African Babies Don't Cry

I Breastfeed My Toddler for the Nutritional Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Mon, 28 May 2012 06:29:00 +0000

Welcome to the I Am Mom! Enough! Carnival hosted by Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama and Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children.
This Carnival is dedicated to empowering ALL parents who practice and promote and peaceful, loving, attachment parenting philosophy. We have asked other parents to help us show the critics and the naysayers that attachment parenting is beautiful, uplifting, and unbelievably beneficial and NORMAL!
In addition to the Carnival, Joni from Tales of a Kitchen Witch and Jennifer from True Confessions of a Real Mommy are co-hosting a Linky Party. Please stop by either blog to share any of your posts on the topic.
Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants. Post topics are wide and varied, and every one is worth a read.

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Many of my fellow South African readers may be blissfully unaware of the uproar caused by a recent cover of American TIME magazine (for some reason this cover did not grace the edition we receive here). The first time I heard of the upcoming article on attachment parenting to be featured in TIME magazine was the week before this edition launched. A couple of the mothers in our Natural Parents Network volunteers group on Facebook were contacted to be photographed for the cover. Our own Dionna Ford of Code Name: Mama was one of the four ladies flown to NYC for the photo shoot. See Dionna's beautiful tandem breastfeeding picture on TIME lightbox, she is the lovely model in picture number 3.

Image credit : TIME.com

Shocking right? TIME magazine is in the business of selling magazines and unfortunately they went for the most shocking and most sensationalized shot of 'extended'¹ breastfeeding to feature on their cover. To top it, they added the antagonising caption, 'Are you mom enough?' fuelling any mothers self-doubt and adding to the flames of the mommy wars, breastfeeders against formula feeders, 'extended' breastfeeding against early weaning.

Jamie Lynne Grumet of I Am Not The Babysitter is the beautiful mother on the cover. In her response to TIME she shares her disappointment in the chosen shot for the cover (the models had no say, and they were all disappointed in the way attachment parenting was portrayed by the cover and article - read what they had to say in this interview on KellyMom). Jamie explains that this was an awkward in-between shot, while they were getting into more natural and responsive poses. Look how awkward her son looks, and then check out this alternative shot below, where her son had nodded off whilst nursing and in the middle of the shoot, now that's relaxed...

Uproar ensued, with people calling 'extended' breastfeeding child molestation amongst other hateful things. I want to share my disappointment with the angle TIME magazine took. Breastfeeding has taken such a knock with the rise of formula in the 1950's where it was first touted as being better than breastmilk and since then has been a booming multi-billion dollar industry. Now days, we know that NOTHING comes close to the immune boosting nourishment of breastmilk, but did you know that the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the age of 6 months, or later? And that the World Health Organization also recommends breastfeeding until the age of two years, or later! An age where most children have already been weaned for over a year and placed on to a replacement such as formula or cows milk.

Most mothers are aware that children cannot get the required nourishment out of solid food until they have all of their teeth including molars and can sufficiently chew and so they see the need for their children to get some sort of liquid nourishment. Why oh why would I wean my child off breastmilk to regularly give him cows milk, which is packed with nourishment, yes, but all of it in a usable form for calves not human babies, most humans cannot even digest the stuff - see my article on why you shouldn't be feeding your child dairy here.

Formula is an expensive option, laden with chemical additives and nutrients in unnatural form. Formula is fantastic at doing what it is meant to do, keep babies from starving when their mothers are unable to breastfeed for some reason. It should not be a replacement for breastmilk when nursing is still an option.

I have been asked time and time again, when I will wean my son, he is now 18 months old and still enjoying the benefits of breastfeeding. I have no intention of weaning him any time soon, and will rather wait for him to decide when to wean. This may mean I will still be nursing him at four years old, and indeed I hope too, as the benefits of breastmilk continue as long as it is consumed.

Breastfeeding a toddler - nursing AND talking on the telephone

In the aftermath of the TIME cover, many many people have been saying that the only benefit of 'extended' breastfeeding is the closeness and bond it induces with mom. Not so, I believe a toddler benefits greatly from the added nutrition.

A longer duration of breastfeeding has been found to be directly associated with not only fewer infant illnesses, but subsequently, fewer toddler illnesses. (Gulick EE, 1986. The effects of breast-feeding on toddler health.)

First, breastmilk is the most perfect food. Chock a block full of goodness such as protein, vitamins and minerals and fats are in an easily absorb-able and bio-available form. It also holds beneficial hormones from mother to promote everything from sleep to aiding digestion. There is nothing better for a baby, or toddler!

Lets look what the average order and time period babies usually get their teeth:

Four middle incisors start appearing around 6-7 months.
Four more side incisors appear at around 8 months.
Four back molars appear at around 10-14 months.
Four canines appear at around 16-20 months.
Four more back molars appear between 24-30 months.

According to this average, a child can therefore not chew sufficiently until the age of at least 30 months (2.5 years) I should enforce that this list is an average, Jesse for instance did not get his first tooth until 1 week before his first birthday. He is now 18 months old, and just yesterday I felt his first molar peeking through his gum. I wonder at what age he will have a complete set of baby teeth and therefore be able to chew efficiently?

If food is not chewed sufficiently, there will be digestive difficulty. It has been written in a number of books (such as The Power Eating Program by Lino Stanchich) that chewing is of utmost importance to digestion and assimilation of nutrients. - Creating Healthy Children by Karen Ranzi

It is therefore futile to give a child younger than 2.5 years a complex carbohydrate or complex protein to eat, carbohydrates and proteins need adequate chewing in order to be digested and if not chewed properly, the stomach does not secrete enough acid and then food passes through the gut barely digested causing all sorts of tummy trouble. Ever given your child peas for supper only to change his nappy the next day and find them totally undigested? Peas are one of the most carbohydrate rich vegetables, and need adequate chewing.

Jesse, breastfed and well-nourished

A baby has an immature digestive tract so feeding a child concentrated protein or starch before he has a full set of teeth and can chew properly is not only a waste of time and money but is likely to cause problems down the line. Food is not broken down properly and so ferments in the stomach producing by-products such as alcohol. Often incompletely broken down food molecules can be absorbed into the blood stream and because they are foreign to the body they result in an antibody reaction which leads to the development of allergies to a variety of foods, e.g. gluten intolerance. - Healthy Kids by Mary-Anne Shearer & Charlotte Meschedes

There is however plenty of food that is easily digestible, and full of nutrients for a toddler in absorb-able form. See for instance my article on the best first food for baby, or my article on protein. Breastmilk is also full of protein.

The natural age of weaning in humans has been predicted to be 2.5 years, with a maximum of 7 years. Do yourself a favour and read Dr Dettwylers research on this topic, it makes for an interesting read which explains much.

Humans have been nursing toddlers for centuries, I recently read (but cannot for the life of me remember where) that during the first world war, the schools in rural England would allow its younger pupils to to go home at tea break in order to nurse (they ranged in age between 5 and 7) as nourishing food was scarce and this prevented them from being malnourished. Also, it helped the mothers to space their babies naturally, as breastfeeding is a natural contraception - I still have not had my period return. I realise we are not at war, and most of us can afford to buy fresh, and organic fruits of veg but even so, the benefits of breastmilk cannot be denied.

In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:

29% of energy requirements

43% of protein requirements

36% of calcium requirements

75% of vitamin A requirements

76% of folate requirements

94% of vitamin B12 requirements

60% of vitamin C requirements

– Dewey 2001

I breastfeed my toddler as I am health conscious, and concerned about his nutrition more than anything else. But, even equally important is the benefit to his mental and social development. Jesse is a joyful and confident toddler, and I fully believe it is because he is adequately nourished and parented with love and responsiveness.

1 I put 'extended' in semi-colons as I don't believe nursing a toddler is in any way extended, I believe it is full term breastfeeding to nurse a toddler until he is ready wean himself. ^↩

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Thank you for visiting the I Am Mom! Enough! Carnival hosted by hosted by Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama and Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children. Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants and check out previous posts at the linky party hosted by Joni from Tales of a Kitchen Witch and Jennifer from True Confessions of a Real Mommy: (This list will be live and updated by afternoon May 28 with all the carnival links.)

Good Enough? — Jennifer at True Confessions of a Real Mommy writes about how Good Enough is not Good Enough, if you use it as an excuse to stop trying.
The High Cost of High Expectations JeninCanada at Fat and Not Afraid shares what it's like to NOT feel 'mom enough' and wanting to always do better for herself and family.
TIME to Be You! — Becky at Old New Legacy encourages everyone to be true to themselves and live their core values.
I am mom and I have had ENOUGH — A mother had had ENOUGH of the mommy wars.
Motherhood vs. Feminism — Doula Julia at juliamannes.com encourages feminists to embrace the real needs and cycles and strengths of women.
There Is No Universal Truth When It Comes To Parenting — Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama discusses how parenting looks around the world and why there is no universal parenting philosophy.
Attachment Parenting Assumptions — ANonyMous at Radical Ramblings argues that attachment parenting is not just for the affluent middle-classes, and that as parents we all need to stop worrying about our differences and start supporting each other.
Thoughts on Time Magazine, Supporting ALL Mamas, and Advocating for the Motherless — Time Magazine led That Mama Gretchen to think about her calling as a mother and how adoption will play an important role in growing her family.
Attachment Parenting: the Renewed Face of Feminism — Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children embraces her inner feminist as she examines how the principles of attachment parenting support the equal treatment of all.
What a Mom Wants! — Clancy Harrison from Healthy Baby Beans writes about how women need to support each other in their different paths to get to the same destination.
Attachment Parenting: What One Family Wants You To Know — Jennifer, Kris, 4 year old Owen and 2 year old Sydney share the realities of attachment parenting, and how very different it looks than the media's portrayal.
We ALL Are Mom Enough — Amy W. of Amy Willa: Me, Mothering, and Making It All Work thinks that all mothers should walk together through parenthood and explores her feelings in prose.
A Typical Day Kat at Loving {Almost} Every Moment shares what a typical day with her attached family looks like...all in the hopes to shed light on what Attachment Parenting is, what it's not and that it's unique within each family!
The Proof is in the (organic, all-natural) Pudding — Kym at Our Crazy Corner of the World talks about how, contrary to what the critics say, the proof that attachment parenting works in visible in the children who are parented that way.
I am mom and I have had ENOUGH A mother had had ENOUGH of the mommy wars.
Time Magazine & Mommy Wars: Enough! What Really Matters? — Abbie at Farmer's Daughter encourages moms to stop fighting with each other, and start alongside each other.
Attachment parenting is about respect — Lauren at Hobo Mama breaks down what attachment parenting means to her to its simplest level.
I am an AP mom, regardless... — Jorje ponders how she has been an Attachment Parenting mom regardless of outside circumstances at Momma Jorje.
The first rule of Attachment Parenting is: You Do Not Talk about Attachment Parenting — Emily discusses, with tongue aqnd cheek, how tapping into our more primal selves actually brings us closer to who we are rather than who we think we should be.
Mom, I am. — Amy at Anktangle discusses how Attachment Parenting is a natural extension of who she is, and she explains the ways her parenting approach follows the "live and let live" philosophy, similar to her beliefs about many other areas of life.
I Breastfeed My Toddler for the Nutritional Benefits — Christine at African Babies Don't Cry shares why 'extended' breastfeeding is not extreme and how she is still nursing her toddler for the nutritional benefits.

Giveaway: Creating Healthy Children by Karen Ranzi — $25 ARV {6.9; Worldwide}

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

This is a joint giveaway with African Babies Don't Cry and Natural Parents Network. You may enter at one site only. Please find the section marked "Win it!" for the mandatory entry and optional bonus entries.

Karen Ranzi is offering up one copy of her book Creating Healthy Children, Through Attachment Parenting and Raw Foods, a value of $25.

Karen Ranzi is a leading expert in the field of nutrition and child development, with over 15 years of experience. Her book, Creating Healthy Children, Through Attachment Parenting and Raw Foods, is an informative, and empowering book; giving you all the knowledge you need to raise healthy and emotionally supported children.

Image credit: Karen Ranzi

Karen Ranzi is an author, lecturer and raw food consultant. She has appeared on TV and radio, talking on topics such as vegetarian and raw food parenting and attachment parenting. In addition to her work in nutrition, Karen has been a speech therapist working with children of all ages for over 30 years, specializing with autistic children for the past 10 years, and she holds a master's degree in speech pathology from New York University.

Image credit: Karen ranzi

I was super excited to receive my copy of Creating Healthy Children as it encompasses two of my passions, raw food and attachment parenting. I realised long ago that it is pointless perfecting or researching only one facet of bringing up healthy and emotionally stable children. Both physical and emotional health are of great importance, equally. In my opinion, you could be the most devoted and attached parent in the world, but if you do not address your child's diet and give him the nutrition that he requires, your efforts will be fruitless. I have seen this with my own son. Jesse radiates warmth and happiness and is a secure and confident little person, who has a clear head and is not bogged down by typical childhood complaints such as earache, runny noses or tummy trouble. This freedom from 'normal' complaints has ensured that his development is never hampered and he is always full of joy. This book addresses both aspects, your child's physical health by providing optimal nutrition from conception, and also your child's emotional health through the gentle parenting philosophy of attachment parenting.

Most readers will be familiar with attachment parenting, and most have adopted attachment parenting philosophies such as co-sleeping and babywearing already — a raw food diet, however, is still foreign to most. It will be difficult to argue with Karen's research and recommendations, even for the most sceptical of readers. This book is chock full of expert opinions. I have often written on African Babies Don't Cry about my son's impeccably healthy start to solid foods with only raw fruit. This gradual and easy start set his digestive system up for success. We have slowly started introducing more and more foods, starting with the fruit, then raw vegetables, seeds and a few nuts, and finally cooked vegetables. I have not been able to commit to a 100% raw diet myself yet, and so find it difficult to feed Jesse only raw; however, this book is full of inspiration as well as the facts as to why I should make this transition soon.

“Karen Ranzi has written a most important book, Creating Healthy Children, that is a must read. The scientific evidence is now clear that a plant based diet means optimal health, and the sooner young people are started on this diet, the better. The storyline in this book is personal, professional and very, very sensible.” — T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., Jacob Gould Schurman Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Co-author of The China Study.

