I’m in the thick of my baby era. Just take a glance at my camera roll, google search history, or laundry room. This also means I’m in peak “research and test” mode on products across baby categories—currently it’s everything from chic baby gates to best diapers for sensitive skin.

I always try to shop mindfully when investing in new brands and I just can’t help but care about aesthetics along the way. (I’ve tried!) This led me to discover Dyper’s new line of Charcoal Enhanced Diapers. They’re eco-friendly, absorbent, super soft, and make a fun fashion statement.

I love reading reviews, so naturally writing one brings me great joy. 

To start, why would one choose a charcoal-enhanced diaper? I asked the same question. 

Why Charcoal?

My first introduction to charcoal as an ingredient was during the “activated charcoal toothpaste” era, and soon after, the deodorant boom. I quickly remembered that the antifungal, antibacterial, and detoxifying properties were the big “a ha” sell in the hygiene categories, and it makes a lot of sense to now be introduced in the disposable diaper category as well. The filtering and odor-fighting properties also give the diapers the distinctive black color that Dyper touts.

My husband and I took our roles as diaper testers very seriously. With the exaggerated care of food critics analyzing presentation, smell, and every burst of flavor a dish presents, we unpacked, unfolded, and evaluated the look, feel, and performance of these hypoallergenic diapers. It was fun! Luckily our son isn’t old enough to make fun of us (yet).

On to our top takeaways…

Soft, Absorbent & Great for Sensitive Skin 

I’ll admit I was nervous to try something new because my son’s skin is quite sensitive. And with the change of the season, we were told by our pediatrician to anticipate extra sensitivity. We’ve been exclusively using these charcoal enhanced diapers for five days now, and not a rash in sight. 

My husband’s first words when we unpacked the (very chic) Dyper box was, “Wow, quality.” We held the charcoal enhanced diaper in one hand, and one of our big box brand diapers in the other—wow indeed. Dyper was super soft and flexible unlike our current diaper, which suddenly felt so plastic-y and stiff. 

Running down the list of other stand-out qualities: They’re free from chlorine, latex, alcohol, perfumes, PVC, lotions, TBT, and Phthalates. Things I definitely don’t want hugging my baby’s sensitive skin. 

And in the ultimate test – no leaks overnight! Our son has been sleeping through the night (praise be!), but that means extra full diapers in the morning, and with it, an occasional “scent” in the room. Here comes the power of charcoal with filtering and odor fighting properties. Yes, please!

 

Flexible Sizing & Comfortable Stretch

We’re currently “in-between” diaper sizes. Has this happened to you? It can be a real mess, literally and figuratively. My son is 14 pounds which places him in both size 1 and size 2 sizing. After a lot of mental debate (typical me), I chose size 2 hoping he wouldn’t be swimming in extra fabric with a loose fit.  

Luckily I made the right choice, though I think I would have been safe either way as the entire front strip of the diaper is a super-soft attachment area zone, which lets you shift the fit to what you need. We were able to readjust easily to find the right spot for us without any issue, or any bagginess. A huge plus! 

My little guy is also constantly on the move, and I found that Dyper really stretches with him, in the way you want. 

baby with sensitive skin crawling in a charcoal enhanced diaper from Dyper

Mindful, Eco-conscious, and Chic

“Oh hey, fancy” was the reception we got from his teachers as we walked into his infants classroom at school with a sleeve of charcoal enhanced diapers in hand.

“They’re crafted in Japan.” I said with equally a cheeky tone.

When I shared that in addition to being a fun fashion statement, this was a clean, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly diaper brand their interest really peaked.

Our Dyper box arrived just in time for the University of Georgia football game. For the rest of the season, our little babe will be able to sport our school colors of red and black, just like his dad. Very cute.


Of course, I’ve snapped so many pictures of him in his new chic baby briefs and shared them with my family through the
Tinybeans app…instant hearts and comments! “Proud great grandma of a little fashion model” was my favorite.

From one new mom to the next, it’s a thumbs up on this one. Dyper’s Charcoal Enhanced Diapers check the boxes on quality, comfort, functionality and eco-responsibility.

Now, on to find chic baby gates…


Need (or just want) a new diaper bag? These recent releases are full of clever features, handy pockets and chic style. Read on to find the latest and greatest diaper bag that’s right for you and your little one.

Ayla Diaper Bag

Ayla & Co.

Add on a mini vacuum!
This stylish vegan leather diaper bag is designed to simplify your life, thanks to the included stroller straps, silicone snack bag, changing pad, insulated bottle/snack pouch and a removable and washable inner liner. The company even makes a sleek portable, cordless mini vacuum ($60) that complements the bag perfectly and tackles all of your on-the-go messes. The bag comes in this gorgeous green, black, brown, gray and ivory.

Available at aylabag.com, $195.

