Google+ Adventures with Baby Boo Bear: September 2013

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Tushie Talk Tuesday: Stripping with Blue Dawn

Yeah, yeah.  I know it's not Tuesday...again.

Things have been crazy around here the past few weeks and unfortunately my poor little blog has been neglected!

I had to write this post even a few days late because every cloth diapering Mama NEEDS this info!

Tushie Talk Tuesday: Stripping with Blue Dawn

Yup, that's right.   You CAN strip your CD with dish soap.  It is also the best dang stripper you can use!

I've had a couple diapers lately that no amount of soaking in Rockin Green, Funk Rock or RLR could cure....

I've read lots of blogs, articles, etc. that suggest Blue Dawn works wonders.  Desperate and not quite willing to bleach the diapers just yet I decided to give it a shot.

Holy.  Freakin.  Moly.

The diapers are like new.  No smells, not stains (well some time in the sun is to thank for that also), nothing.  Zip.  Nada.

So.  You want to know how right?  Easy peasy.

1.  You must use BLUE DAWN.  Not apple scented, not unscented yellow.  Blue Dawn.  Don't know the science behind it....don't care.  it works.

2. Your diapers have to be clean.  Do a regular wash (you can skip the first rinse if you want - I did it just to be extra sure they were clean but skipped the second rinse).  Use your normal washing detergent.  They don't have to be dry - just clean. 

3. Add Blue Dawn.  For top loaders add 1 TABLESPOON, for front loaders add 1 TEASPOON.

4. Wash with lots of water

5. Rinse, rinse and rinse some more!  Keep rinsing until the suds are gone.  I needed 2 extra rinses and I have a top loader.  You may need more for a front loader (or top loader depending on the amount of agitation your washer provides). 

That's it!  You are welcome ;)

Some companies warranty may become void when using alternate cleaning solutions (blue dawn, bleach, etc.).  If you are concerned about the warranty on your diapers consult with the company prior to washing.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Homemade Baby Play

Emmett has hit a stage where his attention span is about 30 seconds long. As soon as you put him on the floor to play he beelines for the first non-toy he can find.  This includes tables, furniture, curtains, walls, etc. 

Despite the dozens of toys he has (per room) not much holds his attention right now. 

Enter PINTEREST!

There are so many great resources available through this site that it was hard to choose which to try first!

While I have a list of about a dozen activities I am going to try (and I will blog about them of course) I picked these two first because I had all the materials at home.

#1:

Original Pin - Coloured water in ziplock bags.

This pin just links to a picture but the instructions are in the comments.

Super easy!  Add about 1/4 cup water to a medium sized Ziploc baggie.  Add a few drops of food colouring until desired colour is achieved.  Zip bag closed.  I taped over the seal for added protection!

That's it! 

Emmett loved squishing the bag around!
 
Emmett seemed to enjoy this activity.  It was the first thing he hasn't tried to put in his mouth for awhile!
 
I also tried making one with dried beans in it to add texture.  The difference didn't faze Emmett much and the next day the beans were soft so the bag had to be thrown out.  I'd suggest just using water & colour.
 
# 2:

Original Pin - Ice Cube Painting

This activity has so much potential for fun!  I don't think Emmett was quite old enough yet but he still seemed to have fun....he definitely enjoyed licking the coloured ice!

This was very easy.  Fill an ice cube tray with water.  Add a few drops of food colouring.  Freeze.  Give to baby! 
 
We tried this twice.  Once outside.  FAIL.  It was so hot that the ice quickly melted resulting in a very colourful and wet Emmett.
 
The second time was a rainy day and I had some cubes left over.  I stripped him down (do this...seriously don't skip this step!) and plunked him in his highchair.  I put down a disposable table cloth from the dollar store under his chair to protect the floor (I'd recommend not skipping this step also). 
 
This was much more successful than the first time. 
 
I gave him a piece of paper to "colour" which he didn't have as much interest in.  Once I removed it and just let him play on his tray he had a lot more fun....
 
I still kept it for the fridge...such a Mom
 
It kept Emmett busy for around 30 minutes.  We had quite the mess afterwards but it was worth it.
 
Also, Cloth Mamas....put a sposie on for this.  Trust me.
 
These activities were a lot of fun and a nice break from the normal.
 
I have two more activities ready to go for this week!
 
 
On a totally unrelated note: I returned to Girl Guides as a leader last week!  I was a Brownie leader at the same location for 7 years and took a break 2 years ago.  I had such a great time at the meeting last week and am so excited to be back.  I needed the break but I'm refreshed and full of new ideas!  Expect some Girl Guide updates/craft ideas on the blog periodically now as well!
 
I bought these slippers at Walmart a few days ago because they spoke to my inner Girl Guide...hehe...I can't wait to wear them to camp in a few weeks!  Emmett likes them as well!
 
 
 
Have you tried any sensory activities with baby?
 
Were you ever a Girl Guide/Scout?  For how long?
 



Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Tushie Talk Tuesday: Destashing

Don't worry I'm not falling off the cloth diaper train!  Quite the opposite in fact.  My stash is OUT OF CONTROL.

Seriously, for one kid we are pushing 75 diapers (it may be more I won't count....afraid).  I just can't help it! 

I've thought about it before but every time I do I can't decide which are my favorites.  Even though most days I can tell you which I do and don't love anymore.

I think I've decided I am going to destash my original Glow Bugs.  As much as I love them I love my newer Glow Bugs even more.  The rest have fallen to the bottom of the storage system.

There are a few others that I have to talk myself into parting with that fit Emmett well when he was smaller but aren't a great match right now.

And as I sit here typing this I think....but what if I need them for our next child?

Oh great, here I go again!!

How many cloth diapers do you have?

Do you destash less loved diapers or keep them for potential future children?