapering:

Flat diapers: These are large pieces of cloth that you fold to fit your baby. They are very inexpensive and can be folded differently as your baby grows. You will however need to fold the diapers and secure them with pins or diaper covers.

Pre-folded cloth diapers: As the name indicates, these diapers are rectangular and have extra layers of cloth sewn in the middle. They generally come in three sizes: newborn, regular and toddler sizes. These are slightly more expensive than flat diapers.

Fitted diapers: Sewn in such a way as to fit the baby, these come ready with Velcro or snaps to secure them. They are very convenient to use, but are expensive and may take longer to dry.

Diaper covers:

Cloth diapers need to be covered with waterproof material to prevent accidental leaks. Diaper covers provide a safety net against embarrassing leaks. Pull-on plastic pants, which are just big enough to cover the diaper area or wrap-style covers that are wrapped around the baby and covered with Velcro can be used to prevent leaks.

Care of cloth diapers:

Wash the diaper and its cover separately. A diaper pail serves to hold dirtied diapers until they are washed. Any solid waste in the diaper should be emptied into the toilet before the diaper is washed. It is always better to rinse the cloth as soon as it is dirtied. You will have less staining that way. Never keep water in the diaper pail, as it is a drowning hazard. Use a gentle detergent when washing. One cold wash, followed by a hot wash will kill all germs. Hang cloth diapers in the sun to ensure total cleanliness.

The life of a parent is fraught with important decisions. As parents who also aspire to be responsible citizens, we have to choose carefully. Cloth versus disposables is a much-debated battle with no clear victors. Supporters of disposable diapers cite the inherent convenience of disposables as the prime reason for their popularity. Cloth diapers have to be folded, stored, washed and dried. For a lot of busy parents, all this is too much hassle.
Are cloth diapers difficult?
As a parent who has used ONLY cloth diapers for my first baby, and disposable diapers only during travel for my second baby, I can tell you that cloth diapers are actually very simple. Disposables are already pre-cut and molded to fit babies of a certain weight, and come with adhesives that are easy to stick. Cloth diapers may not be that convenient. But, once you get the hang of clipping the cloth diaper properly, diapering becomes almost an automatic activity. So, you won’t really notice the difference.
Advantages of cloth diapers:
Babies spend their whole day in diapers. If you use cloth, you need not worry about the substances and chemicals rubbing off on your baby’s delicate skin. Cloth diapers are natural, irritant-free and chemical-free. If you wash them properly and dry them in the sun, cloth diapers are almost the best possible care you can give your baby. In comparison, a baby’s tender skin may react strongly when disposable diapers are used continually. Diaper rash is more common among babies wrapped up in disposables.
Cloth diapers are gentle on the environment. An average baby may need up to 5,000 diapers until he is through potty training. If you’re using disposables, that’s a LOT of plastic.
Cloth diapers are easy on the pocket too. If you use good cotton cloth, it can even be passed on from child to child. Depending upon the cloth and accessories, you can over a thousand dollars per child if you use cloth diapers versus disposable diapers.
Methods of cloth diapering:
Flat diapers: These are large pieces of cloth that you fold to fit your baby. They are very inexpensive and can be folded differently as your baby grows. You will however need to fold the diapers and secure them with pins or diaper covers.
Pre-folded cloth diapers: As the name indicates, these diapers are rectangular and have extra layers of cloth sewn in the middle. They generally come in three sizes: newborn, regular and toddler sizes. These are slightly more expensive than flat diapers.
Fitted diapers: Sewn in such a way as to fit the baby, these come ready with Velcro or snaps to secure them. They are very convenient to use, but are expensive and may take longer to dry.
Diaper covers:
Cloth diapers need to be covered with waterproof material to prevent accidental leaks. Diaper covers provide a safety net against embarrassing leaks. Pull-on plastic pants, which are just big enough to cover the diaper area or wrap-style covers that are wrapped around the baby and covered with Velcro can be used to prevent leaks.
Care of cloth diapers:
Wash the diaper and its cover separately. A diaper pail serves to hold dirtied diapers until they are washed. Any solid waste in the diaper should be emptied into the toilet before the diaper is washed. It is always better to rinse the cloth as soon as it is dirtied. You will have less staining that way. Never keep water in the diaper pail, as it is a drowning hazard. Use a gentle detergent when washing. One cold wash, followed by a hot wash will kill all germs. Hang cloth diapers in the sun to ensure total cleanliness.
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Diaper Bags

