Cloth Wipes

If you're cloth diapering, these are a must. Even if you're not, these soft cloths can be used to wipe noses, faces, and sticky little hands. I don't sew, so I originally planned to order some organic cotton flannel and use pinking shears to cut it into cloth wipes and hope that they didn't fray much. Since I've read mixed reviews about whether they actually would fray, I went to Etsy [which just happens to be one of my more recent online addictions] to see what affordable organic options there were.

I'm not going to lie, some of the items I came across were a huge rip-off and others were really ugly. While I am more concerned with function than having really cute butt wipes, I didn't want to get something that I would hate looking at, especially considering how much I'll be using them. I also really wanted to pay less than $1 per wipe and when you add in the organic factor, that really narrows the choices down.

Luckily, I came across these wipes by Milk Made Momma and I sent the owner, Becca, a message to see if she could do a custom order. She [currently] sells them in sets of 8 for $7.98 plus $1.60 shipping. I wanted 40 wipes so she set up a custom listing for $30 and $5 shipping. I got my adorable wipes a few days later and all for about 88 cents each. Bonus: I also received a free sample of her Green Tush baby wipe spray with my order so I can't wait to try that out.

If you can sew, you might have already made your own wipes, but for those who are challenged in that area like I am or would rather let someone else do the hard part, check out this Etsy shop! Becca is very friendly and seems more than willing to accommodate custom orders. I got 8 of each color and design she offers but if you want all one color or design, she can do that as well. Here's a close up of the designs [click on the photo for more detail]:

In case you're wondering, the wipes came to me already extremely soft and just as cute as expected [the hearts and shamrocks are my favorites]. I washed and dried them the other day and have them stacked on the dresser in the baby's room. I cannot wait to use them so I just had to give her a plug because I am so impressed with the price and how they turned out.

By the way, it just dawned on me that a set of these would make [or complete] a fantastic gift for a new or soon-to-be mom. In fact, I'm bookmarking them now as a go-to baby gift for the future. I always try to give something educational and something practical as well so these are a great addition to my list. Have a great weekend!

Baby Shower Photos

Nontoxic Toys: Plan

Whatever happened to old-fashioned wooden toys? Luckily, there has been a resurgence [and huge improvement] in that area lately, at least partially due to the recent "green" movement.

I don't even have a baby yet and I am already collecting these awesome toys. While I disagree with certain parts of the Montessori method, I definitely agree with their approach in regard to giving kids access to toys and objects that teach them practical life skills and enhance their creative sides. Plan is a green company as well, meaning they are environmentally conscious throughout the entire process of making their products.

 

The toys are also non-toxic, unlike almost all of the most popular products available for children today. They have so many great things to choose from but my favorites are probably the fruit and vegetables or the cooking utensils set. They're so cute and have got to be more practical and better at provoking children's creativity than all that battery-operated, light up crap.

Side note: It's so incredibly important to research everything before you even think about buying, using, or eating, and especially before giving it to your kids. Don't buy into the "my parents did this and I turned out just fine" BS, that's just something lazy people make up so they don't have to stop being ignorant.

Oh, I just remembered this adorable drum I must buy. I'm sure I'll totally regret it once my baby is old enough to hit it with the drumstick and it will probably be one of those things that gets "accidentally left" somewhere or stays at my mom's house for brief, occasional use. For now, though, it will look so cute in the nursery:

Anyway, check out Plan's website here. They are in tons of stores even here in Oklahoma so I get the impression they're everywhere now. I highly recommend them for all ages for educational fun that will surely last longer than any plastic toys. Not to mention they don't look so cheap strewn around the house.