Friday, December 31, 2010

A Cloth Diaper Primer, part 1


I have read several stories lately of people who investigated cloth diapers while they were pregnant.  They were so overwhelmed with the volume of options and information that they gave up and went with disposables.  This post may be elementary for some, but I hope to simplify the cloth diaper world for beginners.

Some Definitions with Pros, Cons, and Examples

AIO:  All-In-One.  This diaper is as simple as it gets.  Every part of the diaper is in one piece.  There is no insert to remove, no folding or pinning or cover needed.  Just snap or Velcro the diaper on and your baby is good to go. 

Pros: A lot!  Easy to apply, easy to wash, no stuffing or extra parts to put together before use.

Cons:  This type of diaper typically takes longer to dry as all of the absorbent layers are stitched in place.

ExamplesGroVia AIO, bumGenius Elemental Cloth Diapers, Kissaluvs AIO, Lil Joey Newborn Diapers.

Tip:  This is a great choice for beginners who are nervous about cloth diapers.  It is also one of the best options for grandparents, daddies (well…some of the them), babysitters, nursery workers, day care, etc.  It is super simple to use.  

AI2:  All-In-Two.  This diaper has everything in 2 parts.  Typically a hybrid diaper is referred to as AI2, but a pocket diaper could be called AI2 as there are two parts – a pocket and an insert.FB-onesize-applegreen120

Pros:  Easy like the AIO, but dries faster because the diaper separates into two parts

Cons:  You have to put the two parts together before you can use the diaper.  This may mean snapping in a soaker or stuffing an insert in a pocket.  It’s not difficult, but it is an extra step in preparing your diapers.

ExamplesGroVia shell system; Apple Cheeks envelope diapers; pocket diapers

Pocket Diaper:  This is one of the most popular styles of cloth diaper on the market today.  It consists of a pocket and an insert.  The pocket has an outer layer which is waterproof, and the inner layer is usually a stay-dry type fabric (wicks moisture from baby’s bum to keep him dry).  The insert could be made of any variety of fabrics.  The insert is stuffed into the pocket opening and it absorbs the pee.

Rumparooz Diagram

Pros:  Fast drying time as the insert is removable.  No diaper cover needed.  Easy & quick to fasten to baby.  Customizable absorption – just add more inserts or boosters for heavier wetters or night times.  Baby’s skin is not touching the wet insert; therefore baby stays dry and rash is kept at bay.

Cons:  Insert should be removed prior to washing (a few select styles agitate out in the wash).  This is usually easy – grab a corner or simply shake the insert into the pail.  The insert must then be stuffed into the clean pocket before use.

Examples:  FuzziBunz pocket diapers (sized and one size); Rumparooz one size pocket diaper; Doopsy diapers, etc.

FlipSDSingle400x400Hybrid Diapers:  Hybrid diapers are a system of cloth diapering that provides different options for different situations.  Usually there is a waterproof cover or shell which can be reused multiple times.  There is an absorbent insert that goes inside the cover/shell.  When the insert is soiled, you just put in a clean insert and reuse the cover/shell.  Many times these diapers also have a disposable (biodegradable) insert that can be used for on-the-go (travel, day care, etc.).

Pros:  It’s nice to have the option of a disposable insert in some situations.  These systems are usually cost effective because you don’t have to have one cover for each insert.  You purchase fewer covers and more inserts, thus spending less money.  It is also fewer items to store and wash.  Many hybrid systems are also one-sized, so you don’t have to purchase different sizes of covers as your baby grows. (See below for a descriptions of one size).

Cons: In my experience, if the baby poops, it gets on the shell.  For smaller babies you may need to purchase more shells or wash more often as the shells will get soiled more frequently.

Examples: Flip diaper system (insert options are stay-dry, organic cotton, or disposable); GroVia shell system, Best Bottom diapers.

Fitted Diaper:  This diaper is usually, but not always, a sized diaper.  (This means that you will have to buy more diapers as your child grows.)  The diaper is cut to fit the baby and eliminate bulk – it is fitted.  The diaper usually snaps or velcros on your baby.  There is no waterproof outer layer, therefore a diaper cover is required.

Pros:  Often these diapers are made of hemp or bamboo which are very absorbent, especially for heavy wetters.  You may be able to get a better fit because the diaper is sized.

Cons:  In my experience, fitted diapers are more bulky.  This can be awkward on a newborn or small baby.  A diaper cover will be needed.  This is not only an extra expense, but an extra step in putting the diaper on your baby.  You will likely need to buy several sizes of fitted diapers in order to use them from birth to potty training.

Examples: Kissas Fleece Fitted diapers, Kissaluvs Marvels Fitted diapers (this diaper is one size); Baby Kicks Fitted diaper

BG4SnapOneSizeDiagram288x186One Size Diaper:  Any of the types of diapers described here can also come with a one size option.  This means that the diaper is adjustable to allow the rise and legs to grow with your baby, fitting them from birth to potty training.  The  adjustability may be through adjustable elastic or a snap-down rise with several settings.  One size diapers generally begin fitting around 8 pounds through 35 or 40 pounds, but each brand is sized slightly different. 

