Play On: Our Top Picks for Play Mats and Baby Gyms

by Katie L. CarrollFebruary 25, 2021

Why is an infant play mat or baby gym such a must-have for little ones? Floor exercise is an essential part of every stage of baby’s development, from your newborn’s first tummy time to crawling and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a space-saving option, one that’s full of all the bells, whistles, mirrors and rattles, or something to fit in with your home décor, you’ll find it in these baby play mats below.

Infantino 5-in-1 Epic Developmental Learning Gym

This open-ended play gym keeps kids occupied with lots of ways to play and learn. There's an electronic light-up piano, a tropical-themed play mat theme, wild animal flashcards, baby toys, a mirror, rattle and much more. Give your baby four different tummy time experiences and three new ways to play once they can sit up. Use the included prop-up booster pillow for more comfortable tummy time or to keep a new sitter upright.

Available at infantino.com, $69.99.

Baby Bonding Playmat from aden + anais

This plush playmat boasts more than 30 features to support a child's motor skills and sensory and cognitive development. Made from hand-embroidered cotton muslin, this generously sized mat (45 x 45 inches) is big enough for adults to share and has removable plush toys and a sun mirror baby can play with. Babies will also be excited to discover that the leaves crinkle and some items rattle. It's machine-washable and reversible, with a subtle gray print on the reverse side.

Available at adenandanais.com, $99.99.

Tinkle Crinkle & Friends Activity Gym by Baby GUND

Bright colors, eye-catching patterns and a host of cute and cuddly characters encourage babies to learn, play and interact. The fluffy cloud is a helpful tummy-time friend, and the sun mirror is baby-safe. Press the caterpiller to hear fun sounds, and the bunny, bird and hedgehog offer opportunities to grasp and rattle. The activity gym can be set up in just a few minutes.

Available at gund.com, $89.

Regalo My Play Mat

This soft, foldable mat means play time and tummy time can easily be moved to any room, outside or to a park or Grandma's house. It's made from soft foam and wipeable with a wet cloth, and there's an included carry bag with a strap for easy portability. One side of this reversible mat features the alphabet and cute cartoon characters, while the other side is a tasteful gray chevron pattern.

Available at regalo-baby.com, $49.99.

Infantino Twist and Fold Activity Gym

The versatile Twist and Fold Activity Gym from Infantino will catch any baby’s eye with its bold colors and design. Your little one will love the hanging toys and catching a glimpse of their face in the peek-a-boo mirror. It also comes with a pillow to prop baby up during tummy time. The mat itself is super easy to clean with the wipe of a cloth. The exclusive twist and fold feature makes for easy transport and for quick storage under the crib or tucked away in a corner of the closet.

Available at amazon.com, $51.81.

Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym

For your Mozart-in-training, the Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym from Fisher-Price is the perfect choice. Laying down, younger babies learn cause and effect as they kick and the piano plays and play with overhead toys that hang low so little arms can reach them. During tummy time, babies will have lots to explore on the mat. And older babies can sit at the piano and bang away at the keys to activate the music.

Available at fisher-price.mattel.com, $49.99.

Toki Mats

Get down on the mat and play with baby on these super comfy Toki Mats. Once baby is mobile, their falls are cushioned by the breathable, eco-friendly foam made from rubber-tree sap. The washable covers come in a selection of modern designs that are interchangeable. The mat folds in half for storage, but it’s fashionable enough you may just want to leave it out.

Available at tokimats.com, from $165.

Lovevery Play Gym

Designed by a team of experts (including a neuroscience professor, Montessori teacher and occupational therapist), the Lovevery Play Gym has something for each stage of babyhood. The hanging toys are safe for chewing, batting, and grasping. There are hidden pockets, different textures, sounds, and a selection of visually stimulating cards for older babies to explore. It even has a cover that converts it into a fort! Plus, parents get a play guide for a full year’s worth of ideas to keep baby engaged.

Available at loveverybaby.com, $140.

Bright Starts 5-in-1 Play Activity Gym

The Bright Starts 5-in-1 Play Activity Gym comes with lots of fun features. The toy bar has hanging toys and teethers, the electronic elephant has flashing lights and plays more than 20 minutes of music, and there is a tummy-time pillow. Best of all, the sides of this gym fold up to convert it into a ball pit for toddlers. There are 35 balls included in a handy storage bag.

