Here are some natural ways to prevent diaper rash so that your baby stays dry and happy.

1. Frequent changing of diapers

Changing your baby’s diaper frequently is one of the best ways to prevent diaper rash, aside from. A wet diaper is a breeding ground for bacteria, so frequently change your baby’s nappy, such as every two hours, or even more often when they are younger.

2. Go diaper-less.

Babies sometimes get rashes in their inner thighs or waistline, which is usually caused by friction of a diaper’s elasticity against the skin. At the appropriate time, give your baby some diaper-free time. Usually it’s best to do this after your baby has peed or had a bowel movement in his diaper. Let your baby have some nappy-less time after bathing, for example; just put a mattress pad and a towel on the floor, and give him some time to roll around or run around.

3. Skip the baby wipes.

Baby wipes can also be a cause of diaper rash, especially since they have added fragrance, which can irritate the sensitive skin on your baby’s butt. If you’re at home, wash your baby using soap and water, instead of using wipes. Limit the use of wipes to when they are absolutely necessary, such as if you’re traveling or out of the house.

4. Give baby an oatmeal bath.

Oatmeal can help relieve skin irritations. If your baby has a mild form of diaper rash, try giving him baby a warm bath with a bit of ground oatmeal sprinkled into the water. Soak your baby in this for about 15 minutes, then pat his skin dry with a soft towel.

5. Clean baby gently, yet thoroughly.

Baby’s sometimes develop rashes in the crevices of their skin, mostly due to improper cleansing. It’s important to clean the orifices–the skin on the inner thighs, folds near the buttocks, the skin in between the butt cheeks–so that it is free of moisture before the diaper is worn again. It helps to use a natural barrier cream with a vitamin E base to help protect the skin from wetness.

Tip: For better bums for your babies, try using cloth diapers, such as GroVia cloth diapers.

In short, being an intentional parent is being deliberate about parenting. This can mean several things to different parents since no two families are alike. But generally, intentional parenting means connecting with our children so that we can bring them up in accordance with our family’s innate values and principles, practically and in spirit.

You can be more intentional in your parenting by putting certain steps in place. To begin with, start with these three.

1. Deliberately make time to parent your kids.

Consider what your your family setup looks like and identify the times when you can deliberately connect with your kids. If you’re a working mom, this may be after dinner time when you get home from the office. If you’re a work-at-home mom, this could mean setting aside time within your work schedule to read and play with your child. If you’re a mom of babies, you might want to give your baby a massage each night while singing him a song. For older children, this could mean a Saturday morning breakfast date, with just the two of you. The point is to make these moments with your kids meaningful, purposeful, something that you and your child hold sacred.

2. Shut off all distractions.

This is especially important to the aspiring intentional parent! Sometimes the TV, the iPad, our smartphones can get in the way of our time with our kids. Think about it: How many times have you nodded, “Yes, that’s nice” to your kid excitedly showing your his latest artwork because you were busy glued to the latest episode of Modern Family? Train yourself to tune out these distractions. When your kid comes up to you wanting your attention, give it to him in full. You may feel distracted, half-hearted, or hurried at first, but training yourself to shut out the things that compete for your child’s attention will not just be good for your relationship with your child– it’ll also be good for your soul.

3. Seek to delight your child.

What makes your child happy? Discover it for yourself and connect with your child through that.  It could mean five minutes of reading with your toddler, or playing peek-a-boo with your baby. What may seem trivial to  you is a big deal for your young child, so be all there. Remember, what matters to your child is that you are connecting with him then and there.

How do you connect with your child? Is your parenting as intentional as you’d want it to be?

Bamboobies multi-pack is a cute way to start…

It is also a great gift for a shower or a new baby!

Start breastfeeding from birth. When you come home from the hospital with your baby, you instinctively know two things: 1) that your baby needs nourishment (he or she is often hungry) and 2) your baby needs lots of comforting. As a new mom, you fulfill both these needs through breastfeeding!  In order for you to succeed in breastfeeding, you have to commit to it from the very beginning, the moment your child is born. Having the right frame of mind is key to breastfeeding success early on in  your baby’s life.

