Bio-Baba

2011-09-09T13:04:00.000+02:00

Child autism and the electromagnetic radiation link

2011-07-14T13:04:00.001+02:00

Are our cellphones & wireless devices increasing autism in children?

A few years ago, when the vaccination - autism link was a big point of discussion, I really wanted to find out more...

The National Autistic Society in the UK estimates that there are approx. 518 000 people with a condition somewhere along the autistic spectrum; this translates into 1 in 100 people in Britain with a disease which was, before 1940 virtually unheard of.
http://www.wddty.com/assault-on-a-generation.html

Vaccinations seemed to be a convenient scape-goat due to some of the heavy metal content in some vaccines, but much testing has revealed that this can not be the ONLY part of the picture. I mean we all had the mercury laden vaccinations and lead fillings in our teeth and didn’t all develop autistic type behaviour! So, what has changed?

One thing is clear; things are very different from when we were children as far as chemical toxicity is concerned…Today’s baby is exposed to exposed live or killed ‘weakened’ pathogens virtually as soon as they are born. Each vaccine is a complex brew of chemicals: thimerosal, derived from mercury; formalin, a dilution of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen; aluminium sulphate, a toxic heavy metal; phenol, a disinfectant; ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in antifreeze; benzethonium chloride, an antiseptic; and methylparaben, a preservative and antifungal which help preserve, purify and stabilise and nudge the jabs into working harder. If you adhere to the complete vaccination schedule, you will be vaccinating your child up to 30 times before his/her fifth birthday; a good number of these before they are two months old…not to mention all the terrible new chemicals that surround us in our modern homes, air, water, food and indeed, in virtually every product we use in our modern lives.
The link between cell phone and electromagnetic radiation and autism...

With all the chemicals and harmful toxins in our environment, the young foetus/babies’ immune system is required to work overtime to expel these toxins in order to avoid cell and neurological damage. This is obviously not happening and researchers are now turning to cell phones and other electromagnetic radiation for answers. Research by Tamara Mariea, CCN and George Carlo, M.D has indicated a correlation and higher risk for autism and other behaviours and attention deficit disorders with the rise in use of cell phones and wireless computers.

The basic premise of the research is that cell electromagnetic radiation radically (EMR) reduces the body’s ability to emit toxins through the cell walls with a resultant toxic overload. This risk is especially heightened in small babies bombarded with vaccinations and surrounded by a myriad of other noxious chemicals.

In testing their theory, Mariea and Carlo took a boy with severe autism whose parents had for 7 years tried a variety of treatments, including chelation therapy. (using chelating agents to remove heavy metals from the body) They formulated a radical intervention programme designed to remove as many pollutants from the boys environment as possible as well as removed all mobiles, wireless devices and shielded all electrical equipment.

"As the boy was exposed to the EM-free environments, his hair and stool analysis began to show heavy metals being excreted from his body. His autistic condition was also considerably improved: from having only been able to utter the words 'yes and 'no', he now began to speak. "the noise has gone from my head", he said to his parents."
(WDDTY vol 18 no9 pg.8)

I find this research fascinating, especially since it is such an under-discussed topic in relation to pregnancy and babies.
How often do you see pregnant mums with their cellphones in their back pocket or strapped into the baby wrap? How often do we use wireless laptops on top of our 'bumps'? Do you sleep with your cellphone in your room next to your bed as an 'alarm clock'? Does your child's room have electronic devices in? Do you have a wireless telephone at home?

Having run Bio-Baba for the last 7 years and met thousands of pregnant women and new mums, I have realised that they all have one thing in common...the quest for information about how best to raise their children. I believe that by giving mums information on the waste caused by disposable nappies; the chemicals they contain and how much it will cost their family empowers them to make an informed decision. It is not necessarily 'the norm' to use a cloth nappy in South Africa or to question the effect of electromagnetic radiation on our unborn children and babies/kids, but it doesn't mean that it is not important; by asking questions and not just 'going with the flow' I believe we will all be in a greater position to make better choices for future generations.
Keep warm - remember babies love having a nice toasty cloth nappy put on when it is cold...put one face down on a heater for 5mins whilst they are in their bath!
Until next time...
Kind regards
Vicki Penfold

Potty training advice

2011-05-17T14:48:00.001+02:00

Getting the timing right
As with most things, timing is everything! My first son Hugo was 2½years old at the height of summer – so potty training was incredibly simple as we spent a lot of time outdoors/on the beach and it was easy to get him to “go” as he generally didn’t have a nappy on, or was wearing a Bio-Baba cloth nappy/diaper. However, with son number two, Todd, 2½years old, time for potty training came slap bang in the middle of winter, meaning that he was wrapped up for a Cape Town with snow on the mountains. No matter how much I tried, he was not going to sit on the cold toilet seat/potty – can’t say I blame him! The point here is that the key to potty-training success is starting only when your son is truly able to do so.

Some children can start as young as 1½ years; others don’t seem interested until they are over 4years! Since boys have to learn to point their equipment rather than sit, they often train slightly slower than girls, so don’t worry if you had a girl who trained a bit earlier; also second children often train earlier – although, this wasn’t the case for me. The bottom line is that the child will only train when ready – trying to force the issue (by insisting for example, that he sit on a freezing cold “loo” seat in the middle of winter!) – is not going to get you to nappy free days any faster. By the same extent, if there has been any change to routine such as the arrival of a new sibling or starting a new school, the advent of a potty training schedule might be too much. Wait until your son is in a good routine and then go for it!

Check out how others do it!
All toddlers learn by imitation so watching Dad or an older brother getting it right is a natural first step. (Here’s hoping that they also lift the seat!) Being naturally curious, your son will probably notice that Mums sit on the loo, whilst boys stand…which is a good time to point out some physical differences between boys and girls.

Getting the right training equipment
Living in South Africa and having such wonderful weather most of the year I think makes a potty less necessary than in cooler countries as toddlers are more likely to “go” in the garden than have to go inside to use a potty the whole time. Most experts do advise buying a potty so that your son can claim some kind of ownership over it and feel less intimidated than having to use a big toilet straight away (which can be scary, especially if they fear falling into it!). There are quite cool training seats which can fit on top of a regular toilet. If you opt for this, make sure you get a little stool for them to be able to stand on and point at the porcelain otherwise you might have quite a wet floor. At my son’s playschool they have a great little ladder which makes it look most inviting to go to the toilet – keep it fun. A Mum I know even put some ‘Flings’ in the loo for her son to use as target practice! I didn’t try this myself as, knowing Todd, he would have fished them out afterwards!

There are also some great books that feature toddlers using the potty, along with their little stuffed toys (who all need to go too!). In the beginning stages I found it useful to read books like this and then go and find Todd’s potty and ‘play’ going to the toilet (along with various furry friends). As the game progressed over several days, we eventually got some action and much celebration, “How clevers” etc. Much cheering, of course, from the stuffed toys!

Using some hype
Since the advent of the disposable nappy, the average age of potty training has risen dramatically as children are kept permanently dry and can no longer learn to associate wee-ing with being wet.

