Monday, October 31, 2011

Mailbox Mondays

Mailbox Mondays button_thumb[3]

Today’s question is from JoAnna Kane.  She says,

“What is the best way to find a diaper that works for your baby? My daughter is 2 months old and goes to daycare. I spent a lot of money on one brand of all and 2 diapers for her to use at daycare only to have them leak really badly. The daycare would really prefer not to use prefolds like I use at home. I want to get either AI1, AI2 or pocket diapers that would be easier but she needs 10 diapers to get through the day at daycare and I don't want to spend a bunch more money on diapers that I can't use because they leak. SO how can I know what diaper would work for her without spending a fortune?”

JoAnna – I’m sorry that you’ve had such a frustrating experience with your cloth diapers!  I wish I could give you an easy answer to this question.  However, there is going to be some trial and error involved in finding the right diaper.

For most babies, one size diapers can be adjusted to a fitting that is just right.  For some babies, though, it’s a harder process.  Sometimes a particular brand just doesn’t fit your kiddo quite right.  Maybe it’s the cut (the trimmness/bulkiness), the type of insert (microfiber, hemp, etc.), the placement of the closure (side/front), whether or not there are gussets at the legs or elastic at the tummy, etc. that makes it a poor fit for your baby.

I am having a frustrating time with my almost-two-year-old daughter and her diapers right now.  She has always worn FuzziBunz diapers, but all of the sudden we are having regular (but occasional) leaks.  It’s like once a day or every other day, but sometimes it is several times in one day!  It’s a different diaper every time, but not every diaper all of the time.  Some are brand new, some are old.  It’s not build-up.  They just aren’t fitting quite right at this time.

My suggestion would be to read a lot of reviews at Diaper Pin.  You can also check out the Cloth Diaper Finder from Dirty Diaper Laundry.  Find diapers that other parents said fit a baby who is similar in build to your own baby (skinny, chunky, heavy wetter, back/tummy/side sleeper, etc.).  Buy one diaper from each of a few different brands and take them “for a spin” so to speak.  When you find one that you like and that seems to work well for your babe, then invest in a sufficient stash for day care.

You could also try to purchase some gently used diapers to test out before investing a lot of money.  Sites like Diaper Swappers allow you to buy, sell, or trade with other cloth diapering parents.  This will cut down on your up-front investment while you try to find the right diaper.  This would also be a great place to “unload” you AI2 diaper stash and recoup some of your money.  Since they didn’t work for you baby (i.e. there is no major defect in the diaper itself), they can probably be listed as excellent condition and reap a good return on your money.

I hope that helps, and that you are able to settle on a new style/brand of diaper quickly! 

Do you have any suggestions to add?  Please, please, please help JoAnna out and leave a comment!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Gently Used Items

We have added a few gently used items for sale on the website.  Be sure to head over and check them out…you may end up with a bargain!  Buying used diapers is a great way to save money on your cloth investment.  Many times a diaper just doesn’t fit one baby well, but still has lots of wear left in it for another baby.

Just click the image below to check out the selection:

Gently used Button

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Folding Diapers

Okay…maybe not quite wordless!  Elaine loves to do whatever I am doing, so lately she has been wanting to get involved in the diaper folding.  She can’t stuff the pockets yet, though she gives it a good try!  She usually just folds them in half and makes a stack…


…and sometimes she plays around too!  That is her new AppleCheeks envelope diaper.  If you say, “Elaine, where are your apple cheeks?” she will respond by patting her bum!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Marketplace at A Child Grows

clip_image001There is a fabulous blog and information space for Brooklyn parents called A Child Grows.  Karen Connell and her team of writers touch on the subjects of pregnancy, baby, toddler, preschool, and kids.  They write about local events and great deals for Brooklyn residents.  They spotlight local businesses and innovative ideas.

Recently a new feature opened at A Child Grows – the Marketplace.  It is your source for information and reviews on Brooklyn businesses that will benefit you as a parent.  Do you need a sitter in a pinch?  Looking for a great toy store?  Want a photographer to take your newborn pictures?  Find them at Marketplace!  Not only is it a local business listing, but there are reviews from other readers and parents to help you make the best choice.

