For a decade, I have been cautious about radiation exposure. As a heavy laptop (computer) user, I was exhilarated to review The Belly Blanket – Chic by Belly Armor – the EXACT solution I have been looking for to protect my baby during the next pregnancy.
Health Risks Associated With Radiation Exposure
Belly Armor provides a list of resources for information related to health risks linked to radiation exposure: Visit Further Reading.
Since handphones are among the most common devices used, these are excerpts from Cell Phone Radiation Science Review:
- “significantly increased risk of developing glioma, a usually malignant brain tumour (International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) 2008; Lahkola 2007)”
- “significantly increased risk of acoustic neuroma, a type of benign brain tumor (IARC 2008; Schoemaker 2005)”
- “increased risk of benign parotid gland tumors (IARC 2008; Lonn 2006)”
- “highest risk of brain tumors among people who started using cell phones during adolescence (Hardell 2009)”
- “young children who use cell phones and whose mothers also used cell phones during pregnancy are 80 percent more likely to suffer emotional and hyperactivity problems (Divan 2008)”
Ways to Limit Radiation Exposure
Belly Armor also provides suggestions to limit radiation exposure when using electronic devices: Read Sources.
These are the ways that I have already adopted for several years:
- Limit the duration and proximity of exposure to cell phone
- Find alternatives to cell phone use, such as text messaging or using a landline
- Do not sleep next to your cell phone while it is on
- Limit use of cell phone by young children
- Stay away from young children when using the cell phone
- Do not place laptops directly on your lap while working
- If you have the option, use an LCD monitor instead of a CRT
- Do not sleep with your portable music players on
- Avoid standing or sitting near the microwave oven when it is on as EMF from microwave ovens can cover quite a large area (In fact, I do not use a microwave oven.)
To limit radiation exposure to a foetus, a solution such as The Belly Blanket would be ideal.
About The Belly Blanket – Chic
These are the main features:
- Efficacy: Shields 99.999% of incoming radiation (60dB)
- Dimensions: 30″ x 35″ (75cm x 90cm)
- Material: 100% pre-shrunk cotton and RadiaShield® lining
- Country of origin: Made in Indonesia (Factories adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices standard)
The available colours are cosmo (blue), juno (cream) and metro (black). There is a Luxe version made of cotton micro-fleece and satin.
First Impressions
I like the well-designed packaging, which makes it a wonderful gift for new Mums. The material is soft and smooth, which is significantly more superior than another shield apparel I have seen before at a motherhood fair. I couldn’t wait to wash and use it!
How We Tested It
Prewash: I prewashed the Belly Blanket with cold water by hand once. There is no colour-run. After line-drying in the sun, the blanket remains soft and smooth, and retains it shape. Thanks to the pre-shrunk cotton!
Normal laundry: (As my laundry nets are torn, the blanket has not been washed in the washing machine yet. This section shall be updated in future.)
Cell Phone Test: The Belly Blanket passed the test several times:
- Before laundry: handphone 3G reception decreased from 7 to 4 bars after 3o seconds
- Before laundry: handphone 3G reception decreased from 7 to 4 bars after 3o seconds
- After laundry: handphone 3G reception decreased from 7 to 4 bars after 3o seconds
- After laundry: iPod Touch WIFI reception decreased from 3 to 2 bars after 3o seconds, to 1 bar after 1 minute
Ease of use and comfort: I fold the large blanket into halves and use it to cover my tummy while Vee nurses at night. It is also big enough to cover Vee while he naps, to protect him from radiation as I use the laptop.
The cotton side is more suited to touch the skin than the stiffer RadiaShield® lining. The blanket is thin and breathable, well-suited for our tropical climate. Since there is a hood, I try swaddling Vee for fun and he enjoyed it. The result… a 17-month old MEGA-dumpling!
The price of The Belly Blanket – Chic is USD69 while the Luxe version is USD109. I certainly look forward to using it to during my next pregnancy. In the meantime, it would be Vee’s and my blanket.
—
What we like about it:
- Consistently passed the “Cell Phone Test”
- Pre-shunk cotton allows blanket to retain its shape
- Cotton material is very soft and smooth
- Generous size provides large coverage for covering pregnant belly and swaddling baby
- Machine-washable — convenient during laundry
- Packaging made with recycled paper
What can be improved:
- Add one more layer of cotton to conceal RadiaShield® lining
—
Get Your Own (with Discount!)
To get your own Belly Armor Belly Tee, Belly Blanket or Belly Band (coming soon), visit Belly Armor or Belly Armor (Asia).
- Special Treat: 15% discount
- Discount Code: MUMREV
- Validity Period: Until 15 Sep 2010
—
Disclosure: I received The Belly Blanket – Chic for review.
If you find Mummy's Reviews™ useful, then send this link to your friend:
Since it is the first day of the month, I checked the traffic statistics for Mummy’s Reviews™ and got a pleasant surprise! The statistics have jumped significantly to reach a new record at ALL fronts:
- Absolute unique visitors (that includes you!): 3,298 in a month
- Pageviews (including the number of pages you visited): 8,032 in a month
- No. of fans on Facebook page (are you already one?): 606
- No. of RSS feed subscribers (88% of you subscribe via email): 326
Thank you very much for reading and supporting my blog!
