Conference moira::parenting

    
    Would you ever consider the powder.  I know how quick and easy the
    liquid is but the powder is cheaper.  When my daughter was using
    formula ('93/'94) Walmart had it for like $8/can (I believe) and they
    were the cheapest place.
    
    Sam's club (Worcester store) sells the big boxes of diapers (Pampers) 
    but I didn't really notice the price cuz they did not have the X-Large.  
    Building 19 (Worcester) sells the boxes of diapers and I do remember 
    them being alot less than other stores (these were for the "store" 
    brand), but once again, they did not stock the X-Large.
    
    

    
    I did use the powder before with my first child, and I didn't like
    it and switched to concentrate.  I seemed to spill it, and it would
    get lumpy, and it was alot more work.  The price difference between
    powder/concentrate was pennies a bottle, so I switched to concentrate.
    
    I am looking for large diapers for my 2 year old, and small diapers for
    my 8 week old.
    
    Thanks for the information.
    
    rke
    

    I have used Osco and CVS brand diapers, they are the same diaper
    (wouldn't be suprised if they where made by the same manufacturer.) If
    you wait for sales you can pay 4.99 a pack at CVS and 5.49 at Osco. I
    like the ultra thin type. If I have a .75 off coupon for
    Huggies I wait for those to go on sale for 5.99 and pay only 5.24.
    
    Also CVS brand wipes are a good buy if you wait for a sale, even if
    they are full price they are far lest costly than brand names. 
    
    For formula I've found Wal-Mart to have the better prices. You want to
    get as many coupons as possible. Join those foolish "baby club" things,
    it's worth the mail, because they usually unclude $1 coupons. For about
    4 months I paid next to nothing for any formula I needed. 

    I, too, save those coupons!  Each week Purity Supreme puts out their
    flyers with coupon triplers in them.  With a .75 saving coupon,
    tripled...you do the math :-)   This past week was great as they
    had Pampers on sale for $6.48, with my coupon, tripler, etc...  I
    made out well on a couple of packages.
    
    I get kind of picky with diapers as I've found a lot of the "less
    than name brands" don't have the absorbant material going up through
    the waist and tabs.  That is, the area where the tabs cross over the
    diaper is just the tape or covering.   Angeline kept leaking through
    that area.  I like the diapers that have the absorbancy right out 
    through the "wings".   Other than Pampers and Huggies, the Bradlees
    store brand is the only other ones I've been satisfied with.  They
    are reasonably priced also.
    
    							cj *->

    Walmart has a brand called Dry Bottoms which isn't too bad. Walmart 
    also regularly has Luvs for $5.88. Toy'r Us brand isn't too bad either.
    I think they are $4.99. As stated earlier the best buy is when the
    diapers are on sale and you can use a triple coupon.
    
    For formula I go to Sam's or BJ's and get the 2.5 lb can of Enfamil for 
    $19.99.
    
    Another trick I have learned is to call the 1-800 on the diaper,
    formula, and baby food packages. Tell them you are a new parent and
    would like some literature and coupons for their product. You'll get
    lot's of coupons that way. Beech Nut has an excellent customer service
    center. They are very courtious and knowledgable. They also told me to 
    call back anytime for more coupons.
    
                                       Alice

    I've been through the sames searches myself ... I found that WalMart in
    Hudson was the cheapest with the canned formula ($3.04, versus up to
    $3.69/can at other stores).  They limit you to 12 cans per visit .. but
    who's to say if you put your 12 cans in the car and then go back in and
    get another 12 cans ... or send the hubby to another register with his
    supply.  (Call ahead, I think the truck comes in on Tuesday, and
    they're often out by Friday.)  We also by the big boxes of diapers at SAMS 
    and BJs ... I actually prefer buying in larger quantities, it just means 
    that many less trips for me to the store.
    
    Just a word of caution ... be careful when you stock up with large
    quantities ... the kiddies grow fast.  We use to buy the formula 12 or
    24 cans at a time, and had at least 8 cans still sitting in the
    cupboard when the doctor told us that we could switch to milk. 
    Fortunately WalMart took them back.
    
    Same with diapers ... we'd buy the JUMBO boxes (120) at BJs ... and all
    of a sudden our little "ankle biter" would have a growth spurt, and
    they would barely fit.  She'd be wearing bikini diapers for the last
    week or so, until we were able to use up the box.  
    
    just something to think about.

    Re .6 about leftover formula....
    
    My kids were pretty colicky as infants, so they went on soy formula. 
    When it was OK to switch them to cow's milk, I used up the remaining
    formula by mixing it with the milk.  They made the transition easier
    and I got the good out of the formula.  Just something to think about.
    
    Ah, diapers....I got so I bought the store brand for everyday, and the
    "name" brand, in the next size up, for overnights.  This gave me the
    best combination of protection and savings.  Also, it's worth investing
    in a waterproof mattress pad or two.  They are about $20 for a twin
    size bed, but often will be on sale at places like Bradlees, Bed &
    Bath, or Sears for anywhere from $9.99-$14.99.  
    
