A Wool Primer, Part 2

guest post by Marah Mumma

Read Part 1: Facts About Wool

 

The Wool Primer #2: Types of Wool Products

There are lots of different types of wool products. Wool products can be used in place of a regular cloth diaper covers over fitted diapers, prefolds, and/or flats.

Wool Cover
Wool covers are very similar to covers made from PUL. They can have snap or Velcro closures. Wool covers come in both sized and one size versions.

Examples: Little Beetles Organic Merino Wool Cover, Little Beetles Little to Big Organic Merino Wool Cover, Imse Vimse Wool Wraps, Swaddlebees Merino Wool Diaper Cover, Baby BeeHinds Wool Wrap Diaper Cover.

Wool Soaker/Pull-On
Wool soakers don’t have snaps or Velcro.  Rather, they pull on like a pair of pants or shorts.  Wool soakers are sized.  Soakers can also be hand knit or made from recycling old wool sweaters.

Examples: Disana Organic Merino Wool Pull-On, Kissas Wool Lovers wool diaper cover, LANAcare Merino Wool Pull-On, Kissaluvs Wool Diaper Cover, Tiny Tush Wool Soaker Diaper Cover, Sustainablebabyish knit wool covers.

Wool Longies

Just like wool soakers, wool longies don’t have snaps or Velcro. They are just like a pair of pants, but made from wool. Wool longies are sized and some come in different lengths. Longies can also be hand knit or made from recycling old wool sweaters.

Examples: Sustainablebabyish Knit Wool Longies, Little Beetles Organic Merino Wool Pants, Disana Merino Wool Leggings, LANAcare Merino Wool Pants.

Stay tuned for Part 3 – Caring for Wool!

A Wool Primer, Part 1

guest post by Marah Mumma

I asked Marah from Diary of a Devil Dog Wife to write a guest post on the basics of using wool in cloth diapering.  Marah has become one of my “blogging friends” – though we have never met, I feel as if I know her like a good friend.  She knows a lot about using wool products.  Marah went above and beyond what I asked for, and provided a mini-series on wool products.  Today we have part 1.  Be sure to come back for parts 2 and 3 later this week! 

The Wool Primer #1: Facts About Wool

Hello, Doable Diaper fans! My name is Marah and I blog over at Diary of a Devil Dog Wife. I am a stay at home mom to my 16 month old son, Kolt, full time college student, and wife to a talented Sergeant in the Marine Corps.

I was SO excited when Andrea asked me to write a series of guest posts about wool and cloth diapering! I first came across wool when I was searching for an overnight cloth diaper solution. I found many suggestions about using wool overnight. WHAT!?!? WOOL?!?! I was scared and intimidated. I wanted desperately to find an overnight solution, but wool?!?! Wasn't that only for cloth diapering experts? What about washing and lanolizing? I was worried I wouldn't be able to handle it or figure it out.

But let me tell you, it's EASY! I started out just using wool at night, but I now use it during the daytime, especially when Kolt is battling a rash. And I certainly plan on using wool this summer during the hot and humid days in North Carolina. I hope that through this wool primer, you will see the benefits of wool, the simplicity of using it, and venture out to try it yourself!

Wool fact #1

Wool has a built in climate control. It is a natural insulator to keep you warm in the winter and naturally breathable to keep you cool in the summer. Wool helps to keep you body in the optimal temperature zone for comfort and rest!

Wool fact #2 

Wool fiber is a naturally absorbent fiber and the original wicking fiber. Its coil-like shape pulls excess heat and moisture from your skin while you sleep. Wool fabrics can absorb up to 30% of their weight without feeling heavy or damp. Cotton fabrics begin to feel damp after 15%. The absorbent fibers "breathe" by wicking away moisture from the body and releasing it into the air. This is why wool can be used as a cover over prefolds and fitted cloth diapers.

Wool fact #3

Wool is naturally mildew and mold resistance. Wool's natural resistance to mildews and molds comes from the way it repels moisture, and lets moisture pass through its fibers without holding the moisture. Mildews and molds require moisture to live and grow. This means that wool covers only have to be washed about every two weeks or so, unless they get soiled!