Pros: One Size diapers are the best budget option because your baby will wear the same diapers all the way to potty training, and you do not have to buy other sizes. 

Cons:  Because these diapers will be in use longer than sized diapers (and thus washed more frequently), you may not be able to use them on as many children.  Some children who are particularly skinny or chunky may get a better fit from a sized diaper.

Examples:  My favorites are the FuzziBunz One Size diaper and the Rumparooz One Size diaper.  Other choices include bumGenius! 4.0 diapers, Doopsy diapers, and many more!

Organic Diapers: These diapers are made of an organic fabric, such as organic cotton.  Organic fabrics can be super absorbent, and they also give you the peace of mind about what is touching your baby’s skin.

ExamplesBaby Kicks Organic Fitted diaper, bumGenius! Elemental organic diaper, Flip Organic diaper.

Pre-Fold Diapers:  These diapers are similar to the ones used by our moms.  Pre-fold diapers are made up of several absorbent layers, usually cotton.  There are three panels, and the center panel has more layers than the side panels.  There is something very nice and simplistic about using a prefold, and they are very economically priced.  Pre-fold usually come in sizes, so it is necessary to buy more as your baby grows.  The best part about “modern” pre-fold diapers is that you don’t need pins anymore!  You can just lay the diaper in a cover and snap it on, or you can use a Snappi fastener for a more secure fit. 

Pros:  Cotton is absorbent, yet breathable.  It is easy to care for.  Pre-folds are priced well, so if a pre-fold gets ruined it is easily replaceable.  They dry fairly quickly.

Cons:  You do have to fold a pre-fold.  (Pre-fold just refers to the fact that there are already more layers in the center).  It takes a little more effort to put this diaper on your baby.  You need a cover, because the diaper is not waterproof.  These diapers can be bulkier than pocket diapers.  The diaper is not stay-dry, so your baby may get wet skin (depending on how long you go between changes).  You can convert pre-folds to stay-dry diapers by using a liner.

 This series will be continued next week.  We will investigate fabric options, diaper covers and economical options regarding cloth diapers.

{Read Part 2}
{Read Part 3}

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Obsession Confession: Andie from Goodbye Disposable, Hello Cloth

 

Name: My name is Andrea, but most people know me as Andie.

Children: I have one daughter, whom I call Peaches, who just turned one this November.

Occupation: I am a Full Time Student/Stay at home Mom

Where do you live? I live in the Twin Cities in Minnesota

DSCN7556Is your hubby on board with using cloth diapers? The whole family is certainly supportive of my decision to use cloth diapers, but not everyone is on board with participating. It kind of depends on the day.

When did you start cloth diapering? I started cloth diapering in early September of 2010, Peaches was 9 months old.

What was your main reason for switching to cloth diapers? I switched to cloth diapers because I realized that all of my money and savings was going towards disposable diapers. I was interested in cloth from the beginning but I was so afraid of the investment, but once I realized just how much money I would be saving, and that I could use them on any future children to come, I was sold on the idea!

Share the short story of how you started using cloth diapers.  I switched to cloth diapers due to my friend Tara, who runs TheSmallTownMom.com. We would get together at playdates, and I would see her daughter Blondie in the cutest little cloth diapers! She told me how easy it was and because I knew I had a friend I could look to if I needed help, I was willing to try it. I am so thankful to her and many people in the online cloth diapering community who have made the switch to cloth so simple!

What is your favorite brand and style of diapers?  There are so many different style and brands to love, it is hard to pick just one. My Flip diaper was the first diaper I purchased, so it will always have a special little place in my heart. I recently got a Charlie Banana 2-in-1 Sized DSCN8028diaper and it has been the only cloth diaper that has consistently worked overnight for my daughter, so the Charlie Banana diaper is basically my best friend in the morning!

How many diapers are in your stash? About 30 diapers. There are very few repeating brands, I like to try a little of everything.

Share a blooper or “newbie” story from your cloth diapering experiences? When Peaches was only a few months old, I tried cloth diapers with her for less than a hour before I gave up. I had no idea what I was doing. She was probably 8lb or 9lbs at the time, and I purchased a Size One Thirsties Duo Wrap, but I didn’t know I had to adjust the rise of the cover, and then I purchased Toddler prefolds rather than the newborn prefolds that she needed because I had no idea there was any difference. I spent about an hour online trying to figure out how I was suppose to fold this massive diaper on this tiny baby until I basically gave up. I had no idea there were cloth diapers that did not involve folding at the time.

Do you have a tip to share with others?  Read as much as you can about cloth diapers and ALWAYS enter giveaways! Most of my stash is from giveaways and I am so thankful for it!

Is there anything you wish you had known when you started using cloth diapers?  I wish I had known about WAHM diapers. When I first started using cloth, I thought my only options were big name diapers like Bum Genius or FuzziBunz. I love my “big name” diapers, but I also love to see all the love and passion that many Work at Home Moms put into the diapers they make and I love to help support other mothers who are just as passionate about cloth diaper as I am!

