Hard Core Cloth Diapering

While on vacation in northern Maine I became insanely grateful for the new washer we got a year ago. Our cabin has running water in the summer months thanks to a pump that pulls water up from the lake (which coincidently decided to up and die a few days before we left so now we have a sparkly new one) but the washing machine there is not wired for hot water.

Those of you familiar with the mess that is baby poo are probably now cringing at the idea of a baby wearing a diaper that has only been washed in cold water. Since I couldn't stomach the thought of my daughter in an unsanitary diaper I resolved to hand wash the diapers in water I boiled on the stove.

I did the process a total of 3 times while we were there for 9 days. I took the soiled diapers out to the side lawn and sprayed off the diapers with the hose, effectively rinsing them.

While I was doing this, I had a stock pot of water boiling on the stove. I would take the pot outside when I was done rinsing and pour 3 tbsp of Rock in Green detergent and a scoop of All plus oxy into the hot water and add the diapers. I swished them around and let them soak for a while while the water cooled down.

After the water was cool enough for my hardened hands to touch I would ring out the diapers and stack them to bring inside. I then ran them through the wash without adding soap.

Twice they had to go in the dryer due to rain, but once I was able to hang them out in the sun. They were stiff but stain free after that.

So that is my tale of what it means to be a hard core cloth diaperer :)

Baby Wearing Keeps Me Sane

I thought I loved my slings with Zman, but it was just a pale comparison to how much I adore being able to wear SweetPea.

Around the house I will pop her in a sling so that I can get cleaning, cooking or laundry done. This is the only way I can get these things done when Zman is home too. He's just a bit too excited about her and forgets she's fragile in his desire to interact with her.

But my love of babywearing isn't just a private thing. I find it so much better to be able to wear her while we are out shopping, walking or even hiking. I even wore her out to a lighthouse in the Bay of Fundy that was only accessible by a climb up and down rocks exposed at low tide. I was particularly proud of that :)

I've got 3 types of sling right now, 3 pocket slings, a Maya wrap and a moby. I use the pocket ones for simple walking, the maya for discreet public breastfeeding and the moby for vigorous activity. The moby is actually SweetPea's favorite as she's still at the stage where she likes to snuggle in and hug me.

I've even begun looking into what carry system I want next for when she's not as secure/comfortable in what I have now. I even snagged a snugli real cheap at Target on Friday, which allows me to wear her facing out... I guess that makes 4 types now, lol.

If only she could stay this little ;)