August 10, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

What would a mom do without the ubiquitous diaper bag? When you want to venture out of your home with a small baby, there’s no telling what you may need. The best solution is to carry it all. Beginning with diapers and baby wipes to diaper ointment, baby powders and anything else that you may need the diaper bag can hold it all – and then some.

The most important item in a diaper bag continues to be the diaper. You can carry up to a dozen of the thickest diapers in the market in a diaper bag. In another large compartment of the bag you can put in several changes of clothes. Some other useful things to put in the bag would be bibs, baby cups, burp cloths, washcloths and of course, a blanket too. A towel is another essential item – in fact anything that you need to use on a daily basis should go into the diaper bag. You can put in some pacifiers and some essential snacks and food items. The diaper bag comes equipped with several cylindrical pockets to hold bottles; and if your baby is on solids you will have to pack in plastic utensils, bowls and spoons too.

It is actually a good idea to keep your diaper bag at least partially ready all the time. Some people have toys, pacifiers and blankets stashed away in their diaper bags permanently. You may want to add toys and books too.

In the past, diaper bags were little more than large plastic shoulder bags with two big compartments. They had the most preposterous designs. They were used because one didn’t have a choice! Fortunately, the winds of change have brought in designs that vary from the trendy to the stunning and classy.

And for moms who wouldn’t be caught dead near a bulky, single-colored diaper bag, there are designer diaper bags. Stylish bags that are functional too – of course, the price tag may dampen some of your enthusiasm. The simple design of some of the bags may fool you into believing that there’s nothing much inside. But, you may be surprised to see some nifty features like a pullout changing pad or special pockets for keys and cell phones etc. Most bags come with nylon linings so that messy spills do not ruin the bag. If you like colorful, glossy fabric but fear for wear and tear, some designer bags even have laminated covers to keep the outside scar-free. You can get diaper bags in sleek leather, which is waterproofed so you need not worry about spills.

One of the most attractive diaper bags I’ve seen looks very much like a purse, and everything inside the diaper bag – changing pad, storage bag, wipes case – can come out. So, you can ultimately use it as a purse. Another one of my favorites has a non-slip grip on the strap, so the bag will not slide off when you bend to pick something up. A great feature in some bags is that they can easily be attached to a stroller with rings and clips that are included in the bag.

Besides the cost, the only factors you have to keep in mind while purchasing the perfect diaper bag is size and comfort. Take a look at various models before you make the purchase. That way, you know what you are getting.

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Diaper Covers

August 10, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

If you are well and truly into cloth diapering, you will need diaper covers to protect your baby from embarrassing leaks. Unless you are using all-in-one diapers (a kind of cloth diaper with a waterproof outer layer), you will need some sort of cover over the diaper.

Pull-on pants are excellent diaper covers, but are becoming less popular now. As baby accessories become more fashionable, we now have plastic wraps that can easily be wrapped around the diaper. They fit perfectly and come in colors and designs aimed to please.

Diaper covers are useful when your toddler is potty training, as they offer great protection for your baby’s clothes and your furniture too. These handy plastic covers are especially good for nighttime use. With diaper covers, you need not fear the occasional accident and can venture out of house with confidence.

