Today's Dear Boston Mamas query comes from Sarah via the Boston Mamas Facebook page (congrats on your impending arrival Sarah!). Boston Mamas contributing writer Jennifer (a North Shore mom of twins) kindly is fielding Sarah's question:

Hi Boston Mamas. We live north of Boston, but I was wondering if you have any resources on finding twin classes, of any kind, and/or cloth diaper information/classes. We have a 21-month-old now and twins on the way in April. Thanks in advance!

Continue reading "Dear Boston Mamas: North Shore Resources" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Dec 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Childcare & Education; Diapers & Potty; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail

Since Violet's birth, I've developed a bad habit of waiting until the last minute to restock on disposable diapers. So I've been thrilled with Diapers.com, which I've ordered from twice so far. The site offers many things other than diapers, but I've used them to replenish my Seventh Generation diapers and wipes. And since I'm keen on garnering online shopping discounts and free shipping: 1) via Retail Me Not I found a coupon code (FIVEAFF) for $10 off my first order; 2) Diapers.com has a loyalty program offering $5 off every case of diapers purchased; and 3) if you spend over $49 (not hard with diapers and wipes), shipping is free, which brings the SG diapers to a very competitive 25 cents/diaper. Both times I've ordered, the diapers have arrived the next day -- perfect for this procrastinator!

Posted by Christine Koh on 3 Aug 2011 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living

Carole Arsenault of Boston Baby Nurses has been sharing her wisdom as a regular contributing here at Boston Mamas for over two years, so when she told me she was writing a book, I was thrilled. And Carole's book -- The Baby Nurse Bible -- does not disappoint. In fact, given the sea of information parents typically are overwhelmed by, this book is particularly refreshing in the tangibility of scope (it's just over 300 pages) while covering an impressive amount of information.

Continue reading "The Baby Nurse Bible" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 6 Apr 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Development & Behavior; Diapers & Potty; Eco Living; Feeding & Nursing; For Grownups; Pregnancy & Postpartum

As someone who practices yoga regularly at home, I am -- unfortunately -- frequently reminded of my negligence in the vacuuming and sweeping department. And realistically, I just don't imagine improving on either of these chores once our baby arrives in March. So that's why I dig Oshi Mat. Currently available in four super cute styles, these recyclable foam mats are cushy, eco-friendly, bacteria resistant, easy to clean, and simple to tote (lightweight tote bag included). Instead of fretting about the fuzzies on one's rug, the inevitable and unidentifiable floor bits at mommy and me classes, and/or the pet hair on the rug at the in-laws, you can simply enjoy rocking tummy time with your baby. And who knows -- maybe these chic mats will even lift your spirits during those frequent diaper changes; I'm certainly going to give it a try.

Posted by Christine Koh on 8 Nov 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living; Gear

In the last few years, it's been fantastic to watch the evolution of cloth diapering (we cloth diapered Laurel in her first six months with traditional diapers, liners, and covers that were a tad challenging to keep in place with our squirmy one). And it's especially fantastic that there are stores such as Somerville-based Diaper Lab that are committed to educating parents about the ease and green goodness of modern cloth diapering via free in-store workshops and an online shop replete with diapering products as well as slings, diaper bags, nursing products, and other goodies. As part of my Boston Mamas Fourth Birthday Giveaway Series, Diaper Lab generously is gifting one lucky winner with a GroVia diapering set that includes the GroVia Experience Package + BioSoakers ($83 value). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Friday, July 16, to enter to win.

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Diaper Lab" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 15 Jul 2010 | Permalink | Comments (94) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living; Local; Retail

If you’re looking for ways to improve the eco-friendliness of your diapering routine, consider the bamboo baby wipes and diaper rash ointment by locally operated Bum Boosa. Today, Jules and Evadne share a joint review of these products. Read on for their reviews, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a Bum Boosa gift basket (entry closes at midnight, October 23):

Continue reading "Bum Boosa Bamboo Baby Products" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 21 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (19) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living

Today, guest contributor Robin shares a review of cloth diapering covers and doublers from Bumkins. Read on for Robin’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a diaper cover from Bumkins (entry closes October 15):

Continue reading "Cloth Diapering With Bumkins" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 13 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (6) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living

This may sound a little odd, but having diapered Laurel with basic rectangular cloth diapers + liners + covers (which proved more challenging to negotiate as Laurel grew older and squirmier), I experience a bit of diaper envy when I see the fabulous all in one's on the market. And lovely for those who wish to try, or already are, cloth diapering, for our 3rd birthday party eco boutique Global Enfant is offering a Baby BeeHinds cloth diaper gift pack that includes three diapers (one hemp, one bamboo, one magic all), one cover, and one wetbag (retail value: $91). Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Thursday, July 16).

