Archive for July, 2010

Diaper pricing pitfalls

Diapers are confusing.  They come in almost uncountable varieties, brands, styles and more.   Most brands have at least two or three different types of disposable diapers – for example, Pampers has Cruisers, Baby Dry, Swaddlers and Sensitive.  After you weed through the type, you buy a package of diapers, including; convenience packs, economy packs, jumbo packs, bulk packs, jumbo box, value box, economy box…    What is worse is that many places who sell diapers will actually sell up to 10 to 15 different package styles of the same style of diaper.   An example of this is Diapers.com sells 11 different packages (not sizes, packages) of Pampers, Size 3 diapers, of which there are 6 different options of purchasing Pampers Cruisers.   Now the purpose of an online store is to give the customer variety, but grocery stores are not much better.  A recent trip to Target gave the author the option of purchasing 16 different types of Pampers, of which there were six different package quantities of Pampers Cruisers.  

So, how do you make sense out of all this?   Well, generally, it is true that the largest package is the best deal.   Back to Diapers.com and their Cruisers, the largest package ranges in price per diaper of $0.2687 for size three to $0.4299 for size 6.   However, buying just a slightly smaller quantity only increases your price per diaper by $0.0170 (size 3) to $0.0048 (size 6).   In essence, there is almost no difference in prices, except that, based on average diapers used in a specific stage, the price savings from size 3 to size 6 will save you $145 over the time your child is in diapers.  

Why would you buy a pack for $3 less when you can get more?   The answer is simple, and that is in the risk of having unused diapers.  For example, assuming again specific averages of time spent in a specific size, buying the package that has more diapers will create 308 unused diapers, while the smaller package will only leave you with 112 unused diapers.   Meaning, if you buy the bigger package, you will spend $100.37 on diapers that would not go to use, versus only $39.30.   However, this means that you are buying two extra packages of the largest size, and one full extra package of the smaller size.  

So, is the answer to buy smaller packages?   Smaller packages do not offer better pricing, although, some pricing is decent, especially if you are not able to spend $45 a pop for the biggest packages.  In fact, when looking at packages priced at $34.99, the price per diaper was only $0.3016 to $0.4860 for size 3 and size 6 respectively.  This means there is only a per diaper price difference of $0.06 to $0.08.  This does add up though, and from the cheapest price to this one means that overall, you would spend an extra $286 on diapers.   However, when looking at two other packages, one sells for $16.99 and another for $24.99, this skews the pricing.  Both offer near identical pricing, except for a key difference, the package sold for $16.99 in sizes 4,5,6  is actually cheaper, by roughly $0.02 to $0.03 per diaper.   The $16.99 packages offer a better deal than the more expensive package, except for size 3, which is only $0.005 per diaper higher.   However, buying either of these two packages routinely will still cost $487 more than buying the cheapest diapers. 

Finally, the worst offender is the “convenience” package.  Even on diapers.com, where the site is supposed to offer some of the best prices on diapers – which it does for the most part – will ultimately break your budget.   At $11.29 per package, this only saves you roughly $5.00 per package over the $16.99 pack, but, and this is a huge but, the price per diaper increases dramatically $.10 to $.14 per diaper more than the cheapest package.  This creates an overall extra cost of $786 (based on average diaper use). 

The final way to compare diapers is to look at the package that is the best deal and then figure out what the savings are versus the cheaper package.  For example, the best deal (in size 3) is $42.99 for 160 diapers.   Compare this to the packages at $24.49, $34.99 and $11.29 that have 76, 116 and 31 diapers respectively.   This means, that when you buy any of the following, you are actually spending $9.29, $5.28 and $15.30 less buying the biggest package over the convenience packages.

Keep in mind that the previous discussion only concerns diapers from one size, at one store, and that store is a discount store that prides itself on offering the best prices.   When buying diapers at a local store, the pricing changes dramatically. 

IntelligentMommy.com has catalogued over 700 different local and online diaper prices.   This database shows[1] that there are substantial price differences in diapers.   The average lowest cost per diaper is $0.22, and the highest average cost is $.51.  Therefore, this means you would spend over $2,025.88 extra on diapers.  If you have twins, triplets or quads, you might as well multiply this by that number, which is a decent used car, or a down payment on a new house.    To demonstrate the difference in product prices, a comparison of the price difference by brand, type, size and the lowest and highest prices.   The price differences range from a mere $0.04 per diaper to $0.37 per diaper.   This means that again, based on that 7,000 figure, there is a potential of paying nearly $2,570 more for diapers.   Even at $0.04 per diaper though, based on 7,000 diapers, you are spending $280 more on diapers.   Of course, the average price difference in the Intelligent Mommy database was $0.15 per diaper, or $1,057.75.   The final thing to note is that the Intelligent Mommy pricing database does not list sale prices, but only the regular prices.  In addition, the Intelligent Mommy database does not record “convenience” packages, or other items that are clearly a bad deal.

