Our friends at Cotton Babies love their customers and have brought back a fan favourite on sale now until supplies last!
Buy 5 bumGenius 4.0 solid colour Diapers, get the 6th for free!
We have an excellent selection of snap and hook & loop bumGenius 4.0 for you to choose from! See you soon!
*6th diaper must also be a solid colour option; Genius and Artist Series diapers are excluded from this offer.
It’s buy 2, get 1 on Flip covers! 
A versatile cover like this deserves much praise. I recently took the Flip on a 5 day trip. Given the patented stretchy tab sides and 3×3 one size snap system this diaper cover by Cotton Babies works wonders in fit and function.
Excellent as a cover over many diapering options, I chose to travel with the Flip stay-dry inserts. The stitching of the sizes on the stay dry Flip insert was straightforward for Grandma to help do changes and she raved about baby’s skin staying so soft. Leak free in design, the Flip was superior (ahem, Genius) in handling mess during baby’s transition to solids stools- you could also add a liner to match perfectly to the rectangle shape of the Flip insert too!
I once had a mother exclaim how excited she was to buy one more cover since it meant she could last through to another day of laundry! Buy 2 because you’ll need them. Get the 3rd one because it saves on laundry.
These were already a part of my every day diapering since Sweet Potato was about 10lbs, but it was great to see the Flip excel for traveling. It’s also an excellent diapering system for two children, and is a choice system for apartment or coin laundry.
This sale makes me love the Flip even more! I hope you’ll give it a try!
Be sure to check out the additional options this hybrid diaper offers: I personally love the absorbency of their organic cotton Flip insert and sell many a pack of Flip disposable inserts for the cottage season or boosting a Flip Trainer during overnight potty learning. This system covers it all (pun intended). Happy diapering!
After sharing the sweet things our children did for us over the weekend for Mother’s Day, I shared this video with the lovely ladies I work with. There were already a few emotions and this added to the pot. It is a sentimental tear jerker for several reasons but deserves a permanent link! Being a mom is a pretty amazing feeling. Hope you had a Mother’s Day full of pride and sentiment for the beauty of mothering and nurturing another human being.
I love Dr. Greene’s Happy Mother’s Day video to his mom and him sharing the sentiment toward the scientific research of how cells in fact cross the placenta tying mother to child for decades to come. Enjoy the link and please share with a woman whether she be a past, present or future mom.
This was my 2nd year planning the Great Cloth Diaper Change. In the last year I’ve struggled to balance work with events and life. I’ve renovated a store, started a child in primary, moved households not once but three times, not to mention been pregnant and had a new baby. In the fog of post partum I’ve been holding cloth diaper workshops and planning a major event. Why? Cloth diaper advocacy.
In hosting the Great Cloth Diaper Change last weekend and a year prior we brought out enthusiastic attendees, some excellent sponsors and a lot of media attention. We celebrated Earth Day by organizing an earth friendly event. No one can deny cloth diapers produce much less waste that their disposable counterparts. The media love to hear this once a year and also look at how cute cloth diapers are on happy babies. The topic continues on, however, for my daily work at Nurtured and also my daily life with a baby in tow!
Years ago I sat on the other side of the fence and simply thought cloth diapering would be a lot of work. During that same time I also looked at a blistering, severe diaper rash, tried my best to cure it and was deeply disappointed in the outcome. If that’s you, just try one cloth diaper (or pick up our rental kit) and see for yourself. Cloth diapering options and benefits are very attractive even to the biggest skeptics.
What a beautiful bottom baby number 2 has had since day one…I dare say.
Here’s a few things I love about cloth:
1.) There’s always a clean diaper ready, waiting
2.) The cloth diaper creates a perfect environment for skin - Those that switch from disposables to cloth are amazed when they hear or see each diaper change does not require a barrier bum cream.
3.) Sunshine- just when I think the fabric/staining of a diaper is showing it’s age, sunshine and water prove me wrong!
