To Snap or Velcro, To Buckle or Tie ー That is the Question!

If you're planning on going to the upcoming Baby Expo, stop by, say hi, and enjoy a fun lesson on cloth diapering and babywearing from the knowledgeable and friendly staff of Baby Awearness at the upcoming Baby Expo 2010.

The Baby Expo takes place at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall
May 15th (10am - 5pm)
May 16th (10am - 5pm)

Cloth Diapers 101
Saturday, May 15 at 12:30 p.m.
Demonstration Room

Cloth diapers have come a long way since yesteryear when no one had a choice. If you're still thinking diaper pins and bulky square cloths, then get ready to enter the renaissance age of cloth diapers. Today's cloth diapers range the gamut of styles, fabrics, and even colors and patterns! Learn the difference between pocket diapers, all-in-ones, all-in-twos, prefolds and more. Cloth diapers are the latest essential for savvy, eco-friendly parents and babies.

Babywearing 101
Sunday, May 15 at 12:30 p.m.
Demonstration Room

Come learn the basics of babywearing, or if you have questions about a carrier of your own, bring it along and we can help you feel confident about using it. We will compare Mei-Tai, soft-structured carriers, and slings as well as cover all their various positions: front, back, and side. Discover why babywearing is a wonderful and easy way to bond while still being able to parent on-the-go. (LL)

Keiki Earth Day Recap

On April 17th we hosted Keiki Earth Day at the store. Thanks to all our amazing customers, vendors, and instructors, we had an AMAZING event. Photos courtesy of Ernie Serrano.

Happy Families!

 

Keiki Hula with Kumu Malia Helela

 

Crafting with Sierra Dew

 

Square Foot Gardening and Bucket Gardening with Auntie Pualani

 

 

Sing-A-Long with Uncle Wayne 

 

Handmade Lovelies to Have and to Hold

Once upon a time, handmade gifts were the norm. It was not uncommon or unusual for someone to make something to mark a special occasion or person. In this fast and furious time of mass-manufactured products, receiving a handmade gift today is like a breath of fresh air and oftentimes a nice and unexpected surprise.

Stop into Baby Awearness, check out our array of beautiful handmade goodies just in courtesy of Muumuu Heaven, and surprise someone special today.

(From top left, clockwise)
1) A cuddly and adorable Daijyobu Bear. Daijyobu means "no worries, it will be alright," in Japanese. Bears are fashioned out of vintage fabrics, button joints, and pompom eyes. All materials are reclaimed, remnants, or recycled. Available in small and large bear hugs.

2) Peace Catchers, or Bird mobiles. Made from fabric scraps, these birds are strung with shells and vintage beads deconstructed from retro jewelry, and crystal pieces from a chandelier once displayed at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The driftwood is from local beaches.

3) Vintage Owl. Like the bears, these owls are made from vintage fabrics and buttons and meant to bring cheer and goodwill. Owls are considered a good omen in Hawaiian and Japanese culture.

4) Heavenly Patchwork Quilt. Lovingly sewn by quilting circles of grandmas and seasoned elders in care homes, these blankets will keep you and your little ones warm, loved, and safe. Again, all fabrics are recycled remnants from muumuus and aloha shirts. (LL)

Healthcare Reform Includes Support for Employed Breastfeeding Mothers

The passage of the workplace breastfeeding support provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as healthcare reform) states that employers shall provide reasonable, unpaid break time and a private, non-bathroom place for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for up to one year after the child’s birth. Employers with less than 50 employees are not subject to the requirement if it would cause “undue hardship”

Returning to work is one of the major reasons for the avoidance or abandonment of breastfeeding. It is an important public issue: just as breastfeeding is beneficial for babies, so too is supporting breastfeeding beneficial for business. Research clearly demonstrates the value of breastfeeding for the health of women and children as well as an employer’s bottom line. Medical experts and Federal health agencies agree that exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months with continued breastfeeding for the first year of life and beyond sets the stage for optimal maternal and child health outcome. However, returning to work can be a major hurdle for new mothers struggling to balance working and breastfeeding without the simple support measures this law ensures in place.

Although many are aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding, employers may not recognize the economic benefits that accrue to them also. The Business Case for Breastfeeding, published in 2008 by the Department of Health and Human Services, demonstrates an impressive return investment for employers who provide workplace lactation support, which include lower health costs, reduced absenteeism, and lesser turnover rates. Employees whose companies provide breastfeeding support consistently report improved morale, better satisfaction with their jobs, and higher productivity.

It takes little for a company to provide lactation support. Basic needs include a clean place to express milk in privacy and break time to express milk approximately every 3 hours during the work period. A model law in Oregon defines reasonable time for milk expression as 30 minutes for every 4 hours worked. A growing number of companies across the U.S. offer worksite lactation programs that also include access to information and professional support from a lactation consultant or other health experts.

