I am Kathleen, owner of both Cottontail Baby andMamaclothonline and, most importantly, mother to three young boys. It is in my Mom role that I have been reading with great interest the news that San Francisco is considering a ballot initiative that would outlaw circumcision for boys under 18. The ban would make circumcising minors punishable by a fine of $1000 and up to one year in jail. There would be no religious exemptions. The more I read and the more I learn, the more I am finding myself quite conflicted about this proposed ban.

Certainly, on the one hand, circumcision is a form of mutilation of the body of a very much innocent and helpless infant. If God made it this way, why do we need to tamper with it as the actor Russell Crowe infamously tweeted earlier this week? I agree with this and feel the same way regarding this and a whole host of cosmetic procedures.

On the other hand, I do understand all the studies that indicate the health issues related to circumcision (some studies in Africa suggest that circumcision helps stop the spread of AIDS). I also understand the cultural and religious rituals associated with circumcision especially amongst Muslims and Jews and the importance placed on this rite of passage in both religions. Circumcision is so important to both groups that a ban of the practice could be seen as violating one’s First Amendment rite to practice one’s religion as one sees fit.

One study I read indicated that while only 30% of males world wide are circumcized, over 80% of males in the US are circumcized. Clearly, this is a US cultural issue in many ways. I am curious to know why this is so important and prevelent in our country but significantly less so world wide? Does it have something to do with our anti-septic, shrink wrapped culture? Are we just a nation of conformers and afraid, even for our tiny infants, to go against the norm? Are we lemmings who do not think for ourselves but just blindly and unquestionably approve unnecessary procedures?

One issue in the debate that I find most interesting is the dichotomy between what is good for the males and what is good for the females (female genital mutilation). Female circumcision (the removal of the clitoris) is illegal in this country. The San Francisco ban would simply provide males the same protection that is already enjoyed by females. I have yet to speak to any parent who believes in circumcision for boys who feels the same way for girls. Why is that? Is it that the process for girls is so much more barbaric (done when they are so much older and in such a crude fashion leading to significant illness, disfigurement and, occasionally, death)? I think that has to be part of it. In addition, for boys, circumcision is done for religious and health reasons but for girls, it is a cultural practice designed to repress women by eliminating their ability to experience sexual pleasure.

In the end, is this simply a parents rights issue? Does the government really need to legislate every choice parents make for the children? Is this just another in a long line of Big Brother laws such as outlawing spanking, criminalizing parents when their children misbehave (many laws that penalize and, in some cases, jail parents for having truant children for instance) or criminalizing parents who smoke in cars in which their children are riding.

What do you think? Is this a clear cut issue for you or are there many shades of grey? What would you do if you lived in San Francisco and this law passes?

GIVEAWAY

In terms of a giveaway for this sunny month of June, I would like to give a Thirsties Fab Duo. The relatively new Fab Duos are so soft and squishy and remind me of wrapping up in a towel after a long day at the beach. They come in fun, summertime colors such as mango, ocean and honeydew. No matter what you choose to do in regards to circumcision, these are great, comfy, wonderful diapers for your children.

So, to enter the drawing, you need to do the following:

1. Comment on this blog post and tell us what you think
2. Fan Cottontail Baby on Facebook
3. Fan the Cloth Diaper Retailers Cooperative on Facebook
4. Join the Cottontail Baby mailing list

Good luck!

Its all about the Machine

If the washing machine is one you trust (that of a family member or close friend), then I say go with it and there are lots of things you can do to make it easier. However, if you are relegated to using a public washing machine, I would say “Proceed with Caution.” While some public washing machine are spotless, top of the line, power houses, many are not. There is nothing worse than washing your diapers in a machine with loads of detergent build up or where the water temperature has been turned down to save money. Coming home from vacation with diapers that need to be stripped and smell as they didn’t get clean enough is no vacation at all. It can make even the most amazing trip memories turn sour quickly.

One issue to be mindful of when using a different washing machine is that the diapers might not smell and feel the same way they do at home. Water quality differs across the country. If you have soft water in your neighborhood but travel somewhere with hard water, there may be detergent build up. Perhaps you generally use the sanitize cycle on your washing machine but the one at your destination is more basic and does not have such a feature. Recognize that you may need to do an extra rinse or two and that is simply part of the adventure of travel. Don’t forget to bring your detergent. We are big fans of RockinGreen and really love their sample sizes for travel.

What else do you need?

If you do have a good washer lined up and want to do cloth, there are some things that can make life easier. Invest in a great wet bag or for a longer trip, bring along a pail liner. Toss a citrus circle or diaper buddy in there in order to keep the smells down. One or both of these really are necessary for trips. You need a place to store all the diapers and the ability to keep any smells out of the hotel room or Grandma’s guest room. There are many great ones out there with my favorites being the whimsical prints of Leslie’s Wet Bags and the bright fun colors of the FuzziBunz wet bag.