Since Bio-Baba nappies make fantastic training pants, I strongly advise using something like this to bridge the gap between being in nappies full time and in underpants. If your child has been wearing disposables prior to potty training, it would be a very good investment to buy at least 5 Bio-Baba nappies (with extra hemp inserts) to use as night nappies or at those times when you may not be so positive about your son’s timings e.g. “doing” a “large number” whilst in the car or at a restaurant. You really do want to avoid having to get cross because he has ‘had an accident’ and since Bio-Baba nappies look so cool with their bright colours, you can create some hype around wearing ‘big boy’ nappies and/or undies.

If your child has been wearing Bio-Babas from ‘tiny to tot’, they should be training, on average, about 6 months before their peers in disposable nappies.

Co-ordinating routine
There is absolutely no point in trying to potty train your son if you do not co-ordinate your routine with all of his caregivers. If he is in daycare or is looked after by a caregiver or granny, then everyone needs to be on the same page, ie. taking him to the toilet and doing and saying the same things as you. If relatives do not have a potty – then make sure he can take his own if staying there for extended periods of time.

Watching for signs
Teaching everyone involved to watch for the “signs” is also a good step towards successful potty training. The most obvious signs are when your son is clutching himself or hopping up and down in one place; you can also make sure that he goes before and after going in the car (just like Mum or Dad), also after he has had something to drink. Consistency is also key, and the more time your child spends out of nappies the better…positively reinforce all the successful toilet trips and avoid scolding for any accidents; this is more likely to keep him in nappies, rather than get him out of them!

Rewards & fun
I have mentioned my friend who put “Flings” in the toilet for target practice…whilst this may not have worked for me – the idea behind it was good – FUN! A little girl at Todd’s school sits for AGES on the toilet whilst reading a book – so if you have a little bookworm, putting some of his favourite stories to read whilst having a go is a good idea. You can also try rewarding your toddler with the good old sticker chart for whenever he goes successfully.

Night time
Only attempt this once your child has successfully potty trained during the day as night training is quite tricky since your boy will have to ‘hold it in’ the whole night. It is a really good idea to buy a good mattress protector since this will take away some of the stress of leaving your child without a nappy for the whole night.

Many of my clients have children who are successfully potty trained during the day, but then stay in disposable ‘Night Nappies’ for years afterwards since the older child realizes that they can wee in a night nappy, no problem. This is why it is important to try something like a Bio-Baba first for potty training so that the child actually realizes that he is wet. You can then also try nappy free nights if you check the Bio-Baba in the morning and see that it is dry for several nights in a row.

You can also help by limiting the amount he drinks after 5pm as well as making him go for a quick wee if he wakes in the night. I also find that Todd will often wake with a dry nappy, but will wee very shortly after waking up. So, if you hear your toddler stirring in the morning – be quick to jump up and get them on the loo as fast as possible. (We all love to jump out of bed early don’t we?! This is where Dads can help!).

Passing on the nappies
One of the great things about using cloth nappies like Bio-Babas is that you can pass them on. You can make your son feel really proud that he is out of nappies and such a ‘big boy’ by making a great gift of his Bio-Babas to a friend with a small baby or by packing them away in a special place for his next brother or sister!

Victoria Penfold
Cape Town
South Africa
Bio-Baba washable nappies/diapers
+27 21 761 8982
Cell: +27 83 60 111 45

Cloth nappy advice!

2011-03-30T11:16:00.003+02:00

Getting started in a cloth nappy routine can be intimidating...we are here to help! The design of Bio-Baba nappies makes using cloth nappies super-easy!

BIO-BABA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Many people know they want to use alternatives to disposables but are put off by the lack of practical information about exactly how to use them: how many they need, how often to wash them, what to do with a nappy bin etc.
I would like to give you a brief overview here; with the rest of the information downloadable from the web. All Bio-Baba nappies come with Swing Tickets with full fitting, washing & care instructions.

HOW MANY DO I NEED?
The short answer is: it depends on how often you wish to use them/how often you would like to wash them!
Starter Pack = 5 One Size Fits All nappies & 5 super absorbent hemp boosters (enough nappies for one day to give you an idea of how they work)
Part Time Pack = = 10 One Size Fits All nappies & 10 super absorbent hemp boosters (enough nappies for a part time routine that also includes disposables; using 5 one day while the others are being washed) Pack includes a free nappy bucket & organic nappy soak…all you need to get started.
Full Time Pack = 15 One Size Fits All nappies & 15 super absorbent hemp boosters (enough nappies for a full time cloth routine; this amount of nappies will alow for washign every second day) Pack includes a free nappy bucket & organic nappy soak…the most cost effective option.
Full Time Pack (Combo) = 15 One Size Fits All nappies & 15 super absorbent hemp boosters & 5 super-durable/novelty nappies. (enough nappies for a full time cloth routine; this amount of nappies will alow for washing every second day) Pack includes a free nappy bucket & organic nappy soak…this option is a great option for those who want some extra nappies whilst baby os potty training and out in the garden/swimming/at the beach as they are bright and fun and can be worn as a garment, rather than just a nappy.

Potty training & Large nappies If you haven’t got into a cloth nappy routine and your baby is approaching the 10kg mark, then you should look into getting a pack of the all-in-one novelty range as these really are cool nappies for older kids. Of course, if you are planning on having more children and want an option that you could use for a newborn. If however, you just have potty training in mind – then these nappies are a good option. Singles; trial packs, starter packs and complete systems available.

Gift Vouchers available = A great option if you have a baby shower coming up…send these out to your friends with your baby shower invite so that you can pool them together to buy a whole lot of Bio-Babas! A very cool gift!
mailto:sales@biobaba.co.za

WHAT DO I DO WITH SOILED NAPPIES
Bio-Baba’s have a handy ‘flip-out flap’ which allows you to hold the nappy whilst you flush the good stuff down the loo. Then put in the nappy bucket to soak as usual.

WHAT DO I USE TO DISINFECT THEM?
Do NOT use Steri-nappy or any other bleach based product…in addition to destroying the special breathable waterproofing, bleach is incredibly bad for the environment, as it kills all bacteria (good & bad) & life in the water system. We recommend using Bio-Baba Nappy Soak (R39)…a really great product that uses the power of essential oils to disinfect the nappies or a few drops on tea tree oil in a lidded bucket. You can also use white vinegar, but this is a bit pongy!

WHAT DO I WASH THEM WITH?
Do not use any products containing bleach, petro-chemically derived soap products or strong detergents to wash your nappies as this will destroy the special waterproofing fabric and radically reduce their life-span. We recommend using an eco-friendly laundry gel or powder. (Eco-soft or Sunlight Baby) as they are mild enough not to irritate babies skin or do serious environmental damage.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO WASH THEM?
We recommend changing your soaking solution at least every 2 days. What this means in practical terms is doing a ‘nappy wash’ Monday, Wednesday & Friday…if you have domestic help on these days – that’s an added bonus!