Doable Diapers Button ThumbnailDoable Diapers is in on the ground floor of this business listing Marketplace.  We think that we provide great customer service and super fast free shipping.  We do diaper demonstrations for local parents by appointment.  We share tons of information on this blog. 

Would you be willing to hop on over to our listing in the Marketplace and share your Doable Diapers experience with other parents?  We would greatly appreciate it!  (You will have to sign in to be able to leave a review).

While Marketplace is specialized mostly to Brooklyn and New York City parents, the wealth of information to be found at A Child Grows can benefit any parent.  Stop by today!  You can also find them on Facebook.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Mailbox Mondays: Flushable Inserts

Mailbox Mondays button

Today’s question comes from Julie G.:

“My flushable diaper liners tend to bunch up in the diaper and then they don't really do what they are meant to do :( Do you have any suggestions on if there is a brand that is better than others or that doesn't bunch as much. Or any tips on how to get this to stop happening.”

Good question!  I avoided flushable liners for a long time simply because I didn’t want to pay for something that was disposable.  I still don’t use flushable liners on a regular basis, but I use them for outings and vacations to make clean up a breeze.  Though you can use flushable liners to protect your diapers when a rash cream is necessary, I still prefer to use stay-dry liners for that purpose.

I have experienced some bunching with my flushable liners.  It comes from having an active baby or toddler that moves and wiggles constantly!  However, I have not found that the little bunching prevents the liners from serving it’s purpose.  It still catches most of the “yuckies”, and the minimal amount left behind can be easily rinsed or just tossed in the wet bag/diaper pail.

I have only used one brand of flushable liners: those made by OsoCozy and sold by Doable Diapers.

Here’s how I usually use my liners: 

  1. Fold the liner to be the same width as the diaper, and lay it on top of the diaper lining.
  2. Slide the liner and diaper under the baby’s bum.
  3. Pull just the liner up between baby’s legs and hold securely in place while you pull up the diaper.
  4. Fasten the diaper on the baby.

I have found that putting the liner in place separate from the diaper helps it to stay in place a little better. 

How about you?  Do you use flushable/disposable liners on a regular basis?  Do you experience bunching?  How have you solved it?  Leave a comment and let Julie know your tips for success!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Happy Friday

Here are a couple of things that make me happy…

Elaine in Panties and pink shoes
(she would wear shoes 24/7 if I would let her…)

Nolan 3 months colage
(hard to believe he is almost four months old…already???)

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A basket full of clean diapers…including a brand-new Rumparooz Gumball for our stash!  I must admit – I would rather do dishes than laundry, but I love folding my cloth diapers!  I always take my time on that “chore.”

I hope your weekend is filled with everything that makes you happy, too!  To get you off to a good start, how about a coupon? 

Take $5 off your order of $35 or more with code Elaine, and $10 off your order of $60 or more with code Nolan.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Win-It Wednesday: FuzziBunz Elite One Size Diaper

Win one of the NEW FuzziBunz Elite One Size diapers!  Enter here using Rafflecopter.  It’s easy!



FuzziBunz Elite

It’s here!  The all-new, improved, FuzziBunz Elite One Size Diaper.  I know what you’re thinking…I thought it too!  “FuzziBunz is already a great diaper.  What is there to improve?  How can it get any better?”

Here’s what the new Elite boasts for features:

  • Now trimmer fitting, more comfortable, faster drying, and easier to adjust!
  • Quick Dry Fleece: Baby feels dryer longer and fleece stays nicer longer with less visible wear.

  • Easy-Replace Elastic Has Moved: The adjustable elastic's buttons are now found inside the pocket so there are no buttons next to baby’s skin.

  • New Minky Inserts: Each diaper comes with two Minky Inserts (small and medium/large) adding the following benefits:

    • Less odor than microfiber

    • Less staining

    • Trimmer fitting diaper with same amount of absorbency
  • Streamlined front panel and snap design provides better fit with less leaking

Doable Diapers now has the FuzziBunz Elite in stock and ready to ship.  It didn’t take me long to rip open the box and pick a color so we could give the new diaper a test drive!  Here’s a closer look at the new features of our Kumquat diaper:

The packaging and outer layer of the diaper look the same.