Available at amazon.com, $79.99.

Skip Hop Reversible Playmat

Want a mat you don’t have to hide when entertaining grown-ups? Look no further than the DOUBLEPLAY Reversible Playmat from Skip Hop. One side of the cushioned mat features either a village or animal theme (with Skip Hop's menagerie of cute creatures), while the other has one of two sophisticated, contemporary looks. In case you do want to store it or bring it with you, simply roll it up.

Available at skiphop.com, $110.

—Katie L. Carroll

Designer Foam Play Mats That Won’t Cramp Your Style

Playing with Your Newborn: 26 Games to Help You Bond

Cloth or Disposable Diapers: Which One Is Better?

By Monica Greco

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 20, 2021

Photo: Picsea on Unsplash

I love cloth diapers. I have used them successfully with my two daughters for almost four years now, and never looked back. However, I don’t use cloth diapers exclusively: I often mix them with disposable diapers.

Now, don’t tell that to people on a Facebook group on cloth diapers. They’ll probably kick me off the group!

I find it strange how some parents that use cloth diapers are so incredibly against using disposables. And also a bit annoying. I feel like it puts so much unnecessary pressure on new moms that want to give it a go.

Cloth diapers can be great in so many ways, but they also come with their disadvantages. There are situations where I find using disposable is way more convenient and less stressful.

Here’s what I think all the pros and cons of cloth diapers compared to disposables are, and why I think using a combination of both is sometimes the best thing to do.

ENVIRONMENT & FINANCES

Let’s start with the two most well-known advantages of cloth diapers: they help reduce waste and save parents some money.

I won’t argue with the fact that they are good for the environment. This is the main reason I use them as much as I can. I love seeing how empty my rubbish bin is at the end of the week, without hundreds of disposable diapers in it.

But I will make a point of saying that cloth diapers are not always that cheap compared to disposables. Some cloth diaper types can be pretty expensive!. Plus, I find you have to be very careful about what to buy at the beginning. Some moms just buy them in bulk without any knowledge about what will work for them or for their baby, to then realize that they bought the totally wrong type and need to replace their stash. I made this exact mistake with my first daughter.

TRAVELING

Disposable diapers are so much easier when traveling: they take up less space in the diaper bag and can just be disposed of in a bin. Cloth diapers, on the other hand, are bulkier and you need to take a waterproof bag with you all the time to store all the dirty diapers.

I find they are okay when going out for a few hours. I can deal with taking one or two changes of cloth diapers with me. But, if I am going away for the weekend or for longer periods, there’s no way I am going to take cloth diapers with me!

Too much to pack, too much to think about with regards to where to store them, how to wash and dry them, etc.

NEWBORN STAGES

Mama, the first few months with a newborn are tough! Particularly if it’s your first baby. So many things to figure out already. Do you really want the added stress of figuring out how to use cloth diapers?

With my first baby, I waited until she was about two months old and ready to fit in one-size diapers before I started using them.

Don’t get me wrong, some super moms get it right with cloth diapers from day one. You will find them all on the Facebook groups! But if you get a bit overwhelmed even at the idea, I suggest you wait a little bit longer before giving it a go.

DIAPER BLOWOUTS

Now, have you ever experienced a diaper blowout? You know, when the poop ends up all over baby’s clothes and you need to hose them down to get it off them? Yes, they are real and are not that fun to deal with!

They seem to be particularly bad when your baby is small and breastfeeding…like a big explosion. We call it a poonami at home!

Well, you’ll be surprised to hear that cloth diapers are usually better than disposables at dealing with them, and one of the tips to prevent diaper blowouts is actually to use a reusable cover over a disposable diaper.

Cloth diaper covers tend to have elastics all the way around the baby’s legs and back (and sometimes the front too), and these are more effective than disposable diapers at holding the solid waste in.

So, if you are afraid of having to deal with poonamis, then cloth diapers (particularly covers) can come in quite handy. Though be mindful that having to clean poop off cloth diapers can be a bit more complicated than just disposing of a dirty disposable diaper.