Wool fact #4

Wool is durable. Laboratory tests have shown that wool fibers resist tearing and can bend back on themselves more than 20,000 times without breaking. Cotton breaks after 3,200 bends, silk fibers break after 1,800 bends, and rayon fibers break after just 75 bends. Wool clothing will last for years. Wool resists spills, dries very quickly and is mildew resistant. Therefore, you can rest assured that your investments in wool will last.

Wool fact #5

Wool is almost entirely non-allergenic. Although some people do have a rare natural allergy to Lanolin, the oil found in wool, most people's allergy to wool is a reaction to the many harsh and toxic chemicals that go into the treatment, and finishing of conventional wool garments and bedding. This makes wool a great alternative for those who are allergic to PUL, the water-proofing fabric found in most pocket diapers, all-in-one diapers, and covers.

Wool fact # 6

Wool is renewable and sustainable. Wool is a renewable resource that can be shorn from sheep annually. It is biodegradable and kinder to the environment than oil-based synthetics, which contribute to global pollution. Wool is sustainable. Wool from free-grazing sheep, treated ethically throughout their long lives, represents a traditional small-scale industry that once thrived in America. Today, many small organic farmers are returning to this sustainable industry to create clean and healthy wool that is produced without stress to the animals or the environment.

Wool fact #7

Wool fabric doesn't collect much static because of its absorbent fibers. Static attracts lint, dirt, and dust. Wool fabrics also clean easily because dirt sits on the surface of the fiber. The outside surface of the wool fiber consists of a series of overlapping scales, similar to the feathers on a bird, making it easy to brush off and for stains to lift out.

Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of the Wool Primer – Types of Wool Products!

Cloth Diaper Finder

Kim Rosas of Dirty Diaper Laundry has just revealed a cloth diaper database on her blog.  This master database allows consumers to search by different options and find all of the cloth diapers that meet those criteria.  For each diaper there is a link with information on where to buy it.

There are many different criteria or filters by which you can search for diapers.  These filters include price range, company, sizing, diaper type, closure type, outer material, country of origin, etc.

There is a FAQ section with the definition of common cloth diapering terms.  Find it here.  There is also an option to submit your diaper to Kim for inclusion in the database.  If you need help using the Cloth Diaper Finder, watch this short tutorial video.

Be sure to check out the Cloth Diaper Finder if you are looking for specific features in your next cloth diaper!  There are over 160 different diapers, from mainstream brands to small companies, in this database!

Flash Giveaway Winner

I’m so sorry that I forgot to post the winner of the flash giveaway.  So without further delay, the winner is:

 

Erin Nicole
erinnicole14@

She wins a Moonbeam bumGenius 4.0 diaper!

 

Erin, please email iwon@doablediapers.com with your full name and shipping address so we can get your prize on its way!

Congratulations!

Cost of Disposable Diapers on the Rise

I am in Denver visiting my parents for a week.  On a local news report, I heard that the cost of various products will increase soon.  Two of the specific products named were Huggies Diapers and Cottonelle toilet paper.

According to Huggies, they will be raising the price of their disposable diapers by 3% – 7% beginning next quarter.  In an already poor economy, that is a significant price increase – especially when you consider the amount of diapers each baby needs per month.

There are two things I thought of when I heard this report:

1.  I am so glad that I use cloth diapers and I don’t have to worry about the rising cost of disposable diapers!  I am already saving money, and with the price increase, I will be saving even more.  I feel particularly thankful for my money saving cloth stash when I consider that I will soon have two little ones wearing diapers.

2.  This is a great time to launch into cloth diapers if you haven’t already.  If you are reading this blog, I am assuming that you are at least interested in cloth diapering.  Or perhaps you are a newbie or part-time cloth user.  Perhaps you are testing the waters to see if cloth diapers really are doable. 

With the rising cost of disposable diapers you have the perfect opportunity to save even more money by increasing (or starting) your cloth diaper stash.  Not only can cloth save you $1500-2500 per child, but your savings grow with each child that uses the diapers.  By choosing to spend money (and soon even more money) on disposable diapers, you are literally throwing your money in the trash – with each diaper change.

If you are interested in cloth diapering but don’t know where to begin, try reading our Cloth Diaper Primer series (part 1, part 2, and part 3). 

I love to help people with their cloth questions!  Just contact me by email at info@doablediapers.com if you need more help or information!

Flash Giveaway–win a bumGenius 4.0!

