greatmom cloth diaper

WE HAVE MOVED

2010-04-10T14:11:00.000+08:00

Please visit and follow us @ http://www.greatmom-bb.com

Enquiries: greatmom.mal@gmail.com

为什么叫greatmom？

2009-08-31T00:35:00.000+08:00

"greatmom" to me represents unconditional love and sacrifice from Mom to her children. From the moment the child is born, mothers give their very best to her child. I hope that all mother who has read this blog will know the importance and benefits of using napkins, not withstanding this all mothers can also spread the love to all children for a better future.

Great对我而言就象征着母亲的伟大。Mom，永远就是给人联想着母亲对孩子们无条件的付出。从孩子出生的那一刻开始，没有一位母亲是没有把最好的东西留给孩子的。我希望所有的母亲可以在阅读了几个相关的文章后(http://www.lapislazuli.org/TradCh/magazine/200211/20021110.html和其它)可以领悟到用尿布的重要性. 不但如此, 所有的母亲也可以把那份伟大的母爱发挥在这个地球上，让所有的孩子可以拥有个綠色的未来.

Why should consider using cloth diapers?

2009-08-30T18:05:00.000+08:00

Environmental reasons
Many parents initially look at cloth diapering for environmental reasons—and with good cause!
Disposable diapers are the third most common consumer product in landfills today. A disposable diaper may take up to 500 years to decompose. I haven't met the scientist who stood there and waited for the diaper to turn into dirt—but that's the theory. A biologist told me that landfills aren't meant to be friendly towards decomposing waste. Due to toxic waste and ground water contamination problems, most landfills are simply sealed capsules that don't allow any air or light to penetrate (both are needed for decomposition to occur).

One baby in disposable diapers will contribute at least one ton of waste to your local landfill. Amazing!!

Economic Reasons
Other parents are interested in cloth diapering because disposable diapers are expensive!

Disposable diapers can cost an average family, diapering an average baby, up to $2000 over the course of 2 years (that is assuming that your child potty trains at two).

Budget can play a large role in determining what kind of cloth diapering system to purchase.

Health Considerations
A baby can be sensitive or allergic to the ingredients used in disposable diapers. This sensitivity is usually displayed through a constant battle with diaper rash.

If you are in this situation, it is important to make sure that you purchase a cloth diaper that won't exacerbate your child's sensitivities. First, and most importantly, ask your pediatrician or allergist about what the baby is reacting to. If needed, an information sheet about the ingredients in disposable diapers can be obtained from the diaper manufacturer at the request of your pediatrician.

Using your pediatrician's advice, you should be able to choose the right cloth diapering system. If you aren't sure about a particular product, call the retailer or the product's manufacturer to resolve any questions before making a purchase.

Editorial provided by Jennifer Labit of Cotton Babies, Inc.

Shinies high quality one size pocket cloth diapers

2009-08-04T07:00:00.016+08:00

CD with 1 insert - RM35/pc (normal price is RM38/pc)

Colour : white, soft pink, soft blue, soft green and peach

Extra insert - RM10/pc

Shinies cloth diapers are one of the highest quality diapers. A great substitution to Fuzzi Bunz and Bum Genius diapers . They're extremely durable to use and easy to maintain. These diapers were designed to provide the most flexibility to fit your baby's growth. Shinies one size diaper is an all-in-one pocket diaper that is adjustable to use up to 3 years. These diapers are just as simple and convenient to use as the disposables. Plus, the super soft fleece make this diaper even more comfortable for your baby. Shinies diapers are waterproof, yet very breathable. The outer layer is made out of PUL which allows air to breathe through but also be water-resistant. The super absorbent liner and gussets keeps your baby dry, with no leaks!

Shinies provides convenient and sustainable diapering solution for your family. Each diaper can be adjusted to Small, Medium and Large Size.

FAQ

Q: Are these diapers waterproof? Is the insert comes with the diaper or I have to buy them separately?

