ALL ABOUT CLOTH DIAPERS CANADA

Baby will require 7500 or more diaper changes from birth to potty training.

Before I had my first baby, I decided on cloth diapers because of economy, but I had visions of myself steaming a kettle of diapers on the stove in order to sterilize them.  I struggled to find a way to fold the square cloth diapers that were standard equipment at the time.  Now the prefolded diapers have taken the work away from folding, and after four children and 36,000 diaper changes, I’ve learned that there’s nothing mysterious or scary about washing diapers either.  (Actually, I learned that after the first month into my diaper-changing career!)  My husband changed cloth diapers too.  With the Velcro closures on diapers and Nikkys, he didn’t worry about poking baby with a pin.  We used the laundry method described on the next page.  Like all parents, we have a busy schedule but with the modern-day convenience of automatic washers and dryers, it takes no more effort than pushing a few buttons to do a load of diapers.

Here are some of the common questions parents have asked us, about diapering.  Hope you find it helpful,
Grace

HOW MANY CLOTH DIAPERS DO I NEED?

Even if you wash cloth diapers every day, you should have at least 3 dozen diapers, preferably 4 dozen.  If you buy less than that, they’ll wear out from the frequent washing, before baby is potty trained.

WILL MY BABY GET DIAPER RASH IF I DON’T STERILIZE THE DIAPERS?

Normally, hot water washing and thorough rinsing will leave your cloth diapers sanitary.  Of course, common sense prevails—a health nurse phoned to tell us her concerns about rinsing cloth diapers in the toilet.  She explained that if the toilet is not kept reasonably clean, it is better to use a separate bucket for rinsing diapers.  Apparently some of the homes she visited had very poor housekeeping habits.  The biggest cause of diaper rash is simply leaving baby in a wet diaper too long, so that the rash-causing bacteria have a chance to multiply in the warmth, darkness, and dampness.  If you are in doubt about the sanitation of your cloth diapers, use 175 ml of vinegar in the final rinse.

SHOULD I USE A PURE SOAP, LIKE IVORY SNOW, ON CLOTH DIAPERS?

We don’t recommend ever using pure soap (as opposed to detergent) on cloth diapers.  Many customers have told us about the problems which have resulted from using pure soap on cloth diapers.  One customer told us that using pure soap had plugged up their farm septic system and that the man who did the clean-up told her not to use soap again, and to switch to detergent.  Some customers have had the hoses on their washing machines clog up because of the soap residue.  Customers have sent us cloth diapers to look at which have actually become water repellent because of the waxy build-up of soap residue.  (Ivory Snow is recommended for Nikky pant laundering, because it helps maintain the waterproofing.  Use Ivory soap flakes, not Ivory Snow liquid–the liquid is a detergent, not a soap.) In one case, the customer had hard water, and the soap had not rinsed out but had actually formed “curds” inside the cloth diaper layers!  If you insist on using soap, despite all this, then use soap with 1/2 cup of washing soda (Arm & Hammer washing soda is one brand, found in the laundry detergent section of any grocery store).  In hard-water areas, rinse first with 1/3 cup of washing soda to eliminate soap ingrained from previous washings, or a curd may form.  If curds form, use 1 1/2 cup of white vinegar to eliminate them.

WHAT CAUSES THIS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOAP AND DETERGENT?

According to the World Book Encyclopedia, “The most important feature of detergents is their ability to clean effectively in hard water.  Hard water contains certain minerals, and many soaps cannot be used to launder in it.  Such soaps react with the minerals to form a substance called lime soap or soap curd.  Lime soap does not dissolve, and so it is difficult to remove from fabrics and other surfaces.  It also causes bathtub ring.  Detergents do not leave such deposits, and they also penetrate soiled areas better than soap does.  The chief ingredients of soap are 1) fats, and 2) chemicals called alkalis.  Manufacturers may use animal fats, or such vegetable oils as coconut oil or olive oil.  Most soapmakers use sodium hydroxide (often called lye, or caustic soda) as the alkali.”

SHOULD I USE FABRIC SOFTENER ON CLOTH DIAPERS IN CANADA?

No, fabric softener leaves a coating on the fibres in the cloth diaper which will decrease absorbency in the cloth diaper.  Also, fabric softener has been found to cause an allergic rash on some babies.  Fabric softener is not necessary if you don’t overdry your cloth diapers.  If you wish to use it anyway, use about 1/5 the amount you would normally use.

HOW TO WASH CLOTH DIAPERS IN CANADA
1.  Store wet diapers in a diaper pail.  Rinse soiled diapers in the toilet, using the diaper duck or rubber gloves.  No water is needed in the diaper pail if you wash within 1 or 2 days.
2.  Put cloth diapers in washer and put through a cold rinse.  (If diapers are not very soiled, you may skip this.)
3.  Remove cloth diapers from washer and fill washer with HOT water and detergent.  DO NOT USE BLEACH, IT WEAKENS THE FABRIC.)
4.  Put cloth diapers through hot wash and rinse cycle.
5.  If desired, put cloth diapers through a second rinse cycle.
6.  If you wish, add 175 ml vinegar to final rinse.
7.  Dry diapers.  If using dryer, use hot setting, but do not overdry as the diapers will not be soft.
8.  If using prefolded cloth diapers, no need to stack them.  Just take them out of the dryer and leave them in a laundry basket near the change area.

