An easy, healthy meal/snack idea for little ones.
Frozen mixed vegetables.
Served while frozen. Really!
Even the child whose nose often turns up at veggies will like them now because they don't taste like veggies, they just taste like ice.
Lily hates peas. She is the only one of my kids who doesn't like them. But she will happily sit in her high chair and eat frozen peas.
To round out and make a meal with some protein and carbs, you can add in some cheese or some browned ground meat of your choice. Rice or some favorite crackers round out the meal.
And a great teething aid: frozen asparagus!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Something Stinks in Here
We all have those days, those loads, those diapers...
Those days - weeks really, when too many days squeeze in before you get the diapers washed again. Those loads - that sit too long before they get dried. Those diapers - that explode with a knock-you-on-you-butt ammonia smell the minute urine hits them.
The stinkies have hit again.
But today I am not going to detail all kinds of stinky remedies. I am only going to give you the easiest one.
Two steps:
1. Follow your usual washing routine, but add in 1/4 cup of bleach.
2. Add a lot of extra rinsing. A LOT.
Every now and then I run my diapers through 3 or 4 wash loads in a row with no detergent. It does wonders for preventing build up and keeps things fresh.
Those days - weeks really, when too many days squeeze in before you get the diapers washed again. Those loads - that sit too long before they get dried. Those diapers - that explode with a knock-you-on-you-butt ammonia smell the minute urine hits them.
The stinkies have hit again.
But today I am not going to detail all kinds of stinky remedies. I am only going to give you the easiest one.
Two steps:
1. Follow your usual washing routine, but add in 1/4 cup of bleach.
2. Add a lot of extra rinsing. A LOT.
Every now and then I run my diapers through 3 or 4 wash loads in a row with no detergent. It does wonders for preventing build up and keeps things fresh.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Lunchtime! Part 1
Toddler Lunch of the Week:
Black beans
Mozzarella Cheese
All Bran Crackers (or other family favorite)
Once baby has tried out several kinds of foods and is getting to the "Me Do It!" stage, meals can get messier, but they can also be more fun.
In an effort to sneak in a little more protein for Lily I have been putting some beans on her high chair tray while we eat lunch. At the start of the week dumped out and rinsed a can of organic black beans and put them in an easy to reach container. Lunch could hardly be easier!
Her favorite menu right now is some sliced up (tiny pieces) of string cheese, about 20 black beans, and some bran crackers. It keeps her busy long enough for me to eat a sandwich in peace.
Remember that even if baby doesn't get all excited about a food item, he may just need a few more exposures to it to decide it is worth eating.
Black beans
Mozzarella Cheese
All Bran Crackers (or other family favorite)
Once baby has tried out several kinds of foods and is getting to the "Me Do It!" stage, meals can get messier, but they can also be more fun.
In an effort to sneak in a little more protein for Lily I have been putting some beans on her high chair tray while we eat lunch. At the start of the week dumped out and rinsed a can of organic black beans and put them in an easy to reach container. Lunch could hardly be easier!
Her favorite menu right now is some sliced up (tiny pieces) of string cheese, about 20 black beans, and some bran crackers. It keeps her busy long enough for me to eat a sandwich in peace.
Remember that even if baby doesn't get all excited about a food item, he may just need a few more exposures to it to decide it is worth eating.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
10 Reasons I love bumGenius One Size Cloth Diapers
1. They are easy. This is about as easy as cloth diapering can get. It is like using disposables only you never have to run to the store or worry about running out. You are just a load of laundry away from having all the diapers you need. They can be put on even a squirmy baby in a flash..
2. They are cute. bumGenius diapers make little baby bums all rounded and smooth and pastel.
3. They fit under all baby clothes. It seems today that most baby clothes are made with the expectation of slim, trim disposable diapers. Bulky diapers can make some baby clothing styles difficult to use. Baby jeans need little baby behinds, just because of how they are usually shaped. Little baby skorts too, seem to fit better with trimmer diapers. Sure you can skip these styles if you need to. But I don't have to plan my baby's wardrobe around how big her behind is when she has on a bumGenius.
