The Great Cloth Diaper Change

Have you always wanted to be famous? Well, even if you haven't, you now have a chance to be part of a new Guiness world record. On Saturday, April 21, 2012 at noon, cloth diaper advocates are trying to break a record for the most cloth diapers changed at one time.

How is that even possible? We are parents, but we don't have eight arms (although sometimes we wish we did).

The event is organized by the Real Diaper Association, with hosts around the world getting their communities together to participate. As of today, there are 232 hosts in 13 different countries. Each location will have leaders documenting the event and counting heads. At 12 p.m. sharp, everyone will change his or her child into a cloth diaper, and we'll make history. Let's get together and spread the word that cloth diapering is just as easy, affordable, and convenient as disposable diapering--and it's better for the environment.

What does this mean for Wilmington?

Green Baby Diaper Service is hosting the event at Shelter #15 at Hugh McRae park. The park also happens to be holding the annual Earth Day celebration, so you'll be able to join the festivities and really feel like you're doing your part for the environment.

To join the Great Cloth Diaper Change, go to the Facebook page we set up specifically for the Wilmington event and RSVP.

We need 25 people in order to participate. Sixteen people are attending so far; let's get nine more so we can join in this fun and unique event. Also, stay tuned to find out what kinds of fun stuff we have in store for participants!

Sell Used Cloth Diapers and Find Even More Brands!

If you love cloth diapers a little too much, you might have created a stash that you really don't use. Maybe you tried a whole bunch of different brands and styles at first but stuck to one or two types of diapers in the end. Perhaps you prepared for your newborn with a slew of diapers and your baby grew out of them quickly.

Now you can sell your pre-loved cloth diapers at Green Baby, and it's as easy as bringing in a bag full of diapers.

What does this mean if you want to sell your diapers?
Leave your diapers with Liz, and she'll take a look at them. She will call you within five days, at which time you can come back in to sign the consignment agreement, or you can sign it ahead of time and the diapers will go out for sale.

How much will you get for your gently used diapers?
Green Baby Diaper Service matches the price of Cotton Babies' used diaper buyback. You can even get 10 percent more if you take the payment in store credit as opposed to cash. But Green Baby will take more than just Cotton Babies brand diapers. Whatever you have, bring it in. The diapers are flying off the shelf.

When will you get paid?
You will be paid after the end of every yearly quarter. Remember, if you choose store credit instead of cash, you'll get 10% more money for your used cloth diapers. You can use your store credit for anything in the store or for the service itself.

What does the cloth diaper consignment mean if you want to buy diapers?
Green Baby Diaper Service now has a rotating selection of tons of different cloth diaper brands like Kissaluvs, Fuzzibunz, Little Beetle covers, gDiaper covers, and lots of fitted diapers. Green Baby's cloth diaper consignment gives you a chance to experiment with diapers that you might not have otherwise tried, and you don't have to break the bank. Now you can support a local business but still get the selection that you can find all over the internet.

Bring in your pre-loved cloth diapers, or check back often to see what's on the consignment table. By its very nature, the stock rotates, so you will always find something new. The selection is not limited to diapers alone. You can find wet bags and inserts too. Below is a glimpse of the diaper consignment table. It's pretty sweet:

The BeNETTAfit - a Recap

The BeNETTAfit last weekend could not have been more perfect. It was a beautiful day and the perfect excuse to hang out outside with family and friends. Netta, Matt, and Annetta were hanging out, and there was awesome music, food, crafts, and games. I had never met the Saggese's before, so it was great to see them and to meet the "belle of the ball," Netta.

And what's really awesome--besides all the fun that was had and seeing a community come together like this--is that more than $2000 was raised for the Saggese's. If you missed the event, you can still donate at www.greenbabybiz.com/benettafit, or buy a T-shirt at Green Baby Diaper Service.

Check out some pics from the BeNETTAfit below.

