Baby

Diaper Brands Compared (Diaper Reviews)

If you have been around here long you know we love our cloth diapers. After all cloth diapers are the eco-friendly and most economical option. You are also likely to know that we had a major accident last spring that made cloth diapers without an in-home washer and dryer more work than I could take on. This sent me on a journey to find the best disposable diaper options. So far we have tried 5 brands and will likely try more.

If you are putting together a diaper cake or simply looking to give diapers to a friend at their baby shower check out what I found while trying new diapers with my youngest.

Aldi Little Journeys Diaper Review

Out of all of the diaper Brands, Aldi’s diapers are the most economical. At $10.99 a case (100 diapers in size 3- 60 diapers in size 6) these are our go-to for the two-year-old they get the job done and they do not leak these diapers do get floppy when she plays. Sadly these diapers are not the best fit for our youngest baby. Without the back, gusset breastfed baby poops end up coming out the top and all over her clothes.

At this price, if you need a reliable diaper for a baby with solid poops you can not go wrong with Aldi diapers. If you find yourself out of diapers and unable tp afford more even for the youngest babies $3.99 a pack is the best diaper deal around.

Luv’s diaper review

My brother-in-law sent a pack of Luv’s diapers leftover from when his grandbaby outgrew them. They get things done but don’t hold the messes too well. I do not like the texture or sound they make that reminds me of feminine sanitary pads.

Luv’s diapers claim to be just as good as other brands at a lower cost. I find they fall apart more and hold less, their price is only slightly lower than Pampers and Huggies so all in all you are not saving money over other big-name brands.

Pampers Diaper Reviews

These were my favorite with my oldest.

Pampers Swaddlers Review

Pampers Swaddlers was the other brand in the stash of diapers my brother in law sent over I instantly fell in love with these soft plushy diapers that felt close to our cloth diapers. I ordered more of these off Amazon because they were so soft. These are my totally worth the splurge when I see diapers solely because they are truly pampering my baby. They do not feel like diapers.

Pampers Swaddlers are one of the brands we used on our oldest before we started cloth and they have seen improvement in the past 12 years including an extended size range. Back then they were only available to size one and not nearly as soft as they are now. One part I do not like is the mesh layer that can pull up from the rest of the diaper and give baby a tiny little wedgie.

Pampers Pure Review

I am currently looking for a deal on Pamper Pure to try. If you catch a sale please let me know.

Honest diapers Review

A friend sent me a bunch of Honest diapers for my baby while I was pregnant. When I posted about them I had several friends comment to warn me their babies had reactions to these diapers. I checked the ingredients and there were no red flags. When we tried them we had no rash issues and found they contain messes well.

Huggies Diapers Reviews

Huggies Snug and Dry

I snagged Huggies snug and dry diapers last week with a great sale on Amazon. While not nearly as soft as Pampers Swaddlers these diapers inspired this post. My baby loves diaper changes. She hates being wet. To my surprise, she was upset when I went to change her with a very full diaper. A good 2/3 of the wetness indicator was blue.

Trying to figure out why she was acting different I touched the inside of her diaper. When I did so I discovered the diaper was completely dry on the inside. My baby that hates wet diapers had no idea she had even wet herself.

Huggies Snug and Dry diapers would not make the best diaper for an older child in the early stages of potty training who we want to know is wet it is perfect for young babies that do not need to know when they have a wet diaper. These can help keep babies that like to be dry comfortable.

Insanely Useful Baby Shower Gifts Any Mom Will Thank You For

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Everyone loves babies. They are cute, cuddly, and squishy. Ask a new mom and they will tell you baby smells like they just walked out of heaven. I sit here typing one handed while my newborn sleeps in my arms. I can’t remember when I last slept. Long nights, poopy diapers, and sour breast milk rule the day but, the truth is it’s all worth it. The good news is a few useful items can make life so much easier.

Life is packed with gifting moments and the more milestones and events we hit in life the harder it is to find that perfect gift. UncommonGoods is out to solve that problem by finding gifts that you will not find all over. Check out UncommonGoods for Fun gifts for Bridal Showers, Unique gifts for weddings, Amazing gifts for Anniversaries, and of course that new Baby. These gifts I found are insanely useful and any mom will thank you for them.

A teething baby can really put a damper on a busy day. Young teething babies can not grab their own teether so you have to stop often to give baby her teether. This teething mit is perfect for little ones because they can get their little hands into their mouths.

How about books for the baby that can not be destroyed? I don’t know about you but my littles can be really tough on books.

Learning to crawl can be hard on little baby knees. Every mama would love these adorable baby knee pads to help protect baby’s little knees.