I am finding ways to improve Mummy’s Reviews™ and make it even more beneficial to you. Please help to answer 2 simple questions in the comment box:
1. What do you like most about Mummy’s Reviews™?
2. What improvements do you wish to see at Mummy’s Reviews™?
—
If you like Mummy’s Reviews™, feel free to forward this link to 3 pregnant or Mummy friends: Join Me in Reading Mummy’s Reviews™
A few days ago, Mummy Regina wrote on her blog that her BumGenius All-in-Ones leaked from the sides for 4 times. Investing hundreds of dollars into cloth diapers to find that they leak is horribly disappointing. I know because I have been through it before. After a little trial and error, Vee’s cloth diapers rarely leak. He even goes through 12-hour nights and wakes up dry EVERY morning. The following are six main ways to overcome cloth diaper leakage (situations before insert / soaker is even wet).
1. Prewash Enough Times Before Use
For new cloth diapers, this is extremely important. Prewashing is needed to “prep” the diaper, especially the insert or soaker.
How to prewash:
- Wash diapering items in warm or hot water by hand or by washing machine, using very little cloth diaper-friendly detergent
- Wash separately from existing diapering items (especially important for fabric containing natural oils)
- Dry
- Repeat prewash as necessary
Number of prewashes needed for different insert / soaker fabrics:
- Microfibre: 1 to 3 prewashes
- Cotton: 1 to 3 prewashes
- Hemp: 1 to 10 prewashes or boil once (if there is no plastic snap). Prewash separately from other diaper items to prevent the fibre’s natural oil from coating them and causing repellent. (Expect some shrinkage.)
- Bamboo: similar to hemp
More tips:
- For hemp or bamboo items, try to get prewashed ones.
- If unsure, check with the manufacturer if the hemp or bamboo items have been prewashed.
- For a new diaper stash, prewash 3 times before first use.
- For a single new diaper, prewash once and try the diaper on baby to see if it absorbs. Place towels or traditional square nappies under baby to catch any leak. If it leaks, then prewash more times.
- For PUL diapers, dry it on HOT using dryer to seal the PUL. (Check laundry label if this is allowed.)
2. Use Appropriate Detergent
Detergent could make or break your cloth diapering journey. Yes, it is THAT critical. Wrong detergent, too much detergent, or insufficient rinsing could lead to buildup the diaper fabric, resulting in leaks. Note these:
- Use detergent without softener to prevent buildup (Also no enzymes to prevent diaper rash and no bleach to preserve the lifespan of the diaper).
- Alternatively, use detergent designed specially to wash MODERN cloth diapers. (Some detergents state that they can be used on cloth diapers, when they are actually referring to traditional cotton nappies.)
- Use 1/4 to 1/2 of the recommended amount for each load. If you have a smaller load, use even less detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly. Consider adding an extra rinse when using the washing machine. If washing by hand, ensure that there are no more soapy bubbles at the final rinse. (Agitation bubbles burst quite fast; soap bubbles stay around longer.)
3. Use Appropriate Diaper Cream
Babies with sensitive skin may need diaper cream even when wearing cloth diapers. Some oily diaper cream would coat the diaper and cause repellent.
- Use a disposable or washable liner (more economical) when using diaper cream.
- Alternatively, use a confirmed cloth diaper-safe diaper cream.
4. Choose Correct Size and Proper Fit
One-size diapers usually start to fit babies from 3 to 5kg. Even then, weight is a very rough guide as 5kg-babies come in a range of shapes — long and slim vs. short and chubby. Usually, the chubbier newborns start “filling” up cloth diapers earlier, especially at the thighs.
- For newborns, consider getting a few XS or S diapers. During prenatal scans, ask your obgyn for a rough gauge of baby’s size and weight. If baby is on the bigger side, you could most likely skip getting XS diapers.
- When putting the diaper on baby, ensure that it fits snugly at the thighs and waist..
- If diaper is too big, wait for baby to grow into it. Newborns grow at an amazing rate!
If you are buying new diapers for baby who has outgrown her existing ones, it is important to take her measurements accurately. Waist, thigh and rise statistics are much better gauge of a diaper’s fit than weight. Some diapers are more suited for slender babies while others have huge cuttings appropriate for chubby ones.
How to measure your baby:
- Get a measuring tape
- Ensure baby is diaper-less or wearing a relatively-thin diaper
- Waist: measure circumference at about 1 inch below the navel (belly button), where the diaper would rest on her tummy.
- Thigh: measure circumference of upper thigh, where it is fullest / meatiest / chunkiest
- Rise: measure from 1 inch below the navel, down between the legs, and up to the back opposite of “1 inch below the navel”.
More tips:
- If the measurements of the diaper are not stated, send a request to the manufacturer or retailer.
- If your friend has the diaper, borrow one for fitting if she does not mind.
- Generally, diapers with wider crotch are better at preventing leaks. For size Medium and above, at least 5.5 inches is preferred.
