By Amy Kux, Itsabelly San Francisco

Are Green Diapers Really Affordable?

As our economy continues to remain slow and people are re-evaluating their expenses and priorities, I felt the need to look into the cost of diapers. What I found is that “Green” can be cheaper, but the initial investment is much higher. Below is a quick cost breakdown of several diaper brands for newborns. Keep in mind that we do change between 12-16 diapers for the first 2 weeks and as the baby becomes older, the frequency of changes drastically decreases.

Here is a quick chart of the costs.

Looking at these prices, the pre-fold cloth diapers are the most affordable, but may be inconvenient for most. The hi-tech cloth diapers seem on the expensive side, but it is important to evaluate your long term goals and sizing.

As babies grow, the disposable diapers pack cost the same, but there are fewer diapers in the packs. With the hi-tech cloth diapers, the larger size fits a wider span of sizes (often lasting from 12-18 months onto potty training age). There are even diaper covers that are so adjustable, that one can lose almost the entire diapering stage (keep in mind that these may not work for all babies)

In the end, I found that cloth diapers do pay off. The cost per change averages $0.22 per change for the hi-tech diapers, while the disposables end up costing $0.39/ change (over the span of diaper changing). Yet again, this demonstrates that it pays to be green in the long run.

Guest post by Candi Wingate, Founder of and Care4Hire.com and Nannies4Hire.com

Tips for Hiring a Babysitter



Choosing who will care for your child when you are away is one of the most important decisions we make as parents, and peace of mind that your child is safe and happy is top priority. Long gone are the days when finding a babysitter was dependent on word of mouth. Today, services like Care4Hire.com provide a massive database for everyone to find their perfect child care match with just the click of a mouse. With such a vast array of qualified candidates at your fingertips, here are a few tips to help make the process easier.

Make a list of your requirements.
Before you start the interview process, it’s a good idea to figure out what you’re looking for in a babysitter. Think about the hours you require, the amount of experience you’re looking for, the type of childcare philosophy, and whether any household duties will be involved.

Do your homework.
Your child’s safety is top priority. Conduct background checks and thoroughly check references.

Ask the right questions.
These could include things like the number of years she has had as a childcare provider, what type of training has she had, what ages has she dealt with, and what her ideas are on childrearing.

Include your child.
It is best to conduct initial interviews without your child present. There is no need to confuse your son or daughter by introducing him or her to multiple caregivers who they will likely never see again. Introduce your best candidate to your child and observe how they interact together. Does the babysitter actively engage him or her? Is she keeping your child entertained?

Be clear about discipline.
The babysitter must be able to relate with your family and administer discipline to your children in a manner that is appropriate and consistent with your family’s boundaries. You and your babysitter should discuss, prior to hiring, the discipline style that your family would like the babysitter to use.

Explain boundaries.
The babysitter should be capable of handling small “crises” on his/her own. You and your babysitter should come to an agreement about what issues may warrant a call to you and what issues the babysitter is authorized to handle on his/her own. Your babysitter should be able to act comfortably within the boundaries you have provided.

Finding the right babysitter for your child is a critical decision. Take your time and be picky in your choice. Ideally, this babysitter will be in your child’s life for as long as possible so they can form a long lasting relationship and truly enjoy their time together.

Candi Wingate is an expert in the child care industry with over 20 years experience. She is the founder of Nannies4Hire.com and Care4Hire.com, and author of 100 Tips for Nannies & Families and mother of two.

By Anna Vandiver, Itsabelly Carolina





Considerations When Hiring A Caregiver

Hiring a nanny or mother's helper can be a daunting task for even the most experienced parent. There are so many factors to consider - experience, technique, interests, requirements, offerings...just to name a few!  Having been a nanny for several families over the years, here are a couple of things to consider when looking for that special someone to help care for your pride and joy.

Do they have experience with a child or children of similar needs to yours?  Don't just ask who they have worked for and for how long, ask about the families and their family dynamics. Consider how those families compared to yours - in what ways were they similar and/or different?  This will allow you to not only get a feel for the candidate's experience, it will also allow you the opportunity to get a feel for how the nanny felt about the families he/she cared for.  Consider the tone and expressions which your prospective candidate uses when talking about his/her experiences.  Is she happy, sad, or frustrated?

Many experienced nannies have a true passion for caregiving.  What does this mean to you?  Will you welcome someone who is passionate about the development and enrichment of your child/children?  Or, do find it intimidating?  Newer parents may feel threatened or intimidated by a caregiver who shows more interest or experience regarding their child's development and well-being than they do.  More than likely it's not because parents aren't interested, rather that they are new to the task.  In searching for a caregiver, consider your feelings and needs regarding their experience and educational background.  The hope would be that everyone learns something from your relationship and your little one has someone who not only cares about their well-being but also their developmental needs.