A: Yes these diapers are waterproof, and moreover, they're very breathable. The material we used was PUL which allows air to breathe through, and also water-resistant. Each diaper comes with one super absorbent insert inside the pocket, once you have the diaper, you don't need to buy anything else.

Q: Where are you located and how do you sell the diapers?

A: Our Company is located in Canada, and our manufactory was set in Asia. The high quality materials we used were produced especially for baby from prestige companies, which provide the maximum safety and comfort for baby to use.

Q: Can I use detergents on the diapers?

A: You should only use detergents that are free of dyes, enzymes, perfumes, whiteners and brighteners. Using detergents containing these ingredients will cause damage to diaper including elastic failure and leaking.

Q: My diaper has leaking issues, how can I handle it?

A: The number one cause of leakage is a saturated diaper that just needs to be changed. Any diaper will leak once full. If your baby is having problems with leaks, check this first. 99% of the time, additional insert solves leakage problems.

Did you prewash?
First of all, make sure that you washed everything at least once before using. There can be residue left on the fabric from the production process that can cause leakage.

Is the insert flat?
Make sure that the insert is FLAT when you put the diaper on your baby. If it is twisted or wadded up, this can cause leakage.

Is the wetness at the legs or the tabs?
If the diaper is leaking from the tabs or the legs, change the diaper and remove the insert. If it is saturated then your baby definitely needs 2 inserts or a more frequent diaper change. If the insert isn't saturated, then the diaper may not be adjusted to fit your child properly or, if you are using a detergent that contains additives, your diapers may also have detergent buildup which can cause leakage.

How to use and adjust Shinies cloth diaper

2009-08-02T14:59:00.000+08:00

why buy from greatmom Baby Boutique?

2009-08-01T20:25:00.003+08:00

1)You will get the Internet's best selection of quality cloth diapers and diapering supplies!
2)You will get excellent value for your money!
3)You will get Internet's best prices!
4)Your order will be promptly processed and shipped!
5)You will receive Internet's best return policy on new products. (Unused products may be returned for full refund within 7 days of delivery if the products have quality problems)!
6)You will have customer service which can't be beaten!
7)You will be so pleased with your experience that you will shop here again!

为什么要向greatmom购买?

1)品质的保证!
2)优惠的价值!
3)准时送货!
4)退回有损的产品! (不过有关产品不可以有用过和必须在七天里面更换)
5)良好的服务态度!

What are the different types of cloth diapers

2009-07-10T17:40:00.001+08:00

All-In One Cloth Diapers
Just as the name implies, All In One Diapers are a diaper and cover "all in one". They are the most convenient cloth diaper available. They are fitted diapers and are as easy to use as disposable diapers, but much more economical, because they are reusable.

One Size Fitted Cloth Diapers
One size cloth diapers are diapers that are usually adjustable from newborn to potty training. Some one size cloth diapers require a diaper cover and one size diapers have a water proof exterior where they do not require a diaper cover.

Fitted Cloth Diapers:
Fitted diapers are also a convenient way to diaper your baby. They are super-absorbent and most have elastic at the waist and legs with an adjustable snap or Velcro style (hook and loop) closure to fit your baby snugly and provide a customized, leak-proof fit. A diaper cover is needed when using fitted diapers. Fitted cloth diapers may come in a variety of sizes to fit your baby as he or she grows. Fitted cloth diapers are also available as one-size diapers and all-in-one one size diapers.

Contour Cloth Diapers:
Contour diapers are contour shaped and are easy to use. Contour diapers are in-between a. flat/prefold diaper and a fitted diaper. They can be used with diaper fastenters to keep them secure or can be used without fasteners when using a snug fitting diaper wrap.

Pocket Diapers:
Pocket diapers are a two piece stay dry diapering system usually made with a soft micro fleece lining that will wick moisture away from your child's skin and a waterproof outer shell. The pocket design works like an all in one with a removable absorbent core which allows for easier laundering and faster drying time.