Jesse's first foods were fruit.

This book is a wealth of information on every topic a parent should read up on before having children: from pregnancy, homebirth and breastfeeding to the vitamin B12 controversy. Karen goes into much detail with every chapter, quoting many scientific papers and respected authors, giving you, the parent, all the information, and allowing you to decide which is best for your child. A few readers may find this book a bit too long (over 400 pages), but I thoroughly enjoyed how in-depth and informative it was.

She starts at the beginning, before conception, addressing the mother's and father's diets. Karen advises a detox before planning a pregnancy, and although not all of us have the foresight or opportunity to plan (myself included here), I can totally see the benefits of doing so.

Karen broaches the topic of morning sickness as a sign of the body getting rid of toxins. She coaches the reader on how to have a healthy pregnancy, free from any complaints; after all our bodies were designed to carry babies — it's a shame that so many of us suffer so much whilst doing so.

Many mainstream readers, although they may be practising attachment parenting, may balk at the thought of a raw food diet. Karen clearly outlines the benefits of a diet high in raw fruits and plant matter, but even better, Creating Healthy Children also has a whole section of success stories from a bunch of raw foodists. I loved this section. It is so inspiring to read the drastic changes people have made to heal illnesses and overcome challenges to become so successfully healthy. Karen also writes from a place of first-hand experience — she cured herself of cystic acne and digestive problems and freed her son from his constant asthma, ear infections and allergies.

Karen also broaches the more testy subjects of circumcision and vaccinations. Her friend, Laurie Evans, tells her admirable story as a Jewish mother who chose to keep her son intact and Karen gives the ins and outs on vaccinations. I recommend this book for all parents or parents-to-be who are striving to raise healthy, happy and stable children. I thoroughly enjoyed it myself, and consider it a valuable addition to any library, as so many parents are in the dark when it comes to the right nutrition for their children.

BUY IT!

You can purchase your own copy of Creating Healthy Children by Karen Ranzi at Super Healthy Children for $24.95 excluding shipping, or the Kindle ebook version is available on Amazon for $9.99. Just for Natural Parents Network readers, Karen is offering a 20% discount off her book at her site for the duration of the giveaway. Simply email karen@superhealthychildren.com and reference NPN to receive your discount.

WIN IT!

For your own chance to win a copy of Creating Healthy Children, by Karen Ranzi, enter by leaving a comment and using our Rafflecopter system below. Contest is open WORLDWIDE.

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Karen's website, Super Healthy Children and tell us which one of the chapters of the book you are most wanting to read! You must enter your name and email address in the Rafflecopter entry system for your entry to count, after leaving a comment on this blog post.

Leave a valid email address so we can contact you if you win. Email addresses in Rafflecopter are not made publicly visible. Please leave the same valid email address in your mandatory comment so we can verify entries. This is a joint giveaway with African Babies Don't Cry and Natural Parents Network. You may enter at one site only, and we'll be recording IP addresses to ensure that there are no duplicate entries. That said, please do visit and enjoy both sites! BONUS ENTRIES: See the Rafflecopter entry system for bonus entries to increase your chance of winning after completing the mandatory entry. All bonus entries are entered directly into Rafflecopter. Give it a try, and email or leave a comment if you have any questions!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest closes June 9 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Disclosure: Our reviewer received a sample product for review purposes. Amazon links are affiliate links. We try to seek out only products we think you would find relevant and useful to your life as a natural parent. If we don't like a product, we won't be recommending it to you. See our full disclosure policy here.

How to Use Cloth Nappies {A South African Perspective}

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:38:00 +0000

When I mention to friends, family and acquaintances that I use cloth nappies with Jesse, they look at me with a mix of horror and pity. Cloth nappies in a South Africans mind bring up images of white terry cloth flats, with buckets of soaking pooh nappies in Steri Nappy (a bleach based product) and more. Times have changed, no longer are disposables more convenient, cloth nappies are just as convenient and easy to use, plus they are way cuter!

I have written previously on why you should be using cloth nappies for the sake of the planet and for the sake of your child's health, (and your sons fertility!) you can find those posts here and here.

Don't let the idea of cloth nappies fill you with dread, they really are simple once you get the hang of it, and I now love using them.

Jesse at 4 weeks old, wearing a Fuzzibunz One Size

To de-code a bit of the cloth nappy lingo:

Cover or shell - This is the waterproof layer, usually separate from the absorbent part.
Insert or soaker - The absorbent layer, usually made of microfiber, bamboo, cotton/hemp or cotton/fleece.
Booster or doubler - An extra insert usually used for night time.
One-size - A nappy that uses snaps to be made to grow with baby from birth to potty-training age.

This is a simplified list, for a more detailed list visit the following link:
Cloth Diapering Lingo: A List of Terms and Abbreviations at Authentic Parenting

Image credit : Bam+Boo Cloth Nappies

Different types of cloth nappies available:

All-in-ones
These have the waterproof layer, and the absorbent soaker all in one. They are therefore as convenient as a disposable, and easy to launder, but do take a bit longer to dry.
Pocket nappy
My favourite, and by far the simplest to use. The waterproof cover has a pocket, which you slide an insert into - with varying absorbencies depending on need, a thicker one for night time use etc. Simple to launder, and quick drying.
All-in-twos
Much like the all-in-one except the absorbent insert snaps into and out of the waterproof shell. This makes laundering easier, and you can change the insert to suit your needs or add a booster.
Flats
This is what our mothers used with us, the white terry cloth squares which needed to be folded, fastened and covered with a waterproof cover. The advantages of these are that they are economical, and laundering is a breeze as they clean really well, you can bleach them if needed (although not advised as it can ruin them) and they dry super quickly. There are better options than the old terry cloth ones too, they are now available in super soft and super absorbent bamboo.
Prefolds
These are flats which have been sewn into the folded shape. They have the same advantages of flats, and need to be worn with a waterproof cover.

This is a simplified list, for more info visit these links:
Finding the perfect fit : Types of cloth diapers by The Peaceful Housewife at Job Description Mommy
Cloth Diapers, beyond pre-folds and pins at Fine and Fair
Choosing Your Cloth Diapers at Natural Parents Network
Choosing the Right Cloth Diaper: So Many Diapers, One Tiny Bum, at Natural Parents Network

Jesse at 9 months old

How to use cloth nappies

To make using cloth nappies as convenient as using disposables, you need to ensure you have enough of them. Most sources advise that you purchase 24 nappies, so that you don't need to wash every day. I couldn't afford to get this many in the beginning, (it is quite an investment in the beginning but well worth it, and it saves you so much in the long run) and I still don't have that many. We started with 10 Fuzzibunz one size nappies, which means they fit from a newborn to a toddler. They are pocket nappies, meaning they have an outer shell, and an inner soaker which you can change to suit your needs - a thicker one at night etc. Pocket nappies are the ultimate in convenience and fit, in my opinion, although I haven't tried very many other. The entire thing is thrown in the washing machine, and nothing could be simpler.

Having so few nappies has meant that we need to do a load of nappies every day, 10 nappies last us one day and one night. It has also meant that out loads of nappies have not been full loads, which is wasteful on energy and water. Furthermore, because our nappies are worn atleast once every day, they are starting to look worn after only 18 months, and a few of them are going to need to be replaced soon, whereas these nappies can easily last your childs whole nappywearing career, often lasting through a second or third child too.

So my advice is try to purchase as many as you can, no less than 10 and preferably closer to 24 nappies, or more would make life much easier. I also advise on buying one size nappies if budget is a problem. Or you can try your hand and winning some, I currently have two giveaways running where you can win cloth nappies, see the top right hand sidebar for current giveaways.

There are so many fabulous option out there when it comes to cloth nappies, such cute designs in bright colours or patterns, or cool neutrals if you prefer. If for no other reason, I advise on using cloth nappies just for the cute factor - there is nothing cuter that a baby in a brightly coloured, fitted cloth nappy!

Once you have received your cloth nappy stash, you cannot start using them straight away. To reach full absorbency, most nappy inners need to be washed as many as ten times (bamboo). Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions.

Jesse at 10 months old

What else will you need?

Other than the nappies, there really isn't much more you need to start using cloth nappies successfully. I am going to devote a whole other post to the care and laundering of cloth nappies, but I can tell you here that you will need a bucket with a lid or a plastic bin with a swing top to store dirty nappies in. Whether you use bin liners is up to you, I find it easier to rinse the bin out after emptying the contents into the washing machine every day.

You will also need to store your nappies somewhere, in a drawer or cupboard works fine. I have used an old fashioned nappy hanger in the past, which is great if you are short on space and I now simply store them in cute basket in my sons room.

Nappy liners are unnessecary when your baby is still breastfed only, and breastmilk pooh is water soluble and so washes out easily. Once baby is eating a bit more solid food, you may want to think about using bio-degradable nappy liners, wet ones can be placed on the compost heap and soiled ones thrown away or flushed down the loo. Or make your own, with this tutorial from Natural Parents Network.

If you are using cloth nappies, it makes sense to use cloth wipes too. I will devote a whole other post to this too, not that its complicated, but you can make your own and make your own wipe solution and I will share my recipe. So be sure to look out for it.

Many people also mistakenly believe that babies will suffer more cases of nappy rash in cloth nappies, this is not true, cloth nappies do not keep your baby as dry as disposables, and so need changing more often - but anyone who tells they they don't have time to change their baby's nappy gets no respect from me. The fact of the matter is that the makers of disposable nappies spend a lot of time and money finding a combination of chemicals to turn urine into dry crystals, this is fine but besides what effect the chemicals have on your baby (I go into this more in my previous post on why I chose cloth nappies) the urine is still there and the bacteria and ammonia are sitting against your baby's skin making nappy rash a constant problem.

Some say that you cannot use nappy rash creams with cloth nappies, which is not a problem. Either use a liner when your baby has a rash, or use cloth nappy safe rash creams. I chose to use liners whenever Jesse has had a rash, which is not often and only occurs if we havent for some reason rinsed the nappies enough. My favourite is the Pure Beginnings Baby Bum Balm, it clears up any rash within a day or so. South Africans seem to religiously apply Vaseline to baby's bum with every nappy change, this is totally unnecessary and in fact jeopardises the absorbency of both cloth and disposable nappies.

Many people opt to go for cloth nappies only during the day, and disposables at night. This is how I started out. I quickly decided that I might as well go the whole hog, and haven't looked back since. There are boosters that can be inserted in pocket nappies, which are extra thick for night time use, or you can double up on them. There are also nappies made especially for night time. I have not experienced a single leak, at all with Jesse.

For even more information, check out the following links from a few of my favourite sources:
16 Months of Cloth from That Mama Gretchen, where she discusses her stash, her wash routine and the investment.
Cloth Diaper Care by The Peaceful Housewife at Job Description Mommy
Troubleshooting Cloth Diaper Leaks by Hybrid Rasta Mama at Job Description Mommy
Cloth diapering basics at Fine and Fair
Cloth diaper laundry at Fine and Fair
Travelling with cloth at Fine and Fair
The Best Cloth Backups for Elimination Communication

Cloth and Travel: Laundering Diapers on the Go

Common Myths About Real Nappies at Diary of a First Child

All You Need To Know About Real Cloth Nappies at Diary of a First Child

Cloth diapers for apartment dwellers at Hobo Mama

Getting started with reusable cloth nappies at Diary of a First Child

Adventures in Cloth Nappies - Part 1 at Diary of a First Child

Adventures in Cloth Nappies - Part 2 at Diary of a First Child

Adventures in Cloth Nappies - Part 3 at Diary of a First Child

How I Cloth Diaper - Part 1 at A Little Bit of All of It

How I Cloth Dipaer - Part 2 at A Little Bit of All of It

Cloth 101 at Fat Bottom Babies

Cloth Diapering: Resources I wish I knew about when I started my 'fluff' journey, and other stuff at Hybrid Rasta Mama

Cloth Diapering Basics at The Other Baby Book

Cloth Diapering on a budget at Authentic Parenting

Cloth Diapering, the options at Authentic Parenting

10 Tips to save even more money cloth diapering at Authentic Parenting

Everything you need for cloth diapering at Vibrant Wanderings
100 Yard Stash, Finding Our Cloth Diaper Groove at Touchstonez
Cloth Diapering Hindsight at Anktangle
Travelling with Cloth Diapers at Anktangle
The Ultimate Cloth Diapering Shopping List at Natural Parents Network

GIVEAWAY: Earth Artist by Jenny Louw {South Africa Only; 02/06}

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Sun, 20 May 2012 22:08:00 +0000

I am very pleased to bring you my review of Jenny Louw's book, 'Earth Artist', plus the opportunity to win your very own copy, see details at the end.

Reading 'Earth Artist' was one of the most peaceful activities I have recently had the pleasure of partaking in. The text oozes with Jenny's calm and serenity, inspiring you to become the same. Jenny documents her own journey to find a more peaceful existence, more at one, and in harmony with nature, and shares all of this with us.

Image credit: Earth Artist

This book is an inspiring read, 'Earth Artist' is a guide on holistic gardening, eating and living, filled with fantastic advice from how to compost to wholesome recipes for bread and more. In no time I found myself spending larger quantities of time outdoors, and in the garden, planning my vegetable garden and salivating at the thought of the wonderful dishes I could prepare with my home grown produce.

Jenny urges you to quit fighting with nature and instead learn to work with it to create a rich landscape filled with biodiversity. Her own garden is so gorgeous that it was recently featured in the Cape Argus and she shares all her tips in her book.

Following Jenny’s clear descriptions, you will discover how to plan, plant and maintain a natural garden filled with edible plants, and prepare simple, delicious meals from produce grown in a garden paradise. No matter where you live, whether in an apartment or on a large plot, this book will make natural gardening and farming a highlight in your life, and inspire you to eat a harvest that is healthy for you and the Earth. Source: Earth Artist

Image credit: Earth Artist

In her book, Jenny motivates to live a greener lifestyle, benefiting not only the earth, but our health and wellness and that of our family too. She motivates to lead a calmer life, free from constant distraction such as traffic and television, and shares how she found intense creativity, health and success.