Monaco Diaper Bag & Snack Bag from Luli Bebé

Luli Bebé

Color-coordinated bags!
Sleek styling with a roomy interior and gorgeous quilted accents set these Luli Bebé bags apart. The Monaco diaper bag ($169) has nine pockets to keep your gear organized. Carry it by the top handle or wear it cross-body, on your shoulder or as a backpack. The coordinating Monaco snack bag ($79) has a padded, insulated interior to keep food and bevvies cool. Fill it with pouches, baby bottles, fruit and more. We love this latte brown color, but both bags also come in black, white, gray, caramel brown and pastel pink. 

 

Kibou Deliberately Minimal Diaper Bag

Kibou Bag

Minimalist style
If you think you could never leave the house with just a small bag, check out everything you can fit in the Kibou! Here's why it works: There's a waterproof pocket for storing 20+ wipes (or soiled or wet items you want to keep separate), and a fold-out changing pad tucked into an exterior pocket. The changing pad is detachable for easy cleaning, and once your child is out of diapers, you can replace it with Kibou's first aid kit. Wear this ingenious bag around your waist or on your shoulder.

Available at kiboubag.com, $80.

Petunia Pickle Bottom Pivot Pack

Petunia Pickle Bottom

Multi-functional with great longevity
You're ready for any adventure with the Pivot Pack, thanks to insulated compartments that wipe clean; well-thought-out pockets for your phone, bottles, toys and more; and travel-friendly features like a luggage strap and backpack straps. You can carry this stylish bag as a backpack or tote, and once your diaper days are over, you can bring it to the gym, office or on an airplane. A washable, removable changing pad is included, and this durable bag is water-resistant and easy to clean.

Available at petunia.com, $159.

Pretty Pokets Diaper Bag Handbag

Pretty Pokets

For quick clean-ups
This may look like a traditional diaper bag, but it has a clever way to snag a diaper without having to dig through your purse. Store a stack of diapers in the bottom of your bag, and you'll just need to unzip a special zipper to grab one. There's also a pocket just right for wipes and a special pocket for storing trash bags (for wrapping soiled diapers or even picking up dog poop while you're at the park). The vegan leather exterior is wipeable, and the interior fabric is spill-resistant. This bag boasts 11 pockets and an adjustable cross-body strap. It comes with a nylon changing pad, small purse for money and credit cards, and an insulated bottle holder, all in the same color as the bag exterior. Pretty Pokets also makes totes and backpacks. 

Available at prettypokets.com, $109.

Humble-Bee Free Spirit SP Diaper Bag

Humble-Bee

For all-day adventures
This ultralight backpack (just .8 pounds!) is ready for wherever the road or trail takes you. It features a padded back and shoulder straps for your comfort and comes loaded with interior and exterior pockets so your essentials are easily accessiblecheck out the wipes window that lets you grab a wipe from the outside. The durable ripstop fabric is water-repellent in case of rainy outings, stain-resistant and machine-washable. With purchase, you also get a changing pad, changing kit, a hot/cold gel pack and two detachable reflective stroller straps. The bag comes in three unisex colors: black, gray and olive green.

Available at humble-bee.com, $70.

Momkindness Carry-All Tote Trio

The customizable multitasker
This tote, organizer insert and diaper clutch can handle all of life's adventures. The tote sports eight pockets and a laptop pocket and comes with an extra strap to convert it into a messenger bag or backpack. Slip the organizer insert into the tote or use it on its own; it has carry handles, a snap closure and seven handy pockets. The vegan-leather diaper clutch can also be used solo; add the removable crossbody strap to keep your hands free. The clutch fits the included wipe-clean changing pad, diapers, wipes and more. Best of all, with each purchase, Momkindness donates a portion of the proceeds to nonprofit organization Every Mother Counts, which works to bring safe maternity care to mothers around the world.

Available at momkindness.com, $140.

Paperclip Changing Bag

Paperclip

The perfect meld of form and function
These sleek bags come in four styles, all of which feature an innovative fold-out changing station to simplify diaper changes. When duty calls, unfold the anti-microbial, liquid-repellent padded changing station. There are fabric sidewalls for privacy and to keep baby from rolling off the mat. For cleaning, just remove the pad and throw it in the washing machine. The bag has customizable cubbies for diapering items, as well as lots of space for your and baby's items. Whether you'll looking for a shoulder tote, comfortable backpack or a carry-on bag, you'll find it here. 

Available at papercliplife.com, $79 to $199, depending on style.

Bodomint Diaper Bag

Bodomint

Leather-free and full of flexibility
These roomy vegan bags can be used as a backpack, messenger bag or stroller bag (clips sold separately). There are six interior pockets and five exterior pockets to help you stay organized, and a diaper bag for changes on the go. The cotton canvas exterior is water-resistant, and faux-leather trim adds great style. Comes in black, grey, olive green, and black-and-cream stripes.