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Global Enfant" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 15 Jul 2009 | Permalink | Comments (96) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living

I’m honored to share the link for my UNICEF guest blog post, in which I describe how my interactions with UNICEF and Pampers turned me from skeptic to believer. It certainly is ironic that the in-person interactions made such an impact on someone who lives and breathes online media, and I can only hope that my reports do justice to the events and thus possibly inspire action for others. It truly is a privilege to share my story alongside the other amazing reports on UNICEF’s Field Notes blog.

Posted by Christine Koh on 3 Mar 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Web (Admin)

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Moms’ Buzz shares tips for helping kids with big and messy handwriting. And you could win: a personalized World According to Your Child kit and book at MomFinds, and a one-year supply of diapers and wipes from The Bump.

Posted by Christine Koh on 27 Feb 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys; Development & Behavior; Diapers & Potty

Following my previous post on the Pampers/UNICEF press conference, here is a transcript of the small group interview, during which I had the pleasure and honor of chatting with Salma Hayek along with Isabel Kallman (Alpha Mom), Nicole Feliciano (Momtrends), and Lauren Passell (Parenting). We talked about everything from the “1 Pack = 1 Vaccine” campaign, to the loneliness that motherhood can bring, to daughter Valentina’s favorite books and lovey. We also were privileged to have Caryl Stern (President and CEO of UNICEF) in on the conversation.

Continue reading "Chatting with Salma Hayek" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 9 Feb 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Family Issues

This past Thursday (when I was absent from posting…) I had the honor of attending a media event in New York, during which Jodi Allen (VP of North America Baby Care, P & G), Caryl Stern (President and CEO, US Fund for UNICEF), and Salma Hayek (actress and Pampers/UNICEF campaign spokesperson) announced the relaunch of the “1 Pack = 1 Vaccine” campaign to eradicate maternal and neonatal tetanus. Read on to learn more about the campaign and press conference; in my next post I’ll share the transcript from my small group interview with Salma Hayek.

Continue reading ""1 Pack = 1 Vaccine" Relaunch" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 8 Feb 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Web (Admin)

Got an eco-minded mama to gift this holiday season? The limited edition Wee Generation eco-diaper bag is constructed from fabric made of 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles, includes accessories such as an insulated feeding tote, changing tote, changing pad, and bottle holder, has plenty of pockets and compartments for organization, and is loaded with eco-friendly goodies. And for our 8th installment of Giveaway Goodness, Wee Generation will gift one lucky reader with this fab bag (valued at $200)! Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win. And if you don’t win the bag, consider buying it; you’ll support Healthy Child Healthy World with the sale.

Continue reading "Giveaway Goodness: Wee Generation" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 8 Dec 2008 | Permalink | Comments (202) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living; Gear

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

For a serious dose of cuteness, check out The Bump’s Halloween photo gallery. And you could win: a Two Tinas personalized blanket & bodysuit at MomFinds, a pair of Fashion Bug Right Fit Jeans at One Chic Mama, and an Ubi baby changing table at Coochicoos.

Posted by Christine Koh on 31 Oct 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gear

We've long been fans of cloth – whether in the form of diapers, napkins, or handkerchiefs – so it’s no surprise that I love the concept of Bummas. These eco-friendly 5 x 7” velour terry cloth towels can serve to wipe your kid’s runny nose, messy meal face, or sudsy bath body, but they’re particularly excellent at the diaper table. Also handy for pee spray prevention with baby boys, you can use Bummas with water in place of wipes, and/or take advantage of the super soft side to pat baby dry and prevent diaper rash naturally. I’d just recommend color-coding based on usage so face and bottom cloths stay separate.