'Earth Artist' is beautiful to look at too, filled with stunning photographs of Jenny's own garden and family. The book is printed in plant inks and on fibre-based paper, making it an environmentally friendly read. 'Earth Artist' is a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to live in a more natural and peaceful way.

BUY IT!

You can purchase your own copy of Earth Artist by Jenny Louw from Earth Artist for R240 excluding shipping.

WIN IT!

For your own chance to win a copy of Jenny Louw's book, 'Earth Artist', enter by leaving a comment and using the Rafflecopter system below. Contest is open to South Africa only.

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Earth Artist and tell me why you would love to win this book! You must enter your name and email address in the Rafflecopter entry system for your entry to count, after leaving a comment on this blog post.

Leave a valid email address so we can contact you if you win. Email addresses in Rafflecopter are not made publicly visible. Please leave the same valid email address in your mandatory comment so we can verify entries.

BONUS ENTRIES: See the Rafflecopter entry system for bonus entries to increase your chance of winning after completing the mandatory entry. All bonus entries are entered directly into Rafflecopter.

Best of luck :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest closes 2 June 2012 at 11:59 p.m. CAT.

All Things Jesse, Rest & Healing {Mamatography & What's New Babe?}

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:40:00 +0000

I have been following along with Melissa of Vibrant Wanderings for some time, and so enjoy her weekly updates on her family and daughter in her What's New Babe? posts, so along with the photo-a-day challenge that I committed to with Luschka from Diary of a First Child here is my version of a weekly update, interspersed with the photo's I remember to take that week.

Thank you so much for all the well wishes and healing vibes sent Jesse's way since my post about his spider bite last week, I honestly believe each and every virtual hug put a bit more colour back in his cheeks. He perked up the very next day after publishing that post, and improved in leaps and bounds each day until I can honestly say that today he is fully back to his old self. I think he has even put back on all the weight he lost when he was ill, which is fantastic, because he really started to look like a scrawny little thing ;)

We took it very slowly, he still spent last Wednesday in bed, and Thursday we spent outside but he sat on my lap most of the day, walking around a very little. We suspect that he also had a mild case of an inner ear infection, because he was SO wobbly, and all of a sudden afraid of heights. For instance, if I sat him down on a (sturdy) chair, he was convinced he would fall off, holding his hands out to support himself and preferring to sit on my lap. Thankfully, he didn't seem to suffer from any earache and is completely healed by now. Back to running around, and balancing on benches etc.

It was mothers day on Sunday, and my sister drove down to spend the day with the family, it was great to all be together and we had lovely and unseasonally warm weather. My sister is a veterinary nurse, and has two dogs who she refers to as her children, they go everywhere with her and indeed came with to my parents house. Her golden Labrador is an absolute sweetie (and is our dog, Sasha's mother) and played so nicely with Jesse. He is really into balls at the moment, and she is great at catching them or fetching them and bringing them sweetly back to him,. I desperately need to spend some time training Sasha to do the same, but never seem to find it.

Other things I don't ever seem to find time to do lately is clean my house, or read a book... Understandably, I got absolutely nothing done in the week that Jesse was not well, he was like a very large newborn (indeed he nursed as much as a very large newborn) and required constant care and attention which was exhausting, but this week was just as unproductive. I seemed to be busy on the computer all the time, but never got anything done. It didn't help that my Microsoft Outlook crashed this week, and I lost all my emails from the last three months, how frustrating. I have also been battling to load my pictures, hence the reason my post is so late, and why my pictures are unedited... ran out of patience for any more.

Along with really enjoying a ball, Jesse is also enjoying his plastic chicken figurines that his gran bought him. Chickens are his favourite animal at the moment. He gets really excited when he recognises a chicken in a book and makes the cock-a-doodle-doo noise, or the kop, kop, kop noise I make when I call them for food. He loves feeding the chickens, and I have actually had to hide the chicken food, or else he would feed them the whole bag in one day. Now he walks around with the empty container, convincing them that he has food, getting them to follow him into the coop, and then tossing them dirt to eat - which they don't fall for. I think eventually they will wisen up to his fib, but for now he is really proud that he can get them to follow him.

Just this week Jesse has also started a new form of communication... screaming at the top of his voice. I really need to reassess whether I actually am as responsive as I think I am, because I don't understand why he feels the need to shout whenever he wants something, wants to be picked up etc. Maybe I have been ignoring him without realising it? Or perhaps he is just feeling so frustrated because he cant talk, and can't make himself understood, perhaps he is equating that with us not hearing, hence the need for the shouting? I don't know, its understandable, and I don't actually mind, but I can see it becoming a problem if we are say for instance at the library, or another public quite place. I have made the effort to be extra responsive so that he can get out of the habit and not feel the need to shout.

Along with the unattractive shouting, he has also started acting silly and looking for my reaction. For instance he jumps around like a baboon / rabbit and then flops on to the floor, quickly checking to see if I found this funny. Lots of laughing and more acting the fool follows. I have also noticed him watching my face more intently this week, as if he is trying to read my thoughts. Those big blue eyes seem to pierce right through me.

It never ceases to amaze me, just how much joy he brings into my life. Just this morning he decided to wake up at 5am (eeeek), and I tried my best to ignore him and carry on sleeping. He was full of the joys of spring and even though it was still dark, and freezing, he proceeded to entertain himself, chatting away to himself and then tried to wake me up with kisses. I woke up to this beautiful little cherub kissing me, such a sweetie pie, obviously I look particularly kissable when I am asleep ;) . Thankfully, he went back to sleep and we both got up at a more reasonable hour (I am not a morning person).

I am so thankful he is better, and back to his old self. It was absolutely terrible to see my joyful little soul, who is usually the epitome of health, so unwell. Thanks, once again for all your support.

Now go check out the other participants in this photo challenge.
If you’d still like to join us, you can start at any time, just sign up here and our host will email you further information.
Here is the current list of all participants:
***

Diary of a First Child

Me, Mothering, and making it all work

Loving Earth Mama

African Babies Don't Cry

E-ma's Bloggy Blog

Boo, Roo and Tigger Too

Vibrant Wanderings

Momma Jorje

Anktangle

The Princess Poet's Life Adventures

Baking Momma of Two

handcraftedtravellers

Ponderings from the Kitchen

Loving {Almost} Every Moment

GIVEAWAY : Mother Nature Products All-In-One Bamboo Cloth Nappy, Baby Barrier Balm & Liners {WORLDWIDE, 27/5} CLOSED

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Sun, 13 May 2012 22:31:00 +0000

It is such a pleasure to bring you my review of another one of South Africa's very own cloth nappy systems, the Mother Nature Products all-in-one Bamboo nappy. Along with my review, Mother Nature Products are offering my readers the chance to WIN one of their all-in-one bamboo nappies, a jar of their fabulous baby barrier balm and some of their biodegradable nappy liners!!

Mother Nature Products sent me one of their one size all-in-one nappies to try out on Jesse, they also added in a jar of their very own bum balm and some of their biodegradable nappy liners. Everything arrived very sweetly wrapped up.

The nappy I received to try was their gorgeous mint green, and I was immediately impressed by how small it was, not bulky at all. The inner soaker is a long length of highly absorbent bamboo-cotton towelling, which you then fold to suit your needs. More to the middle for girls and more towards the front for boys. I love the way this is a soaker and booster all in one, and is so adjustable.

As with most brands, the booster works best after a couple of washes, but Jesse isn't a heavy wetter, and I found the booster worked well after just one wash, and even better after two.

This nappy is a snug fitting nappy, and would suit smaller babies, a great cloth nappy to buy to fit newborns to toddlers. Jesse, although not a particularly large 18 month old, has to wear the nappy on the largest setting, but that being said, there is still a bit more room to grow on this setting.

The Mother Nature secret to success: We use high density 100% natural and sustainable Bamboo Towelling (not blended with viscose) which has natural antibacterial properties, feels silky soft and is highly absorbent. Our fabric (made only for Mother Nature) is 3 times the density of similar imported versions on the market making our nappies 3 times more absorbent and durable over time. This is one of the primary reasons why customers consider our nappies the best investment in the cloth nappy market.

The Mother Nature Products nappy has a stretchy waistband which allows for its snug fit, and it has gusseted leg bands to ensure no leaks. Indeed we did not experience any leaks whilst using it. The inner soaker is removable to allow for easy washing and is safe for tumble-drying. I found it dried relatively quickly in the sun too. The outer shell has a hidden waterproof layer, between two layers of soft polyester. The inner soaker is fantastically soft against Jesse's skin, and I saw no tell-tale marks where the nappy had rubbed or pinched him. All in all a very comfy nappy.

The Mother Nature Products Mother & Baby Balm is great, it is chock full of natural ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, castor oil, rice bran oil and beeswax to moisturize, and feed the skin, with a hint of Cape chamomile making it soothing, lavender for healing and tea-tree oil for anti-bacterial / anti-fungal. This is a great smelling balm, and I used it as a preventative on Jesse to ward of rashes, and it worked like a charm. I also used it on a spot of eczema on my hand that flares up in winter, and it soothed and calmed the itchy skin wonderfully.

An all-purpose balm that is gentle but effective in protecting, nourishing and healing mother & baby's skin. Aids healing of dry, irritated skin, nappy rash and eczema. Also useful for cracked or chapped skin, abrasions and other minor skin irritations. Can be gently massaged into breasts and sore nipples. Helps in the prevention and treatment of stretch marks. Essential addition to your baby bag.

We all know how essential nappy liners are when using cloth nappies, especially once your baby starts eating solid food and pooh's are no longer water soluble. To avoid whole undigested raisins and peas from clogging your washing machines filer I advise the use of a good bio-degradable nappy liner. The Mother Nature Products Biodegradable and Flushable Nappy Liners are perfect, they take approximately 30 days to fully degrade and are made of mostly wood pulp.

Mother Nature Products are very proud that all of their products are 100% South African and locally designed, made and distributed from Cape Town, creating local employment.

Buy It:

To purchase a Mother Nature Products nappy, balm or liners simply head over to the website, choose your items and then complete the order form and email to info@mothernatureproducts.co.za or fax to +27(0)21 782 9117. Alternatively see a list of stockists on their website.

WIN it:

For your own chance to win a all-in-one one size cloth nappy, a baby barrier balm and biodegradable nappy liners, enter by leaving a comment, and using the simple Rafflecopter entry system below.

The giveaway ends on 27 May 2012. Contest is open WORLDWIDE.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit Mother Nature Products and tell me one thing you have learnt about the company! You must enter your name and email address in Rafflecopter entry system for your entry to count, after leaving a comment on this blog post.

BONUS ENTRIES:

See the Rafflecopter entry system for bonus entries to increase your chance of winning after completing the mandatory entry. All bonus entries are entered directly into Rafflecopter. Give it a try, and email or leave a comment if you have any questions!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All Things Jesse, Spider Bites & Hospital Visits {Mamatography & What's New Babe?}

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:09:00 +0000

Thursday, already not feeling too good so resting on the couch.

Jesse and I have had a pretty awful week. Last Wednesday morning as I was busy in the vegetable garden and Jesse was helping out, he started to complain and tug at his nappy. We went inside to remove it and he had been bitten by something on his lower abdomen, right on his nappy line. I immediately knew it was a spider, as there are plenty about with our unusually warm weather we have been having at this time of the year. It had obviously gotten squished in his nappy band and had bitten as a form of defence. Why, oh why was he wearing a nappy that morning, when normally he is naked. the spider would have just jumped off him if he was naked and it hadn't felt threatened :(

Feeling perky enough on Friday to feed the chickens

I'm not one to panic, which is not always a good thing, and indeed drives my mother nuts, and I simply put a plaster on it with some anti-septic ointment. He progressively got more miserable as the day drew on, and that evening had a low grade fever and I am sure a headache. I'm also not one to use medication unless an absolute must, so I used natural fever support and gave him some homoeopathic pellets for pain and fever.

On Thursday he was listless and refused to eat any solid food, thankfully still nursing much and by Friday he started to develop spots on his arms which I thought were just mosquito bites. By Saturday it became evident that the spots were not mosquito bites, and they spread to his legs too, still I didn't see cause for panic, he was a bit less lively than usual, a bit more mama-vas (clingy) and had a low grade fever.

Trying out natural fever support, with wet rags and warm socks

On Sunday he started complaining a bit more, and I realised that he wasn't just suffering from the pain of the spider bite any more, although that was very painful, having formed a boil. I gave him over the counter pain medication and then started panicking about meningitis, the one that you get a rash with, and so we decided that a hospital visit was necessary if only to qualm our fears.

When the doctor on duty heard spider bite however, and took one look at Jesse's top to toe rash (even covering the soles of his feet and inside his ears) he decided he had to be admitted much to my dismay. They called the paediatrician on duty and she relayed a few instructions over the phone, don't you hate how they do that? I mean she hadn't even taken a look at Jesse. Blood tests were done, which was not fun at all. Jesse was more horrified by the way the nurses insisted on holding him down than by the actual prick of the needle, and finally an IV was inserted, they tried on one hand, lost the vein and then had to try on the other. It took all my strength not to bollocks the nurse for hurting my baby, sharp words were said instead.

The paediatrician ordered antibiotics and an antihistamine to be given, which I flat out refused until the results of the blood tests were back. What use is an antihistamine if he has meningitis? Yes, I became the parent all doctors and nurses hate, and argued with everything they suggested, *blushes*

In hospital, with his little hand bandaged up with the IV in

The blood tests came back picking up only a minor infection somewhere in his body. I consented to oral antibiotics, thinking the rash was some sort of result of an infection. The next morning Jesse perked up a bit, his rash seemed to fade slightly and he kept trying to pull his IV out. The paediatrician finally come in to see him, and confirmed he had an infection... in his throat of all places. Just a minor throat infection, she agreed the spider bite was healing nicely and the spots were probably the venom working its way out. Obviously his immune system took a knock with the venom, and that when the throat infection set in. The doctor agreed that we could go home and finish off the antibiotics at home, Jesse was miserable in the hospital, he wanted to play with all the other children, and hated that he couldn't play with his IV.