LEAKS & SMELL

I think diapers leaking is the number one concern for moms using cloth diapers. And I get why: understanding cloth diapers with their different types and materials takes time, and it requires a lot of trial and error.

There is a lot of information, including online, that can put you in the right direction of course. But I bet every mom who’s been using cloth had to try at least a few different diapers before finding the perfect fit that doesn’t leak.

Cloth diapers at night can be particularly challenging because it’s not easy to find diapers that will last 12 hours or more through the night. And, if you do, those cloth diapers stink!

There have been nights when my second daughter was sleeping in bed with me and the smell of urine coming from the diaper in the morning was almost unbearable.

So, if you want to switch to disposables at night, I totally get that!

In conclusion, both cloth diapers and disposables have their pros and cons, and it doesn’t always have to be all or nothing with cloth diapers! There are so many situations when disposables are way more convenient, and no mom should be feeling guilty about using a mix of both.

So, stop comparing yourself to some random supermom on social media and stop stressing about using some disposable diapers sometimes. Motherhood is already hard as it is, this is definitely something you should not be worrying about!

Monica Greco

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Monica is the proud mom of two beautiful girls and author of the blog Conquering Motherhood. Here she shares tips, suggestions and recommendations on how to have the best pregnancy and birth experience, as well as how to survive the first year of motherhood.

The Honest Company’s New Launch Will Make You Enjoy Cleaning (Sorta)

by Jennifer SwartvagherJanuary 12, 2021

Parents looking for cleaning products with naturally derived ingredients may already be familiar with Jessica Alba’s The Honest Company. Now the company is offering a new and more sustainable way to clean. The Conscious Cleaning Collection features reusable bottles that can last up to a lifetime and lightweight, easy-to-use refill pods to help reduce single-use plastic & lower your carbon footprint.

Honest Company Conscious Cleaning Collection

The Clean Vibes Kit ($39.99) includes three reusable spray bottles, one Multi-Surface Concentrated Cleaner Refill (two pods per refill), one Glass Concentrated Cleaner Refill (two pods per refill), one Bathroom Concentrated Cleaner Refill (two pods per refill), one Palo Santo Stick and one Reusable Microfiber Cloth.

The collection is also available in Single Starter Kits ($16.99) and Refills ($9.99/pack of two pods).

The Honest Company Conscious Cleaning Collection is made without Parabens, Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances, Bleach, Ammonia and Chlorine.

The collection is available now on Honest.com and Amazon.com

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Honest Company

Jessica Alba Talks Holiday Gifts, Family Traditions & the Mom Hack You’ll Want to Steal for Yourself

DIY Beauty Hacks because You Need Self Care Right Now

11 Totally Clever Ways to Display Holiday Cards

by Oz SpiesNovember 29, 2020

It’s December and your mailbox is overflowing with sparkly season’s greetings. Instead of letting all those cards pile up and create a festive avalanche on your kitchen counter, why not put them on display? From options for mamas who know their way around a staple gun to a glittery, retro choice that requires nothing more than leaving yourself in the hands of an Etsy master, we’ve rounded up 11 creative ways to do just that. Scroll down to see them all.

Hang It Up

Looking for a way to deck your halls with paper greetings brimming over with holiday cheer? Oh Joy's clever card hangers can be whipped up with items that you already have lying around the house. Gather up a few wire hangers and yarn in your favorite hues, and start making a set. Find all the details you need here.

Create a Card Tree

This is a super easy idea that gets your cards on display as they come in. Nail a ribbon into the wall and add on a DIY star at the top. As your cards arrive, staple them to each other and to the ribbon so that you are forming a Christmas tree shape.

Trim the Tree

This festive pin board from Sugar and Cloth for Minted can be re-used to display Christmas cards year after year. With a little foam board, a roll of cork, and elbow grease, you and your littles can make your own. Spray a seasonal layer of glittery paint on it, or leave the cork as is and let your cards pop against a light brown background. Head over the hills and through the woods to Julep for step-by-step directions.

One for the Books

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by too much holiday cheer—parties, caroling fests, and cookie baking, oh my—try this simple addition to your holiday decor. An antique book, dreamed up by Amy Duncan of Studio Four Corners Design, with pages folded down just so makes for an easy and elegant way to display seasons greetings. Bonus: if you pick up a book at your local thrift shop, you’ll have money left over to spring for the extra-large candy cane your kiddo’s been eyeing.