What is the greatest issue or problem you’ve had with cloth diapers, and how have you resolved it? I had a big issue with stinky diapers. I have been using a Free and Clear detergent because I cannot afford to buy CDing detergents all the time, but the Free and Clear detergents do a poor job of getting rid of the stinky smell that diapers can acquire. My solution: Occasionally, when they diapers start to smell, I soak them in a scented CDing detergent, and then immediately following the soak, I give them a good wash in the machine. It has allowed me to get rid of the stink without having to use the pricier CDing detergent all the time.

Regarding cloth diapers, is there anything you would like to know?  I would like to know more about the different materials within cloth diapers . I do not know the difference between a micro-fiber and a micro-terry material, or if bamboo is better than hemp. Most of those details fly right over my head.

What are your other hobbies, interests, and obsessions?  I am a huge political nerd and I tend to geek out about the Constitution. My dream job would be to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice (I know, I dream big!). It is fairly evident in my blog just how much I love politics, but I try to keep as non-partisan as possible and keep my political nerdiness down to a minimum.

DSCN7376Do you have favorite blogs and websites?  Of course, I love The Small Town Mom, but I also really enjoy Fitteds and Pockets and Snappis, oh my!, Sippy Cups and Cloth Bums and What Mama Wants.

Describe your personality a little.  I would describe my personality as a little spunky but also mature. I am a weird hybrid of outgoing and structured. There are certainly things that a take very seriously, such as academics and my daughters well-beings, but I do not want to lose sight of the fact that although I am a mom I am still a 20 year old college student, so I like to have fun and let my hair down.

Andie blogs at Goodbye Disposable, Hello Cloth.  Be sure to stop in and let her know we sent you!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Military Monday Blog Hop

One of my new favorites is reading Diary of a Devil Dog Wife blog.  While Marrah blogs about life in general, she is also a cloth diapering mom.  I appreciate her husband’s service to our country, currently in Afhangistan.  Diary of a Devil Dog Wife joins forces with Marine Parents and Life with My Littles for a military blog hop every Monday!  I thought it would be fun to do some hopping on this blizzard-y day.

Here are the rules…

  • grab the Military Monday Blog Hop button and post it as a new blog post or somewhere on your blog so we can be sure you are at the right hop!


Code: <a href="http://marineparents.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b422/taprilcrosier/MilitaryMondayButton1.jpg" border="0"></a>

  • follow all three hosts {just click the buttons below!} - we promise to follow back, just give us a few days to catch up with everyone!

     
    Diary of a Devil Dog Wife 

  • follow as many, or as few, of the linked blogs as you like - but remember, the more you follow, the more followers you will get in return! be sure to leave a comment that you stopped by from the Military Monday Blog Hop and leave your blog address!!

Happy Hopping!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Kanga Care Pail Liner Winner

The winner of the Kanga Care Wet Bag/Pail Liner is comment #174:

 Teacher Joy

(gtlarryjoy@…)

Joy wins a Whale Tale Pail Liner! pail_liner_13_whaletalePlease email iwon@doablediapers.com or respond to my email within 48 hours to claim your prize, or another winner will be chosen!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas!

 

doable diapers christmas card

Merry Christmas from Ben, Andrea, Elaine, and Baby Hamilton – your friends at Doable Diapers!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Rumparooz Wins the MACT Award!


Congratulations to Rumparooz – they won the
Mom Approved – Child Tested product award!

rumparooz award

Rumparooz cloth diapers passed the test with such flying colors that they have recently been awarded Mom Approved Child Tested (MACT) Excellence Award. This is a prestigious and respectable award this is not easily deserved.

Rumparooz One Size Diapers are different because of their truly unique “poop scoop” design!  It is the only cloth diaper to contain inner gussets, which are 100% leak proof against the messiest explosions (yep, tested and passed the blowout test!)  Also, the outer water-proof layer is made with biodegradable polyester that is laminated with biodegradable TPU – NOT PUL (PUL is a chemical and solvent process that is toxic.)  Another plus, all Rumparooz diaper materials are tested for harmful substances and received Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification.

Rumparooz has been awarded with the prestigious Excellence Award because their cloth diapers proved to be a cloth diaper that would make any disposable diapering parent confident and pleased with going cloth.   Their design is trim, the snaps are super easy to use, and their inserts are incredibly absorbent and luxuriously soft.  Find out more in MACT Awards full and colorful review on MACTawards.com.

Now these outstanding diapers are available in Doable Diapers’ best selling packages – the Get Started Package and The Complete Package.  Each package contains the items to need to cloth diaper, at a discounted price!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Diaper Covers Compared


I have recently returned to using prefolds after my daughter outgrew several of our sized pocket diapers.  I have several different brands of diaper covers in my stash.  Now that I am using them more, I have definite favorites and preferences.  Here is my personal take on several major diaper cover brands.