Want to win a 10pk of Bummas*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Bring On The Bummas" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 20 Oct 2008 | Permalink | Comments (13) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living

Today, Kristin recommends craniosacral therapy for kiddie constipation relief:

“If you told me 20 years ago - in my riot girl days of bartending, dancing for two companies, traveling through Europe, etc., etc. that one of the main conversations in my life would be about poop, I would have laughed hysterically in your face. And now, here I am, deeply entrenched in poop (or lack thereof) talk.

Continue reading "Craniosacral for Constipation" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Sep 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Diapers & Potty; Eco Living; Local

Today, Heather reviews the hybrid diapering system gDiapers. Read on for her review, as well as to learn how to win a gDiapers Starter Kit!

“I’m all about convenience, which at times is in direct conflict with my efforts to raise an eco-friendly family. I confess to using disposable diapers on my triplets, and this decision was based solely on convenience. At 19 months we go through about 21 diapers a day (about 7,665 diapers a year) and I continue to struggle with our contribution to the nation’s landfills.

Continue reading "Hybrid Diapering" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 22 Sep 2008 | Permalink | Comments (5) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living

It’s never too early to start incorporating green habits into your routine, and babies – with their perfect, delicious skin – offer excellent inspiration to live naturally. To get you started, today, Seventh Generation contributes to our online birthday party with their Natural Baby Starter Kit. This eco-friendly gift set includes chlorine-free diapers and wipes, natural laundry detergent, and a tote. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win.

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Seventh Generation" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 6 Aug 2008 | Permalink | Comments (170) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living

Earlier this year, Pampers provided 7 of my mamas with diapers and wipes to test across 11 kids from baby to preschool. The result was a thoughtful collective review on the pros and cons of various products across stages. I learned a lot from this review, and gained further insight into Pampers at their first mommy blogger meeting last week in Cincinnati.

Continue reading "Lessons from Pampers" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Aug 2008 | Permalink | Comments (5) | Filed in Diapers & Potty

One byproduct of toting reusable grocery bags is that we - thankfully - are free of that landslide of plastic shopping bags in our pantry. But it also means we no longer have those bags for toting Laurel’s soggy swimsuits. No matter - far more stylish storage is available. Wet Happened? bags are simple yet brilliant. They fold and tote easily, are eco-friendly via their washable, reusable, PVC-free construction, feature a waterproof interior and zippered end to keep wet items sealed, and are available in a variety of chic outer fabrics for the mommy fashionista. Store everything from soiled diapers and clothes to wet swimsuits to leaky bottles and sippies.

Want to win a large Wet Happened? bag?* Here how:

Continue reading "Stylishly Sealed" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 1 Aug 2008 | Permalink | Comments (11) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living; Gear

We love local mamapreneurs, and thus were thrilled to receive this tip from Aimee of Arlington: “I just checked out the new Twinkle Star baby boutique in Ball Square, Somerville. It’s a cute shop and great play space for kids. I also met with Salina of Diaper Lab (she rents space at Twinkle Star) for cloth diaper ideas for my new little guy. She has a supply and sample of every cloth diaper available - what a great resource!”

Continue reading "Ball Square Baby Finds" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 21 Jul 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Local; Retail

When it comes to cloth diaper services, there’s a real supply and demand problem in the Boston area. But now there’s good news for parents who live south of the city. Sweet Pea Diaper Service is live as of this month and will swap out your soiled diapers for fresh ones for $21 - 26 per week depending on your diaper plan. Serving families in Norfolk and Bristol counties (plus parts of Rhode Island), we’re thrilled to welcome this new business as it meets both local and global needs.

