Go Green!

Going ‘green’ is a matter of personal choice, and that choice can impact the world. All of us intend to leave legacies for our children, of the material kind but what about the environment they live in?


 Preservation of a healthy, happy atmosphere in the lives of our children is as important as leaving homes and possessions for them. 


Every small step you take to go green at home and at work, helps preserve the universe your kids will grow in!

Hard Facts about Disposable Diapers:

-          200,000 trees each year are lost to the manufacture of disposable diapers for babies in the U.S. alone.

-          It takes 3.4 billion gallons of fuel oil every year to make diapers.

-          Disposable diapers take about 500 years to decompose.

-          Decomposing diapers release methane into the air. High concentrations of the gas can be explosive and flammable. Methane is also dangerous to breathe in because it replaces oxygen.

-          Disposable diapers often contain dyes and dioxin, which is formed as a by-product of the chlorine bleaching process.

Yes your most basic requirement as a parent is causing this kind of damage to the same world your children will become parents in!

Go Green at Home

-          Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out. CFL’s last longer, consume less electricity and don’t create any heat.

-          Wash vegetables in a bucket of water, use the waste water to water your home plants.

-          Pack lunches and sandwiches in baking sheets of butter paper instead of plastic wrap.

-          Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently.

-          Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible; they contribute considerably to hazardous waste.

Choose Cloth Diapers to Go Green 

-          Cloth diapers are reusable

-          Cloth diapers are made with natural materials

-          Cloth diapers do not contain chemicals and derivatives

-          Cloth diapers are bio-degradable

-          Quality cotton diapers will hold up for hundreds of washes, and can be saved for the next child.

-          Although energy is required for washing the diapers, it is a fraction of the energy used for disposables.

-          Cloth diapers are also recyclable, making excellent cotton rags once they are not needed as diapers.

It is all about that one informed choice!

Winter Travel with Baby

Wintertime is usually holiday time! Shorter holidays than summer but reason enough to head out. This is the best season to drive out towards the countryside, enjoy rural bliss, fresh air and pure nature.


 Taking the kids is all about a family experience, letting children enjoy the wilderness and feeling a sense of freedom they don’t find in the city. 


Over the last decade the highways have gotten better and so have the getaways.


 So if you are planning a road trip with baby, then all you need is a plan, a place and of course ...packing! 


Keep these few essentials in mind when you pack and keep your baby, happy, healthy and cosy through the trip.

Winter Travel Packing Tips for Moms

1.       An extra set of cap and mittens/gloves: While it's likely that your baby will already have these on, it doesn't hurt to have a second pair with you. The good thing about add-ons is that once the car warms up, you just remove layers like caps and mittens.

2.       Fleece lined boots/booties: While they won't always leave socks on, ankle high boots are there to stay. Body heat escapes from the head and the feet, if you keep the feet warm, baby will be relatively comfortable on the road with you. If your baby is too small for boots, then fur lined baby booties work just as well, they tie around the ankle and stay in place for hours.

3.       A sleeper sack or baby sleeping bag: If your baby is close to nap time, and it's going to be a while before you reach a pit stop, take him out of bulkier clothes or snowsuit and place him in a sleep sack or sleeping bag. Many sleep sacks are made of fleece and are very warm. A sleep sack can also make a feeding go much more smoothly because your baby will be more comfortable. For older children, a child sized sleeping bag works just as well, even while at a pit stop, baby can take a nap anywhere, in the car while you rest or in a restaurant while you eat.

4.       Full sleeve/full leg onesies: This is a great layering piece for under sweat suit or snow suit, depending on the weather. It is a good idea to pack a thinner pair and a fleece pair so you are geared for days and nights. The thin pair can be layered while the fleece can be worn alone. This way when you carry baby and clothes move around, a cold draft never reaches the baby’s skin.

