March 2014
Cloth Diapering 101: The Truth Behind The Fluff News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools Doctor’s Orders
Kansas City
Wichita Proud to serve both. How far would you travel to make sure your child gets the best care? Luckily, Children’s Mercy Kansas City is right around the corner, so the only road you’ll be hitting is the road to recovery. Located right here in Wichita, with the full support of 600 pediatric specialists, we’re bringing world-class care closer to home.
So the next time you consider a pediatric specialist, consider the pediatric specialists of Children’s Mercy Kansas City. 3243 E. Murdock, Suite 201 ChildrensMercy.org/Wichita
Inside this issue...
March 2013
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Cloth Diapers: 101 The truth behind the fluff.
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Doctor’s Orders
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News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
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Product Picks: Baby
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a note from the editor...
Published by For the Families, LLC 316.295.8465 Publishers Eric and Christy Clark Vice President of Sales & Marketing Cari Fischer cari@wichitafamily.com Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by For the Families, LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, visit www.wichitafamily.com. Mailing address: P.O. Box 817 Wichita, Kansas 67201 How to reach us: Phone: 316.295.8465 Email: publisher@wichitafamily.com Copyright 2009 by For the Families, LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of For the Families, LLC.
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pring is here! Some days, anyway. Being able to walk the dog without having to bundle up like the Stay Puffed Marshmallow man has been a dream! For me, and the dog. This issue has been a fun one. Having a baby in the house again has brought forth a whole new bunch of goodies and toys. I have compiled my favorite baby items and shared them on page 12. It’s been over 8 years since my last child was born and SO much has changed. Speaking of babies, I have learned so much as a cloth diapering mom. After hearing how hard it was from so many people, I decided to tell my story on page 6. This past year has been a tough one financially, and choosing to use cloth has saved us so much. If you’re looking to get out with the family, Tanganyika is BACK OPEN! Matt and his team are excited to welcome their Wichita visitors, and have an exciting year planned. Once in a while, I feel the need to give a “shout-out” to a local business who has gone above and beyond. Several times per week, I stop into Spangles on North Maize Rd for a large iced tea. Every person who works at this location is always wearing a smile, and they all treat me like I’m their favorite customer. Even when I’m in a bad mood, these people turn it around. Thanks so much for your positive attitude! Please, stop by and tell them hello. Once again, thank you to all of my readers. It’s a pleasure to write for you.
Cover photo courtesy of Kushies
Cari Fischer Editor-in-Chief
Cloth Diapering: 101 6 wfm
The Truth Behind the Fluff
by: Cari Fischer
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loth diapering has become the trendy “thing” among hip parents these days. Hip? Ok, this isn’t the 70’s, and these aren’t your mama’s cloth diapers.
take up to 500 years to decompose, and one baby in disposable diapers will contribute at least 1 ton of waste to your local landfill. If you’re into recycling, cloth diapers are probably for you.
So much has changed in the way of what we call “fluff,” that anyone would find it easy to add cloth to their daily routine. It will be impossible for me to list everything there is to know in this small article, but I will highlight my favorites.
IS IT EXPENSIVE?
There are many different types of cloth diapers. From pre folds and plastic covers, pockets, all-in-one’s and all-intwo’s, there is a diaper for “everybooty.” HOW? Many cities have diaper boutiques that not only carry many varieties of diapers, but also offer classes that teach the in’s and out’s of using cloth. In Wichita, many mom’s and dad’s visit Jill at Sweet Cheeks for her Diapering: 101 classes. Not only can you learn what all is available, but she’ll even show you how to use them. WHY? Everyone has their own reason for going cloth. For me, it was originally for health. My second born was allergic to disposable diapers, therefore, I began my fluff journey. Over the years, the diapers have changed and have never been easier to use. For some, cloth diapering is another way to protect our environment. Based on a report from the Women’s Environmental Network, The Real Diaper Association reports: Disposable diapers are the third most common consumer product in landfills today. A disposable diaper may
Some may see the initial cost of a cloth diaper and think so. If you look at the big picture, however, cloth diapering can save a family thousands. According to a recent report about Disposable Diapers from Consumer Reports, “You can expect to spend $1,500 to $2,000 or more on disposables by the time your baby is out of them.” Depending on the diapering system you choose, you can save even more. My family loves pre fold cloth diapers with a waterproof cover. The covers cost anywhere from $10 to $15 per diaper, and you can get a pack of organic cotton pre folds for about $20. An all-in-one diaper, which some may argue are the easiest to use, can run anywhere from $20 to $40 per diaper. Keep in mind, these diapers will fit your child from birth to potty training. HOW EASY IS IT? . . . Really . . . Easier than you may think. Cloth diapers take the same amount of time to put on as a disposable. Clean-up may take a bit longer. To make clean-up easier, my family installed a kitchen sprayer to our toilet! A quick spray, flush and then toss into the diaper pail and that’s it. At the end of the day, empty the pail into the washing machine, start her up, and you’re done! Spend some time researching different detergents that make the job even
easier. For the dryer, I LOVE LooHoo dryer balls. They fluff the fluff better than anything I’ve tried, and leave them soft and smelling fresh. Consider using a different diaper rash ointment if you’re going to use cloth diapers as well. Some actually cause the diapers to be less absorbent. At our house, we use disposable diapers at night. I wanted to find a diaper that would still protect the environment so I browsed the web and found several green options.