We both didn't get much sleep at the hospital and so Monday was spent catching up. Yesterday we also spent the majority of in bed, and indeed today. Jess is still feeling a little sensitive, and still refuses to eat much (thank goodness still nursing lots), preferring to play and read books in bed, which is SO unlike him. The rash has all but faded away, and his throat seems to have healed up, although we have another day of antibiotics ahead of him.

I ask that you all send healing vibes to my little angel, it has now been a full week that he has not been himself and I do hope that his cheerfulness and energy return soon. I fear that the week of not eating much solid food added to all the stress of the hospital visit has left him feeling a little fragile.

Feeling well enough today to play with a bunch of toys in bed.

I will soon be writing a post on spider bite care, as I googled and searched and came up with next to nothing. After much reading, and asking the wise volunteers of the Natural Parents Network, I now know how to treat one, indeed Jesse's bite has all but healed. It will probably leave a scar, but thankfully he is a boy, and scars are cool on boys aren't they? ;)

Linked up with Diary of a First Child, Vibrant Wanderings, Natural Parents Network, Hobo Mama and I Thought I Knew Mama.

Now go check out the other participants in this photo challenge.
If you’d still like to join us, you can start at any time, just sign up here and our host will email you further information.
Here is the current list of all participants:
***

Diary of a First Child

Me, Mothering, and making it all work

Loving Earth Mama

African Babies Don't Cry

E-ma's Bloggy Blog

Boo, Roo and Tigger Too

Vibrant Wanderings

Momma Jorje

Anktangle

The Princess Poet's Life Adventures

Baking Momma of Two

handcraftedtravellers

Ponderings from the Kitchen

Loving {Almost} Every Moment

GIVEAWAY : Bam+Boo Cloth Nappies - R400 ($50 / £31) Voucher {WORLDWIDE, 23/5} CLOSED

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:16:00 +0000

I am so excited to bring you my review of one of South Africa's very own cloth nappy systems, Bam+Boo cloth nappies. Bam+Boo are offering my readers the opportunity to WIN a R400 voucher to spend on any nappies, wipes and boosters off their website. Those of you not wanting to leave it up to chance, Bam+Boo are also offering my readers a 15% discount! See below for more information.

Photo Credit: Bam+Boo

Bam+Boo sent two of their gorgeous nappies to me for review, one in the blue for boys colour, and the second in their gorgeously spunky orange colour. They are available in six different colours to choose from, head over to their website to have a look.

My immediate thought on the nappies is how cute they are, then I realised just how adjustable they are. They are the only nappy that I am aware of that can either be used as a pocket nappy or as an all-in-one. The nappy can either be used with the bamboo soaker inside the pocket, or with the soaker snapped into place against baby's skin. How awesome is that!?!

Photo Credit: Bam+Boo

The nappies also have no less than three rows of snaps on the front, making the length super adjustable and really comfy for babies of any sizes. The nappy is fastened with velcro, which allows it to fit waists of every size (no more frustrating in-between snap size problems) and they have cleverly made sure that the soft part of the velcro faces out so that it doesn't scratch baby or snag on clothing etc. Even more clever is the wash tabs inside the nappy where the side straps can be attached so that they do not snag other items in the washing machine.

Photo Credit: Bam+Boo

Personally, I found the option of snapping the soaker into place and having it against Jesse's skin proved very fiddly, but I do have a wriggly toddler on my hands, I just loved how soft the soaker was against his skin, so I did persevere. Placing the soaker in the pocket made things much more simple.

I was amazed at how successful this nappy was at keeping Jesse dry. Jesse has never been a heavy wetter, but even so I usually need to use a booster at night. With these nappies I quickly realised it was unnessecary to use the booster provided. The bamboo soaker wicked away all traces of urine and kept Jess dry until morning. We did not experience a single leak with this nappy, and I'm sure it is because of the amazing double elasticated leg gussets. Even more amazing is how thin the soaker is, and how compact the nappy is.

This nappy proved especially comfy too, not only because they can be so easily adjusted to fit perfectly, but also because there are no button or snaps to rub against baby's skin. The interior of the nappy has been made as soft as possible, and even the double elasticated legs fit snug on the legs without leaving marks.

All Bam+Boo nappies are machine washable up to 60°C and the soakers can be tumble dried on low-med heat. I found that the outer shell dried amazingly fast, so there is no need to tumble dry.

Buy It:

To purchase a Bam+Boo nappy simply head over to the website, choose your colour/s and either email them on sales@bamboobaby.co.za or call +27 (0)44 871 4508 to place your order. Mention African Babies Don't Cry when placing your order for a 15% discount!

WIN it:

For your own chance to win a R400 voucher to spend on all any nappies, wipes and boosters (prize excludes wet bags & nursing covers and the voucher amount needs to cover postage), enter by leaving a comment, and using the simple Rafflecopter entry system below.

The giveaway ends on 23 May 2012. Contest is open WORLDWIDE.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit Bam+Boo and tell me which colour nappies you would choose if you won! You must enter your name and email address in Rafflecopter entry system for your entry to count, after leaving a comment on this blog post.

BONUS ENTRIES:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All Things Jesse {Mammatography & What's New Babe}

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:51:00 +0000

Ok, time to admit total failure with the photo-a-day challenge, but Luschka and all the other participants are really forgiving... so here is where I confess that I only took three photos this week, and all on the same day! Oops! I must admit that this is partly due to the fact that I am still waiting for my new camera, and I'm totally over trying to take photos with the little happy snappy I'm borrowing from my dad. Its not very forgiving, and most of my photos end up being too dark or blurry to post here.

This week Jesse has improved leaps and bounds in the co-ords department. All of a sudden he is running, and jumping and hopping and almost skipping. Whenever he is standing, watching the chickens etc, he swings his arms back and forth, clapping them in front... I don't think I do this, so I have no idea where he gets it from, but it makes him look really nonchalant and cool.

He has also finally managed to get his little legs coordinated enough to kick a ball, and he loves it. Not only does he kick balls around, but stones too, and anything else that looks like it might be fun to kick.

Imitation was at its height this week, with Jesse copying everything I did, but in such a subtle way I didn't pick it up half the time. If I sneezed, then all of a sudden he was sneezing, if I picked green leaves from the veggies patch for our smoothie then he also came up with a handful of green leaves... mostly weeds, bless him.

Most of this week was spent just the two of us, and we had a lovely time together. Jesse is a wonderful companion, chatting all day in his own language which I understand perfectly. We have great fun together.

He is also as affectionate as ever. A new development, is when he gives hugs, he now also pats us on the back... hearts do melt.

How did your family spend their weekend? What's new with your babe?

Linked up to Vibrant Wanderings, Diary of a First Child, Natural Parents Network, Hobo Mama & I Thought I Knew Mama.

Now go check out the other participants in this photo challenge.
If you’d still like to join us, you can start at any time, just sign up here and our host will email you further information.
Here is the current list of all participants:
***

Diary of a First Child

African Babies Don’t Cry

Woman of the Willows and Wetlands

From Cristin To Mommy

Princess poet’s Life Adventures

Loving {Almost} Every Moment

The Artful Mama

The Family Patch

Boo Roo and Tigger Too

Becoming Crunchy

Vibrant Wanderings

Actually Mummy…

Boho Mama

Casyfamily

Loving Earth Mama

Baby Dust Diaries

Baking Momma of Two

Momma Jorje

The Mommy Metamorphosis

Toddler In Tow

Boobie Time

Mama Unfurling

Attached Mommyhood

Adventures of the Raanan family

Mommy and Little I

A Living Family

Fun with Ima (mommy)

ShariMamatography

Carrigan’s Joy

Becoming Three

take more pictures

Girls Can Do Anything

Anktangle

Growing A Life

More Reasons to Choose Cloth Nappies

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:53:00 +0000

I have written previously on a few of the reasons that I chose to use cloth nappies. Here are a few more.

Cloth nappies are the more economical way to go.
A child will use more than 5000 disposable nappies in their nappy-wearing life. In South Africa, disposable nappies cost around R3 per nappy, depending on brand and quantity bought at a time. This equats to around R 15 000 spent on disposable nappies in one childs lifetime, and this doubles if you have a second child, triples if you have a third.

While the initial investment of cloth nappies may seem high to some, they are re-usable, they can be worn again and again, and can even be used for your next child. There are also more ecomomical choices in buying cloth nappies, old-fashioned white terry cloth toweling nappies used by our mothers years ago work out to a tiny startup cost, although there are cuter, and more convenient options available nowadays which are so worth the investment.

Some may argue about the cost of laundering cloth nappies, however, if using a energy efficient washing machine these costs are minimal.

Cloth nappies are gentler on the environment.
I discuss this further in my previous blog post, Lightening My Footprint with Cloth Nappies (Diapers), but here are just a few numbers from that post to give you an idea of just how immense the problem using disposable nappies causes.

It is estimated that 18 billion disposable nappies are thrown in landfills each year.
It takes, on average, 700 years for one disposable nappy to disintegrate.
It takes upwards of 82,000 tons of plastic and 1.3 million tons of wood pulp, or a quarter-million trees, to manufacture the disposable diapers that cover the bottoms of 90 percent of the babies born in the US.¹
Landfill sites are not designed nor permitted to contain faeces and therefore have no solution to the growing number of dirty disposable nappies dumped every day.
Faeces in nappies mixed together with household waste lets off a gas called methane; which contributes to global warming.
In South Africa whole families live in and around landfill sites, sifting through the waste to look for anything of value to earn a small living. Human waste at landfill sites add to the risk of disease spreading to these vulnerable communities who live in their vicinities. There is also the risk of water contamination in nearby streams and rivers.

Cloth nappies are better for my son.
Cloth nappies are made of natural fabrics, which are so much better for your babies skin than the plastic and chemicals found in disposable nappies. A few of the chemicals found in disposable nappies:

Dioxins: Most disposable diapers are bleached white with chlorine, resulting in a byproduct called dioxins that leaches into the environment and the diapers. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dioxins are among the most toxic chemicals known to science and are listed by the EPA as highly carcinogenic chemicals. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to dioxins may cause skin reactions and altered liver function, as well as impairments to the immune system, nervous system, endocrine system and reproductive functions.
Sodium Polyacrylate: Sodium polycarbonate is a super absorbent chemical compound that is used in the fillers of many disposable diapers. It is composed of cellulose processed from trees that is mixed with crystals of polyacrylate. This chemical absorbs fluids and creates surface tension in the lining of the diaper to bind fluids and prevent leakage. Sodium polyacrylate is often visible as small gel-like crystals on the skin of babies and is thought to be linked to skin irritations and respiratory problems. This chemical was removed from tampons due to toxic shock syndrome concerns. As it has only been used in diapers for the last two decades, there is not yet research on the long-term health effects of sodium polyacrylate on babies.
Tributyl-tin (TBT): Many disposable diapers contain a chemical called tributyl-tin (TBT). According to the EPA, this toxic pollutant is extremely harmful to aquatic (water) life and causes endocrine (hormonal) disruptions in aquatic organisms. TBT is a polluting chemical that does not degrade but remains in the environment and in our food chain. TBT is also an ingredient used in biocides to kill infecting organisms. Additionally, according to research published by the American Institute of Biological Sciences, tributyl-tin can trigger genes that promote the growth of fat cells, causing obesity in humans.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Disposable diapers frequently contain chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These include chemicals such as ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene and dipentene. According to the EPA, VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system as well as cancers.
Other Chemicals: Other chemicals often used in disposable diapers include dyes, fragrances, plastics and petrolatums. Adhesive chemicals are used in the sticky tabs to close the diapers and dyes are used to color and make the patterns and labels that mark diapers. Perfumes and fragrances are used in some disposable diapers to help mask odours.³

Cloth nappies are safer, all-round.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that an estimated 8,469 incidents involving disposable diapers occurred in the year 2,000 alone. One main risk is that disposable diapers come apart, leaving your baby at risk of choking on the parts of the diaper. The absorbent gel inside the diapers can cause choking. Ingestion of as little as 5 grams ²

Cloth nappies are so much comfier.
Cloth nappies are softer, with more cushioning, making all those enevitable bum crashes when learning to walk or pull themselves up so much less jarring on babies bottom and spine. Cloth nappies come in different sizes, and most are adjustable in many different places so you can either find the correct fit for your baby, or adjust the nappy to be the perfect fit for your baby's size.

Source: Fuzzibunz

Fewer incidents of nappy rash.
Parents are more likely to leave longer periods between disposable nappies because they keep babies dry even after urinating. However, the bacteria and ammonia present in the urine is sitting against your babies skin, resulting in more frequent cases of nappy rash. The chemicals found in disposable nappies, mixed with urine and faeces in disposable nappies also cause napy rash.

Cloth nappies do not leak as much as disposable nappies.
Correctly fitted cloth nappies are much better at containing leaks and keeping your baby's clothes mess free. Blow-outs are inevitable with disposable nappies.

Further reading:
Top ten reasons to use cloth diapers by Hybrid Rasta Mama at Job Description Mommy
Why cloth? at Fine and Fair
Why we chose cloth diapers, part 1 at Code Name: Mama

Why we chose cloth diapers, part 2 at Code Name: Mama, where she discusses the chemicals found in disposables.

1 Source: Why Cloth at diapernet.org ^↩
2 Source: Top ten reasons to use cloth diapers at Job Description Mommy ^↩
3 Source: Chemicals in Disposable Diapers at Livestrong ^↩

{P} inspiration For The Week Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:11:00 +0000

I've become really dedicated to these inspiration posts of mine, inspired by all the amazing crafts, recipe's, homes and other lovely pictures I find on Pinterest. In them I share what inspiration I will carry forth with me into the week ahead.

What's happening in the week ahead?

Here in South Africa we are enjoying yet another long weekend, got to love April, and so another short week ahead.

Here are a few images that I will carry with me into the new week, I hope they leave you inspired too.