5.       Cloth diapers: Cloth diapers are natural, comfortable and more absorbent. Our FLIP day packs are ideal for travelling. Flip diapers give Moms flexibility because they can reuse the cover.  When travelling you can have a wet bag/diaper bag with you that keep’s the stink in the bag for used inserts until you are at a place to wash them. If you wish to go organic you can choose from bumGenius Elemental and FLIP inserts, apart from these all cloth diapers have exclusive benefits that range from rash free materials to longer dryness.

Enjoy the holidays!!

Cloth Diapers: The Gift of Comfort

Its Christmas season and everyone is pandering around for the ideal gift. Most of us veer towards the toy section when it comes to gifts for babies but the truth is at age 1 or 2, babies don’t know or care about the difference between the lovely toy nana bought or the box it came in. Whichever of the two looks more interesting is the ‘toy’ they like. This year make a conscious decision to send or give gifts that have meaning, utility and a long lasting effect in the lives of your loved one. Another great thing about utility based unique gifts is that they provide your loved ones with a new perspective and allow them to experience something …well, new! This introduction to new products, techniques, services is a mind opener and can lead to many changes in the person’s life and world.

Cloth Diapers: A Gift for Every New Mom

This year we at Smart Baby suggest you give a bumGenius or Flip cloth diaper for the babies in your family and among your friend circle. 


Give your mommy friends and relatives an opportunity to experience something that’s both new and modern, despite the fact that cloth diapering is actually the oldest method of diapering. Except back in the day, no one thought of inserts, all-in-ones, flaps and tabs. The number one reason for a gift like this is the comfort factor! 

Why Cloth Diapers Make Great Gifts

Babies are comfortable if they are changed when they need to be. Good hygiene can go a very long way to prevent diaper rash.  Our bumGenius Elemental Diaper and Flip Organic Insert is made of 100% natural organic soft absorbent cotton and are gentle on baby's skin. Cotton is a breathable material allowing fresh air to freely circulate, cooling and preventing diaper rash.

Cotton is kinder and more comfortable to baby's skin than paper or stiff plastic and contains no irritating perfumes or chemicals. The interior of single use disposable diapers do not breathe well and therefore can be at a much higher temperature. Parents tend to change single use disposable diapers less often than cloth diapers increasing the risk of diaper rash as heat and moisture provide an excellent medium for bacterial growth.


 Innovative cloth diaper designs provide a slim, tailored fit. Washable Stay Dry Liners keep moisture away from a child's skin. 


The fit, natural softness and dryness are all there for baby's cotton comfort so choose from the great colors in our bumGenius Elemental seriese and give the gift of organic cotton to special baby in your family this year. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas this year from the SmartBaby family and the wonderful brands we love bumGenius, Flip and Econonbum cloth Diapers. 

Winter Preparation Tips for Moms of New Babies

Winter is a time we worry most about babies, whether they are warm enough or are they too warm? Have they had enough fluids and have they been filling up only on bready starchy foods too? And one of the biggest concerns when you wake at 3 am with a slightly cranking baby and wonder “How long has this little munchkin been wet?”! Though no one can make seasonal troubles go away or completely rid you of all your concerns, what we can do is give you some tips on how to prepare for winter when you have a small baby.

1.       Don’t over/under dress baby

 Ideally babies need two layers more than Moms and Dads but every baby is different, winter babies and babies from colder regions tend to need fewer layers than babies who experience winter seasonally. Layering is the best way to ensure comfort for baby. That way you can add or remove layers whether you are indoors or outdoors. Overdressing baby can lead to overheating and complication thereafter while under-dressing can expose baby to the cold and cause a drop in immunity. 

2.       Stock Up: 

stock up on innerwear for layering. Make sure you have an ample supply of thermal innerwear, stockings and leggings and other warmsies! The weather makes laundry take longer to dry and with food spillage, playtime and other messy moments, it is better to be prepared in time for the real cold.