Care of diaper cover:

  • How long your diaper cover lasts really depends upon a number of things:
  • Type of material that the cover is made of
  • Whether you wash the cover with detergent and which kind of detergent
  • Your washing method
  • Use of bleach or bleach alternatives
  • How often you use the same cover
  • The type of drying method you use (line-drying or blow-drying)

Some of the best materials for diaper covers include polar fleece or industrial vinyl and poly-coated nylon. These materials can easily be machine-washed and dried, and even stand up to the occasional bleach. In case of other fabrics like wool, nylon, polyester or cotton, gentle treatment makes them last longer. Hand-washing with a gentle detergent and line drying is best.

Avoid mixing dirty diapers with diaper covers, especially if you are using nylon or polyester diaper covers. Polyester really locks in stench. So diaper covers that lie in poopy water for a few hours will end up stinking even after a wash. Store your diaper covers separately, or rinse your dirty diapers once before you mix them with diaper covers. Ideally, diaper covers should be washed within a day or two. If you are machine washing the diaper covers, put the covers in with your baby’s clothes and choose a gentle wash. Use warm water.

Additives like bleach can ruin the elastic and damage the waterproofing of the covers. The same applies to detergents with chlorine bleach, whitening agents like borax, and stain removers. Avoid rubbing detergent directly on the diaper cover as strong detergents may erode the waterproof covering.

Line-drying is the best way to dry your covers. Dry the covers only for ten minutes in the machine. If they are still damp, hang them to dry. Depending on how soiled they are and what material is used, diaper covers can be air-dried after use. Most covers offer a fold-back method that protects the Velcro at the time of washing.

It is not necessary to wash the cover after every change. This is especially true of covers made of nylon and vinyl. But if the cover is made of cloth, or has a cloth mesh inside, you will have to wash it with each change. If the cover is not soiled, you can just run cold tap water down the inside of the diaper cover to get rid of any urine residue. Hang to dry and re-use. Wool covers can go for a longer period without washing.

Wool fibers contain natural oils that pull dampness away from the skin. Wool fibers also do not ‘cling’ to odors because they allow any residual moisture to evaporate easily. Have at least 5-6 covers to rotate at a time and wash your cover as gently as possible.

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Diaper Storage and Disposal

August 10, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

Since babies spend a whole lot of time and energy pooping and peeing, storing soiled diapers and disposing used diapers are major concerns for parents. With disposable diapers becoming the third most common item in landfills, parents who rely on disposable diapers have to be aware of environmental concerns too. Considering that the average disposable takes about 500 years to break down, the threat is really huge. So, cloth diapers are slowly gaining lost ground.

Whether you use cloth or disposables, the first step in diaper cleaning is to separate all solid waste from the diaper. Discarded human waste contains bacteria and viruses that can cause illnesses. The best thing is to empty out any poop into the toilet. Many busy parents store soiled diapers and wash them periodically. Clean and safe storage of soiled diapers is important. If you use cloth diapers and all-in-one diapers store them separately before washing.

Cloth diapers can be stored using the wet pail or the dry pail method. In the dry pail method after any solid waste is removed, the cloth diaper is stored in a dry diaper pail until laundry day comes. Some parents rinse the cloth diaper before it is stored. Wet pails contain water that helps to remove any stubborn solid waste. But they are a potential threat because wet pails contain enough water to drown a baby. Keep wet pails in an area that is inaccessible to small children. Young children may even topple the pail inadvertently.

  • Pails should be Washable, tightly-covered, plastic-lined receptacles that support hands-free operation.
  • Rust-proof, have a foot-operated pedal and child-resistant deodorizer compartment
  • Covered with a firm fitting lid that will trap odor and will not cause water to drip
  • Large enough to hold all the stored diapers
  • Tall enough to prevent children from reaching or falling into the receptacle.

Always use separate containers for disposable diapers, soiled cloth diapers and soiled clothes. DO NOT mix soiled clothes with soiled cloth diapers. If you use the wet pail method change the water in the pail every day; even if you only do laundry once a week.

Diapers stored dry should first be run through a cold-water cycle to rinse out any waste before the actual laundering. After wash, always try to sun-dry the diapers, as this ensures total cleanliness. Sunlight destroys bacteria and also helps restore whiteness.