Friends

Making musical instruments

Having fun painting

DIY Banjo

Netta and friends

A BeNETTAfit Update

As you already know, the BeNETTAfit is taking place at the Mayfaire Event Field this Saturday (November 12). It's not only a cornhole tournament, it's a family fun day. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll get if you stop by. <!--more-->

If you participate in the tournament as par of a two-person team, it's only $10 per person, and you'll get:

• A boxed lunch from A Thyme Savor
• A raffle ticket
• 1 reusable cup
• The chance to win the grand prize--a custom cornhole set--if you win.
• All of the fun stuff below

If you don't play cornhole, stop by for:

• Music by Bootleg Dynasty and The Ashby Brothers
• Face painting by Fantasy Fun Faces
• A raffle that includes prizes like a doula package, food from Tastefully Simple, yoga classes, and more.
• Hair glitter from Sweet and Sassy
• A craft tent for the kiddos where they can make homemade musical instruments
• On-site Mini photo sessions from Infinity Photo & Design (Get your Christmas pictures or family photos for a great price)
• A bouncy house

With sponsors like Pura Vida Water Co. and Sola, this event is going to be awesome!

To register to play in the cornhole tournament or to make a donation, please click here.

Green Your Laundry with Wool Dryer Balls

If you do a Google search for "toxic fabric softener," you'll find a lot of articles that detail the toxicity of fabric softener. As with a lot of blog posts and information found on Associated Content, however, how factual is this information? Very, it turns out.

I did a quick search to see if I could find actual studies that described the adverse effects of fabric softeners and dryer sheets. A study conducted on mice in 2000 found that the type of fabric softener sheets studied were made of chemicals that are known irritants, and those chemicals affected the mice's ability to breathe.

Swaddle Your Baby Better with TrueWomb®

If you have a newborn, you probably know the benefits of swaddling. If your baby was born in the hospital, you've seen the nurses wrap a swaddle tightly around your baby in mere seconds. If you've had your share of sleepless nights, you probably see your baby waking up after startling him or herself with flailing arms and legs. And if you're a seasoned parent, you probably have your own swaddling tips and techniques up your sleeve.

But I know I apologized to Baby T when I swaddled him sometimes. It was along the lines of, "I know this seems a little cruel, but it's for your own good."

Green Baby Diaper Service now carries TrueWomb®, a swaddling system that is simple to use and comfortable for baby. You won't wrestle with four-foot-square giant pieces of muslin that threaten to wrap themselves around your baby's neck. You won't walk in to see your previously swaddled baby waving to you.

The BeNETTAfit - Save the Date for a Celebration

On Saturday, November 12, 2011, Green Baby Diaper Service and Infinity Photography and Design are holding a benefit for Netta Saggese, an inspiring 2-year-old. She has a seizure disorder called Lennox Gaustaut Syndrome, which is a severe form of epilepsy. Scientists have not yet found a cure for the disorder, so the Saggese family must manage Netta's condition with a variety of medical treatments, some more effective than others. 


Here is Netta's story:

Learn Baby Sign Language

Baby T signing "more"

Kacy Jones of My Smart Hands is teaching a baby sign language class on Saturday, October 15, at 2 PM. It's free for drop off and delivery customers of Green Baby Diaper Service. Please email kacy@mysmarthands.com with any questions or to register for the class.

Healthy Home Party - October 12

Remember how I told you there are some great classes coming up at Green Baby Diaper Service in Wilmington? Up first is the Healthy Home Party.

There has been a lot of talk lately - on blogs, in the news, pretty much everywhere - about how toxic cleaning chemicals and other products you use in your home can be. But determining where to start to eliminate these toxins from your home can be overwhelming. At the Healthy Home Party, you'll learn 5 easy steps to make your home safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly for your children and your family.

Take Classes at Green Baby Diaper Service

There is a lot going on at Green Baby Diaper Service, so we're calling this week "What's New Week." We're going to tell you about all the plans we have for the fall to bring you more. Here's a preview:

Green Baby is going to start consigning used cloth diapers, hosting all types of classes, holding a fundraiser, and putting out a monthly calendar of events.

Lots of exciting stuff.