(Left to right)

1. Hope...

2. Gorgeous planter necklace, imagine wearing a tiny container of life around your neck.

3. Succulents planted by colour, so effective.

4. Montessori inspired activity to try with Jess, colour sorting, now I just need to find a similar container.

You can find these pins and more on my boards on Pinterest.

What does your week ahead look like?

All Things Jesse, in Cape Town {Mamatography & What's New Babe}

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:43:00 +0000

Sitting in a box, and smiling for the camera.

After our trip to Cape Town I'm sure you were all expecting plenty of photographs of Table Mountain and the like, especially since it was my first visit to the cape. But, alas, there are none. I barely even managed to see Table Mountain, just a quick glimpse as we passed it on the highway. Our visit was so short, and our only intention was to attend a family wedding, so it really seemed like we were either on our way there (Friday) or on our way back (Sunday).

Dressed for the cooler weather.

We were also too busy enjoying ourselves at the wedding to take many photographs there either, but I've included a rare photograph of Jesse and myself taken at the event. What a gorgeous wedding it was, possibly the best I have attended so far, the bride had thought of everything in her planning. Jesse had a ball, being the little people person he is. In fact I think he had more of a party than I did. He thoroughly enjoyed the dance floor, and loved showing off all his moves, picking up new ones from the people dancing around him. He was a hit with the ladies, is there anything cuter than an enthusiastic one year old dancing? If only this self-confidence would stick with him through his teenage years. I wish we had taken a video, but I did manage to take one photograph of him jamming in between all the ladies legs.

What did become apparent is that my child is not used to other children. He preferred playing with the older boys, rather than the two girls his own age, and in fact was quite a bully to them, throwing stones at them and smacking them on the head... probably time I tried to socialise more with other mothers of the same age children. I soon realised that Jess had never seen a child smaller than himself, and was rather disconcerted by their fragility perhaps.

Jess was an absolute star on the aeroplane there and back. Although on the way back he was absolutely exhausted and fussed for a bit before falling asleep and sleeping the rest of the way. You always hope there are worse behaved children than yours on the flights, especially on night flights, and thankfully there were, lol.

After the late night at the wedding, and then so much time spent in cars and aeroplanes, Jess's sleeping schedule has been knocked way off. We have spent the rest of the week trying to get back into a routine, but haven't managed just yet. He is still a happy child, even with the odd sleeping pattern... late to bed and late rising.

His explorations of size continue as it appears he has shot up this past week, and is bumping his head on counters where he wasn't last week. He also still enjoys trying to fit into everything, or stacking things into each other. His stacking cups were a hit this week.

Busting some moves.

Jesse has finally begun to appreciate books, rather late in the game considering I love reading so much. Where as before he would get bored after just a few pages, and then prefer to throw the books around (much to my despair), he now sits through a whole book, often asking me to read it again and again. He has his favourites already, loving books with scary animals in like crocodiles and lions which he can make growling and roaring noises too. He also like really 'arty' illustrations done with watercolours in pretty colours, staring at pages for ages. He has started saying book, and getting really excited when I pull them out at bed-time.

How did your family spend their weekend? What's new with your babe?

Review & GIVEAWAY : Coconut Oil For Your Skin, Nourishing Your Body From The Outside In {6/5 ; WORLDWIDE} CLOSED

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:30:00 +0000

I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to review Jennifer from Hybrid Rasta Mama's new Ebook, Coconut Oil For Your Skin, Nourishing Your Body From The Outside In. I am even more thrilled that Jennifer is offering THREE of my readers the opportunity to WIN her Ebook, valued at the special introductory price of $5.95, and for those of you not wanting to leave it up to chance, Jennifer has provided a coupon code especially for readers of African Babies Don't Cry which gives you 10% off the already discounted introductory price.

A collection of simple, gentle, and nourishing recipes that your entire body will love

I know Jennifer as a fellow volunteer of the Natural Parents Network, I have been an avid follower of her blog, Hybrid Rasta Mama for some time now and she is known as the resident coconut oil expert on the NPN team. Jennifers enthusiasm for coconut oil is contagious. No matter your ailment, whether external or internal, Jennifer recommends using coconut oil, and I have grown to be as enthusiastic about this nourishing oil myself.

Jennifer recieved an outpouring of support and even a little fame after the success of her blog post, 160 Uses for Coconut Oil, which gives a sample of the hundreds of uses for coconut oil. In her Ebook Jennifer takes how fantastic coconut oil is for your skin further by making it the star of every one of her personal care product recipes.

Coconut oil is the most nourishing oil you can put onto your skin and into your body. Pure virgin (unrefined) coconut oil is the best natural ingredient for skin lotion. It prevents destructive free-radical formation and provides protection against them. It can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots, and otherblemishes caused by aging and over exposure to sunlight. It helps to keep connective tissues strong and supple so that the skin doesn't sag and wrinkle.

The small molecular structure of coconut oil allows for easy absorption through the skin and into the cell structure of the connective tissues. This means that it has the ability to actually restore damaged or diseased skin. Coconut oil will also have lasting benefits, unlike most lotions. It can help bring back a youthful appearance. The coconut oil will aid in removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. The skin will become more evenly textured with a healthy "shine". While doing this the coconut oil will penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and strengthen the underlying tissues.

Hybrid Rasta Mama

Jesse and I both use coconut oil already as a moisturiser, and because it is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, it keeps all Jesse's scratches and bug bites that he gets from being an adventurous toddler from going septic. I already have a deep love for coconut oil, and I order litre jars of organic and raw coconut oil from Rawlicious in Cape Town, who seems to have it at the most reasonable price here in South Africa.

Luxurious bath treats, skin treatments and remedies are the best way to relax and unwind at the end of a day, what I love about coconut oil, and therefore all of Jennifer's recipes, is that the ingredients are all natural. The great thing about making your own products is that you know exactly what is going in to them, no hidden chemical cocktails that could lead to reactions, and a slow poisoning of your health.

All the recipes are simple to make, and can be made for yourself, your child/ren or as gifts for family and friends. The recipes are well written, with easily available ingredients and easy to follow instructions. Jennifer also includes information on carrier oils, butters, and essential oils (even a chart outlining both the physical and emotional benefits of the essential oils called for in the recipes).

What can you expect to find in the Ebook?

40 recipes that are all simple to make
8 recipes for the bath/shower;
6 recipes for body care products like lotions and creams including a cellulite cream and an eczema salve;
6 recipes dedicated to your face;
5 shampoo recipes;
4 recipes that serve as conditions and hair treatments;
5 lip balms and;
6 miscellaneous recipes such as insect repellant, deodorant, wart remover, “love potion,” toothpaste, and a PMS blend.

Buy It:

Coconut Oil For Your Skin, Nourishing Your Body From The Outside In is available from the Hybrid Rasta Mama store for $5.95. Use the coupon code ABDC10 and recieve 10% off!

WIN it:

For your own chance to win the fantastic Ebook, Coconut Oil For Your Skin, Nourishing Your Body From The Outside In, enter by leaving a comment, see details and extra entries below. There will be THREE winners chosen. The giveaway ends on 6 May 2012. Contest is open WORLDWIDE.

Mandatory entry:

Leave a comment telling me why you would love to win this Ebook. Be sure to leave your email address, so I can contact you if you win!

Extra entries:

Here is a list of more ways to win. For additional entries check out the list and then leave ONE comment mentioning which of the entries you have done. You need only list each thing you complete in ONE comment. You will receive an additional entry for each item listed. If you are already doing any of these, lovely, just mention that you are. Be sure to leave your email address, so I can contact you if you win!

1. Like Hybrid Rasta Mama's Facebook page

2. Like African Babies Don't Cry's Facebook page
3. Subscribe to African Babies Don't Cry in a reader
4. Subscribe to Hybrid Rasta Mama in a reader

5. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page

6. Follow African Babies Don't Cry on Twitter
7. Follow Hybrid Rasta Mama on Twitter
8. Share this giveaway on Twitter

9. Follow African Babies Don't Cry on Google+

10. Follow Hybrid Rasta Mama on Google+

This giveaway opens today, April 22, 2012 and closes May 6, 2012 at 11:59pm CAT. The winners will be selected via random.org. I will email you and you will have 75 hours to respond before another winner is selected.

Best of luck! :)

Lightening My Footprint with Cloth Nappies (Diapers)

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:47:00 +0000

Welcome to the Earth Day Blog Carnival This post is part of the 2012 Earth Day Blog Carnival hosted by Child of the Nature Isle and Monkey Butt Junction. Each participant has shared their practices and insights of earth friendly, environmentally conscious, eco-living. This carnival is our way to share positive information and inspiration that can create healing for our planet. Please read to the end of this post to find a list of links to the other carnival participants. Happy Earth Day!

The future of the earth is something that concerns me greatly, it is deeply saddening to think that in Jesse's lifetime more and more species of animals and plants will go extinct. That my grandchildren may never get to see a Rhino living in its natural habitat, if at all. I feel deeply connected to the earth, and know that one person can make a difference, I hope to teach Jesse that by example.

Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.
~ Ancient American Indian Proverb

When I read the carnival topic as an eco-action or lifestyle choice that you have taken or are currently working on, I started thinking of all the 'green' changes I have made to my life, and I felt quite proud. There are many, many more areas where I would still like to green my life, and fully intend to in the near future. I would love to move away from all disposable products in their entirety, but for now the biggest eco-choice I have made so far, is deciding to use cloth nappies when Jesse was born.

Image: ponsulak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I am surprised I haven't written about cloth nappies before, because I am SO passionate about them, ask any of my family members. I once had a dream that my house was on fire, and the first material possession that I thought of grabbing was Jesse's gorgeous cloth nappies.

When I fell pregnant I began to half-heartedly research cloth nappy options. All I knew about cloth nappies were the terry cloth towelling ones that my mother used with me nearly 30 years ago. Long gone are the days of terry cloth squares fastened with a safety pin and worn with an uncomfortable waterproof cover. They are now elasticized so that they are fitted and snug, waterproof, breathable, and manageable with velcro or snaps. They are just as easy and as convenient to use as disposables. Not to mention they are available in adorable colours and prints.

Cloth nappies are convenient, cost effective, healthier for our children, and better for the environment, but today I will expand only on how they are better for the environment.

I have always been drawn to eco-friendly actions, products and choices and I have always known that I would use cloth nappies with my children. I could never understand the appeal of disposable nappies, of course I had never had to change a nappy in my life up until the birth of my son, so I wasn't really qualified to judge just yet.

Image: Darlings Downunder

One child will use, on average, 5000 disposable nappies, can you imagine this pile of nappies in your local dump? Now try to imagine it for all the children in your city... and so on. Can the earth handle this onslaught of dirty nappies for the next 20 years? Let alone 100 years? It is estimated that 18 billion disposable nappies are thrown in landfills each year.

It takes, on average, 700 years for one disposable nappy to disintegrate, which means your child's dirty nappies will still be around in 700 years times.

It takes upwards of 82,000 tons of plastic and 1.3 million tons of wood pulp, or a quarter-million trees, to manufacture the disposable diapers that cover the bottoms of 90 percent of the babies born in the US. (Source)

Not to mention that it is against WHO code to dispose of human waste with our household waste. Landfill sites are not designed nor permitted to contain faeces and therefore have no solution to the growing number of dirty disposable nappies dumped every day. Very few parents rinse their disposable nappies before disposing of them, and faeces is meant to be flushed down the loo where it then goes through the sewage system for downstream treatment.

Source: Fuzzibunz

Faeces in nappies mixed together with household waste lets off a gas called methane; which contributes to global warming.

In South Africa whole families live in and around landfill sites, sifting through the waste to look for anything of value to earn a small living. Human waste at landfill sites add to the risk of disease spreading to these vulnerable communities who live in their vicinities. There is also the risk of water contamination in nearby streams and rivers.

When you consider all the facts, the unnecessary depletion of our valuable forests, the huge volume of waste created, the toxic air and water pollution, and the potential health risks to children, it is very difficult to comprehend how washing and reusing cloth diapers could ever be considered an inconvenience.

You are a Child of the Earth - Using the Earth as their classroom, Patti from Canadian Unschool teaches her 4 children their spiritual connection to the Earth and she accepts that loving the Earth can get really, really messy.
Cutting Out Paper - Jorje of Momma Jorje shares how she went from curiosity and concern to actually cutting out the use of paper towels in her household. She is proud to be "greener" as each Earth Day passes.
The World is Brown - Debra Ann Elliot of Words are Timeless believes in keeping the Earth green, but because so many people inhabit the Earth it is turning brown because people aren't doing their part by reducing, reusing, and recycling.
7 Child And Eco Friendly Activities To Honor The Earth (Plus Some Environmental Books For Kids) - Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama shares her favorite books that help children become more aware of the importance of respecting and caring for Mother Earth. In addition, she hosts a guest post outlining seven child and eco friendly activities to honor the earth.
5 Ways We Teach Our Children To Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle - Valarie at Momma In Progress shares a few tips for encouraging young children to care for the earth.
Little Changes - Big Results - Meegs at A New Day talks about how sometimes it’s the little decisions and changes that can lead us to find big results, and how she's baby-stepping her way to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.
Inspiring the Next Generation - aNonyMous at at Radical Ramblings hopes to inspire her daughter to live a green and sustainable lifestyle, in the same way she was inspired by her high-school science teacher, and talks about the changes her family are making towards this vision.
Eco-Friendly Cleansers: Safe For the Environment, Healthy For Every Body - Rebekah at Liberated Family writes about safe and natural alternatives to toxic, household cleaning products..
Lightening My Footprint with Cloth Nappies (Diapers) - Christine at African Babies Don’t Cry shares the biggest eco-choice she has made so far, and why she is so passionate about it.
Clutter Free for a Cause - At Living Peacefully with Children Mandy's penchant for decluttering and simple living cuts down on consumerism, taking less of a tole on the Earth.
Eco-Parenting: Homemade Bug Spray - Kerry at City Kids Homeschooling shares a homemade bug spray recipe that helps her family to enjoy the natural world while taking precautions against bug bites.
Let the Scales Fall From My Eyes...Just Not Too Quickly - Kelly at Becoming Crunchy talks about the discomfort of no longer being able to live in denial over how her choices affect the world around her.
Fostering Love of Earth - Justine at The Lone Home Ranger instills a love of nature in her daughters by embarking on their first backyard vegetable garden together.
Being in Nature - Carrie at Love Notes Mama knows that just being in nature is more than enough.
5 Ways to Pass Down Environmental Values to Your Children - Charise at I Thought I Knew Mama shares how easy it can be to instill environmental values in your children.
Viva Portlandia - Amy at Anktangle writes about the place she lives and loves in: Portland, Oregon. She describes the ways this green city makes it easy for her family to take care of our earth, and also the steps she's taking to further lessen her family's environmental impact.
Conspicuous Conservationism - Jenn at Monkey Butt Junction examines the phenomenon of eco-conscious behavior as a status symbol.
Time for Radical Sustainability - Terri at Child of the Nature Isle ponders how she can model a truly sustainable lifestyle for her children and raise them in a way that their environmental consciousness is as natural as breathing!