Insanely Useful Baby Shower Gifts Any Mom Will Thank You For - UncommonGoods

How about a harness that can turn any dining chair into a high chair to keep your little one safe and sound sitting with the rest of the family out and about? It even fits in the diaper bag.

If you have ever had a baby you know they switch sizes often and you need to be ready with the next but keeping the closet tidy with several sizes at once can be a pain. These closet organizers are perfect to keep things tidy.

One thing I can always count on to hold up over the years is quality wooden toys. These toys are made to last through multiple children and always make it onto my gift list for the kids.

Not only can you rest assured mom down not have these gifts already you can be happy to be doing good with your purchase. UncommonGoods donates $1 from every sale to a charity you get to choose, they stock sustainable products from small manufacturers and artists. They never sell products containing leather, fur, or feathers.

Baby Gear Shopping Tips

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When it comes to baby gear each family’s needs differ. While many of us can leave some things out to save money on a new baby there are situations that won’t work. Due to my recovery from the accident we are planning a lot more gear than we usually do. Shopping for baby gear this time around reminds me of when we had our first. Trying to find things that fit our needs has been frustrating but lucky me I have the baby gear shopping experience to make it easy for me to be picky about what we are getting. Here are my best baby gear shopping tips.

Baby gear shopping tips

New parents and parents preparing for their new babies can get overwhelmed when it comes to shopping for baby gear. What you need really is determined by your families needs but some features make things easier for parents and become staples as your kids grow. Some brands are known for higher quality and products that last, and colors can be just as important if you plan to have future children.

Shopping for strollers

This is the big one for us this time around. While we used strollers extensively with our first two kids baby wearing become our thing with the younger ones. While I was hoping to find the same stroller we used when my son was born I am saddened to say that it is no longer available and I was forced to look for another stroller that is as close as I can get. I am very particular because well I learned what works well for a long term stroller and I want to meet those needs for our family. Here are some features to look for in a stroller.

Parent tray – A parent tray is vital these days. We all carry phones, keys, and many of us choose to bring water bottles along with us. A parent tray gives you a safe place to keep the things you need without having to buy extra accessories later.

Child tray – When you a start shopping for a stroller you don’t really think about what the future holds. that cute stroller with no disruptive tray blocking the view of your baby is great when they are young but when you have a toddler that wants a place to store their cup and a snack you quickly learn a child tray is vital.

Reclinable seats – If you want a stroller that is long-lasting for your family you want to look for reclinable seats. Children like to change position and if your child falls asleep you want the option to recline the seat and let them sleep while you enjoy what you are doing with your baby at your side.

Movable canopy – A movable canopy is important for blocking the hot sun from your baby. You do not want to trap hot air in with your baby by using a baby blanket for shade. A movable canopy can help protect your baby from sun and wind.

Good tires – Good tires are vital on a stroller. If you plan to do a lot of walking or going places where the ground may be uneven you want to have tires that can handle the uneven ground. We have plans for the Woodward Drem Cruise, Michigan Renaissance Festival, and Greenfield Village when our baby is a newborn so we are looking for a jogging stroller that fits our needs so it can handle the workload while being easy to maneuver in crowded places.

Car seat compatibility – If you intend to use a carrier style infant car seat you want a stroller that will work with it allowing you to snap the car seat in and start rolling instead of carrying the car seat.

Single or double? – If this is your first child you will need a single stroller but if you have two young children close together a double stroller is an amazing tool for surviving outings with multiple young kids. A double stroller was so handy when our older kids were young. This time we are getting a double stroller for use with the youngest two.

Shopping for Baby furniture

Cribs – Finding the right crib for you can be a challenge. If you have limited space look at a mini crib. These will last until your child is ready for a toddler bed but usually do not convert into toddler beds due to the smaller mattress size. Depending on your future plans you may want to consider a crib that converts into a toddler bed or even a twin bed frame. If you plan on having more children you may want to keep it as a crib for future use and buy a toddler bed later.

Basenisets and co-sleepers – If you want your baby in the room with you in the beginning without putting a full-size crib in your room you can try a bassinet or sidecar co-sleeper to keep your little one near your all night long. A bassinet is also a great option for keeping in the main part of your home.

Pack and plays – are a great option for your main living space or bedroom. With basements and changing options, a pack and play is great for both travel and everyday home use taking on the functions of several pieces of furniture. If you are limited on space or like to travel a pack and play is a great option.

Changing tables – Are great for keeping an organized diaper station. If you have a multi-floor home and go with one of these you want one on each floor. Diaper caddies are great for setting up a diaper station that can travel around the house with you. Add a changing pad for laying your baby on top of on the bed, couch, or floor so you can have the convince of changing diapers anywhere.

High chairs – A high chair doesn’t really fall on your radar until around 6 months but they need to be considered when working on your baby gear shopping list or baby registry. Look for a high chair with a removable tray for easy cleaning. The best high chairs for most homes can be folded and moved out of the way or folded to be taken to dinner parties and events outside of the home.