Available at bodomint.com, $160.

Colugo On the Go Organizer

Colugo

For quick trips and traveling light
Don't be fooled by the compact size. This tiny wonder can fit pouches, wipes, bottles and your phone and wallet, all organized thanks to two cup holders and three zippered pockets. The bag is waterproof, machine-washable and easy to wipe clean so it will retain its good looks through multiple uses. Attach it to your stroller or wear it as a crossbody bag or fanny pack. It also clips onto the Colugo stroller for use a stroller organizer. 

Available at hicolugo.com, $45.

The Vianetic Diaper Backpack

The Vianetic

The roadtrip must-have
The portable diapering station on this backpack is a game-changer. Through the clever use of a magnetic pull-release lock, you can open a diaper pad and reveal a smartly organized main compartment that houses tons of diapering essentials. Change that diaper efficiently in tight spaces (like the backseat) or any flat surface, thanks to the backpack's bag feet that let it stand upright on a flat surface. For on-the-go convenience, magnetic straps help you secure the bag to a car headrest or a stroller. The bag includes the detachable diaper pad, thermal pack to keep food cool, wet/dry compartment, pull-out caddy, external USB charging port, and lots of well-designed pockets for a laptop, water bottles and more. This handsome backpack comes in two unisex colors, heather gray and dark mica, and two sizes: standard (20L) and mini (16L).

Available at thevianetic.com, $189 (mini) and $259 (standard).

Alf Diaper Bags

Alf the Label

Clever pockets and smart style
Coming to the US from Australia, Alf bags are made from soft leather with cowhide details. The Stella tote features a detachable, adjustable crossbody shoulder strap, nine internal pockets and two external pockets to keep you organized. It also comes with a changing pad and insulated bottle holder. 

Available at alfthelabel.com, $460.

7AM Enfant Plaza Diaper Bag

7AM Enfant

Comfort and convenience
The rectangular shape of this bag hides the fact that it's a diaper bag and gives you lots of room for taller items, like books, a laptop, blankets, stuffed animals and more. The bag contains five elasticized interior pockets and an exterior front pocket with zippered closure. The handles are cushioned for your comfort, and there's a fleece-lined, padded changing pad to keep baby comfortable during diaper changes. Use the included strap to attach the bag to a stroller. Comes in silver, black and camo. You'll be using this bag long after your child is done with diapers.

Available at 7amenfant.com, $90.

For more on how to choose the right diaper bag, check out our Smart Moms Guide to Diaper Bags.

Eva Ingvarson Cerise

 

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A Smart Mom’s Guide to Diaper Bags

Travel light and super organized with this checklist of must-haves to pack in your diaper bag. Some of these will surprise you, but you’ll thank us later. Read on for diaper bag essentials you won’t want to skip.

Diapering Essentials

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Diapers
Bring more than you think you’ll need. Think one or two for each hour you’ll be out, plus a few extras for good luck.

Wipes
Pack both bum wipes and hand & face wipes to clean all the body parts. Save money by buying the large containers and transferring what you need into smaller containers when you leave the house.

Diaper Cream
You never know when a rash will hit, and this will keep your baby comfortable.

Plastic Bags or Wet Bags
You’ll want these for disposing of dirty diapers in and for holding soiled clothing or anything else that gets messy while you’re out.

Portable Changing Pad
You never know where you’ll end up doing the dirty deed, so a plush changing pad is key to cleanliness and comfort.

Feeding Essentials

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Burp Cloths or Bibs
Whether your little one spits up or spills your coffee, these absorbent cloths will clean it right up.

Insulated Bag
Keep baby bottles, water and snacks cool with a small insulated bag.

Snacks
Pack something for you and baby to eat while you’re out. Snacks make a handy distraction if you have to wait somewhere, and you never know when hunger will strike.

Bottles and/or Nursing Supplies
Bring more bottles of formula or breastmilk than you think you need, in case of spills.

Water
You and your child can get extra thirsty when you’re out and about, especially on warm days.

Comfort Essentials

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Toys and/or Board Books
One or two small toys, stuffies or board books can keep your child occupied if crankiness sets in. If that doesn't work, rather than loading down your bag with more toys, sing or dance with your child to keep them entertained.

Pacifiers and/or Teethers
Bring an extra in case your baby is working on their pitching arm. A small container of pacifier wipes helps keep them clean if you’re not near a sink.

Light Blanket
A thin, muslin blanket keeps your babe warm if the weather turns colder, makes for a clean spot to sit on, and blocks the sun from the car seat or stroller during nap time. Leave some of the car seat uncovered so it doesn’t get too hot underneath it.

Extra Clothes—for Both of You
An extra outfit for your child and a shirt for you keeps you looking good and helps you forget the big spill or diaper blowout you just endured. Depending on the weather, you may need sun hats or winter mittens too.