HOW LONG DO THEY TAKE TO DRY?
Bio-Baba nappies will line-dry on a reasonable drying day…if they are slightly damp or you want to take this chill off them, place them face down (cloth side) on a heated towel rail for 10 mins. Babies love having a nice warm nappy put on! (Nappies should NEVER be put next to an open flame or heater element) Alternatively – Bio-Baba nappies CAN BE TUMBLEDRIED ON LOW! Hooray! Try and avoid doing this too much thoug from a saving energy point of view and to help maintain your nappies.

CAN I USE BIO-BABAS AT NIGHT?
Bio-Baba nappies are EXCELLENT NIGHT NAPPIES. In order to get into a ‘Complete Bio-Baba System’ including using a Bio-Baba’s at night you will need 15 nappies (take aadvantage of the Complete System Specials)... You would then fit the nappy as usual, folding the hemp pad into the ‘famous “V” fold’ AND insert an extra pad into the flip our flap. This will provide the extra absorbency needed to keep baby dry at night.

CAN I USE BIO-BABAS AS A SWIM NAPPY?
Yes! These are great nappies for the beach and by the swimming pool…they do not get all hot and clammy like a disposable and come in such vibrant trendy colours that your baby will be the coolest baba in town! Do remember to remove the Hemp Booster Pad before going in the water though – we don’t want to absorb the whole pool!

BIO-BABA TROUBLESHOOT FITTING
The most common problems associated with a leaking nappy are:

1. The nappy has been fitted too loosely: What I do is a ‘One leg at a time approach’. Place the nappy under the baby’s bum as per the “Fitting instructions” available on the web THEN, pull the elastic of the right leg straight up to 2 ‘o clock and close the right tab. Then, pull the elastic of the left hand side of the nappy straight up to 10 ‘o clock and then close the left tab. It is absolutely vital that there are NO GAPS underneath the legs after the ‘smart-fit’ tabs have been closed. Finally, check that all the flannel has been tucked in and that the edges are straight and comfortably protecting from the Velcro.
2. The nappy has been left on for too long: It is impossible to set a blanket recommendation for changing times as each child is different and poos and wees at different times with varying impressiveness! I really encourage mothers to become aware of their baby’s unique rhythm. That said, babies in the Medium nappies should happily stay dry for between 2-3hours in the day, and a little longer at night. Children in the Large nappies will need to be changed after they wee, (as they are doing much larger wees), and be encouraged to toilet train. The waterproofing on Bio-Baba nappies is NOT PVC which is designed to lock all wetness in, making for a very wet-skinned uncomfortable baby who will wake up and cry. We have used a breathable fabric to ensure that baby is as comfortable as possible and that you know when baby is due for a change (thereby avoiding nappy rashes). Once you get to grips with your baby’s rhythm, you will be able to pre-empt any dampness and change beforehand. Take note of when you put the nappy on.
3. Insertable hemp ‘Booster Pad’ has not been washed enough: The Bio-Baba nappy is designed specifically to wick moisture away from the baby’s skin with the hemp used in the removable ‘Booster Pad’ doing all the hard work of the nappy. If this pad has not been washed several times before use (AT LEAST twice), then it will not be operating at its full absorbency. Remember, the more your wash it, the more absorbent it becomes.

Another tip:

The hemp ‘Booster Pad’ is the backbone of the nappy…use it smartly. Where does your baby get the most wet? Usually boys wet higher up as their ‘equipment’ is higher than girls! Girls tend to wee straight downwards with great force, and boys might aim straight for your eye, so make sure the hose is pointing down when the nappy is fitted. You can give your nappy extra support by folding the ‘Booster Pad’ double in a “V” shape and placing it on-top of the ‘danger zone’ with the “V” protecting leaking at the edge of the nappy along the legs. Again, work with your own baby. If you do fold the pad double, ensure that you do not let it interfere with the fit of the nappy.
Then there is the question of the ‘Child Who Wees for Africa’
It's something you don't notice when a child is in disposables, but you certainly do once they are in real nappies. In my experience, however, most people think their child is a heavy wetter. Personally, I just think we don’t really appreciate the liquid in = liquid out equation while a child is in disposables.
Remember that wet nappies are a GOOD thing, in that they indicate that your child is well. The problem comes when the wetness turns into leaks.
Are they simply drinking too much? If you always provide juice, toddlers will frequently gulp it down and then ask for more, which will have the obvious effect on the bladder. As they approach toilet training they will no longer be doing lots of little wees which are easily absorbed, but will be doing occasional full wees. Any nappy, including a disposable, is going to be hard pushed to absorb these quickly enough if liquid intake is excessive. A good tip is to offer juice only at mealtimes, and to provide water at other times during the day: your child will drink if (s)he is thirsty but not for the sake of it. You will also be cutting down on your child’s sugar intake, which is a good thing, especially if you have a hyper child.
Keep in mind that you are using a cloth nappy that contains no chemicals to absorb urine and turn it into a non-biodegradable gel. You are using high quality fabrics that can be washed over and over. You have chosen to use a great nappy that is eco-friendly and much cheaper than disposable alternatives. Take the time to get the fit right and you won’t look back!

3 Easy ways to shop: Email: sales@biobaba.co.za or Tel: 021 761 8982 or
www.biobaba.co.za

Chemicals in disposables - the things you should know!

2010-01-26T11:36:00.010+02:00

After a year of keeping a horrid little shoe box replete with smatterings of eggs, tiny little caterpillars emerged a few weeks ago. We now had a whole box full of ‘VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLARS!’ You may well ask what this has to do with nappies?! The answer is, that these small little creatures reminded me of how important it is to be conscious of the chemicals we have in our surroundings as they are highly poisonous and potentially fatal; well at least, they were for one unfortunate ‘batch’ of worms.

When the caterpillars first started emerging, my 7 year old had decided that we were going to divide the new wrigglers into boxes…some eating mulberry leaves from the neighbours garden, some eating lettuce leaves from our own garden, and others eating beetroot leaves bought from a local supermarket. Needless to say, the latter did not survive, simply because I had forgotten that most of the stuff (unless organic) we often thoughtlessly buy from our supermarkets are covered with pesticides aimed specifically at killing just the type of little critter we were trying to feed it to! The point is – this was a real wake-up for me, as it reiterated how easy it is to forget that much of our ‘modern world’ is full of deadly chemicals, nappies included!

Ok – so what chemicals are we talking about?
No. 1 is DIOXIN – this is a highly toxic by-product of the bleaching process and is the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals. Dioxin has been known to cause birth defects, skin disease and liver damage.