Create breastfeeding-conducive spaces. Breastfeeding is comforting and calming to your child, but it should be the same for you, too. At home, create a breastfeeding-friendly atmosphere. Perhaps you can have a nice chair with a footrest on which you can prop up your feet. Always have a glass of water and healthy snack on hand so that you replenish the fluids and calories you are losing through breastfeeding. Have a stack of books or magazines within an arm’s reach, and perhaps even setup your iPod or music player with some soothing tunes. Having the right atmosphere for breastfeeding helps you enjoy that special bonding moment with your child.

Get through first two weeks of breastfeeding. The first two weeks of breastfeeding are typically the hardest: You’re tired, recovering from the birth; your baby is still learning to latch properly;  your milk supply needs to meet up with your baby’s demand. As a first-time mother, you may sometimes feels confused and scared about breastfeeding. Combat these negative feelings by surrounding yourself with people who can support you. This includes women friends and family who have breastfed well, a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor, even a pediatrician who supports breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding–like anything that is learned–is a process.  Be patient with yourself, be patient with your body, and most importantly, persevere for the sake of your baby.  If you persevere, soon you will both be benefiting from the joy of breastfeeding, which also includes several health benefits for you and your child.

One thing you ought to bear in mind is that cloth diapers require commitment. They have a certain learning curve that you must get used to. Depending on what kind of cloth diaper you choose, remember that you need to commit to make it work. The most cost-cutting and effective way to begin on the cloth diaper journey is to make the right purchase the first time. You’ll get better prices if you buy cloth diapers in bulk, so research extensively first before making your first big purchase.

Buy one-size diapers

One-size diapers are adjustable and can be used from birth to toilet training. You’ll need around 24-36 cloth diapers if you want to go all-out diapering your baby in cloth; each supply will last about 2-3 days, giving you enough time in between for washings. (Never let dirty cloth diapers go for a day without washings, or else bacteria will grow on them and ruin the fabric. Buying one-size diapers is really more money-wise, since you can spend your diaper budget on higher quality diapers.

Wash cloth diapers separately

Wash your baby’s clothes in one load and then wash the cloth diapers in a small separate load. You can tumble dry or air-dry them altogether. However, to save energy and electricity, air dry your cloth diapers in the sun and wind. This is actually better for the diaper since cloth diaper stains can be removed by direct sunlight.

Extending the life of cloth diapers

This really applies to those who decide to use a fleece lined pocket diaper instead of hybrids with disposable liners. If you’re using fleece-lined diapers, consider extending the life of the fleece by going to the cloth store and buy some fleece remnants.  Wash them and then cut them into rectangles that will fit inside the cloth diaper.

Overnight Bamboobies are the biggest and softest pads – loved by new mamas everywhere! 

Designed for new moms who leak a lot and want the ultimate in softness.

Designed for new moms who leak a lot and want the ultimate in softness.

Bamboobies have been called the “Maserati of nursing pads” – the ultimate in luxury and softness.

Regular Bamboobies are ultra-thin with a milk-proof backing so they are perfect for going back to work or going out for a night on the town when you don’t want your nursing pads to show.  They are ideal for light leaking or once your supply has been regulated.  They are heart-shaped to better cup your breasts!  No creases means no lines!

Because they are thinner, heart-shaped and have a milk-proof backing, Bamboobies will not show or more importantly leak through your shirt like cotton pads do.

You will receive then (10 ) assorted “sea shell” palm wax melts in an adorable canvass, hand stamped bags.

*For a minimum order of 100 bags, the stamps can be customized for you free of charge.  Custom orders will take 7 – 10 working days of production.

A nourishing, smooth, all natural treat for your lips.  These lip balms are made with the moisturizing properties of Cocoa Butter, Virgin Coconut Oil, Honey, Peppermint Oil and Beeswax.

Perfect for healing and softening chapped lips.  Naturally scented with cocoa butter so each time you apply, you will get a hint of chocolate.  And the peppermint is simply refreshing!