4. They are modern. These are not your grandma's diapers. These bumGenius are high tech with their super absorbent inserts and liner that keeps baby dry. These are the diapers that change people's minds about what it means to cloth diaper. So don't be afraid to let them show a bit!
5. They can roll up after use. There are times when I forget a wet bag or can't reach if for some reason. The way these diapers can roll up into their own tight little package after use is really handy.
6. That little flap that covers the insert is great for catching that up-the-back-power-squirt of poo that little ones can produce. If you have ever changed a diaper where there was more poo on the outside than there was on the inside, you know exactly what I mean.
7. They fit easily into a diaper bag and are a great all purpose travel solution. They are compact and make changing a diaper on the go a breeze.
8. They were designed by a mom. I feel a sense of pride and camaraderie using something that was made by a mom who was struggling in the trenches just like I do every day. She dealt with the same issues and successes on a daily basis.
9. Those stretchy tabs are fabulous! I can get a good tight fit that never droops. I hate plumber butt on babies. Well, I'm not a fan of it on anyone.
10. They are backed by CottonBabies, who are willing to troubleshoot and help with any problem your diapering system presents. Worried or having a problem with your diapers? Give them a call. They are very responsive.
2. They are cute. bumGenius diapers make little baby bums all rounded and smooth and pastel.
3. They fit under all baby clothes. It seems today that most baby clothes are made with the expectation of slim, trim disposable diapers. Bulky diapers can make some baby clothing styles difficult to use. Baby jeans need little baby behinds, just because of how they are usually shaped. Little baby skorts too, seem to fit better with trimmer diapers. Sure you can skip these styles if you need to. But I don't have to plan my baby's wardrobe around how big her behind is when she has on a bumGenius.
4. They are modern. These are not your grandma's diapers. These bumGenius are high tech with their super absorbent inserts and liner that keeps baby dry. These are the diapers that change people's minds about what it means to cloth diaper. So don't be afraid to let them show a bit!
5. They can roll up after use. There are times when I forget a wet bag or can't reach if for some reason. The way these diapers can roll up into their own tight little package after use is really handy.
6. That little flap that covers the insert is great for catching that up-the-back-power-squirt of poo that little ones can produce. If you have ever changed a diaper where there was more poo on the outside than there was on the inside, you know exactly what I mean.
7. They fit easily into a diaper bag and are a great all purpose travel solution. They are compact and make changing a diaper on the go a breeze.
8. They were designed by a mom. I feel a sense of pride and camaraderie using something that was made by a mom who was struggling in the trenches just like I do every day. She dealt with the same issues and successes on a daily basis.
9. Those stretchy tabs are fabulous! I can get a good tight fit that never droops. I hate plumber butt on babies. Well, I'm not a fan of it on anyone.
10. They are backed by CottonBabies, who are willing to troubleshoot and help with any problem your diapering system presents. Worried or having a problem with your diapers? Give them a call. They are very responsive.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
10 Reasons I Love Prefolds
1. They are cheap. At $2 or less per diaper (depending on size and thickness) this is easily the cheapest way to cloth diaper. You can get enough diapers to get you through your baby's entire diapering period for less than $100.
2. They are soft. After they quilt up in the first few washes, they are soft and fluffy and comfortable. I know I would be willing to wear them around my sensitive parts if I needed to, so I feel good about my baby wearing them. The Chinese prefolds are very soft, but the Indian prefolds are even softer!
3. It is easy to care for prefolds. Prefolds are the most forgiving diapers to wash. You can do just about anything to them and they still work great. I still recommend following the basic washing instructions and using dye free, scent free detergent, but these diapers release odors easily and seldom develop any absorbency problems. (At least I have never seen it happen.)
4. They make for fast diaper changes. Fold in thirds, plop in a cover and fasten up. Done.
5. They are versatile. You can use them with virtually any type of cover, you can snappi or pin them, you can try different folds for them, you can use them to stuff pocket diapers, and you can use them with no cover at all if you choose.
6. You can use them for other stuff. I use mine as changing pads, burp rags, nose wipes, bottom wipes. I throw one in the carseat to keep the buckles from getting too hot, mop up spills on the go, let the baby chew on them (clean ones!). And those are only a few of the uses that I could think of that relate to baby care, there are many, many more ways they come in handy.