You can’t tell in the picture, but the minky inserts are super-soft, and definitely trimmer. 


Something is missing…no button-hole elastic and hide-away sleeves inside the diaper!


Found them!  Turn the diaper inside out to access the button-hole elastic and hide-away sleeve.  (Tummy panel or front of diaper).


(Waist and leg elastics found near the waist with diaper inside out).

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Winner

The winner of the FuzziBunz One Size diaper from the Mailbox Mondays giveaway is:

images - Copy

Janelle Prentice!

Congratulations!

Please email iwon@doablediapers.com with your shipping address to claim your prize.  You have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Mailbox Mondays: Sunning, Detergent, and Overnights

Mailbox Mondays button

Todays question comes from Christine Mitchell, actually it is three questions!

  • 1) Sunning diapers - sometimes doesn't work.  What am I doing wrong? I live in the midwest.  What should I do in the winter?
  • 2) What is the best detergent? Does it really make a difference? What about Charlies vs. CJ’s vs. Rockin' Green, etc.?
  • 3) What is the longest time I should leave a diaper on my baby’s bum? What about overnight?

Those are all excellent questions!

First, regarding sunning your diapers, you may have a stubborn stain that needs a little more help.  If it is an insert, you could soak it in some detergent and hot water for a couple of days and then add it to your wash cycle.  Bac-Out may also help you, but be sure to check your manufacturer’s warranty and instructions prior to using it.  Another reader recently recommended using a mixture of lemon juice and water.  Spray it on your inserts as they are sunning  and leave them out all day.  (I wrote about sunning here and here).

You can definitely sun your diapers in the winter.  Hang them out – even if it is freezing!  Your diapers may be frozen when you bring them in, and you may need to run  them in the dryer to soften them up, but the sun can still do it’s work!  I’ve even read about a mom in Seattle who “suns” her diapers when it is raining, and then brings them in and dries them!

Your second question is one of my favorite topics, but I am certainly not an expert!  The important thing to remember is that you do not want any additives in your detergent.  Avoid optical brighteners, bleach, fabric softeners, and excessive fragrance.  You want to have as clean rinsing of a detergent as possible, so that the micro-pores of synthetic fibers such as fleece and microfiber will not be clogged. 

However, I am a firm believer (perhaps going against the grain of mainstream cloth diapering “experts”) that enzymes are absolutely necessary in your detergent.  Enzymes are what help to pull the “junk” out of your diapers to leave them clean.  For this reason, and after studying the subject a lot, I recommend Tide detergent. 
*Read what Julie Ekstrom, creator of the Rumparooz diaper, has to say about detergent here.  Julie has done extensive testing and research on this subject, even using a third party to conduct the research.

Of course, as mentioned before, you do not want to void your warranty by going against manufacturer guidelines.  But Tide has spent incredible amounts of money on research and testing.  That is why their product works so well – they have put in the effort to develop a detergent that cleans with power and gets out all of the soil.

I have never used Charlies, but I have read that many, many people have encountered skin reactions with that particular detergent.  I have used Rockin’ Green exclusively for several months, but I felt that I was left with dingy, grey, not-so-clean diapers.  After the first wash with Tide I could not believe the difference in color – my diapers were actually white again!  Read more on that here.

Your third question has to do with how frequently to change your baby’s diaper.  It varies, to some extent, from baby to baby.  And even from baby to toddler, as your baby grows.  Newborns and small babies eat a liquid diet and eat often, therefore they need changed more often.  A toddler who drinks primarily at meals and snacks may only wet a few times each day.

My son is three months old, and he goes about every 2-3 hours between diaper changes.  My daughter is almost two, and she only uses about 4-6 diapers a day.  However, when my daughter “goes” she really goes.  I am amazed at how long she can hold it!  My son can soak a prefold diaper in about an hour and a half.

Try letting your baby go without a cover for a day or two, if you are around the house.  You will be able to tell as soon as they wet, and then you can establish the pattern for your child.  Does he wet frequently but not very much?  Is she a heavy wetter?  Does he only pee 2 or 3 times in the day?  As a general rule, you should change your baby every 3-4 hours. 