A big thank you to all of the 2012 Earth Day Blog Carnival participants!

All Things Jesse {Mammatography & What's New Babe?}

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:18:00 +0000

The many faces of Jesse :)

Phew, this week has flown by. I cant quite believe it is already Wednesday!? I did manage to make a few notes about Jesse's development this week however, as usually when it comes time to write this post my mind goes blank, as I'm sure you noticed last week.

Jesse is continuing to be a happy little person day in and day out. He continues to love anything that moves, and anything that makes a noise in a spectacularly typical boy fashion. Its uncanny how fascinated he is by trucks and tractors, even though I have never pushed them on him. Recently, we walked into the local tractor sales shop, and Jesse's eyes were like saucers, not only at the huge tractors, with huge tyres, but the ride on lawnmowers! To top it all off, the cleaning lady was mopping the floor, and her bucket had wheels on it. Heaven!

Playing peek-a-boo

He also continues to be impressed with shoes and clothes, which makes getting changed in the morning a breeze. He is so enthusiastic about putting shoes on in the mornings, he doesn't even notice the extra layers we have to wear as the days get cooler.

I mentioned before that he seems to have regressed in the talking department, however he communicates very well in other ways. I didn't get around to teaching him sign language, which I regret, but he makes himself understood using basic gestures and about four words, Ma - which is his name for everyone and everything, including all the dogs. Num (as in yum) - which is a verb, and can mean anything from want to walk to dance, and then ball which is sometimes mixed up with boo and basically means we are having fun.

There's nothing wrong with his comprehension, either, and he knows exactly what I am saying when I talk to him. I have also noticed that he has started associating objects with their functions, and seeing similarities in objects, for instance the other day he came across a big plastic ice bucket of my mothers, after successfully trying to fit into it (which I will chat about a bit more below) he then went up to the washing machine and imitated dumping laundry into the machine, with much giggling. I realised he had associated it with our nappy pail, which is the same size and also blue, and done exactly what I do with it every day of our lives, tried to tip the nappies into the machine.

Assessing just how tall or wide he, is another thing he has been up to this week, as mentioned with the ice bucket. Where he can fit and where he cant, what counter is too low to walk under and whether he can still fit through my legs without hunching (he cant). The cutest was him trying to fit into a plastic plate the other night, he sat on in, tucked his feet in tightly and voilà, he was 'in' the plate. That same evening he found out that he couldn't fit into the basket of rubber ducks in the bathroom, but discovered that all the ducks could.

This week I also noticed that Jesse now recognizes himself in his reflection, whereas before I am sure he always thought it was another child. This week I caught him pulling faces and playing peek-a-boo with himself with his reflection in the oven.

I cant get over how much his walking has evolved, from those first few steps that were really laboured and clumsy to now running, dancing, going from sitting to lying down to standing in fluid motions, its amazing. The newest thing is when he hears music he just bops his head, like mom does I suppose, unless he's in the mood to jam, then he jiggles his whole body, lifting his feet and everything, and you are not allowed to still be sitting when he does this.

As with any toddler, I am sure, he is always so eager to help with anything we are doing. He helps me make the bed, helps grandpa fix the jet ski and helps the gardener prune the rose. Im the only one who seems to think this is seriously cute though.

This weekend we are off to a wedding in Cape Town. Its the first time I will be visiting the Cape, and I'm really excited. Hopefully we will have a few more interesting pictures to share next week.

So, how was your week?

Infant Rice Cereal, and Why I Won't Be Feeding it to My Son

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:20:00 +0000

Many months ago I wrote a post entitled The Best First Food for Baby, where I outlined my findings on fruit being the best first food. I can now back this post up with the successful experience of starting Jesse on solids with only fruit. He is such a healthy little child too, and still mainly eats fruit, although I have introduced other foods into his diet now. I will never be introducing rice cereal into his diet though, and this is why.

So, why is rice cereal so bad for babies?

Every time we turn on the television or open a mainstream baby magazine, we are bombarded with advertisments and advertorials proclaiming that rice cereal is the best start for your baby. This has been going on for 60 years already, and the infant rice cereal business is booming. In the 1950's, baby food companies launched an advertising blitz trumpeting the benefits of white rice cereal, and it has become a multi-billion rand business.

Rice cereal is baby's first junk food.

Rice cereal is a highly refined product, with virtually no nutritional value in itself, and is only passed for sale to consumers by the addition vitamins and minerals later on.

"The number one ingredient in what we call rice 'cereal' is processed white rice flour. That's all the rice there is. There are also some vitamins and minerals sprinkled in that babies could easily get in other ways. These don't make this gateway junk food healthy ... Metabolically, it's not that different from giving babies a spoonful of sugar."

Conversion of the white rice flour to glucose begins while the cereal is still in the baby’s mouth, lighting up the hard-wired preference for sweets (and the cereal is nearly 100% glucose by the time it is absorbed in the intestines).

(Dr. Alan Greene)

Rice cereal consumption in early years has been linked to cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Enjoying some watermelon

So why have paediatricians been promoting it for years?

Many parents are wary of keeping rice cereal out of their children's diet for fear of iron deficiency. There has been much speculation on iron deficiency in breastfed babies in the media of late. It has become a debate almost equal to the vaccine debate. I feel a mother needs to do her research and make up her own decisions. I, however, agree with the following article on Nourished Kitchen and especially like the following paragraph:

“It seems to me that a baby fed from the breasts of a well-nourished mother as nature intended is unlikely to be deficient in such a critical mineral. After all, breastfeeding was the cross-cultural norm for millennia until the middle of the 20th century. How could evolution and nature favor deficiency? Perhaps, instead, our perception of optimal iron levels in infants is skewed.”

If you are still worried about iron levels and suspect anaemia then you can supplement your child’s diet, and that of yourself with sea greens such as spirulina. Do not use commercial supplements as these are not easily absorbed and toxicity is possible.

Rice cereal is also convenient, can be bought and stored without fear of going off. Its really simple to make, just add water or milk, and its reasonably priced aimed at middle class and lower income families.

So what should babies first foods be? The Best First Food for Baby

Review & GIVEAWAY : 100% Natural Bath Products From African Organics {13/5 ; S. Africa Only} CLOSED

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 10:34:00 +0000

African Organics is offering all my South African readers of African Babies Don't Cry a giveaway of a body wash, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner from their range of all natural, organic products. All of their products are 100% natural, bio-degradable, free from preservatives and pH balanced.

African Organics, is a holistic hair and body care range, designed to bring Africa’s most powerful plant ingredients to you, while at the same contributing to the well-being of Africa’s rural communities and it’s natural heritage. The plant ingredients used have had to adapt to the harshest ingredients on the planet and as a result have produced some of the most powerful protective ingredients known to man. African Organics is an ethical range sourced from some of the continents most legendary plants.

What I love about African Organics products is that not only and are they all natural, and good for you, but they are also endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty, which is a cause that is close to my heart. I also love that that are all-African and approved by PhytoTrade Africa, a visionary Fair Trade initiative that promotes community projects throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

I had the opportunity to try out the Natural Shampoo for Normal Hair which is infused with Baobab, which I loved. Boabab is an anti-oxidant with high micronutritional content, which nourishes the epidermis and helps make it elastic. It is a great light formulation, which cleanses hair without stripping it and leaves it feeling clean but not dry. This was a plus, as I have naturally dry hair (not helped by the fact that I recently highlighted it), and probably would have benefited more from the shampoo for dry hair that African Organics makes, but this shampoo worked wonderfully. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it lathered, as I have used all-natural shampoo's before, and none which worked so well. There is nothing worse than using a shampoo that doesn't lather, and your hair still feels dirty afterwards.

Baobab cleanses hair gently and leaves it with a fresh, invigorating aroma. Found across equatorial Africa, this venerable giant, often called the "Tree of Life," can live for centuries. So it must be doing something right.

The Natural Conditioner for All Hair Types is made with Marula oil. Marula is the fruit of the Marula tree which is only found in Africa and is a beloved food of elephants and monkeys alike. The Marula oil that African Organics uses in their conditioner is certified organic. It is high in anti-oxidants, hydrating, nourishing and is sourced as part of a community empowerment program in Botswana. This conditioner left my very long, dry and thick hair soft and tangle free but without weighing it down, and it smells fantastic.

Condition your hair as you reduce dryness and breakages. Marula oil is well known as an excellent tissue oil, but it also helps to reduce dryness and breakages in hair. It is sourced from the fallen fruit of the Marula tree (much beloved by fun-seeking elephants).

Jesse's favourite was the Natural Body Wash for Daily Use, he loved the way it foamed on his little loofah sponge, and couldn't get enough of the bubbles cleaning his little feet. I don't think anything could put a body wash to the test better than a dirty toddler, and I must say that this natural body wash managed to get Jesse to shine again after a day spent playing in the mud and sand with very little effort. It also made him smell much better. I loved it too, the way it cleans without stripping your skin of its natural oils, leaving your skin feeling soft and clean but not dry. It worked great as a bubble bath too, simply added to the running bath water. This body wash is made with Honeybush, which is usually used as a tea.

Honeybush contains potent natural antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, leaving tired skin refreshed and invigorated. Honeybush comes from the rugged terrain of South Africa's Western Cape and also makes a refreshing tea.

Getting ready to wash hair

If, however your skin does feel dry after a bath, then the Natural Body Lotion for All Skin Types will sort that out. I recommend this body lotion for children, or for summer use as it is a light lotion, absorbed easily and which doesn't leave an oily residue. I suffer with eczema, and this lotion didn't aggravate it, and in fact, my small spot of eczema on my leg has disappeared after daily use of this cream. The body lotion is made with Kigelia extract from the Sausage Tree.

Use daily to refresh the skin and to help improve firmness and elasticity. Kigelia Extract, from the curiously named Sausage Tree, has also been used to alleviate sunspots, melanomas and blemishes.

African Organics:

is approved by PhytoTrade Africa, a visionary Fair Trade initiative that promotes community projects throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
adheres to both BDIH (Germany) and Ecocert France standards for 100% natural products.
is endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty and don’t test on animals.
products are rapidly biodegradable and by using the products, you contribute to the health of our watercourses
does not use any animal ingredients and are endorsed by the Vegan Society of South Africa.
They are also committed to not using parabens, petrochemicals, sulphated surfactants, animal products, ethoxylated or PEG ingredients,propylene glycol, synthetic fragrances or preservatives or any other ingredients red-flagged by BDIH and Ecocert standards.

Buy It:

African Organics is available at Dischem & selected health stores.

WIN it:

For your own chance to win a hamper of all-natural organic products from African Organics, including a shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, enter by leaving a comment below. The giveaway ends on ~~29 April 2012~~. Contest is open to SOUTH AFRICAN residents only.

Mandatory entry:

Visit African Organics and leave a comment below stating which products you love. Be sure to leave your email address, so I can contact you if you win!

Extra entries:

Here is a list of more ways to win. For additional entries check out the list and then leave ONE comment mentioning which of the entries you have done. You need only list each thing you complete in ONE comment. You will receive an additional entry for each item listed. If you are already doing any of these, lovely, just mention that you are. Be sure to leave your email address, so I can contact you if you win!

1. Like African Organics Facebook Page.

2. Share African Organics Facebook page on your Facebook profile.

3. Like African Babies Don't Cry's Facebook page.

4. Share African Babies Don't Cry's Facebook page on your Facebook profile.

5. Subscribe to African Babies Don't Cry in a reader.

6. Subscribe to African Babies Don't Cry via email. (See top right of this page)

7. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page.

8. Follow African Babies Don't Cry on Twitter.

9. Follow African Babies Don't Cry on Pinterest.

10. Follow African Babies Don't Cry on Google+.

This giveaway opens today, April 15, 2012 and closes ~~April 29, 2012~~ at 11:59pm CAT. The winner will be selected via random.org. I will email you and you will have 75 hours to respond before another winner is selected.

Best of luck! :)

{P} inspiration For The Week Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 22:40:00 +0000

I've become really dedicated to these inspiration posts of mine, inspired by all the amazing crafts, recipe's, homes and other lovely pictures I find on Pinterest. Although not my most popular posts, in terms of readership, or comments, I enjoy putting them together, and actually look forward to them. I also seriously enjoy Pinterest, I spend a crazy amount of time on it, but I find it really inspiring. Its definitely not stopping me from being productive, its inspiring me to be more productive. I also love how easy it is to find projects I intend to do, article's I intend on referencing etc, all in one place, really speaks to my organized side. All in all, I recommend Pinterest highly, let me know if you need an invite, as I have a few spare :)

What's happening in the week ahead?

Next weekend we head off to Cape Town for my cousins wedding which I am really excited about. I'm excited to see all the extended family members, especially the new additions, but I am also super excited because it is the first time I am travelling to the cape. We are only going to be there for the weekend, but I plan to see as much as I can before we have to fly back on Sunday.

Here are a few images that I will carry with me into the new week, I hope they leave you inspired too.

1. Be happy so that when others look at you, they become happy... you cant go wrong with that as your mission.

2. This week I intend to perfect an all-natural raw hot chocolate recipe, in honour of the impending winter. I will definitely share the recipe once I have found the perfect one.