5. Put It On Correctly
Each diaper design may need a different “trick” to make sure it covers baby nicely. Some common checklist:
- Pocket diaper: Insert is stuffed right in and does not stick out from behind
- Pocket diaper when double-stuffed: microfibre insert (fast-absorbing) is nearer to bum than hemp insert / booster (slow-absorbing)
- Label does not stick out from behind
- Inner-layer fabric is concealed by outer-layer fabric
- Diaper without encased seams at the thigh: Ensure inner-layer fabric is totally rolled into the diaper (i.e. minimal inner-layer fabric seen round baby’s thighs)
- Diaper cover or shell completely covers prefold, fitted diaper or soaker
- Clothings are completely OUTSIDE diaper (That’s why for bedtime, I prefer to dress baby in onesie pyjamas.)
- For baby boy: ensure his p**** is pointing downwards
6. Check Baby’s Position
Sometimes there is nothing wrong with the diaper; it simply does not suit baby’s position. Some situations:
- Pee leaks from the back as newborn tends to pee during diaper changes: Just before fastening diaper, arm yourself with a towel and wait a while (10 seconds) for any pee. Swiftly fasten the diaper snugly. For newborn, consider adding absorbency at the back by folding insert.
- Pee leaks from the side (especially between side snaps) when breastfeeding or sleeping sideways: Use side snaps diaper when baby starts sitting up
- Pee leaks from the front when baby is having tummy-time: Add absorbency in front by folding insert; or use diapers with front elastics
- Pee leaks from the waist or inner thigh when baby moves about actively during sleep: Use fitted diaper with all-round absorbency for bedtime.
Conclusion
For the best value, always choose good quality cloth diapers made of materials that would last through many washes. After some experimentation, cloth diaper leaks should be fairly rare. Happy cloth diapering! 
—
Any cloth diapering questions? Leave them in the comment box below.
Just after I cleaned Vee’s poopy bums with cloth wipes, this question from Joey reached me via email:
Hi MieVee, I have several Happy Heiny’s cloth wipes which are not put to good use yet. I’ve tried using them to clean my baby’s bum after he pooped but the affair seemed messy. May I know how do you use the cloth wipes in cleaning poop? Dip it into the water, wipe bum and dip into water again or use a clean cloth wipe? Hope you can explain. Thanks!
Why Use Cloth Wipes?
For the benefit of mums new to this idea, these are my reasons for converting to cloth wipes:
- Cloth wipes clean more effectively than cotton wool: In the early weeks, we used cotton wool dipped in cooled boiled water. It was a tedious and messy affair — need to stock up on cotton wool, tear the roll into small pieces, keep in a container, hard to clean big poo mess well, and lint flies all over the place, making me sneeze. Hubby and I could complain ALL DAY about using cotton wool on a baby who poo-ed up to 11 times a day!
- Cloth wipes clean more effectively than disposable baby wipes: Cloth wipes made of fabric such as cotton sherpa terry or bamboo can grab poopy mess very well. Usually 2 are enough per poopy bum. For the king-of-poo-messes (think 1 poo in 4 to 10 days — normal for breastfed babies), 4 wipes are enough. Disposable baby wipes are thin and skimpy, so many are needed for a big mess.
- Cloth wipes clean baby up without unnecessary chemicals: We used disposable baby wipes when cotton wool ran out and Vee’s super-sensitive skin would start turning red. Our nurse advised us to rinse the baby wipes before using them. (Duh, what’s the point of getting wet wipes then?!?) My Pigeon Baby Wipes recycled box states “Methylparaben” among its list of ingredients. I try to avoid parabens in our skincare products because of its controversy linked to breast cancer. (To find out more about parabens, read this on Wikipedia.)
- Cloth wipes don’t expire: I received 6 packs of free AVENT baby wipes when we bought our steriliser. They expired even before Vee was born! They were recycled to clean the house. (Always check the expiry date of wet wipes. The discounted ones are suspects nearing expiry.)
- Cloth wipes don’t run out: With a decent stash of 18 wipes and daily laundry, we have never run out of cloth wipes, even on a breastfed pooping-machine. Even if they are washed and still damp on a rainy day, they can be used. No running out means no constant checking for best buys, no running to the stores to stock up, no taking up precious wardrobe space.
- Cloth wipes save money: I spent RM82.50 on 15 cloth wipes (3 wipes were free) and that was all. Assuming Vee uses 10 Pigeon Baby Wipes a day, he’d need 3,650 wipes after 1 year. That’s 52 packs of Pigeon Baby Wipes (70 pieces per pack), costing RM312 (based on RM6 per pack bought in bulk), for the FIRST year only. I’d rather use the money to build his education fund.
- Cloth wipes don’t need me to carry a fussy baby to the bathroom and risk slipping 10 times a day: My confinement lady is an expert in washing Vee’s poopy bums over the sink. But as a first-time mother, I certainly wasn’t confident of doing that, especially when he poo-ed so many times a day. And definitely not when he already weighed 9kg at 6 months old! Changing him on the changing table is my comfort zone.
How to Clean Poopy Bums Using Cloth Wipes?
