Earth Babies Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Products’

Change the nappy often!

Nappy rash is for the most part as a result of long periods between changing.
When skin is left wet for extended periods, it becomes sensitive and easily irritated or broken from constant friction. A nappy is a warm, moist and isolated environment which is ideal for the formation of micro-organisms (bacteria), if the skin becomes damaged these microbes move in and cause infection.
Abrasion of fabric and wet skin are the most common arguments for using disposables over cloth, however there are support products for cloth nappies to prevent these perceived problems – nappy 1-way liners function in the same manner as a disposable, drawing the urine away from the skin and keeping baby dry.
A basic rule of thumb is to check your babies nappy once an hour – most parents do this naturally without conscious effort – only change when necessary though (this is generally at longer intervals than one hour, but as it is not a controlled routine the gap between changes would differ and checking increases awareness).
Nappies have a saturation point if nappy is not absorbent enough you can add a booster – this should be done to increase absorbency but not to stretch the time between changes.
Nappies containing faeces should be changed immediately.

Be conservative when applying barrier cream.
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Having a newborn baby, especially your first but even subsequent babies, are a lot of adjustment and change one’s world completely. One thing you do not want to worry about is a nappies.

The problem with cloth nappies and the newborn stage is that unless you get a specific newborn nappy size any cloth nappies even One-size-fits-all nappies are going to be very bulky on a new baby.

For cloth nappies and newborn I think you have 3 options:

1. Buy a nappy specially made to fit the new born stage.

   If you are very concerned about the environment and do not want to use disposables at all but would like a nappy that fits for the newborn phases then I would buy a nappy made specifically for that age. We have the Earth Babies Newborn Nappies and the Stegi small which will see you through this stage. It is more costly to buy the newborn stage but if you have more than 1 child they last very well or can be give on to friends or sold in our preloved section. Be prepared that these nappies are not going to last all that long but it is like buying newborn or 0-3 clothes you know that they are not going to wear them for all that long but at least they will fit well. Depending on what size your baby was at birth you can get anything from 6-8 weeks out of your newborn nappies. If you are expecting a big baby it may not be worth getting newborn nappies.

1. Buy disposables for the first stage while you get used to having a new baby and while they grow a bit so they can fit their cloth nappies better. They can then use Earth Babies Medium, Mother Nature one size fits all, Earth Babies one size fits all, Stegi medium, Bio Baba medium. We now have some new eco disposables in stock so you can use disposables and be kind to the environment

2. Buy one size fits all nappies which are said to be birth to potty and just deal with them being a little big and bulky at first. It really does not last long and before you know it they fit really well. It is a bit like putting a newborn in 3-6 month clothes but the savings can be well worth enduring the extra bulky.

Hope this helps you decide what to do with your newborn and cloth nappies. I used cloth from the beginning for both of mine and will have them ready for the 3^rd one next year, they have also been used by a few friends too, so have certainly done there bit.

♥♥WIN  Newborn Trail Nappy Pack♥♥

In order to win it you need to comment below AND do one of the following (or already be listed on one or all):

Like us on Facebook / Follow on Twitter or register on the Earth Babies website to qualify.
(remember to let us know in the comment what username to look out for, so we can make a match)

Retweets of this post, Comment on the related Facebook post and Blog posts mentioning Earth Babies Cloth Nappies (remember we need to be aware of the post) get extra entries

South African Entries only
winners name will be drawn 25  September 2010

The prize consist of:

2 newborn Earth Babies Nappies,

1 booster,

1 reusable fleece liner

1 newborn waterproof, in one of our new waterproofs which you can choose from 7 new lovely colours ( Pink, Blue, Lavender, Sage, Butter, Seafoam and white)

and for the competition we are adding 5 newborn eco disposables for 2-4kg to try.

If you don’t have a new baby enter for a friend or as a baby shower gift

Amber acts as a calmative, analgesic, antispasmodic, expectorant, and febrifuge (anti-fever).

A teething necklace offers baby an organic, less intrusive remedy for teething and the resulting discomfort;
(such as pain, loss of appetite, upset tummies, ear ache, red cheeks, excessive drooling, fevers and colds).