When it comes to overnight, find an absorbency combination that will hold your baby through the night without leaks.  It is fine to leave your child for 10-12 hours.  They don’t wet as much during the night.  He/she will probably have a soaking diaper in the morning, but if you are using a pocket diaper (or a stay-dry liner) he won’t feel the wet and won’t be uncomfortable. 

My son usually sleeps through the night.  However, if he does wake to eat, I don’t change him.  I use microfiber inserts right now, but soon I think he will need hemp inserts because they are more absorbent.  As he grows and changes I will change the overnight solution to meet his need.

I hope that helps!  Please chime in with your experience and advice so other moms, and Christine, can reap the benefit!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Cloth Diaper Workshop

I am so excited to share this news with you…Doable Diapers is going to teach a Cloth Diaper workshop, hosted by Madison Rose Maternity!

This is a local event in Brooklyn, and we’re going to discuss the basics of cloth diapering.  New and expectant parents, or those interested in making the switch from disposable diapers, are invited to attend! 

We will define the basic “terms”, discuss different types of diapers, talk about the pros and cons of different fabrics, show how to store dirty diapers, and walk through a basic wash routine.

We would love to have you and/or your friends join us!

Saturday, November 5th
10:00-11:30 a.m.

Madison Rose Maternity
313 Court St
Brooklyn, NY 11231

Contact Jilian at Madison Rose to R.S.V.P. for this event!
(347) 689-3365

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Packing the Diaper Bag for Two Kiddos

Since I have two kids in diapers, my diaper bag is often quite full.  I am a firm believer in the “peace diaper” – that extra diaper that you throw in to give you peace of mind, knowing that you are covered for any “what-ifs” that may arise.

We walk to many of our destinations here in Brooklyn, and often our outing are just a quick trip to the corner grocer, or a stop to mail out your diaper orders at the Post Office.  I am often tempted to leave my diaper bag behind.  After all, I am only going to be gone a minute!

I usually end up lugging the diaper bag anyway, and several times recently I have been so glad that I did!  Surprisingly, it was not my infant that had the surprise need for an unexpected diaper change.  It was my toddler. 

RobotronicsElaine has been very picky about having her diaper changed the minute after she soils it.  {For this reason we are gearing up to give potty training another go}.  This has led to more frequent diaper changes when out-and-about than Mommy is prepared for.

I have found it very helpful to pack Rumparooz diapers in my diaper bag.  The size setting is easy to change with a quick snap on the front.  Several times recently I have had to snatch one of Nolan’s diapers to use on Elaine.  I was so glad I had the Rumparooz with me, so that adjusting the diaper to fit Elaine was a breeze!  And more than once, Elaine has come home wearing “Robotronics” or “Ladder 6” under her pink dress!

Packing my Rumparooz has allowed me to have the “peace diaper” in case Elaine needs an unexpected change.  It also makes the change fast and easy, which is so important when you are away from home!  I can also say with confidence that when you are diapering more than one kiddo, one size diapers are the versatile, budget-friendly way to go!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Monthly Report: Cloth Diapering at Three Months

Nolan turned three months old…10 days ago!  Where does the time go?  He is a drooly, noisy, smiling mess {in a good way}, and so different from the sleepy newborn that I brought home from the hospital!

On his three-month “birthday” we weighed Nolan at home and he measured 14 pounds 12 ounces.  His growth has slowed down a little, but many of his 3-6 month outfits are already quite snug!

Nolan is 3 months old!Nolan and Elaine on Nolan’s 3-month birthday.  Elaine insisted that Nolan wear his shoes!

Nolan recently sized up in both his Rumparooz and his FuzziBunz One Size diapers.  I can hardly believe that he wears the same size diaper as my almost-two-year old daughter.  But then again, there is a mere 8 pound difference between them!

Nolan in Rumparooz 3 Months

For night time Nolan still wears a Rumparooz diaper with a microfiber insert, but he uses both parts of the 6R soaker.  He sleeps around 8 hours {usually}.  If he does wake up to nurse in the early morning, I don’t change his diaper.  He is almost always in his overnight diaper for 8-10 hours, and we have not had any leaks.