4.) Health! Proven stories from customers and friends tote the health benefits of cloth diapering. From NICU babies to children with asthma cloth diapers keep a lot of chemicals out of your child’s environment. I’ll mind the bunnytrail and introduce talking about using wool, natural fibres and body temperature later…
5.) Cleanup is easy- breastfed baby’s stool is water soluble! Just toss into the wash! Other accessories make potential mess avoidable or simple. Also, since cloth provides a texture for mess to adhere to, notorious diaper blowouts do not occur.
6.) Affordability! Frugal moms say if you stash away a $20 bill each week of your pregnancy, you’ll have your diapers paid for even if you use the most expensive style. This is leaps and bounds better than the dollars you’ll spend each week/month running to the store to buy a pack of diapers. Financial experts say you can pay for university just by cloth diapering.
I’m never more proud of the parents that make the switch in the diapering years to cloth and live to share the benefits with their friends and health providers. I’m never more impressed by the parents that choose cloth before baby number one has arrived. The increase of cloth diapering enthusiasts out there impresses me. I am thankful you give me reason to stay busy and happily working as a small business owner and proud mom in the cloth diapering community. Thank you for joining the Great Cloth Diaper Change 2012. We look forward to hearing the outcome of setting a new Guinness World Record (TM). In the meantime, it’s business as usual, continuing with the daily work of supplying you with the best diapers for your baby, planning a flurry of future events and living a passion for cloth diaper advocacy. Hope you had a great Earth Day weekend!
“Eew. Mommy, the baby is spitting up again.”
There’s an ongoing news flash revolving spit up when you have a kindergartener and a baby. I’m no longer phased.
Let it be known “spit-up” to the five year old can be classified as a mix of generic, white, burpy drool down to clear drops of saliva likely linked to teething. Thankfully the little brother has only provided an average sampling of the various sorts of baby goo. Nonetheless from dribble to projectile it is spit-up. If it derives and exits from, near or around the baby’s mouth it is spit-up. Junebug has been keen on the daily spit up report since day one. I likely invited it in when I found a small job like reaching a washcloth (insert: blanket, prefold, half clean shirt and the rare proper burp cloth) was an easy task for “helping hands”. I can only imagine it is particularly intriguing at this stage. Dare I blink, there is a built in alarm for when the baby has just spit-up and demands immediate attention. 5 year olds: one should come with every new baby.
This 5-year gap between my children has been particularly sweet as I hear a running commentary on everything the baby does from Junebug’s perspective. What’s more is this is the stage I’ve noticed how my son’s thoughts collect and form together. If I watch his facial expressions carefully, no poker face exists. When I listen, I hear frank, unfiltered opinions and deeply inquisitive questions. If I ask him to draw a picture, I never know what influences will show up.
These last few days my family has been cooped up in a hotel and the running commentary has been fully engaged. I’ve looked forward to breakfast each morning. The spread at the hotel offers a fresh break from the room, fuels a hope for the day’s normalcy and generally redirects everyone’s attention.
Junebug coloured his placemat. He looked at his brother’s chin and the corner of his mouth. All clean. He smiled. He eyed my plate. His smile faded. “Eew. Mommy, I can’t believe…” he began then paused.
A dramatic furrowed brow and a look of horror mingled in play across his face as he looked up at me, “Mommy, did you just eat spit up for breakfast? With raisins? Yuck, Mommy. Did you really let him put spit up on your plate? That’s the worst breakfast ever. I would never eat spit up. That’s just gross.”
The guests at the table next to us chuckled. I examined the suggested perspective at the next bite of my pale grey, coarsely textured muesli but winked at my firstborn.
Junebug sat mildly horrified half joining in the laughter all the while asking, “It’s not spit up, is it? Is it?”
I’m waiting to see what develops in pictures in days to come.