Magical Magnets

Clean-lined magnetic picture rails can show off holiday cards in December and your favorite family snaps into the new year. This project, dreamed up by You Are My Fave for Minted, requires a little more work than some of the other options, but it’s worth it if it becomes a permanent part of your décor. Pick up some festive magnets, like this trio of Santas, for an extra-seasonal touch of ho ho ho!

Light Up the Night

Long, dark winter nights dragging you down? Brighten things up inside your house with a twinkly card display your kids are sure to love. Small picture hooks, strands of lights in classic white or your fave colors of the season, and mini-clips perfect for card hanging come together to create winter-time magic. Fairy Lights & Fun spells out the how-to for you.

No Crafts Required

Glue-gunned out? Never fear: here comes Etsy to the rescue! This festive, glittery hanger from Etsy seller Lauren Lash Designs is packed with retro flair and ready to put up on any door in your home that's begging for a little holiday cheer. Snap one up, and spend your time sipping eggnog and taking your kiddos on a drive to ooh and ahh over awesome neighborhood light displays. Order one from Lauren Lash Designs via Etsy here.

Nailed It

The holiday-perfect wreath and chicken wire combo from the crafty mamas at Lolly Jane make for a big, bold holiday statement. Fair warning: this is a big project to take on, so you might want to set the kids up with their annual viewing of How The Grinch Stole Christmas while you work. Hit your local hardware store for wood, flat corner braces, and sawtooth hangers, and hammer away.

Wall of Well Wishes

Washi tape never looked so good! This display has a serious wow factor and isn't all that hard to do. Supplies are minimal, and kiddos will have a blast helping decorate the "wall tree." Plus, think of all that space you just saved! Get all the tree trimming details at Thyme is Honey.

Farmhouse Box

If you want to display your Christmas cards in a super tidy display, check out these farmhouse boxes on Etsy. You can personalize yours for the color and greeting you like and it will be ready to display all your cards without taking over your house.

—Oz Spies & Kate Loweth

My Son’s Name Is Archie, and All of a Sudden, That’s Interesting

By Natalie Silverstein

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

November 6, 2020

Photo: My own photo

Since he was in his early 20’s, my husband has known he would name his son Archie in honor of his beloved grandfather. They had an enviable relationship built on shared interests, humor, mutual respect and a closeness that doting grandparents strive to achieve. When my husband emerged from a brief serious illness as a child, he requested only one thing: a gingerbread man. Grandpa Archie ran all over town looking for an open bakery. Archie took my husband to Israel for his bar mitzvah. The stories about Archie – his booming voice, his humor, his out-sized personality – are lore in our family. As Archie lay dying, my husband rushed home from college and sat at his bedside, expressing his love and promising to name a son in his honor.

Our second child is a boy. His name is Archie. He is now 16 years old, and you would be hard-pressed to find many more Archie’s in his school, or in any school in our community.

When it was announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have named their precious new baby Archie Harrison. And the internet has begun to implode.

Archie is a popular name in Great Britain. When my son was young, we were playing in the park one summer day, and I heard a woman with a British accent hollering for him. I turned to try and figure out why this stranger was calling my son. It didn’t occur to me that she might be calling another child – namely, her own son who had wandered over to the sandbox.

When I do occasionally meet another boy named Archie, I am taken aback. I’m not sure why I’m so surprised, but I am. There is a uniqueness about the name, perhaps tied to its’ strong association with the old Archie Comics character. Inevitably, when I mention his name, someone will respond, “Where’s Jughead? Is it Veronica or Betty? Hey, like the comic book!”

Yes, like the comic book.

I’m sure my teenaged son really loves all of this, and all of the additional feedback he gets on his name on a regular basis.

I’ve been fascinated to read all of the negative, insulting messages about the name Archie on social media comments. Every parent can name their child anything they like, and in the United States, many parents have created, from whole cloth and imagination, some particularly interesting and sometimes outlandish names. Yet a couple in Great Britain choosing an old-fashioned name like Archie is noteworthy, and also, strangely, an issue about which total strangers feel entitled to an opinion. I’ll admit, the Duke and Duchess aren’t any ordinary couple: they are a hugely popular, closely watched couple who have just produced a half-American, bi-racial royal offspring. But still, all of this fuss over the name Archie feels a little extreme.