Nolan wears some Perfect Size FuzziBunz (small size) that I had from Elaine.  I do think that they give a little bit better fit than the One Size diapers.  I think this is mostly because the elastic isn’t cinched so tight.  That said, if his runny EBF poo is going to leak, it finds a gap easier in the Perfect Fit than in the One Size.

I really need to test the bumGenius one size diapers on Nolan.  I just realized that he hasn’t worn one yet, though I’m sure they fit now.  I tried them at newborn and one month, and didn’t get a good fit around the legs.  I only own three bumGenius diapers, and I have been keeping them in Elaine’s stash.  The Flip One Size diaper cover fits Nolan well, though I am finding I prefer the double gussets of the Rumparooz One Size diaper cover.

I am supplementing my stash with some prefolds her and there so that I only wash every other day.  It was getting to be too much laundry!

Elaine holding NolanI would like to include a note about the fit of One Size diapers on Elaine.  I really like the FuzziBunz diapers on her right now because I feel that I can get a more exact fit.  She seems to be between the medium and large rise settings on the Rumparooz, and I have been struggling with quite a few leaks.  With the FuzziBunz the leg elastic can be adjusted very minimally to allow a little extra room without a gap.  The hip and waist snaps also help to get a more exact fit.  Elaine is a skinny little girl, but I am happy to report that she finally made it over 22 pounds!

Do you have a particularly large or small baby?  I have one of each.  I would love to know what diapers you have found to work the best!  Leave me a comment…

Monday, October 10, 2011

Mailbox Mondays: Wet Pail vs. Dry Pail

Mailbox Mondays button

First I want to say thanks to all who have submitted a question for Mailbox Mondays.  I am going to try to answer your questions as fairly as possible, starting with the most urgent.  If I don’t know the answer to your particular problem or I don’t feel qualified to answer it, I will either pose the question to the readers, or I will send you a personal email.

Todays question is from Holly Stowell.  She writes:

I have been soaking my cloth diapers until wash time. Is it necessary to soak them or will they be okay just taking them off my baby and putting
them in the laundry basket.  What I do is have a bucket, put a table spoon of our chosen detergent (Rockin Green) and fill the bucket.  When I do my wash I rinse them, and wash as directed per detergent instructions.  I ask because years  ago
when I cloth diapered my oldest (20 years) we soaked them and {gasp} they were only pre-folds
back
then.

I want to preface my answer by saying that you should always refer to and follow the manufacturer recommendations for washing your chosen brand of cloth diapers.  Keep in mind when taking washing suggestions from others that it may void your warranty {if there is one} and you don’t want to put that in jeopardy!

The preferred method of storing soiled diapers today is a dry pail.  For most brands that I know of, the manufacturer recommends that you not use a wet pail or soak your diapers.  Some of the modern synthetic fabrics do not respond well to soaking.  {See more washing tips here}.

This is especially true if you are using pocket diapers or diaper covers with a PUL/TPU waterproof outer shell.  The laminated fabric can delaminate if constantly soaked.  Sometimes you may get build-up on your diapers and feel that you need to soak them or strip them.  This may be true, but you should only soak the inserts.  Occasionally washing microfiber inserts with a little bit of bleach may also help, but you should never do this with the outer waterproof shell of your diapers.

One popular way to keep diapers de-funked is “rockin’ a soak” using Rocking Green detergent.  If you “rock a soak” you should do it only with your inserts.  If you must soak your pockets/covers, it should be for a very short time.

Personally, I use both a diaper pail with a pail liner and a wet bag to store my dirty diapers.  I keep the diaper pail next to the changing table.  If the diaper only contains pee, I simply separate the insert from the pocket and throw it in, along with my cloth wipes.  I keep a hanging wet bag in the bathroom.  If the diaper is poopy, I spray off the solids into the toilet with a diaper sprayer, and then toss the insert and pocket (or prefold and cover) into the wet bag.  On wash day I dump everything into the washer and they are cleaned together.  The wet bags and pail liners are designed to contain odors and wet messes.  {You may find this better than just using a laundry basket}.

