When it comes to diapers, there are A LOT of options... the first major decision needs to be Cloth or Disposable. This is my first child and my husband I like to travel so we decided to go the disposable route, mainly because its easy. Both options have pros and cons, what every parent mainly tries  to avoid is Diaper Dermatitis (Diaper Rash) that is caused by over hydration of the skin, urine and feces irritants, friction against the skin, and high skin PH levels. Odio & Thaman (2014) state that disposable diapers give better PH levels than cloth diapers because of the absorbency. Diaper dermatitis is more common in infants 6 -12mo. that are weaning off of breast milk and begin to consume solid foods. I plan to also use disposable wipes and cloth wipes. I have a two story home, 4 stories if you count our garage and rooftop patio, so we will use the disposable wipes when we are traveling, out and about, and upstairs in the nursery and the cloth wipes when we are downstairs in the living room/kitchen.  

Cloth Diapering

Cloth diapering and laundering is a lot of work, and there are companies in major cities that can take care of that for you. Here are some companies in Southern California that will help get you on track for cloth diapering, be sure to check out their yelp reviews and google reviews:

Pish Posh Diaper Co. (San Diego, CA)
Simple Diaper Service (San Diego, CA)
Pannolino OC Diaper Service (Orange County, CA)
Blessed Bums (Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, CA)

If you aren't wanting to go the service route and would rather launder your cloth diapers yourself, this is what you will need:

1. Minimum 24 Diaper Changes (Laundry 2-3 Days) - Many styles to choose from
2. Wet Bags (For Dirty Diapers)
3. Diaper Pail & Diaper Pail Liner
4. Cloth Wipes (24) & Solution 
5. Non Toxic Washing Detergent (Stay away from Bleach and Chemicals)
6. Cloth Diaper Sprayer &/or Disposable Liners

Purchase Cloth Diapers and Covers Here:
TGN: The Green Nursery - Risk Free Cloth Diaper Trial Program, Earn Rewards, Great Videos

Disposable Diapering

When it comes to the environment, I know I am adding on to the waste... so when I decided to go disposable, I started searching for a brand that was eco friendly and wouldn't have harmful chemicals. I decided to purchase a mixture of Bambo & Pampers Pure. I will try both, as every baby is different. 
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Bambo Nature is a company from Denmark. Randomly, my husband and I just visited Denmark  and the country is very ECO friendly; everything is recycled, water is usually filled from tap and the city is very bike friendly and clean! Pampers Pure is a PG company, obviously a very well known brand in the U.S.; be sure to sign up for the Pampers rewards program. 

BAMBO : ​Super soft and highly absorbent, perfect for both day and nighttime use. Our diapers are produced with sustainable manufacturing processes, while ensuring they are free of harmful chemicals and perfumes to minimize the risk of allergies and diaper rash. Bambo Nature diapers have earned the Danish Asthma/Allergy certification, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, are Dermatologically-tested and FSC-certified. Our diapers are certified free of all known allergens or substances classified as locally irritating, sensitizing, carcinogenic, or mutagenic. Bambo Nature has been called the “best buy for disposable diapers” by ethicalconsumer.org

PAMPERS PURE : Pampers Pure Protection diapers help protect your baby’s skin with 0% chlorine bleaching and 100% Pampers protection. They are made without chlorine bleaching, fragrance parabens, latex*, and EU 26 allergens. Crafted with premium cotton, soft plant-based fibers, and other thoughtfully selected materials–they’re clinically proven hypoallergenic for your baby’s delicate skin. Pampers Pure Protection diapers are made with 100% certified renewable electricity and sustainably sourced wood pulp. ​​

Stock piling on Disposable Diapers

​A baby will roughly go through an average of 8 diapers a day, which equates to 2920 diapers!!! Baby diaper sizes are usually determined by baby's weight. There are many factors that can contribute to babies weight: Bottle Fed, Breast Fed, Genetics, Gender, and Activity Level. Lets break down the average baby, the World Health Organization (WHO) released an international growth standard statistical distribution in 2006, which describes the growth of children ages 0 to 59 months living in environments believed to support what WHO researchers view as optimal growth of children in six countries throughout the world, including the U.S. The distribution shows how infants and young children grow under these conditions, rather than how they grow in environments that may not support optimal growth. I'll break down the 2, 50, 98 percentile Ranges for Boys & Girls based on the two charts. 

I am having a girl, and I am going to stock pile and register for diapers based on the 50% percentile range using Bambo & Pampers Pure Sizes. I also want to make sure I never run out of diapers and will probably change my baby more often as I am a first time mom. I estimate I will use 3,420 diapers my first year!!! WOW! Below is the chart I used to estimate how many diapers I will need each month. For the first year diapers are going to cost an estimate of $1250. 

Cloth Wipes

​For Cloth Wipes, I decided to purchase the BabyGoal Reusable Wipes which are made from 100% bamboo that fit perfectly in the Prince Lionheart Warmies Wipe Warmer, you can use plain water or use the homemade solution I plan to use that I put in the Medline 8oz. Bottles. 