Archie is the Scottish or English nickname for Archibald, which is of Germanic origin. It means bold or brave. It is my understanding that Archie is a family name of Prince Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana. Regardless, they could have named their son Moon or Sun or Stars. That choice was entirely up to them.

My son has already grown tired of hearing the royal baby naming news from classmates, teachers and anyone he encounters. His unique name has suddenly taken on a level of interest that he hasn’t yet experienced in his life. The upside is that the news cycle changes quickly these days, and social media trolls will soon move on to bashing other people for their personal life choices. As my British friend reminded me, today’s news is tomorrow’s fish ‘n chip wrapper.

For our family, the true, very personal origin of my son’s name makes it even more special and important. There’s nothing trendy about it. He was named to honor, to remember and to show tremendous love. We named him with the sincere hope that he would have a long, happy life like the one his great grandfather enjoyed. At the end of the day, I imagine that’s the hope of every parent as they gaze into the face of a newborn baby, placed gently in their arms for the first time, as they whisper, “hello.”

So I say….

Hello, Archie Harrison. Welcome to the world. Great name.

Natalie Silverstein

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Natalie Silverstein, MPH, is the NYC coordinator of Doing Good Together. She is a writer, speaker and consultant on the topic of family service. Her first book Simple Acts: The Busy Family's Guide to Giving Back was published in 2019 and her second book for teens will be published in 2022.

One Mom’s Advice on the Best Face Mask for Kids

by #MomLifeNovember 1, 2020

Photo by Michelle Rose Photo

Miriam Y. Cohen

Miriam is a lifelong New Yorker who just moved to the 'burbs. She's obsessed with finding and sharing the best products and deals for moms & kids + home renovations and decor!

It’s amazing how small businesses adapted so well to quickly produce masks and improve them over a few months to make them really functional and cute! My own kids are now 2.5 and almost six and it took a lot of trial and error to find masks that both fit them well and that they want to wear.

Below are some of our favorites, as well as masks recommended by members of my Facebook deals group and NYC mom groups (you can find both groups here.

You can find my adult mask recommendations here. I also rounded up the best mask chains and lanyards here.

1

Rafi Nova

Masks in a range of fabrics and fun patterns from an ethical brand

$10

My two year old loves these masks and they fit her well. They are available in both organic and performance fabrics ranging from beautifully embroidered to camouflage print. The brand also sells a smile mask with a clear window and donates all profits from those masks to organizations that serve the deaf and hard of hearing. For 15% off your order, click below and use code MIRIAMC15.

BUY NOW

2

Miami Fitwear

Performance fabric with an effective and comfy fit from a small female-owned activewear brand

$15

These are my 5.5 year old's favorite mask (and the adult version is my favorite). They're made of a soft performance fabric that's especially great for outdoor activities or for when you need to wear a mask for extended periods. My 5.5 year old can wear one for hours in the heat without fussing or complaining. While they aren't adjustable and don't have a nose wire, they have an amazing close fit thanks to the rouched sides, smart shape and the give and stretch of the performance fabric. These masks also feature a hidden pocket between two layers for removable inserts (filter not included). For 15% off your purchase, click below and use code THEBESTBBY.

BUY NOW

3

Athleta Girl Adjustable Made to Move Masks (three pack)

Great for active kids age 5+

$30

These masks are contoured and have soft adjustable ear loops, making them a great choice for active kids. While they are marketed to girls, they are a solid choice for any kid. They are recommended for age 5+ and have a hidden pocket for removable inserts (filter not included).

BUY NOW

4

Zelivia

Comfy cotton spandex masks available in mommy and me styles (for even tiny faces)

$11

These simple yet comfortable masks are made by a mompreneur and available in little kid, kid and adult sizes. They feature a hidden filter pocket between the two layers of soft cotton spandex fabric. The little kid size is perfect for my 2.5 year old. For 15% off your purchase, click below and use code MIRIAM15.