No. 2 is SODIUM POLYACRYLATE GEL – the stuff that does the absorbing in the nappies…if you have ever seen that clear gel-like stuff (beads) on your babies’ genitals – that’s it. This substance was banned from use in tampons in 1985 because it was linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome. It is still used in disposables:
Employees in factories producing Polyacrylate suffer from female organ damage, fatigue and weight loss. No long term studies have been conducted to assess the risks of 24/7 exposure to this compound on a babies vulnerable genitals.
Due to its extreme absorbency, this chemical has been found to draw moisture from the skin, causing severe nappy rash and bleeding of perineal and scrotal tissue. Sodium Polyacrylate is also lethal to cats when inhaled.
http://www.ecohuddle.com/wiki/the-dangers-of-disposable-nappies

Incidentally – it was the fact that after I had my son Hugo in 2002 that I noticed that after wearing a disposable nappy his ‘jiggly bits’ looked like little prunes which they didn’t after wearing a cloth nappy. This made me suspicious and I tried to find out ‘what was in the nappy’ to no avail since there was nothing on the packet that indicated the ingredients; another red flag…even now I wonder if a particular brand can change their content and chemical make-up overnight whether anyone would be any wiser?

No. 3 is TBT or TRIBUTYLIN – ranked by the World Health Organization as one of the most toxic substances in consumer products in the world today. The function of this chemical is to kill bacteria. Independent tests carried out by Greenpeace found that this hormone disrupting chemical was present in quantities as high as 38.4 micrograms of TBT per kilogram in Procter & Gamble’s “Pampers® Baby Dry” nappies in the belt section as well as in the inner and outer layers. They also found other organotin compounds such as DBT (Dibutylin) and MBT Monobutylin – totaling 53.2 micrograms per kilogram:
Greenpeace's scientific test results contradict a statement by Procter & Gamble, in which the company last Friday denied that its nappies were contaminated with organotin compounds. Greenpeace toxics expert Thilo Maack said: "The reaction of Procter & Gamble is a scandal. The company is downplaying the danger instead of actively searching for the source of TBT in Pampers®. It is absolutely irresponsible to expose babies to these extremely toxic substances".
"Fact is that TBT is one of the most toxic substances ever made, and it is being spread through the skin and contaminates the environment as well as people," he noted.
This environmental pollutant, which has been in the headlines for months because of its extremely high toxicity, has a hormone-like effect. The smallest concentrations of TBT can harm people's immune systems and impair their hormonal system. "The German government must ban this toxin in all areas of use immediately," says Thilo Maack.
archive.greenpeace.org/pressreleases/toxics.shtml

If this information is not sobering enough, if you have a boy-child, studies linking male infertility to disposable usage should really sway your thinking towards alternative nappying choices. Since disposables are lined with plastic causing an increase in scrotal temperature, impairing the normal cooling mechanisms of the testicles, it is thought that their use could affect normal scrotal development. The cells supporting sperm production are laid down in the first two years of life…the reason testes are external is that they need to be cooler than the rest of the body in order for this to happen.Studies conducted at the University of Kiel by Dr. Wolfgang Sippell, professor of paediatrics, concluded:

A prolonged increase in scrotal temperature in early childhood may have an important role in subsequent testicular health and function, with implications for male fertility.

Furthermore, “Repeated studies have shown that average sperm counts have fallen by almost half from 1938 levels and are continuing to decline as fast as 2% a year.”www.nickisdiapers.com/pages/HealthConcerns.php

Last but by no means least – the asthma epidemic! Lead author Dr. Rosalind C. Anderson, of Anderson Laboratories in West Hartford, Vermont, told Reuters Health that chemical emissions of some disposable diapers have immediate health effects in animals breathing the diluted chemical mixtures. ''Upon analysis, the diaper emissions were found to include several chemicals with documented respiratory toxicity,'' according to the paper.Although Anderson stated that it was too early to tell whether these chemicals trigger asthma-like responses until a vast amount of human data had been accumulated, she did say the following: "Until such time as this asthma-inducing effect can be confirmed in humans, Anderson reminds parents and healthcare professionals that precaution costs nothing. When you are dealing with a toxic chemical or chemicals, avoidance is the only proper action. She suggests that (parents) and doctors... believe themselves if they think a product is harming the breathing of the mother or the baby.''
Chemicals in diapers cited as possible asthma trigger
By Penny Stern, MD SOURCE: Archives of Environmental Medicine September/October 1999.
So if your New Years resolutions include taking the wine bottles from outside the back door to the recycling depot; mulching your garden and growing your own veggies fed from your worm bin; walking the kids to school in order to lose a few extra kgs and sucking water through a hose pipe from the bath to water the grass then PLEASE take a moment to consider your good intentions for your children, which include keeping them as far from harm as possible...Bio-Baba nappies are a cost effective and easy alternative to throw away nappies that will not harm either baby or the world in which they have been born into.
NAPPIES FOR AFRICA! Saba Douglas-Hamilton and her daughter Selkie Lela pictured in a limited edition Bio-Baba in Kenya.

Sister Lillian Remedies

2009-09-03T11:23:00.004+02:00

I am so excited about this range! At last - some great holistic products especially for Mum and baby! With over thirty years’ experience as a highly respected nurse and midwife, Sister Lilian has become a household name synonymous with child and baby care. From her vision of a better world composed of healthy, contented babies that grow up into vibrantly healthy adults, the comprehensive “Sister Lilian Range of Remedies” was born. Consisting of twenty-seven specially-formulated products, the range comprises of the following categories: Care, Rescue, Single Remedy (Calendula, Chamomile and Arnica), Vitamins & Cough Syrup, and Tissue Salts for ideal mineral supplementation. The remedies can be used to assist with anxiety, aches and pains during pregnancy, labour coping during childbirth and maternal tension. They also help prevent or combat an array of ailments and conditions such as restless sleep, teething, colic, coughs, crying, digestive discomfort, earache, poor immunity, excessive mucus, skin rashes, bumps and bruises, sore throat and nausea.
“Colic occurs in twenty percent of babies”, says Sister Lilian, “... particularly firstborns, for instance if a baby cries uncontrollably for a couple of hours over a three day period, the child may be suffering from Colic. Often infants suffer severe pain and the soothing effects of a combination of homeopathy and tissues salts such as ColicCare may calm the child”, she adds.

Unlike conventional medicine, homeopathy treats the person and not the symptoms or disease. Given that the person (and body) is a balanced, intricate system, with levels disrupted by illness or “dis-ease”, homeopathy seeks to balance this through administered quantities of medicinal agents prepared from source materials. It’s a powerful means of self-medication that’s a by-product of modern thinking and living, focusing on nature and health as the core to any successful treatment and maintenance.

This is a really empowering brand of products that enables new mums to be able to manage their own and babies health in an effective and natural way...to get more information - please contact Andrea on 021 900 2510

Looking to reduce nappy costs?

2009-08-04T12:14:00.000+02:00

Why are Bio-Babas the best value for money nappy around?