LooHoo Dryer Balls
I DON’T THINK IT’S FOR ME. Cloth diapering may not be for everyone, but if you’d like to give it a try, visit your local boutique, or visit a few online websites. Be careful, there is almost too much information out there, and it can get a bit overwhelming. Here are a few that I frequent:
Environmentally safe diapers like these from BabyGanics are a great alternative to typical disposable diapers.
www.cottonbabies.com www.diaperpin.com www.youtube.com (There are many tutorials that really taught me a lot about folding) I found that trial and error worked best for us. Some fit my son, and some didn’t. There is something out there for every life style. Speaking of style, you may get addicted! There are so many different prints and style’s that diaper shopping may actually become something you look forward to!
The baby line from SallyAnder is an amazing choice for both cloth diaper safe laundry soap, as well as rash ointment.
Kushies brand diapers have several options for the “new to fluff” family. www. kushies.com
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JOIN TODAY!
DO SOMETHING FOR YOU
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Doctor’s Orders by: Dr. Brett Begnoche Did you know that the number one disease cited by the CDC among children is dental caries? Yes you may be thinking it's just a cavity and it's easily fixed or maybe you might be thinking children have "baby teeth" and will be shed when the permanent teeth come in. But consider this, early childhood caries can create a multitude of issues that are not only detrimental to their health but way of life as well. Children miss school for dental appointments and have trouble focusing with chronic toothaches. Early loss of teeth can create spacing issues in permanent teeth later. A lot of times, the treatment can be costly especially if a hospitalization is involved. So please help your child develop good eating habits and supervise their home care. They will thank you later.
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Success begins at an early age Call for a free consultation about your child’s development. Sedgwick County: 316.945.7117 • Butler County: 316.320.1342
Early Intervention Services
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News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools Curtis named National Title I Distinguished School
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urtis Middle School was recognized as a National Title I Distinguished School by the National Title I Association. Curtis was one of two schools in Kansas
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Curtis will hang a banner celebrating their accomplishment. The banner has the name of every student and staff in the background. From left, BOE member Barb Fuller, students Tyler Huynh, Daelin Reed, Cristina Silva and Alexis Luethje, principal Stephanie Wasko and Assistant Superintendent Bill Faflick.
to receive the national honor. Curtis received the award based on outstanding performance in closing the achievement gap based on state assessment scores for the past four years. The school made a surprise announcement to students and parents during an all-school assembly. Student ambassadors helped unveil a flag and a banner with the names of students
and staff that will be displayed outside the school to celebrate the school’s accomplishments. Parents receive bumper stickers to showcase their school’s accomplishments. “Our students need the recognition,” said principal Stephanie Wasko. “We wanted our students to know we got the award not because they liked us,
but based on our test scores.” “Curtis’ teachers and staff have worked really hard these past four years,” she said. “I’m so proud of them. This honor is all about them.”
OK Elementary students packed thousands of bags of food to feed families in Vietnam.
OK students pack meals for families in Vietnam
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tudents at OK Elementary spent a Saturday at school to help feed families in Vietnam. Students in grades 3 – 5, along with their parents and siblings and members of Faith Community Church, worked with Numana to make meals for the malnourished. The volunteers filled 20,000 bags of food in three hours. Principal Stacie Ricker said the event helped teach the students a lesson in compassion, and the students enjoyed being able to help others.
Chisholm Trail students take trip inside the human body
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tudents at Chisholm Trail Elementary received lessons in good nutrition and health by taking an inside tour of the human body. The Body Venture, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Education, gives students the chance to explore a walkthrough exhibit representing the human body. Students’ tours began with a lesson about the food pyramid and the importance of eating healthy foods. The students moved into the brain, the mouth and through the digestive system
A Chisholm Trail Elementary student looks at a model of a human brain during a tour of the human body.
to learn about those parts of the body. The students learned about how foods’ nutrients are used by the heart, lungs, bones, muscles and skin and why it’s better to eat healthy foods than sugary snacks.
The students also learned about other ways to keep themselves healthy and safe, like brushing and flossing their teeth, wearing bike helmets and getting exercise.
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Ciao Baby Portable High Chair
PRODUCT PICKS If you’re expecting this year, we have the latest musthave baby products for your registry.