My next suggestion is to Embrace the Disposable Liner. Disposable liners can be your best friend on trips. Being able to simply flush away the solids and not foul up the diaper too much with those can be wonderful. We know some people bring diaper sprayers along with them and attach to the toilet where they are visiting. That is simply too much work for us so the disposable liners are a great idea.

The diapers you bring with you can determine how much work you do. I am a big fan of the new hybrid diapers such as the Flip by Cottonbabies for travel. They offer several choices of inserts with the disposable being the easiest to use for travel. Just take out and toss the insert and put in a new one. Easy. Even if you choose to use the stay dry or organic insert, they are easy to wash and take up very little space in your luggage. The covers can be rinsed in the sink and hung to dry. So simple it is almost fun.

What not to bring?

Wool covers, while great and when properly lanolized, extremely waterproof, are hard to dry. They must be dried flat and can take a long time, particularly in humid weather. They do not tend to be a great traveling option. In addition, we have found that if being line dried, bamboo diapers can take a bit of time to dry in humid weather.

Whatever you do, have a safe and fun trip. Remember, the most important thing to bring is your senses of humor and adventure.

Happy travels!

Giveaway

Of course we have a Giveaway! We love Flip Diapers for travel and want you to try one too! So, a Flip diaper will be given away on Feb 25th to a randomly selected entrant. In order to enter look to the Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative blog for all the necessary information.

Ironically, I am NOT Made in the USA

We have been getting lots of questions lately regarding which of our brands are Made in the USA. Almost all of them are with a few big exceptions.  The very popular Mother-ease, Aristocrat and Bummis diapers and covers are all made way up north in Canada.  Imse Vimse (fun fact: Imse Vimse means “Itty Bitty” in Swedish) is a Swedish brand and Snappis, like the amazing World Cup we all just witnessed, come from South Africa.

Here is a list of some of our absolute favorite diapers, covers and accessories proudly Made in the USA.

But I am!

All Together

Baby Kicks

Drybees

FussyButt

Happy Heinys

Happy Tushies

Kissaluvs

Leslie’s Boutique

Mommy’s Touch

Rocky Mountain

Sheepish Grins

Stacinator

Swaddlebees

Thirsties

Wahmarama

Wahmies

Bummi Whisper Wrap Froggy Print

We used Bummis Super Whisper Wrap for our daughter with prefolds. We really loved this cover. We had no leaks at all with the whisper wrap and always felt as if they provided superior coverage. The Whisper Wrap was always the cover I would reach for first in my stash. They were very durable and didn’t seem to suffer despite multiple launderings.

In addition to the high quality of the Whisper wrap, I really loved the colors. The frog print was my favorite but I also really loved the Flower print and Star Baby. One of the best parts of cloth diapering over disposables is all the great prints and colors available.

One little known fact of the Whisper Wrap is that it can be used, in a pinch, as a swim diaper. When our normal swim diaper was not clean, we were able to use the Whisper wrap (without a diaper underneath) as a substitute. We just used a size smaller than normal and had no problems.

I really feel as if the Whisper Wrap is the unsung hero of the cloth diapering world.

A pretty pocket diaper

Pocket diapers seem to be all the rage these days.  Pocket Cloth Diapers are cloth diapers that have a waterproof outer with a soft inner that wicks moisture away from babies skin.  There is a “pocket” opening where you place a pocket insert or something absorbent.  Pocket diapers will not function without an insert or some kind of pocket stuffer.  Some people have found that prefold diapers make wonderful pocket inserts.  They are economical and superbly absorbent.  They may increase bulk, though, so this depends on your personal tastes.

There are many choices in pocket cloth diapers.  Among our favorites are the following:

bumGenius 3.0

bumGenius in Grasshopper

The bumGenius 3.0 is the work horse of the pocket diaper category.  The best selling bum Genius 3.0s have a waterproof exterior, a soft, non-piling inner, natural gussets which contain even the gnarliest messes and stretch to fit tabs just like the disposables have.  They come in wonderful colors and are great all-around diapers.

Fuzzi Bunz

Fire Engine Red Fuzzi Bunz

Fuzzi Bunz makes a terrific pocket diaper.  It has a super absobent insert, a soft fleece layer, adjustable snaps, stretchy leg elastic and a soft waterproof exterior.  The Fuzzi Bunz comes in multiple sizes as well as one size allowing you to find the perfect option for your child.  In addition Fuzzi Bunz are offered in a vast array of colors from gorgeous pastels to vibrant bold hues.

