The Blog

DIY & Frugal Homemade Cloth Baby Wipes Solution

Homemade Cloth Baby Wipes Solution

This is a really?easy, and super inexpensive way to make a homemade baby wipe solution. I use this with cloth wipes and in conjunction with cloth diapers.

What you need:

Hot water
Baby Wash (I used the Target brand, but what ever you prefer is fine)
Coconut Oil, or Baby Oil. I use coconut oil because I love the smell and it’s cloth diaper safe plus it helps with diaper rash.
Small spray bottle (I bought mine at Walmart in the section with the travel sized items for $1)
Old wipes container to store your cloth wipes in.
Cloth wipes (I’m not a sewer so I had a friend whip mine up, they are just two pieces of flannel surged together)

What I do to make this super easy solution is:

Fill the spray bottle about 3/4 of the way up with hot water
Add one squirt of baby wash
Add one teaspoon of coconut oil, or baby oil if you prefer
Shake, Shake, Shake

Easy right?

Now when I am ready to change my baby all I do is spray his?bottom with the wipes solution and wipe the diaper area with a flannel wipe. Since I use cloth diapers I can now just leave the wipe with diaper and toss it in my wet bag. If it is a really messy diaper you may want to rinse the wipe in the same manner you usually rinse your cloth diaper before tossing it into your wet bag. It is so much easier (and cheaper) than using disposable wipes. No more digging through stinky diapers and pulling out disposable wipes before you wash your cloth dipes.

You can also pre-soak the cloth wipes in this solution as well. Just make a bigger batch and pour it into a wipes container, then add your cloth wipes and let them soak up all the solution. If you are going to pre-soak your wipes I would suggest using some Eucalyptus oil in your solution, about ten drops or so. This will keep your wipes smelling fresh. Make sure to try and use your pre-soaked wipes within three days or so, that way they won’t get moldy or funky smelling.

Terro Indoor and Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits

Blog· Giveaways· Review

~This review was made possible by Terro~

It seems every spring we have an invasion of ants. My son loves watching their colonies busy at work out on our sidewalk and porch. But somehow they make their way into the kitchen. So this year when Terro Indoor and Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits came in the mail I knew I’d be prepared!

The Terro Indoor and Outdoor kit:

These products are worth the purchase. In your Outdoor Kit you will receive 6 traps that you place strategically around the perimeter of your home. In the Indoor Kit you also receive 6 traps, you can place these in your kitchen area or anywhere you see the ants coming in.

Terro Outdoor Liquid Baits:

Best Used For: Attracting and killing all common household ants including Argentine ants, ghost ants, cornfield ants, pavement ants, acrobat ants, white footed ants, little black ants, odorous house ants and other sweet eating ants. For outdoor use, this highly effective outdoor ant bait comes in convenient weatherproof, ready-to-use ant bait stations

How Does It Work?

The key to successfully controlling ants is to lure worker ants – those that you see out marching around in plain view – to the sweet liquid ant bait, which they will consume and carry back to feed to the rest of the colony.

While the active ingredient in TERRO? Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits will ultimately kill the worker ant, it interferes with the ant’s digestive system and works slowly enough that the worker has time to get back and share the ant bait with the rest of the colony, including the queen. This slow kill is needed to allow time for the foraging ants to make several trips to the bait and deliver enough bait to the rest of the colony. This is the only way to get rid of both the ants you see and the thousands you don’t.

These traps are so easy to use! Simply pull the stakes out, push down the cup and turn 1/4 of a turn. Place the trap where you desire, then secure the bait trap with the stakes provided. It’s that easy!

Terro Indoor Baits:

Best Used For: Killing all common household ants. TERRO^? Ant Killer comes in easy-to-use, pre-filled liquid ant bait stations. Ants enter the trap, consume the liquid ant bait, then return to the nest where they pass on the bait to the rest of the colony.

How Does It Work?

This is a bait product, so initially you’re going to see more ants… lots more. Here’s why – as ant foragers look for food, they are attracted to the sweet liquid ant bait. Once foraging worker ants find the liquid ant bait, they consume it and drop what is called a “trail pheromone” back to the nest that lets all the other worker ants know where a food supply has been found. This is why you will initially see more ants when using the liquid ant baits.

While the active ingredient in the bait will ultimately kill the worker ant, it sneakily interferes with the ant’s digestive system and works slowly enough that the worker has time to get back and share the ant bait with the rest of the colony, including the queen.

This slow kill is needed to allow time for the foraging ants to make several trips to the bait and deliver enough bait to the rest of the colony. This is the only way to get rid of both the ants you see and the thousands you don’t.