While washing cloth diapers, use mild detergent and hot water. Avoid detergents that contain bleach or fabric softeners.

Cloth-diapering while away from home:

When you leave your home, cleaning cloth diapers may pose a bit of a problem. Depending upon the place of visit and accessibility to a washing machine etc, decide on the number of diapers you have to carry. You will also need a plastic or waterproof tote bag to carry the soiled diapers if you cannot clean them immediately.

Diaper service:

New parents may find it easier to make use of a diaper service. If you have more than one child in diapers the service becomes cheaper. Hamper, pails, and liners are supplied by most services. Cleaning and sanitizing is done by state-of-the-art technology. Diapers are picked up and delivered to your doorstep every week. Some services offer disposable diapers too.

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How To Change Diapers – Diapering Tips

August 10, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

Ah well – diapering is one of those sidekicks of parenting that you may wish somebody else could take care of some of the time. With newborn babies, diapering seems to be a non-ending process.

Diaper changing may seem a little complicated at the beginning. New dads especially may take a little time to get used to the wailing baby, and everything else that goes with diapering. But with a little practice, you will soon see that keeping a baby dry and clean is a piece of cake!

The most important thing is to keep all necessary supplies at hand. Never start the changing process with your supplies strewn here and there. Some of the essentials you’ll need are:

- A diaper
- Diaper Pins (for cloth diapers)
- Baby Wipes or warm water and cotton balls
- A changing table, or a changing pad where you can place the baby while you diaper him

Diapers usually come in various sizes and shapes. Two broad categories are: disposable and cloth diapers. Disposable diapers are usually more expensive. But they are easy to put on and easy to use while traveling. Cloth diapers, of course, need diaper pins to keep them in place. Regular washing, drying and hygiene are some hassles associated with cloth diapers. For the baby, cloth diapers are comfortable and healthy. Diaper rashes are less likely when clean cotton cloth diapers are used.

How to get it on:
Hold your baby’s feet firmly while changing. DON’T LET GO of those feet. Once you have removed the soiled diaper, first clean the baby’s bottom with the unused part of the diaper. This is just so that there is less mess for you to wash off your changing table. While wiping your baby, many parents use wipes. However, soft cotton balls dipped in warm water are the safest. Always wipe the baby from front to back. Wiping the other way – back to front – will cause any infections to spread; in girls, this may even lead to urinary infections. Never forget to wipe the creases in the buttocks and thighs.

If you are changing a boy, keep a clean diaper over his penis if you don’t want to get a liberal sprinkling while changing him. Exposure to air causes boys to urinate.

Once finished, pat the baby completely dry. You may use a light coat of cornstarch powder to ensure that the bottom and creases are completely dry. Airing the baby’s bottom for a few minutes is a good idea. Before you put on clean diapers, make sure that there is not residue of powder stuck to creases. If a diaper ointment is needed, apply it and allow it to get absorbed into the skin for a few minutes. When diapering a boy, place the penis in a downward position before fastening the diaper.

Disposable diapers are easy to put on. The only trick is to learn to tape the adhesives quickly before your baby wiggles out of the correct position. Do not diaper the baby too tight. As a rule, you should be able to place a finger between the diaper and the thigh, and it should not feel too tight. Cloth diapers will need safety pins to hold them in place. Folding the cloth properly may require some practice.

Always wash your hands before and after a change. NEVER ever leave your baby alone while you collect the necessary materials for diapering. Even a young infant may astonish you by rolling off the changing table in a split second.

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Disposable Diapers

August 10, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

Disposable diapers are just what their name says – disposable after use. Made of a waterproof outer lining and an absorbent middle lining that holds wetness inside, they are convenient and comfortable. With disposable diapers there is no more diaper washing, drying or storing, and it is goodbye to embarrassing leaks. When disposable diapers were first introduced, they caught on like a wildfire. Generations of babies have been brought up using disposable diapers ONLY. They were many parents choice until recently.