7. They come in different sizes, but are still cheap enough to afford the different sizes. Most normal babies I have come across will only need the infant size and the premium size. Infant gets my kids up through at least 6 months old, if you have a chubby baby you will probably get to 4 months with those. Premium gets my kids up through potty training.
8. They are absorbent. They hold a ton of baby waste and they absorb it fast. Fast absorption means less leaks. I have read recently that some people have super-wetters and need something even more absorbent. Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds fit all of these descriptions about prefolds except for the use of snappis and the price. The hemp is a little more expensive.
9. They are easy to double. I seldom have to double a prefold, but sometimes it is worth it. I trifold one and lay it inside another one, then snappi that one on. My baby could wear one of those for DAYS and not wet out of it. Not that I leave them on that long. Sometimes I might double them up if I want the baby to have some cover-free time. This allows plenty of air to get to their little bum, but doesn't leave me mopping up mess after mess.
10. They dry fast. They wash easy and dry fast, either in the dryer or on the line, these are the first diapers dry in my loads.
And I thought of a couple more:
11. They last forever. I have diapers that have gone through 5 and 6 kids (being passed around through friends) and are still in nearly as good shape as when they started. Sure, some get retired when they get threadbare, but most are still going strong.
12. They are old fashioned. Here is the diaper nerd in me speaking, they are tried and true and have worked for generations. I feel a bit of a connection to my grandmothers and what they did when I use them.
2. They are soft. After they quilt up in the first few washes, they are soft and fluffy and comfortable. I know I would be willing to wear them around my sensitive parts if I needed to, so I feel good about my baby wearing them. The Chinese prefolds are very soft, but the Indian prefolds are even softer!
3. It is easy to care for prefolds. Prefolds are the most forgiving diapers to wash. You can do just about anything to them and they still work great. I still recommend following the basic washing instructions and using dye free, scent free detergent, but these diapers release odors easily and seldom develop any absorbency problems. (At least I have never seen it happen.)
4. They make for fast diaper changes. Fold in thirds, plop in a cover and fasten up. Done.
5. They are versatile. You can use them with virtually any type of cover, you can snappi or pin them, you can try different folds for them, you can use them to stuff pocket diapers, and you can use them with no cover at all if you choose.
6. You can use them for other stuff. I use mine as changing pads, burp rags, nose wipes, bottom wipes. I throw one in the carseat to keep the buckles from getting too hot, mop up spills on the go, let the baby chew on them (clean ones!). And those are only a few of the uses that I could think of that relate to baby care, there are many, many more ways they come in handy.
7. They come in different sizes, but are still cheap enough to afford the different sizes. Most normal babies I have come across will only need the infant size and the premium size. Infant gets my kids up through at least 6 months old, if you have a chubby baby you will probably get to 4 months with those. Premium gets my kids up through potty training.
8. They are absorbent. They hold a ton of baby waste and they absorb it fast. Fast absorption means less leaks. I have read recently that some people have super-wetters and need something even more absorbent. Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds fit all of these descriptions about prefolds except for the use of snappis and the price. The hemp is a little more expensive.
9. They are easy to double. I seldom have to double a prefold, but sometimes it is worth it. I trifold one and lay it inside another one, then snappi that one on. My baby could wear one of those for DAYS and not wet out of it. Not that I leave them on that long. Sometimes I might double them up if I want the baby to have some cover-free time. This allows plenty of air to get to their little bum, but doesn't leave me mopping up mess after mess.
10. They dry fast. They wash easy and dry fast, either in the dryer or on the line, these are the first diapers dry in my loads.
And I thought of a couple more:
11. They last forever. I have diapers that have gone through 5 and 6 kids (being passed around through friends) and are still in nearly as good shape as when they started. Sure, some get retired when they get threadbare, but most are still going strong.
12. They are old fashioned. Here is the diaper nerd in me speaking, they are tried and true and have worked for generations. I feel a bit of a connection to my grandmothers and what they did when I use them.
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