Chlorine Free at the Moment We Wish to Be.

First of all, today is my birthday. So happy year 25 to me! I'm not a big birthday person so we didn't do much today, but it was great spending quality time with my boys. What else does a wife/Mom really need anyway?

Secondly, this was a weekend involving chlorine issues. As in, Gabriel went swimming for the first time...



We did use a FuzziBunz without the insert as his cloth swim diaper, and it worked just fine. He was not into the pool. I didn't really expect him to be because he isn't really excited by baths, either.








The other chlorine issue was our switch from regular old disposables to chlorine free disposables (we only use 'sposies when Gabriel is with his babysitter, and I always leave him in cloth so we use about 4 disposables per week). As a cloth diaper family, we might surprise you that we were using typical name brand "natural" diapers, but we were. And today we bought a pack of Seventh Generation chlorine free diapers. As far as disposables go, I really like them.


Gabriel wore one this afternoon (and you can see him in the process of pulling himself up to standing-- he is really on the move trying to cruise now) so I could sort of scout it out before we sent him off to the races with them. It worked just fine, it absorbs with all natural wood pulp, and it doesn't nauseate me with perfumes. Less chemicals = happier me. So that's all good.


And that was pretty much our weekend. I hope you all had some fun in the sun with or without chlorine, too!

A Post in Which I Kick Myself.

I've been postponing the purchase of Gabe's first cloth swim diaper. He grows like a weed. I told myself-- at the end of May, weigh him and order one so he can debut with the pools. But did I order a swim diaper? No.

So yesterday and today I spent my afternoon attempting to find a place that first of all has any swim diaper in my son's size-- pretty much every cloth diaper baby boy in America must be between 21-30 pounds right now because just about every diaper for my almost 22 pound son is sold out. And then, ya know, I tried to find a diaper that I think is cute. And oh, we need this diaper, mmmm, Saturday... so how 'bout affordable 3 day shipping.

I guess maybe more than anything this little neglecting to order a swim diaper in a timely fashion is just a reminder that I am always behind anymore. I got so excited that I finally got the piles of clean laundry in our bedroom put away, but it doesn't take long for other things to start piling. I know it's mommyhood, but I wish I could keep up and keep a Martha Stewart-worthy home. More than anything, I just want a darn swim diaper solution. (If that's my biggest issue in life right now, I know I have it pretty good.)

So this post is a lament. And a call for help. Anyone have any swim diaper suggestions asap?! I pretty much refuse to buy a disposable swim diaper.

Fun in the Sun

Actually, fun in the sun isn't the easiest thing for a child's skin.

With the ever-looming information on climate change and the lifelong effects of sunburn in a Mommy's mind, it can be hard figuring out just what to use to keep your child safe from sunrays.



Luckily, the Environmental Working Group has compiled a list of recommended sunscreens that are not only baby and kid-friendly, but also eco-friendly. And we all know that combo makes me happy. The secret to effective, green 'screen? Ingredients like zinc or titanium.



Top choices on the EWG list?

Badger Sunscreen for Face and Body, SPF 30, Unscented.

California Baby Sunblock Stick, No Fragrance, SPF 30+.

I am yet to try these products so I cannot speak to their effectiveness just yet.
As always, consult your doctor when choosing sunscreen for your baby, especially if your bundle is under six months of age.



Other important considerations when it comes to le bebe et la sole?

(Please excuse my French.)



Hats are your friend. My little man is a fair-skinned, copper-headed hair babe, and I know my genes are not burn-friendly. I can only imagine the repercussions of leaving his head exposed outdoors.



Sleeves do not always equal sweat. Actually, sleeves on a shirt can keep heat off of your child's skin. And what better blocks the sunburn than an actual clothing barrier? Obviously, your little ones won't be sporting turtlenecks in 90 degree weather, but consider light layers when possible.



Be shady. Take some time for shade-friendly activities under the trees like blowing bubbles, reading a book, playing charades, or dancing. If you are using a baby pool for a child under two, try to place it in a shady spot of your yard.




P.S. Gabe is now obsessed with grass.