For more information on using cloth diapers in Canada please visit

http://clothdiaperscanada.net/

Grace Hope is owner of Kidalog.com

Kidalog has been serving mothers across Canada for over 25 years.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/all-about-cloth-diapers-canada-1785575.html

Using a moisture alarm is one of the most preferred methods to stop bed wetting in children for several reasons. First, this alarm system effectively and instantly detects wetness so that a child is trained to wake up to urinate in the toilet. In effect, this device helps a child recognize the sensations that lead to urination. Second, unlike medications, a moisture alarm poses no side effect—thus it is safe to use. Third, it addresses the condition in the long run.

Moisture alarm systems usually come in either a clip-on type that attaches to a child’s pajamas or a mattress pad. As the name implies, moisture alarms sense wetness and set off an alarm to rouse the child. It works around the principle of behavioral conditioning—it trains a child to wake up and urinate in the toilet in response to a full bladder and the alarm.
If your kid has problems keeping his bed dry at night, then it is wise to invest in a moisture alarm. While this device may not solve the problem at once, it can definitely save you from the exhaustion and embarrassment that comes from your child’s condition.

Looking for a good yet reasonably priced moisture alarm? Here are five tips to help you find one.

1. Read customer reviews on the leading moisture alarm brands. The feedbacks based on actual experience of customers can give you an idea on which product can provide you with the best quality at an affordable price.

2. There are certain features you need to look for when choosing a moisture alarm. First, find out how the alarm is attached. Some alarms come with special underwear, while others are connected to a child’s underwear or pajamas. The kind of alarm you choose depends on your child’s preference. Your child may want to use his own underwear or have a built-in sensor so that he won’t have to worry about placing the sensor properly. If your child prefers to lie on the sensor instead of using it on the underwear, the best option is the pad type alarm.

3. Choose an alarm that can emit the loudest sound so that your child can easily respond. It would also be better if you buy an alarm that allows volume control.

4. Look for alarms with vibrating feature. Of course, sound alone may not be enough to wake up your child when the need to urinate arises. Vibration will boost your child’s response to the alarm. The vibration from the alarm must be the same as a gentle shaking of the shoulder.

5. If your child is a deep sleeper, you can still make good use of a moisture alarm. In that case, the parents must wake up the child as soon as the alarm sets off.  Make sure that the sound coming from the alarm is loud enough for you to hear. Compared with wearable alarms, wireless alarms produce louder sound.

Bed wetting treatment is guaranteed to be safe and effective when you use a moisture alarm. Be sure to choose the one that fits your and your child’s needs so that you can finally say goodbye to wet nights.

Get more complete tips on Dealing with Bed Wetting, visit: www.bedwetting.getmytips.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/five-tips-on-finding-the-best-bed-wetting-alarm-1736616.html

Bed wetting tends to run in the family.  To help a child to stop wetting the blankets, then it would be great to start them with some encouragement and reassurance, shaming and punishing the child may not work.  About 20% of five year olds experience bed wetting, and every year the percentage gets smaller by half.  

Some parents let their kids outgrow bed wetting, but some parents are too anxious or frustrated to keep their children dry over the night.  There are times when bed wetting could interfere with social activities like attending slumber parties and other overnight activities. It could affect the self-esteem of the child.  Teaching a child how to avoid bed wetting could require a lot of patience.  Here are some tips which could help your child to stay dry through the night.

• Talk to your child

If your child could already understand, then talk to him.  It is better to let your child  understand that you want to help him and you are not angry.  This would help your child to be more cooperative when trying new measures that will help him dry at night.

• Before going to bed

Give a child less to drink in the evening and ensure he goes to the toilet just before he goes to bed.  You could offer sips of drinks but do not give him drinks an hour and a half before bedtime. Lift the baby a couple of hours after he has gone to sleep and again before you go to sleep.  The emptier you child’s bladder is, the easier it is to get through the night.

• Muscle  and bladder control

For boys, help them increase muscle control.  You could put a tennis ball in the lavatory and let him aim, stop, then aim again.  Helping young children control their bladder may help them stay dry at night.  You could encourage them to wait until their bladder is really full.

• Encourage her to take responsibility.

Whenever your child wet the bed, ask her to help in changing her clothes and blankets.  But do not be irritated, be calm.  This could motivate the children to get up from the bed next time and go to the bathroom so they would not be changing the sheets next time.  

• The trip to the bathroom

Make it easier for the child to go the toilet at night.  Children can have fears, so make sure that there is enough light for him to see his way, you could even leave the bathroom light on or put a pot by the bed.  

• An overnight stay

You could have your child sleep in a strange bed sometimes.  You could sleep with friends or relatives that understand your child’s bed wetting.  Sometimes children get to sleep through out the night in a different house without getting wet.  This could be an encouraging experience for your child.