Want to win a Sweet Pea Diaper Service starter plan*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Sweet Pea Diaper Service" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Jul 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Domestics; Eco Living; Local

Weekend Reading: Car & Caboodle features an LA dad who tells of his road to becoming a minivan owner. Healthy Bump chats with former nanny Deborah Smith, who offers advice on how to search for a nanny. Moms’ Buzz offers 10 tips to help parents encourage children to eat right and maintain a healthy weight. Clever Parents highlights an easy, cheesy cauliflower pasta recipe from Rachael Ray. Coochicoos features the ultimate Batman home theater set up.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Jan 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Childcare; Diapers & Potty; Feeding & Nursing; For Grownups; Gear; Home; Recipes

The former statistics guru in me would, for pure amusement, like to see how much real estate “time spent diapering” gets on a parents pie chart. And apparently, no matter how seasoned a mom you are, it’s possible to discover new information about diapers anywhere along the journey. Today, a team of my beloved mamas tested and reviewed diapers and wipes from the Pampers line. Read on for their reviews, ordered by age of youngest to oldest kids:

Continue reading "Diaper Duty" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 11 Jan 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Diapers & Potty

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Good to Know: Clever Parents outlines the 15 most important questions to ask when hiring a professional organizer. Healthy Bump features an interview with a nutritionist, answering questions about holiday eating tips and sharing tasty recipes. Modern Mom describes five ways to keep relationships faithful.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 7 Dec 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Home; Solutions

You can’t go wrong gifting new parents with diapers. Reader Sharon from Henderson, NV wrote in with this tip on gifting diapers with style: “I just got [a Diaper Cakewalk diaper cake] for my friend's baby shower and it was just too cute! Everyone at the baby shower raved about what a cute idea it was, and most had never seen one before. I got the pink and brown one with the Burt’s Bees products. It smelled great, and my pregnant friend loved it; she got everyone's picture taken with the cake. This is my new go-to baby gift for pregnant friends and family!”

Continue reading "Give the Gift of Diapers" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Oct 2007 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living; Gifts & Paper; Home

Caring for babies involves a lot of stuff; problem is, new parents typically have no idea what that stuff is. So for your next shower gift, consider Baby Treasure Box, purveyor of prettily packaged baby shower gift boxes. Available themes include Eat, Sleep, Poop, and Splash, and we especially favor the Poop box (shown), which includes diaper bag essentials such as wipes, hand sanitizer, natural diaper rash cream, an extra onesie (for the inevitable on-the-go blowout), linking toys, and a super stylish, super compact Resa Design changing pad and burp cloth set. The changing pad/burp cloth sets are available in a variety of patterns; our fave is the citrus changing pad with stripes burp cloth (shown).

Posted by Christine Koh on 5 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Diapers & Potty; Feeding & Nursing

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Cool Finds: Classy Mommy has raves for the DVD Go Potty Go! (shown). Clever Parents features a demo of the Billboard Messenger Bag, recent product recall information, and a line of vintage inspired rattles and squeakers for babies. Coochicoos features the Bugaboo Bee music video. One Chic Mama showcases The Kaboost kids’ seat raiser. MomFinds is offering a chance to win a rockin’ baby sling.

Good Lookin': Babyfaces’ photo of the week features a toddler with a rather mature expression. Healthy Bump chats with Sexy Mom Expert Alana Pratt about regaining your groove.

Posted by Christine Koh on 3 Aug 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Gear

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:

Moms may find comfort in: Fat Girl Slim, a great cream from Benefit that helps smooth skin as it firms, trims, tones, and energizes (shown; from One Chic Mama); tips for how to take advantage of the freshest, most in-season produce in your regular grocery store (from Clever Parents); the style and functionality of Sara Bear diaper changing baskets (from The Stylish Child); and the serenity of an angelic baby face (from Babyfaces).

Kiddies may find comfort in: the most adorable, comfy shoes for newborns, crawlers, toddlers—and big kids, too (from SheFindsMom); Baby Jogger’s City Series Double Stroller (from Mommies with Style); Fairy Princess Designs tooth fairy pillows for boys and girls (from Classy Mommy); and the customized Bumbi Doll (from Coochicoos).

And on the West Coast… learn more about Jayneoni Moore & Renae Plant’s fashion show at BCLA (from Swanky Moms); get the scoop on Tori Spelling’s modern nursery (from Celebrity Moms); and find out whether Marc Anthony is “suffocating” J-Lo (from Mama Pop).