Benefits of Amber:
♥ Acts as a mild natural analgesic (pain reliever).
♥ An excellent natural antibiotic.
♥ Soothes both emotional and physical – and can calm an irritable and niggly child.
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SHOP LINK: an Earth Babies product

This makes a lovely baby shower gift.

What is a belly cast?

A belly cast is a plaster of paris moulding of your pregnant belly. A 3d memory of how it was.

What comes in the kit:

Plaster of paris bandages, tub of Vaseline, Disposable gloves, Tealight candles and relaxing organic Tea (for the ambience) and instructions

How is it made:

Read the rest of this entry »

1) POUCH SLING (or Pocket Sling)

A pouch sling is by far the easiest of the baby carriers to use. It is a tube of fabric which you wear diagonally across your body (on one shoulder like a sash). The tube is folded double, forming a pocket which you can pop baby into.
At Earth Babies we stock the Rhubarb and Custard Pouch.

Pros:

Very easy to use,

No real learning curve

Ideal for newborns and small babies

Streamlined look – not bulky

No clips, buckles, rings, tying or adjusting

Lightweight and folds slim to fit in any bag

Possible to breastfeed with baby in it

Excellent for quick trips/errands

Cons:

Weight distributed to only one shoulder

Not Adjustable – baby cannot be pulled in close to the body resulting in body strain and feeling baby is not secure

Not specifically practical with toddlers

Comes in different sizes – correct size is important

Can be difficult to determine correct size

Parents/caregivers can’t share pouch if different sizes

Less discreet for breast feeding (does not provide cover)

A bit of a manoeuvre to take off if baby falls asleep

Though it does free up your hands it is not hands free (specifically once baby sits upright)

2) PADDED RING SLING

A length of fabric with padding in the shoulder area and the edges of the fabric. Some are thinly padded in the body of the sling. The one end of the sling is sewn closed to form a tab or point and this is threaded through 2 rings on the opposite side to form a circular tube.
It is similar to a pouch in that it has limited adjustment but is easy to use (pro’s and cons are similar apart from that the Padded ring sling has slightly more scope for adjustment and it is a bulkier carrier)
At Earth Babies we no longer stock a Padded ring Sling

Pros:

Easy to use,

No real learning curve

Ideal for newborns and small babies

Possible to breastfeed with baby in it

Excellent for quick trips/errands

Easy to take off if baby falls asleep

Padding provides a little cushioning on contact points (shoulder)

Cons:

Weight distributed to only one shoulder

Not wide range of adjustment – baby cannot be pulled in as close to the body resulting in body strain and feeling baby is not secure

Comes in different sizes – correct size is important

Can be difficult to determine correct size

Parents/caregivers can’t share pouch if different sizes

Less discreet for breast feeding (does not provide cover)

Though it does free up your hands it is not totally hands free

Because of the padding it can appear to be bulky and can be hot to wear

If the body is lightly padded the sling becomes less flexible around the body

Does not fold up small but can fit in a bigger nappy bag

3) UNPADDED RING SLING
An unpadded ring sling is the most practical of the carriers.
It is a length of lightweight fabric with rings sewn in on one end. The open side of fabric is fed through the rings (like a basic belt buckle) to make a secure pouch/pocket for the baby.
The sling is worn over your shoulder and across the body like a sash. You adjust the size and fit of the carrier by pulling the fabric through the rings to get excellent support and comfort for you both.
At Earth Babies we sell Earth Babies Unpadded ring sling

Pros:

One size fits all – can be shared with all caretakers

Unlimited adjustment ** – the top, bottom edges and the centre (body of the fabric) can be adjusted independently to custom fit your needs.

** The close fit allows for comfortable and secure hands free carrying.

Easy to get baby in high and snug

Good for the snugly tummy to tummy position

Good for quick trips/errands and longer periods of wearing (even with bigger babies)

The open tail makes it excellent for discreet covered breast feeding

Has the most options of all the carriers on positions in which baby can carried – lying down (on back or tummy to tummy); upright (facing in or out – legs in or out); hip carry, back carry and hammock carry (for preschoolers)

Lots of room to get longer legs in and out.