BUY NOW

5

Joah Love

A favorite among NYC moms

$22

This mask has a cult following among NYC moms thanks to the cute prints, soft fabric and smartly designed adjustable ear loops. The kid size fits my 2.5 year old and is too small on my 5.5. year old. They recently released a version with an infinity strap, which functions as a built in lanyard or chain to allow your child to keep his mask around his neck when he removes it. I wear the adult version but only on cooler days.

BUY NOW

6

Old Navy 5-Pack Triple Layer Cloth Masks

Affordable masks with a great fit

$12.5

Many people have told me that this is their kids' favorite mask. It's also available in lots of fun prints, including winter/holiday prints and even a heart print that's perfect for Valentine's Day! Accordingly to my followers, the kid size generally fits ages 2-5 or 6, depending on the child's size.

BUY NOW

7

Mabel's Labels

Three layers of moisture wicking fabric + adjustable nose piece

$18.5 BUY NOW

These masks offer a great fit, thanks to their pleated design, soft ear loops and adjustable nose piece. They are designed for ages three to 14. While on the site, pick up peel and stick custom name labels for all your kid's clothing and gear, and iron on name labels for masks. For 10% off your label purchase, click below and use code BEST10 (discount not available on masks, stamps or sale items).

The Do’s & Don’t’s of Halloween Celebrations during a Pandemic

By Gay Cioffi

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 19, 2020

Photo: Little Folks Big Questions

Halloween is fast approaching, and this year will be like no other. Unfortunately, the more traditional ways of celebrating this Fall holiday include high-risk behaviors and activities that should be avoided. According to the Center for Disease Control, door-to-door “trick or treating” is a big no-no, as are indoor gatherings with anyone but members of your household. All measures to avoid COVID-19 infection remain in place – masking, social distancing and hand washing.

Let’s get the “Don’t’s” out of the way…

1. Do not use costume masks in place of cloth masks, if you are venturing out.

Do not use a costume mask (such as for Halloween) as a substitute for a cloth mask unless made of two or more breathable fabric layers that cover your mouth and nose and don’t leave gaps around your face.
Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.

2. Do not gather indoors with people outside of your household or social pod. According to the latest reports the spike in new COVID cases is due to small group indoor gatherings. Stay informed about the latest trends in your area and proceed accordingly.

3. Do not accept candy or treats from persons outside of your household. Scientists have confirmed that the transmission of the coronavirus is airborne. While less is known about transmission through touching surfaces, there is still some risk involved. Consider alternatives to traditional house to house trick or treating like Scavenger Hunts inside or outside near the house. Kids love to cook and if “Swamp Soup” (oodles of noodles + green food coloring) is on the menu, it really entertains. And there isn’t a kid anywhere who doesn’t like to bake and decorate cookies or cupcakes.

For more detailed recommendations, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website.

Now for the fun stuff…

1. Do decorate. Starting with pumpkins and ghosts, the sky’s the limit when it comes to decorating inside and out. Once you have your requisite jack’ o lanterns (if you are carving your own, don’t forget to save the seeds for roasting, and they can be sweet or salty) you can be creative with Halloween themed accessories.

Tiny ghosts are easy with tissues and ties, and pillowcases can be put to use by taping on construction paper eyes and scary mouths for temporary ghouls and goblins. Black construction paper is all you need for a cat, bats, and spiders. If you don’t want to spend money on the commercial white spider webs, yarn or string can do the job. And you can never go wrong with balloons, so adding orange and black ones will add to the festive spirit.

2. Do dress up. Yes, most kids love candy treats, but dressing up is half the fun. And even though kids have Zoom fatigue at this point, they love to show off their costumes and are curious about others masquerades as well. If you can’t be sure that outdoor parties and parades will maintain safe, six-foot distancing, then Zoom or FaceTime is the way to go. Consider getting in the act with family-themed costumes. Modeling a positive attitude about a Halloween that is restrictive but fun will go a long way to help kids make the most of it.

3. Do dance. The best part about having a Halloween themed Dance Party is that you can have one every night in October. You can work on your moves until the virtual Zoom costume party on the 31st. Make sure the following tunes are on your playlist: Monster Mash, I Told the Witch Doctor, and of course Ghostbusters.

This post originally appeared on What Are The Do's And Don'ts Of Halloween Celebrations During A Pandemic?, www.littlefolksbigquestions.com.

Gay Cioffi

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.