It is recommended to wash every 2-3 days.  This will help keep odors at a minimum, as well as prevent the “soil” from setting into your diapers too much.  It also ensures that your diapers will not have pre-mature wear from being washed constantly every day.  Personally, I wouldn’t go more than 4-5 days between washes if you are trying to wash as little as possible.  Most people don’t have enough diapers to go that long anyway!

I hope that helps!  Do you have any other advice for Holly?  Did I leave something out?  Leave a comment so Holly {and others} can be sure to benefit from your experience!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Columbus Day Special!

pintaI’ve never been one to really celebrate Columbus Day.  It’s just not one of those big holidays.  Tomorrow there is a parade down the main avenue in our neighborhood.  The weather is supposed to be gorgeous, and I am really excited about going out with the kids.  To share the excitement I thought I would offer a Columbus Day special…just to be a little different!

Use code discovery11 to take $5 off any order of $50 or more

Use code columbus11 to take $10 off any order of $75 or more

Use code newworld to receive a FREE one size diaper with any order over $100.00

The first three orders will receive something free in their package!

And remember, US shipping is always free at Doable Diapers!

Happy Columbus Day!

*offer ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday 10/10/11.  Customer may specify boy, girl, or neutral for free product color.  Choice of free diaper brand is at the discretion of Doable Diapers.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

New Feature at Doable Diapers…and a giveaway!

Mailbox MondaysHappy Thursday everyone!  I hope you all are enjoying the crisp fall weather.  It finally decided to make an appearance in New York City!  I am loving the cool and breezy days with lots of sunshine.  Perfect weather for sunning your diapers!

I want to start a new feature here on the Doable Diapers blog called Mailbox Mondays.  Each Monday I will answer a question from one of you.  I will also pose the question to the readers who can chime in on the comments section.  This is a great opportunity to glean from the “wisdom” and experience of other cloth diapering moms (and dads)!

You questions can be regarding product features, looking for help to solve a specific problem, personal questions for me, something you’ve always wondered about, etc.

If you have a question or issue of concern please fill out the form below or send it in an email to info@doablediapers.com.  Mark the subject line “Mailbox Mondays.”

And to help us generate some questions for the first few Mailbox Monday segments, we’re going to enter you into a giveaway for a FuzziBunz One Size diaper.  All legitimate questions received through October 15th will be entered to win!

*You can submit as many questions as you want, but each person will only receive one entry into the giveaway.  Open to US and International residents.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Solar Power to the Rescue

Just in case you missed my post here about sunning the stains out of your diapers, I wanted to re-iterate the power of the sun.  Mr. Sunshine has natural bleaching powers, and his ultraviolet rays are a natural antiseptic.  Not only can the sun restore the brilliant white to your diaper linings and inserts, but it can also kill any remaining bacteria.

You may be skeptical…I was at first too.  So I snapped some pictures to bring you the proof of solar power!

These two inserts are stained from my son’s EBF poo.  I took the pictures as I was hanging my freshly washed diapers on the clothesline.  These are two different inserts.

Insert stains sunned out

Insert stains sunned out

Next:  hang/lay your diapers in the sun while damp.  Be sure the stained portion is “facing” the sun.

Insert stains sunned out

The two inserts we are testing are closest to the wet bags on the far left side of the picture.

It was supposed to rain that afternoon, so my diapers only got about five hours in the sunshine.  I should tell you that this was not the sunniest day ever.  It was fairly cloudy in the afternoon.  But your inserts will still get the benefit!  I even read once about someone “sunning” their inserts in the rain.  The result was the same as I achieved. Pictures were taken as I pulled the inserts off the clothesline.

Insert stains sunned out

Voila!  Brilliant white inserts, once again!  Now go and try it for yourself!

Monday, October 3, 2011

And the winners are…

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We have two winners for the Flash Giveaway over the weekend.  Congratulations to:

Tiffany U
and
Vanessa Coker!

Please respond to the email in your inbox, or email iwon@doablediapers.com with your full name, shipping address, and 2-3 color preferences!  You have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen!

I also wanted to note that both of these winning entries were for signing up for the Doable Diapers newsletter.  It pays to be “in the know”!

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