Prefolds or Chinese Prefolds:
Flat cloth diapers are the classic cotton square which is folded to fit baby, and secured with diaper pins or a Snappi. A variation of the flat diaper is the Prefold, which includes extra layering in the center. Flat and prefold diapers are the least expensive choice in cloth diapers. These diapers require waterproof outer covers, so they are a three piece diapering system (diaper, cover, closure for diaper). Typically these diapers are closed with either diaper pins or a Snappi but it is also an option to simply lay them in a wrap style cover and forgo the additional closure type. Most of these diapers are made from birdseye or other gauzy fabrics. Some are made from velour or hemp. They are very absorbent, easy to clean, and quick to dry. They are the a very economical and simple choice for cloth diapering and are still widely used. Fans of other diapering types often use flat or prefold diapers for doublers or pocket stuffers, so they have other uses as well.

尿布VS纸尿裤

2009-07-10T09:26:00.000+08:00

謝美芳
一個小孩在會自己上廁所前，平均大約有兩萬個小時是包著尿布的，而在這段時間內，大約要換六千次尿布。你決定讓小孩使用那一種尿布將對你的孩子及地球有著深遠的影響。在美國每年用掉一百八十億片免洗尿褲，這些紙尿褲足夠填滿二十五個足球場三十層樓高。而為了製造這些使用一次即丟的紙尿褲，每年需用掉三十四億加侖的油和砍掉二十五萬棵樹。每天有一萬噸的紙尿褲變成填埋垃圾，這些紙尿褲是沒辦法被分解的，因為紙需要接觸空氣和陽光才能被分解，而紙尿褲的成分其中百分之三十是塑膠根本沒辦法分解。

從前的紙尿褲中間吸水的部份是用木質紙漿，這些紙漿須經過漂白及軟化的過程才能使用。一般傳統的做法是將紙漿暴露在氯氣或二氧化氯中，在製造過程中更會釋出一些﹁有機氯﹂的副產品。不只在紙漿製造的工廠排出的廢水有高含量的﹁有機氯﹂，就連紙尿褲本身也殘存極微量的﹁有機氯﹂。其中最有名的﹁有機氯﹂就是﹁戴奧辛﹂(dioxin)。戴奧辛和畸型兒、流產、癌症都有關連，沒有人知道多少劑量的戴奧辛會引起危險。有些國家已經採用﹁無氯漂白﹂來生產許多紙類製品，包括紙尿褲，有些國家甚至已經禁止使用﹁氯漂白﹂方法來製造紙尿褲。但是在美國仍然是採用傳統﹁氯漂白﹂方式來處理紙漿。

在紙尿褲中另外要注意的一種化學成分是﹁聚丙烯酸鈉﹂(Sodium Polyacrylate)。目前的紙尿褲愈做愈薄，主要吸水的功能就是靠這個成分。它吸收嬰兒的尿後就凝成膠狀體。它能夠吸收其重量一百倍的液體。聚丙烯酸鈉並且和衛生棉條所引起的毒性休克徵候群(Toxic-Shock Syndrome)有關。嬰兒使用含有聚丙烯酸鈉的紙尿褲因為體質的不同有的會有嚴重的尿布疹(雖然紙尿褲製造商宣稱使用紙尿褲讓嬰兒較少有尿布疹)、會陰或陰囊的皮膚出血等，由於它強力的吸水效果，只要嬰兒的皮膚一溼，它便會將嬰兒皮膚上的液體吸乾，其效果強的像是﹁剝皮﹂一樣，在嬰兒皮膚的小汗珠和尿液中也分析得出它的存在。在消費者產品安全委員會(CPSC)接到的申訴中，穿紙尿褲引起的尿布疹像是﹁起水泡﹂、﹁化學物品燒傷﹂及﹁皮膚炎﹂。有些則說皮膚像是被割傷、抓傷或是被金屬銼刀銼傷等。有些紙尿褲所使用的染色劑會傷害到中央神經系統、肝和腎。美國食品藥物管理局(FDA)接到人們申訴紙尿褲的香味會引起頭痛、頭暈及出疹子。