Things to get ready:
Cotton sherpa terry: great at grabbing poop messes
- Stash of cloth wipes (I have 18 on rotation and never run out): Tip #1: one side of the cloth wipe should be made of fabric good at grabbing messes, for. e.g. cotton sherpa terry or bamboo velour. Tip #2: Use same print for bums purpose to avoid confusion with those for baby’s face!
- Flask of cooled boiled water (I used this in the first 6 months when cooled boiled water is recommended for cleaning babies.)
- At home: Small tub
- Outdoors: Small squirt bottle with “lock” (I recycle a makeup remover bottle.)
An alternative to using cooled boiled water is a wipes solution without preservatives. Personally, I find this unnecessary and cooled boiled water has worked fine for us.
Steps (At Home):
- Pour water into small tub (For older babies, simply wet cloth(s) using drinking-quality tap water.)
- Wet 1 or more cloth wipes in water. Wring a little. (Experience with your baby will tell you how many to prepare.)
- Open up poopy cloth diaper.
- Use the rough side to grab poo mess (For baby girl, always wipe from front to back.)
- Place poopy cloth wipes into poopy cloth diaper.
- Close up the cloth diaper and place it into a dry pail.
Steps (Outdoors):
- Pour cooled boiled water / tap water into small squirt bottle and place in diaper bag.
- Squirt water onto 1 or more cloth wipes.
- Open up poopy cloth diaper.
- Use the rough side to grab poo mess (For baby girl, always wipe from front to back.)
- Place poopy cloth wipes into poopy cloth diaper.
- Close up the cloth diaper and place it into a wet bag.
For fully breastfed babies (not started on solid foods), the poo is water soluble, so you may throw everything into the washing machine without spraying. Otherwise, on wash day, spray the poopy cloth wipes together with poopy cloth diapers before washing.
Line-drying under the sun would remove any stains naturally.
Cloth wipes can also be used for potty-training babies and toddlers who poo into the potty. (Read 18 Sure-Fire Tips to Early Potty Training Success in case you missed it.) Happy poop-cleaning!
—
Read reviews of cloth wipes here.
—
Sharing Time: What are your favourite cloth wipes?
After 18 months, most of Vee’s original stash of low-cost cotton washcloths have been stained (by food) or torn at the hems. They are small and slightly rough, which aren’t gentle enough for Vee’s eczema-prone face. He has 18 cloth wipes for his bums and 3 for baths, yet none for his delicate face. Just in time, I received a set of two organic bamboo cloth wipes from baby-mel.com to review.
What are Modern Cloth Wipes?
Modern cloth wipes are quite different from the washcloths commonly seen in baby stores. They are usually made from premium quality fabrics that last through many washes. Fabrics such as cotton sherpa terry and bamboo velour are able to grab messes well, so are great for wiping food-smeared faces after meals or cleaning up the messiest poopy bums. When baby has a runny nose (*touch wood*), using soft cloth wipes are much kinder to the skin than bleached tissue paper or chemical-laden disposable wipes.
About Angel Mel Organic Bamboo Baby Wipes
These are the main features of the wipes:
- Upper layer: 100% cotton flannel
- Lower layer: 100% certified organic bamboo velour
- Country of origin: Made in U.S.A.
The wipes are available in Plain, Gender Neutral, Boy and Girl prints.
First Impressions
As a fan of origami, I like that the wipes are creatively folded into shirts. This would be a practical and pretty door gift for events or parties. The wipes are sooooo… soft and smooth; I simply love bamboo velour!
How We Tested It
Laundry: The laundry instructions state “machine wash 30°C”, “do not tumble dry” and “hand wash with warm soap water”. I actually took the risk and broke ALL three laundry “rules”. Occasionally, I handwash the wipes with cold water. Usually, I put them into a laundry net and machine-wash them at 40°C with tumble drying at high speed, together with the daily load of clothes and cloth diapers. After a month, they still remain soft and smooth. Phew!
Effectiveness: Vee has eczema-prone skin, especially on his chin and cheeks. Therefore, we need to wipe his mouth very regularly and thoroughly. I’m sure you know how babies eat — cereal, rice, milk, yoghurt, bananas, etc. smeared all over the face, especially when they insist on feeding themselves. The bamboo velour side of the wipe grabs the mess well while being ultra-gentle on the skin.
The price of a set of two wipes is RM19.90 (~USD6 or SGD9). Since it is on the high side (expected of organic fabrics), I’d suggest using them exclusively for the face or as gifts, instead of the bums.
—
What we like about it:
- Fabric remains soft and smooth even after 1 month of regular washing
- Grabs food messes well
- Machine washable
- Available in cute prints
- Attractive packaging makes it a presentable gift
What can be improved:
- Allow choice of specific prints since I prefer using different prints according to purpose or family member
—
Get Your Own
To get your own Angel Mel Organic Bamboo Baby Wipes and a wide range of organic products for Mummy and baby, visit baby-mel.com.
—
Disclosure: I received a set of two Angel Mel organic bamboo wipes for review.