Bummis Super Snap Wrap supersnap-new-photo_bmprd_lf
sized diaper cover, newborn to large, 7-40 pounds

This cover feels very durable because of the thickness of the PUL.  I only use snapping diapers, and this cover only comes in white with a snap closure.  I do wish I could get more of the fun prints but still stick with snaps!  The quality is great, I have had no leaks or explosions that I can recall, and it washes well.  The downside to this cover is that it is sized as opposed to one size.  However, the newborn size is really great for a tiny baby.  A one size cover may not fit a newborn right away.

This was definitely my favorite newborn sized cover.  The small size also fit Elaine very well.  Now that she has outgrown the small, the medium seems a little too big in the rise, allowing the diaper to move around a lot.  If I use a Snappi fastener, this works great.

Kissaluvs Marvels One Size Cover marvels_aio_cover-chocolate150
for babies 8-40 pounds

I won this cover in a giveaway.  It is not very high on my list of favorites.  I do like the double leg gussets and the overlapping waist snaps.  It features a snap down rise with three snap settings.  It was always a little big on a small baby, even though it is a one size cover.  I could only use it on Elaine as an infant if she was wearing a bulky fitted diaper for bedtime.  I only recently pulled it out of my drawer to begin using again.  I also find it a drawback that this cover only comes in five solid colors.  The cute factor is a big factor for me!

Thirsties Duo Wrap Elaine 10 months with Samson in cradle
two sizes, 6-18 pounds, and 18-40 pounds

I really wanted to like this diaper cover.  I was excited when Thirsties finally became available in snap closures, and they also added several fun prints to their line.  The Duo Wrap system seemed like a great idea – to truly fit a newborn through potty training there are two sizes of cover, but each features three sizes using a snap-down rise.

I love the gussets on the Thirsties cover.  It is also made of durable PUL, though it is thin and flexible as opposed to the stiffness of the Bummis.  However, this cover has given me no end of frustration and grief!  I purchased the size 2 for Elaine although she was not quite 18 pounds.  Yet the rise snaps do not stay fastened.  When I am pulling the cover between her legs to fasten it, they always pop.  I try to snap them after the diaper is fastened, but then it is difficult.  I don’t know if I just got a bad cover, or if the snaps they use are not strong enough.  Elaine is definitely not ready for the next rise setting, so it is not a problem of being too tight.  It’s really too bad because the cover is so adorable!  (I have the Warm Stripes).

Flip One Size Diaper Cover 
for babies 7-35 pounds

This is it – my number one, absolute favorite diaper cover!  The Flip came out near the same time as Elaine’s birth.  The covers fit very well from the beginning (she was 7 pounds at birth).  She is still wearing them now, and we have four of this cover in our stash.

I primarily use the Flip diaper cover with prefold diapers.  When Elaine was smaller we always used a Snappi fastener to help contain the runny breast milk poo better.  Now that she is older, I just tri-fold the prefold and lay it in the cover, and then fasten the cover on Elaine. 

Prefold diaper trifolded in coverThis is an example of a tri-folded prefold; this is a Thirsties diaper cover

flip-baby-zinnia200The Flip diaper cover features three size settings with snap-down rise.  The stretchy tabs help ensure a great fit each time, and I really like the two rows of vertical snaps.  I feel like this holds the diaper more securely than a single row of snaps.

The Flip cover can be used with Flip Stay-Dry or Organic Cotton inserts.  I was not a fan of the inserts when Elaine was little, but they are great now.  The stay-dry insert is basically a microfiber insert with micro-suede topping to keep baby dry.  The Organic Cotton is an oh-so-soft large prefold that can be folded several different ways depending on the size you need.  There are also disposable inserts. I plan to go disposable on our next air travel trip.

 

How about you?  What is your favorite diaper cover?  Do you go for snaps or Aplix?  I would love to try wool, and also the GroVia system as I have heard great things about those two covers also.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Giveaway: Rumparooz Wet Bag


KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAWe now have 200 fans on our blog!!!  As promised, we are giving away one of the new Kanga Care wet bags or pail liners.  First…a brief review.
 
I started using one of the new Kanga Care Wet Bags a couple of weeks ago – as soon as I was able to purchase one!  My other wet bag was big and bulky, and not functioning well for us in the new house.  It ended up hanging in the bath tub most of the time to keep it out of the way.  Yuck!  I was excited to try to the Kanga Care wet bag because of it’s unique, but small design.  I also thought it would dry faster without the fabric outer shell.
 
So what is the verdict?  I LOVE this wet bag!  The “barrell” or “half crescent” shape makes it easier to hang, but also to fill up with soiled diapers.  I was lazy and rarely zipped my other wet bag, so I am having a little bit of trouble remembering to unzipwet_15_gumball the bag before I spray the diaper. 
 
On occasion, my other wet bag would leak.  I never had a puddle of water on the floor, but sometimes I would brush against it with my leg, and it was wet.  Gross!  The Kanga Care wet bag, thus far, has not been damp on the outside of the PUL.  And I rarely wring out the diaper after I spray it, so I know there is some water inside the bag!
pail_liner_03_sunshine
 
This wet bag is compact and small and would be easy to take on-the-go or on a trip, although I don’t know if you need room for 15 soiled diapers just to go to Wal-Mart!
 