Shopping for a baby carrier

Baby carriers are a great way to get yourself an extra pair of hands while caring for your baby. Babywearing has been a blessing for my family over the years allowing me to keep up with the demands of life. I suggest two types of carriers a soft wrap or sling for when your baby is younger and a larger structured baby carrier that will help you enjoy physical activities from exploring the zoo to camping with your baby.

Shopping for baby toys and entertainment

Swings – Many parents rely on swings to keep fussy babies calm while they cook, clean, and take a quick shower. A portable swing is best if this is what you plan on using your swing for. I have been known to put the portable swing in the bathroom so I can take a bath or shower while baby sleeps swinging back and forth. The options for stationary swings have gotten pretty intense over the past few years. Some of the coolest once can rock side to side as well as back and forth.

Bouncy Seats – When it comes to handy things to have around the house a bouncy seat is always high on the list. These make a great quick place to sit your baby down. Look for one with vibration to help a fussy baby drift off to sleep. I am a huge fan of the infant to toddler rockers that turn into rocking chairs for toddlers. They grow with your baby and older siblings cannot break them as easily if they decide to hop in.

Play mats – Play mats are great for getting your baby to enjoy tummy time. Look for one with both floor and hanging play options to help entertain your baby. We like the ones with added toys that can come off when the baby outgrows the floor mat.

Noise machines and soothers – Babies do not do well in silent rooms after spending all that time inside their mother’s womb. One great way to deal with this is to use a noise machine or soother. Look for one that can make several different sounds so you can try different sounds to find what works best for your baby.

Teethers and small toys – There is an endless world of teethers and small toys for your baby to play with. I suggest no matter what toys you choose that you grab some of those colorful chain links. These can be used to attach toys to your stroller or high chair to make life easier on you when your baby starts throwing things back and forth.

Make your baby registry

Once you know what you want you can make your baby registry and fill it with baby gear that will fit into your family’s needs. Sign up for a registry on Amazon and get a free welcome baby box packed with full-size goodies and free samples to help stock up for your new bundle of joy.

Don’t forget while you are online to stop by and get these 12 freebies for baby.

50+ Christmas Traditions for Kids

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I love that we can make our own Christmas traditions with the kids. Neither of us really grew up with family traditions let alone ones we want to pass on to our children. Seeing we don’t do Santa that really leaves us with nothing we can pass on to our kids from our childhood. Instead of being sad we decided to embrace it. We decided to make our own Christmas traditions and to experiment a little to see what works best for our family. We have tried these fun Christmas traditions for kids.

Our favorite Christmas Traditions for Kids

1. My favorite Christmas tradition to do with the kids is a Book Advent Calendar. Out of everything we have tried I really feel like this one is going to stick around. The kids never got bored with the excitement of picking a mystery story book to read every night. We would add fun activities to go with some of the books like The Mitten to add a twist to the calendar. They never knew if it would just be a book or if the book would have instructions for another activity in it.

2. I love to bake. This time of year making helps me keep the house warm while making treats for our family. As a little girl I had some not so fond memories of being forced to bake Christmas cookies with my mom. So I don’t force it on my kids. We just do out thing and instead of decorating sugar cookies we opt to do things like fresh chocolate chip and snickerdoodle cookies. It may not be traditional but it works for our family. This is a special opportunity to bond with my kids one at a time over the holidays.

3. The long cold winter nights are perfect for using the holidays to cheer things up a bit. Christmas Eve or one of the nights leading up to it is a great time to break the monotony a bit. This is the perfect time to pull out a small gift for everyone. I like to let them each pick a gift from the pile on the winter solstice so they have something to keep them busy on the longest night of the year.

4. Volunteer as a family to serve a holiday meal to others. When we lived on a military base our whole family kids and all would go volunteer at the USO to serve dinner to the soldiers that had no family to spend the holiday with. While the kids where too young to be certified to serve the meals I would have them help me with clean up or leading and unloading while my husband would help serve.

Great kid friendly Christmas traditions

5. Baking Christmas cookies. is a favorite for most kids. They love to help decorate the cookies.

6. Homemade Christmas ornaments is a great way to build a collection fo fun Christmas ornaments you can keep for your tree or send with each child when they move out as young adults. These Christmas ornaments will hold valuable memories for your child.

7. Christmas playdough like our peppermint playdough or gingerbread cookie playdough are both great options for some fun and it keeps them busy while you get other things done.

8. Go look at Christmas lights around your neighborhood or check if your local zoo offers a Zool lights event like the Detroit Zoo near us dose.