The liquid ant bait station should remain as undisturbed as possible while the ants are actively feeding on it. Because this is a bait product, it is important to eliminate all other food sources in the area. This will ensure that the ants aren’t tempted to eat anything but the (deadly) liquid ant bait.

If you’re having major or not so major problems with ants I definitley recommend the Indoor Liquid Ant Baits! So simple to use, just cut the tip and place where desired….it’s that easy!

Connect:

You can connect with Terro on Facebook, and/or @TerroDeadAnts on Twiiter!

Buy It!

You can buy the Terro Indoor and Outdoor Ant Bait for $18 and $13.

I received a sample product for this review. All opinions are my own and/or my family’s, take it or leave it. Click here to view my whole disclosure policy.

Caillou Bathtime With You Review

Blog· Giveaways· Review

~This review was made possible by DHX Media~

Growing up is the greatest adventure and with Caillou your preschooler will learn how to manage everyday adventures like tying shoes, composting, how to be healthy and much more!

Discovery, learning, growing. In Caillou’s world, these things are paramount. Being 4 years old means life is full of little challenges ? and sometimes BIG ones too! Caillou meets these challenges eagerly; exploring his world, discovering new things, and often learning from his mistakes. With a focus on healthy nutrition, exercise, safety, and the environment, each Caillou episode is grounded in an everyday experience ? one that inspires children to grow emotionally as they explore the world around them. As Caillou overcomes life’s obstacles and makes healthy choices, children are inspired to do the same ? making him an everyday hero!

All-new episodes of Caillou are now airing on PBS and Sprout.

Not only is Caillou a cute show that both my girls and myself enjoy but they have a ton of cute products for kids so that they can enjoy Caillou at home. We were sent the Caillou Bathtime set to try out.

Caillou Bathtime with You – Product Details

Little ones will love bath time even more with this fun activity set. Send the Caillou figure (included) down the slippery slide. Use the larger Caillou’s hat to scoop up water and pour it in his head. Turn the swim ring and move the green fish back and forth to hear a sound. Use the net to fish the smaller Caillou figure from the water. Attach the playset to the wall with suction cups (included) for easy drying between uses.

Suggested for ages 12 months-4 years.

When you take off Cailou’s hat you can put water in that section where it comes out his mouth, like in the picture above, and it spins the green wheel below it.

Big Sis is 4 and Lil Sis is 18 months old and they both enjoyed playing with this toy. I really like that it sticks to the wall because that keeps toys out of the tub. They most enjoyed putting all sorts of toys down the slide.

We finished out our evening by watching some Caillou on tv. Such a great show for the preschooler age.

Connect: You can connect with Caillou on Facebook.

Buy It! You can purchase Caillou Bathtime With You Activity Set for $19.99. Check out the Caillou toy line available at ToysRUs.com

Giveaway Winner Entry #757 Janet W.

I received a sample product for this review. All opinions are my own and/or my family’s, take it or leave it. Click here to view my whole disclosure policy.

Bump Ahead: HALO SleepSack Swaddle and SwaddleChange Review & Giveaway

Blog· Giveaways· Review

Welcome to our Bump Ahead: An Outnumbered Baby Shower Event! We are celebrating the new lives growing inside of two of our own writers, Anne and Shay; as well as the four {yes, you read that correctly} boys growing inside of my sister in law! From May 1st through July 1st, we will be sharing some of our top baby gear picks and sharing great Baby Shower Gift ideas with you! Be sure to check back often for our latest finds and a chance at some awesome prizes!

Bump Ahead: HALO SleepSack Swaddle and

SwaddleChange Review and Giveaway

~This review was mad possible by HALO~

The more I learn about HALO, the more excited I get! ?Model Safe Sleep Practices with the HALO Safer Way to Sleep Initiative,? was started by Bill Schmid after losing a child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in 1991. Loose blankets in the crib have been replaced with SleepSack wearable blankets. For over 15 years HALO has been educating parents about safe sleep practices. HALO SleepSack Swaddle is now in 1000 hospitals!!!!

With my second child I had bought something similar to the SleepSack, but due to reflux I was unable to use them. My daughter’s pediatrician suggested that she sleep in car seat, and that’s just what we did until I could no longer strap her in.