I have not tried the pail liner, but I look forward to adding it to my stash once the next baby arrives.  We will need room for twice as many diapers!
 
Want to win a Kanga Care Wet Bag for yourself?  You can actually choose whether you want a Pail Liner or a Wet Bag!
 
To enter, just fill out the form below, or click here
 
Mandatory Entry:  There are two parts…
  1. Since this giveaway is to celebrate 200 followers on the blog, you MUST be a public follower via Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs. 
  2. Visit Doable Diapers.  Tell me whether you would choose the pail liner or the wet bag, and what color or print you would choose.
Extra Entries:  You will need these links to complete your extra entries before submitting your answers in the form.
  • Fan our Facebook page. 
  • For ten(10) extra entries: make any purchase from Doable Diapers during the dates of this giveaway (12/17-12/24).  Leave your order number and date.
  • Follow us on Twitter. Leave your Twitter username
  • For three (3) extra entries: Fill out our Obsession Confession survey to be featured as a cloth diaper addict on the Doable Diapers blog.  Just copy the questions into your email and send them back to info@doablediapers.com.  If you already filled out the survey, you get the extra entries.
  • Sign up for our newsletter
  • For three (3) extra entries, blog about this giveaway.  Be sure to include a link to our store, Doable Diapers.  Leave the URL of your blog post.
  • Grab our button and put it on your blog.  Leave the URL of your blog.

 

You don’t have to complete all of these at one time to enter…you can come back and fill out the form again and check off the items that you completed.  I will combine the entries.
 
This giveaway is open until Christmas Eve (Friday, December 24th) at midnight EST.  I will post a winner sometime after Christmas. Winner will be chosen via random.org and contacted by email, as well as posted on the blog.  Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize, or another winner will be chosen.
 
 
 

We are trying out the form as a more efficient way to enter/administrate our giveaways.  Leave a comment and let us know what you think…better or no?

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Obsession Confession: April from Marine Parents

 

Picture 022Name? april crosier

Children? one very spoiled daughter, amelia (9 months)

Where do you live? jacksonville, NC

Is your hubby on board with using cloth diapers? yes, thankfully!

When did you start cloth diapering? between 2 and 3 months after she got a little chunkier and the diapers fit!

What was your main reason for switching to cloth diapers? cost effectiveness at the beginning - cuteness now!

What is the short story of how you started using cloth diapers? we started before amelia was even born!! i bought all the diapers we would need for her through potty training in a single brand.  (very) unfortunately, this brand did not work for us - size or absorbency-wise.  we de-stashed and re-stashed with an enormous variety of brands and styles and couldn't be happier with the current state of our diaper stash!

What is your favorite brand and style of diapers? mudd butt or doopsy diapers for me, gro-via hybrids for my hubby!

How many diapers are in your stash? 6 overnight  pockets, 15 day time pockets, 2 applecheek envelops with 5 bamboo inserts, 4 grovia shells with 12 inserts, 2 urban fluff icandy shells with 6 inserts (and growing.... always growing!)

Picture 032Share a blooper or “newbie” story from your cloth diapering experiences.  i got to sleep in one rare saturday morning.  when i finally rose from bed, caleb had already tended to amelia and i was so happy!  that happiness was short lived when he told me she had not had any breakfast or a bottle (because he didn't know which came first.... does it matter?!), there were two soiled diapers in her room, stinking the nursery up, and finally - her current cloth diaper was on backwards!  how was any of this possible, let alone all of it?!  good thing for us - cloth diapers work forward or rear facing at any age!

Do you have a tip to share with others? strip diapers frequently in small batches so that you don't have an enormous stinky stash all at once!! i also take care to "strip" my washing machine - i'm sure there's poopy that lives in there somewhere....

When you started using cloth diapers, what is one thing you wish you had known? some babies need higher level of absorbency and not all diapers will accomodate that - select a wide range of brands and styles so you have a diaper for every occasion!

What is the greatest issue or problem you’ve had with cloth diapers, and how did you resolve it? repelling and leaking! no one ever told me about clean rinsing detergents so we were frustrated for a long Picture 030time with repelling.  i finally found a core group of cloth diapering friends (who knew there were so many of us out there?!) who guided me down the diaper laundry path.

Regarding cloth diapers, is there anything you would like to know? what really IS the best diaper rash cream for cloth diapers?!

What are your other hobbies, interests, and obsessions? obsessions - blogging, definitely.  it is so much fun and actually, very relieving to be able to put a virtual pen to paper so to speak.  i have a million different thoughts scrambling through my mind at any given point and it's helpful to my sanity to relieve some of that craziness!! we love to go camping, cook out and play games as a family!

What are your favorite blogs and websites? i love reading www.beneaththeacaciatree.com for their adoption story!  it is a beautifully written blog that brings me to tears several times a week.