Health & Safety Essentials

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Hand Sanitizer
Disinfect your hands and changing pad after a diaper change. You'll also want to clean your hands and your baby's after being in public spaces.

Sunscreen
Yes, you both need it even on cloudy days and cold days. Get a solid stick sunscreen; they take up less room and won’t leak in your bag. For babes under six months, a wide-brim sun hat, breathable UPF 50+ sun blanket and shade should do the trick.

Adhesive Bandages
Owies can ruin an outing, but a bandage with Peppa Pig on it takes away some of the sting.

Portable Phone Charger
Life happens, and you don’t want to be caught away from home without access to a map or a way to reach people. 

Your Name & Phone Number
If you happen to lose your diaper bag (nightmare!), you’ll have a better chance of retrieving it if you've tucked contact information into an outer pocket.

How to Keep It All Organized

How do you find all this stuff in your diaper bag? If your bag has built-in pockets, organize your items by category, storing all the diapering products together and the clothes in a different spot. If your bag is more of the black hole variety, pack items in smaller bags or containers. Clear, zipped pouches or bags in different colors can help you find what you need more quickly. Put the items you know you’ll need (hello, diapers) on top of the just-in-case products. Still looking for that unicorn of diaper bags? Check out the articles below for stylish diaper bag options and a guide to choosing the right bag for your needs.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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Cloth diapers or disposable? It’s a question many expectant parents ask. As with many choices in life, there are benefits and drawbacks to both, as well as a myriad of options. So let’s dive into the pros and cons, as well as some parent-approved favorite brands.

Benefits of Cloth Diapers

Public Domain Pictures via Pixabay

1. Saves money. By acquiring a stash of diapers, using them for your baby (and any other kids you have), and then selling them after you no longer need them, parents can recoup some of the initial costs. The average diaper stash, according to many cloth-diapering parents, is about 20 diapers, which allows enough diapers to last a couple days if you do laundry every two days or so.

2. Earth-friendly. Another wonderful benefit to cloth diapers is saving the environment from one-use diapers. Even though disposable diapers require laundering, the fact that they are used for years and may be recycled after their usable life is complete is a huge win for cloth-diapering enthusiasts and parents who are looking for earth-friendly alternatives for their babies.

3. No chemicals. Cloth diapers are typically made from cotton, hemp, bamboo or microfiber. These materials allow peace of mind for parents wanting to limit harsh chemicals from interfering with their baby's delicate skin. There are many options in the material of cloth diapers from organic to bleached to non-bleached materials.

 

Drawbacks of Cloth Diapers

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1. Initial investment. Acquiring cloth diapers requires an initial financial investment that some budgets may not be able to accommodate, especially with everything else you need for a new baby. But with the popularity of cloth diapering, it is possible to purchase pre-owned cloth diapers for a fraction of the price through parent groups on social media. This gives parents a chance to try them out without breaking the bank. There are also varying price points for the many cloth diaper brands on the market, making it a financially viable option for those interested.

2. Diaper booty. Using cloth diapers may mean you have to go up a size or two in clothing due to the adorable cloth diaper booty that results. Different brands have varying levels of thickness and absorbency, which will impact the fit of clothing on the lower half of the body.

3. Extra laundry. Adding more laundry to the new parent's already full plate could prove stressful for some. Many cities offer cloth-diaper laundering services, but if that's not an option for you, many cloth-diapering parents say that once they get in the groove, it's really not a big deal to rinse solids off the diapers (using a toilet hose attachment) and throw them in the washing machine every few days. Also, many parents choose to cloth-diaper their babies during the day and put disposable diapers on them at night for ease and extra leak protection.

Cloth Diaper Brands to Consider

GroVia

Smart Bottoms are less bulky, made from organic cotton and hemp, and are all-in-ones (AIO), which means they are one-piece. They are made in the U.S.A. and have the cutest prints.

Bum Genius is known for one-size cloth diapers that adjust with your baby's growth. They have a myriad of options including all-in-ones and diapers with inserts.

GroVia has lots of different cloth-diapering options with AIO, inserts, organic, hybrid diapers and the brand's beloved Buttah velour diapers, which look as soft and buttery as they feel.

Not sure if cloth diapers are right for you? Let’s talk about disposable diapers.

Benefits of Disposable Diapers

baby surprised expression wearing diaper - money-saving tips
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1. Ease of use. The learning curve of being a new parent is steep, and sometimes you just need the easy button. Disposable diapers are pretty intuitive at a time when you are bombarded by things that are not. The wetness indicator line on the front of some diapers takes the guesswork out of figuring out if your baby's diaper needs to be changed in the first place.

2. Availability. Once you find a brand you like, you will most likely to able to find them in stores near you. Or you can order online and have them auto-shipped, which means you don't have to worry about running out. Buying them online also means you can compare prices to get the best deal.