Potty training has been a relatively stress-free and enjoyable process for Vee and I. We started the learning process when he was 7 months old after reading about pre-potty training from The No-Cry Potty-Training Solution by Elizabeth Pantley. In fact, I have only read until the part on pre-potty-training and we have progressed very well on our own!
Why Start So Early?
Before moving to the tips, here are 8 brief reasons why we started early:
- A young and ‘blur’ baby is likely to accept the potty (just another chair) easier than an older and active toddler, who is busy with exploring the world.
- Starting early reduces the chance of diaper dependence, i.e. refusing to pee or poo anywhere other than the diaper. After diaper dependence has occurred, it could be very hard to get the child to cooperate on potty training, leading to much frustration.
- An early headstart helps the child be more aware of his body output and aids in his progress.
- Being potty-trained early reduces the number of diapers needed and saves money. (Especially so for children using disposable diapers.)
- Poop-less and pee-less diapers are easy to wash and don’t stink up the room.
- Being diaper-free early provides the bums with most breathability, especially during hot and humid weather.
- Some pre-schools only accept children who are potty-trained.
- I think long-term: easier with only 1 kid on diapers at any point in time.
Give Me The Tips!
- Have the right attitude: Start when you are ready, not because someone else wants you to start. Be positive and ready to face the challenges ahead.
- Recognise and remember your main objective: Why do you want to potty train your baby? Personally, I dislike flattened / squashed poop on bums and diapers, so cleanliness became my key motivation. When you face lack of progress or regression, remember your main objective.
- Choose a comfortable potty: We decided on the BABYBJÖRN Potty Chair, which is comfortable, steady and easy-to-clean. It is in red, Vee’s favourite colour.
- Start pre-potty training early: The No-Cry Potty Training Book suggests 10 months old. We started at 7 months old since I have already bought the potty. When baby is able to sit up without support, it is a good time to let him sit on the potty without a diaper. Great chance to air the bums too.
- Choose a suitable time for sitting on the potty: We started with once a day, after Vee is well-rested, well-fed and before his bath, when his diapers have to be off anyway. Gradually increase potty-time to during every diaper change.
- Be patient: If baby fusses and refuses to sit on the potty, it is ok. Just try again at the next diaper change or the next day. I believe in only associating pleasant experiences with the potty. In the beginning, Vee was on the potty for at most 10 minutes before proceeding to bath. It does not matter whether there is output or not. The objective of pre-potty training is to let baby get used to sitting on the potty.
- Lots of smiles and encouragement: This helps baby feel at ease during potty-time. The more relaxed she is, the easier to relieve her output. Usually, before the poo arrives, Vee needs to lie his head on my shoulder and hold my hands for support. Try to meet your baby’s emotional needs at the potty.
- Introduce potty training hand signs and words: Choose your words and/or hand signs for pee-ing and poo-ing. Every caregiver for the baby has to be consistent in using the same words / hand signs. Personally, we use “poo poo” and “wee wee”, which are easy to pronounce. Other words to introduce are the names of private parts, the potty (we simply call it “toilet”), farting, flushing, wiping, and washing.
- Recognise baby’s expressions before / when having output: Vee shivers a little before pee-ing sometimes. Before a big motion, he usually becomes quiet, expressionless and starts straining a little. Poop is the easiest to catch in the potty. Once he shows the “I’m-going-to-poo” face, I strip his diaper off and plop him onto the potty. Side advantage: bums which are much easier to clean. (I can’t stand flattened or squashed poop!)
- Make every little success a BIG deal: This helps baby know that she has done the right thing, and encourages her to repeat the success. When Vee first pee-ed into the potty after 1 month of pre-potty training, I was elated! After every pee / poo in the potty, I show a big and sincere smile, clap my hands excitedly, kiss him, hug him and say “Well done!”. After nearly one year of potty training, I continue to encourage him the same way and he is more than happy to use the potty.
- Support baby’s progress: There are odd occasions when Vee says he needs to poo in the midst of lunch. Fine, I cover the food, bring him to the potty, finish his business and then we continue with lunch. At other times, he tells me he needs to pee at the end of our bedtime routine. Fine, he goes to the potty, finish his business and we proceed to sleep. Even though these are little inconveniences, I actually feel happy that Vee is progressing well.
- Recognise if baby is giving real potty signals: This part is more for a cheeky toddler like Vee, who realises that he gets my full attention during potty time. Sometimes, he would say “poo poo” and point to the potty when he is actually seeking my attention. When I bring him to the potty or attempt to remove his diaper, he shakes his head. In the beginning, it could get irritating. After a while, I manage to tell between his real and the fake signals.
- Careful use of distractions: Sometimes, to help Vee sit a little longer at the potty (e.g. waiting for the poo to arrive), we sing and play simple finger games. He could also hold a simple toy. If he gets too excited with playing, he forgets about the need to poo and takes ages. If he is relaxed and quiet, the pee or poo arrives faster. Find out what works best with your child.
- Let baby watch you use the toilet: Vee has been watching me use the toilet since he was a newborn. During potty training, I describe to him what I do in the toilet, especially flushing the toilet, so that he does not develop a phobia for it.
