Cloth Diapers: at the Hospital

Hi Friends~
Tonight I'm starting a mini series all about how I cloth diaper! The best thing I can tell you is to do your research! Cloth diapers have come a LONG way in the past few decades- they're no longer just pinned diapers with plastic pants! Hehe. There are MANY options- with my first little one, I ordered a few different styles in different brands. After she was born, I figured out which worked best for our lifestyle, and which brand fit her build best. Check out your local cloth diaper store or online store as some offer newborn packages where you can try different styles!

Anyhoo, so that's some starting advice! Today I'll focus on how I cloth diapered our little one, starting right from birth at the hospital! When you tour your personal hospital, ask how receptive they are to cloth diapering. Different places have different rules, so hopefully yours will be open to it!

Supplies: 
2 large hanging wetbags
small wetbag 
6 newborn covers
3 dozen flat diapers
3 dozen cloth wipes
travel-size spray bottle (filled with water/witch hazel blend)
travel-size container (filled with coconut oil)
Scentsy Scent Pak (in Winter Pine)

How to:
- I hung a sign (with washi tape, or masking tape) on our bassinet that stated "cloth diapers only: no disposables please!" so that the nurses were on board with our diapering choices. Since our wee one only left my sight once (for the discharge hearing test, blood test, etc), I didn't really have to worry about anyone else diapering her.
- I hung a wet bag inside the private bathroom that my hospital room had, which is also where I hung the Scentsy Scent Pak! They're great for covering up the "hospital" smell as well as any diaper smells and just the general funk from after giving birth! ;)
- I used the spray bottle to gently wet the cloth wipes. Another option I use when away from home sometimes is The Honest Company's wipes. When I first started cloth diapering, I just used Viva brand paper towels and a spray bottle of water & witch hazel. I then moved over to cloth wipes, which is really convenient when you're already cloth diapering!
- I used the "origami fold" for the flat diapers, which in effect created a faux "fitted" diaper! This fold fit well under my newborn covers. We didn't use any fasteners, but feel free to purchase some if you'd like! I didn't both since I knew we'd be switching to a "pad fold" or "trifold" as soon as the wee one got a little bigger.
- The little pot of coconut oil was for any diaper rash flare ups. It also helps in removing the sticky first meconium poops, and helps keep future sticky poops from sticking to the bum! I did not have any problems with meconium staining our diapers, by the way- nothing a little sunshine couldn't bleach out. If you're concerned though, you can purchase some fleece or disposable liners!
- Be flexible! Your birth may not go quite as planned, so even if all your cloth diapering dreams don't come true while you're in the hospital, don't fret. You can start up at home when you're ready! Our oldest didn't get any cloth diapers until she was 2 months old, when I felt ready to tackle it.

Next post, I'll show you our whole Newborn set up at home! Can't wait to share with ya'll :)

31 Days: To Nap or Not to Nap at Disney

Hey friends!

I'm back to continue and finish up our 31 Days of Disney World with kids! We just got back from a trip this past week, but of course the wee ones brought home some germs and have been sick, so I'll try and finish up this series as frequently as I can manage to get to the computer :)

So today I bring you a few tips with regard to the important topic of napping while at Disney World! 

(1) Strollers

Get them. Use them. Every child of course is different, but even those not generally inclined towards napping in the stroller may be so tuckered out from fun that they'll get in some naps while at the parks during the day. Our oldest, who doesn't always take a nap, often took two naps this past trip. I'll admit, there are some die hards that refuse to bring strollers, and I do get the hassle of schlepping it all over, but I definitely think it's worth it! You can bring your own, rent the standard hard plastic ones at the park, or rent from an outside stroller company (there's many good ones in Orlando).

(2) Carriers

The above picture is from our trip last week, and how my little one mostly napped throughout the week! If your wee one is used to a carrier, bring it along. Especially young ones may get over stimulated from all the excitement and just want a snuggle. Our youngest has napped in the carrier on me, dad, Grammy, and Grandpa! If your wee one has not tried a carrier before, try them out before the trip and not during the trip for the first time! Some kiddos just don't like them. I'm blessed that both of my little ones love them!

(3) Resort Room

Get a feel for how your little ones are doing over the first day or two. It might work best for you to head back to the resort early afternoon. Young kiddos can get a good nap in their beds. Older kids can hit up the pools. Everyone can grab lunch or a snack, and you'll skip the busiest hours at the parks, not to mention the hottest hours of the Florida sun!

(4) Rest Days

Sometimes all your little ones need is a break from the parks. We plan two days on and one day off (from the parks) on our trips. Whether it's a short week-long trip or longer 10-14 day trip, we always schedule "down days." These days mean heading to the pool, maybe letting off some steam at the miniature golf courses, just chilling in the room (getting schoolwork done, playing games, going on a tour of the resort, etc) or maybe going to Disney Springs for some shopping part of the day. A day with minimal car rides, and stroller time, and just generally being cooped up! Even with older kiddos, you may find this is just what is needed to help recharge the batteries after non-stop days at the park!

31 Days: Tinkerbell Gifts at Disney

Hi friends!

Today I am excited to share with you the idea of "Tinkerbell Gifts" - festive gifts that "Tinkerbell" leaves your children before or during your trip! You can gift these at all different times... 

• surprise them with the trip by giving them a gift saying "we're going to Disney World!" 
• give them a gift when you leave for the airport (for use on the plane!) or leave for the car ride road trip down to Disney World
• gift them each morning when the kiddos wake up (that's what my cousin and I are doing for our littles on our upcoming family reunion!). If you're *Disneybounding*, theme the gift to the character you're dressing like that day!
• arrange with your hotel to have them waiting in the room when you arrive
• have your spouse take the wee ones to the pool or walk around the resort while you zip into the room and set things up!

Pick your packaging!

Start from the bottom up- figure out what you want to present your gift in! This can be anything from a bowl to a bag to even a lunchbox for the wee ones to use to bring snacks and lunches to the park during your trip! If it's a smaller gift, choose something like a small glass, sippy cup, or new water bottle! If think is gifting before the car/plane ride, maybe use a new (or even fill up a current bag!) backpack as your child's carryon or you bag for the road trip!

Add some snacks!

Whether it's a whole lunchbox full of Disney-themed goodies, or just one tasty goodie, some princess or pirate goodies are sure to be a hit.

Dress them in style!

Whether it's a new t-shirt, fuzzy comfy socks, bracelets, or new PJs, some new clothes or accessories are a great addition to Tink's gift!

Make learning fun!

Whether you're a homeschooler like us, or pulling the kids out of regular school, you'll likely need to squeeze in some homework during the trip. Make it a bit more fun by Disneying their learning tools! Whether it's a new notebook and pen or flashcards, puzzles, and worksheets- make learning fun!

Practical gifts can be fun too!

Your wee ones will still need to do mundane things, so make it fun! New Disney toothbrushes or potty training tools, wash cloths or hand soap  can bring a little extra magic to the trip!

Just for fun!

Of course, we have to throw in some toys for fun! Something to keep the littles occupied on the plane, bus ride from the airport, or just during stroller rides around the park- the possibilities are endless here!

Here's a sneak peek at what our preschooler might be getting one morning during our next trip!!!