There are several classes scheduled to take place at Green Baby Diaper Service. Below is a list:

Bringing it all Together

Photo modified from Flickr

When we started this blog, of course we had a game plan in mind, but we are busy mommies--things tend to take a path of their own sometimes. Our simple game plan was this: to discuss the "green" aspect of life--of parenting, of living, and shopping. We're passionate about making the environment a safe and happy place for our kids, grandkids, and the rest of 'em.

As we began talking about what we could post about on the blog, we realized that we really wanted to connect the community--both local and greater--with the greener side of life.

So to emphasize our mission with this blog, we've added that tag line to our header. Because that's what we're all about.

What's New: Cape Fear Maternity and Baby Expo

Green Baby Diaper Service is going to be at the Cape Fear Maternity and Baby Expo again this fall. The expo is on October 1 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Coastline Conference & Event Center. It costs $5 to get in, but if you stop by Green Baby Diaper Service, you can pick up a coupon for $1 off.

This baby expo in Wilmington is not only for expecting moms. It is advertised as having "everything from pregnancy to preschool." It's a great place for parents to find out about all the child- and baby-centered businesses in Wilmington, from pediatric dentists in the Cape Fear area to local child and family photographers to the cutest kids' boutiques.

Including, of course, Green Baby.

Hurricane Preparedness with Kids

It can be a little nerve-wracking when a hurricane is threatening to blow into town (especially when it follows a tornado and an earthquake, and even more especially when you have a family and children to protect). We read all about disaster-preparedness kits, but who really follows all of the recommendations? For example, using my bathtubs to store extra drinking water is probably more dangerous than any storm. (I’m not a fan of cleaning the bathtub, not to mention the fact that Baby T likes to pee in it).

But when you’re faced with the likelihood of a power outage, a tornado, or flooding, what can you do?

Mini Photo Sessions with Wilmington Photographer Nichole Lupton

On Sunday, August 21, Nichole Lupton of Nichole Louise Photography will be shooting back-to-school mini sessions at Green Baby Diaper Service. It's an affordable way to get professional shots of the kids, new baby, or family.

To get Nichole ready for the shoot, I asked her a couple of questions:

1. How did you get into photography?

I always loved photography, but it was always just something I admired and
something other people did. When I was pregnant I was jealous of all of
the amazing maternity images I would see, but they were out of our budget,
and at that point, custom photography wasn't really on my radar, I thought
that was reserved for 'big cities' like New York and LA. After I had my
son Finnegan, I started taking pictures of him all.the.time. Nothing more
than mom snap shots, but I loved them all the same. It was once I started
paying chain studios for photos that I really got the itch. I was draining
my wallet and underwhelmed with the final product. So tax time that year,
after much begging, convinced my husband to buy me a DSLR. It all took off
from there! I spent more hours than I care to admit learning what I was
doing. Reading. Studying. Once I decided (about a year in) to make this a
business, I told myself I was going to do it right. I learned the
technical aspects of it all, from working my camera, all the way to paying
taxes. It took quite a few more months on the business side to get set up,
and I will always be learning the technical side, but it has truly become
my passion, and something I absolutely love to do.

2. Did you always photograph people? What about kids... or was that something that came with motherhood?

Definitely something that came with kids. The older my kids get, the more
creative I've gotten, and the more inspiration they've been able to
provide me. I've also spent the better part of the last 3 years learning
and honing in on what I like, don't like, and enjoy. It's a rare day in my
house when I don't take a picture, and I love that my kids lives will be
thoroughly (if not excessively) documented!