Lastly, buying diapers on sale or by using coupons can further decrease the cost per diaper by $0.05 to sometimes $0.10 or more.  This adds up quickly, and can decrease your costs dramatically.   Just saving $0.05 per diaper average, on the lowest prices (on average from the Intelligent Mommy database), could mean paying only $910 for your baby’s diapers.   This is a stark contrast to the average highest price, which would mean you would pay (on average) $0.39 per diaper or $2,701.91. 

 

[1] This compares only Huggies, Pampers and Luvs, and in the common sizes.   In addition, the author removed” Warehouse” store packages, along with preemie and newborn sizes to illustrate an apples-to-apples comparison. 

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About the Author:
Intelligent Mommy provides diaper-pricing calculators online and on your cell phone, along with other tools, communities and forums to help mothers save on the things that babies use the most.  Visit us at http://www.intelligentmommy.com/ for more information.  
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So what are cloth diapers?  Cloth diapers come in many shapes and forms now and it can become very confusing.    There are flat cloth diapers, prefolds, doublers, fitted cloth diapers, cloth diaper covers, all in one cloth diapers, pocket diapers, and Inserts.  Almost all of these diapering systems come in a variety of materials such as Hemp, Cotton, Fleece, Bamboo, and Wool.  It is no wonder why people reach for disposables as a first option, there is less variety. 

Let us start with Flat Cloth Diapers.  Flat cloth diapers are simply a square or rectangular piece of material that you can fold to any size to fit around your newborn, baby or toddler.  They don’t have any fasteners so either pins or diaper fastener can be used, or a diaper cover will help keep it in place.  Flat cloth diapers can be the most cumbersome of cloth diaper types but they are the most economical because they can be used with any age of your child and can continue to be used while potty training at night.  These are great to have in your diaper bags because they can also be used as inserts, wipes, burp pads, change pads and any time you may need a cloth around.

Flat Cloth diapers can come in different materials and all will have various degrees of absorption.  Keep in mind that cotton flannel flat cloth diapers are found in most department stores but are not the most absorbent so you will need to purchase more as you will be changing them more frequently.  I did have these initially for my son but found them difficult to fold properly as he grew.  Also as he got stronger it was harder to get everything in place before he’d turn or move.    So I bought prefolds next.

Prefolded cloth diapers or Prefolds are a rectangular piece of material that has several layers to it and it is sewn together.  Usually the middle section will have an absorbent insert also sewn into place.   At Little P Baby Store we carry Organic cotton pre-fold by Bummis.  They are a 4×8x4 ply which is a high-quality, absorbent prefold, which means the outer layers have 4 layers of fabric and the middle panel has 8 layers of fabric.  Prefolds are easier to use than the flat cloth diapers mainly because you can easily fit them around your baby for a snug fit.  Keep in mind, like the Flat cloth diapers, they are best used with a cloth diaper cover.  They can also be fastened with pins or diaper fasteners.  Regardless of the name of the prefold, Chinese prefolds, Indian prefolds, or others, they all have the same idea but remember the uniqueness is in the materials that are used and that relates to the absorbency.  We carry the highest-quality absorbent prefolds that are unbleached as bleaching can damage the fibers.  Also remember that these require a cloth diaper cover.

Fitted cloth diapers are named because they are meant to fit around your baby or toddler and don’t require any folding.  One of the benefits of fitted cloth diapers is their ease of use.  They will come with either snaps or Velcro for a fast and easy diaper change.  Most brands will have elastic around the legs and waist to contain any mess.  For most parents fitted cloth diapers are the easiest to use but they do still require a separate diaper cover.  They provide a great fit for your child at that age, but you will need to buy different sizes as your child grows.  There is a small variety at one size fits all options for fitted cloth diapers.  At Little P Baby Store we carry 4 brands of fitted cloth diapers such as Bambineo Bamboo, Bamboozle Bamboo, Bamboo Baby and Baby Milano fitted cloth diaper.  Bamboo is a naturally antibacterial and anti-allergic product that is easily cultivated and thrives without the use of fertilizers or pesticides. It does not drain the soil’s nutrients and does not require monoculture farming.  It is gorgeously soft, has healing properties and is 70 to 80% more absorbent than cotton.