    Speaking of diapers, I have a package of Size Jumbo Huggies Pullups
    for Her.  Can't remember what I paid for 'em, willing to sell for
    ultra-cheap or donate to charity, can't return them to the store
    because price tag is missing!

    Shop 'N Save carries Zoolovables, (I THINK that's the brand!) which are
    ultra-cheap.  It's a smaller package - for the Large, it's 20 diapers,
    but they're also between $3.00-4.00/bag.  I use them for the daycare,
    and then use Huggies for nighttime.  I hate changing sheets, too much
    to deal with cheap diapers at night.
    
    Along the same lines .... Wash-a-bye Baby, baby wipes have changed
    dramatically.  I prefer the old style ones BECAUSE they're thin and you
    get a lot (and most diapers are just wet, so I don't need a thick wipe
    to clean up).  Does anyone know of another brand (or store brand)
    that's similar ?  I have some from Osco, and they don't tear apart, and
    are making me a little nutty ... (-;  I want the old wipes back!  OR if
    you know of a place that still has any of the old ones in stock, I'd
    gladly go buy a few cases (-;  The new ones have a bunch of woodland
    creatures on the label.  The old style had a baby.  They're both yellow
    tubs.
    
    Thanks!
    patty
    
    

    Patty,  I don't have a suggestion on where and what wipes to get but a 
    suggestion on how to make them last longer.  I use wipes from the
    plastic boxes (or the refills).  When using a wipe we rip it into
    pieces before using and just use each little square as needed. Each
    wipe then ends up being in 6-8 pieces.  For a pee diaper we probably 
    only use 1/4 or 1/3 or a wipe and then put the rest back in the box.  
    For a BM it depends but the whole job is seldom more than 1 wipe. We 
    find this system makes it more like using toilet paper; we don't use 
    much so it is more economical and environmentally friendly
    
    About the diapers, I've tried all brands trying to save money but now
    only use Pampers and Huggies.  There were just too many leaks with
    the others.  I get coupons in the mail regularly from both of those 
    products and hold on to them until PUrity or Stop & Shop put them on
    sale and then I can triple them.  I think I"m on the mailing list for
    Pampers and Huggies dating back to putting my name on a list or two
    when Alex was born. 
    
    Kathy

    
    We use baby washclothes to clean the diaper area at changings;
    only use wipes for bowel movements.  We use a box of wipes 
    every 4-6 weeks or so; no real need to hunt out big bargains
    on wipes.
    
    I agree on not bothering with store brand diapers; not worth
    the aggravation.  Drypers are about the only brand that I'll
    buy (and then send them to daycare!).   Pampers and Luvs get
    my vote.  I can stand the new tapes on Huggies; they rip off
    1/2 the time!
    
    Carol

A friend of mine makes her own wipes and here is the recipe:

1 large canister of baby wipes (empty)
1 roll of bounty paper towels (big roll and super absorbent)
1 cup boiled water
1 tsp of baby oil
1 tsp of baby bath or baby soap

Remove the inner cardboard tube and cut the roll of paper towels
in half.  Mix the ingredientes in the canister and put one of the
paper towel halves into the mixture.

  --Cida

re -1:

I have made my own wipes using a recipe much like the
previous note since Jonathan (now 3) was born.
I keep a plastic bottle with half baby oil/half baby bath
ready mixed and handy to use when we need a refill.

I cut the paper roll in two so I get two smaller rolls,
pull out the inner tube. I put the paper roll in the container
first and then pour over the water/soap/oil mix. (~ 1 1/2 cups
water a few tablespoons of soap mix -  after this many times I
dont actually measure anymore). 

Since Jonathan has always been interested in helping out
in the kitchen he also knows how to "cook wipes". I mix and he
pours the soapy water over the paper. Thers's nothing  like
team work in the kitchen!
 
/Malin

    Instead of baby wipes when at home (or at our family based daycare) we
    use handiwipes (cut one sheet in four pieces) with fresh water and a
    dab of baking soda.  We started doing this after Aaron had a nasty
    yeast infection (instead of wipes), he was around 4 weeks old.  He's
    six months now and hasn't had a diaper rash since that time.  When we
    go out we mix some baking soda with water, soak an appropriate amount
    of handiwipes in it, squeeze most of the water out and take them along
    in a zipper bag (with an extra one for used wipes). 
    
    sandy

    I'm really surprised at the amount of people who seem to have had
    problems with store brand diapers. I've used CVS & Osco brand and have
    never had a problem with leaks. When blowouts used to occur it would
    have blown out any diaper (and I did have a mix of Huggies at the
    time). But they certainly handle the load otherwise. 

    I wouldn't discourage new parents from trying some store brands, you
    can save a considerable amount of money.
    
    Gail

    RE: Previous - What is a blowout??
    