或許你仍覺得使用布尿布太麻煩，目前有許多新的產品讓使用布尿布方便許多。現在我就來介紹布尿布的使用方法，首先要準備的是尿布及尿褲。尿布即是包在小孩屁股上棉布，尿褲則是包在尿布外面，目的是固定尿布及防水。以前的尿褲就像一件防水的內褲，使用時必須用安全別針將尿布別緊再穿尿褲，但現在的尿褲設計的很好，只須將尿布放在中，包好，兩邊再用尿褲上的魔鬼粘或扣子固定好即可，使用的方便性幾乎比美紙尿褲。

一個初生嬰兒一天平均用十二片尿布，隨著嬰兒的成長每天的用量也會減少。如果你兩天洗一次尿布，則必須準備三打以上的尿布。至於尿褲則隨著小孩的成長需要不同的尺寸。大部分的品牌有五種尺寸，一般的建議是每種尺寸準備五件。但我則是同一尺寸買三件，但同時有兩種不同尺寸的尿褲，所以在同一時期，我手邊都有五件以上可用的尿褲在替換。而且我也不是每種尺寸都買，我會跳一個尺寸買，我的兩個小孩也都使用的蠻好的。
在美國布尿布的用品琳瑯滿目，但在一般的店裏幾乎找不到品質好的東西，郵購目錄有很多的選擇。早期的尿布是一大塊棉布，使用時再折成所需要的形狀，後來則有將好幾層棉布車成一塊長方形的尿布(所謂的prefold)。這種尿布只須折成三分之一即可使用，比較一般的大塊尿布省事。最新的尿布則是依著尿褲的形狀車成一塊，像是砂漏的形狀，好處是直接使用，不用折。最後的一種是尿布本身像是尿褲的剪裁(snap diaper)，穿起來像是尿褲，但是不防水，外面仍需再穿一件尿褲，這種設計的好處是很合身，不容易漏，壞處是一旦尿溼則整個腰部也會溼，感覺上很不舒服。另外在布料本身也有差別，一般店裏賣的尿布質料都不是很好，雖是純棉，但吸水力不佳，而且不經洗。我使用的是專業用長方形的尿布(diaper service prefold)，那是由八層紗布車成的尿布。另外有沒有漂白過的棉布或是有機棉做的尿布，這些都需經過郵購才買得到。尿布的大小則有分新生兒用和一般型，新生兒用一般在嬰兒三個月大後便會嫌小，這時則須換用一般型的尿布。此時新生兒用的小尿布，可以在晚上睡覺須要較久換尿布時和一般型同時搭配使用，增加吸收力。但我並沒有買新生兒用的尿布，直接就使用一般型的尿布。

在尿褲方面，依材質不同可分為下列幾種：

1.純羊毛尿褲：這是純羊毛氈(wool felt)剪裁成尿褲。它利用羊毛本身的羊毛脂來防水，冬暖夏涼，透氣性最佳，是我的最愛，但價格也最昂貴。有的媽媽反應太熱，我想這種羊毛尿褲大概也不適合溼熱的氣候。
2.棉製尿褲：分為很多種，一為外層為純棉，內層則為人造防水纖維。另一種為純棉尿褲，但在外層有特別防水處理過。這種尿褲的的透氣性僅次於羊毛尿褲，但較不經洗。

3.人造纖維尿褲：有多元酯(polyester)，尼龍(nylon)，聚氨酯(polyurethane)及乙烯基(vinyl)等不同質料。這種尿褲最不透氣，但防水效果最好，最耐洗，也最便宜。我有一些尿褲是我妹妹給她兒子用過再給我的兩個兒子使用，十分耐用。值得注意的是這種尿褲雖然最不透氣，但仍比紙尿褲的透氣性佳。

4.最後一種是將尿布及尿褲車成一起，所謂的二合一型尿褲(all-in-one)。內層是柔軟的棉布，外層是做成防水的尿褲樣，使用上和紙尿褲一樣方便，只是使用過不丟，洗淨後再使用。壞處是較不容易乾，價格昂貴，並有外層不夠柔軟的感覺。