PH Balanced Cloth Wipe Solution (Skin PH Level 5.5):

• 6 oz Boiled Water / 2 Camomile Tea Bags (6 - 7 PH)
• 1 Tbsp. Sweet Almond Oil (4.5 - 5 PH)
• 1 Tbsp. Puracy Baby Wash (5.5 - 6 PH)
• 1.5 oz of Aloe Vera Juice (5.5 PH)

In the Medline bottle, add aloe vera juice, baby wash, and almond oil, and top off with cooled camomile tea use the solution to wet the cloth wipes in the wipe warmer. 

Disposable Wipes 

Along with many options for disposable diapers are the wipes... I first chose the wipe warmer,  then did some research as to what wipe with least amount of chemicals, the popular Water Wipes are great but I didn't like how rough they were. I chose to go with Bloom Baby Wipes because they are thick, soft, and hypoallergenic. The ingredients in the baby wipes are:  Purified Water, Olus Oil, Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-2-Dipolyhydroxysterate, Glyceryl Oleate, Dicaprylyl Cabonate, Sympytum Officinale(Comfrey) Extract, Olea Euopea Fruit(Olive) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, and Potassium Sorbate.

Diaper Pail 

The Ubbi Diaper Pail will go in the nursery, no special bags are needed, so we plan on using Glad 8 gallon scented trash bags to mask the smell as well as use biodegradable scented poop bags we can also use for our French Bulldog Jack. . The pail can hold up to 50 newborn diapers and locks in the smell as its made of steel so the odor cannot be absorbed. For the downstairs changing area next to the pack n' play quick connect in our living room, I went with a smaller diaper pail, Tommee Tippee Diaper Pail Starter Set it holds up to 18 diapers and is small and compact. 

Diaper Rash Cream / Ointment

As every baby is different I went with two kinds of ointment, Burts Bees Baby Bee Rash Ointment for when a rash occurs, it contains 40% Zinc Oxide that blocks moisture. For the everyday preventative ointment, I went with an all natural ointment from Earth Mama Diaper Balm. I don't want to touch the sticky ointment, so investing in a Baby Bum Diaper Cream Brush will be helpful as well. Baby powder has been linked to cancer and can be harmful if breathed in, so it is recommended that baby power isn't used. 

Changing Pad

There are lots of changing pads and covers, I work in technology and have a smart home that I decided to splurge and go high tech with the Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad & Scale. The pad is made with foam and is easy to clean. You can track your babies weight in between doctor visits which is helpful for breast feeding to know if the baby is getting enough since its hard to know how much breast milk you are developing and it works with Alexa! 
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References:

Odio, M., & Thaman, L. (2014, November 17). Diapering, Diaper Technology, and Diaper Area Skin Health. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/pde.12501

Disclosure: This post contains Affiliated Links which means at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if clicked on and purchased.

There are so many benefits to breastfeeding and this task comes with some apprehension as a first time mom. This is a skill I am not familiar with, and I have also had many friends who were unsuccessful with breastfeeding or didn't produce enough milk and had to supplement with formula. In the perfect world, I would like to say I will exclusively breastfeed for at least a year but mother nature (and a breast augmentation done in 2006) may not let that happen so I wanted to be proactive and be prepared for any type of scenario. I am taking a breastfeeding class with the UCSD Jacobs Center Hospital which was $35. My class isn't till August 3rd when I am 38 weeks pregnant (lets hope I don't go into an early labor). So I searched out for an online course so I can at least get the basics down. I found an online course through Medela that was $25 and found a promo code through an online forum that you can take the course for free:
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Medela Free Breast Feeding Class : Code BRUEgX74fR ($25 Value)

It takes a few weeks for breast milk to stabilize, after the placenta is detached from the uterus, your body sends a signal to your brain to start creating colostrum. Colostrum creates antibodies for your newborn to fight off diseases. But your body is still adjusting and will only create enough depending on the number of feedings, so it takes a few days for your body to start creating milk. So how do I know how much I should feed my baby? Newborns have very small digestive systems but it depends on a babies weight. 

Here is a calculation I found to help give an estimate:

Convert Baby's Weight into Ounces:                                           ____ (lb.) X 16 = _____ oz.
Configure Breast Milk Needed Per Day:                                       ____ (oz.) / 6 = _____ oz. per day                                       ____ oz. / ____ (Feedings Per Day) = Total oz per day

Average newborn weighs 7.5lbs. and needs to be fed every 1-3  hours (8-12 Feedings) based on the calculation that means a newborn can intake est. 1.6 oz per feeding. Your body might not produce that much colostrum right away. But babies are born with extra fluids which is why their birth weight drops 7-10% and thats is perfectly normal. Take this as an estimate, it is hard to know how much breast milk you are producing; the first few days your baby will only have 1 -2 wet diapers but expect up to 6 wet diapers on day 3- 5. Baby shouldn't be losing anymore weight after day 4. Every woman and baby is different, I truly believe its not only a physical task but mental as well. I suggest the Hatch Grow Smart Scale to be able to weigh the baby before and after feedings to determine growth. 
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I used my FSA account to purchase my Naya Smart Breast Pump. The cost was very high for the pump, I paid $750 for mine when they had a sale. This pump is supposed to be the Rolls Royce of all breast pumps, as technology with breastpumps hasn't really changed in a long time. I want to make breastfeeding and pumping easy and painless, so paying for the best pump is worth the extra cost to me. If you are wanting to purchase the Naya, ask if your insurance covers out of network breast pump costs. Out-of-network means that you could have at least a part of the Naya Smart Breast Pump covered. Some insurance companies such as Tricare will reimburse 100% of the cost of any pump regardless of make or manufacturer. Be sure to contact your provider for more information. Insurance Code (CPT Code) for Naya: E0603. I heard the Spectra S1 and Medela PISA are also great hospital grade options. In addition to the Naya I had also purchased a manual pump for when I am on the go and out and about and don't want to bring my breast pump with me. ​

