A blog for cloth diapering Mammas. Doing our best for our babies and our Mother Earth.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Our top ten pick of laundry detergents

These are in alphabetical order not preferance. There are many great options in detergents these are just a few that we have tried and liked and are easy enough to find.

1) Allens Naturally Laundry detergent
2) Country Save Powder (the liquid version does contain scents)
3) Eco-Max
4) Ecos
5) Mountain Green Free & Clear
6) Mountain Green Free & Clear Baby (the Ultra Baby version contains essential oils)
7) Nature Clean Liquid or Powder
8) Planet (we have used this as our primary detergent and have had great success with it)
9) Seventh Generation Delicate Care
10) Sun Free


Pocket diapers because of their synthetic fibers are more sensitive to detergent buildup than standard fitted diapers or prefold diapers. Your choice of detergent will determine how easy it is to care for your diapers. The best detergent for pocket diapers would rinse completely out of your diapers.

Detergents that contain fragrance/scent and brightening agents/optical brighteners are designed to leave chemicals on your diapers to make the diapers "appear" cleaner through your sense of smell and sight. These components of the detergent will in time buildup on your pocket diapers and lead to repellency issues. Natural detergents that are derived from soaps or have oils in them are not recommended for pocket diapers, and detergents with built- in softeners can lead to immediate diaper problems.

We made the switch in laundry detergents and use the same for the whole family. This also keeps the chemicals out of the washing machine.

Have a great day,

Marie
www.greenpixiebaby.com

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Breastfeeding if you have the Swine Flu?

Should moms continue to breastfeed if they have the swine flu?
August 2, 10:33 PM Manchester Parenting Examiner Karen Plumley

New mothers who are currently nursing their infants should continue to do so even if they have contracted the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the swine flu. This is the current recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The benefits of breastmilk for a developing infant far outweigh the risks of swine flu, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, experts interviewed in a report by the Press Association recommend continuing breastfeeding even if mom is taking antiviral medication to treat the H1N1 virus, claiming that the amount of the drug passed through to mother's milk is extremely low.
What are the Benefits of Breast Milk for Infants?
Breast milk provides infection fighting antibodies that an infant cannot get with formula. Here are a few other positive reasons to continue nursing:

Breast milk was manufactured specifically for the infant by mom.
Breast milk is perfectly balanced and easily digestible.
Breast milk is economical.
Nursing is a calming bonding experience for mother and baby.
Breast feeding protects babies from ear infections, allergies, meningitis, and a host of other serious illnesses.

Nursing helps a mother to lose the baby weight (expending at least 500 calories a day).

What Ways Can Mom Help Protect Infant from Swine Flu?
Chances are that if a mother has contracted the H1N1 virus, the baby has already been exposed to the illness. But to help protect an infant or small child from the flu, the CDC suggests following these precautions:
1. Frequently wash the infant's hands with soap and water.
2. Encourage closeness between baby and mother, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding to offer the infant antibodies: the best chance of fighting off infection.
3. Wash toys that have been shared with soapy warm water, and discourage sharing if a sibling is ill.
4. Keep pacifiers clean.
5. Cover nose and mouth with arm when sneezing or coughing.


To check the flu status in your area go to:

http://www.tamiflu.com/about/flutracker.aspx

I have a proactive preventative tip that may help reduce the spread of swine flu germs, especially if you have other older children at home, and no vaccination is necessary. My daughter learned this great program at school called Germy Wormy Germ Smart. It teaches kids to understand how germs spread and how to NOT spread them. It was so much fun for her, and amazing how quickly the kids learned healthier hygiene habits! The website speaks for itself: www.germywormy.com


Be healthy, and keep those babies healthy!

About Me

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Franklin, TN, United States
Hello my name is Marie. I have four healthy, beautiful children. When our latest blessing joined our lives in November 2008 we decided to do the best thing for her and our planet. We went the cloth diapering route. During our search for cloth diapers we found limited availability in our area. We knew that we were not the only family facing this dilemma. Together we decided that we were going to help bring the green trend of cloth diapering to Franklin, TN. So here we are! We specialize in American made cloth diapers and baby products. Spreading the love of cloth diaper fluff and American made stuff one baby at a time. www.greenpixiebaby.com won’t you join us in saving our planet and parenting green?

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