    

    if you have had one you know what it is.  They happen when the child
    expells his/her intestinal contents with enough force and volume to
    shoot out the sides of the diaper and onto everything in a two foot
    circle.
    
    bleah
    
    meg

    I was changing Aaron's diaper when he did this to me.  Fortunately I
    was wearing my husbands sweats at the time, so I didn't ruin anything
    of mine!  Of course this was when Aaron was breastfed only and it
    didn't stink...

    
    I have never found a problem with store brand diapers - in fact I found
    that the ultra huggies did all the leaking.  Although Pampers are a
    good brand - but for 1/2 the price you can buy the store brands which
    are just as compatible.
    
    Ya, there is nothing like an explosion - all of a sudden your seeing
    the "stuff" oozing down your child's legs and on to the floor.

	My son is the blowout king.  This past vacation, I dubbed him
	"Sir Poopalot".  I have not found any particular diaper brand
	to be better or worse at controlling blowouts, so I go by the
	brands that control wetness the best.

	I typically buy Luvs at Walmart for $5.88.  I also found them
	at Shop-n-save for the same price.  When I'm not near a Walmart,
	I buy Drypers, which are $4.99 at Stop & Shop.  Drypers (formerly
	Cozies) used to include coupons for $0.75 in every bag, but I
	don't think they do that anymore.  There are fewer diapers per
	bag, too, but they still cost less per diaper.

	I found that CVS brand were ok when the fit was perfect, but
	as my kids grew, if I tried to "finish off a package", I always
	had leaks.

	I never had success with the Stop and Shop store brand, and since
	the Luvs and Drypers can be had for a low price, I tend to rely
	on those.

	Carol, I hate the new tabs on the Huggies, too!  I also found that
	the new Pampers style doesn't give the side coverage that the old
	Pampers used to.

	Karen

    I guess I should consider myself lucky.  Alyssa never hada blowout.
    At what age are they most likely to occur?
    
    

    Blowouts normally occur at two times in particular;
    
    When you're late, rushing out the door, set to go, and they're wearing
    their last clean outfit
    
    and
    
    In the midst of a family gathering or special occassion (Christmas Mass
    comes to mind...) when you simply CAN'T deal with it.
    
    Maybe you just stay home too much, and she hasn't had the "oppurtunity"
    to surprise you! (-;  
    
    Seriously though .... they can happen any time, any age.... but seems
    to be more frequent when they're "experimenting" with adult food. 
    ~9-18 mos ??
    
    

    Lisa hasn't had a blowout in months, she had several early on 2-3 month
    range, the real wet "grey poopon" stuff. (spelling is correct 8^) )
    
    Gail

    Aaron got me pretty early, around 1 or 2 months.  He had diaper
    blowouts around 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 months, no things are becoming more and
    more solid.
    
    sandy

	For Andrew, they started at birth.  I'll let you know when
	they stop, if you really want to know ;-)

	(We average one a week.)

    What an interesting topic..
    
    As I was reading this yesterday, I thougth to myself, Nicholas has not
    had a "blow-out" since last christmas. When he got himself, me and
    daddy :-(
    
    Then, I recieved a call from Daycare...he has some type of Virus, and
    had 3 blowouts! I had to go and get him...he had no clean clothes left
    in his bag :-(
    
    So, next time I think somthing, I will not say it out loud -)
    
    As for diaper quality...
    
    I tend to use what ever is on sale. I was using the Pampers for
    night-time so I wouldn't have any accidents, but now we are in the
    x-tra large, and I don't really notice a difference.  and, they change
    him soo much at daycare, I don't mind saving a few pennies on the
    diapers. 
    
    Anne Marie

    Ames has great diapers , in my opinion, they are $4.99 for 32 I
    think...they even have balloons with smiley faces that disappear when
    your child wets the diaper....I foget the name , they are not Ames but
    only Ames carries them that I know of.....Mary

    
    Hahahahahah!!!  These stories about the blow-outs are just
    too funny!!!  *8^)
    
    Patrick had a major blow-out with Auntie Leigh-Ann. *8^)
    (mom was off shopping)
    
    Anyways, to hear her tell the story is something else.
    
    She was holding him on her lap (he was a little fussy) and 
    she said all of a sudden she felt something "warm".  She 
    held him up and the two of them were covered!  It was
    all over her lap and running down Patrick's legs.  She
    freaked, didn't know what to do, so she stipped him nekkid
    and held him under the shower head.  All the while Patrick
    is squeeling because he felt so much better.  *8^)

    Thank goodness Aaron finally enjoys taking a bath.  There was
    one Sunday that I gave him his bath, took him downstairs, put his
    diaper on, got him dressed and turned him over to his dad while I did
    something.  Within half an hour he had a major blowout and ended up in
    the bathtub again!  Steve got to have fun playing clean the baby while
    he splashes water in your face, his face, down your shirt...
    
    (we generally make giving him a bath a team effort!)
    
    sandy

    	CVS  diapers all the way!! RAH RAH RAH! Walmart wipes, or Suave
    from Spag's. I think Pampers are terrible. I have a little boy 18
    months old....they don't soak up to the back, collect all in the front
    and then leak. CVS work great.
    					katy