3.       Kill Germs: 

Wash your hands often, despite the weather! Wash up after changing baby’s diaper, using the bathroom or handling dirty clothes and tissues, and wash well before holding or feeding your baby. It is advisable to keep a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer nearby or in handy areas. In this weather it is better to pay attention to the cleanliness of common household surfaces and toys as well, especially if other family members have been sick. You can use disinfectant to wipe door handles, phones and TV remotes. Clean baby toys in light soapy water and rinse well. 

4.       Pamper baby’s skin: 

Your baby’s skin is her first line of defense against disease. But winter air can be harsh on delicate baby skin, especially if your baby is already prone to eczema and other dryness conditions. Older babies may develop patches on their knees and elbows, even if they don’t scratch, from crawling across the floor. So be extra generous when applying lotion, oil or baby moisturizer. The best time to apply them is immediately after a bath, while the skin is still damp. 

5

.           Head outdoors: 

Moving away from old school thinking, mothers are now being encouraged to head outdoors as long as there are no icy/stormy conditions. The cool, moist air in winters is great to build the immunity of babies and it helps keep the breathing passage  clear and open, in fact is baby is suffering from the sniffles, cold air will give them immediate relief. So bundle up and head out for a day in the sun, which will also help your baby and you get adequate Vitamin D for the cold days ahead!

STAY DRY: 

And most important of all, keep baby DRY. Choose not only convenient but comfortable and compassionate products when it comes to baby’s ‘toilet’ needs. They need the comfort and freedom to move around and explore and they need to remain dry on the skin. This is a good season to explore SmartBaby cloth diapers. The feel and comfort of cloth is unmatchable of course but it is the super absorbency and unique design of SmartBaby cloth diapers that make them a popular choice with mothers. What you need in winter is a diaper that is re-usable (think of the environment for a second), comfortable, one size fits all (yes they are!!), are easy to clean and have stay dry comfort … bumGenius, FLIP and Econobum all do!

Flipping over FLIP: Learn About this All-in-One Diapering Solution

The Flip™ Diaper System is a flexible, hybrid cloth diapering system that provides options for every occasion. The one-size cover and three choices in absorbent inserts make diapering your baby less expensive, easy and perfect for where-ever, when-ever. 

What is FLIP

This system is fully supported with 100% reusable inserts, which is the real advantage. The One-Size Stay-Dry Insert is perfect for overnights or to keep little bums dry anytime. The 100% Organic Insert is perfect for families who prefer to live more ‘natural’. Whether you are at work, at home or travelling with your baby, the Flip system will be here for you with exactly what you need.

How is the FLIP Used 

A Flip diaper cover used with a Stay-Dry Insert is perfect for overnight & anytime use. Made of 3 ultra-absorbent layers of microfiber and a smooth stay-dry suede cloth that wicks moisture from your baby’s bum the Flip Stay-Dry Inserts work to keep your baby drier, longer. 

And because the insert fits into two flaps at each end of the diaper instead of stuffing inside like a pocket diaper, you can re-use the cover multiple times (which means… less laundry!). The stay-dry insert is a fabulous option when life demands something that will stay ‘dry, especially when you are travelling, at day care, and on-the-go times. 

FLIP Qualities 

They are easy to use, dye free, fragrance free and the only insert that is comfortable and dependable. Without a pocket to stuff, diaper changes are quicker with Flip; just tuck the insert or pre-fold of your choice under the front and back flaps and the diaper is ready to put on your baby! With fitted diapers, you just wrap the flip around it…easy as that!

The elastic wraps gently around Flip's thigh and back waist openings to prevent leaks from occurring. The patent-pending butterfly closure ensures a snug fit without bulk at the waist or reducing baby's mobility. You can also go ‘green’ by choosing the organic inserts, Flip™ Organic Inserts are very soft and ultra-absorbent. 

How to Use FLIP

Simply fold one way for the small setting and fold the other for a medium/large setting. Flip™ Organic Inserts are ideal for a heavy wetting baby overnight. What makes FLIP special is its basic and hugely functional construction. With FLIP baby enjoys comfort, mobility and the completely dry feeling too!