在台灣，據我所知，在尿布方面只有一種車成圓筒狀的尿布(有四層紗布，使用時也是折成三分之一即可)，尿褲也是人造纖維製品的天下。然選擇不多，但也足夠使用。而且如果使用的人增加，廠商見有商機，也會願意開發或引進新產品。

在清洗方面，我的第一個孩子，由於家中沒有洗衣機，我使用專業的尿布服務(diaper service)。它提供專業用的尿布(即車成長方形的prefold，品質較好)，我只需將孩子的便便倒在馬桶中，再將髒的尿布放在尿布桶即可。他們每週來收髒的尿布，並換乾淨的尿布，一週約換80片。尿褲則須自己準備及清洗。在美國各地均有這種服務，如有興趣，可以在電話黃頁的目錄找Diaper Service即可。當我生老二時，家中已有洗衣機，故自己洗尿布。我每兩天洗一次，如果尿布有大便，則先搓洗一下，再丟到尿布桶中。清潔劑則是用在健康食品店買的洗衣精(Ecover, Dr. Brenner,s等品牌或是無香味的皂絲均可)，加小蘇打粉可除臭，硼砂(Borax)可漂白，白醋可除臭、殺菌。尿褲若是沾了大便或溼了則馬上手洗晾乾。為了怕破壞尿褲的防水性，我幾乎只用清水洗尿褲。有的媽媽則是手洗尿布。一位媽媽的心得是將髒的尿布放在加了水、醋及洗潔劑的大盆中，洗時用腳踩。當她女兒大些時，則母女一起踩洗尿布，邊洗邊玩，其樂融融！

小孩大便時，我用小棉巾沾溫水(我在浴室放一熱水瓶，在小盆子中打一點熱水及自來水即可)擦拭乾淨。髒的小棉巾先搓洗一下再丟到尿布桶中，等洗尿布時一起洗乾淨。出門時我用小塑膠盒裝沾溼的小棉巾備用，用髒的小棉巾裝在塑膠袋中帶回家清洗。我很不喜歡溼紙巾的感覺。使用小棉巾並沒有麻煩多少，但卻很環保，而且用的也很放心。

你若為了方便(外出及夜間)想使用紙尿褲，在美國健康食品店買得到以下的品牌。一是Tushies品牌紙尿褲。它的內襯沒有使用聚丙烯酸鈉，而是無氯的木質紙漿，而且沒有染色和添加香味。另外一種品牌Natural boy & girl則號稱是最環保的紙尿褲，尿褲的外層使用可以分解而且沒有基因改造的玉蜀黍澱粉薄膜(一般的紙尿褲則是用塑膠)，使用的原料也比一般的紙尿褲少。但這種尿褲仍有使用比一般的品牌少量的聚丙烯酸鈉。總而言之，不管使用何種紙尿褲，對寶寶或地球都會造成相當的衝擊。

外子有一陣子一人在家帶孩子，小兒子屁股較容易紅，他也不知何因。我回來後，才發現是因為這段期間他多用Tushies紙尿褲的緣故。我的小姑也曾告訴我她女兒小時候有嚴重的尿布疹，後來改成使用布尿布才好轉。使用布尿布是比紙尿褲要常換，通常每二到三小時就要換一次，溼的尿布穿太久容易引起尿布疹。另外在訓練小孩自己上廁所時，穿布尿布的小孩因為體驗到溼尿布的感覺而較容易學會。

當初懷老大的時候，基於環保的理由，我決定使用布尿布，儘量避免使用免洗尿褲。而這幾年下來(經過老大、老二的尿布生涯)，我發現使用布尿布的好處不止是環保，老大甚少有尿布疹，老二更是從來沒有過。而有些尿褲、尿布更是兩個孩子都用上了，如今這些尿布功成身退，可做抹地布等用途。幾年下來，省了我不少錢，也為這個地球減少許多垃圾。而我覺得重要的是，孩子們因為體質不同，穿用一般紙尿褲也許不會立刻產生外在的病象，如尿布疹等。但是吸收入體內的毒素對孩子的未來有什麼影響是難以預知的。就像早期美國製造DDT農藥在全世界大量的使用，不知其害。直到許多年後發現才禁止生產(實驗証明會造成畸型兒及癌症等)，但對全世界許多人及環境的傷害已經無法挽回了。希望大家都能為地球、為自己的孩子稍微犧牲一點方便，換取他們健康的未來。