Picture 015Tell us a little about your personality.  i've never really grown up!  i'm very much a little girl at heart - i love surprises, cupcakes, coke in glass bottles and holding hands.  my family is my WORLD and i am constantly overwhelmed by love for them.  i'm extremely quirky, utterly passionate and somewhat naive.  i believe that love is the greatest gift of all time!

April blogs at Marine Parents – be sure to stop by and let her know we sent you!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

New Products: Wipes Solution Drops and Rash Cream


Doable Diapers has just added some Chubby Cherubs products to our website!  These work-at-home-mom products are natural and organic, perfect for your baby’s sensitive skin!

Honey Bun Drops Cloth Wipes Solutionmilkandhoneysm

Are you looking for the perfect solution for your cloth wipes?  Look no farther!  These concentrated drops are natural, organic, and easy to use!  Honey Bun Drops are designed and made by a work at home mom, with your baby's needs in mind.  Each solution soothes and relieves itch and irritation, gently cleanses and moisturizes your baby's delicate skin, contains naturally antimicrobial and cleansing properties, is thought to aid in the healing of damaged skin, and keeps your cloth wipes fresh, clean and feeling like silk!

Each bag of Honey Bun Drops has a net weight of 5 oz, enough to make about 6 GALLONS of wipes solution!!!  Each bag retails for just $10.

We have Honey Bun Drops in two yummy fragrances:

Lavender and Vanilla – a heavenly blend of Mild Glycerin Soap, Honey, Mango Butter, and Silk Amino Acids with a touch of Lavender and Vanilla

Milk and Honey - A heavenly blend of Mild Glycerin Soap, sweet Honey, Oatmeal and All-natural Goats Milk.

I like these drops because they include natural ingredients that I was not adding to my homemade wipes solution.  They soothe and protect Elaine’s skin much better!

Chubby Mama’s Magic Butt Balm buttbalmsm

Looking for a 100% Natural, cloth diaper safe diaper cream? Look no further!  Chubby Mama's Magic Butt Balm is made with 100% Natural and Organic ingredients. It is handmade in the USA and comes in a mess free, push up tube for easy application! Retail price is $10.

buttbalmlabel

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Elaine’s One Year Pictures

I decided to skip the portrait studio for Elaine’s One Year Pictures…at least for now.  She didn’t do well at our family picture, and I don’t want the hassle and expense for poor pictures.  I decided to try taking them myself.  She is still not feeling great, so we didn’t get a lot of pictures today.  I was experimenting with a black background to see if it would help eliminate my shadow problems.  I really wanted her to stand up, but she didn’t want to be still.  She didn’t want to sit up straight, either.  These are the best we could get!

Elaine One Year Portraits

Elaine One Year Portraits
This would be my favorite if it were centered!  I wanted to show the scotty dog on her dress!

Elaine One Year Portraits
The only way I could get her to smile was if I allowed her to hold something.  I decided the stuffed dog was better than the Tylenol bottle which she wanted at first.

 
Elaine One Year Portraits
Okay, picture time is over!

Retired


KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAThis week my daughter finally outgrew her small sized FuzziBunz pocket diapers.  These six diapers were the beginning of my stash, and gifts from family and friends at my baby shower.  I think I got a lot of “mileage” out of them.  At 13 months, my daughter is a skinny 18.5 pounds.  So these six FuzziBunz are retired…until June or July when the next baby arrives.

I still have a colorful stash of pocket diapers, as you can see from the picture below.  I have FuzziBunz One Size and medium Perfect Size diapers.  I have bumGenius 4.0 diapers with snaps, and Rumparooz G2 One Size Diapers.  I also have a Doopsy, a Knickernappies, a Kissaluvs, and a Happy Heinys.  And of course, I have dozens of prefolds!

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

The six diapers that are now safely tucked away awaiting baby #2’s arrival were nearly enough for a whole day of cloth diapering.  In their absence we will be returning to prefolds and Flip One Size diaper covers.  The majority of our diaper stash which we purchased consists of prefolds and covers.  After all, we started using cloth diapers to save money, and stocking up on prefolds and covers is probably the most economical way to do cloth diapers!

I don’t mind using prefolds.  They are not quite as easy and convenientKONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA as pocket diapers, but there is something nice about their simplicity.  My prefolds are a little “crunchy” because I don’t have a dryer.  Sometimes I just like the soft polar fleece in my pocket diapers.  But prefolds have been around for a long time – they are definitely tried and true!

How about you?  What kind of diapers make up the majority of your stash?  Were they gifts, or purchased by you?  What factors influenced your decision to go with that type of diaper?

Friday, December 10, 2010

Great News for Cloth Diapers!

CBS Eye on Parenting recently did a segment featuring cloth diapers.  Natali Morris took a month long challenge to try cloth diapers on her baby.  Watch to see the results and what she thinks of cloth diapers now!

Tereson Dupuy, the creator of FuzziBunz and the mother of the modern cloth diaper was invited to be a guest on this segment.

Cloth Diapers: The Pros and Cons

Thursday, December 9, 2010

FuzziBunz receives the Best New Product of the Year award!