MAM Anti-Colic Bottle MAM’s unmatched quality is not in bottle form! The base ventilation system helps keep air out of baby’s tummy and the soft silicone nipple makes transitioning from breast to bottle even easier. (toysrus.com $6.99)
Restaurant high chairs are great, but they aren’t perfect. This portable high chair is the perfect solution for the family on the go. With a plastic covered tray, built in cup holder, and metal safety latches, every little one would be comfortable during dinner or snack time. (diapers.com $62.99)
Prince Lionheart 3-in-1 Potty If you’re an apartment dwelling family like we are, this is a perfect potty solution. The 3-in-1 is a potty, step stool, and toilet adapter in one! Save space, and time with this product that grows with your child. (princelionheart.com $35)
Levana Ovia Baby Video Monitor
If you’re looking for the best, look no further. This amazing baby monitor helps you keep an eye on your baby day, or night! Not only can you watch in real time, but this monitor also has an SD slot for recording those sweet moments. (toysrus.com $299.99)
Sanus TV Wall Mounts
Bringing baby home means baby proofing your home. Every 30 minutes in the US a child is injured by a falling television. Keep your little one safe with Sanus mounts. They are not only stylish, but easy to install and truly the best. (sanus.com)
bebePOD Flex Plus by Prince Lionheart
This adorable soft floor chair is the perfect first chair for baby. The best part is that it grows with your child and can be safely buckled to a kitchen chair for continued use as a booster seat! (target.com $49.99)
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Tiggly Shapes
Perfect for helping your toddler with spatial reasoning, motor skills and language, this rubberized toy is the newest in innovative technology! For ages 18 months to 4 years. Durable enough for toddler play, yet gentle enough for iPad screens. (tiggly.com $29.95)
Rowdy Sprout Tee’s
Our favorite band t-shirts are now available for our favorite little groupies. From The Who, to Johnny Cash, there is a little stylish something for everyone! (rowdysprout.com $38)
Prince Lionheart Wheely Hedgehog
Quality really stands out in this amazing compact ride-on toy. The durable caster wheels roll beautifully, even on carpet! Rideon’s can take up a lot of space, but this small, and cushy toy is the perfect choice for families with little room. (rightstart.com $85)
Inchbug Orbit Labels
No more fiddling with stickers, or permanent markers to label your bottles and sippy cups. This stretchable label band wraps your little beverage with a personalized label that’s even dishwasher safe! (inchbug.com $12.95/4 pack)
Googaro Subscription Box
If you love discovering new and exciting products for your baby or toddler, than you’ll love googaro. Simply subscribe on their website and every month, you’ll receive a box with new, fun baby products! It’s like Christmas every month. (googaro.com $35/month)
Pediped Originals
Simply the worlds greatest crib shoe! The quality can’t be beat. With many styles to choose from, any infant will be comfortable, and stylish. These shoes even held up through learning to crawl. They are also so easy to get on, and they stay on. (pediped.com $35)
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BREASTFEEDING: FOR THE WORKING MOM Local Program Provides Technical Assistance to Employers
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reastfeeding provides the perfect nutrition for infants during the first year of life and is an important building block for developing a healthy immune system and gastrointestinal tract. Babies who are not breastfed, or who are breastfed for shorter periods of time, are exposed to higher disease risks as infants, children, and adults. Breastfeeding also has many benefits for the mother, such as lowering her risk of diabetes, heart disease, and breast cancer, among other health issues.
one-third of infants are exclusively breastfeeding at three months of age, and almost 80 percent of infants in the United States stop breastfeeding before the recommended minimum of one year. Mother-child separation that occurs with returning to work presents serious challenges to meeting breastfeeding goals when employers do not provide a supportive environment.
Worksites are required to provide breastfeeding accommodations for mothers as a part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This includes time to The American Academy of regularly express milk in a clean, Pediatricians recommends private space. The United States exclusive breastfeeding for six Lactation Consultant Association month—with no supplemental discussed the importance of foods and liquids—and worksite lactation policies in a continuing supplemental recent report to help reduce the breastfeeding for the first year incidence and severity of acute of life and beyond. However, a and chronic diseases for both report at the 25th anniversary of mother and child. This in turn, will the Surgeon General’s Workshop decrease employee absenteeism on Breastfeeding and Human and contain health care costs Lactation revealed that less than for employers. Other benefits
to employers include increased Department Worksite Wellness productivity and a family-friendly Health Educator will be awarded image in the community. a small refrigerator, rocking chair, commercial grade breast pump, The Sedgwick County Health and four pump kits. Additional Department accepts applications pump kits will be provided from worksites that are yearly based on availability. The interested in creating a lactation/ worksite assumes responsibility breastfeeding room to encourage of breast pump repair and any new mothers to continue additional pump kits needed. breastfeeding after returning to work. Technical assistance If you would like more is provided to worksites on information about this program developing a comprehensive or need technical assistance lactation policy. In order to be in developing a breastfeeding/ eligible, the facility must have lactation policy, please contact an on-site private room with a Shelley Rich at srich@sedgwick. door that locks. The policy must gov or 316-660-7387. ensure that the private room is not a bathroom, employees have flexible work breaks throughout the day, and includes information for manager and supervisor support. In order to provide continued support of the lactation policy, a worksite that submits an eligible policy and Request for Proposal to the Sedgwick County Health wfm 15
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