Easy to take off once baby falls asleep

Folds up small, fit in practically any nappy bag

Non bulky to wear

Light, flexible and breathable fabric

Cons:

Weight distributed to only one shoulder

Takes practice to get used to adjusting fabric through the rings and getting a comfortable carry

Some people do not like the extra fabric in the tail

Rings can appear to be in the way if not correctly fitted

If not used correctly it can be uncomfortable and cause strain

4) SOFT STRUCTURED CARRIER
Soft structured carriers are more conventional back-pack type carriers. Ideal for heavier, older baby and toddler carrying.
They have an approximately rectangular section which holds your baby securely against your body and straps to attach the carrier to you. Some tie on and some fasten with clips. They are generally easy to use and distribute the weight of your baby evenly, and vertically on your back much like a rucksack or backpack.
At Earth Babies we sell the Khanyisa African Baby Carrier

Pros:

Easy to learn to use

Can be used on front or back

Relatively adjustable in size

One size fits most so can be shared by parents/care givers

Has a padded waist belt to support under babies bum

Weight distribution is balanced over both shoulders, back and waist

Good for heavier babies/toddlers,

Comfortable for long periods of wearing and carrying of heavy babies

Usually have highest resale value

Sturdy fabric

Cons:

Adjusting of belts and buckles can take a while to figure out.

Uncomfortable if not correctly fitted

Can’t really be used for comfortable breast feeding

Not recommended for newborns and babies under 3-4 months (lack of neck/head control)

Does not hold baby as snugly against body as some other options may

Can only be carried in upright position

Child is always inward facing (towards parents body)

Very bulky to store

4) WRAP
A wrap comes in either stretchy or non-stretchy fabric. It is the most versatile and probably comfortable baby carrier but the one most difficult to learn to use optimally.
It is a length of fabric with which you wrap the baby onto your body in different positions.

At Earth Babies we sell the Traditional Kikoi wrap (non stretchy) – The stretchy Wrap me up Baby Wrapz is coming soon.

Pros:

Two-shouldered carry – most people find them extremely comfortable to wear, even with a heavy baby, as the baby’s weight can be spread closely over both shoulders, back and the waist/hips.

Fit any size and shape perfectly

Gives baby’s head, neck, back, hips and legs ideal support

Holds baby high and snug

Grows with baby

No baby too small for this style carrier (perfect for premies & kangaroo care)

Can pre-tie and pop baby in and out for quick errands

Versatile – you can wear your baby in almost any position, choosing a wrap that suits you.

Can be used for newborns right through to older toddlers

Cons:

Greatest learning curve, especially for back carries **

** This means that occasional carers are less likely to try using it

Long piece of fabric can be intimidating and overwhelming when wrapping.

Bulky to store

Some people feel constrained or engulfed by the amount of fabric around them.

For some it is not an easy on and off option so only used if wearing baby for long periods.

It can be hot, depending on the fabric and season

Why not try our fun Which Baby carrier for me? Quiz

A quick fun guide on which carrier/s would best suit you, according to what you want it for.

***You can choose more than one option per group

1) How long do you think you would like to carry for

a) For the first 6 months
b) For the first year plus
c) For the first year at least
d) For as long as I can carry their weight

2) In what situations do you think you would use your carrier, do you need free hands?

a) Around the house or quick outings – 1 hand free will be enough
b) When out, shopping or working. Need to be hands free.
c) For long periods of wearing. Need hand free.
d) For going on long walks or hikes

3) Who will be using your baby carrier?

a) Only me
b) Anyone who cares for baby
c) Mostly myself and possibly husband
d) Myself & husband (and possibly others)

4) How much time are you willing to spend learning how to use it?

a) Few minutes max
b) I don’t mind practicing a bit
c) I have time and love experimenting, give me a challenge
d) I would prefer something you set up and leave. Not too fiddly

5) What look do you like?

a) Stylish, Trendy
b) Boho, Relaxed
c) Casual, Comfortable
d) Sporty, Structured

6) In terms of comfort, how do you imagine carrying baby most?

a) Lying down or sitting
b) Lying or on my front, I like hip carrying
c) Upright snuggled close – on my front able to face out
d) Once big enough definitely on my back and upright.