Rocky Mountain Diapers

Rocky Mountain Diaper in Berry and Lime

Rocky Mountain Diapers are wonderful pocket diapers proudly made in the USA.   Rocky Mountain Diapers innovation is an internal adjustment system that allows for a trim fit tailored to each child’s body type.  This system is similar to that of children’s waist bands in their jeans.  There is soft suede on the inside next to baby’s skin and fade resistant PUL on the outside to keep them waterproof.  The sizing adjustments allow parents to use the same diaper from newborn to potty learning.

Happy Heinys Pocket Diaper

Happy Heiny's in Cow Print

Happy Heinys Pocket Diapers use only custom milled fleece. There are no leg casings which allow for better fitting diapers and contain messes better without leaving red marks.  The Diapers are available in a variety or solid colors and fun prints.  These diapers have been tested for 12 hours or more at night with absolutely no wicking for most babies.

Thirsties Duo Diaper

Duo Diaper in Mango

A recent entry into the Pocket Diaper category is the Duo Diaper from Thirsties.  This diaper copies the technology of Thirsties best selling Duo Wrap diaper cover.  This diaper’s fit technology is such that two sizes should take the average family from newborn to potty learning.  Like its competitors, the Duo Diaper combines a waterproof outer with a soft and absorbent inner.  These diapers have a microfiber terry and hemp combo insert amounting to 7 layers in all.  Like other Thirsties products, these diapers come in simply spectacular colors and are made in the USA.

These are all wonderful diapers that are welcome additions to any cloth diapering parent’s stash.  All can be purchased at Cottontail Baby an online natural parenting store run by a committed to organics and all things natural WAHM.

Snacks!

Another non-diaper post.  I know, what am I doing?  However, I read this in yesterday’s New York Times and it so perfectly encapsulated all my thoughts on the subject, I just had to share.  Snacks.  I am so over snacks.  If you have kids in any type of organized activity, you know what I am saying.  Snacks have become more important than the activity itself.  Who has not brought their eager child to the first Little League practice of the year.  When the coach greets you, does he say, “We are working on catching and throwing the ball today?”  Does he (or she) say “What a beautiful day for some exercise?”  NO!!!  The first thing you are greeted with is the snack sign up sheet.  Gotta have snacks.

I have two five year olds who play soccer in the evening.  Their games do not end until 7:45 (their bed time is 7:30 by the way).  However, even in this situation, it is assumed that the kids need a snack and a sugary drink.  Just what any parent of a tired, sleepy child wants….sugar and sugar.

I once suggested to the other parents of childrenon one of my son’s soccer team’s that, if we had to do snacks, we focus only on fresh fruit or cut up vegetables.  I got absolutely not one taker.  No, rather than cut up oranges or ice cold grapes or carrot sticks, they would prefer to serve their kids (and mine) ho-hos, popcicles and mini-Oreos.

Of course, I could say no and not let my kids eat the junk.  I actually did when the snack, at 7:45 at night was a KING SIZED Hershey bar.  However, generally I don’t say no.  When it is my turn, I do make sure I bring healthy, organic food but I still let my kids drink the Yoohoo and eat the Fruit by the Foot brought by the other parents.  I guess, as much as this drives me insane, it isn’t a hill I want to die on.

What do you think?  Have snacks just gotten completely out of control?

Would your rollerblading toddler wear this? Mine would

Once again, I am ALL about Year End lists.  LOVE THEM.  So, this article from the New York Times which listed the top YouTube videos of the year immediately found a warm, fuzzy place in my heart.  Of course, Susan Boyle was the top of the year.  We are a nation that always roots for the underdog.  Who could have been more of an underdog than frumpy Susan who the crowd immediately dismissed in their cynical, cruel fashion?  But she showed them.  Awesome.  I admit that I was one of the many who watched the Susan Boyle video, repeatedly, on YouTube. Yes, it made me cry. Every time. I thought the David After Dentist was a bit exploitative of a little kid a bit bewildered but watched most of it anyway. I thought the wedding dance thing went on way too long and was only redeemed, as a cultural moment, by the brilliant parody of it as done a la The Office and Jim and Pam’s wedding. Classic.

I thought the Evian rollerblading babies were just this side of creepy but it was cleverly done nonetheless.  I wonder what kind of diapers they wore under their little onesies?  Gotta be cotton as they are far too cool for disposables.  These are not Pampers kids. I am thinking either a Happy Heiny’s one size in leopard or cow print or a super cool, progressive, hybrid like the Gro Baby.  Maybe a couple were a tad ironic and went a bit old school with a prefold and cover but the cover would have had to be a whimsical design like a Kozy.  What do you think?  What would your rollerblading baby wear?

In terms of the rest of the videos, I just can’t get myself to the place where I care about Twilight or Miley. So, those little video snippets of the 2009 cultural zeitgeist passed me by. I do admit, however, to watching some Michael Jackson videos after his death.  Mostly to show my sons.  Thriller.  Both the classic original as well as the awesome Philippines prison version.  Amazing.

Were these your top youtube videos of the year?