Table of Contents

1. Doing Diapers the Old Fashioned Way, It’s Not So Old Fashioned!
Staff Writer, Rachelle Powers, discusses the benefits and new fashions in cloth diapering.

2. Home Plates
Staff Writer, Erin Donnelly, reveals the coolest kid’s dining ware on the market.

3. Safe Fun in the Summer Sun
Staff Writer, Jala Smith, shares her tips and finds for protecting toddlers from the sun.

Doing Diapers the Old Fashioned Way, It’s Not So Old Fashioned!
By Rachelle Powers

Not too long ago, parents were faced with only one option as far as diapering their precious bundles was concerned. Cloth diapers, hideous plastic over-pants and those big, scary pins that were rumored to have repeatedly stabbed many a chubby baby thigh. Fast forward a few years and the country has abandoned that hassle for a myriad of disposable diapering options. Convenience has stolen our hearts and with our hectic lifestyle, it’s no wonder!

But has this convenience come at a price? Yes! Disposable diapers are expensive! But aside from the literal cost, more and more research is discovering that there is also a cost to the environment, and even our babies’ health.

Most of us have probably already heard the astounding statistic that if you lined up all the disposable diapers used in the United States in one year, it would stretch to the moon and back NINE TIMES. That’s a lot of doody! Disposable diapers are the third leading consumer product clogging our landfills right now and they don’t decompose. Not only that, but our landfills are not equipped to deal with the human waste that is being deposited there. Did you know that when you buy disposable diapers the box says to dump out the doody in the toilet before tossing the diaper? Who does that? Nobody I know.

Health-wise, research has already proven that the incidents of diaper rash has increased from 7% to 78% since disposable diapers have increased in usage. A link between using disposable diapers and the onset of asthma and allergies has also been discovered. There is also some research to suggest that there may be a link between the chemicals used in disposable diapers and male infertility.

In light of all this, moms everywhere are making the switch back to cloth diapers. Not only because of environmental or health concerns, but also because the cloth diaper industry has upped the convenience and the cuteness factors. No more big, scary pins! No more ugly plastic pants! There is a huge selection of cute cloth diapers out there. From absorbent Prefolds with colorful over-pants, to Pocket Diapers or even the ultra convenient All In One by Bum Genius each of which can be found at the Cotton Babies website.

Bum Genius brand cloth diapers are just that, genius! Their one size diaper can take care of your baby’s diapering needs from birth on up through potty training, without buying bigger sizes. This diaper has stretch fit tabs for easy fastening (no pins!), three by three snaps down the front for size adjustment, adorably colorful waterproof outer lining, and each diaper even comes with an absorbent insert that tucks into the built in pocket inside the diaper.

The intricate design of this diaper is carefully made to relieve any worries you may have about your diapering adventure. Bum Genius diapers are made to keep your baby’s delicate skin healthy and to keep everyone and everything dry. There are several ingenious elements in place to keep the wetness contained. First is the covered insert opening that keeps the absorbent insert from creeping out and keeps the wetness tucked away inside. Then there are the leg gathers that fit snuggly to contain messes. There is also a waterproof outer layer that keeps wetness from seeping through.

Bum Genius diapers also won the iparenting media award which means it was tested by experts and moms and found to be a fabulously convenient, dependable and an all-around quality product. Their high standards help you rest assured.

You can find these amazing diapers and others at the Cotton Babies website. Cotton Babies is an online company that sells several brands of cloth diapers and accessories, including the fabulous Bum Genius brand. In addition, they carry a wide variety of eco-friendly accessories like bamboo wipes, all natural lotions, and other necessities like diaper totes.

They also sell another fabulous find, flushable diaper liners! These biodegradable liners can be placed in the diaper, allowing wetness to pass through, but containing the “other” types of messes within the liner. Then the liner and the mess can be flushed away and your diaper is stain free! No dunking or soaking! The Cotton Babies site also has dozens of articles and how-tos to ease all your cloth diapering anxieties.

Still not convinced? What if I told you that over the two to three years your child is wearing diapers, you will literally save THOUSANDS of dollars on the purchase of disposable diapers? That cost savings increases exponentially with future children who will continue the use of the same diapers. It is a one-time investment that pays serious dividends down the road.

So if the latest research is starting to get your attention, or if you just want to save a few (thousand) dollars, check out Cotton Babies or the Bum Genius websites to browse around. What little munchkin wouldn’t look cuter in one of these colorful little buns-huggers than a boring white disposable anyway?

Home Plate
By Erin Donnelly

Your child has finally graduated from that Jackson Pollack stage of flinging mushy peas at your face during mealtime, and can now eat like a civilized person. Well, as civilized as person not yet potty-trained can be, anyway. And while you may not want to retire those bibs just yet—even your hubby can’t seem to help dribble spaghetti sauce onto his shirt—you can celebrate baby’s achievement with some adorable new dining ware to make those Cheerios really look yummier.

French Bull: Monsters, monkeys, and superheroes—oh my! The fun, brightly colored graphic plates from French Bull are so cute, you’ll want to snatch up every pattern. Pop art multicolored dots and swirls are another option for hip toddler gourmands. Each set costs $24.

Baby Plane Spoon: Yes, you look like an idiot doing the tried-and-true airplane feeding trick, but if it gets the kid to eat something as nasty as stewed prunes, who cares? Use this plastic airplane spoon ($15) to help dupe any dubious tykes.