- Use toilet at the same time: When Vee was stable sitting at the potty, we would also use the toilet / potty at the same time. Children love to imitate adults.
- Continue with potty training during travels: On overseas and out of town trips, we bring along a travel potty so that the routine continues. It could take only 3 days to break a child’s routine, so don’t risk regression once you have started potty training.
- Be cool about accidents: Expect pee/poo accidents to happen and be cool about it. We have our share of accidents and it takes only a few minutes to wipe up a pee puddle or scoop poo up from the floor. I have a pile of traditional square nappies ready to clean up mess anytime. Being prepared reduces the frustration.
- Use cloth diapers / training pants: These help the child to feel the wetness, recognise the discomfort due to wet diapers and progress faster. Some modern cloth diapers are very stay-dry, so may not aid potty training. Cotton and bamboo are feel-wet fabrics. Microfleece feels relatively wet before wicking the wetness away. Suedecloth stays very dry.
Sample Progress Timeline
Every child would progress differently. Below is a summary of Vee’s progress, just for your reference:
- 7 months old: Sits on potty chair once a day before bath
- 8 months old: First pee in the potty. Gradual progress to sitting on potty during every diaper change.
- 9 months old: Pee-ing in the potty a few times a day.
- 10 months old: First poo in the potty. Encourage him to poo every morning. Almost all poo done in the potty.
- 15 months old: Tells me before poo-ing — semi-potty trained.
- 17 months old: Sometimes tells me before pee-ing. Wakes up with significantly drier diapers in the morning, with large volume of pee in the potty.
- 18 months old: Tells me more frequently before pee-ing. Occasionally wakes up from nap with dry diapers.
Concluding keywords: be patient and consistent. All the best to you in your potty training journey!
—
Sharing Time: If you have more potty training tips, do share with all of us in the comments box.
Vee's First Trip to the Play Gym
Every day holds a surprise as Vee is growing up at a blazing speed. Here are his little achievements over the month:
Learning & Communication
- After learning his name for a few weeks, he suddenly started blurting out his first perfect 5-word phrase in Mandarin: “我是 _ _ _” (which means “I am _ _ _”). I was amazed!
- He loves reading and has been pulling out books while saying part of their titles. I am wondering if he is starting to recognise words.
- He “sings” parts of songs when relaxed. I am looking forward to singing with him soon!
Physical
- Finally, we brushed aside fears of hand-foot-mouth-disease and brought Vee to the play gym. He had tonnes of fun climbing, sliding and being buried in hundreds of small, colourful balls.
- After many sessions of water play, he has mastered pouring and scooping water from one container to another. (Read about water play tips.)
- He has been diligently practising scooping and transferring small items with a spoon.
- He can also put a thread through a large wooden bead.
Diet & Feeding
- New favourite foods include soup (a large bowl during lunch) and sushi (gobbled down 5 cucumber makis after his dinner). His Daddy needs to work harder to feed our little glutton.
- He has progressed from finger-feeding to fork-feeding. Still not very good at spoon-feeding though.
- Night-weaning is almost successful! (Read section on Sleep below.)
Potty Training
- On two occasions, his diaper was completely dry after nap. *Impressed Mummy*
- In the morning, his diaper is less soaked than before and he can frequently hold the first pee (A LOT!) until sitting on the potty
Sleep
- Naps are near-perfect as he falls asleep rather easily and through 1.5 to 2 hours. No more nursing during naps. Yay, freedom at last!
- Mr. Fussy Sleeper FINALLY relaxes enough to doze off in the car-seat or stroller when he is tired and ready to nap. (Instead of screaming his lungs out.) He even continued sleeping when I carried him out at home. This has NEVER ever happened in the past.
- His recent best performance at night: sleep for about 2 hours, fuss and let me soothe him back to sleep with light patting. Then suckle only once during early morning, and continue sleeping. I can finally declare that he is sleeping through the night, at 18 months old.
I am a happy and well-rested Mummy who is suddenly dreaming of organising play-dates and attending Pilates lessons. I seriously need to enjoy life before having baby #2! Time to practise my rusty driving skills again.
—
Need Your Help: Mums-who-drive, how should I overcome fears of driving alone with a potentially-fussy toddler?
—
View more developmental milestones (from 8 months old onwards).
Shallow portable pool for outdoor water play fun
If you have read the article on Bummis SWIMMI swim diapers, you would know that Vee loves playing in water. He can take 20 to 30-minute baths and still refuse to get out after that. Water play is a fun way for babies and toddlers to develop their sensory and fine motor skills.
Tools for Water Play
Many common household items and toys can be used for water play, for instance:
- Bath tub
- Portable pool
- Squirt toys
- Bath books
- Sponges
- Cloth wipes / handkerchiefs
- Bottles / containers
- Utensils (e.g. small pots, plans, ladle, funnel)
- Cutlery (e.g. soup spoon)
- Bubbles
Water play toys from ELC at only RM21 during clearance sale!
