Kalakoa!
Ashley Lukens shows a cloth diaper sold at Baby aWEARness in Manoa Marketplace. The inner layer of the cloth diaper is made of microfiber fleece, which wicks away moisture so the baby's skin stays dry.
Children can learn simple bon dances and participate in Japanese traditions at the Keiki Bon Dance Festival from 10:30 a.m. to noon July 31 at the Children's Discovery Center.
Mission Houses Museums docent and storyteller Kathey McGovern, in missionary costume, helps A.J. Rahn and Gary Johnson with wood block prints during a recent Kama'aina Family Days event.
Slide absorbent pad into the pocket between moisture-wicking microfiber fleece inner layer and waterproof outer layer. Lay baby on the diaper. Using the adjustable snap buttons, find the right fit for your baby.
After the baby has relieved himself, open the diaper and remove absorbent pad. Discard any solid waste into toilet and toss the diaper into a closed diaper pail or zippered wetbag to be washed and re-used.
Reusable cloth diapers save money and space
Moms across Hawaii are ditching disposable diapers for reusable cloth diapers to cut down on costs and reduce their baby’s environmental footprint.
While disposable diapers are undeniably convenient, ConsumerReports.org says parents who use them can expect to spend $1,500 to $2,000 or more by the time baby no longer needs them.
Ashley Lukens, owner of the Baby aWEARness store at Manoa Marketplace, said infants in cloth diapers might experience fewer instances of diaper rash and are not exposed to the harsh chemicals used to bleach disposable diapers and enhance their absorbency.
Lukens said her 19-month-old girl goes through six to eight cloth diapers a day, filling up two laundry loads a week.
Baby aWEARness sells the four most common types of cloth diapers: pre-fold, fitted, pocket and all-in-one.
A pre-fold diaper is a square cotton cloth with extra layering in the middle and secured with diaper pins. These tend to be the least expensive ($2.95 each) and can also be used as burp cloths and cleaning rags. Fitted diapers ($20.95 each in organic cotton) have elastic gatherings in the leg and waist and use a Velcro closure. Both pre-fold and fitted diapers require a waterproof cover.
No cover is needed for pocket or all-in-one diapers. Pocket diapers ($20.95 each) rely on moisture-wicking fabric and an absorbent pad that Lukens described as the ShamWow of the diaper world. Dirty pads are removed and washed for reuse.
All-in-ones ($26.95) have an absorbent layer integrated into the waterproof outer layer and go on and off in one step.
Baby aWEARness sells package deals that include diapers, fasteners, covers, pail liners and a three-month supply of detergent.
The store also hosts free classes on using cloth diapers, held at 10:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month. The last in a series of classes for military parents will be held at 10 a.m. next Saturday at Porter Community Center on Schofield Barracks.
For more information, call 988-0010 or visit www.babyawearness.com.
Do the Pokemon Ondo
Children can learn simple bon dances and participate in Japanese traditions at the Keiki Bon Dance Festival from 10:30 a.m. to noon July 31 at the Children’s Discovery Center. Festivities, including the Pokemon Ondo, a dance designed especially for kids, will be led by members of the Honpa Hongwanji group. Make-and-take crafts include hachimaki (headbands) and uchiwa (fans).
The bon dance is among the themed celebrations held in conjunction with the museum’s newest traveling exhibit, "Torn from Home: My Life as a Refugee." The cultural celebrations are intended to help local children and their families celebrate diversity while promoting global awareness of both migration and immigration.
General admission is $10, $8 for Hawaii residents and military; children under 1 are free. Attendees who don their favorite yukata or happi coat receive $1 discount off the admission. Shave ice and cake noodles will be available for an additional cost. Call 524-5437.
Early Westerners at home in Hawaii
The theme of this month’s Kama’aina Family Days at Mission Houses Museums is "Yankees and Europeans Make Hawai’i Home."
The July 31 program will look at how traders, sailors and missionaries added their own traditions to the culture of the islands. Throughout the day, museums visitors can try on the Westerners’ clothes, play old-fashioned games, sail a boat and see a printing press in action.
Hands-on crafts and historical activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; keiki story time will be at 12:30 p.m., with a talk for older folks on food traditions at 1:30 p.m.; and historic house tours at 11 a.m. and 1 and 4 p.m.
The discounted admission fee is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and Hawaii residents, $3 for students and $2 for activities only (no tour included).
The museum is located at 553 S. King St. Call 447-3914 or visit www.missionhouses.org.
Teen reading program wraps up
Former "American Idol" finalist Jordan Segundo will emcee the Hawaii State Public Library System’s Teen Summer Reading Program Finale from 11 a.m. to noon next Saturday at Kahala Mall Center Court Stage.
Performing at the event will be the Hypersquad Dance Company. In addition, 23 teens representing each of Oahu’s public libraries will vie for a chance to win prizes including an iPad, iPod Touch, 19-inch flat-screen television, video cameras and gift cards, all provided by Hawaii Pizza Hut.
