If you read last week’s post on A Short History of Diapering in America, you know that I’m both a history nerd and a cloth diapering geek–which make me wonder about obscure subjects.  Like diaper rash in colonial times, Native American treatments for mastitis, and midwives in the wild west.  I’m pretty sure no one else does that!

I’ve struggled with cloth diapering at night with my children, but then wondered how all those moms dealt with it when there weren’t any other options.  My son had a massive bladder that couldn’t be stopped by even the thickest diaper.  Both he and my daughter both had recurrent yeast infections or night wakings that I attributed to cloth.  Sure enough, when we switched to disposables, the problems cleared up.  Still, I hate buying disposables and feel so sad tossing them into the trash.

Some moms, like Rebecca, exclusively used cloth without incident for all their day and night diapering.  This amazes me!

In my research I learned that in the early 1900′s, women started boiling their diapers while doing the laundry.  They had a greater awareness of bacteria and sterilization and used the scalding hot water to prevent diaper rash.

Many readers recommended that I boil our diapers to kill the yeast that was causing infection, but I didn’t really want to haul out the pasta pot on a weekly basis to sterlize my dirty diapers.

As we found in our book, The Eco-nomical Baby Guide, most washing machines don’t reach the necessary hot water temperature to fully sterilize diapers, since most don’t have built in heaters.  Because of that, we recommend actually washing in cold water to save energy.  The temperature that the diapers reach in the dryer actually help kill bacteria–and they can be stripped in hot water every so often to be sure that laundry soap doesn’t build up.

Still, if you are having yeast problems with nighttime diapering, and you do have a sterilizing cycle on your washing machine, it’s worth trying it out.

I may try dumping boiling water on my diapers in the bathtub and just soaking them for awhile.  If I then try cloth diapering at night and don’t have the yeast issues, history will have rescued me!

Here’s another question: Did people in the 1960′s still boil their diapers?  I would assume that after the invention of the washing machine, people didn’t resort to this sort of laundering technique.  Since most people used cloth, did everyone just have more information about how to prevent yeast infections?

On Wednesday, I will share the wealth of tips I’ve gotten to help deal with yeast infections at night.  In the past, I honestly felt too tired to trouble shoot, but now that my baby is sleeping through the night, I think I can take on a few suggestions!

We blush with happiness whenever people write to us with questions and quickly scramble to find answers. This week we’re calling on all our readers to help lend their input on the following email question.

“I have what I realize is a pretty specific question: what are some good ways to pack drinks with our lunches?

I pack a lunch for my preschooler nearly every day, and for myself at least two days a week. But I’m not happy with the drinks that go with these lunches. I either bring or buy a single-serving beverage — and it bugs me to pay almost $2 for a small bottle of milk.

I pack juice boxes for my daughter, but she’s had some trouble with her teeth and I would love to get away from all this juice. And of course, we’re throwing away these bottles and boxes at the end of each day.

I have lunchboxes, tupperware, water bottles, and I’m even considering getting some cloth bags to replace ziplock baggies. But I haven’t found a set of reusable beverage containers for our lunches. I’d love to hear how (okay, if) you and your readers have addressed this problem.

I’d love to find a set of beverage containers, ideally in two sizes, that I can fill with milk or some other drink and pack into our lunch boxes. I realize I may have to repurpose something; I’ve toyed with the idea of getting one of those packs of Starbucks Frappuccinos just for the glass bottles, but I’m not sure how well they’ll hold up.

Do you have any suggestions?”

I’ll give my input below, but please share yours too!

I think your idea about reusing Frappucino bottles is excellent!  They’d probably hold up for years and if they do break or get lost, you haven’t wasted any money in the process.  I’ve done the same thing with Snapple bottles.  I just put them in the dishwasher along with our glasses and they come out perfectly clean and ready for action.

At our house the kids each have one Nalgene sippy cup (which my 4 year old still uses) as well as one Camelbak Kid’s Bottle with a straw. Maybe because I’m really boring, I just fill them up with water for my son’s lunch each day and it’s so much easier!  I just have to rinse the bottles and I can just rotate between the two of them.

For my hydration needs, I have the Nathan Stainless Steel Flip Straw Water Bottle and I absolutely love it.  It’s easy to load up with ice, easy to clean, and easy to use.  For more ravings read my Best Stainless Steel Water Bottle post.