In the meantime, this one is going in the baby book. You may not be at the right stage in life to find the humour in muesli and spit up looking alike nor find it appetizing at breakfast…but at our house we have a new nickname for baby dribble, goo and other pools of baby slobber: It’s muesli and it makes me smile.
Does your oldest child have any interesting takes on what his or her siblings do? I’d love to hear your stories.
Her current email tag quotes Robert Muller, “Dream always of a peaceful, warless, disarmed world”. Betsy Thomas passes on this peaceful vibe as she smiles widely and welcomes me into her hotel conference room, hands me a cup of green tea and invites me to finish breastfeeding my baby on the earth-toned sequinned pashmina draped sofa. I instantly believe she’s one of the coolest business owners I have ever met (and has one of the best spaces to visit).
The room could stand to be open for business there is much a cloth diapering enthusiast would want. Bummis lineup offers prefolds, a range of lively diaper covers and kits, fleece liners, bioliners, wet bags, swim diapers, and swim tops and she has it all beautifully displayed. When I met Betsy I learned of her March Campaign for reintroducing the internationally2 reknown company with a made local mission. If you require a little Canadian pride in your fluff there is always room for Bummis products in everyone’s diapering stash! I hope you enjoy getting to know a marvelous woman behind your Bummis products!
Q: Can you set the record straight on the pronunciation for Bummis and give us a proper introduction ‘according to Betsy’? B: Sure! Bum-eez! Bummis started in 1988! We were 3 moms using cloth diapers on a total of 7 kids. We had lot of ideas and enthusiasm, some scissors and sewing machines and no money! But we were very determined and confident that other moms cared about the same things we did. We decided to design and manufacture the products we ourselves wanted to use and couldn’t find here in Canada, and we decided we were going to do it here in Canada! Thus began our commitment to local and sustainable manufacturing. As mothers first, we felt strongly that the way we did business was important, and that feeling of responsibility to others has remained at the core of Bummis. We make everything we can here and we make it using products sourced as far as we are able to do so in the USA and Canada.
Our focus is on creating long lasting and high quality products that are above all practical, easy to use, and decently priced. Clear, fast and interesting to read instructions are important to us – so that parents will be successful at using our products. Plus we provide lots of resources for more information and troubleshooting. We also give wonderful customer service – so that when our customers call us they are treated with love and respect!
Q: Your “Made Here” campaign showcases the fact you’re a local Canadian company and Mothering Magazine’s Peggy O’mara has called you “exemplary among cloth diapering manufacturers” for your commitment to producing and manufacturing your product locally. Has local been the plan from day one? B: Yes – it was always important to us to be a contributing member of our community and our economy by providing employment locally and giving back through volunteerism and donations.
Q: What allows you to keep it local or what do you hope to point out in the month of March? B: I am not sure consumers know what is involved in local manufacturing! We make everything we can here and we make it using products sourced as much as we are able to in the USA and Canada. It costs way more to produce here AND to use North American components. Since most of our competitors are producing in developing countries at way lower costs, we compete based on value, quality and the integrity of our company. I think many consumers DO care about the story around products – especially something like a cloth diaper that you will wrap your little newborn up in!
Q: Have you ever been challenged ethically or compromised with decisions when trying to keep manufacturing local? B: We compromise in that there are certain fabrics we have to purchase from overseas because they are no longer made in North America – like the woven cottons in our Swimmis and prefold diapers. And oh yes – we struggle with our decision sometimes. Profit margins on products made in China are MUCH bigger than ours – some days we have a reality check and we think about what we are doing, and wonder if we are not absolutely out of our minds!
Q: What keeps you inspired? B: I love this business! I love working with our retailers and I really enjoy convincing people to try cloth diapers. It’s a ‘feel good’ industry – and I feel like what I do matters. I also have to admit that I love solving problems and tweaking systems, and I love working with my business partner Shirley and our amazing team.