Currently, 24 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia have legislation related to breastfeeding in the workplace. The new federal provision will provide a minimum level of support in all states, but it will not preempt a State law that provides stronger protections.

Although the law is effective immediately upon president Obama’s signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the U.S. Department of Labor must now work to define terms and enforcement procedures.

Employers, human resources managers, and breastfeeding employees who are interested in helping to establish worksite lactation programs at their place of employment can find more information from U.S. Breastfeeding Committee website, and to obtain The Business Case for Breastfeeding resources, visit The National Women’s Health Informational Center. (NL)

Non-Toxic Spring Cleaning

 Many commercial cleaners are made of synthetic ingredients, detergents and petroleum products as well as may contain additional perfumes and dyes that do nothing to aid cleaning. They can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and give off dangerous fumes. Luckily, these products are not necessary to keep your home clean. There are plenty of safe and effective non-toxic alternatives and are often times cheaper too!

Distilled White Vinegar:  The acidity in vinegar makes it an effective germ-killer and ultimate all-purpose cleaner.

• Use full-strength as a mirror and glass cleaner.
• Use to clean tubs, showers, toilets, countertops and floors.
• Spray on mildew or put a vinegar-soaked rag on a mildewed spot and leave on for a few minutes. (Stains left behind by mildew can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, but test a small area first)
• Use 1 part water and 1 part vinegar to spray in the air to dispel odors.
• Dissolve mineral deposits from faucets and fixtures with a vinegar-soaked rag, held in place with rubber bands. Let sit for a few minutes up to a few hours, then wipe with a wet cloth and dry with a clean cloth.

Baking Soda:  a mild abrasive when mixed with a little bit of water to form a paste that is great for scrubbing stubborn stains and grime. Baking soda is also well known for reducing odors.

• Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your garbage pail to absorb odors.
• Safely scrub your sink with baking soda and water. Stains can be cleaned from porcelain with hydrogen peroxide by pouring over stain and rinsing immediately.
• Fix sluggish drains by pouring ½ cup of baking soda down the drain and chase it with a cup of white vinegar. When fizzing stops flush it with very hot water. 
• Clean pet (or toddler) accidents from mattresses by dampening spot with vinegar and water then pour on baking soda and rub it in well. When dry, vacuum up the dried baking soda.

Make your cleaning routine even greener by ditching the paper towels in favor of reusable rags. Thicker washcloths will work great for everyday housekeeping like wiping the counters, floors and cabinets and will last a long time. Old t-shirts, socks and underwear can be used for the dirtier jobs (like greasy messes) where you can have the option to toss them when you’re done. (HS)  

References:  Green Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck

Keiki Earth Day

 

Spread the word! Please forward to all your friends and mamas!

Keiki Earth Day
Baby aWEARness/Hot Mama
Manoa Marketplace
April 17th, 2010
11:00 am-3:00 pm


This is a free event, open to the public. Activities will include keiki hula class, bucket gardening, healthy snack creations, a coloring contest, live music, craft activities and prize giveaways. We encourage you to invite your friends, clients, and anyone else who may be interested in joining our celebration of mother earth!  We are looking forward to sharing this fun filled day with you any your friends. 

Details:

Baby aWEARness and Hot Mama Maternity are proud to host Keiki Earth Day in Manoa Marketplace on Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Activities will include keiki hula class with Kumu Malia, bucket gardening with Auntie Pualani, healthy snack creations, a coloring contest, live music with Uncle Wayne Watkins, stencil creations with local artist/fashion designer Sierra Dew and more.  Bring the family for a day of fun. Win cool prizes like a stand-up paddling session from Hawaiian Surf Adventure for the your entire family, making new friends and empowering your keiki to protect and care for our earth!
There will be activities for adults too.  Experts will be on hand to educate you on cloth diapering, baby wearing/sling techniques, square foot gardening, preparing healthy meals and more. Also enjoy the store’s natural parenting resource center filled with eco-friendly educational materials and money saving tips.
Bring your own cup for complimentary refreshments and bring old items such as bags/shirts to make new again with one of Sierra Dew’s custom earth inspired stencils.  For more information contact the store 808.988.0010 or visit www. babyaWEARness.com

Timeline

11:00 am                          Event Begins
                                         Stenciling Project (all day)
                                         Coloring Contest (all day)
                                         Square Foot Gardening (all day)
                                         Eco- Fairy Princess

11:00am-1:00 pm             Bucket Gardening
11:30 am-12:30 pm          Keiki Hula Class
12:00 pm- 2:00 pm          Healthy Snacks
1:00 pm-2:00 pm             Music with Wayne Watkins
2:00 pm-2:15 pm             Stand Up Paddle Prize Giveaway
3:00 pm                           Event Ends