3. How do you keep your business running and keep yourself sane with 2 kids? (In other words, how do you do it all?)

Magic? LOL! Honestly, its something I'm still mastering. I do the majority
of my work between 9pm and 1am - and thankfully, I'm a night owl. Once
this became a business for me, it definitely eased the financial strain on
our growing family. To a point where if the business were to ever close, I
would need to find a job away from home. Being able to stay home with my
kids and not have to manage daycare is one of the biggest perks of the
job. Especially with my boys still being so young and not in school, I
will do whatever it takes to be able to stay home. I shoot when my husband
has time off of work (he is a restaurant manager, so odd hours that work
in my favor), and on occasion, my wonderful In-Laws who live here in town
will help out. I try and make phone calls during 'nap time', or in the
case of my 3 year old, quiet time. If I need to go somewhere I try and do
it on one of my husbands days off as well since he usually gets two week
days off, but no weekends. Other than that, all e-mails, editing, and
business management happens late night after my kids and husband are in
bed. As I type this, it is 10:54 on Sunday night. I do my best to get some
mommy time in there as well, to help keep myself sane. I try and give
myself at least one night off a week. Sometimes a night off is just some
me-time around the house, other times, its a night out for a movie with
girlfriends. I also am very cautious in the amount of work I take on. I do
my best not to over book myself. It is a balancing act, and some weeks are
definitely better than others, but the alternative of a away from home job
and daycare is enough motivation to keep me going!

4. What is your favorite part about photographing families?

My favorite part about photographing families is how different they all
are. I love watching them interact, and seeing those little bits of
parenthood that differ from parent to parent. I love seeing close knit
groups that so obviously love each other. I also love interacting with
children. I used to want to be a teacher, and although a formal school
setting is not for me, I still adore kids. I love their innocence, and
playfulness. And don't even get me started about birth and newborn
photography! Being privileged enough to capture the moment a baby is
welcomed into the world, and then a few days later get to snuggle them
into the sweetest little positions?! It's almost enough to keep baby fever
at bay. Almost :)

Stop in for a 15-minute mini session or email or call Nichole {at} nicholelouisephotography {dot} com or  910-367-5151.

We Are a Breastfeeding Friendly Business!

Green Baby Diaper Service was recently nominated as a Breastfeeding Friendly Business by Port City Breastfeeding Project. Since they really take time to make their business a family-friendly place, they were honored by this recognition--just in time for World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place August 1-7.

What does it mean to be a breastfeeding-friendly business in Wilmington? Basically, you are a business where moms can feel comfortable feeding their babies so they don’t have to sit in the back of the Harris Teeter parking lot, looking creepy while they hang out in the driver’s seat with their baby at their breast. (I have always wondered if people think I’m driving with my baby on my lap when I have done this). You can go inside and breastfeed your baby without having to buy something or feel pressure to cover up.

A breastfeeding-friendly business displays the international breastfeeding symbol on their window or door to show that they welcome mothers who need to feed their babies. The businesses that are being recognized by the Port City Breastfeeding Project were all nominated by people in the community—by moms who have felt comfortable breastfeeding at those locations.

Other businesses who have received the Breastfeeding-Friendly Business award are Seaside Pediatrics, Folks Café, Artichoke, Shaver Chiropractic, Bill Heinberg Insurance, and Network Community Wellness, among others.

As a mom with a toddler and a six-month old, a mom who has been breastfeeding for more than 26 months straight, it’s a relief to know that there are businesses in this community that welcome moms and their babies (especially when there’s been so much talk in the news recently about businesses who are trying to ban children from their doors in general). Like I said, you always feel strange when you breastfeed in your car. Being able to step into an air-conditioned location and sit on a real chair is really wonderful when you have a cranky six-month old and you’re stuck in town waiting to pick up your toddler from daycare.

I’ve always “saved up” Green Baby Diaper Service as a place to stop when I have a long day of running errands. I plan to stop there when I think baby will be hungry, because I know it is somewhere I can relax, and so can Little M. They have comfy, cushioned chairs where you can relax and nurse, or you can even go to the little sofa in the back room if you need some privacy.

We are real moms in a real world. Even if we wanted to sit home all day in our pajamas, the reality is that we have groceries to do and errands to run. Also, we’d go crazy if we had to sit home all day. So would our babies. Babies get bored with the same stimuli all day long—that’s why your baby always fusses less when you go out and about. Now you can feel comfortable venturing out around town, knowing that there are places you can stop when you need a breather and when your baby is hungry.

Two Years of Bringing the Community Together

Polly, Liz, and Thomas

After celebrating its two-year anniversary last week, Green Baby Diaper service is expanding into the online world. That’s right, folks—Green Baby Diaper Service in Wilmington now has a blog. It’s a family business with a strong sense of community, so it only makes sense to use a virtual avenue like the Internet to share even more than ever.