Please pitch in with your water bottle experiences!

Help! How do I get my almost five-year-old to stop wasting food? I hate wasting food, but my daughter never finishes anything we give her. She might eat two pieces of toast one morning, then one bite of toast (or spoonful of oatmeal, or nibble of apple. . .) the next day.

My picky eater / food waster

What do I do with the bits and pieces of food she leaves behind? I can save them for later, but she rarely finishes up reheated scraps. I could somehow whip her leftovers into a new dish (bread pudding, perhaps?). Or I could act as a human garbage disposal, eating up after her.

Most of the time, those half-eaten apples, bread crusts, and congealed quesadillas wind up in the compost bin—or the trashcan. What can I do to remedy this? I’m open to all suggestions—from how to present her food to ways to cajole her into finishing everything.

Related posts of yore:

Meal solutions for picky toddlers

Any brilliant ideas for picky eaters?

Avoid Wasting Food and Save $100 a Month!

Composting and preventing food waste with baby

I’m a history teacher and a cloth diaper geek. As such, I’ve spent far too much time wondering just how everyone diapered their babies in different eras of American history. In fact, in my research for this piece I came up with several other upcoming post ideas including the history of potty training in America and a brief explanation of how people diaper their children in other cultures. I tried to make this short, but there was too much fascinating information!

Obviously, Native Americans were the first to deal with diapering on the continent and their solutions were environmentally ideal.  In warmer climates, babies went without pants and potty trained early while in colder climates Indigenous people used a disposable diaper that was fully biodegradable—and completely free.  They packed milkweed with peat moss or grasses, or sometimes filled animal skins with similar contents.  The result? A diaper that could be easily left behind to break down into the soil in just a few weeks.

In pioneer days, wet diapers weren’t washed. They were simply hung to dry in front of the fire.  Imagine cooking your family’s meal over the campfire and the mixed odors of stew, wood smoke and dried urine!

Cloth diapering continued for decades without many innovations until mothers started entering the work force in World War II.  Diaper services sprang up around the country to meet their needs. The invention of the washing machine in the early fifties also made cloth diapering far more convenient.

In 1950, Mrs. Hellerman, the owner of a diaper service, invented a pre-folded diaper with extra layers in the center.  The fold was sewn into the diaper and now we have our beloved prefold diapers that are still popular today.

Marion Donovan, a housewife who was desperate for an easier diapering solution, invented the first disposable diaper in the late 1940’s.  She cut her shower curtain into envelopes into which she stuffed conventional cloth diapers and called them “Boaters.”  The cover closed with plastic snaps, eliminating the need for diaper pins.  No manufacturer would support her, so she sold her product directly to department stores.  Eventually she converted the design to thick absorbent paper and the disposable diaper was born. She later sold her company for one million dollars.

The sixties took disposable diapers into the mainstream, a movement which continued into the seventies as women continued to move into careers outside the home.

Just two decades ago, cloth started making a comeback as parents started to question the environmental impact of disposable diapers.  Plus, with innovative new features like Velcro and snap closures, pocket diaper inserts, and various diaper liners, cloth diapering became more convenient and appealing than ever before.  Other greener options such as hybrid diapers with disposable inserts and compostable diapers also hit the market.

Although disposables have only really been around for fifty years, many scientists believe that they’ll take up to 500 years to decompose.  That means that those first diapers invented by Marion Donovan won’t have broken down by the end of your great, great granchildren’s lives.  On a happier note, who knows what kind of crazy innovations we’ll have made in natural diapering by then.  Perhaps we’ll be using a newfangled product made of milkweed and stuffed with peat moss—and finding the best combination of convenience and conservation.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post on the history of potty training in America!

Over the holidays in St. Louis, my in-laws proudly announced that they’d cut down their garbage to just one pail a week. “Oh really?” we responded with green superiority. “We toss out one can a month!” The smug feeling that we alone were saving the planet with our commitment to reducing and recycling did not last long. Before another garbage trucked passed us by, we got bested by another Oregon couple.

I’ll empty this sometime in 2012. . . .

The married Oregonians of the Green Garbage Project went an entire year without throwing anything away. I learned about Adam and Amy Korst when our local news station aired Trash Free for a Year. After a year of this waste-reduction project, the amount of garbage they sent to the landfill could fit in a shoe box.