9. Snag a copy of Polar Express book and movie so you can enjoy it as a family. When we where in Highschool my husband and I had the privilege of going on the train that was used to make the sounds for the movie. My husband even had the opportunity to drive it while they were testing the engine after repairs. You can even snag a ride on Pere Marquette 1225 for your self if you live in Michigan

10. Enjoy a candy advent calendar. You can grab one of these at nearly any grocery store right now making it a great option if you didn’t have time to great your own Christmas Advent calendar.

11. Have a scavenger hunt for the gifts on Christmas morning to make the morning even more exciting.

12. Hide a Christmas pickle on your tree when you decorate. This Christmas tradition has been passed on for generations.

13. Get an elf of the shelf if you are brave enough. Just be sure to set a reminder on your phone every night to move that elf.

14. Host a “campout” under the Christmas tree with your children and their friends for a fun sleepover.

15. Decorate the Christmas tree and add the same topper each year so when your child is grown they remember that simple consistent thing.

16. Have a movie night with snacks and your favorite Christmas movies like the Grinch and Santa Clause

Help others with your Christmas traditions with kids

17. Tired of elf on the shelf? Why not try making your elf a kindness elf that brings tasks for your child to do an act of kindness for others.

18. Write notes to soldiers to send in the mail to let them know how grateful you are for their sacrifice.

19. Gather canned goods for the needy and take them to your local food bank. If they have room for volunteers why not help sort?

20. Give old toys to the salvation army to make room for the new stuff and help earn money to help the homeless.

21. Volunteer at the soup kitchen top feed the homeless or clean up after a meal.

22. visit your local nursing home and read Christmas books to the lonely residents that don’t have visitors.

Make kids feel grown up with these Christmas traditions

23. Have your child help pick out the Christmas tree. This is a great way to make them feel involved. If you are lucky enough to have a Christmas tree farm nearby this can be loads of fun.

24. Take your child for hot cocoa at the local coffee shop. This is a great way to get a little one on one time with your kids and they love feeling grown up enough to go out for “Coffee” with mom during the holidays. Take advantage of holiday flavors like peppermint while you sip a peppermint mocha.

25. Have your child help you shop for gifts for others. This makes them feel good and teaches them the joy of giving to others.

26. Have your child help you wrap gifts. This fine motor skill practice is good for kids. Sure the gifts may not be perfect put your child can enjoy the time with you and the learning experience.

Food fun for Christmas with kids

27. Make gingerbread houses. this is one my kids love. While the gingerbread house may never actually end up looking like a house it is loads of fun and the kids are always excited to dig in. View this post on Instagram

And que the sugar rush! #gingerbreadhouse #familytime #childhoodmemories #littlehomesteadbigcity

A post shared by Jenn Gerlach (@thesimpleathomemama) on Dec 10, 2017 at 7:01am PST

28. Bake treats to take around to friends an neighbors to share some holiday cheer.

29. Make a traditional fruit fruitcake from scratch.

30. Bake pies together for Christmas dinner.

31. Why not go really old fashioned and make a popcorn and cranberry garland?

32. When I was a kid my grandma would always put fruit in the stockings. Fruit makes a great frugal stocking stuffer,.

33. Cinnamon rolls make a great Christmas morning breakfast tradition for the whole family.

34. Make a favorite side dish every year for Christmas dinner. For this is ham rolls. The only time we make them is for holidays.

Get crafty with these Christmas traditions for kids

35. Make a paperchain chain to decorate the house. Most years I buy a pre-glued paper chain set to make it easier for us.

36. Make paper snowflakes

37. Build a snowman or Snow fort with your kids. You can find sets of molds for easy snow fort brick building and use the same set when summer comes for sand castles.

38. Paint the snow with a spray bottle filled with water and food coloring or watercolor paint.

39. Craft your own homemade Christmas cards.

40. Christmas wreath crafts. I love the handprint paper wreaths for the kid’s rooms.

Have some fun with these Santa Christmas traditions

If you do Santa in your family these ideas are sure to be a hit.

41. Sprinkle Raindear food (oats) out for Santas reindeer or add carrots to the plate of cookies.

42. Leave cookies out for Santa. Don’t forget the milk.

43. Notes to Santa are a classic Christmas tradition.

44. Now you can even send notes and packages from Santa

45. Visit Santa at the mall.

46. Used powdered sugar Santa footprints behind for the kids to find.

More Festive fun

47. Interview elderly family members at holiday gatherings. this is a great way to preserve family history and make those that may feel ignored feel loved.

48. Watch your towns Christmas parade or tree lighting ceremonies.

49. Do secrete Santa with your kids.

50. Visit your local schools holiday choir and band concerts. This is a great way to support fine arts programs as well.

51. If you are really adventurous. Give hosting a Christmas party for friends and family in the days leading up to the holiday.