Posted by Christine Koh on 13 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys; Bath, Beauty & Health; Books & Entertainment; Diapers & Potty; Fashion; For Grownups; For Little Ones; Gear; Home; Solutions

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:

Put a little spring in your step with: Clever Parents’ clutter busting guide on what to do with all those shoes you have and how to make room for the ones you've been eyeing, SheFindsMom’s feature on stylish raingear for the entire family, and the Celebrity Baby Blog’s review of the new spring collection from Bumble Bags.

Also from CBB, get glowing Bridget Moynahan’s look for less. New dad Tobey Maguire opens up about his turbulent childhood and the lessons it taught him as a father, from Celebrity Moms. And check out Alanis Morrisette's hilarious cover of the Black Eyed Peas singer's hit, from MamaPop.

And last but not least, One Chic Mama’s got the latest on fashionable medical ID bracelets and necklaces. Classy Mommy previews Momzillas, by Jill Kargman (best-selling co-author of The Right Address). Coochicoos shows how lunchboxes and a booster chair get reinterpreted. And Babyfaces shows how the primping and preening starts early in their photo of the week.

Posted by Christine Koh on 6 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Diapers & Potty; Fashion; For Grownups; For Little Ones; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gear

Some might call me crazy, but last week I chose privacy over publicity when it came to the unusual balancing act that now defines my identity as an online publisher.

On Friday I was scheduled to give my first TV interview on the topic of potty training. When I first picked up the interview request, I have to admit that I was pretty excited about the potential exposure the interview could bring for Boston Mamas. The producer wanted to interview me about our potty journey. No problem. Her crew wanted to conduct the interview in my home. No problem (except for the fact that I’d have to clean the house). Oh, and they also wanted to shoot footage of Laurel on the potty.

Continue reading "Privacy Over Publicity" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 3 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (5) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Web (Admin)

With a potty-trained peanut on my hands, public restrooms are both a blessing and a curse. I’m grateful for their existence but freaked by the potential germ factor. Not to mention that our current system – I lay a (wishfully hygienic) layer of tissue on the seat, squat in front of Laurel so she can plant her feet on my thighs, and wrap my arms around her waist so she doesn’t fall into the hole – is utterly uncomfortable.

None of these issues seem to bother Laurel, but in anticipation of our travel this past weekend (i.e., exponential increase in the need to use public restrooms), I ordered One Step Ahead’s Folding Potty Seat and it was a huge success. This seat is remarkably compact folded, and unfolds to provide a sturdy, secure potty seat. The seat also has handles so your kid can hold onto those instead of the toilet itself. This travel potty, which provided me with sanitary peace of mind and Laurel with a comfortable place to go potty, is a steal at $12.95.

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Apr 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Gear

It’s the perfect pairing in a way; a mom who couldn’t possibly have prepared for what lay ahead and a mom on a mission to help parents be prepared on a daily basis. The former is Jordana Holovach, a mom who, in the face of her son Jacob’s struggle with Canavan disease (a degenerative birth disorder with severe physical and perceptual consequences), founded Jacob’s Cure to raise awareness and funds for clinical research. The latter is Stacie Mindich-Jordan, the mom behind BabyDish’s BabyBeReady Diaper Bag Survival Kit, a baby essentials tote that helps take some of the guesswork out of on the go infant care.

Continue reading "Hope In A Bag" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 14 Mar 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Gear

For chic diapering on the go, reader Sophie from New York, NY wrote in with high praise for the Rio Grande Toddler Change Pad from Pineapple Cove (shown; $50 at the amazing art and design collective Trunkt). Featuring an oversized zipper pocket to securely hold diapers and wipes, and thick padding to comfortably cushion your baby, the interior is waterproof and the pad folds from 34 x 13” to 7.5 x 13” and secures with a Velcro closure. Click here to see Trunkt’s full collection of change pads and diaper wallets from Pineapple Cove.

Posted by Christine Koh on 9 Mar 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Gear

The last couple of weeks with our new resident Pee Master have been marvelous. And Laurel recently surprised us by making a couple of unexpected solid deliveries into the toilet.

It’s only a couple of data points, but we’re wondering whether our “play it cool” approach is contributing to the ease of this new development. Despite Laurel’s clear preference to use a diaper for pooping, we decided to simply continue to offer a choice of diaper or potty when she needs to poop, assuming she’d come around at some point (plus, it’s all about having choice with her). This process has worked really well; it seems to provide some practice thinking about bodily control, and has helped avoid soiled underpants, potty regression, and constipation (from not wanting to let go in the potty).

