Make Your Own Bug Spray

It's that time of year.....summer and that means bugs! I tried this recipe for bug spray/insect repellant and I love it!  It smells wonderful and it really does work.  We live near some woods, and frequently go hiking.  The one day my husband went out without this spray on, he got 2 ticks!!

- 1 part distilled water
- 1 part witch hazel
- 15-20 drops of each essential oils (there are several that can be used, these are my favorites)
lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree.  You could also choose cinnamon, citronella, rosemary, clove,  or rose geranium. 

Happy Summer!

Cloth Diaper Wipe Solution

I haven't posted about cloth diapers in quite some time. 

I have changed my preferences a bit since I first started out.  I now prefer diaper covers with an insert that I can change throughout the day.  I used to prefer pocket diapers.  At that time I thought it was too complicated to have separate covers and inserts, I wanted simplicity so the pocket diaper was simple.  Now, that I have been cloth diapering for a number of years, I like the covers because I only need 1 or 2 covers per day.  I just change out the insert when wet or soiled.

I have also changed the way I make my cloth wipes.  This is my current recipe (subject to change without notice!):
-2 cups water
-1 Tbsp liquid castile soap
-1 Tbsp olive oil or grape seed oil
-10 drops tea tree essential oil
-10 drops peppermint essential oil

I mix it all up in a squirt bottle and keep a stack of dry cloths on my changing table.

Happy diapering :)

Cloth diaper update

I wrote last spring about our switch to cloth diapers. We are sill going strong! My youngest will be turning 1 next week, so we have been using them for about 7 months. That's big savings!! The diapers we chose are "All in Ones" or AIO diapers. This means that they do not have a separate diaper cover. They are also "pocket diapers" there is a slot to insert a liner, or a couple liners for overnight. I like that I can choose the absorbency as I need it for different situations. The above is an open diaper, the brand is Rumparooz. I particularly like the inner gussets in these diapers, they prevent leaks and blowouts!

The above picture shows how this type of diaper grows with your baby. All the snaps are undone, so this is sized for a large baby or toddler. To make the diaper smaller, you snap down the front of the diaper so the rise is lower and the leg openings are smaller. I love that we only need ONE size diaper!! It is true that they grow with your baby!!!


This picture shows the "pocket" with a liner inserted.


Here is my little man modeling his Bum Joy diaper!


Diaper with liner.


This shows the diaper snapped down for a newborn. Again, I can't say enough how much I like that they grow with your baby!


This is a Bum Joy brand diaper, sold on Etsy.

I have learned quite a bit about cloth diapers over the last few months. I'm sure that other mamas will have different opinions about some things, but hopefully this will help you decide which kind of diapers you will like. I like diapers with snaps and not velcro. I don't like that the velcro seems to stick all the diapers to each other in the wash. Other parents like the more custom fit that you can get with velcro vs. snaps. I like the fleece liners vs cotton liners. The fleece has microfiber on the inside for absorbency. Fleece does not feel as wet against the skin as cotton and seems to be more absorbent. I know that some will prefer a natural fiber such as organic cotton or wool.

As for cleaning the diapers, at first I was worried that I would be spending all my time washing or scrubbing diapers, but it isn't so! It has been so much easier than I thought. We have a diaper pail that sits on top of the washing machine, it is literally a bucket (like one that would be used to mop your floors). I just throw the diapers into the pail all day long. I do not pretreat or soak diapers. I do knock any solid waste into the toilet first before putting them into the pail. I haven't invested in a sprayer yet, but you can buy a sprayer that attaches to your toilet that can be used to spray off any solids that are stuck to the diapers. Each night before going to bed, or after my kids are in bed, I throw the diapers into my washer on the heavy cycle with regular detergent. If I'm still up when the wash is finished I will throw them in the dryer, otherwise I dry them first thing in the morning. There is no folding for me, as I just throw them in a basket once clean!

I'm still convincing my husband to also use cloth wipes, but I'm sold. It is just as easy to use cloth wipes once you are using cloth diapers, they go in the diaper pail and in the same wash load. I have flannel wipes that go right in the basket with my cloth diapers, I have squirt bottle of cleaning solution that I use to wet them right before I use them. You can make your own cleaning solution too:

Diaper cleaning solution:
-2 cups water
-2 tablespoons olive or other oil
-2 tablespoons baby soap (liquid)
-2 drops lavender essential oil (or other based on your preference)
-2 drops tea tree oil

Happy diapering!

Discomforts of Pregnancy

Non-pharmacological remedies for the discomforts of pregnancy:

Heartburn:

• identify offending foods and avoid them
• engage in moderate physical activity
• eat apples, toast, papaya, or yogurt
• try eating smaller meals and eat slowly
• avoid soda and other carbonated beverages
• take a walk after meals

Gas:

• identify offending foods and avoid them
• lie down and do abdominal breathing
• do pelvic rocks
• avoid soda and other carbonated beverages

Bleeding Gums:

• this may be caused by increased circulation during pregnancy (other mucus membranes may also be sensitive, bleeding or running nose for instance).
• have teeth cleaned by your dentist
• increase vitamin C (oranges and citrus fruits)

Varicose Veins:

• improve circulation by walking or other exercise
• avoid standing for long periods of time
• tailor sit
• change positions often
• elevate legs
  
• do pelvic rocks
• lie on left side
• do ankle circles (do not point toes, this can cause leg cramps)

Leg Cramps:

• pelvic rocks
• squat
• sleep with legs slightly elevated
• avoid pointing toes or stretching too hard
• salt food to taste (be sure salt intake is adequate
• eat foods high in calcium
• to stop a leg cramp, point heel or stand on the affected leg
• be sure you are eating nutritiously
• get some light exercise

Hemorrhoids:

• improve circulation
• get more exercise, like walking
  
• avoid constipation
• pelvic rocks
• put feet up on a small stool while on the toilet for a bowel movement
• sitz baths
• Kegel exercise
• increase fluids

Fatigue:

• this is normal during pregnancy, but could be a sign of anemia or dehydration
• get more rest
• take a nap
• alleviate stress
• cut back on working hours if possible
• cut back on activities
• maintain good nutrition
• increase fluids in diet

Constipation:

• eat a variety of fresh or dried fruits
• drink lots of water
• eat foods high in fiber
• daily exercise
• avoid taking laxatives or straining during a bowel movement
• put feet up on a low stool during a bowel movement

Backache:

• be aware of good posture
• pelvic rock
• stand only for short periods of time
• increase calcium in diet
• walk
• take a warm bath

Weight gain:

• eat a well balanced diet, with plenty of protein
• avoid junk food
• get daily exercise