The SleepSack comes in various prints and four sizes: Swaddle (0-6 mos), Wearable Blanket (0-24 mos), Early Walker (12-24 mos), and Big Kids (2T-5T). The SleepSack is very easy to use. No more struggling to get those little legs to cooperate in footed pajamas. I have created a little diagram so that you can see how easy it is to use. The swaddle velcros across the chest and arm area to keep your baby’s arms snug and secure.

?The NEW HALO? SwaddleChange changing pad cover makes diaper changing more convenient. Not only do you have the safety strap from your contour changing pad, now HALO has created an adjustable swaddle wrap to keep our baby’s hands and bodies ?under control? for stress free diaper change!! I could have used this with both my girls. I believe every baby reaches a stage when diaper changing becomes a hassle.

The SwaddleChange is made of a soft Velboa fabric and comes in four colors: blue, pink, cream, and sage. Fits most contour changing pads. Mine (16? x 31?) is not a new pad and it fit perfect. It could have fit a lager pad easily and will accommodate up to 17? x 34?. The SwaddleChange is designed for newborns to one year. It is machine washable just make sure that you fasten your adjustable swaddle wrap before laundering.

Connect: For more information about HALO visit their website or to learn more about their hospital programs call HALO at 1-888-999-HALO.

Buy: The SleepSack Swaddle retails for $28.95, and the SwaddleChange Changing Pad Cover retails for $22.95 you can purchase both at HALO.

The Giveaway: How would you like to win your own HALO SleepSack Swaddle and SwaddleChange? I have one of each to give away to one lucky contestant!

To enter the giveaway please follow all of the directions below! If you don’t follow the rules, you can’t win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a sample product for this review. All opinions are my own and/or my family’s, take it or leave it. Click here to view my whole disclosure policy.

Happy Family Pouches for Babies & Toddlers

Blog· Review

HAPPY FAMILY GOES GREEK WITH NEW PROTEIN-PACKED POUCHES FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS

Launched on Mother’s Day 2006, and privately owned and operated by moms, Happy Family^?
is a leading premium organic food brand delivering optimal nutrition
for the entire family.
Constantly innovating and bringing new products to market, Happy Family
was the first organic brand to develop a complete line of nutrient-rich
foods for babies?, toddlers? and kids? growing bodies. Happy Family
products are consistently recognized for superior
taste and nutrition.

I am a huge fan of companies that make healthy snacks and food to make meal time easier for this Mama. One of those companies is Happy Family and with their ever expanding line of food my girls always have a variety of tasty things to choose from.

Continuing
on its mission to bring the best nutrition possible to all children,
Happy Family has developed these innovative new products by blending
healthy, 100-percent organic Greek yogurt
with organic fruits and veggies to create delicious meals for babies
and snacks for toddlers that also serve as an excellent source of
calcium and vitamin D.

Happy Baby Greek Yogurt pouches come in three varieties:
Banana & Pumpkin; Zucchini, Pear & Kale; and Strawberry,
Apple & Beet. Each contains
three grams of protein and is considered gentle dairy for babies six
months and older.

Happy Tot Greek Yogurt pouches offer toddlers calcium, vitamin D and protein in three delicious varieties:
Orange, Apple & Sweet Potato; Kale, Spinach & Apple; and Pomegranate, Apple & Beet.

What I really like about the
new Happy Baby Greek Yogurt and Happy Tot Greek Yogurt pouches is that they are
made without artificial colors, artificial flavors, trans fats or GMOs,
and are certified USDA organic, gluten free
and kosher. These make the perfect snack for both my baby and my toddler. Both Big Sis and Lil Sis really enjoy these. Lil Sis would eat these all day long if I let her.

Lil Sis loves all the foods from Happy Baby and frankly knowing they are good for her makes me feel guilt free in giving them to her for snacking. She snacks on Happy Baby every Saturday during Big Sis’s soccer games. Those little puffs are so tasty I have even been known to eat some when the girls are not looking. They really are yum.

I recently tried out the new Greek yogurt flavors with my girls and the pouches did not disappoint and both girls ate them right up. No mess since I just throw out the pouch when they are done. These are my go to snack for on the run since I can throw them in the diaper bag and they are always ready to be eaten.

Connect: You can connect with Happy Family on their website, facebook and @HAPPYsuperfoods on twitter.

Buy It! Happy Baby Greek Yogurt pouches are sold individually
for a suggested retail price of $1.59 per pouch. The Happy Tot pouches are sold individually for a suggested retail price of $1.79 per pouch.These also will be available at online retailers Amazon.com and
Diapers.com.

I received a sample product for this review. All opinions are my own and/or my family’s, take it or leave it. Click here to view my whole disclosure policy.

« Previous Page