7) How old is baby right now ?

a) Pregnant or Newborn
b) Pregnant – 8 months
c) Pregnant or Newborn
d) 4months and older

8 ) If breastfeeding – are you wanting something you can breastfeed easily & discretely in?

a) Would be nice if it was easy, discreet not really an issue
b) Yup that is high on my list
c) No I doubt I will be feeding with baby in a carrier
d) If they can but it is not really something I would do

9) Will you be putting baby in and out often?

a) Yes, needs to be quick in and out
b) Yup relatively easy in and outs
c) No once baby is in they will stay there for a while
d) No but would like it to be fuss free when we do use it

10) Do you want to always have it close at hand and is carry space an issue?

a) I want it folded neatly and take as little space possible in my bag
b) I want it close so needs to be able to fit in my bag
c) My bag is BIG – space for everything
d) Dont mind carrying something extra when I need it

If your highest score was A, you might enjoy a pouch.
If your highest score was B, you might enjoy a ring sling.
If your highest score was C, you might enjoy a long wrap
If your highest score was D, you might enjoy a structured carrier

Baby Carrier Comparison (Pro’s & Con’s)

1. Happy baby: Babies who are carried more often have been found to be in general calmer and they cry/fuss less.

* Mother and baby contact is the baby’s first socio-emotional interaction – it allows for both emotional and sensory stimulation.
* A Study done in 1986 by Hunziker and Barr on increased carrying and its affect on infant crying, showed that baby’s who were carried more throughout the day cried less and the intensity of their crying was less distressed – (this study specifically looks at the occurrence and increased diagnosis of ‘3 month colic’ ).
* Decreased reflux and colic (wind): Many moms have said that a sling helps with colic (wind), by reducing the need for burping as well as babies’ tendencies of vomiting and excess spitting up. Being supported in a more upright position seems to help, as does the soothing movement of the mother’s body.

2. Feeling secure: being close to mom is a baby’s safe place.

* Moms have found that babies who are carried are less likely to become overstimulated – not only is baby happiest when in physical contact with a parent, but in a new environment – especially one with a lot of outside stimulation (eg. shopping centre) – babies often feel insecure. The general trend is covering of a baby’s pram to block out the visual stimulation. This however does not block out the auditory stimulation, which can overwhelm when isolated with no view of the cause. Babywearing helps baby feel safe in all situations.

3. Alternative style carriers are gentler on tiny backs:

* They support the baby’s neck preventing whiplash type injuries to neck and spine.
* Allow for carrying in positions that place no weight bearing pressure on the spine (”The young baby should be horizontal or inclined, with the spine supported along its length” ~ Rochelle L. Casses, D.C)
* The baby is supported by fabric that conforms firmly to their body, this eliminates pressure on their developing backs from hanging upright, unsupported and with all their downward weight on their pelvis & lower back.
* Baby is supported under the entire bum and thighs not only between the legs.

4. Comfortable for mom/dad:

* No rigid frame with set arm and leg openings.
* Baby’s weight is distributed more evenly across the body and supported into the body (usually against the shoulders, back and hips) as opposed to the full weight hanging from the shoulders and away from the body (which pulls your centre of gravity off kilter resulting in the strain of continuously correcting posture).
* Certain of the carriers (unpadded slings & wraps) have unlimited adjustment which allows you to find the most comfortable balanced carry for yourself and baby

5. More confident parents

* A parent able to recognize baby’s needs and triggers and reduce crying, helps to lessen the feelings of panic or being overwhelmed.
* When spending close time with your baby, it is easier able to recognise and relate to her needs, this promotes responsiveness and allows for an increased attachment.
* Can help with maternal depression and aids bonding between mother and baby
* Mothers’ struggling to adjust to having a new baby have found that carrying can help them to bond without the pressure of having to emotionally interact when they feel unable to.

6. Soft carriers such as the slings and wraps offer a variety of carry positions which you can change depending on your baby’s age and mood. eg. lying – horizontal or diagonal, upright – facing in or out, on your front, hip, back etc.