When looking for a good nappy system – very often cost is an incredibly important factor to consider, especially since nappies are the single biggest cost factor in bringing a baby into this world and may be equal to your hospital bill! In other words – if you go the full-on disposable nappy route, you are looking to spend around R12-R15 000 on nappies before your child is potty trained! (Even more if your child does not potty train at 2½ years as toddlers in disposables often do not associate weeing with being wet since they are always bone dry in a disposable because of the chemicals. We have many clients with 4 or 5 year olds who still wear night nappies because of this!). With a Complete Bio-Baba System you are looking at spending less than R5000 including laundry costs in that time…a R10 000 saving is not to be sniffed at!
Bio-Baba nappies are one of THE MOST economical of the cloth nappy options for the following reasons:
• they are the most versatile: ie. they can be used effectively for day,
night, swimming AND potty training - all other systems would require buying
more swim and training nappies... - the nappies still work at R153 each in a Complete System which includes a 20litre lidded bucket (R79), (Organic Nappy soak (R39) and a free South African Child Friendly Directory valued at R120 = total additional saving of R238
• once the hemp has been washed for a few times it is much more absorbent
than cotton and therefore you are only looking at changing the nappy 5 times
a day (same as a disposable)
• less changes mean less washing which means that you are only effectively
doing 3/4 more extra washes a week.
• we always receive comments from people using separates that they never have
enough waterproofs as even a little poo or wee on the waterproof means that
you need a new one...if you have only 3-5 waterproofs per system of a certain size then you are likely to run out - this is never the case with a Bio-Baba
• Fit Pregnancy said the Bio-Babas were the 'most convenient', 'easiest to
use' and one of the 'nicest looking' cloth nappies in South Africa...I think
that fact that they can be used as a garment in our lovely South African
weather goes a long way as they have a very durable outer (new
medium nappies will all be soft and baby pink and blue and white - large
still the durable fabric) - which means that they still look nice after
first baby has used them...this really can not be said of any other nappy.
• OSFA (one size fits all) are great - but I often feel that people are mislead into thinking that they will be suitable for all occassions from day one until potty
trained and they 'tick off' nappies in their brain, whereas in reality they
will probably not be able to use the OSFA until at least 6 weeks old due to
leaks on the small babies (not to mention explosive poos!) - which is why we
took our small nappy off the market as we often saw new parents struggle to
keep up with the routine at this stage and overwhelmed by it all...IN
THEORY - the OSFA seems a good idea for newborns - but in reality is not
often practical both from the effectiveness point of view and also from a
'can mum cope' point of view. I think that it is important that people do
realise this rather than think that you are getting less somehow because
Bio-Babas are only suitable from 6kg? Also - I know that not all OSFA are
suitable for potty training; from a size perspective they often do not fit
as well on the older children who do not respond as well to them, especially
since they are a nappy type nappy with outers and inners so not as easy and
cool to fit as an AIO and certainly do not look as groovy. (Important factor
in potty training!)
• Bio-Baba nappies all come with super-absorbent hemp boosters…these do all on the hard work of the nappy, so as well as getting the waterproof included in the price of your nappy, you will also be getting a hemp booster – a good deal!

Bio-Baba wins Green Innovation Award!

2009-04-08T14:03:00.002+02:00

We are very proud to annouce that we have won the Real Simple Magazine's GREEN INNOVATION AWARD in the household category...it is especially meaningful in this category since many people STILL think that it is Okay to do the occassional bit of recycling and that disposable nappies are a necessary evil...this is absolutely not the case!

If you have a baby in your home, your household waste will double! By the time your baby has potty trained, he/she will created up to 1 tonne of landfill space and you will have left approx. 6000 little time-capsules of non-biodegradable poo-filled plastic for whoever is around 500 years from hence! It certainly won't be us if we continue to think that this is fine...parents who think it is not their responsibility to make sustainable choices for their children are ensuring that there is no future for their precious offspring.

Our planet can not sustain this amount of waste; there is an island of plastic floating around in the sea between Hawaai and Japan - I suppose since governments have run out of landspace and now just dump in the sea...Did you know that 90% of the world's oxygen comes from the ocean?

The time to act is NOW! Do not wait until baby is a toddler or potty trained and say "I was GOING to do the 'cloth thing' but never got around to it" - you will only have ensured that your child's eco-footprint is massive before they can make choices for themselves...will they thank us for not bothering I wonder?

Online Store Launch

2008-07-01T19:49:00.001+02:00

2008-07-01T19:43:00.002+02:00

A shift towards sustainable parenting?– a talk by Victoria Penfold, creator of the all-in-one eco-friendly nappy, on World Environment Day.

Since starting Bio-Baba nappies 5 years ago, I have been pleased to see radical shift in thinking towards the inclusion of cloth nappies in a nappy routine. Originally, when people discovered that they had to wash them, they simply where not interested and stopped listening to reasons why it was a good idea, citing lack of time or sheer disinterest in ‘ someone else’s problem’ as the basis for not wanting to go the ‘eco-route’.

However, that was before we had to pay for plastic bags, before the tsunami, before the ‘fuel crisis’, before the discovery of a mountain on plastic in the ocean that stretches form Hawaii to Japan:

“The vast expanse of debris – in effect the worlds largest rubbish dump – is held in place by swirling underwater currents. This drifting “soup” stretches from about 500 nautical miles off the Californian coast, across the northern Pacific, past Hawaii and almost as far as Japan.” (http://www.independent.co.uk)

Now people are finally waking up to the sad reality that there will not be a planet for their beloved children to inherit if they do not take the warnings seriously. After all, if learned people such as George Orwell are to be believed, “We humans are capable of convincing ourselves of something that is not true long after the accumulated evidence would convince any reasonable person that it’s wrong.”

So are South African parents really prepared to make a change? Do the rich and affluent still suffer from ‘affluenza’ – a sickness where you believe that because you are successful and can afford to buy and throw away as much as you like, environmental concerns have nothing to do with you?

Online Store Launch

2008-06-05T16:16:00.001+02:00

FAQ

2008-02-27T10:33:00.003+02:00

Many people know they want to use alternatives to disposables but are put off by the lack of practical information about exactly how to use them: how many they need, how often to wash them, what to do with a nappy bin etc.
I would like to give you a brief overview here; with the rest of the information downloadable from the web. All Bio-Baba nappies come with Swing Tickets with full fitting, washing & care instructions.

HOW MANY DO I NEED?
The short answer is “ at least 12 Bio-Baba nappies of each size” (Medium 6-9.5kg suitable from approx 3 months to a year….Large 10kg-16kg (suitable from approx a year to potty training). This means that you will have enough nappies to last you for 2 days, with some being washed whilst the others are being used.

WHAT DO I DO WITH SOILED NAPPIES
Bio-Baba’s have a handy ‘flip-out flap’ which allows you to hold the nappy whilst you flush the good stuff down the loo. Then put in the nappy bucket to soak as usual.
WHAT DO I USE TO DISINFECT THEM?
Do NOT use Steri-nappy or any other bleach based product…in addition to destroying the special breathable waterproofing, bleach is incredibly bad for the environment, as it kills all bacteria (good & bad) & life in the water system. We recommend using Bio-Baba Organic Nappy Steriliser (R39)…a really great product that uses the power of essential oils to disinfect the nappies or a few drops on tea tree oil in a lidded bucket. You can also use white vinegar, but this is a bit pongy!