Q: What would you say to the person who says business isn’t created for mothers to succeed? B: Actually I personally don’t believe that our society is organized at all for mothers to succeed and blossom as professionals OR businesswomen. It’s so hard to balance raising children and working – it seems there is always something to feel guilty about….like your house is not clean enough, you fall asleep on a date with your husband, you didn’t see your daughter’s last soccer game…But that said, our particular industry is full of mothers trying to balance personal life with business – and so many of the players in our industry started out like me, as moms working at home. It was a struggle in the beginning to get banks and suppliers to take me seriously! I do feel as if I worked at least twice as hard launching my business as a man would have had to…. I hope that doesn’t sound sexist! I have always stretched myself crazily to take care of my kids at the same time as running my business.
Q: What product gives you pride? B: All of them!
Q: If you were to start diapering your children all over again, what would you use? B: Prefolds and all of our fabulous diaper wraps!
Q: For fun, what five books/music would you take to a desert island? B: My homeopathy book, Tolkien, Bach’s cello suites, The Alexandria Quartet by Lawrence Durrell, and The Farm Vegetarian Cookbook.
I love playing with my kids. It’s minus 8 outside and though I’m keen to enjoy the winter festivities and a good dose of vitamin D outdoors, I’m also mindful of what to do when the weather isn’t so inviting. I enjoy playing so much that I am also known to have preempted a cup of tea with a good friend to be goofy and induce a little play with said friend’s children. Have a real play date!
Need a little inspiration? Here’s our top five family favourites for keeping a 5 year old and a new baby occupied (and moving) indoors during cold winter weather.
1.) Dancing- putting on some music and a carefree spirit can warm up a room and spark a lot of fun. As a mom of boys this can sometimes lean more on my university elective of Kung Fu. I still call it dancing!
2.) Making parachutes- Inspired by one of our favourite Sarah’s Silks toys, my 5 year old and I craft several parachutes from our recycling pile and then have a race which enamours even the youngest in our brood.
3.) Simon dis- The french game of Simon Says incorporates simplistic words any anglophone can tackle. I enjoy my turn as I can check everyone’s hearing is okay when I’m talking. My five year old loves his turn to make his 4 month old baby brother lose in this game for not following the directions. It’s still fun.
4.) Take 2- Two minutes of singing, acting out a poem or two minutes of running, prowling and roaring like a lion incites a household silliness your kids will be sure to take on. On days of extra clingy-ness, it’s also been tested to provide two minutes to head to the washroom while keeping your little ones occupied.
Here’s a short action rhyme we’ve had a few years of fun acting out:
The elephant walks like this and like that
He’s very tall and very fat!
He has no fingers, He has no toes,
But goodness, gracious, what a nose!
5.) Treasure hunt- you can make this as simple or complicated as you wish. Make a treat and hide it away in a special spot. Add a bit of campy goofiness and you’ll be making memories in no time. “Going on a treasure hunt!” “Gonna find a good one” “I’m not afraid!” What’s that?, What’s that? “What’s that over there?” A table. “A table? A great big table! Can’t go through it, can’t go over it, gotta crawl under it!”….crawl, crawl, crawl…
You know the dishes and vacuuming can wait. Feel free to share your family’s favourite indoor activities!
Are you entering or in the early years of parenting and stumped when it comes to play? Discover the benefits and the how-to with Amy MacAulay’s Benefits of Play workshop!
See our workshop calendar here (upper right) on our blog for more workshops at a glance!
While attending a birthday party recently with my son, a 5-year-old boy excitedly glanced over at me as the birthday girl was beginning to open her presents. He asked if he could tell me a secret. I leaned over at the ready.
“I know what gift she’s going to open,” he proudly declared.
“It’s puppets. And you know what?”
I shook my head.
“I made them!”
I smiled. “She’s going to love those!” I whispered back. “Do you know why?”
It was the boy’s turn to shake his head as I told him, “Handmade presents are the best presents ever.”