• Check constipation problems

The bladder could discharge urine when there is too much pressure exerted on it.  Constipated bowel could be a factor or could put pressure on the bladder. There are studies showing that 1 out of 3 children who are suffering from constipation, wet their beds.

• Stress-related bedwetting

If you think that your child is bed wetting because of a stressful even like bullying or drastic changes in the family ( e.g. new baby, death) then it is better to talk to your child first.  Make sure to retain an encouraging and helpful tone.  This would help your child get over the anxiety.

Get more complete tips on Dealing with Bed Wetting, visit: www.bedwetting.getmytips.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/simple-tips-to-avoid-bed-wetting-1731222.html

Ever wished that your child would spare you from the trouble and mess of his wetting the bed? Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be possible especially if your kid has the condition called enuresis or bed wetting. One important thing you must realize is that children don’t wet their beds on purpose—in fact, they are unable to control urine at nighttime. Despite that, you can take some steps to end your suffering, as well as that of your kid. Several techniques and treatment methods are available to control enuresis in children.

The following are some ways you can do to ensure dry nights for your child:
Home Remedies

Before you visit a doctor, you can try changing your kid’s bedtime routine to control your child’s urination at nighttime. You can make your kid pee before he goes to bed as well as right before he sleeps. Make sure that your child does not take in much liquid before sleeping.

Exercising the bladder’s ability to hold more urine can help make the nights dry for your child. Urge your kid to delay urination during daytime. This will “train” your child to release urine less often. That way, the bladder can contain more urine at night.

Moisture alarms or bed-wetting alarms are effective tools in controlling enuresis. These battery-operated devices, which are available at many pharmacies, basically alert your child to wake up when he starts to urinate. And when your child is roused, he can immediately go to the toilet and pee. Moisture alarms are connected to a moisture-sensitive pad on the bedding or your kid’s pajamas. The alarm goes off when the pad detects wetness.

Coping Strategies

There is no point in reprimanding your child when he wets the bed or rewarding him when his bed is dry. It will only make his condition worse, and both of you will become more miserable. Instead, help your child cope with his condition by dealing with it with much patience.

The number one rule for parents of bed wetters: be sensitive to their feelings. Stress is a leading cause of enuresis, so if your child is stressed out, tell him that it’s okay to express his feelings—however negative they may be. That way, your child will become more secure, which will eventually put a halt to his or her wetting the bed.

You can also make your child help with the clean-up, as this makes him take the responsibility for wetting the bed and feel more in control over the situation. For example, ask your kid to take his or her wet underwear and pajamas to a basket for laundry. Or you can make your child wash and rinse his urine-drenched clothing items.

Medication

Have you tried everything at home but to no avail? Then medication is your next recourse. The doctor may prescribe certain drugs that can stop bed wetting. These medications are formulated to delay urine production at night, improve the bladder’s ability to hold more urine, and alter a child’s sleeping and waking patterns.

Get more complete tips on Dealing with Bed Wetting, visit: www.bedwetting.getmytips.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/how-to-deal-with-a-childs-bed-wetting-a-guide-for-parents-1709037.html

One big event in your child’s development and life is potty training.  When children are physically and emotionally ready, normally between two and three years of age, you may introduce this new skill.  While all children grow and develop at different rates, it is important for you to make an informed decision regarding the right moment for your child to potty train.

Keys to Potty Training

The most important things to stress and remember with potty training are patience and time.  For most children, it will be the equivalent to a full-time job in order to learn how to use the toilet.  However, for some children, learning to use the potty isn’t as important as learning to climb, run, and talk.  Those who resist potty training may take as long as three to six months to master the skills needed.

Indicators for Potty Training Readiness

There are many indicators that let you know when your child is ready for potty training.  These indicators include following simple directions, remaining dry for at least two hours at a time and after a nap, having predictable bowel movements, or discomfort with soiled or wet diapers.  

Also, some verbal indicators exist for potty training readiness: asking to use the potty, asking to wear underwear, and expressing an oncoming urinary or bowel movement.  Once you begin to see behaviors that indicate a readiness to potty train, you may want to consider starting the process.

If you child does not display any of these common behaviors, you should wait to potty train your child.

Helpful Steps in Potty Training

Begin by reading potty books and helping your child recognize when a urinary or bowel movement is occurring.  Then purchase training underwear for your child.  These beginning steps will help pave the way when you begin potty training.

You should show your child how to use the bathroom.  Accompany your child to the bathroom, teach your child how to wipe, and praise their successes.  Also, do not forget to teach them related items, such as proper hand washing technique.

Guidelines and Routine Tips

When you begin potty training a protective covering between the sheets and mattress will help your child prior to gaining full control.  Also, it is important not to potty train your child during another major change in your child’s life; for instance, you should not potty train your child when planning to relocate, expecting a new baby, or transitioning from a crib to bed.

A routine is also important: plan to devote several days to potty training and realize that the process may take as much as three to four weeks.  Place your child on the potty for four to five minutes right after meals and before and after napping.

GetChildCareNow is a web site service offered by ChildCareGroup.org, a non-profit 501C3 business. Please visit http://getchildcarenow.com/ for more information regarding quality daycare services in the Dallas area.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/dallas-childcare-information-potty-training-1629315.html