Ideas for Water Play
There are endless ways to have fun in water. These are some of our favourites:
- Scoop and pour water: learn about capacity & gravity, improves hand-eye coordination
- Soak sponges / cloths with water and squeeze them
- Squirt water from toys: develops fine motor skill
- Talk / sing about water movements (e.g. waves), actions (e.g. pouring), temperature (warm vs. cold), feel (wet vs. dry), sound (e.g. splash, drip): enhances baby’s vocabulary and general knowledge
- Observe things that float vs. sink: learn about density
- Give toys a bath: pretend play develops creative mind
Scooping and pouring water in the bath tub
Health and Safety Tips
It is important to keep baby safe when playing with water, so note these:
- At home, direct the fan away so that baby does not catch a chill.
- At outdoors, choose the time of the day when it is less sunny, 5-7 p.m. is a good time. Avoid outdoor water play on chilly days.
- Keep eyes on baby ALWAYS
- Watch that baby does not drink play water that contains soap
- Have towels ready to wipe baby dry when he is done playing
- Have towels to wipe the floor dry to prevent slipping
Enjoy water play fun with your baby!
—
Sharing Time: What other water play ideas do you have?
—
If you find Mummy’s Reviews™ helpful, please share this link with your friends: Join Me in Reading Mummy’s Reviews™.
Mums and Dads with water babies, this article is for you!
What is a Swim Diaper?
A swim diaper is a diaper for babies and non-toilet-trained children to wear for swimming. It is less absorbent than normal diapers, so does not sag down heavily when the child is in the pool. It has a waterproof layer and elastics to prevent poo from contaminating the water.
About Bummis SWIMMI Swim Diaper
These are the main features of the diaper:
- Outer layer: Made of cotton printed fabric coated with nylon layer
- Inner lining: Polyester mesh
- Closures: Velcro tabs
- Country of origin: Made in Canada
There are 5 prints in 3 sizes.
How We Use It
Vee is a water baby who LOVES swimming and having long baths. When he was 6 months old, we bought a shallow pool for him to swim at home. Erm… actually, it was more like sunbathing while immersed in 20cm of water.
He is a big baby with chunky elephant thighs and several brands of cloth swim diapers could not fit him. Finally, I found Bummis SWIMMI with adjustable Velcro tabs.
Laundry: After wearing the diaper in chlorinated water, the recommendation is to wash the diaper separately from other clothes. I would handwash it with other swimwear. We hardly swim in public pools, so on other days, Vee uses the SWIMMI as a breathable diaper cover over fitted diapers. The sturdy Velcro tabs have withstood washes over the past 12 months.
Ease of use / Fit: For swimming, no insert or soaker needs to be put inside the SWIMMI. Velcro-style means it is very easy for anyone to put it onto a baby. It is adjustable and fits Vee well — he has been wearing the same SWIMMI in size Large for a year!
Poo: The real test for a swim diaper is if it holds poo in when swimming. Thankfully, Vee has never poo-ed under water, so we can’t conclude for this test. In case of any poo-accident, wear the diaper snugly on the baby, especially at the thighs.
Convenience: For resort holidays, bringing 1 swim diaper is certainly more convenient and compact than buying disposable swim diapers (which are not widely available). Since babies swim for about 20 to 30 minutes, throwing away a diaper after such a short time is not economical too.
The price of a Bummis SWIMMI is SGD25 (~USD18 or RM58). Considering we have been using it for a year and it should still fit Vee (and other babies) for months or years ahead, it is a very worthwhile purchase.
—
What we like about it:
- Breathable cotton fabric
- Adjustable size to fit growing babies, especially those with chubby thighs
- Thick and sturdy Velcro tabs
- Lovely print to be shown off at the swimming pool
What can be improved:
- Add laundry tabs
—
Win Your Own
TWO (2) lucky subscribers with water babies will win a Bummis SWIMMI in your favourite print worth SGD25 (~USD18 or RM58) each!
This is how to participate:
- Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews™ in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)
- Send an email to me (MieVee [at] MummysReviews.com) with the following information:
- Method of subscription: in a reader or via email
- Your name
- Your name in Facebook (to get extra entry mentioned below)
- Visit Tiny Pants (go to Products –> Get Wet) and tell me (in your email) why you would like to win a Bummis SWIMMI
- If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
- Blog / Website URL, if any (to get extra entries mentioned below, indicate URL of your exact post)
- To get EXTRA entries:
- 1 extra entry: “Like” Mummy’s Reviews™ Facebook page (existing fans counted)
- 1 extra entry: “Like” Tiny Pants Facebook page (existing fans counted)
- 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook / Twitter / email)
- 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews™
Other Information
- This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address in ASEAN (Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam).
- It will run until 29 August 2010.
- The usual Giveaway Terms apply.
Send in your entries now and good luck!
—
Get Your Own (with Discount!)
To get your own Bummis SWIMMI and a wide range of cloth diapering products for baby, visit Tiny Pants.
- Special Treat: 10% discount storewide
- Discount Code: MV10A (Note that “0″ is for the number “zero”, not the alphabet.)
- Validity Period: Until 29 August 2010, 2359hr
—
Need help to get started on cloth diapering? Read Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide.
