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?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
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?
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?
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
FAQ
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
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
Monday, November 19, 2007
THE ALL NEW SUPER-SLIM BIO-BABA IS HERE!
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.
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.
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
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
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