How did they do it? Gardening, eating less meat, and composting food scraps played a big role, as did recycling. The Korsts went beyond curbside recycling, collecting items and taking them to recycling facilities. (We do this, too.) But the biggest lifestyle change that comes with cutting down on garbage starts at the cash register. The Korsts simply didn’t buy anything that would eventually wind up in the trashcan. This is a lesson I will take to heart in 2011: I’ll examine my purchases more critically, seeking out durable products that come in recyclable packaging. Check out the Korsts’ blog for more trash-free tips.

If the Korsts ever reproduce, I’ll have to send them a copy of The Eco-nomical Baby Guide. I’m sure they’d be interested in hearing all about how cloth diapers will keep one more ton of trash out of the dump. What are your trash-reducing tips? Inspired by the Green Garbage Project, I resolve to do better in 2011!

After the holidays, we’re generally stocked on fulfilling memories and stale sugar cookies–but not so much on cash. If you’re looking to slim down your January budget, we have several vintage posts with earth friendly, budget friendly tips.

You have to eat, right? If you’d love to spend just $175 per month on your groceries, while buying mostly organic food, you have to check out Rebecca’s post on Saving Money on Organic Groceries.

If your baby is on solids, you can save hundreds of dollars with DIY organic baby purees–and you won’t need fancy equipment or loads of extra time.

Laundry is another unavoidable budget item, but we do have a recommendation for the least expensive green laundry detergent.  (It happens to be quite effective too!)

Slim down your baby-related costs by using our money-saving cloth diapering tips and looking at our top lactation posts for breastfeeding support.

If your body is transitioning into or out of pregnancy, buy secondhand maternity clothes or opt for a secondhand  postpartum transition wardrobe.  Why spend hundreds of dollars on clothes you’ll only be wearing for a matter of months?

Speaking of transitional wardrobes, really all of baby’s clothes during her first year will be worn for a very short period of time.  We’ll give you the insider scoop on going green by buying used baby clothes.

And while you’re happily saving hundreds, you may not realize that all this frugality has secondary benefits for your family and your overall quality of life.  We’re big believers in the long term rewards of under indulgence.

Just how much money did we save going green on a budget?  Each of our families saved nearly six thousand dollars in our babies’ first year alone.   Our new book, The Eco-nomical Baby Guide shares a detailed account of our frugal, green adventures.  Read it for free at your local library or see if your doctor’s office would be willing to pick up a copy for their lending library.  Even if you do shell out a whopping $13.50 for your own copy on Amazon, you’ll see your family’s personal savings far exceed the cost.

Are you cutting back this January?  I have to confess that we’ve been gifted with a frequent flyer mile ticket to Hawaii for a family reunion for late this month.  So while we’re looking forward to the fun, we’re also using our frugal skills to their fullest this month in preparation for some upcoming splurges.  (Shave ice, snorkeling, and sushi!) That’s what frugality is all about to me——being purposeful with saving so that when it comes time to spend, we’re ready!

The Chinese prefolds I’ve used are legendary for the many baby bottoms they kept dry over the years. Those very worn cotton prefolds were purchased secondhand, used by my son, passed onto another baby, and then swaddled my daughter. Finally, I gave the surviving few away to another new mom while the rest are used as kitchen rags. While the prefolds were incredibly sturdy, I didn’t have the same luck with the wraps. Although I purchased them new, the velcro is worn and pulls away from the seams a bit more with each use. (I know I could repair the cloth diaper velcro, but my daughter is just months away from potty training so I think we’ll just wait it out.)

I now think snaps are the key to cloth diaper longevity. My Fuzzy Buns Pocket Diapers still function quite well after diapering two children for a number of years and they look pretty spiffy too!  The velcro all-in-one cloth diapers I’ve borrowed from friends haven’t fared as well.  (By the way, if you have no idea what all this cloth diapering lingo means, you’re not alone.  We actually wrote The Eco-nomical Baby Guide to support people who want to learn about cloth diapering, buying used and buying less.  If you can’t buy it or find it for free at your local library, check out our quick run down on cloth diaper vocabulary.)

