I just love when I tell people that I use cloth diapers and they scrunch their face and give me one of two replys:

A) Ewww yuck

or

B) Why?

I usually don’t really get into the why too much.  But here it is - the top five reasons why I use cloth diapers.

#5 - It’s good for the planet.  You’ve heard all the stats about disposable diapers and how long it take for them to decompose in a landfill.  I probably don’t need to refresh your memory.  Enough said, we all know that cloth diapers are better for the earth.

#4 - Washing cloth diapers is not hard.  Many people think of cloth diapers as a huge undertaking in domestic manual labour.  Let me tell you it-not-that-hard.  I keep all of the wet and dirty diapers in a Bummis bag, one in the nursery, one in the bathroom (for the dirty duds).  A couple times a week I dump the bag into the washer and then throw the bag in.  Wash and dry as you would a load of clothing.  Not so bad.

#3 - It’s better for your baby.  I don’t know too many people that wear treated paper underwear as opposed to cotton.  Do you?  Then why should your baby?  There are many debates about the chemicals present on disposable diapers.  Whether or not you believe it….why risk it?

#2 - Okay, they are cute.  Especially in the summer with a pair of BabyLegs.  You can’t not love those little diaper butts.

#1 - It is economical for those of us who lean toward the frugal (read cheap side). The money savings are unbelievable.  I say this all the time.  It’s not just the $1,000 plus you save using cloth…its all the money you save not rolling through the supermarket/super Wal Mart to pick up diapers.  Who really goes in for a package of diapers and comes out with just a package of diapers?  Not me.  Take me to the baby section and I will find something else my DD desperately needs.

And there you have it.  For all those who wonder why I use cloth diapers.

The Mommy in Charge

This my friends, is why I say that Bical Grippers and perfect for outdoor play, playgrounds, beaches, pools, pretty much everywhere.

Because they won’t look like this after a trip to the park. New leather sandals, totally destroyed.

The Bical Grippers on the other hand have been everywhere this summer. Sure they get dirty at the park but I just wash them in the sink with a drop of dish soap and good as new. By morning they are dry and ready for another rough and tough day with DD.

This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago for The Baby Marketplace, my daughter has been wearing this particular pair of shoes all spring and they are still in perfect condition! (unlike the leather sandals)

The Mommy in Charge

Winners! #27 Denise, #38 Shiana and #41 Kim - email cathy (at) thebabymarketplace (dot) com to claim your prize. Congratulations! You’ll love using Soap Nuts! Sorry for the delay in announcing the winners, I was a little sidetracked this past weekend

Why am I so nuts over Soap Nuts? In a soap nuts shell because I am a combination of being frugal and being concerned about using eco friendly products.

Did you know that for less than $20 you can do 200 loads of laundry with Soap Nuts? Yes 200 loads. Less expensive that regular laundry detergent. And natural too.

I began using Soap Nuts to wash cloth diapers and quickly realized it is cost effective to use them for everything, not to mention I don’t have to lug big containers of liquid laundry detergent home anymore. Yes, I’m a little lazy that way, I hate buying soda for the same reason.

Bonus – check out these other great uses for Soap Nuts.

Mosquito Repellent - Spray liquid onto your hands and then rub onto bare arms, legs or face. Safe and gentle to use for babies and children.

Once the skeeters arrive this summer I will be all over trying this out. Imagine not having to stink like regular mosquito repellant, better yet, not dousting your kids with chemicals.

Liquid Hand Soap - Fill a regular or foaming pump bottle with the liquid and use to wash your hands. Also consider adding some tea tree oil to make your hand wash a tea tree soap.

Shampoo - Use the liquid instead of your regular shampoo.

All Purpose Cleaner - Keep the liquid in a spray bottle and use to clean the bathroom, kitchen, floors etc. Add a few drops of essential oil if you prefer a different scent. I do this and it works great. I use tea tree oil for the scent.

Window and Glass Cleaner -Fill a spray bottle with 2c. water, 1Tbsp.vinegar and 1Tbsp. soapnuts liquid. Spray and wipe windows or mirrors clean. Polish with a dry cloth or newspaper.

In the Dishwasher -Fill the soap dispenser with the liquid.

BTW –They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal. They are actually not nuts at all. I am, but I digress.

Win, win, win. Three lucky winners will receive a 100g bag of Soap Nuts (enough for 60 loads of laundry) and a muslin wash bag.

How to enter:

• Leave a comment.

Extra Entries:

• Twitter the giveaway (leave a link on comment entry)
• Blog about this giveaway (leave a link comment entry)
• Subscribe to The Baby Marketplace newsletter

Contest ends: June 19, 2009

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The Mommy in Charge