3. Fewer diaper changes. Because disposable diapers have ultra-absorbent technology, they aren't as prone to leaking, and diapers can be changed less often than cloth diapers. Also, diaper rashes may occur less because of the extra absorbency.

Drawbacks of Disposable Diapers

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1. Irritating materials. Some babies may get diaper rashes due to the chemicals, dyes and gels used to make disposables super absorbent.

2. Non-recyclable. Experts calculate that more than 3 million tons of landfill waste can be attributed to diapers. While there are some up-and-coming companies dedicated to recycling these used diapers, this option is not readily available to most consumers.

3. Expensive. According to some estimates, parents can spend $2,000 to $3,000 per year per baby on disposable diapers. Compare this with a stash of cloth diapers which can be acquired for less than $800 and can last through multiple children and later resold.

Disposable Diaper Brands to Consider

The Honest Company

Pampers Baby Dry are the most economical of these three brands and are loved by parents because of their breathability, wetness indicator and absorbency. They are free of parabens and latex and are hypoallergenic.

Honest Diapers prides themselves on using super-absorbent, hypoallergenic materials that are plant-based. These diapers are readily available at national retailers as well as online, and the patterns are super cute. With bright and cheery prints, these diapers will make you smile even in the midst of the messiest blow-out.

Babyganics Skin Love Diapers are made without latex, parabens, chlorine, petroleum-based lotions or fragrances. Their diapers are a bit more cost-effective than similar brands and are also available at national retailers.

The Diaper Lowdown

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Diving into the diapering world can be information overload. Talk to friends and find out what brands they've used and how they diaper their kids. Join social media groups devoted to parenting and even cloth-diapering. There are so many wise and experienced parents out there who are happy to share the what, how and why behind their choices. Whatever you choose, know that you are doing the best for your baby.

 

Sarah Blight

featured image: heymattallen via Pixabay

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Spending time indoors doesn’t mean kids have to be bored, rather it gives them a chance to explore their imaginations. Baby Born Surprise, with its nurturing baby dolls that are ready for feeding, bathing and diapering, are packed with surprises and perfect for supplying kids with hours of imagination and story time fun.

Baby Born Surprise dolls are lifelike babies and pets. They’re super cute and full of surprises, and kids can have the experience of caring for a baby through activities like bathing and diaper changing. We know that kids love to play with baby dolls, and Baby Born Surprise takes that playtime to a new imaginative level by adding in surprises and fantastical details.

There are tons of different Baby Born Surprise sets. Here’s a look at three of the most popular ones.

Baby Born Surprise Bottle House Playset — Little ones will never be bored as they play with their Baby Born Surprise small dolls and pets in the Bottle House Playset. This playset is one of a kind, because it’s the only adorable playset out there that’s designed for small, collectible baby dolls. It has several interactive play areas for the dolls, including a crib, nursery, changing table and a working bathtub that actually sprays water. It can also be closed and used as storage for the Baby Born Surprise dolls and pets. This playset comes with an exclusive Baby Born Surprise doll whose hair actually changes color.

Baby Born Surprise Dolls — Your kiddo will love their little doll that is so detailed and adorable. Each doll has so many fun features like drinking from bottle, going to the bathroom, a color-changing diaper and eye color reveal. Dolls are bundled in the cutest swaddles, and come with a bottle and pacifier. Every doll has more than 10 surprises to reveal. Kids will never be bored discovering all of them.

Baby Born Surprise Pets — Every doll (and their owner) needs to have a pet! Baby Born Surprise pets have a fun and dramatic color change feature. Kids can give their pets a bath and even see the pet change into an entirely different animal. Each pet comes bundled in cute swaddles with a keychain hook, and a little pet towel and bathtub. Each pet has more than eight surprises to reveal.

With Baby Born Surprise, your kiddo will be entertained and using their imagination for hours. Check out the website for free printable coloring and game activity sheets.

Create the perfect Easter bundle gift for your daughter with the Baby Born Surprise Bottle House Playset and a few Baby Born Surprise Dolls and Pets! Buy them online now!

—Leah R. Singer

Diapering your kiddo just got easier—with DYPER! The planet-friendly diaper service is launching a new subscription program Feb. 1 and you can get a one-week diaper trail for $8!

Forget about trips to the grocery store or warehouse club to load up on diapers. With DYPER you’ll get individualized delivery based on your baby’s weight.

So how does DYPER work? The subscription service uses artificial intelligence to estimate the number of diapers your child needs each week. Don’t worry if your run out—DYPER’s SOS service offers a week’s worth of extras delivered to your doorstep in four to 24 hours.