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FuzziBunz® One-Size Cloth Diapers Named Best New Product of the Year, and Most Innovative Company of the Year at the 7th Annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business

As the inventor of modern day reusable and eco-friendly diapering products for babies, FuzziBunz Cloth Diapers today announces it has taken home top honors in two categories at the prestigious Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The FuzziBunz One-Size Cloth Diaper, the most adjustable one-size cloth diaper, was named “Best New Product of the Year,” and FuzziBunz was named “Most Innovative Company of the Year” for its efforts to bring quality eco-friendly diapering products to moms around the world.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business is an international competition recognizing the accomplishments of outstanding women executives, entrepreneurs, and the organizations they run.

Tereson Dupuy, the inventor of FuzziBunz Cloth Diapers and the Mother of the Modern Cloth Diapering Movement, says she is humbled by this attention. “While there are many adjustable cloth diapers these days to choose from, it’s inspiring to know that so many moms consider FuzziBunz One-Size Cloth Diapers as the “best cloth diapers” around. It motivates me to continue to bring eco-friendly and money-saving diapering solutions to moms.”

Stevie Awards were handed out in categories including Best Entrepreneur, Lifetime Achievement, and Women Helping Women at the gala event in New York City on November 12. More than 1,200 entries from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration.

Finalists were chosen by business professionals during preliminary judging. The Stevie awards’ Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors chose the winners from among the finalists.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business is at www.stevieawards.com/women.

Doable Diapers adds their congratulations to Tereson and the FuzziBunz family!  I started out with FuzziBunz and they are still at the top of my personal list of favorites!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

500 Fans Giveaway Winner

The winner of the FuzziBunz giveaway in celebration of reaching 500 Facebook fans is comment #63:

clip_image001sradke1024 said...

I follow you on twitter!

FB-onesize-applegreen120
She wins an apple green one size FuzziBunz diaper.

Please email iwon@doablediapers.com with your full name and shipping address to claim your prize.  Winner has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Cast Your Vote and Our Gift to You

I took these holiday pictures of my daughter.  I can’t decide which one is best!  Leave me a comment with your opinion to help me decide!

Also, as our Christmas gift to you, we are offering free shipping on any order through December 24th at 11:59 pm EST.  The free shipping does not apply to Rockin’ Green products.  If you order Rockin’ Green you will receive a separate PayPal invoice for the shipping amount.  Happy shopping!

#1

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#2

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Saturday, December 4, 2010

New Kanga Care Pail Liners & Wet Bags!

Now you can get pail liners and wet bags to match your favorite Rumparooz diapers!  These new products come with several innovative features!  Kanga Care is the manufacturer of Rumparooz and Lil Joeys modern cloth diaeprs.

Both products feature barrier strength sealing - no "glueing" or "ironing" to seal seams.  The seams are physically sealed away from moisture.  This design is EXCLUSIVE to Kanga Care!  They are also biodegradable - when composted, the waterproof fabric (TPU) will break down in 4.5-5 years (zippers and snaps will not break down).

Pail Liners:pail_liner_01_crimson

3D Design - the pail liner is a BARREL shape to allow more volume.  The pail liner can be used in a diaper pail, or, thanks to the dimensional design, this pail liner can stand alone! 

Size - 26" tall, 16" diameter, 54" around

No Stink Fabric - This pail liner keeps the waterproof laminate on the inside where the dirty diapers are. This keeps the dirty diapers off the fabric, which can cause permanent stink issues.

pail_liner_pailimageElastic Drawstring Closure - Fits any pail size.  Place in pail and cinch elastic drawstring down with the toggle for a snug and exact fit.  The fabric is cuffed at the top of the liner so when you use it in a pail you will see the fun color or print folded over the top!

3D Design - a traditional "regular" size wet bag, but instead of being flat (like an envelope), the Kanga Care Wet Bag features a HALF MOON shape to allow more volume.  The bag is flat on the bag, making it easy to hang from a changing table or doorknob.

Size - holds up to 15 diapers and 15 inserts.

Wet Bags:wet_18_kangarooz

3D Design - a traditional "regular" size wet bag, but instead of being flat (like an envelope), the Kanga Care Wet Bag features a HALF MOON shape to allow more volume.  The bag is flat on the bag, making it easy to hang from a changing table or doorknob.Color matching YKK zippers - heavy duty and easy to grab!  The zipper is placed on the front, so the top of the bag functions like a lid.

Signature Kanga Care snap - heavy duty industrial strength to hold the weight of diapers.

Both products retail for just $18.95!  They are available in the same 12 solid colors and 8 prints as Rumparooz diapers!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

New Winner

The winner of the Cyber Monday Rumparooz never responded to my email, blog post, or facebook post, so I had to draw a new winner.  The second person I drew didn’t leave their name or email address.  So…I had to draw a third time! 

The new winner is comment #87,

Katie Adams!

Please email iwon@doablediapers.com with your address to claim your prize!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

*CLOSED* We made it to 500 fans!