Today, social concerns regarding the biodegradability of these diapers and the impact of synthetic material on tender baby skin has dampened some of the early enthusiasm. The cloth vs. disposable diaper controversy still continues to rage unabated while many parents make their choice depending upon availability, affordability, and convenience.

Disposable diapers come in various sizes. Use the diaper that is suitable for your baby’s body weight. Super-absorbent diapers are thinner but have a core that absorbs moisture quickly, so they are much better at preventing skin-wetness. Disposables do not need safety clips or pins and are really very handy while traveling. Contoured diapers make it easier for new parents to put the diaper on the baby. Since there is no folding involved, diapering becomes that much easier. Once soiled, these diapers do not need to be cleaned or washed – they go straight into the trash bin.

The downside:

Disposable diapers are not very environment friendly. Since these diapers take a good deal of processing, they do not disintegrate and they remain intact for about 500 years. They are the third biggest contributors to waste in our landfills.

Disposable diapers are expensive, there’s no denying that. They can place a heavy financial burden on new parents. Special features mean higher prices, as do special brands and bigger sizes.

Besides their cost, which makes them one of the most expensive items in your childcare kit, disposable diapers also affect your baby’s development. Since a baby in disposables does not become conscious of wetness, it may be difficult to get him or her potty trained. Disposables have also been accused of bringing the dreaded nappy rash to the fore. Nappy rash is usually caused by increased wetness that leads to bacterial or yeast infections. Since the wetness is not apparent in disposables, a baby is likely to be in contact with dampness for a far longer period.

But when all is said and done, the inherent convenience factor remains the one saving grace with disposables. Ease of use and ease in throwing away make disposables very popular. Parenting is full of duties and hard work, so parents naturally welcome anything that reduces the strain.

Here are some of disposable diapers redeeming features:

Absorbent core
Adjustable tape fasteners
Breathable covers and antibacterial properties in liners
Attractive and brightly colored
Contour fit
Soft stretch and elastic fit

How to diaper your baby using disposables:

Open the diaper and gently slide it underneath by lifting the baby’s feet and legs. Place the back part with the adhesive strips about level with the baby’s belly button. Bring the front part of the diaper between the baby’s legs towards the tummy. Then stick the adhesive strips quickly, while making sure that the tapes are not stuck to your baby’s skin. The process may sound simple enough, but when your baby is wriggling and crying, getting the diaper just right may take some practice. Always leave one finger space between the fabric and his body, so that the diaper is not too tight.

While disposing of the diaper, make sure to flush any solid waste into the toilet before throwing the diaper away.

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Nursery Window Treatments

August 10, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

Window treatments in a child’s room deserve special attention. Of course, safety is the first consideration. But aesthetics, style, and function are a close second. A well-fitted nursery has to take the color, style and pattern of window fittings seriously if it is to look beautiful.

There are a number of window coverings that are suitable for any room in the home, except for the nursery. The first priority in a room where a child moves about is baby proofing. So, floor-length curtains or drapes of any style are strictly taboo. Once your baby begins to crawl or is trying to stand up, he will pull on anything that aids him. He is likely to pull the curtain and land the hardware on himself. Injury and suffocation cannot be ruled out in the process. This applies to blinds with long pull-cords also. It is particularly easy for a baby to wrap looped cords around his or her neck. Major improvements have been made in the area of cord hardware on blinds. When purchasing blinds, ask for the newer breakaway and safety cord options.

A baby’s crib should never be placed too close to the window. When windows are in close proximity to beds, shelves, cribs or other furniture, a parent should be especially careful about the installation of the hardware. The key here is to think ahead and prevent all those little slip-ups that may lead to injury. For instance, if a changing table is placed near a window the child may pull at cords or curtains and land himself in trouble.

While selecting the drapes, you may first want to check out mini-blinds or wood blinds.

These will help control the amount of light filtering in, while giving the room a contemporary and stylish look. They are also easier to clean. But if fabric is what you have in mind, choose soft fabric shades with blackout linings that are custom-made to fit the window. Old-fashioned roller shades are also good for a nursery, for they can be raised during the daytime to allow sunlight into the room.