Continue reading "Play It Cool" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 28 Feb 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Gear

What a difference a week makes.

Whether it was my shift in attitude, the time/learning factor, or an interaction between the two, Week 2 of potty training was a complete reversal from the previous week’s soggy adventures. With one or no accidents per day, a subsequent decrease in laundry, and longer stretches between potty visits, it finally feels as if the axis around which our life is spinning is moving from the bathroom.

We’re not out of the woods yet, but while it’s fresh on my mind (and since I have received some inquiries about the methods behind our madness) the following is our collection of potty training tips to date. Readers, if you have additional tips, post a comment!

Continue reading "Potty Training How To" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 12 Feb 2007 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Diapers & Potty

Coping with soiled diapers and clothing is the bread and butter of early parenting, and eco-minded parents will be happy to have Diaper Baggies in their arsenal. These disposable zip lock bags are made of recycled plastic, take up virtually no space in the diaper bag (especially compared to wads of leftover grocery bags), and offer an environmentally conscious, odor-trapping means of discarding dirty disposable diapers, or transporting soiled cloth diapers or infant clothing.

Available at HappiBaby.com, each package includes 40 Diaper Baggies ($5.49, 8 x 8", they’re currently offering a buy 2 get 1 free special); giraffe and flower designs are available and additional designs are in production.

Posted by Christine Koh on 7 Feb 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living

Yesterday I was living the phrase “roll up your sleeves and get dirty.” Literally, I spent part of the afternoon with poop rolled up in my sleeve.

After a great week on the potty train (ending with a solid, dramatic flourish on Friday night…), I was on my own with Laurel all weekend and either my timing was completely off by 5 minutes all day, or Laurel was regressing or resisting. Yesterday was no better, and in the afternoon, during a much-needed visit with my pal Paige and her sons we had two accidents in quick succession right after a potty stop.

Continue reading "Roll With It" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 6 Feb 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Diapers & Potty

I love shopping, but sometimes the New England crusty in me gets fed up with buying multiple incarnations of the same basic baby product.

We bought the Bjorn Toilet Trainer and Safe Step since Laurel tends to be a do everything like mommy daddy girl. But on Day 2 of potty training it seemed like she just wasn’t comfortable. She was squirming a lot on the seat, and her feet were just an inch or two shy of reaching the Safe Step so there was no where to plant her feet and get busy.

Continue reading "Potty Improv" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 1 Feb 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Gear

It’s a good thing we have a big bathroom.

This weekend we officially took the plunge and started potty training; life thus has revolved around finding ways to entertain our extremely busy toddler while staying close to home (i.e., our bathroom loaded with changes of underwear, pants, and socks for Laurel).

No doubt we’ll have more to report on regarding useful potty training products and strategies, but suffice to say the first item that already has provided excellent peace of mind during local errands is the previously reported on Kiddopotamus Piddle Pad. Laundry volume already is on the rise and we're thrilled to avoid having to strip the car seat regularly.

Posted by Christine Koh on 28 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty

After a very long week, the household finally seems to be turning a corner.

I’m on the mend, we’re taking control of the dust bunnies, and Laurel’s nasty diaper rash is heading to the exit. On the latter, in addition to our air out method, Triple Paste – recommended when we finally called the pediatrician – ended up working very effectively. (Unfortunately, it turned out we had misdiagnosed the yeast rash, thus rendering the antifungal treatment useless.)

Triple Paste is a fragrance-free, over-the-counter compound that includes petrolatum, zinc oxide, lanolin, beeswax, and cornstarch. This thick paste applies smoothly, stays put, and is excellent for severe diaper rash (although it's also gentle enough for preventative use or treatment of mild rashes). We picked ours up at CVS but if you have trouble finding it locally, Triple Paste also is available on Amazon; the smallest size is 2 oz. ($8).

Posted by Christine Koh on 20 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty

We were thinking about starting potty training this weekend but a gnarly, prolonged diaper rash has deterred that plan and last night left me feeling more like I was house training a puppy.