Doable Diapers now has 500 facebook fans!  As promised, we are going to host a giveaway for a FuzziBunz one size cloth diaper.  Here’s how to enter…fbnewdiapers-120

Mandatory Entry:  Visit our website and tell us what color FuzziBunz you would pick if you win.

This giveaway will be open for one week, until December 7th at 11:59 pm EST.  Please leave your email address in at least one of your comments.  Winner will be contacted by email and posted here on the blog.  Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen.

Bonus Entries:

  • Follow our blog via Google Friend Connect.  Leave a separate comment.

  • Fan our Facebook page.  Leave a separate comment.

  • Suggest us to your friends.  Post it on our Facebook wall, and then leave a separate comment.

  • For five (5) extra entries: make any purchase from Doable Diapers between Tuesday, 11/30 (when we hit 500 fans) and Tuesday, 12/7 (when this giveaway closes). Leave five separate comments.  Leave the order number and date in one of your comments.

  • Rate us at the Diaper Pin.  (Diaper Pin ratings need to be based on your experience with Doable Diapers – from a purchase or interaction with our company). Leave a separate comment.

  • Follow us on Twitter.  Leave a separate comment.

  • Fill out our Obsession Confession survey to be featured as a cloth diaper addict on the Doable Diapers blog.  Just copy the questions into your email and send them back to info@doablediapers.com.  If you already filled out the survey, leave a comment and let us know.

  • Sign up for our newsletter.  Leave a separate comment.

  • For three (3) extra entries, blog about this giveaway.  Be sure to include a link to our store, Doable Diapers.  Leave three separate comments.  Leave the URL of your blog post in your comment.

Monday, November 29, 2010

***CLOSED*** Cyber Monday–win a “Spring” Rumparooz! Winner announced at the end of post

 

5_Rumparooz_spring_snapEnter here to win a spring colored Rumparooz G2 one size diaper with snap closures!

Mandatory Entry: Tell me your favorite Rumparooz color, and whether or not you have used Rumparooz.

This giveaway will be open through 10 p.m. on Monday, November 29th.  Please leave your email address in your comment.  Winner will be contacted via email and posted on the blog.  Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize, or another winner will be chosen.

Bonus Entries:

  • Follow our blog via Google Friend Connect.  Leave a separate comment.

  • Fan our Facebook page.  Leave a separate comment.

  • Suggest us to your friends.  Post it on our Facebook wall, and then leave a separate comment.

  • For five (5) extra entries: make any purchase from Doable Diapers on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.  Leave five separate comments.  Leave the order number and date in one of your comments.

  • Rate us at the Diaper Pin.  Leave a separate comment.

  • Follow us on Twitter.  Leave a separate comment.

  • Fill out our Obsession Confession survey to be featured as a cloth diaper addict on the Doable Diapers blog.  Just copy the questions into your email and send them back to info@doablediapers.com

  • Sign up for our newsletter.  Leave a separate comment.

  • For five (5) extra entries, blog about this giveaway.  Be sure to include a link to our store, Doable Diapers.  Leave five separate comments.  Leave the URL of your blog post in your comment.

The winner is comment #138

Christy, Home-Mom.com

The new winner is #87, Katie Adams

Please email iwon@doablediapers.com to claim your prize!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Winners

The winner of the bumGenius 4.0 pocket diaper is…

Pam Koop
comment #30

The winner of the FuzziBunz Hemp is…

Nikki
comment #51

Please email iwon@doablediapers.com with your full name and shipping address.  Winners have 48 hours to respond and claim their prize, or a new winner will be chosen!

Friday, November 26, 2010

**CLOSED** Win a 4.0 bumGenius pocket diaper!


Enter here to win a Grasshopper colored bumGenius! 4.0 pocket diaper with snaps! This one size diaper will fit your baby from 8-35 pounds.

BG4_0SnapGrasshopper_S400x400

Mandatory Entry:  Leave a comment telling me your favorite item at the Doable Diapers store.

Please leave your email address in your comment.  This is a random giveaway and will close at an undetermined time.  Winner will be posted here on the blog and contacted via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize, or another winner will be chosen.

Bonus Entries:

  • Follow our blog via Google Friend Connect.  Leave a separate comment.

  • Fan our Facebook page.  Leave a separate comment.

  • Suggest us to your friends.  Post it on our Facebook wall, and then leave a separate comment.

  • For five (5) extra entries: make any purchase from Doable Diapers on Black Friday.  Leave five separate comments.  Leave the order number and date in one of your comments.

  • Rate us at the Diaper Pin.  Leave a separate comment.

  • Follow us on Twitter.  Leave a separate comment.

  • Fill out our Obsession Confession survey to be featured as a cloth diaper addict on the Doable Diapers blog.  Just copy the questions into your email and send them back to info@doablediapers.com

  • Sign up for our newsletter.  Leave a separate comment.

  • For three (3) extra entries, blog about this giveaway.  Be sure to include a link to our store, Doable Diapers.  Leave three separate comments.  Leave the URL of your blog post in your comment.

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