He already knew that. I really should have handed him my card.
As I watched the kids’ flurry of excitement over opening gifts I found I too was eagerly awaiting this child’s handmade gift being opened.
It’s the same way I feel sourcing products at Nurtured: A handmade item is so carefully crafted, so proudly made to impress, it’s sole purpose is to be used and to be loved. I know you’re going to enjoy giving or receiving them.
It’s a honour to fill our shop with many handmade products.
The next time you’re at Nurtured, ask to see some of these specialty products from local Canadian companies to fair trade partnerships.
It’s no secret, we’re just as proud to share these as if we made them ourselves!
The greatest terror a child can have is that he is not loved, and rejection is the hell of fears. I think everyone in the world to a large or small extent has felt rejection. And with rejection comes anger, and with anger some kind of crime in revenge for the rejection, and with crime, guilt—and there is the story of mankind.- John Steinbeck, East of Eden
Painting giant, bold, red letters spelling LOVE on our store windows has gathered intrigue and sentiment amongst our community this February.
As Valentines Day approaches, there’s a cause I hope you’ll take notice of that’s as big and bold as those letters.
The LOVE windows front and center at 2571 Robie Street are meant to spotlight an impressive organization called Leave Out ViolencE.
LOVE is an organization with a proven track record of teaching youth to reject violence. The non-profit organization teaches leadership and life skills to youth that have experienced violence. In turn these youth educate their local community on prevention and intervention. Our local Halifax chapter recently entered its 12th year.
A donation to LOVE will be put toward “building community, creating a safe space, a family vibe and an accepting spirit”. As a parent, I can think of no other organization worthy of partnering with this Valentines. Awareness is key but giving to LOVE can achieve positive change to impact the future that exists for our children and local youth at risk.
Give to LOVE this Valentines Day. Skip the chocolates, donate to community. Skip the flowers, give back. Promote LOVE. Mentor LOVE. Nurture LOVE.
Nurtured has created a few incentives for you to give to this amazing program. A $5 donation enters you in to a tempting prize draw (see below). To invite you to our community giving we’re offering 15% off anything red or pink in store and donating a portion of every sale to Leave Out ViolencE from Friday February 10th to Saturday February 18th, 2012.
LOVE listens to youth. In all of its programs, LOVE creates a safe, accepting atmosphere where youth feel heard.
LOVE gives youth a sense of purpose: let’s change the world by reducing violence.
LOVE creates strong trusting relationships to achieve the highest quality of programs.
LOVE bridges all boundaries.
LOVE helps youth realize and grow their capacities through its educational programs.
LOVE encourages youth to stay in school and finds opportunities for them to complete their education.
LOVE helps youth on the margins to build happy, constructive lives.
If you have a special interest in learning more about Leave Out ViolencE you can call (902) 429-6616 and ask to talk to Sara. Leave out Violence can match your skill set to a child’s interest through mentorship programs or Sara will explore other ideas you might have too!
If that doesn’t have you feeling warm and fuzzy this Valentines, here’s a video we opened up the month of February with on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to Facebook when we announce our prize draw winners.
Starting off the new year with a Cloth Diapering workshop followed by a great set of others. See you soon!
Cloth Diapering Workshop
Baby-Led Weaning with Dr. Jenn Salib-Huber- January 13th
Breastfeeding 101 with Robyn Berman, CD(DONA), PCD(DONA)
Infant Massage with Wanda Cox, CD(DONA), (IAIM), 5 sessions beginning January 30th
New for February:
Robyn Berman’s Comfort Measures workshop has helped many expecting parents prepare for labour and delivery. We’re glad to make it available to you at Nurtured! Class size must have four couples signed up or will be moved to a later date.
For more information visit our Workshops section (do have a peek at our new link: Workshops Calendar on the upper right section of this blog!)
We’re proud to share our newly renovated space to host new workshops. You can email us at info@nurtured.ca- space is limited.
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