7. Improves baby’s development:

* Babies who are held and cuddled a lot are more attentive and develop mentally and physically much quicker than babies who receive minimal physical contact.
* Enhanced language and social skills: Babies who are worn experience people interacting at eye and voice level, through this involvement in conversation they learn not only language, facial interaction and sounds but the ability to listen.
* Carried babies spend more time in a quiet, alert state which allows for optimal learning – without specific teaching taking place.
* A baby with a sense of security and trust is more receptive to external stimulus.
* The continual movement helps develop and regulate a babies vestibular system which helps with balance and spacial awareness.
* Interaction within their environment helps the brain to grow and learn through stimulating the branching out and connecting of nerves – babywearing helps the right connections to be made

8. Allows for easier breastfeeding

* Contact is an important trigger both for babies latching ability but also a mothers ability to produce milk. Carrying allows for this closeness.
*Slings are ideal for discreet breastfeeding when in public, making it a more comfortable experience for mother, baby and those in the vicinity.
* For a mother with older children sometimes finding time to breastfeed can appear to be a challenge – a sling can help support baby at the breast, leaving mom hands free to give attention to a sibling at the same time (cuddle, read a story, build a puzzle etc).

9. Free hands:

* What all moms’ need … more hands. It is a lot easier to get daily tasks done while wearing your baby than to try and rush to do things before baby starts crying.
* Some carriers allow for hands free wearing, specifically those that hold baby securely against your body (front back carriers, wraps, unpadded slings).
* Having the ability to be able to do things beyond simply holding your baby in your arms, helps to lessen that isolated/trapped feeling mothers often experience.
* Needed when you have other children – see last * of point 8. This also helps with sibling bonding and acceptance as it lessens jealousy, without too much pressure and tug of war for mom-time

10. They are practical.

* They allow for more freedom of movement – eg. when shopping – having a pram can be limiting in terms of moving between floors, maneuvering between people and aisles and it is impossible to push a pram and a trolley.
* They are economical – carrier R200-R300 vs pram R600 +.
* Baby carriers can be folded up and packed into a bag so are close at hand when needed.


Great Babywearing sites and articles
The BabyWearer
Dr Sears on Baby wearing
10 reasons to wear your baby
La Leche League’s view on the benefits
Babywearing International

Research based articles
Baby carriers and Spinal Stress
Hunziker and Barr study on the affects of baby carrying on infant crying

How important is it to you as a South African consumer that products you buy are made in South Africa? Imports are often a lot cheaper but how much extra are people willing to pay to support industry in South Africa or is price the bottom line? These questions have been going around in my head as we once again face this dilemma ourselves as we source fabric for our nappies.

We try as far as possible to make Earth Babies as South African as possible and to support other businesses here in South Africa. It has not always been easy and especially with the fabric we use to make our nappies it has been hard to keep it local, but we did find a SA weaver and were proud that our nappies are made start to finish in SA. But even this might be a thing of the past soon as very few local weavers survive at the moment and most fabric is imported. Price and ultimately if these small weavers close might force us to import which is sad.

Please fill in our poll as I would love to see what motivates you when buying.

Sally(pinkhairgirl) passed this on to me and i also got tagged by Louisa (123blogmyself) thank you both ÜÜ

Since this is the EB blog I will do the meme about me but connected to Earth Babies – long winded sorry.

1. Sally is correct I don’t consider myself a blogger (maybe a plodder lol). I blog here as it gives a space to post those things that I would love to share but our website is either not the right place or does not have the space for them. I don’t blog personally as I would probably write all those things I think and never say – and there is maybe a good reason they remain unsaid.

2. I am not a ‘green-person’, so feel like a hypocrite at times when getting shoved into a box of someone else’s expectations– what enviro-awareness I have, has come (and still is) secondary to my original motivations for the choices I have made. Like many things on EB if it makes sense I will discuss it, incorporate aspects of what I learn, share info with others on things they find interesting but don’t do anything that is not practical and possible for us as a family.

3. This company I love & co-founded is considered by many as a ‘green’ company – I don’t see it as such though. For me natural and green are very different (but ‘green’ is where most people categorize us, marketing seems to work for us and a large part of our supporters – and our green-passionate Sally Ü view themselves). I try to keep us available/open to everyone (and myself lol) – organic and middle of the roader’s. Sally and I both agree nothing in life has to be all or nothing you incorporate what works for you and leave the rest.