Has anyone tried Motherease Cloth Diapers? I’ve heard rave reviews about their sturdy construction and long life.  Imse Vimse Cloth Diapers also have a loyal following, but both of these brands are extremely expensive.  Do they pay off if used for multiple children?

Please let our readers know if you have a wonderful cloth diaper brand that has survived years of wear and keeps on going. Did you buy or inherit secondhand cloth diapers–or was it worth investing in new ones?

In The Eco-nomical Baby Guide we write about how we each saved nearly six thousand dollars on baby’s first year by going green.  How is this possible?  We stuck to the reduce, reuse, recycle mantra—with an emphasis on reduce.  We didn’t buy wipes warmers or matching crib linens.  We passed on the vibrating baby beds and even bassinets.  What happened? Absolutely nothing.  Our babies are completely well adjusted and we didn’t blow a whole lot of money on something that was needed for just a few months.  What did you pass up?  Inspire those moms who are burdened with giant baby registry lists!

In the coming year, I want to live my green goals, but I need to be sure I’m sane and healthy enough to find balance without being crushed by my ideals.  Because here’s the truth—I’m an idealizer. We drive fuel-efficient vehicles, use cloth diapers and homemade natural cleaners, but I dream of difficult challenges like hydroponic gardens and solar ovens.

And that’s not where the dreaming stops!  In fact, all day long I’m remembering what needs to be done.  Frames that hang empty on the wall.  A floor that hasn’t seen a mop in days.  Cupboards that need to be organized.  A tummy that could use a few sit-ups.

In 2011, my goal is less thought, and more action.  Normally, I would simply ponder this goal for weeks before becoming distracted, but this year I have a plan!  I’m breaking down monthly, yearly and daily goals into tiny increments and then entering them all into my Outlook calendar.  I’m not a naturally routine-oriented person, but I feel as though I’m drowning in a lack of structure—giving me less time for my green goals.

Daily  Tasks:

Monday

• Sweep and mop floor
• Wash window
• Plan meals for the week
• Use up old food in fridge (or compost if it’s beyond hope)

Tuesday

• Grocery shop
• Vacuum
• Dust
• Wash diapers

The beauty of this list is its brevity.  My four-year-old will participate in a few chores a day, as will my husband.  And getting a tiny bit of the work done on a daily basis will lead to a bit more structure and rhythm around here.

The bigger picture will include monthly and seasonal issues tend to steal my focus.

Monthly Tasks:

March

• Begin garden plan
• Turn compost
• Move hoses outdoors
• Get Earth Day posts up for Green Baby Guide
• Consider writing guest posts for Earth Day
• Make camping reservations for early summer
• Finish “Simply Green” column for Oregon Family Newspaper

April

• Plan family volunteer event for Earth Day
• Begin planting select veggies
• Get niece’s birthday present for May
• Speak to Beaverton MOPS group about The Eco-nomical Baby Guide

If I limit some of the chores and deadlines that are cluttering my vision, I’ll have a sharper focus.  It’s so endlessly draining to feel stuck.  Having these increments mapped out through the year will help me start to gain momentum.  Realistically my goals will be sidelined when our kids get sick or family visits, but having any sort of goals will be a huge start.

Are you a calendar person?  Are you lucky enough to naturally thrive on routine?  Please share your best tips for making headway in the midst of this delightfully chaotic profession of early parenthood!

As 2010 drew to a close and everyone around the world celebrated with fireworks and noisemakers, I had just one thing on my mind: Did my dishwasher fulfill its green promise? As I reported last January, we welcomed our trusty Energy Star appliance to the family after an entire adulthood of hand washing dishes.

Oh how wonderful these last twelve months have been! No more hours hunched over a sink full of dirty dishes. Just stacks of sparkling clean plates, forks, pots, and pans. And the best part is–the dishwasher saves water and energy over even the thriftiest hand washer!

Or so I’d heard. After a year-long study (sample size: 1), we ran the numbers. Did we save water in our Year of the Dishwasher compared to the previous year? The answer: no. We used almost the exact same amount of water both years. How could this be? Were we thriftier than the thriftiest hand washer after all? Maybe the dishwasher couldn’t compete with that.

I am trying to stay positive for 2011. It could have been worse. Our water bills could have somehow proven that the dishwasher was a huge water guzzler. Then what would I have done? I’m much too attached now.