Not only is DYPER convenient, it’s also good for the planet. Used diapers are fully compostable and free of chlorine, latex, alcohol, perfumes, phthalates, PVC, lotions and TBT. DYPER also purchases carbon offsets on behalf of service subscribers to help reforestation.

DYPER’s diapers come in sizes for newborns through children who are potty training. The month-to-month subscription costs $68, with delivery every four weeks. To order DYPER’s diapers, and get a one-week trial for $8, visit the service’s site here.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of DYPER

 

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Celeb mama Blake Lively recently welcomed her third baby with hubby Ryan Reynolds. Now that the actress is a pro at the whole mommy-ing thing, she’s teaming up with Amazon Baby Registry to share her faves in a curated guide.

Lively said, in a press release, “I understand how overwhelming it is to be a new parent. What they don’t tell you is it never gets less overwhelming, but with each kid, I do learn more. Before I had my first, I was lucky enough to have the parents in my life who I trusted most share their “must-haves” with me. I hope to do the same for you with my baby registry picks. Good luck! You’re gonna’ need it.”

With categories such as diapering basics and sustainable on-the-go essentials, you’ll love absolutely everything on this must have guide!

Bath Time

Amazon

The Skip Hop Moby Bath Spout ($13) makes bath-time fun, and safe too!

For Mom

Amazon

Get some serious nursing help with My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow ($39). The comfy pillow comes in plenty of colors for every mamas style.

 

Feeding

Amazon

The Munchkin Shine Stainless Steel Baby Bottle Warmer ($63) creates warm bottles (minus the hot spots) in three minutes and has a universal fit—for almost all bottles.

Nursery

Amazon

Find everything you'll need in Lively's nursery registry. Check out the Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper ($279). This pick rotates and swivels 360 degrees, includes a nightlight, has three soothing sound and a back to bed reminder. 

Sustainable On-the-Go Essentials

Amazon

Along with stroller you'll need all kinds of take with travel basics—such as the Berghoff Leo Travel Flatware Set ($14.99).

 

Out and About

Amazon

Lively's choices for on-the-go mamas include the Baby Jogger Mini Double Stroller ($449). Even though this choice has a higher price tag, it seats two and has plenty of storage space.

Diapering Basics

Amazon

Lively's picks include everything you'll need for diaper duty—from diapers to a place to put them (when your baby is done with them, of course). Along with other essentials the actress also added Burt's Bees 100% Natural Multipurpose Ointment ($8.99).

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Amazon Baby Registry/Guy Aroch

 

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There have been way too many times that we have left the house and I have forgotten one crucial item. It tends to be the most critical item that we need and there it is, left at home. Have you read the book, Checklist Manifesto? A diaper bag requires a checklist because there are too many things that baby needs and are so easy to forget.

The tricky thing is that we need to pack each time we go out, right? We use all the things like outfits, diapers, bottles but it’s the replenishing that causes me to forget an item. (That and my current state of sleep deprivation.) So, I’m making a list here as much for me as it is to share. Now if only someone could help me pack suitcases for a family of five.

 

So here it goes, this is my list for one newborn baby. The best way for me to remember all items is to think in categories: diapering, feeding, mom, all others/siblings.

Diapering

  • Changing pad 
  • Wipes
  • Diaper cream
  • 6 diapers
  • 2 Changes of clothes

Feeding 

  • Bottles, with breast milk or water and formula 
  • Thermos packed with hot water to warm bottles on the go
  • Nursing cover and if needed nipple shield, lanolin, etc
  • Burp cloth, I love the flannel ones 
  • Pacifier 

Mom

  • Wallet, keys, glasses, etc
  • Change of shirt, I keep a basic grey v-neck bc you never know
  • Chapstick, gum, I don’t know but things you’d put in your purse
  • Sanitizing wipes, lotion

All others

  • Toy for baby or sibling
  • Phone charger if needed
  • Blanket or muslin

The diaper bag evolves as the baby gets older and needs less or different things. Also, I used to carry a larger duffle bag style when we had two children under two and thus had two different size diapers and clothes to remember to pack. Oh, those days were exhausting. 

It is important to remember to get your items like your wallet (!) when the weekend is over, for example, and you are headed to work for the week. I’ve been without my wallet on a few occasions because it’s left in the diaper bag. Oops!

And the worst thing I ever forgot? Formula at the airport!

I was traveling to Boston to get to Cape Cod, to visit family with just Deacon, my youngest at the time. He was in between breastmilk and cows milk and so we supplemented with formula. He ate solid food but not enough to satisfy my big, growing boy. We went through security before I realized it. They do not sell formula anywhere in an airport, FYI. I learned that the hard way.

Thankfully, our flight was delayed for one hour. I had our bag checked, of course, and so we left the airport and went back to the car and into the parking garage. I drove to the closest Walmart and bought baby formula. This may have been one of the highest stress situations I have been in and I felt like I was the worst mom on the planet that day.