The next type of cloth diaper is the pocket cloth diaper, such as the BumGenius 3.0.  This diapering type comes with an inside pocket that you can insert padding, has a waterproof outer layer and closures.  They are extremely easy to use.  Some times these are mistake for all-in-one diapers but they are close in structure.  With the pocket diaper you insert a padded material into the pocket and then place them on your baby.  The diaper cover itself is sewn to the inner fleece layer so that when your baby urinates the moisture is pulled into the absorbed insert and away from your baby.   These are becoming extremely popular due to the capabilities of keeping moisture away from the baby, unlike the first few listed types of cloth diapers.  Remember to purchase your inserts when looking at pocket cloth diapers and the same rule applies the different materials for inserts will relate to the absorbency so try to choose inserts that are layered if cotton or more absorbent types like Bamboo or Terry cloth.

So the final type of cloth diapers is the All-in-one (AIO) diaper.  They are exactly what you would expect, they have it all; inner absorbent core, waterproof cover, front closure, snug fit around the legs and waist.  No need to folding, pinning, stuffing or wrapping.  These diapers are more expensive because they are all combined in one but they are still cheaper than disposables.  We have a few different varieties to choose from; Indisposables, Bamboo Baby All-in-one, and Snug to Fit by Dri-Line. 

Cloth diaper covers are unique in that they can be reused a few times before needing to be washed, if they are not soiled or have a smell.  Cloth diaper covers can come with Velcro or snap closures, such as Baby Milano cloth diaper covers, Bummis Super Brite or Bummis Super Whisper wrap.  These covers can come in different fabrics such as Vinyl (PVC), Polyurethane Laminate (PUL), and Nylon.  Vinyl is no longer recommended as it will not hold up to washing and they can leak into your child’s skin. PUL is a laminate that is applied over either polyester or cotton to make the cover waterproof.  They are machine washable and can be dried.  They will withstand the test of time and can be used for many years.  Nylon cloth diapers are similar to PUL but should not go in the drier.  Both of these are a much better alternative to Vinyl due to its breathable and softer qualities.

I hope this was able to answer some questions about the different types of cloth diapering systems.  Next part of the series will cover “HOW DO I CHOOSE?”
 

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About the Author:
I am a first time mom that loves all things natural and organic.  I have searched for the past few years for some of the coolest products and am hoping that through my website that I can provide people with information that will help our little ones grow up healthy and safe. 
 
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Finding a Cool Baby Gift

Finding the perfect gift for a baby shower can be a real challenge. With guests mining through registries looking for something unique, there is bound to be some overlap. Afterall, just how many wash cloths, pacifiers and burping cloths can one new family need. What’s most important, though often overlooked, is the importance blending function with fun. Take time to think about the personality of the parents in relationship to the comfort of the child. Through adventure for cool baby gifts a breeze. Here are a few ideas:

A Photo is Worth a Thousand Words

Photos are priceless for new families. Give Mom and Dad a gift certificate to a local photo studio and give them a gift that they can appreciate forever. This unique idea will overjoy the new parents and impress the other gift givers.

Belly Laughs are the Best

Give Mom and Dad’s little one a snuggle approved onesie, romper or tshirt with a some whimsical or funny imagery. Be sure to find something that mirrors the parents interests. Not only does this show your thoughtfulness but could ensure the gift receives optimal usage. Band onesies and funny baby tshirts are only a few options. Spare time and energy by shopping online. You will be surprised about the variety available to you.

Something for Just for Them

Find the perfect baby blanket and have it engraved with the little ones name. Blankets are an essential addition that will be useful for many months to come. Once the child has outgrown the item, suggest that the parents frame it. If its too tattered to be framed, recommend that they cut the engraved portion out and add it to a scrapbook.

 

Are you not sure where to begin and need more ideas? Check out a cool baby gift at 2BHipBabies.com.

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Digital Baby Video Monitor

There has been the latest development in baby video monitor to give parents more options to have a peace of mind in looking out on their little ones. When you actually are looking on how to choose a baby monitor, you are on the right tract. This article will give you some insights to some of the few brands that manufactured a baby video monitor; Graco, Mobi and Summer will be one of the few that you will be able to get from this article.

Graco as it provides digital and analog sound monitors; it also comes with digital video monitors. If you are looking for the least expensive ones, Graco can give you the analog models they have, but they do have special features that digital video only get to have. A model called Respond allows you to monitor and record your own voice and will involuntarily play when your little one fusses. Digital monitors under Graco Company then offers a much longer distance coverage of around 2000 feet range. It is useful when you have more than one child or room to monitor. Together with above mentioned features, Graco’s Digital Color Video Monitor provides you with a digital clarity and privacy, good zoom and infrared night vision technology to see your little one even when all lights are down.

Mobi on the other hand has this compact, sleek and wireless design in both video and audio screens and monitors. Their digital audio monitor has a two-way audio communication with paging feature; it carries a rechargeable battery or may be on an AC operation. The good thing with Mobi is it has a belt clip and out of range warning. You could also expand video monitoring to two cameras and unlimited receivers; it has wide camera viewing angle and voice activated transmission too. So with Graco, Mobi also has its night vision technology to see what is unseen in the dark.