Consider how comfortable you would feel about a caregiver taking your little one out and about - whether to the neighborhood park (within walking distance) or to the store or to visit you during the workday for a lunch date (by car).  It's important that you and your child's caregiver have a comfort level that meets both of your needs and interests.  It may be important to him/her to have the flexibility of getting out of the house on occasion, beyond the backyard; however, it may be just as important to you that they remain close to home and do not venture past the backyard.  Both can be perfectly acceptable, just make sure that you establish your boundaries and levels of comfort before making a commitment with a caregiver.

There are hundreds of questions that you will ask yourself and a prospective nanny/caregiver.  No list of questions is too large. Ask for advice and tips from family and friends who have been in the same boat.  Agencies and directories can also be very helpful.  In the end, it's the comfort level of you, your caregiver, and your little one that matters most.

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By Nicole Mabry, Itsabelly Atlanta Baby Planner

Recently, I had the pleasure of having a great conversation with childbirth educator, Barbara Negelow of Ready Birth. She’s a fascinating woman— a world traveler, a gardener, a motorcycler and a grandmother to eight. In addition to all of these traits, Barbara was recognized this year as a Nurse of Excellence by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

After exchanging pleasantries about her recent trips to India and Turkey, we talked about Ready Birth, Barbara’s 25 year childbirth education business. Ready Birth is unique because Barbara provides private lessons only. Each course is 2-3 hours conducted in a one day session that is tailored to for each set of expectant parents. If you are a student of Ready Birth, you won’t find yourself in an impersonal classroom setting with ten other sets of parents with ten other sets of agendas for the day. Your childbirth class experience with Ready Birth will be all about you. The one on one setting allows parents-to-be to ask questions specific to their situation without fear of embarrassment or judgment.

Barbara provides support and education in a non-judgmental way and teaches couples any childbirth method that they would like to learn. In all of her years of teaching, she has never had a dissatisfied customer. In fact, she makes mention to her students that if they do not learn all that they need to in their session, then she will schedule a second session free of charge. It is her excellent teaching ability, wealth of knowledge and confidence that encourages her students to develop long term relationships with her and to call back years later when parenting questions arise.

As far as childbirth and parenting styles go, Barbara has seen and heard them all and supports parents in whatever styles they choose. Barbara reminds first time parents that not only is this their first experience with a child, but it is also the child’s first experience with parents. It’s all a learning process for parent and child.

If you are an expectant parent in the Atlanta area and are in need of personalized, one on one childbirth education classes, Ready Birth should be at the top of your consideration list. Special discounts will be given to Itsabelly Atlanta clients so don’t hesitate to call us today!

By Nicole Mabry, Itsabelly Atlanta Baby Planner

The old adage, "One man's trash is another man's treasure" is never more true than after you have a baby.  One of my favorite green parenting tips for new parents is to NOT throw out the trash....at least not until you look at emptied containers to see which ones your baby might like to play with!

First, be sure to make sure that the container is safe to play with.  There should be no small pieces, sharp edges or broken parts.  Some of the best baby toys are canisters and plastic jars.  Second, clean the container and make sure there all of the food is cleared away.  Remove any removable labels or stickers.  I usually give mine a good spin through the dishwasher.  After being inspected and cleaned the containers are ready to give to the baby!

Now that he's crawling, my son loves to watch canisters roll across the floor and chase after them.  I watched his eyes light up as he looked through the clear, clean jar that once held peanut butter.  When he's a little older, we'll turn egg crates into painting palates and paper towel tubes into horns.  I feel good about giving my containers a second useful life and not having those items sitting in a landfill.

As with all toys you give your baby, be sure to periodically inspect your reused/recycled toys for wear and tear.  When they are worn or damaged, you can recycle them.

By Nicole Mabry, Itsabelly Atlanta Baby Planners

Stepping inside the door after being greeted by a giant topiary bunny and bear, I immediately knew that I was being transported to another land.  B Braithwaite, located in the Westside Provisions District is a chic baby boutique inspired by a Parisian boutique - yet amazingly warm with Southern charm.  You'll find that the ladies who work there love babies and babies love them in return!

There's more to love than just great company to enjoy, B Braithwaite is brimming full of luxury products for baby and nursery.    There is also a great selection of green products that prove that "green" doesn't have to be blah.  You'll find a great selection of Itsabelly approved products found in Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green With Baby including Uppababy and Orbit strollers, furniture by Stokke and bottle feeding supplies by Adiri.  You can dress your little one in organic cotton clothing by Seedling Kids and provide organic and natural toys by MiYim and Dandelion.   There is also a fabulous selection of organic cotton crib bedding and bath towels as well as organic crib mattresses.

I had a chat with store owner, Chaffee and she told me that her hands down favorite stroller was the earthfriendly Uppababy G-Luxe.  Itsabelly Baby Planners love Uppababy because of their commitment to the environment; they recycle materials in old strollers and will even help parents to donate or recycle their used strollers - even those that aren't Uppababy's!

Chaffee let me take the G-Luxe on a little test drive around the store.  I found it to be completely "luxe" and loved the lightweight frame and awesome functionality.  When I decided to buy one (I'm a bit of a shopaholic!), the ladies at B. Braithwaite assembled it for me in record time, gave me a "mini class" on all of it's features and carried it out to my car.  Try getting that level of service at one of the "big box retailers"; I can personally remember being 7 months pregnant and having to carry my own unassembled stroller - box and all out to my car!  I was truly in need of a baby planner!