By then he wanted a bottle so I made one on the spot in the Walmart parking lot and drove back to the airport. We had to go through security again and made it back just in time. I definitely would have had to miss my flight otherwise! Lesson learned. Don’t be like me. Use this list.

I sometimes think about when I was younger and meticulously packed my purse or bag for a class in college. Now I can’t even remember what I even needed for myself. A hairbrush, mirror, face powder? Now I just need chapstick, phone, and a wallet and I’m good. It’s the little ones that need all of the things!

Oh yeah and after all that packing, don’t forget the little one too! 

This post originally appeared on Life Love & Little Boys.

Located in Bloomington, Indiana I am a wife, full-time working Mom to 3 boys, a part-time graduate student & a writer. I am also an optimist, problem solver, peacemaker, gardener, runner and a crazy-busy mom just trying to enjoy each moment. I truly value my friends, family and my mommy tribe.

Cloth diapering is not for everyone, but if you are using cloth diapers (or you’re hoping to once your baby arrives), I know the thought of cloth diapering when you’re out and about can be a little intimidating.

Except for during a brief yeast rash incident and a week filled with nonstop diarrhea, our family has used cloth diapers every day with our daughter since week two.

Here’s what we’ve found to work best for making it quick & easy to use cloth diapers on the go:

  1. The secret to success = a high-quality wet bag. The most important part of successfully cloth diapering on the go is having a high-quality wet bag. You want one that isn’t going to let the smell out or leak through as the day wears on. We’ve tried lots and lots of wet bags and the Medium Planet Wise Wet/Dry Bags are hands down our favorites. They are super sturdy compared to the others we’ve tried, and we love the second dry pocket (you’ll see why here in a bit). We have three of these so that one is always clean when we need to go out.    
  2. To line or not to line? That is the question. And for us, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Everyone has their own opinion on using disposable diaper liners but for us, they’ve been a huge factor in our ability to use cloth when we’re out and about. Liners make it easy no matter what situation we find ourselves in. For example:
    • Situation A: One of us is changing our daughter’s poopy diaper in a bathroom with easy access to a toilet so we plop the poop into the toilet, toss the liner in the trash, and put the diaper in our wet bag. Now it’s ready to go in the wash (or our main wet bag) when we get home!
    • Situation B: Our daughter has had explosive diarrhea or an extremely messy, non-ploppable poop. We tightly fold/button up the diaper (like you would a disposable) and toss it in the wet bag. When we get home at the end of the day, that diaper is going to be 1000x easier to deal with.
    • Situation C: We’re nowhere near a bathroom and poop time has struck. We tightly fold up the diaper and toss it in the wet bag, like above. When we get home, it will be easy to plop out the poop. ​ We’ve also tried several different brands of liners and the SmartBottoms biodegradable ones are our favorite. They seem to work the best and are also the softest.    
  3. Pre-line your diapers and bring 1-2 more diapers than you think you need. We put the disposable liners in all of our diapers before we add them to the diaper bag. This tiny extra step makes diaper changes on-the-go 2000x easier because you aren’t trying to juggle finding the liners, tearing off a liner, and putting the liner in while you’re trying to keep your toddler from rolling off the changing table. How many diapers you need is going to depend on the age of your baby. Right now, our daughter is 18-months and we only need to change her diaper every 2-3 hours (unless she poops). We typically bring 4-5 diapers with us for a full day out and line them up in the bottom of our diaper backpack.  
  4. What to do about wipes? We’ve used both cloth and disposable wipes on the go. If you’re going to use cloth wipes, you’ll quickly find that everyone has a different opinion on the best method. This is just what we personally found to work best for us:
    • Use Grovia Cloth Wipes. We bought a ton of these wipes. They are a nice size and super absorbent compared to the others we tried.
    • Pre-wet the cloth wipes and then roll them. We don’t always have access to a sink or water source when we’re out and I personally found using a tiny spray bottle to be extremely annoying. Instead, we would wet the wipes before we went out, roll them up, and place them in a tiny wet bag.
    • Get a good wipe wet bag. We tried several wet bags for this purpose with disastrous results until finally landing on one that truly doesn’t let the water seep out. If you’re looking for the perfect wet bag for wipes, I highly recommend the Planet Wise Wipe Pouch.
    • Toss the dirty ones in with your cloth diapers. Once you’ve used a wipe, just toss it in with your dirty diapers. Disposable wipes are pretty straightforward, except what to do with them when you’re on the go if you aren’t within reach of a trash can. Here’s where your wet bags second pocket comes into play! We keep a thin wet bag in the second pocket—we’ve found these Planet Wise Lite Wet Bags to work perfectly. A plastic bag would also work. Then, if we aren’t near a trash can (which happens more often than you would think), we just put the disposable wipe in the wet bag and store the bag in the second (dry) pocket to deal with when we get home.    
  5. Be strategic with your diaper bag. I often hear people say that it’s harder to cloth diaper on-the-go because the cloth diapers are so much bulkier than disposables. We use all-in-one cloth diapers and travel mostly by foot in the city, but never have to carry around more than a single diaper backpack. And it’s a normal-sized backpack—not some monstrosity! The diapers squish up more than you might think, and we can easily fit enough diapers for an entire day along the very bottom of our diaper backpack. Stay tuned for our article next week with tricks for packing your diaper bag when you’re headed out to eat!