WHAT DO I WASH THEM WITH?
Do not use any products containing bleach, petro-chemically derived soap products or strong detergents to wash your nappies as this will destroy the special waterproofing fabric and radically reduce their life-span. We recommend using an eco-friendly laundry gel or powder. (Eco-soft, Enchantrix Laundry Gel or Sunlight Baby) as they are mild enough not to irritate babies skin or do serious environmental damage.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO WASH THEM?
We recommend changing your soaking solution at least every 2 days. What this means in practical terms is doing a ‘nappy wash’ Monday, Wednesday & Friday…if you have domestic help on these days – that’s an added bonus!

HOW LONG DO THEY TAKE TO DRY?
Bio-Baba nappies will line-dry on a reasonable drying day…if they are slightly damp or you want to take this chill off them, place them face down (cloth side) on a heated towel rail for 10 mins. Babies love having a nice warm nappy put on! (Nappies should NEVER be put next to an open flame or heater element)

CAN I USE BIO-BABAS AT NIGHT?
Bio-Baba nappies are EXCELLENT NIGHT NAPPIES. In order to get into using Bio-Baba’s 24/7 you simply fit the nappy as usual, folding the hemp pad into the ‘famous “V” fold’ AND insert an extra pad into the flip our flap. This will provide the extra absorbency needed to keep baby dry at night. 16kg babies sleep through in this system and even though they have a really wet nappy in the morning - the babies' skin is still dry!

CAN I USE BIO-BABAS AS A SWIM NAPPY?
Yes! These are great nappies for the beach and by the swimming pool…they do not get all hot and clammy like a disposable and come in such vibrant trendy colours that your baby will be the coolest baba in town! Do remember to remove the Hemp Booster Pad before going in the water though – we don’t want to absorb the whole pool!

BIO-BABA TROUBLESHOOT LEAKS
The most common problems associated with a leaking nappy are:

The nappy has been fitted too loosely: What I do is a ‘One leg at a time approach’. Place the nappy under the baby’s bum as per the “Fitting instructions” available on the web THEN, pull the elastic of the right leg straight up to 2 ‘o clock and close the right tab. Then, pull the elastic of the left hand side of the nappy straight up to 10 ‘o clock and then close the left tab. It is absolutely vital that there are NO GAPS underneath the legs after the ‘smart-fit’ tabs have been closed. Finally, check that all the flannel has been tucked in and that the edges are straight and comfortably protecting from the Velcro.
The nappy has been left on for too long: It is impossible to set a blanket recommendation for changing times as each child is different and poos and wees at different times with varying impressiveness! I really encourage mothers to become aware of their baby’s unique rhythm. That said, babies in the Medium nappies should happily stay dry for between 2-3hours in the day, and a little longer at night. Children in the Large nappies will need to be changed after they wee, (as they are doing much larger wees), and be encouraged to toilet train. The waterproofing on Bio-Baba nappies is NOT PVC which is designed to lock all wetness in, making for a very wet-skinned uncomfortable baby who will wake up and cry. We have used a breathable fabric to ensure that baby is as comfortable as possible and that you know when baby is due for a change (thereby avoiding nappy rashes). Once you get to grips with your baby’s rhythm, you will be able to pre-empt any dampness and change beforehand. Take note of when you put the nappy on.
Insertable hemp ‘Booster Pad’ has not been washed enough: The Bio-Baba nappy is designed specifically to wick moisture away from the baby’s skin with the hemp used in the removable ‘Booster Pad’ doing all the hard work of the nappy. If this pad has not been washed several times before use (AT LEAST twice), then it will not be operating at its full absorbency. Remember, the more your wash it, the more absorbent it becomes.

Another tip:

The hemp ‘Booster Pad’ is the backbone of the nappy…use it smartly. Where does your baby get the most wet? Usually boys wet higher up as their ‘equipment’ is higher than girls! Girls tend to wee straight downwards with great force, and boys might aim straight for your eye, so make sure the hose is pointing down when the nappy is fitted. You can give your nappy extra support by folding the ‘Booster Pad’ double in a “V” shape and placing it on-top of the ‘danger zone’ with the “V” protecting leaking at the edge of the nappy along the legs. Again, work with your own baby. If you do fold the pad double, ensure that you do not let it interfere with the fit of the nappy.
Then there is the question of the ‘Child Who Wees for Africa’
It's something you don't notice when a child is in disposables, but you certainly do once they are in real nappies. In my experience, however, most people think their child is a heavy wetter. Personally, I just think we don’t really appreciate the liquid in = liquid out equation while a child is in disposables.
Remember that wet nappies are a GOOD thing, in that they indicate that your child is well. The problem comes when the wetness turns into leaks.
Are they simply drinking too much? If you always provide juice, toddlers will frequently gulp it down and then ask for more, which will have the obvious effect on the bladder. As they approach toilet training they will no longer be doing lots of little wees which are easily absorbed, but will be doing occasional full wees. Any nappy, including a disposable, is going to be hard pushed to absorb these quickly enough if liquid intake is excessive. A good tip is to offer juice only at mealtimes, and to provide water at other times during the day: your child will drink if (s)he is thirsty but not for the sake of it. You will also be cutting down on your child’s sugar intake, which is a good thing, especially if you have a hyper child.
Keep in mind that you are using a cloth nappy that contains no chemicals to absorb urine and turn it into a non-biodegradable gel. You are using high quality fabrics that can be washed over and over. You have chosen to use a great nappy that is eco-friendly and much cheaper than disposable alternatives. Take the time to get the fit right and you won’t look back!
To Order please contact:
Vicki Penfold
021 761 8982
083 601 1145
sales@biobaba.co.za

THE ALL NEW SUPER-SLIM BIO-BABA IS HERE!

2007-11-19T12:33:00.000+02:00

What is new and why?

Less bulk so a better fit…now you don’t have to worry that you will have to buy bigger sized clothing for your baby in order to accommodate their Bio-Baba nappies.

Reduced drying time…after a long winter we were aware of problems surrounding drying times of Bio-Babas…the less bulky design has radically increased drying times of the nappies.

Increased absorbency & waterproofing…in order to decrease bulk and improve both the absorbency and waterproofing of the nappy a great deal of research and testing has been done…the result is an even more fabulous Bio-Baba! We have increased the hemp content of the nappy and improved the effectiveness of the waterproof so no dampness will come through, even at night. Even though some mums preferred to be able to tell at a touch whether baby was really wet…we felt that the overwhelming opinion in South Africa was that mums wanted to avoid changing clothes wherever possible. So now, we have a nappy that does this as well as being totally breathable! Wow!

Unbleached fabric…in line with world-wide eco-friendly trends, the new Bio-Baba nappies are now made completely of unbleached fabrics on the inside. This is kinder to the environment since bleach is an incredibly strong chemical that kills everything in our water system, both good and bad bacteria as well as creatures higher up the food chain.

Lastly –…Size tags! All new Bio-Babas have their size sewn into the flap of the Bio-Baba – hooray! This of course means that you immediately know the size without having to compare to anything else.