IKEA Kalas Collection: When it comes to kiddie tableware, plastic is your best friend. It’s easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and will simply bounce off your head should a certain unsatisfied diner start a tantrum. IKEA’s vivid Kalas collection of tumblers, bowls, plates, and flatware is a steal at $1.99 per set.

Disney Fairies Dinnerware: Your little princess will be so enchanted with this three-piece dining set ($9.99) adorned with her favorite Disney fairies (including Tinkerbell), she won’t even notice that she’s eating vegetables. Disney also sells a 16-piece Mickey Mouse dining set for Disney purists.

MoMA Store Kid’s Snack Set: The playful blue and green abstract pattern of this snack set will appeal to your child’s inner Bobby Flay and Pablo Picasso. The dishwasher-safe set includes two plates, cup, bowl, fork, and spoon for $24. Paintbrush not included.

o.r.e. Originals Peek-A-Boo Lunch Box: You know how it is: A play date here, a Mommy & Me class there, plenty of naptime—a kid’s day is all go go go. This nylon lunch box (sold in pink or green; $14) is great for the hungry tot on the run. Bonus: It’s also a nice hiding place for Mommy’s secret stash of emergency Krispy Kremes.

Mealtimefun.com Space Shuttle Dinnerware: Need a little lunchtime lift-off? This rocket-shaped plate set ($22.95) is one small step for babies and one giant step for mankind. It’s just a matter of time before NASA comes calling. This site is an excellent resource for kiddie tableware, with just about every theme and character imaginable on offer.

Baby Cie Ballerina Tea Party Set: Little girls have more tea parties than the Queen and Boston combined. This delicate and graceful set is a bargain at $35 for 12 pieces—including a tea pot and four cups and saucers. Your daughter’s party guests—aka her teddy bears—will be so impressed.

Safe Fun in the Summer Sun
By Jala Smith.

Spring has sprung! Car tops are coming down, shorts and sandals are coming out, and neighborhood parks are filling up with the echoes of little voices enjoying the sights and smells of sunny days. We’re starting to think about camps, vacations and how we’re going to make the most of summer months with our kids.

As much as most of us welcome that big fireball in the sky when it comes out of hiding each year, its effect on our bodies can be less pleasant — especially on little bodies. In fact, did you know that 80 percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18? Yep, it’s true. So let’s have fun with our kids this summer without worrying about how Mother Nature may be affecting their soft, sweet skin down the road.

Check out some of our favorite sun protection products to help you prepare for fun in the sun with your family.

ALBA BOTANICA
Kids Sunscreen SPF 30+
We love love love love this sunscreen. It’s great for kids because it’s non-greasy, fast absorbing, water resistant and has a fresh, fruity scent. What could be better? A lot! It’s made of organic lavender, aloe vera, chamomile, ginkgo biloba and green tea to help repair and soothe skin.

AVALON ORGANICS
Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 18
This unscented, baby safe sunscreen contains titanium dioxide, a natural mineral that helps reflects the suns’ rays off of your baby’s skin. Organic aloe, chamomile, green tea extract, jojoba and sunflowers oil work together to soothe and protect.

NATURE’S GATE
Kid’s Block Giggleberry SPF 30 Sunblock Lotion
Giggleberry? What is giggleberry?! It’s this really funny smell that makes kids laugh. We’re not kidding! But really…this sunblock is water resistant so kids can play and play in the water without having to worry about reapplying frequently. It’s ultra-mild and gentle for young, tender skin and contains comforting botanicals and antioxidant benefits from Vitamin E.

JASON
Sunbrella’s Kid’s Block SPF 46
You heard us right…SPF 46. That’s a lot of sun protection, making it great for really active kids. It’s made from all sorts of natural and antioxidant ingredients to protect, nourish and help prevent skin from premature aging. Don’t sweat it! Literally. This one is sweat and water resistant — so let your kids swim to their heart’s content!

JASON
Earth’s Best Baby Care SPF 30+
Chemical free and fragrance free, this hypo-allergenic sun block is extra mild and safe for babies and sensitive adults. We love the fact that it protects and soothes because it’s enriched with beta glucan, oat oil and lavender extract.

COPPERTONE
Water Babies SPF 50 Coppertone doesn’t just make suntan lotion. Their Water Babies line includes several sunscreens available for kids in a lotion or spray. You can grab one of their gentle, non-irritating formulas at most every drug store. Don’t leave home without one!

Think sunscreen is your only option? Think again! Why not double up? We found an amazing line of sun protecting clothing for kids and Moms. Cabana Life combines fashion with function by offering stylish clothing with 50+ UV protection. Their cotton collection includes hats, cover-ups, tunics, shirts, and pants for boys, girls, women and expecting moms, all incorporating the High IQ technology. We love the mission and story behind the company, as well as their clothing lines. Go figure! Functional clothes that look cute!

Enjoy every bit of what summer has to offer, but be safe. Use these sun safe tips to get the most out of vacations and day trips:

Have fun!

Cabana Life can be purchased at one of our favorite online stores, babystyle.com.

One lucky Peekaboo Picks Reader will win an infant gift set from Cabana Life, which includes a t-shirt, roll up pants and a hat that all comes in a cute branded bag. Retail value is $60. Sign-up for our free newsletter by April 26th for your chance to win.