Guest Blog - The Organized Diaper

We are thrilled to announce our newest partner - Sarah Nelson of Less Is More. Less is More is a Chicago home organizing service driven by a passion for order and beauty. Check out Sarah's website at http://lessismoreorganizers.com for a full description of her services (we're crazy about "Make Room for Baby") and rates.

To kick off our partnership, Sarah has shared some of her favorite tips for what she calls, "The Organized Diaper." Her tips are below.


The Organized Diaper

One of the items that is always included on a new parent’s must have list is a diaper bag. Keeping it organized will help you get out of the door faster and ensure that you have what you need when you need it. Here are some tips to help:

-Use pouches or even gallon-sized Ziploc bags to keep the items in the bag organized. I like the International Arrivals Nylon Barcelona Pencil Pouches, http://www.amazon.com/International-Arrivals-Barcelona-Zippered-113-27a/dp/B002SQEWQC/ref=pd_sbs_op2/190-7855539-9488462


-Group items in each bag based on use: one bag for changing supplies, another for feeding supplies, another for toys, etc. That way, when you need to change a diaper in, say, a tiny airplane bathroom you only have to take 1 small pouch with you.

-Find supplies quickly by using different colored bags for different groups of items.

-Get in the habit of refilling supplies immediately when you get home.

-Save time by packing the bag the night before.

-Create a mini baby supply bag with diapering supplies, a change of clothes, and if applicable, snacks, to keep in your car, just in case.

What about when you are at home, comfortably playing in the living room, and suddenly a diaper change is in order? Although you might have spent lots of time and energy searching for the perfect changing table, there is no hard-fast rule saying you have to use it every time, especially if the nursery is in a less-than-convenient part of the house. Create portable changing stations that can be neatly kept in the areas of your home you use most. A small supply of diapering items, including diapers, wipes, a leak-proof changing mat, diaper cream, and plastic bags can easily fit in a lidded basket or bin. The Hang-10 Storage Bin by Scout by Bungalow, www.bungalowco.com, would hold all of these items perfectly and comes in a wonderful range of chic colors and patterns. As with the diaper bag, remember to refill the bin when supplies run low.

Our New Partner - KickSprout!

Happy Sunday! We're thrilled to announce a new partnership with KickSprout! Stay tuned for upcoming events...


KickSprout creates local events and online communities for expectant & new parents to connect. We’re a place where parents connect to meet, learn and grow with other parents who are going through the same joys and challenges in an effort to educate, foster and build a strong local community.
Despite all of the planning, reading what seemed like hundreds of books and attending the usual classes, real life with a new baby became a crazy adventure. We realized that having a support group near by with parents juggling the same life changes and emotions was going to be essential to our new family. Since most of our friends & family with kids didn’t live near by, we felt somewhat lost. As we began to find many parents with the same concern and fears, we envisioned a community to help us connect in a place of support, learning and growth - and so KickSprout was born. We exist to be a resource for parents to help them navigate their way through this crazy adventure called parenthood.

How to Go About Finding a Daycare

During your second trimester, you will want to research your child care options. If you are undecided, take the time to research nannies, au pairs, and day cares. For those of you who have decided to go with a day care, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Start your search early. Many day cares can have waiting lists for several months. Make sure you get on their list before you go on maternity leave! You will also want to look at a lot of facilities to see what fits with your family. Take a look at the DCFS website for a list of facilities near you (www.state.il.us/dcfs/daycare/index.shtml).

2. Bring a list of questions to ask the director. You will be given a tour of the facility. Be sure to use this time to ask a lot of questions. No question you have should go un-asked! After the tour, take the time to sit down with the director and understand the facility's culture. Each day care will have their own policies and company culture. Make sure you chose one that is in line with your parenting philosophy. Feel free to contact us for a list of questions that you can bring to each interview.

3. Don't under estimate the importance of location. You will be going to the day care every morning and afternoon. Don't discount the convenience of a facility located either close to home or close to work. If you are going to be the primary parent to drop off and pick up, you may want to chose a location near your office. This will give you the ability to visit baby during lunch. If you will be splitting the duties with your significant other, it may be wise to stick to a place close to home.

4. Budget! All child care options are pricey but be sure to completely understand the cost associated with each location you visit. Does the facility provide diapers and food? Is there an annual tuition increase? If so, what time of the year does it take affect? Will you be required to purchase uniforms for your child?

Whether you chose an accredited facility or go with an "at home" day care, the most important aspect is that you are comfortable. Every time I've had to chose a day care, I've done a lot of research and then gone with my gut. I've felt comfortable that the teachers and staff have similar parenting styles, have a good feel for schedules but are flexible enough to accommodate my particular needs, and is convenient for my family. I have yet to be disappointed!