4. My lifestyle, focus and intentions with Earth Babies are different to Sally’s (which is what makes us work – we balance each other). My personal passion for EB is supporting South African parents who want to birth naturally, breastfeed and cloth nappy. I love the products we carry, I love trying to keep the focus local, I love offering practical alternatives to the commercial norm and really enjoy trying to help customers find the right information/product etc for them. All the rest is complementary to this focus, is what Sally is passionate about and I don’t oppose or our clients have asked about.

5. I birthed naturally, breastfed, used cloth nappies, did elimination communication with my 1st (not 2nd); baby signing with my 2nd not my 1st; am a doula and have a business that supports these things and more. Based on these points a lot of assumptions are made so I thought I would clarify: I have used disposables (was a combination user – so actually know very well the pro’s and cons of both); I did not do Attachment parenting (and hate being called an attachment parent); I did wear my babies in slings; I am not a co-sleeper though our kids do sleep in our bed on and off; I did not and would probably not breastfeed past 2 years though I have no issues with others breastfeeding or encouraging it for as long as it is beneficial to both parties; I tried very hard to get my kids to take dummies – they would not; I breastfed publicly but always covered because that is what I was comfortable with; I don’t believe everyone should birth naturally or breastfeed etc, I feel strongly for informed choice; I don’t homeschool (would not consider it unless there was NO other choice); My kids do watch TV and play on computers (no specific limits); eat junk (and healthy too) and have plastic toys (natural and some organic too).

6. I hate being told what to do so as such am repelled by anything that carries a label and has a set of rules you are meant to follow. I am not an all or nothing person and approach everything instinctually. (Sally and I have in the past differed on many things parenting related and in the journey of Earth Babies have had discussions and arguments with each other and others. Through these debates, time and personal experience we have both learnt to be more open and non-judgmental. Because of these differences though there were many subjects that we have ended up not incorporating into the website even though some readers have suggested we should – the subjects on the site got lots of editing till we both felt comfortable with what we are sharing).

7. A question I am asked often is which is the ‘BEST’ nappy on the market – in experience there is honestly NO best nappy – each one has their pros’ and cons’ and these are very subjective according to individual & lifestyle criteria and baby’s (body shape, elimination pattern etc) – I do have a personal favourite just the same as any other nappy user though.

8. I am put off from many natural/green/alternative approaches because of their esoteric connections. Many of them make actual or scientific sense but the strong esoteric jargon connected make me careful about them.

9. I have read very very few parenting books, I prefer to learn through observation and discussion (For the same reason as my label aversion thing – it is someone else’s 123 step guide on how to raise YOUR children and I feel this represses the natural parenting instincts). Basically my theory (unproven lol) is that your children are a combination of you and your partner and so have a combination of your personalities – so between the two of you, you should be able to realize what approaches will and wont work for your children based on what your own gut reactions to it would be … If it does not come naturally to you, all it will probably do is create stress, expectation and feeling of failure.

10. I am a pretty quiet person who write-talks way too much lol

I am meant to pass this one to other bloggers I like and admire – I am pretty new to blogging and following them and most have done it already so I am going to reserve the right to put some thought into this before I tag others.

Now available through our shop.

I fell HEAVY for these dolls when I first saw them, they are to me beeeUtiful – their name Zugly derives from South African (ZA) Ugly! – I must say I love the name almost as much … it adds to the appeal.

I dont think a 34 year old is meant to be so in love with a doll, I have considered trying to slip one onto our bed but qualm at the imagined picture of husband dear’s head shaking eye rolling frown. Now I could easily ‘buy’ one for my daughter but then I will have to share … hmmmm maybe at 34 I SHOULD be able to handle sharing my toys, just hope my 2 year old is mature enough to be as munificent as me

The big-nose Zugly Doll – is a unique Rhodes speciality. Definitely not Barbie dolls, maybe that’s why kids love them so much!

The dolls are made from local wool that’s hand-spun and felted at the Red Barn, and then embroidered and assembled on site. No two dolls are the same and each doll carries a certificate signed by the person who made it.