Since opening on June 22, 2009, Green Baby Diaper Service has become more than just a place to get your diapers washed. It’s a boutique that sells diaper covers, cloth diapers, and handmade clothes, accessories, and baby shower gifts made by local moms. It’s also a place parents can go to commiserate about lack of sleep, get ideas for how to keep their energetic toddler entertained, or just get a hug after a long day with the kids. Liz and her mom, Polly, who man the shop—or “woman” it, as the case may be—always greet their customers with a smile and a welcoming attitude. They love to share, so don’t always plan on getting in and out in five minutes; plan on learning a little bit about their lives and sharing a little bit of yours. Green Baby is like a physical Facebook in the middle of Wilmington. It has brought people together and established its own little community of moms and parents in the area.

Thomas helping with the diapers

Liz and Polly never imagined the business would end up being just as much about the baby as about the diaper service when it began. It began as a way for Liz to share her enthusiasm for green living with the community of Wilmington. Liz used to nanny for three young children. Every time she put a disposable diaper in the garbage, she felt sick. When she was trying to get pregnant, she was researching as much as she could about everything having to do with kids. She heard some friends talking about cloth diapers, and a light went off in her head. She realized she wanted to cloth diaper her own baby when the time came, but realized Wilmington didn’t have a lot to offer when it came to cloth diapering.

She did her research, took some business classes, met with a small business counselor, and her first “baby”—Green Baby Diaper Service—was born. Two months prior to the grand opening. Liz also found out she was pregnant. As she puts it, “It was so much fun to walk alongside my friends/customers in the journey of motherhood. I have so much to learn, and I’m so thankful for everyone who has helped me along the way.”

That sense of gratitude permeates everything Green Baby Diaper Service does. Not only are Liz and Polly grateful for their customers’ business, they like to learn more—about their customers’ families, kids, parenting styles, and about how to grow and market their business. Most of the people they work with began as customers.

And Liz and Polly also can’t help but be generous. They truly want to help out whoever they can. Mothers of newborns come in and ask for advice on how to change a diaper; Liz is currently working on a fundraiser for a customer—now also a friend—whose baby is sick. 

The fact that the diaper service revolves around everything baby has caused the business to take on a life of its own. Being a mom and running a business at the same time is a constant challenge. But there’s something that happens when moms get together, especially if their babies are with them: they have an instant connection. When you’re dropping off your diapers at Green Baby Diaper Service, if another mom comes in with a question, it becomes a conversation. Polly says she feels like all of her customers are her own children. What other business in Wilmington do you walk into and feel like you’re home?

Liz, Thomas and Lily

This family business has become its own little family. Of course, there’s the “green” aspect—cloth diapers are environmentally friendly, and Liz eventually hopes that it will become the mainstream way to diaper your baby. But it also frees up moms to have more time to be with their babies and stress less about doing laundry. Liz’s son, Thomas, is now a toddler, and he comes to work with her every day. Polly is there six days a week, does the laundry, and packs all the bags with clean diapers that go out to customers. Polly and Liz also watch Lily, Liz's niece. The shop is set up with comfy chairs to hang out in or nurse in and an entertaining corner where children can play while their moms shop or get advice. 

Liz's brother, Josh, does the delivering. Liz says, “I really look forward to seeing my mom and son every day, taking Thomas to play with his friends, helping new moms, and the fact that we're doing something better for our planet...which ultimately benefits our children and their children.  It warms my heart to when people walk in and compliment us on what we're doing and how much they love the store and the fact that I'm able to work with my mom and baby and my beautiful niece. We have random people who don't have kids or theirs are all grown, that call just to say ‘thank you.’”

Thomas and Lily hanging out

I guess you could say that the business is now a toddler, too. During this new stage, Green Baby Diaper Service will be able to do more to bring the community together. On this blog, we’ll showcase other local green businesses, spotlight our consigners, and share ideas that can help bring parents together. We are grateful for everyone who has helped us along the way, and now it’s our turn to give more back to you.