Wrap It Up: Choosing Between Cloth & Disposable Diapers

by Sarah BlightOctober 17, 2020

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

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

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

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 — iStock

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

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

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

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

RELATED STORIES:

Safer & Super Cute Disposable Diapers

New & Stylish Diaper Bags for All Your Family Adventures

A Smart Mom’s Guide to Diaper Bags

New Mask Styles Are Now Available at Carter’s

by Karly WoodJuly 27, 2020

Carter’s has made a big update to their kids mask collection with new styles! Launched in June, the company is now offering five new patterns that make wearing masks as fun as can be.

This month, parents and kids can pick from adorable styles that include hearts, dinosaurs, ladybugs, animals and sports. Each mask is just $3.

Carter’s has also created an illustrated guide for kids that aids parents in explaining the importance of wearing a mask. The “My Hero Mask” helps highlight our essential workers and anyone who wears a mask as an everyday hero, and is available for free with the purchase of any mask.

Carter’s children’s face masks are available via Carters.com, with new styles sure to come in the future.

*Editor’s Note: According to the CDC, children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance should not use a cloth face covering.

––Karly Wood

Now You Can Get Face Masks Featuring Your Favorite Nickelodeon Characters

Shoshanna Launches Mommy and Me Masks

These Are the Big Retailers Requiring Face Masks

by Jennifer SwartvagherJuly 23, 2020

With COVID-19 cases on the rise across the much of the country, many state and local governments are requiring people to wear masks when they leave their homes.The CDC advocates wearing face coverings to help prevent the spread of the virus. Now more and more national retail chains, including Target, Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s and more, are requiring face masks in stores for shoppers as well as staff. Typically, these restrictions do not apply to children under two or those with a medical condition that prohibits them from wearing a mask. Looking for a face mask that will fit your kiddo? We’ve rounded up the best ones right here.

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication these are the stores requiring face coverings. We’re doing our best to keep you up to date and will update the list as more stores change their coronavirus protocols.

Here are all the major retailers requiring customers to wear face coverings in locations nationwide:

Walmart

On Jul. 15 it was announced that masks would be required at all Walmart and Sam’s Club outlets starting Jul. 20. To help ensure consistency with this new process, all stores will have a single entrance. Employees will be stationed at store entrances to remind customers of the requirement and supply disposable masks to those who arrive without one.

Amazon

The e-commerce brand instituted a mask requirement on Jul. 20 at Whole Foods supermarkets and Amazon brick-and-mortar stores. They will continue to offer free, disposable masks to customers who do not have their own.

Kroger

Effective Jul. 22, all customers will now be required to wear a mask. “We are taking this extra step now because we recognize additional precautions are needed to protect our country,” the company said in a statement released on Jul. 15.

Costco

Since May 4 the warehouse store has required all customers to wear a face covering.“This is not simply a matter of personal choice; a face covering protects not just the wearer but others, too,” said President and CEO Craig Jelinek.

Walgreens

On Jul. 16, the drugstore announced that they would be requiring all customers to wear a face covering effective Jul. 20. Kevin Ban, Walgreens chief medical officer said, “As cases continue to rise in many parts of the country, it’s critical we, as businesses and members of the community, do everything we can.”

Home Depot

All customers must wear a face mask effective Jul. 22. “Social distancing captains and store associates will be available to provide masks to those shoppers who may not have one,” the company said in an announcement on Jul 17.

CVS

The pharmacy chain will now require all customers wear face coverings effective Jul. 20. In a statement on Jul. 16, Jon Roberts, the company’s chief operating officer said, “We’re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer,”What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering.”

Target

The retailer updated their Coronavirus Response Page on Jul 16. Starting Aug. 1 all customers will be required to wear a face covering. Stores will provide disposable masks to shoppers who arrive without one.

Lowe’s

Effective Jul. 20, all customers will be required to wear a face mask. In a statement on Jul. 17, CEO Marvin Ellison said, “For the safety of everyone in our stores, we ask that customers wear masks, and to make this new standard less restrictive, we will make masks available to those who need them.”

Albertsons

Effective Jul. 21, all customers will be required to wear a face covering the parent company of Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel Osco and other grocery chains announced Jul. 16 on its corporate website.