—
If you find Mummy’s Reviews™ helpful, please share this link with your friends: Join Me in Reading Mummy’s Reviews™
Tiny Tapir is having a MEGA clearance sale on Rumparooz G2 One Size Cloth Diapers. Vee, our professional diaper tester, has tested the pocket diaper with fountains of pee. We are impressed by its excellent design and performance, and can’t wait to share the discounted prices with you!
About Rumparooz G2 One Size Cloth Diaper (Snaps)
These are the main features of the pocket diaper:
- Outer layer: Made of waterproof PUL fabric (1000 thread count polyester interlock knit with a urethane laminate)
- Inner lining: Made of hypoallergenic no-pill micro chamois
- Insert (Large, Microfibre): Contains 3 layers of microfibre. When folded: 6 layers of absorbency
- Insert (Small, Microfibre): Contains 2 layers of microfibre. Snapped onto large insert.
- Closures: Vertical front snaps. 2 rows of 10 waist and thigh snaps. 5 possible settings.
- Country of origin: Made in China by a small European-owned company (details of manufacturing standards)
It is available in a wide range of solid colours and prints, which are aimed at winning the hearts of Mama fashionistas.
First Impressions
The “Ladder 6″ print looks as beautiful as its picture online and is among my favourite diaper prints now. Vee’s fair skin looks fabulous against the red and blue combination.
The workmanship is excellent and every component of the diaper speaks of quality — bright colours, luxurious micro chamois fabric, signature label, and even the snap buttons are customised with Rumparooz’ kangaroo logo! The eye to details lifts the diaper-making benchmark way up.
How We Tested It
Prewash: I prewashed the diaper and inserts with warm water once by hand. No colour run, good.
Regular Laundry: To rush this review article out for you, the diaper has only been used and machine-washed at 40 degree Celsius 3 times, so it has yet to withstand the test of time. (Note that I have lowered the washing temperature from 60 to 40 degree Celsius. This saves energy and preserves the life span of PUL fabric.)
Ease of Use / Fit: The 6R soakers (set of 2 microfibre inserts) allow 6 size and absorbency settings. The packaging illustrates the combinations clearly, which is helpful to new cloth diaper users. Personally, I prefer inserts without snaps for more flexibility and to save time.
As for the diaper, there is only one column of 2 snaps to fasten per side, so putting it on the baby is relatively fast. Vee is on the third rise setting and the front of the diaper rests comfortably below his tummy.
I like the thick and gentle elastics that leave no red marks on his chubby thighs.
Trimness: When using the 2 microfibre inserts, the diaper becomes thick, so I would suggest using this for bedtime. For daytime, I prefer to use only the large insert.
Absorbency: After one prewash, the inserts already lasted 3.5 hours. The second time round, I adventurously let Vee wear the Rumparooz for an outing. They were completely soaked at 4.5 hours before leaking a little at the back. Microfibre tends to absorb more with further washes. In the meantime, I am satisfied with its initial performance. (For regular use, please change baby’s diaper every 2 to 3 hours.)
Stay-dry: Micro chamois stays dry and feels very luxurious even after 4 washes. I like it!
Poo: Since Vee is potty-trained for poo, we need the next baby to test this area. I am especially excited over the double inner leg gussets and “poop scoop” which are claimed to be “100% leak proof against the messiest explosions”. Only breastfeeding mums would understand how explosive poop can be.
Parade of Vee’s sexy bums again…
At the clearance sale, the price of a Rumparooz One Size Cloth Diaper with a set of 6R microfibre inserts is RM62.30 for solid colours (~USD20 or SGD27) and RM78.40 for prints (~USD25 or SGD34). The quality and functionality is certainly worth the price.
—
What we like about it:
- Unique double inner leg gussets and “poop scoop” to keep messes in
- Micro chamois is a wonderful stay-dry fabric — soft and comfortable for baby
- Thick elastics that are gentle on baby’s skin
- Wide range of attractive colours and prints
- Packaging clearly illustrates diaper and inserts combinations
What can be improved:
- I can do without the snaps on the inserts
—
Get Your Own (with HUGE Discounts!)
To get your own Rumparooz G2 One Size Cloth Diapers at slashed prices, visit Tiny Tapir.
(There is an Aplix version too.)
- Solid colours: 30% off
- Prints: 20% off
- Validity Period: While stocks last
—
Disclosure: I received a Rumparooz G2 One Size Cloth Diaper for review.
—
Need help to get started on cloth diapering? Read Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide.
The winner of Giveaway #10 sponsored by Pupsik Studio is out! Thank you very much to all who have participated.
Here is the lucky winner (first name generated by Random.org):
Zety Marlia Zainal who wants a pouch in Fairground
Timestamp: 2010-08-06 11:03:01 UTC
Congratulations to you on winning a Pupsik Baby Pouch Carrier worth S$45.90.
To claim your prize, please contact me within 7 days of this post.
Thank you again for your support and do encourage your friends to visit Mummy’s Reviews™.
—
Good News: Free Shipping in August!
Pupsik Studio is offering free shipping on all Singapore orders placed in August 2010. For details, view Pupsik Studio. Happy shopping!