Diaper Rash: The Why and How of Nappy Rashes

Babies don’t get cranky for nothing, not even the seemingly bothersome ones. Babies actually love to be happy, occupied and talked to. So if you’re doing all those things and you still have a cranky infant in your arms, just have a quick peek at the diaper area and rule out the devilish ‘diaper’ rash.

Diaper rash doesn't always look the same but if your baby's diaper area looks irritated and red, chances are baby has it. The skin may also be a little puffy and warm when you touch it, which could be indicative of an infection. The level of discomfort it puts the child in, can be very disturbing.

Why Does Diaper Rash Occur

The most common cause for diaper rash is leaving your baby in a soiled diaper for too long. If you are using a disposable diaper there could be friction from the diaper combined with bacteria laden moisture, never a good combination!

The plastic that prevents diapers from leaking also prevents air circulation, thus creating a warm, moist environment where rashes and fungi can thrive actively.

This environment is ideal for a rash to develop and it happens pretty quickly. Sadly for baby, it takes time to ease as well, since like all babies do, the process of poop and pee continue through the day.

A few other reasons for Diaper rash include a change in diet, which causes a change in the chemical composition of what the baby expels during the day. The detergent used to wash the diapers (in the case of cloth) can cause irritation and in sick babies, if they are on antibiotics, that will disturb the stomach flora and encourage the breeding of infectious bacteria.

How to Prevent Nappy or Diaper Rash

The best way to prevent diaper rash is by keeping your baby's skin as dry and clean as possible and changing diapers often so that faeces and urine don’t irritate the skin.

Few handy tips for rash avoidance:

- Check your baby’s diaper hourly and look for signs of discomfort.
- Change soiled or wet diapers as soon as possible and clean the area thoroughly with unscented wipes or water.
- Gently wash your baby’s bottom with warm water between diaper changes.
- Let your baby's skin dry completely before you put on a new diaper.
- Pat the skin dry, do not rub as that can lead to irritation
- If you use cloth diapers, rinse them several times after washing to remove any traces of soap or detergent that can irritate your baby's skin.
- Follow the washing instructions that come with your cloth diapers. Don’t use fabric softeners or detergents with chemical additives.

Introducting the Flip Day Pack: A Hybrid Cloth Diapering Solution

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Yeah!!  Flip Day Pack is here.  

You’ve been asking and waiting for Flip Day Pack and now it’s HERE.  Order online at  Flip Day Pack 2 covers and 6 inserts at a great savings with your choice of color. 


 Come by and visit us again and don’t forget to check out our full range of Flip products.  You can now order extra covers or inserts to help complete your diapering needs. 

More Information on Flip Products

The Flip Diaper System is a flexible, hybrid cloth diapering system that provides options for every occasion. The one-size cover and three choices in absorbent inserts make diapering your baby less expensive, easy and perfect for where-ever, when-ever.

True to their name, Flip cloth diapers can be used time and again. One can literally ‘flip’ the used insert into the diaper pail, replace the insert with a clean one and reuse the cover. The one-size cover and insert adjusts to fit most babies from 3-15+ kilos.

Flip™ Stay-Dry liners are made of 3 absorbent layers of microfiber and a smooth stay-dry suede that wicks away moisture from your baby's bum - keeping the baby drier for a longer period of time. The Flip diaper cover features a waterproof shell, so no extra cover is needed. All flip diapers have form-fitting elastic to prevent leaks and patent pending comfy butterfly closure.

Flip Features

·       A water proof shell, so no extra cover is needed.

·       Wipe the inside of the cover out and use it over and over again!

·       Form fitting elastic to prevent leaks.

·       Patent pending comfy butterfly closure. A feature that is unique to cloth diapers made by Cotton Babies.

·       No stuffing involved just tuck insert under flaps and go!

·       Choose between a one-size Stay-Dry Insert or a one-size Certified Organic Cotton Insert.

·       Disposable inserts are also available for use while traveling.

·       Patent pending 3x3 adjustable snap system to fit most babies from birth to potty training.