On Friday Laurel showed the beginnings of a diaper rash when we picked her up from school and it got worse and worse through the weekend. We tried all of our usual methods (including our pediatrician’s terrific remedy for yeast rashes…turns out we diagnosed incorrectly there...) and then last night I decided it was time to go au natural.

It worked out surprisingly well. I explained to Laurel that we were going to let her play diaper free for a while to air out her rash, but that if she had to pee to let me know so I could put a “pee towel” under her (I promise, friends, this is not one from our public hand towel collection) and if she had to poop, well, I wasn’t quite sure what to do about that but my vague plan was to catch it in a wipe. We spent the next half hour with Laurel running around cheerily with me trailing behind her holding out the pee towel, hoping she didn’t have an accident on the awesome shag rug. (Shallow, I know.)

I’ll report back on the effectiveness of this method, which we plan on repeating over the next couple of days, and that of another rash cream product we are trying. Meanwhile, I’m just glad to have made it out of last night’s adventure without having had to field a poop.

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Jan 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty

Cloth diapering isn't difficult (laundry aside...), but the variety of products and options, and even the basic “how to” associated with some of those products and options, can be overwhelming. Lucky for you, Joanne Sarkar, owner of Zannadu Cloth Diapering Solutions (an online retailer based out of Framingham), is running a free cloth diapering workshop this Saturday, November 4, from 10:30am to 1:00pm in the Community Room at the Morse Institute Library in Natick. You can check out, and learn how to use, samples of every major brand of diapers stocked at Zannadu. Products won’t be available for purchase, but if you are interested in seeing a particular item before purchasing from the Zannadu website, e-mail Joanne and she will bring along a sample.

Pre-registration is not required, but an e-mail indicating your attendance would be appreciated.

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Nov 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Eco Living

Style is in the details. If you’re looking to up the ante while diapering on the go, check out the Posh Pish Wipe Case ($20) at Ruby’s Kids, where humdrum Huggies wipes cases are transformed into a diapering accessory that could be mistaken for a cute clutch. Choose from a variety of designer or luxe fabrics (shown, Pink Chinatown). The case is padded and covered in your fabric choice, finished with cord trim, and shipped with a set of wipes so it’s ready to use right out of the box. Use Boston Mamas’ exclusive reader coupon code (BOSTON) to receive 10% off your order.

Posted by Christine Koh on 19 Oct 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty

The “all by self” phase, coupled with development of dressing (and undressing) skills and/or potty training, can lead to tired waistband elastics and droopy drawers for your little one.

Solve this problem in style with the Myself Belt ($14.50 at Amazon, shown in Sailboat), an accessory that promotes independence by allowing children (ages 2-6) to easily fasten and unfasten their belt on their own. These belts come in a variety of cute styles for girls and boys, as well as simple black leather ($15.50) for more formal occasions.

Posted by Christine Koh on 21 Sep 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Fashion; For Little Ones

You have to be pretty cold hearted to not feel at least a little bit bad about leaving a really nasty diaper behind at Grandma’s or in a public restroom. Prior to taking a family vacation at a small bed and breakfast (where the owners clean the rooms), my mama pal Kate was thrilled to stumble across a product called Fresh Sacks. These compact, odor neutralizing sacks offer a considerate, sanitary means for disposing of diapers in public spaces.

Available at Walgreen’s, or for $6.95 (6 boxes, 25 sacks per box) in the BabyCenter diapering section.

Posted by Christine Koh on 20 Sep 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty

A mama pal, unwilling to pay discount club membership dues in order to stock up on diapers, has found great deals through www.1800diapers.com. She reports that this online resource offers “good prices [on diapering supplies and formula], fast and cheap (sometimes free!) shipping, and accepts manufacturers coupons. Definitely a strong recommendation from us over here!”

Posted by Christine Koh on 16 Sep 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty

Our babe recently picked up a nasty little yeast rash along with what appeared to be Coxsackie virus. She was generally in very good spirits, with not much in the way of fever and just a few tiny blisters on her feet and hands, but her bum was looking pretty bad. After a couple of days of diaper treatment, combing my baby manual and the web, and consulting with a couple mama friends, I finally decided it was time to check in with the doctor.