That’s it! It may seem like a lot, but it essentially works just like disposable diapering: you bring diapers with you and change their diaper as needed, but instead of tossing the diaper in the trash you toss it in your travel wet bag. Tada!

This post originally appeared on Highchair Society.

Megan loves hiking with family, a good gin cocktail, and reading Llama Llama Red Pajama to her toddler on repeat. She lives in DC and is the co-founder of Highchair Society, a website & blog dedicated to helping parents have 5-star kid-friendly dining experiences

Cloth diapering is making a comeback with modern parents due to its many benefits to the environment, the budget, and baby’s comfort. There is a common misconception that cloth diapering requires a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be that hard. 

If you are prepared – both with your supplies and knowledge of what to expect – just about every parent can succeed with cloth diapering.

Types of Cloth Diapers

In order to be prepared, you will need to know that there are actually several types of cloth diapers. While they all work in a similar manner, the type you choose can make a difference in the ease of diapering and the impact on your overall budget.

There are two main components to a cloth diaper: the diaper itself and the insert. The insert is the absorbent part, making it necessary for keeping the outer diaper as clean as possible as well as your baby’s clothes.

Some diaper types – like flats that you have to fold and fasten yourself – aren’t as popular today as they were many years ago. Most parents today opt for something more modern, like the pocket diaper or sleeve diaper (both work the same way), which fits like a disposable with a small pocket to slip the absorbent insert into.

All-in-one diapers are the premium choice for parents who want a quick and easy diaper change. They just have one part with no insert to deal with. The biggest downside to these, however, is the fact that they take so long to dry since the absorbent part is very thick.

You may choose to take a step down and go with a two-in-one diaper. They are easier than other diapers with inserts that need to be folded since the insert is simply a piece that snaps into the diaper.

The Good

Cloth diapering can be a solution for common issues that affect you and your baby personally as well as issues that have a greater impact on the environment.

First, cloth diapering is eco-friendly. Yes, it may take a bit more water to wash them, but the big difference is found in the landfills. Though disposable diapers do break down with oxygen and sunlight, they don’t decompose very efficiently in a landfill. Using cloth diapers keeps our landfills cleaner.

Not only are cloth diapers easier on the landfills but they are also easier on the wallet. It may be a bit difficult to swallow the initial cost of supplies, but if you look at what it would cost to keep your child in disposable versus cloth diapers until they are ready to potty train, you would be looking at saving at least $1,000 (over a period of 2.5 years).

Finally, cloth diapering can be a solution for babies who may have sensitive skin or allergies. Disposable diapers can be scratchy and made with materials that can irritate the skin and make your baby fussy; cloth diapers are much softer. You can also wash cloth diapers with the same gentle detergents you use for your baby’s cloths to help eliminate irritants.

The Bad and The Ugly…And How to Make it Pretty

While all these things are well and good, there are still some inconveniences that come with cloth diapering. But if you know how to handle them or the tricks to make them easier, these inconveniences won’t bother you as much.

It is true that cloth diapers are a bit messier than disposable ones. They aren’t as absorbent (thanks to the absence of synthetic gels and substances that absorb liquid in disposables – a positive!) which means you may have a few more messes to clean up.

Diaper changes aren’t as easy either since you will have to scrape poop into the toilet and rinse diapers before you can put them in the laundry – not to mention how often you will have to do laundry in order to keep up with your diapering needs.

So, how do we make these things better?

First, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can ease your way into cloth diapering by just using disposables sometimes. You can also use a hybrid diaper which combines the best of both worlds – a washable cover with a flushable insert.

Flushable liners can also take the work out of scraping poop into the toilet. All you have to do is wrap up the dirty stuff and throw it in the toilet with the liner. Unless there’s a blowout, there’s no mess on the actual diaper to clean.

Is Cloth Diapering RIght for You?

The decision to cloth diaper is one only you can make. Every family is different. 

There are many that still prefer the convenience of a disposable diaper. There’s no denying that they are easier to travel with and take a lot of the mess out of diaper changing. And there is nothing wrong with parents who make this decision; it is what works best for them.

Cloth diapering does take a little more commitment and discipline. But if you choose the right diaper for your lifest‌yle and have a good stock of them, cloth diapering can be just as easy as disposables.