Diapers 101 – Cloth vs Disposable

There are many things that come along with becoming a parent. One thing that you will be doing a lot of for the next few years is changing diapers. Babies need diapers, so you are likely to be thinking ahead about what kind of diapers your baby will wear once he is born. The two basic categories of diapers are disposable diapers and cloth diapers. There are pros and cons that go along with each of them, and you will have to make a decision based upon what you feel is best for the needs of your family. I wanted … Continue reading

Detergents for Cloth Diapers: How to Get Them Clean and Preserve the Fabric

Do you have a diaper service? If not, and if you choose cloth diapers, you will enter the world of laundry in a big way. Never fear, though – cloth diapering is much cheaper than disposables, and the extra work of laundry does not need to be overwhelming. The first order of business is to get those diapers clean. Diapers do get dirty. I have never demanded perfect whiteness from my diapers. In fact, we got unbleached diapers, a reassuring cream color that did not show stains as easily as a bleached cotton diaper. Cleaning diapers is a fine balance … Continue reading

When You Can’t Stand To Change One More Diaper

Imagine yourself standing before the changing table. Your baby squirms and coos. It is a familiar routine for the both of you. You could probably change a diaper in your sleep; you’ve done it so many times. Now picture yourself standing in front of the same changing table. Your baby is now a toddler, squirming and threatening to grab his bottom, which is covered in the most putrid, foul smelling poop you have come across yet, thanks to his overindulgence in grapes yesterday. Cleaning him up is far from easy because he is determined to get up and run away. … Continue reading

Can’t Afford Your Second (or more) Baby? Here is What Some Analysts Say

Here is just another thing that the economy affects: how many babies are born and maybe even why. Many people today are deciding to delay having another baby because of a tough economy. Some feel that they can’t afford another child. In fact, after each depression or recession in U.S. history, birth rates, that is fertility rates have gone down. Sometimes these new rates become the normal. Previous to the Great Depression, for example, the average number of children per woman was three. After the Great Depression, it dropped to two, a number that is usually more “acceptable” for families … Continue reading

Frugal Living Week in Review: December 3rd through December 9th

Can you believe that it is just a few more weeks until Christmas? I have to confess that I don’t even have all of my decorations up or shopping and gift making done, yet. I hope you are doing better in that department than I am! This past week, we have had plenty of holiday articles, from decorating to gift giving ideas, all crafted with tips to save you money this season. Here is the Frugal Living blog week in review for December 3rd through December 9th December 3rd Free Land In the heart of American, towns from far and … Continue reading

It’s “That Time of the Month” to Save Money

Last spring I went to a local craft fair. As I perused all of the goodies, I saw a booth that was especially charming. They had darling little baby clothes, purses, cloth diapers and cloth wallets. (Okay, at least that’s what I thought *they* were). I picked up the cute little “wallet”. “This is neat”…I said to the woman who created it. “How does this work?” I asked, thinking it was a unique checkbook holder or makeup purse. “It’s a reusable menstrual pad”, she replied. “Oh…wow.” I set it down quickly. I am too old to be embarrassed by “that … Continue reading

Let’s Talk About Offsetting the Financial Squeeze of Parenting

What every parent-to-be needs is a list of inspiring ways to assure them that their new little bundle of joy won’t suck dry the retirement fund. Well, I can assure you that you don’t have to be a millionare to raise a family comfortably. Here are the ways our family does it: Tax Credits The federal government has created ways to ease parents’ burden via a tax bill signed into law in May 2003 that gives parents a larger tax write-off on minor children. The child tax credit is now $1,000 for each child under age 17, as long as … Continue reading

$30 off your Huggies purchase of $99

We liked to use cloth diapers at home when mine were little. The feel of the soft cotton that had been dried in the wind on the clothesline was just lovely. What wasn’t so lovely was changing the babies every 45 minutes. I sure was glad that disposables were around when were going out somewhere! They were a real treat. For moms who are working outside of the home with babies in daycare, they’re more a necessity. If you’re one of the many mothers using disposable diapers (or if your child is wearing Good Nites), this deal will be very … Continue reading

Diaper Rash: What it is and how to deal with it

A diaper rash is any skin irritation in the area where the diaper goes. Pretty much all babies and toddlers are susceptible to diaper rash, but those on any form of antibiotics are going to be very susceptible to fungal and yeast infections. Here is the break down on the different types of diaper rash and their symptoms. Chafing dermatitis – there is redness where the friction is greatest, but the baby is in no discomfort and it’s usually caused by moisture rubbing in the area Atopic dermatitis – the area is red and it is itchy and it is … Continue reading

Diaper Bags – What Are You Looking For?

The diaper bag is the mom’s best friend when she has a baby in her life. The diaper bag is the ultimate storage device and carries just about everything you are going to need for your baby when you are out and away from the house. Still, buying a diaper bag can be harder than finding the right crib, changing table or playpen. So if you’re still looking for that right one or you’re considering picking one up for someone as a baby shower gift – here’s a few questions to answer to help make the decision easier. What size … Continue reading