Apple Store

As Apple begins opening its retail stores, they announced that all customers will be required to wear a face mask. “Face coverings will be required for all of our teams and customers, and we will provide them to customers who don’t bring their own,” according to their opening letter.

Best Buy

All customers are required to wear a face covering. The electronics chain will provide a mask for those who do not have one according to a statement released Jul. 14.

Publix

Beginning Jul. 21, all customers will be required to wear a face mask according to a statement posted to their coronavirus updates web page.

ALDI

Effective Jul. 27 face coverings will be required for all ALDI customers as a “an enhanced safety measure intended to help limit the spread of COVID-19.”

Trader Joe’s

On Jul. 15, Trader Joe’s announced that they are now requiring customers to wear a face covering.

H-E-B

The Texas grocery chain released a press statement saying, “In areas that do not have a local ordinance in place, H-E-B stores will require the use of masks or facial coverings.”

Macy’s

All customers will be required to wear a face mask effective Jul 22. According to a statement released Jul. 17, if a customer does not have a mask, the store will provide one.

Verizon

According to a statement on the store’s web page, customers are required to wear cloth face coverings.

Kohl’s

Starting Jul. 20, all customers will be required to wear a face mask. According to a statement released Jul. 15, “Store associates have been trained on the new health and safety measures in place, and we have associate greeters at the entrance of each store to welcome shoppers and remind them to wear masks.”

Starbucks

As of Jul. 15, all customers are required to wear a face covering. According to a statement from the coffee chain, “It is our responsibility to protect our partners and comply with local public health mandates. As such, our partners have the right and responsibility to refuse service to customers who are not wearing facial coverings.”

Meijer

Effective Jul. 20, the supermarket chain is requiring face coverings for all locations throughout Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

Rite Aid

As of Jul. 21, customers will be required to wear face masks. According to a statement released Jul. 17, a free mask will be provided for those who come without one.

Gap

Masks will be required in all stores including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Intermix, Athleta, and Janie and Jack, starting Aug. 1 according to a Jul. 20 update to the companies coronavirus response page.

American Eagle

Customers at American Eagle and Aerie stores are now required to wear a face covering. Face masks are available to any customer that may need one.

BJ’s Wholesale

Effective Jul. 21, all customers will be required to wear a face mask. Out of an abundance of caution, they are also temporarily stopping food sampling in their clubs.

Menards

According to the store’s COVID-19 Policy page, all customers are required to wear a mask. Face coverings are required on children unless in arms or seated in shopping carts.

PetSmart

On Jul. 17 the pet supply chain updated its coronavirus information page to require all customers to wear face coverings.

Panera Bread

Beginning Jul. 15, all customers will be required to wear a face mask except while seated and eating or drinking.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Vera Davidova on Unsplash

Never Run Out of Hand Sanitizer Again with This New Product

These New Face Shields Were Inspired by an Eight-Year-Old

This Toy Maker Makes Matching Masks for Kids & Their Stuffed Animals

Infantino 5-in-1 Epic Developmental Learning Gym

Baby Bonding Playmat from aden + anais

Tinkle Crinkle & Friends Activity Gym by Baby GUND

Regalo My Play Mat

Infantino Twist and Fold Activity Gym

Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym

Toki Mats

Lovevery Play Gym

Bright Starts 5-in-1 Play Activity Gym

Skip Hop Reversible Playmat

Related reads

Monica Greco

Related reads

Related reads

Hang It Up

Create a Card Tree

Trim the Tree

One for the Books

Magical Magnets

Light Up the Night

No Crafts Required

Nailed It

Wall of Well Wishes

Farmhouse Box

Related reads

Natalie Silverstein

Related reads

1

Rafi Nova

2

Miami Fitwear

3

Athleta Girl Adjustable Made to Move Masks (three pack)

4

Zelivia

5

Joah Love

6

Old Navy 5-Pack Triple Layer Cloth Masks

7

Mabel's Labels

Gay Cioffi

Related reads

Benefits of Cloth Diapers

Drawbacks of Cloth Diapers

Cloth Diaper Brands to Consider

Benefits of Disposable Diapers

Drawbacks of Disposable Diapers

Disposable Diaper Brands to Consider

The Diaper Lowdown

Related reads

Related reads

Related reads