For the most part, time, fluids, and Tylenol are the best treatments for Coxsackie; but our pediatrician did recommend a great tip for the yeast rash. Typical application of antifungal creams is limited to twice a day, thus shortening the time window that the cream can work away at the yeast rash. Our doctor suggested making a 50/50 mix of antifungal cream and diaper cream, thus allowing the antifungal cream to continually treat the yeast rash while still creating a protective barrier via the diaper cream.

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Aug 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Diapers & Potty

Canada is a great place to be a mama. Everyone has access to health care, typical maternity leave is one year, and homegrown products and resources for babies and moms abound.

One of my Canadian mama pals from graduate school pointed me to a couple of especially cool companies. Milkface.com offers a cute array of nursing clothing (check out the comfy and stylish tops!), nursing supplies, and slings. The cloth diapering products from Motherease.com also get high marks. Designed by a seasoned mom who grew tired of the cumbersome and leaky workings of traditional cloth diapering systems, the patented Motherease design offers a snug and streamlined fit for excellent function and comfort.

Both companies ship to the US and internationally.

Posted by Christine Koh on 17 Aug 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Fashion; Feeding & Nursing; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be

A mama pal from Halifax, Nova Scotia writes in about a fabulous product she picked up for her potty training son. The Piddle Pad from Kiddopotamus is a lifesaver in the car. The top side is soft terrycloth; the backing is vinyl to protect the seat and seatbelts from accidents. With one (or more) of these on hand you won’t be stuck with a babe in a soggy seat, and the major nuisance of wrestling off the car seat cover and running laundry as soon as you get home.

The Piddle Pad is machine washable (of course!) and available for $7.99 at Babies R Us or $8.99 at Amazon.

Posted by Christine Koh on 1 Aug 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Gear

While I love trundling around little boutiques on foot, sometimes one stop shopping is the way to go. Boston area mama Jeniphir Taylor-McIntire, a sales consultant for Natural Family Boutique, recently pointed me to her online store.

Natural Family Boutique offers eco-friendly products to support families from conception to weaning. The site offers Haba toys (my favorite toy line, period!) and apparel for babes, indulgent jewelry, spa, and home items for mamas, and lots of products for new parents (breastfeeding, baby care, and cloth diapering supplies, pregnancy, birth and postpartum products, books & CDs, slings). The site also offers resource material on breastfeeding, pregnancy and birth, nutrition, parenting, natural living, and activism.

Host a mama’s night out NFB party with Jenipher and get discounts and freebies along the way. Send Jenipher an email to find out more.

UPDATE 8/15/07: Sadly, Natural Family Boutique has closed its virtual doors. Please visit our category links to the left for more fabulous toy, gear, and pregnancy resources.

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys; Bath, Beauty & Health; Diapers & Potty; Eco Living; Feeding & Nursing; Gear; Gifts & Paper; Home; Pregnancy & Postpartum

Cotton diapers have obvious benefits: they save trees, lessen landfills, and cut taxpayers’ costs. But it’s tough to face the rigorous routine required to launder cloth diapers at home. It’s one thing to deal with a big baby blowout in the moment, it’s another thing to deal with it again at the laundry machine.

Enter Changing Habits diaper service operated out of Deerfield, MA. The owner, Donna Grybko, is a bit of a kooky koala bear but boy, is she committed to cloth diapers. She even arrived on our doorstep with the first delivery to give us a cloth diaper demo. We loved the service and it was reliable and efficient on all counts.

Changing Habits travels many miles to serve towns in Western Massachusetts and Middlesex County. Check the website for town listings then call to confirm that they can service your address.

Posted by Christine Koh on 14 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (35) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Domestics; Local

Think you have all the latest gadgets? The July/August 2006 issue of Cookie Magazine features a potty that looks like an iMac. The Boon Potty Bench is available for $29.99 at TargetTarget or Amazon and features side storage for supplies, pull out drawer for easy clean up, toilet paper holder, splash guard for the gents, and best of all: the “large, sturdy bench can support up to 300 lbs.” Whoa. That’s one sturdy toddler.

Posted by Christine Koh on 13 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Diapers & Potty; Gear