If you're interested in planning a nursery that cradles your baby in the lap of luxury with many green options and amenities, make sure to visit B Braithwaite.

By Nicole Mabry , Itsabelly Atlanta Baby Planners

Located in the Westside Provisions District on Howell Mill Road, is one of Itsabelly Atlanta’s favorite green children’s boutiques – Sprout – A Children’s Store.

The shop carries some of Itsabelly Baby Planner’s favorite brands, including some mentioned in Itsabelly’s Guide to Going Green with Baby.  In the store, you will find an assortment of toys by blabla, Haba Toys and Viking.    On my visit, there, I simply couldn’t resist buying a Viking Truck for my little boy.  Though made of plastic, Viking’s parent company, International Playthings continually scrutinizes its products their materials for lead and other harmful chemicals.  Viking toys are billed as “strong, sanitary and simple” – if they happen to get dirty (a likelihood with little boys!) then parents can just toss them in the top rack of the dishwasher.

In addition to fun toys, Sprout also carries functional, eco-friendly and beautiful furniture.  Some examples include the HiLo chair by AGE Designs, nursery furniture by Oeuf and textiles by Zid Zid Kids.

Once baby is entertained and the nursery is outfitted, the last to be outfitted is your little one.  Two of this baby planner’s favorites – shoes by See Kai Run and great casual clothing by Tea Collection are available at Sprout.

Just a short stroll across the bridge and you’ll find yourself at Sprout’s sister store, Seed Factory – a children’s store for older children.  Seed Factory is a store and more!  Seed Factory has a great play and learning area and holds storytimes and creative classes each week for children from 2 to 12 years of age.

By Nicole Mabry, Itsabelly Atlanta Baby Planners

A great green parenting tip is to make sure you join a Freecycle group in your area. While Freecycle groups aren't just for parents, they're a great way for any household to go green.  Freecyclers post messages about items that they have in their homes that they no longer want and want to give away for free rather than disposing of them.  Instead of ending up in a landfill, the items are recycled into someone else's home.  Once you join a Freecycle group, you can post your unwanted items and view the things that others in your group have to give away.

As our babies are only babies for a short time, there is never a shortage of baby items on Freecycle.  Most of the items are gently used and some have never been used at all.  In cases where the items are not in pristine condition, the poster usually will usually state the condition of items up front.

Think of all of the things around your house that could end up on Freecycle instead of in a landfill!  You don't just have to think of the big things like the bouncy seat your sister in-law swore your baby would love, but just causes him to scream; things that would normally be thrown into the trash, like baby food jars, a hundred plastic hangers from baby pants and the samples of infant formula you received from the hospital can be Freecycled.   Even broken items can be Freecycled; just be sure to state your item's condition in your post so that the recipient knows that they may be getting a fixer-upper.

There are over 100 Freecycle groups in Georgia - many for different Metro-Atlanta cities, counties and neighborhoods.

By Nicole Mabry, Itsabelly Atlanta Baby Planners

Some of my happiest memories as a child involve visiting the library with my parents and grandparents.  It was at the local public library that I learned that books could open up the world to me and the more I learned, the broader my horizons would be.

Since I'm the mommy now, I've started taking my baby to story time at the library.  I can already see that at six months old he's developing a love of books and stories.  He also loves meeting the other babies; I've got quite the social butterfly on my hands.  The librarians work hard to create a fun environment that incorporates learning opportunities, rhythm, activities, fun and fosters a love of reading.  Another added bonus of attending library story times -- you will have the opportunity to meet parents of children that are in the same age group as yours.

Why don't you plan to take your baby or child to one of our Atlanta public libraries for a story time?  Each metro county has plenty of story time offerings for different age groups - from birth through school aged children.  Check out these links for several metro-Atlanta counties' story times:

Atlanta/Fulton County Public Libraries
Cobb County Public Libraries
Gwinnett County Public Libraries

Some library branches require advance registration, so plan to contact the branch before attending a story time with your baby.  Most Cobb County story times are cancelled during the month of May so that the librarians can go into the schools to promote the summer reading program.

A trip to the library can be a green adventure as well.  Libraries are dispersed throughout our communities, so there isn't likely to be a long drive.  Perhaps, you even live close enough for a stroll to the library.  You'll get to ditch the use of your personal utilities for an hour or so and make use of the lights and air conditioning being used at the library.  With frequent visits to the library, you can stop your subscriptions to magazines and catalogs as the library has many of the periodicals available to share.

Story time a one of our Atlanta area Public Libraries - what a fun and FREE way to spend a morning or an afternoon!

Want more information on library story times or more fun, green and FREE activities for you and your baby in the metro Atlanta area?  Contact: Nicole Mabry Baby Planner - Itsabelly Atlanta at nicole@itsa-belly.com or by phone at 678-920-2337.