3. I am in the process of tidying up my entrance, isn't this blue striking?!

4. A perfectly organised mudroom. This would be great in my house, but on a smaller scale as I don't have a lot of space.

You can find these pins and more on my boards on Pinterest.

What does your week ahead look like?

All Things Jesse, Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 07:04:00 +0000

Luschka from Diary of a First Child is hosting a fabulous 366 photo-a-day challenge where I get to document our day-to-day life. I am so enjoying taking part in this challenge, and I love that I get to share all my photos with you. Inspired by Melissa of Vibrant Wanderings with her What's New Babe?, I also include all Jesse's updates in one post.

Thursday, 5 April 2012

What a great week, with a nice long-weekend in the middle of it which we got to spend with family. Jesse adores his family, and loves all the attention he gets as the only grandson / nephew.

Friday, 6 April 2012

Here is Jesse doing what he does best, playing outside with the dogs. he considers himself one of the pack, and tags along for whatever they are doing - even eating dirt.

Saturday, 7 April 2012

Posing with a basket of goodies we received from Laslappie Crafts for my first ever Giveaway. Head over here and enter quick, as you could win a hamper of gorgeous handmade softies. Open Worldwide.

Sunday, 8 April 2012

Easter was rather quiet this year, but we had a lovely relaxing day which begun with breakfast in the garden. The weather was summery and warm, which we are very gratefull for as most of South Africa had a wet day.

Monday, 9 April 2012

Alas, the rain came to where we live. This did not deter Jess from playing outside, we simply put on a pair of his new gunboots and off he went.

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

In this picture Jesse is wearing a dressing gown that was my fathers, it is nearly a half a century old. Not only did my father wear it, but both of his siblings and his cousins, then it was passed down to me and my sisters and then my younger cousins. Now Jesse gets to wear it. Its in surprisingly good condition considering its been worn by so many members of our family.

Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Wearing seriously more clothing than is the norm, but he has taken it in his stride. He loves his new boots, and would wear them to bed if he could. He also gets all giddy when we say how smart he looks, and prances around a bit.

Bath Time Bliss : Fuss-Free Bath Time for Toddlers

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:44:00 +0000

Welcome to the April 2012 Carnival of Natural Parenting: Kids and Personal Care

This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have shared stories, tips, and struggles relating to their children's personal care choices.

***

Jesse at 4 Weeks Old

Bath time is hands down one of our favourite times of the day, I get to relax in the tub and Jesse gets to play with water, toys and sometimes even bubbles. Pure bliss for both of us. Alas, bath time hasn't always been this fun, it took me a long time to figure out a routine that suits the both of us, so I thought I should share it with you in the hope that it helps you save time. Keep in mind that I only have one child, but I could see this routine working well with two or more children, it just depends on how large your bath tub is!

Bath with your toddler, this has been a lifesaver in terms of time management. In the early days, when Jess was a needy newborn, (as opposed to the totally chilled toddler he is now ;)) I hardly ever had time to shower never mind wash my hair, soon I realised that we would have to combine our bath times if we were ever going to both get a bath in a day. We bath in the evening as part of Jesse's bed time routine. I find the best time for a bath is straight after supper, and before he gets too tired. It calms him right down, and sets the relaxed mood for the evening after the hustle and bustle of the afternoon.

How to make it work:

Get all your clothes ready before you jump in the bath, as well as your toddlers' clothes, all laid out. Make sure you have a clean nappy ready, a hairbrush and anything else you may need. You don't want to be running around looking for their slippers in a towel with wet hair.I stopped using a changing table when Jesse was just a couple of months old, and now just lay everything out on the bed. In fact, a changing table is a waste of space and money, next time round I won't even bother with one. I find it easier to plop Jess on the bed, dry him off and then give him a toy to keep him occupied whilst I quickly get dressed. Thereafter I can take my time in dressing him, giving him a massage and brushing his hair.

Run the bath at a temperature that is comfortable for both of you. I like a super hot bath, but have learnt to tone it down a bit, plus Jesse usually sits on my tummy, dangling his feet in the water for a while until the water temperature cools to his liking.

Jesse at 11 Weeks Old

Use products on yourself that you are happy to use on your toddler. If you are going to soak in a bubble bath, make sure the bubbles are natural and chemical free. If you are going to wash your hair, don't use commercial shampoos and conditioners that are laden with chemicals, as these chemicals fill the tub and leach into your toddlers skin (never mind your own). None of the products you use should contain any of these contentious ingredients:

SLS – sodium laurel/laureth sulphate
Parabens
Minerals oils like propolyne glycol or petrolatum
Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA)
Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea
Talc
Synthetic colours & Fragrances
Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea

Jesse at 26 Weeks

Lead

Give up your preconceived ideals on cleanliness. Toddlers definitely do not agree with your ideals, and spend most of their first years rather grubby, regardless of how much soap you use and how hard you scrub. Toddlers are busy little things, and if yours is anything like Jesse by the time the get into the bath they are covered in mud, sand, whatever dinner they ate, with a bit saved in their hair for good measure. I consider water play sufficient as a wash. I have discovered that when a toddler stews in a warm bath for long enough, the dirt simply falls off by itself. Hair rinsed with water only is sufficient to make it shine again, it only really needs a shampoo around once a month to clean the scalp. If nails are not coming clean without scrubbing them, they possibly need a cut. I cut Jesse's nails in the bath with nail scissors, otherwise find they come clean easily with a soak. Any stubborn dirt such as ingrained mud on his feet comes off with a wipe of a wash cloth.

I will repeat that, a wash cloth and pure water is sufficient for cleaning grubby faces and bodies. Don't forget to wipe their ears. I find that if I do my face first, then Jesse's and so on he is much more obliging. If it is a special occasion, or we just feel like a treat we do use a bit of all-natural chemical free body wash with pure essential oils which leave us smelling delicious, but not too often as we do not want to strip our skin of their natural oils.

Jesse at 29 Weeks

Make your bathroom toddler friendly by filling it with clutter. Your bathroom needs to be well stocked with plastic toys (there are great options that are BPA free such as this Boon 4 Pack Odd Ducks) and an assortment of plastic bottles, cups, bowls and spoons. There is no better place to practice scooping, pouring, mixing and shaking than in the bath with mom. Jesse has become a master 'pour-er', emptying one container into another and then into a cup, and so on.

After bath, the best moisturiser is coconut oil. Plus it makes Jesse smell like a little island boy. Coconut oil is great stuff, as well as hydrating the skin it is also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal so it takes care of any bites, scrapes etc that Jess may have and wards off infection. Its also a great oil to work with as you give your toddler a full body massage to rid their bodies of aches and pains and relax their muscles for bed.

Jesse at 10 Months Old

As with washing faces, I find the easiest way to get a toddler to be enthusiastic about brushing their teeth is to brush yours with them. Once I start brushing, Jesse invariably wants my toothbrush and so we do a bit of toothbrush swapping, but in the end I do feel that his six and a half little teeth get a thorough brush. He even imitates me flossing, which is super cute.

This routine takes up a good hour in our evening, leaving us both relaxed and ready to start the bed time routine of books, nursing and story-telling.

Does your child enjoy bath time? How do you make sure its relaxing and enjoyable for both mom and child?

***
Visit Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama to find out how you can participate in the next Carnival of Natural Parenting!
Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:
(This list will be live and updated by afternoon April 10 with all the carnival links.)

Rub-a-Dub Co-Bathing in Our Tub — Bath time is more than soap and water! That Mama Gretchen shares how co-bathing with her toddler has opened up a world of cleanliness, learning, and bonding.
This is How We Take a Bath — Shannon at GrowingSlower shares her special formulas for babywash and a happy bath time.
How to Gently Trim Your Toddler's Nails — Shannon at The Artful Mama discusses some of the gentle suggestions she has received to help Little Man overcome his anxiety of having his nails trimmed, as well as how she copes with her need for his nails to be trimmed.
Baby bath time and skin care — Ursula Ciller shares some simple and natural tips for bathing and skin care.
Want Your Child To Love Getting Clean? Have Them Make Their Own Soaps, Shampoos, and Lotions! — Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama shares her secret to empowering her daughter to "get clean." Together, Jennifer and her daughter make their own body washes and lotions which makes clean up time fun!
Encouraging Self-care Through Awareness... and Fun — Amy at Presence Parenting shares some tips on how to transform self-care from a struggle into an opportunity -- for kids and adults.
Caring for kids' curls — Lauren at Hobo Mama tells you how to clean, condition, comb, and style ringlets and waves on little heads.
Playing in the Rain — Jorje of Momma Jorje loves how her family has come to make a family event of showering!
The Cleansing Power of the Football — Rachel at Lautaret Bohemiet talks about her son's favorite bath buddy.
Coconut Oil: Nature's "Baby Magic" — Megan at The Boho Mama has only one must-have baby care item in her cupboard: Coconut Oil!
For Sensitive Kids, Less Is More — Kadiera at Our Little Acorn finds less cleaning is better.
Bathtime: Just Another Chance to Play! — Lyndsay at Our Feminist {Play} School discusses the many reasons bath time is important - getting clean isn't one of them.
Hygiene? What hygiene? — Sheila at A Gift Universe confesses some of her most embarrassing hygiene secrets.
Confused About Chemicals? — Jaye Anne at Wide Awake, Half Asleep describes how to find out where the toxic chemicals are in your house and tips on alternatives.
Clipping Those Talons — ANonyMous at Radical Ramblings describes the ways her daughter's tolerance for personal care has changed over time, especially when it comes to nail clipping.
Sit Back, Relax and Unschool Hygiene — Instead of focusing on tactics of how to 'get' your child to focus on hygiene, Authentic Parenting explains how to help your child internalize hygienic standards.
Help! My Tot will not let me brush her teeth! — Mudpiemama shares five positive ways to help toddlers brush teeth and sabotage the tooth fairy’s secret conspiracy.
Self Care and the Spirited Child — Amy at Toddler In Tow shares how a balancing act between independence and connectedness helps her spirited child learn appropriate self-care.
Hairbrushing is a Safety Issue — Dulce de leche guest posting at Natural Parents Network explains that although tangles are not a safety issue, self-confidence and body boundaries are.
15 Ideas to Prepare Toddlers and Preschoolers for Dental Procedures — Dionna at Code Name: Mama is sharing ideas on how to thoughtfully prepare little ones for dental visits (particularly those that require anesthesia).
Holistic Care of your Toddler's Teeth — Erica at ChildOrganics tells a tale of her children's teeth issues and how she uses homeopathy and good nutrition to keep cavities at bay.
Bath Time Bliss : Fuss-Free Bath Time for Toddlers — Christine at African Babies Don't Cry shares how she has made bath time completely fuss free for both her and her toddler.
Homemade Natural Toothpaste — City Kids Homeschooling hosts a guest post on a homemade natural toothpaste recipe that kids will love!
Bathing Strike Strategies — Crunchy Con Mommy offers her best tips for keeping your little ones clean when they refuse to bathe.
Bodily Autonomy and Personal Hygeine — Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children discusses the importance of supporting a child's bodily autonomy in the prevention of abuse.
A Tub Full of Kiddos! — Kat at Loving {Almost} Every Moment has kiddos who love the water, so bathtime is a favorite evening activity!
The Trials of Tidying My Toddler — Adrienne at Mommying My Way shares the difficulties she has with getting her on-the-go son to be still enough to get clean.
Wiped Clean — Laura at Pug in the Kitchen shares her recipe for homemade diaper wipe solution to clean those sweet little cloth diapered bottoms in her home!
Snug in a Towel: Embracing Personal Grooming — Personal care is time consuming,especially with more than one child; but the mama at Our Muddy Boots is learning to embrace this fleeting and needful time.
EC: All or Nothing? — Elimination Communication. Even the title sounds complicated and time consuming. It doesn't have to, if you adapt it to meet your family's needs, says Jennifer at True Confessions of a Real Mommy.
Routine Battles — In a guest post at Anktangle, Jorje of Momma Jorje outlines a simple incentive to help inspire your little one to follow a routine.
Redefining Beauty For My Daughter — Justine at The Lone Home Ranger relays her struggle to define her own femininity and how her preschooler unexpectedly taught her a lesson in true beauty.
Rub-A-Dub-Dub, Three Girls In The Tub — Chrystal at Happy Mothering shares how she turns bath time into a few minutes of peace and quiet.
Montessori-Inspired Activities for Care of Self — Deb Chitwood at Living Montessori Now has a roundup of Montessori-inspired activities for care of self and ideas for home environments that encourage independence.
10 Gentle Tips for Little Ones Who Hate the Bath — Kim at life-is-learning gives 10 tips to get your little one into the bath and maybe even enjoying it.
The Boy With The Long Hair — Liam at In The Now discusses his son's grooming choices.
Personal Care in a Montessori Home — Melissa at Vibrant Wanderings shares a summary of the ways she has organized her family's home to make for easy, Montessori-inspired toddler personal care.
Styling Kids — Kellie at Our Mindful Life is letting her kids decide what to look like.
Clean Kids: Laundry and Bath Tips — Kimberly at Homeschooling in Nova Scotia shares tips on how to get your children helping with laundry plus recipes for laundry and liquid soap.
How to Clean Your Children Naturally: A Tutorial — Erika at Cinco de Mommy shows you how to clean your children.
Cleaniliness is next to... dirt — The lapse-prone eco-mom (Kenna at Million Tiny Things) sometimes forgets to bathe the kids. Except in the mud pit.

{P}inspiration For The Week Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 21:32:00 +0000

What's happening in the week ahead?

I still have a few things to unpack and organise in our new home, mainly office boxes, filing and so on. I have tons more to do regarding my new business venture, which is really exciting - sorry to keep you all in the dark, but I don't want to spill anything until the details are finalised. I also need to get a haircut, which is sorely overdue, planning on a trim, but you never know, perhaps I will chop it all off.

I also have my first ever giveaway running this week - head over here to win a hamper of gorgeous handmade stuffed toys.

Here are a few images that I will carry with me into the new week, I hope they leave you inspired too.