A fabric valance adds color and style to the room while offering a way to repeat the fabric in the room. Choose box pleats or plain ones for boys; ruffled ones are nice for a girl’s room. Once you have selected the fabric; use paint, wallpaper, fabric panels or molding to customize the window to suit your room décor. Use cornice boxes in matching colors to hide shade or blind hardware. They can also double up as a display shelf.

If you are using fabric on your window, repeating the fabric in the room gives it a stunning effect. You can repeat the fabric on chair seats, quilts, pillows, lampshades or bed skirts. If the window is high above and you have a broad sill, you may want to place some plastic plants or a vase to add a splash of color. Look for ways to use shapes and colors in interesting ways. Simple details like welted edges and contrasting borders make the fabric look elegant. Ribbon ties also add to the magnificence of the room, making it look opulent and stately. Choose ribbons that go with the theme of the room.

The bottom line is to use window treatments as accessories to enhance the theme and comfort of your room. The baby cares little about the looks of the window or the room. So long as he is snug and safe, you can decorate to your heart’s content. Safety should never be compromised for taste or looks. That is the only thing to keep in mind.

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Swim Diapers

August 10, 2009 By Kerri Leave a Comment

When you think of a day out at the beach with your little baby, public rest rooms and common sinks naturally come into the mind. In such a scenario, diapering your baby can get uncomfortable as well as unhygienic. Swim diapers offer a clean and safe solution. Many public swimming pools even make it mandatory for babies who are not toilet trained to wear swim diapers.

Why disposable diapers do not foot the bill:

Modern disposable diapers have super absorbent crystals that turn into gel when they become wet. These gels absorb a tremendous amount of water. The more water the diaper absorbs, the heavier it becomes. Sagging diapers squishy with water and poop are not comfortable or hygienic. If the gel material bursts, it can cause extensive damage by clogging drains.
Bacterial contamination into the water is another reason why disposable diapers cannot be used in water. Swimming, relaxing or recreational activities in water bodies like swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers and water parks is one of the most popular activities across the world. Both young and old alike enjoy these activities, and now, it is not unusual to see a baby barely 6 months old getting into the pool with his parents.

However, it might probably come as a shock to you that more than 15,000 people became ill from swimming or frolicking in these kinds of water bodies in the last few years alone. Most of these illnesses were diarrheal diseases that people get by accidentally swallowing water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. Baby poop is one of the surest ways in which feces get into water.

Most disposable diapers allow both the fecal matter as well as water to escape through the sides. If feces get into the pool water, immediate evacuation is a must. The water will have to be treated to make it safe.

Advantages of swim diapers:

Since community pools are used by a large number of people, outbreaks of waterborne diseases can be very large. Any setting in which a number of people share the same water is prone to an outbreak.

Even the fountain-style attractions where little children play can be contaminated. That is why many public utilities like a swimming pool or a water park make swim diapers a must. A swim diaper is basically a tight fitting plastic pant with a rubber or plastic lining worn under a swimsuit.

Swim diapers are designed to hold in solid waste, even though urine may seep through. This is especially useful if your baby has not been potty trained and gets a bowel movement when in the pool. Many States make it mandatory for children below 30 months to wear swim diapers.

Swim diapers hold solid waste inside, thus preventing the spread of bacteria like E.Coli.
Swim diapers do not burst in water. So there is no danger of clogging pool filters. Since swim diapers do not absorb water, they do not become heavy.

Swim diapers can be washed and reused throughout the season.

Many people assume that they cannot get sick in water that has been treated by chlorine. But this is not completely true. As such it is advisable to wash your children thoroughly before and after they come from the pool.

Take your children for bathroom breaks often. Do not use the poolside for changing diapers. Always use swim diapers, or swimsuits that have swim diapers stitched into them. This not only ensures your child’s safety, but also helps you do your part to ensure the safety of the water.

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