Helpful Baby Resources!

We can all use resources when it comes to all stuff pregnancy, baby, toddlers, school kids... well, just about everything right? I'm addicted to google when it comes to questions I have but remembering where to find them has become a hassle. Not to mention my "favorites" list is getting pretty long. I don't even want to open it anymore since it's becoming just about as cluttered as Google! Besides... I can share my links/resources with others if I put them up here! 


First things first... Pregnancy!


 Babycenter 
What to Expect When You're Expecting
Humorous Pregnancy fun facts!
Week by week and graphic pics!




Now for those that are friends with me know that we plan on cloth diapering Brooklyn. Many have disagreed with us and looked at us like we are crazy. I promise you I have not gone insane. Lets break things down a little bit money wise first. The average baby goes through about 8-10 diapers a day. Lets break this down!


Pampers:


Size: Newborn- 10lbs  Count: 84    Cost: $18.78/ .22 per diaper  8 x 30=  240 diapers a month
Size: 1-2 (up to 15lbs)   Count: 234   Cost: $43.99/ .19 per diaper  8 x 30= 240 diapers a month
Size 2-3 (14-22lbs)   Count: 152  Cost: $41.99/ .28 per diaper    *8 x 30= 240 diapers a month


*by this stage babies are going through more than 8 diapers a day since most are eating solid foods and have more stools.  


An average baby goes through about 2,000 diapers a year... A YEAR! By around 2 1/2-3 most are potty training but not all. So lets go off of 3 years just to be on the safer side. 


240 x 12= 2,880
2,880 x 3= 8,640 DIAPERS IN 3 YEARS!


Diapers monthly cost around $60- $85 a month 
$60 x 12= $720      $720 x 3 (3 years)= $2,160
$85 x 12= $1020     $1020 x 3= $3,060


*  Pampers Baby Dry Diapers Economy Plus Pack, Size 4, 176 Count
Pampers Baby Dry Diapers Economy Plus Pack, Size 3, 204 Count
Pampers Baby Dry Diapers Economy Plus Pack, Size 5, 156 Count
Pampers Swaddlers Dry Max Diapers, Size N, 84 Count
Pampers Baby Dry Diapers Economy Plus Pack, Size 1, 252 Count
Pampers Baby Dry Diapers Economy Plus Pack, Size 2, 228 Count
* Disposable diapers start around $60-$85 a month depending on how old your infant is (and how many changes a day you need). Many people go to warehouse discount stores and buy disposable diapers in bulk to get the best price per diaper.  




Now lets look at Cloth diapers


I'm going to tell you how much I spent on diapers then we will look at average costs. 


I bought a year supply because I refuse to get wrapped up in the addiction of cloth diapering like some do. My stash consists of 7 Best Bottom covers, a newborn set of gDiapers, 20 size 1 Best Bottom inserts, and 15 size 2 Best Bottom inserts. gDiapers set comes with 12 size xtra small covers, 6 small covers, 2 packs of disposable liners (160)


Best Bottom covers $16.95 per cover
Best Bottom inserts $3.95 per insert
Newborn gDiaper set $149.99 


I spent w/shipping $411 on cloth diapers that will last a year, Next year the only thing I will need to buy is more size 2 and size 3 inserts for my Best Bottoms and maybe a couple of covers if they need to be replaced. Best Bottoms are designed to be resized and last from birth to potty training. How awesome is that! I guess it helps that my daughter will be born in July so I didn't really buy inserts to last a full year. 


So lets so you expect to do laundry about every other day.  I would suggest buying about 40 size 1 inserts and 20-40 size 2 inserts. 


$3.95 x 40= $158  or $3.95 x 80= $316 a year!


Covers now... lets go with 7 since they don't have to be changed with every diaper change, one a day sounds good to me! Though I will say that these things are so freaking cute that some mothers do go a little overboard and get addicted to buying them. 


$16.95 x 7= $118.65


Now of course there's a couple of other expenses that has to be added in to this considering it does use water/electricity, and detergent to wash diapers. 


I can't really give you a good estimate on water/electricity considering it varies depending on where you live. But lets look at laundry detergent!


*** Unfortunately at this time I am unable to find the website that compares different detergents and which are best to use so I will need to update this part a little later. I will however tell you that it's not much of a cost at all. And trust me, no matter what anyone else says, you don't really need a wet bag or diaper/toilet sprayer. In place of the wet bag you can use a zip-loc bag while you are out or some even use disposables if they will be out for a while. Breast fed babies bowels are water soluble, inserts can be thrown straight into the washer! Formula fed babies, inserts should be swooshed around in the toilet or however you chose to wash them out before going into the wash. 


Here's a great website for more info!
http://allaboutclothdiapers.com/




There are so many different choices when it comes to cloth diapers. Ones with snap in inserts, flips, disposable inserts (biodegradable for the environment), all in ones, all in 2's. It can get a little overwhelming at times but there are lots of resources out there to help calm your minds!




Now, I am planning on making my own baby food. For several reasons. 
1. It's healthier
2. Baby gets actual nutrients instead of added chemicals
3. more variety


I could keep going but I think I should stop with those three for now. I want to share a blog with you all that you will find everything you need to know about homemade baby food! This is a wonderful blog and I know you will enjoy it!
http://nicole-j-knocked-up.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-make-your-own-baby-food.html






Need to take a break on this for now but I will be back a little later with more links to a healthier baby!