1. I have been meaning to start a memory box of sorts for Jesse from birth, but haven't really got round to it. Can you believe that I have not printed a single photograph of my son, and he is nearing 18 months! Where has the time gone? This box frame containing a first outfit and photo's as well as other mementos is just too sweet.

2. Very apt, as we are going to the beach at the end of the month. I LOVE the ocean, and am really excited. We are camping, and it will be my first time camping with Jesse, who I know is going to have a ball.

3. I need to start looking at Autumn differently, (I currently find it very depressing) and intend on starting a few nature projects, such as a weather diary and nature journal. I will report back.

4. Autmun inspired smoothies are definitely something to look forward to, ingredients include apples, pears, oranges, cinnamon and nutmeg. Yum.

You can find these pins and more on my boards on Pinterest.

What does your week ahead look like?

Laslappie Crafts Hamper Review & GIVEAWAY {Ends 22/4; WORLDWIDE} CLOSED

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:30:00 +0000

I am so excited to be hosting my first review and giveaway here on African Babies Don't Cry. Take a moment to read the review, look at the items up for grab, share if you care to, but be sure to enter!!!

Laslappie Crafts is offering readers of African Babies Don't Cry a giveaway of 3 items from her Etsy store, including two decorative toys; a sheep, and a bear and a bunny heart in honour of Easter.

Photo Credit : Laslappie Crafts

Easter is upon us, and with the media pumping commercial chocolate, finding alternatives for the Easter bunny to bring for Jesse proved challenging. Whilst browsing on Etsy, I came across a fellow South African's shop, Laslappie Crafts. Nina, owner and crafter at Laslappie Crafts is a mom of two boys, and expecting a third any day now. We have many things in common, from our love of pretty things to trying to live a greener life, and I am so glad to have found another bloggy South African friend. For more about Nina, visit her private blog, Ameniatha's Homestead, here.

Photo Credit : Laslappie Crafts

Laslappie Crafts stocks Scandinavian and Tilda inspired handmade crafts. Nina's crafts are all machine sewn where possible, with detailing done by hand. Her work is impeccably beautiful. Head over to her store where you can check out her full range of handmade crafts, not only does she have Easter decorations, but Christmas ones too. She also crafts household items. All her items make ideal gifts, even if they end up being gifts for yourself!

I was really interested in Nina's little decorative Easter bunny heart, looking for a keepsake for Jesse. Nina kindly added two more items to make the giveaway even more enticing, a totally huggable sheep, which is a great addition for any little girls or boys room, and a simple bear which holds so much character.

I wouldn't advise that these toys be given to young children to play with, if your children are anything like Jesse, they are far too beautiful, but they make great decorative items or lovies for older children.

Photo Credit : Laslappie Crafts

The Easter bunny heart is perfect for hanging on an Easter tree, or just about anywhere, (Jesse's is already living on his wardrobe drawer handle). The great thing about it is that it need not only be hauled out at Easter time, its a great year-round addition to the bedroom décor. Nina uncannily, and unknowingly managed to match the colours in Jesse's room perfectly. With this charming bunny heart, you will have a choice of colour.

The toy sheep she sent me is made from the softest cream towelling, giving its 'fleece' a great realistic texture. It has the most loveable face, and is overstuffed with allergy free polyester, making it completely huggable. Indeed Jesse couldn't stop giving it loves. Complete with a beautiful raffia bow, it really is the most beautiful item.

The simple bear is adorable and full of character, and a great addition to any child's room. Its face is hand painted.

For your own chance to win a hamper of handmade crafts, including a decorative bunny heart, a sheep and simple bear, enter by leaving a comment below. The giveaway ends on 22 April 2012. Contest is open WORLDWIDE.

Mandatory entry:

Visit Laslappie Crafts on Esty and leave a comment below stating what items you love. Be sure to leave your email address, so I can contact you if you win!

Extra entries:

Here is a list of more ways to win. For additional entries check out the list and then leave ONE comment mentioning which of the entries you have done. You need only list each thing you complete in ONE comment. You will receive an additional entry for each item listed. If you are already doing any of these, lovely, just mention that you are. Be sure to leave your email address, so I can contact you if you win!

1. Like Laslappie Crafts Facebook Page.

2. Share Laslappie Crafts Facebook page on your Facebook profile.

3. Like African Babies Don't Cry's Facebook page.

4. Share African Babies Don't Cry's Facebook page on your Facebook profile.

5. Subscribe to African Babies Don't Cry in a reader.

6. Subscribe to African Babies Don't Cry via email. (See top right of this page)

7. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page.

8. Follow African Babies Don't Cry on Twitter.

9. Follow African Babies Don't Cry on Pinterest.

10. Follow African Babies Don't Cry on Google+.

This giveaway opens today, April 8, 2012 and closes April 22, 2012 at 11:59pm CAT. The winner will be selected via random.org. I will email you and you will have 75 hours to respond before another winner is selected.

Best of luck! :)

All Things Jesse, Week 71 : Wet, Wet, Wet

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:46:00 +0000

Luschka from Diary of a First Child is hosting a fabulous photo-a-day challenge where I get to document our day-to-day life. Inspired by Melissa of Vibrant Wanderings with her What's New Babe?, I now share what's new with Jesse in the same post.

This week was an epic fail where Mamatography was concerned. I have no excuse, other than being a bit pre-occupied with other things at the moment. So here is my Jesse update, with the few photo's I did take dotted here and there.

Jesse has bloomed into a really fun and really happy little person. He is just so serene, and calm, mixed up with tons of energy and emotion. Friends often remark on how happy he is. Still content to spend all day outside, mainly playing by himself, talking to himself and occasionally the animals, I am amazed at his capability to amuse himself.

His imagination is growing rapidly, and its so great to watch him play whilst his little brain is figuring things out and adding imagination to everything. The other day we were reading a book about a crocodile and a mouse. I pointed out the crocodiles very large teeth and he likened them to mine, ha. He then 'plucked' the mouse off the page and put it into my mouth to eat, much like the crocodile was doing. Of course he thought this was really funny.

He has had to start wearing much more clothing than usual as the days get cooler. He looks super cute dressed in his new big boy pyjamas and slippers, we just need to get him a dressing gown as we walk from the main house to our cottage in the evenings and it is becoming chilly.

Anything that makes a noise is still a fascination. He thinks the lawnmower is the coolest thing ever. Here he is trying to push it around, he would love to be able to mow the lawn. The vacuum cleaner too, is still fascinating.

This week has been oddly wet, giving the time of year. It started raining last friday afternoon, and it continued to pour down until Saturday evening. Jesse was not impressed. At one point the rain lightened up enough to spend a bit of time outside, he immediately went to the 'sandpit' and started playing, not at all concerned about all the water.

Have I mentioned it is his favourite spot? He gets so excited in the mornings for me to open the front door, and everyone has to join him in the sandpit. Its amazing how he has progressed from not being able to handle a spade, to now being able to dig and fill a bucket of sand. All toys go out the door into the sand, including stuffed animals, much to my despair. I have got to get Jesse's grandpa to make him a proper one and soon, preferably with a cover so Jess can play in it no matter the weather.

Jesse also loves to dance, and loves to watch people dance. He recently learned to turn around in circles whilst watching people dance, and to stand on his tippy-toes.

He picks things up so quickly, I often forget what a little sponge he is. Whilst playing in our poor excuse of a sand pit the other day, I put some sand on his feet, pretending to bury him. No surprise that today I was getting sand flung at me. Not too clever of me.

All in all, a very wet but fun week. Thanks for stopping by!

Healthy Travel Snack Ideas for Toddlers {Vegetarian, plus Sugar, Gluten & Dairy Free}

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:19:00 +0000

Waiting to board our flight

Recently Jesse, my mother and I embarked on a three day nightmare to urgently move my furniture and all my belongings from one side of South Africa to the other. We left home on Friday night to stay at my sisters place, she lives near the airport, but we still had to get up at 4am to get to there in time for our flight. We then had a friend of mine collect us from the airport and drive us to where my car was. Once we had my car, off we went to the old house to frantically start packing before the removal van arrived.

As with everything in life, nothing goes according to plan, the removal van broke down, which saw my mother, Jesse and I sleeping at my old house (which had been left vacant for nearly a month and where a rat and a boatload of spiders had taken up residence) while we waited for the van to arrive. The next day, after looking for parts, finding a street welder and other fun times we finally loaded all my belongings on to a truck, and two trailers.We set off to drive back home at 4pm on Sunday evening and arrived home at 3am Monday morning, completely shattered.

Loving those rice cakes at a rest stop

Jesse was a real trooper, he was simply happy to be with us and kept himself amused playing with boxes and all his toys that he hadn't seen for some time. My biggest challenge was keeping up with his healthy diet in amongst all this chaos. We didn't know what we were doing from one minute to the next and it was so easy for my mother and I to drive into town to a fast food place and order some junk to fill the hole in our stomachs. I was not prepared to feed Jesse that poison, but we really battled to find things he could eat at the convenience stores.

In hindsight we could have been much more prepared. What threw me was the flight, I definitely didn't want to board the aeroplane carrying a cooler box of food for my toddler, so I simply didn't prepare at all. Next time I wont be so shy about taking my refrigerator along with us!

We regretted not being prepared the entire time, and I vowed to write a blog post outlining healthy travel snacks for toddlers, so here it is.

Note : I say snacks, but in reality I really mean small meals. A toddler only eats in snacks anyway, and if yours is anything like Jesse, they seem to be eating all day!

A cooler box is a must, with ice packs to keep everything fresh in a hot car.

To drink:

Invest in a BPA free sippy cup, or stainless steel water bottle, these filled with water are all you need by way of drinks.
As a treat, fruit juice in toddler size boxes are great and relatively mess free. I love the flavours available from the proudly South African company Ceres, and I know all their products are made with 100% fresh fruit and are preservative free, I see they are now also available in 84 other countries.
Our regular green juice or fruit smoothie can be made ahead of time and frozen in stainless steel bottles.

Fruit:

All types of berries are great bite sized snacks that could be stored in portion sized containers. Or bought in portion sized containers such as these from Woolworths, as berries are expensive and Jesse doesn't eat too many of them.
Firm fruit such as apples are great, and long-lasting.
Bananas are always good as Jesse loves them, but they don't keep well and bruise easily, keep them on the top of the cooler box as they go black if they get too cold. Eat them first.
Grapes are a winner, they're bite-sized and they are surprisingly long lasting.
Softer fruit such as melons, peaches etc can be cut up and kept in portion sized containers.
Fruit that needs preparation, such as a pineapple can also be cut up ahead of time and stored in portion sized containers.
Mix it up a bit and make fruit exciting by making fruit kebabs or a rainbow coloured salad. See my fruit Pinterest board for more inspiration.
Dried fruit is great as a treat, but large consumption of dried fruit is neither good for ones teeth nor blood sugar levels. Try buy organic dried fruit free from polishing oils and preservatives. My absolute favourite are the white mulberries available from the Rawlicious online shop, they taste like honey, only better.

Nuts & Seeds:

Seeds and nuts are such an easy and nutritious snack. Keep these down to around a quarter cup per day, it is so easy to overeat on nuts and seeds, even for healthy toddlers who know when to stop, and they are acid forming which can lead to calcium loss and therefore poor bone development (except almonds which are alkaline)
Jesse's favourite nuts are almonds, cashews and brazil nuts. His favourite seeds are sunflower, pumkin and sesame. Simply mix and store in portion sized containers, roughly holding a quarter cup each, or make a trail mix with a small amount of dried fruit, nuts, seeds and goji berries.

Veggies:

Cut up veggies and store in ziploc bags or containers. Celery, carrots, bell peppers and cucumber work well. Or, store in a cup with a lid and place a bit of dip at the bottom, Jesse has a love of hummus and that is our dip of choice.
Baby carrots on their own are always a winner, as are cherry tomatoes.
Jesse loves olives too, drain, de-pip and store in a container with toothpicks stuck into them.

Any kind of healthy crackers. Jesse loves rice cakes, I think the way they crunch is quite a novelty at the moment. We have also bought raw flax seed crackers in the past from Rawlicious, they come in great flavours such as salt and vinegar and are quite delicious.

Boiled eggs. I know, I know, they will make the car smell. But they are so yummy, and Jesse loves his egg, which is one of the few cooked foods he eats. Make it easy on yourself and peel them ahead of time.

Popcorn, made with coconut oil and seasoned with nutritional yeast, it is simply delicious. Store in ziploc bags.

So that is my list of healthy alternatives to junk food travel snacks. Do you consider this list complete? What are your favourite snacks to take along on long trips for your toddler?

{P} inspiration For The Week Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Christine Powell) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 21:43:00 +0000

Pinterest is a serious time sucker, I have had to limit my time spent on it because before you know it you have spent a whole evening on the computer and all you have to show for it are a hundred pretty new pins of things you wish you could do, make and wear. Sigh. So, to justify my time spent pinning, I will share my inspiration for the upcoming week of projects and or thoughts I intend to follow. Whether I find time to do them all is another story (I still intend to paint my front door hot pink, but we have had rain, rain and more rain this week).

What's happening next week?

I am embarking on a new business venture, which has me very excited. I won't share too much just yet, but it is going to keep me very busy in the upcoming weeks. At the moment I am still at the planning stages, and desperately need to research business management and how to draw up a kick-ass business plan.

Here are a few images that I will carry with me into the new week, I hope they leave you inspired too.

1. I have a slight obsession with finger puppets lately, it seems. Whilst trying to find alternatives to commercial chocolate as Easter gifts I came across these cute bunnies, which I will definitely be making for Jess in the next week.

2. Anybody else look this glam whilst mopping the kitchen floor? Me neither. I find, now that my hair is so long, that it lives in a boring bun all its life. Definitely need to try and 'style' it every day, even if its just into a simple style such as this one pictured, which is really cute.

3. I'm busy sorting out Jesse's play room, and want to incorporate a reading nook. I can't quite decide whether to make a teepee or a fort / tent, but I do know that these book shelves are gorgeous. Great way to display your child's growing library.

4. I love butterflies, and this artwork is especially beautiful.

You can find these pins and more on my boards on Pinterest.

What does your week ahead look like? Also, how do you celebrate Easter?