2007-11-19T12:26:00.001+02:00

PRICE LIST
Bio-Baba Regular R155 each
This nappy is more bulky than the Bio-Baba Super-Slim Nappy and is also more breathable; perfect for toddlers who are learning to walk and need the extra padding as well as for long afternoons outdoors.
Medium 6-9.5kg
Large 10kg – 12.5kg

Bio-Baba Super-Slim R160 each
This nappy is slim-lined to fit under babies’ clothes. It is super absorbent and will keep baby dry for an extended period which makes them perfect for NIGHT NAPPIES, SWIM NAPPIES & POTTY TRAINING. Bio-Baba Super-Slims are made from unbleached fabrics in line with global environmental trends.
Medium 6-9.5kg
Large 10kg – Potty

Hemp Booster Pads R114
A pack of 5 extra hemp boosters for extra absorbency in your Bio-Baba nappy. When using a Bio-Baba at night it is recommended that you use 2 Hemp Boosters so that baby can sleep through in comfort. One pad should be inserted into the flap, and the other folded double into a “V” and placed under the flap.

Bio-Baba Organic Pre-wash Nappy Soak R39
Bio-Baba Organic Prewash Nappy Soak is a 100% natural product for the sterilisation of reuseable nappies. Always flush solids before placing in your lidded nappy bucket. We recommend changing your soaking solution at least every 2 days. Use approx 30ml in 10 litres of water to disinfect your Bio-Baba nappies.

Prices subject to change. February 2008

Why are Bio-Babas better than other cloth nappies?

2007-09-06T16:22:00.001+02:00

Bio-Babas are the most veratile cloth nappy on the market as they can be used for everyday nappies, night nappies, swim nappies AND potty training...no other nappy offers this multi-function.
An all-in-one product, so no separate timewasting procedures when fitting ie. dealing with a liner, then the nappy and THEN the waterproof - with Bio-Baba it is all fitted, with a flip out flap to get rid of the 'good stuff' (my favourite feature by the way!) Also this means that there are no hidden costs. I have found that many people are misled when they are choosing a cloth nappy, thinking that Bio-Babas seem more expensive. In reality, the converse is true…very often you may be tempted to purchase another brand of cloth nappy as they appear cheaper…the nappy itself may be cheaper, but then you will ALSO have to buy booster pads AND waterproofs to make it effective! Don’t be conned into thinking that you only need a few waterproofs either as, in my experience, you really do need a new one for each nappy change since even the tiniest bit of poo or wee is not very nice to put on with a ‘new’ nappy.
Bio-Babas have 'smart-fit tabs' which protect the Velcro duringwashing so that it does not pick up lint, which is a real problem inother cloth nappies as the Velcro no longer sticks properly after awhile.
The hemp used in the Bio-Babas does all the hard work of the nappy.So, instead of the waterproof doing the hard work (which it does inother cloth nappies), this pad absorbs all the wetness, wicking itaway from babies skin. Hemp is recognized as one of the world's strongest natural fibres - the more you wash it - the more absorbent it becomes! It also has anti-bacterial qualities and uses no pesticides in its growth. This means that you do not need to change the nappy nearly as much as when you are using a normal cloth nappy as hemp really is super absorbent - ie. fewer nappies
In other cloth nappies, the moisture is 'locked in' by a thick PVCwaterproof...Bio-Baba has a breathable PUL outer, making it cooler for baby and less likely that bacteria will grow and cause a nappy rash.

10 Good Reasons to choose Bio-Baba Nappies

2007-09-06T11:47:00.000+02:00

“MANKIND OWES TO THE CHILD THE BEST IT HAS TO GIVE”...
- OPENING WORDS TO THE UN DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

1. Bio-Baba nappies are simply the best cloth nappy on the market – they are the only all-in-one nappies (nappy, liner and waterproof so no separate time-wasting procedures when fitting) which have wide-band Velcro for a snug fit; smart-fit tabs which stop the Velcro picking up lint during washing; multi-padding with hemp for super absorbency and breathable outers.

2. The hemp used in the removable ‘Booster Pad’ does all the hard work of the nappy. So, instead of the waterproof doing the hard work (which it does in other cloth nappies), this pad absorbs all the wetness, wicking it away from babies skin. Hemp is recognized as one of the world’s strongest natural fibres – the more you wash it – the more absorbent it becomes! It also has anti-bacterial qualities and uses no pesticides in its growth.

3. You will be saving a great deal of money - Considering that a baby will on average have 5,500 nappy changes, that equates to between R 12,000 and R 15,000. By using the Bio-Baba nappy you could easily save R10 000 (including water, electricity and detergent for washing). Invest the saving of at least R 7,500 for your child's future. By the time he/she reaches 18 years of age this amount would be worth over R 60,000.00 even if invested conservatively.

4. There are numerous health issues: the first is the use of Sodium polyacrylate gel can absorb 100 times its weight in liquid and makes for a very absorbent nappy! However, it has been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome in tampon use and is no longer used in their manufacture. It is still used in disposables. Also, the lack of padding in disposable nappies is considered a hazard when baby is learning to walk and falling on his/her bottom on a regular basis. Some paediatric specialists believe that the increase in hip dysplasia and other spinal injuries is related to the lack of padding and support provided by disposables. Extra padding in the Bio-Baba nappies reduces this risk.

5. The Environment – considering that each child has at least 5 500 nappy changes resulting in 350 million disposable nappies being thrown away in South Africa a year…by choosing an eco-friendly alternative you are consciously looking after the environment in our home country and making choices that are ensuring a future for your children....the Bio-Baba nappy is a 21st Century product for forward thinking parents.

6. We are our children’s teachers – Aristotle said “The habits we form from childhood make no small difference, but rather make all the difference”. You are sending a positive message to your children by teaching them to respect the planet and not to litter it with disposables that will take 500 years to decompose.

7. Comfort - The Bio-Baba nappy is extremely comfortable. You will simply not find a better cloth nappy; they have been specifically designed to wick moisture away from the babies’ skin, meaning that even though the baby may have an extremely wet nappy, the baby itself is dry. Moreover, careful fabric choices such as soft 100% cotton, hemp with anti-bacterial qualities and breathable outers have been used to ensure maximum comfort. The breathable outer also ensures that when baby needs to be changed – mum will know.

8.Toilet Training - children in real nappies DO toilet train, on average, around 6 months earlier than their peers in disposables: a child in real nappies knows when they are wet, and so makes the connection between bladder release and a wet nappy. It is this which is the vital first step in toilet training. Bio-Baba nappies are excellent nappies for potty training.

9. Like all Acorn products, Bio-Baba nappies come in fun bright primary colours; Red, Blue and Yellow as well as a white. The best teaching moments are ones that aren’t planned – choosing a different colour nappy is a great way for toddlers to get to grips with their colours.

10. Employment – one of the biggest problems faced by South Africa today is a lack of employment. We often have highly skilled, highly educated people unable to find work. Bio-Baba nappies provide work for the communities of Grassy Park, Lotus River, Athlone and Bonteheuwel. They are not cheap imports and are made with the finest quality South African fabrics.