Next to consider is Summer. Name it, and Summer has it. Summer has the largest selection of both video and audio monitors. Their audio monitors have its unique long ranges from 650-900 feet and have out of range warnings, same with Mobi. All of its video monitors then includes a very good reception of infrared night vision technology and this is being operated in your choice to whether have it on AC or wireless battery, however the range will be shorter, which is 350 feet.

Few brands have been tacled, I hope you are now able to even at least have an idea on how each brand works, how each of these manufacturers make their product for their buyers. Graco, Mobi and Summer are just one of the few brands in the market, you can always look for more, the final decision is yours to make.

 

 

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About the Author:
If you are looking for more information on <a rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.babyvideomonitorreviews.net/”>Digital Baby Video Monitor</a>, then I suggest you make your prior research so you will not end up being misinformed, or much worse, scammed.
If you want to know more about Digital Baby Video Monitor, go here: <a rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.babyvideomonitorreviews.net/Digital-Baby-Video-Monitor.html”>Digital Baby Video Monitor</a>
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Baby Video Monitor Reviews

If you come to look for answers to what best baby monitor are available in the market today, you are on the right tract. Just hold on tight, get comfortable as you begin to learn more about what is the best in this generation.

 

Baby video monitor has been up in the market for this season, many baby companies made their own way to give out to consumers or buyers the best of what they have. But what is really the best of all the rest? In this article, you will be able to grasp three top baby video monitor we have in the market, these are Philips Avent SCD 510 DECT Baby Monitor, Sony Baby Call Nursery Monitor NTM 910 and Summer Infant Day and Night Handheld Color Video Monitor.

 

To begin with, Philips Avent SCD 510 DECT Baby Monitor, although the price is high, it does eradicate interference from other electronics around the house, it also eliminates the chance of unintentional eavesdropping. Together with it is the auto-channel switching, walkie-talkie feature, warnings for out-of-range and low battery signals.

 

On the other hand, you can also take into consideration Sony Baby Call Nursery Monitor NTM 910. It is cheaper, it has analog monitor and it does subject to interference with other electronics. There are 27 channel range that parents can say virtually do away with static and clicking. It also has its own power adaptor so with rechargeable batteries.

 

The third baby monitor is Summer Infant Day and Night Handheld Color Video Monitor, though this is more expensive than the other two, yet this monitor has a belt clip that the baby and as parent can walk around with it. You can also buy additional camera for monitoring more than 1 room. This baby monitor is more sensitive than other baby monitors out in the market, it has night vision feature, and has a great picture quality.

 

As you’ve read the article, you might as well able to identify which ones to choose from, may it be the Philips Avent SCD 150 DECT Baby Monitor that has its own unique feature, or maybe you would want to get Sony Baby Call Nursery Monitor NTM 910 that is cheaper, and lastly, Summer Infant Day and Night Handheld Color Video Monitor that is with a colored monitor and a good picture feature.

 

 

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Philips Baby Monitor

As baby monitors are out in the market, Philips made the first move to introduce a new technology called DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication) that will modernize the marketplace.

 

Philips Baby Monitor comes in complete package. It gives you a complete peace of mind with zero interference or static from any electrical device. It so provides a secure and private connection – you will be the only one to hear your baby and so with likewise. Channel selections over 60 channels for its voice transmission and as soon as it find ways to look out for another device using its channel, it will automatically switch to an unused channel to continuously give you a crystal clear connection without any hindrance. This unit is small in design and is lightweight with a belt clip and neck cord to allow you to freely walk in and around the house up to the maximum 900 feet with convenience and mobility. It could give you a minimum of 8 hours cordless monitoring. With this product, you can also monitor the room temperature of the baby and activate those starry-starry night light while playing your baby’s favorite lullaby because the sensitivity of the sound and volume just has its ability to adjust to suit any situation.

 

This product may seem like the most expensive thing inside a nursery room, and the most expensive non-furniture item, but users have been saying that this is something that you would want to feel great about spending that big amount of money. Security, performance and features are all great.

 

How much one thing costs will always affect how buyers chooses the product but Philips wasn’t restricted to the price because if the price is right, there will be no way for the buyers to think twice. If it gives you a better way to feel secured, then the cost is just reasonable. This product just works perfectly as advertised. From sensitivity down to battery life, let me raise my two thumbs up for this. With thoughtful and well implemented features, this product is a topnotch for it performs outstandingly.

 

 

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About the Author:
If you are looking for more information on Baby Video Monitor Reviews, then I suggest you make your prior research so you will not end up being misinformed, or much worse, scammed.
If you want to know more about Baby Video Monitor Reviews, go here: Baby Video Monitor Reviews
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