Naya Smart Breast Pump ($939) : The Naya Smart Breast Pump is a closed breast pump system that uses water instead of air to gently massage your breasts to help you relax and release milk quickly (soft silicone flanges are easy on your nipples, too). The pump’s rechargeable battery lasts up to 180 minutes, which is about two days of pumping sessions for most women. Fewer parts make the pump easy to use and clean and keeps your pumping experience hygienic and simple. And at only three pounds, the pump is lightweight, convenient, and designed to travel with you. ​Here is a great review:  Naya Breast Pump Review by Teat & Cossett.

Spectra S1 ($200) : The S1 PLUS Hospital Strength Double Electric Breast Pump with inbuilt RECHARGEABLE BATTERY provides all the features of the S2, with the addition of an inbuilt rechargeable battery. This means that you are now able to benefit from the efficiency, power and performance of a hospital strength breast pump, without compromising on portability.  Like all Spectra pumps, the S1 is a closed system - a physical barrier between the milk and the pump ensures hygiene and motor performance. With a maximum suction strength of 250mmHg and the ability to be used as a single or double pump, plus a host of additional features, the S1 is set to become the ultimate breast pump to support U.S. moms. The S1's completely flexible, touch button, with the S1 pump's digital controls allow you to set the pumping program to the speed and rhythm most effective for your body. The suction is adjustable in both let-down and expression mode. This quiet pump also includes a timer and night light. ​

Medela Pump In Style Advanced ($215) : ​Pump in style advanced is a daily use breast pump designed for moms who pump several times a day. Includes tote bag with integrated motor unit, AC adaptor, battery pack, insulated cooler bag and ice pack, 5 ounce breast milk bottles, 24 mm breast shields, PersonalFit connectors, valves, tubing and instructions.

Phillips Advent Manual Breast Pump ($38) : ​Philips Avent SCF330/30 Comfort Manual Breast Pump is uniquely designed for a more relaxing and comfortable expressing position to promote milk flow. Unlike breast pumps that only operate properly when you lean forward, the Philips Avent Comfort Manual Breast Pump allows you to sit comfortably upright as you pump, while the pump's angled neck lets milk flow naturally from breast to bottle. When you are able to relax, you can produce more milk. This manual pump is great for moms who want to pump either at home or on the go. It features a soft massage cushion with 5 textured petals intended to help gently stimulate milk flow by mimicking your baby's natural suckling patterns. An ergonomic handle and lightweight, compact design makes it easy to operate with one hand. The collection container that connects to the pump also works as a bottle with the included natural, breast-shaped nipple. The nipple makes transitioning between breast and bottle easier for your baby by encouraging comfortable latch on. The breast pump also features an uncomplicated design with only a few parts that can all be washed in the dishwasher.
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Breastfeeding & Pumping Supplies

No Bake Lactation Bites Recipe from the BakerMama.com
Total time 10 mins
Serves: 2 dozen
 
These yummy no-bake lactation bites are perfect for a nursing mom or anyone who needs a healthy, hearty, handy boost of energy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup ground flaxseed
• 3 tablespoons brewer’s yeast
• 1 cup peanut butter or almond butter
• ½ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ cup chocolate chips or ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add all ingredients except for the chocolate chips. Mix on low speed until mixture is well combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
2. Roll mixture into 2-tablespoon sized smooth balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or enjoy right away. Once the bites have set, transfer them to an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes
Mixture can be pressed into an 8x8-inch baking dish and cut into bars, if desired. Other optional add-ins: ½ chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) 

Lactation Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Shake from WereParents.com
Total Time: 5 Min 
Servings: 1 Shake

Ingredients

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/4 cup quick oats
• 2 Tbsp. of Peanut Butter or 1 packet of Justin Peanut Butter
• 2 tbsp flaxseed
• 2 tablespoon cacao nibs
• 1 tablespoon brewers yeast
• 3/4 cup milk/almond milk/coconut milk
• 1 stevia packet (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
• 2 cups of ice

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Instructions

1. In a blender, add the oats and cacao nibs and give it a quick pulse or two. Add remaining ingredients, except ice, and blend until well combined. Add 2 cups of ice until well blended. Enjoy with a thick straw or a spoon!

Breast Feeding References:

https://fedisbest.org

​https://kellymom.com

https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/index.htm

https://www.llli.org/

http://www.ilca.org/home

https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/