Bio-Baba Fitting Instructions

2007-09-06T10:31:00.000+02:00

Bio-Baba nappies are the coolest all-in-one nappy that come in a range of fun bright colours as well as the more conventional white… Limited Stock available of Orange & Green Nappies

As Bio-Babas are all-in-one nappies (nappy, liner and waterproof) there is no separate time-wasting procedures when fitting. Other clever features include: wide-band Velcro for a snug fit; smart-fit tabs which stop the Velcro picking up lint during washing; multi-padding with hemp for super absorbency and breathable outers.

A closer look at fitting a Bio-Baba…

Fold Super-Absorbent Hemp Booster Pad into the

‘Famous “V” Fold’.

Place the Hemp Booster in the nappy underneath the flip-out-flap…the primary function of the flap is to catch any poo which can then be easily flipped into the toilet and flushed before soaking. Folding the pad in this way means that the pad has double absorbency where the baby is weeing and then extra protection from leaks along the legs.

When using the Bio-Baba at night – make sure that you insert an extra Hemp Booster in the flap for extra absorbency…this will keep babies skin completely dry.

Always make sure that you fold the Smart-Fit Velcro tabs on themselves when removing the nappy in order to protect them from picking up lint.

Always flush solids down the toilet before soaking.

· Bio-Baba nappies are so simple to use that once you get the hang of fitting them to your baby you won’t look back…you will also be doing your baby, your finances and the environment a huge favour.
· If you are privileged to have a washing machine (and domestic help) – there really is no reason not to include these fabulous nappies in your nappy routine.

The Bio-Baba Story

2007-09-06T10:24:00.000+02:00

On discovering I was pregnant for the first time, I immediately decided that a few things had to change! The first was to give up smoking which was surprisingly easy; to give up a stable job and move to the suburbs was not as straightforward. After working as an editor of travel, investment and mining publications as well as three years as the Regional Marketing Manager for a large systems integration firm, and briefly in PR, I had my feet firmly entrenched in ‘the corporate world’. Our house was conveniently close to Cape Town city centre and was a lock-up and go…with no real garden to speak of. What garden there was tumbled onto the street which was frequently lined with rubbish and beggars. Not for MY baby!

We started looking for a house that was in a cleaner suburb, with some space for a toddler to run and play in a garden. Needless to say we only found something suitable and moved in a month before giving birth! I also resigned from my job and so did my husband! He had been teaching in town in various language schools, but it was now time to put down roots and ‘get serious’ about starting his own company. This was very scary, but paid off as he now has his own successful translating business – and he works from home which is fantastic for the kids.

I was more than content not to have to go to work and just stay home with baby, but after a few months I found myself needing something a little more than nappies to talk about. Ironically, this was not meant to be!

When I first started using nappies in 2002 after the birth of my son Hugo, the only alternative on the South African market to ‘disposables’ was the ‘Terri nappy’, which is the one that you have to fold, use a safety pin and a plastic waterproof with. This just seemed so ‘old-fashioned’ and far too much effort.

I had seen fitted nappies from friends who had bought them overseas (where they are readily available and hugely popular) and wondered why there was nothing like it on the South African market. That is when the ‘project’ started! I called a friend who is a dress maker and gave her a pattern to make up some samples which were duly tested on my son. Each month the design would change, the layers and types of fabric would alter – this was real trial and error!

Working for yourself is not easy, especially in a field that you have no previous knowledge. If someone had told me 5 years ago that my life’s work would be to ‘design, manufacture and distribute eco-friendly nappies as an alternative to disposables’ I would have laughed hard and dismissed the idea as ludicrous! However, the amount of time and work I had put into my ‘project’ meant that, above all, I had to take myself seriously. That is why I sought out the guidance of the folk at the Umsobomvu Youth Fund.

The fund was established by the government in an attempt to address the youth unemployment challenge in South Africa and, through its Voucher Programme, help with business plan development. This was an essential part of getting my business off the ground…an idea is one thing…making it a viable business venture is another kettle of fish entirely!

At the end of 2004 I did my first production run in a factory with ladies I had trained in Grassy Park…after nearly having a nervous break-down I went on the Christmas holidays with family in Durban. Then the most truly awful thing happened, on Boxing Day of 2004, a tsunami, of unimaginable proportions struck the countries of South East Asia. Unfortunately, my brother Justin and his fiancée Seda were holidaying on the Thai island of Phi Phi at the time, needless to say, neither of them survived. Seda’s body was recently identified by an unusual tattoo on her shoulder; nearly 2 years after the event. She was repatriated to Turkey and buried just before Christmas 2006.

Much of the early part of 2005 was spent in mourning and travelling around the world attending memorial services in Justin’s honour. During this time I met many truly amazing people who were united in their grief for loved ones. They also all shared a common philosophy, and that is that ‘The planet is in crisis ’.

A human tragedy and natural disaster of this scale is an enormously humbling thing and made me acutely aware of how interconnected we are, and just how fragile the planet is. On returning from Zimbabwe in June of 2005, I was resolved that my passion for raising awareness of the environmental impact of disposable nappies was no accident and set about thinking of ways to ‘get the message across’ to the largest number of people, in the shortest possible time.

It was then that I came across a wonderful company called Acorn International– who had products that were natural and ‘Created with love in South Africa’! This ethos was integral in my decision to approach Acorn as part of my intention when I started out was to ‘think and act local’; a great moral boost for me is that I now provide work for people from the communities of Grassy Park, Lotus River, Athlone, Bonteheuwel and Hanover Park.

The Acorn Brand was established by Richard Sletcher in 2004 in order to provide a viable business for stay-at-home moms. Cool! Here was a company that also wanted to help with the unemployment problem as well as having an ethical approach towards its products and ingredients! For example, - the Acorn Babes range (of which Bio-Baba nappies are now a part) uses no petroleum based products, but uses Saflower oil instead. Acorn provides great support to its members in the form of training workshops, dvd’s as well as a highly effective web based information management system. This support has been a ‘God-send’.

My business is my way of honouring my brother’s life. I believe that Bio-Baba nappies are the best alternative to the billions of disposable nappies dumped each year (making disposable nappies one of the biggest waste contributors on the planet). I do not want my children to grow up in a waste land. I consol myself after a sleepless night of looking after a teething baby and a 4 year old who wakes up just to be ‘part of the action’ that I am ‘doing my bit’ to ensure that South Africa does not become one!

In February 2006, I was blessed with another baby boy, Todd Niran Clarke… ‘Niran’ is a Thai name meaning ‘Eternal’), and have been supported through all the hard times with love and infinite patience by my husband Greg.

Last year was incredibly difficult for my whole family, but in the words of the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a memorial at St. Paul’s Cathedral last year “love can continue to grow, even on the soil of the worst pain and the deepest doubt”...this is so true of life, and of business too. If you love what you do, and believe in it – it will grow into something meaningful.