附註：
1.參考書籍Diaper Changes，作者: Theresa Rodriguez Farrisi，出版社: Homekeepers Publishing。

How to wash cloth diapers

2009-07-10T08:42:00.000+08:00

Cloth diapers are a very good alternative to disposable ones. For one, they are more comfortable on baby’s skin. Next, they help reduce household waste. They’re also a lot cheaper as you wouldn’t have to buy over and over. You only have to wash cloth diapers after they’ve been soiled. And if you take care of them well, you can use them for a very, very long time. Here are a few tips on how to wash cloth diapers properly.

Dispose of any poop before putting away the diaper. Scrape off with tissue paper if you must. Keep the cover seperate from the actual diaper even when washing.

Rinse the cloth diapers in cold water before the actual washing. This would keep the stains from setting in.

As babies’ skin can be very sensitive, be cautious when using laundry detergents or essentail oils (a few drops of Tea Tree Oil can be helpful in getting rid of germs off the diapers while lavender oil will keep them smelling fresh). Use enzyme free detergents so that they won’t damage the diapers. They also won’t build up soap residue. Plan-based detergents are natural and your babies wouldn’t be prone to allergies if you use them. However, when trying out new products, observe if your baby develops redness or a rash. If so, discontinue use.

Include a hot wash in your laundry routine. This will eliminate germs on the diapers. Instead of using fabric softener, use a couple of tablespoons of vinegar. They work perfectly. Just rinse well to get the smell off.

Total savings for using cloth diaper

2009-07-10T06:30:00.000+08:00

Cloth diaper
New born: RM38 x 8pc = RM304.00
1 year old: RMnil
2 years old: RMnil
3 years old: RMnil
Detergent and water = RM300 (assume RM100/yr)

Total expenses: RM604.00

Disposal diaper (the economical type)
New born: RM0.35/pc x 1,825 pcs (5pcs/day) = RM638.75
1 year old: RM0.40/pc x 1,095 (4pcs/day) = RM438.00
2 years old: RM0.45/pc x 1,095 (4pcs/day) = RM492.75
3 years old: RM0.50/pc x 1,095 (4pcs/day) = RM547.50

Total expenses: RM2,117.00

Total savings: RM1,513.00 (please note that this is only the total savings for 1 child and the disposal diapers are the economical type)

Different type of cloth diapers' comments

2009-07-10T06:04:00.000+08:00

We would appreciate it if you can leave your comments on which brand of cloth diaper you are using now and the pros and cons.

我们会很感激您，如果您愿意和我们分享您正在使用的牌子和它的好坏。

2009-07-10T01:33:00.000+08:00

How many cloth diaper do I need??

2009-07-08T16:25:00.001+08:00

This is the good question and there is no fix answer. The number of diapers you need depends on the age of your baby and how often you plan to wash diapers. You will need fewer diapers in each size as you baby grows. Basically, I will advise people to buy 10 - 12pcs if you want to fully using cloth diapers for your baby.

Some styles of diapers will need changing a bit less often. For instance, pocket diapers have a moisture resistant barrier between the baby and the absorbent insert. This means you can change baby less often unless the diaper is dirty so you will likely use fewer diapers.

If you have a heavy wetter your baby will be on the high end of the number shown. You can extend the absorbency of diapers by using extra inserts. For myself, I used 2-3 inserts for my daughter in the night time.

If you can't afford to invest in a lot of diapers all at once, you can start with one day's worth of diapers and then add more the next time you get paid. Other frugal diapering options include using Regular size prefolds for infants by folding them down to fit. They will be a bit bulkier, but you'll buy fewer diapers over time.

You will want to get a few extra diapers to have on hand while you are washing diapers. Nothing is worse than having a sick baby and no clean diapers.