I thought I would offer a flash giveaway.  One Doable Diapers follower will win a bumGenius 4.0 diaper with snap closures in their choice of in-stock solid colors.

 

 

Mandatory Entry:

Follow Doable Diapers via Google Friend Connect

 

Extra Entries:

• Tell me what color you would choose if you win
• Follow Doable Diapers on Facebook
• Follow Doable Diapers on Twitter
• Follow Doable Diapers on Networked Blogs (right hand sidebar of the blog)
• Subscribe to the Doable Diapers Newsletter
• Grab the Doable Diapers button for your blog.  (Right hand sidebar of the blog).  Leave the URL of your blog so we can find it.
• Blog about this giveaway (5 extra entries).  Leave the URL of your blog post!
• Tweet about this giveaway.  Your tweet must include @DoableDiapers, and a link to this giveaway.
• Make any purchase from Doable Diapers during the dates of this giveaway (10 extra entries) 

Fine Print: Giveaway will be open through Wednesday, March 23rd at 10 pm EST.  Giveaway prize may only be shipped within the United States.  All entries will be verified.  All entries must be made using the form.  Any incomplete entries (be sure to read the instructions carefully!) will be deleted.  Winner will be contacted by email and posted on the blog.  Winner has 48 hours to respond and claim prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Click HERE to enter the giveaway

Obsession Confession–Carrissa

Name: Carrissa Stalcup, Addicted to Cloth

Children: 2 - Daughter who is 2 and Son who is 6 months

Occupation: Homemaker

Where do you live? Gastonia, North Carolina

Is your hubby on board with using cloth diapers? Yes, Yes, and Yes again! He is just as obsessed about it as I am, and tells me he loves that our kids are not wearing those "fake" diapers.

When did you start cloth diapering? When my daughter was about 9 months old.

What was your main reason for switching to cloth diapers? We were running out of money each weak too early. Now, we continue because we feel more responsible and environmentally friendly, plus I love the cute cloth baby bums!

Share the short story of how you started using cloth diapers. I had some prefolds and rubber pants and pins that my grandma gave us in case we ever "ran out." So I began doing it the old way only at home. I hated it, even though I knew it was saving us money. Then I started following my friend Andrea's blog (that’s Doable Diapers!) since I wanted to keep in touch with her. I saw that she said she cloth diapered all the time, everywhere, in New York. Once I saw the new diapers, I researched every thing I could find. Finally, after many YouTube reviews, we purchased 20 diapers off of eBay that were very comparable to Doopsy pocket diapers for my son. We love them! I was about to give up on CD, now I am addicted to them. My favorite search on the internet is "One size Cloth diapers"

What is your favorite brand and style of diapers? Pocket, one size, Currently Sunbaby, may soon be the Champ from Go Green pocket diapers (I am currently stocking the mailman waiting its arrival!)

How many diapers are in your stash? 28 and growing!

Share a blooper or “newbie” story from your cloth diapering experiences. My sister-in-law was trying to help and put a pocket diaper on my son that was not stuffed! Good thing I checked him after she did. We are constantly educating the nursery workers in cloth diapers since they like to change them, but they sometimes put it on really loose (as if they think it is going to hurt him if it is on snuggly).

Do you have a tip to share with others? #1 Get a support group, or connect with other cloth diapering mamas. It helps you not to feel strange or unsanitary or freakish. #2 Find the best night time diaper for your baby as soon as you can.

When you started using cloth diapers, what is one thing you wish you had known? That they don't have to be a drudgery! They can be fun!

What is the greatest issue or problem you’ve had with cloth diapers, and how did you resolve it? That microfleece gets clogged and Rockin’ Green fixes it!

Regarding cloth diapers, is there anything you would like to know? I still don't know enough about wool, or other waterproof options. I am looking for a diaper rash cream that is safe for my pocket diapers.

What are your other hobbies, interests, and obsessions? What? You mean there are other hobbies? JK! Thrift store shopping, potty training, baking, spending time with my hubby- all while I wait for the perfect diaper to be produced - a mock denim diaper , pocket style, inner gussets, hemp inserts and doublers, One Size adjustable elastic, color waist snaps.

What are your favorite blogs and websites? Andrea's of course. Actually Doable Diapers was the first blog I followed.

Tell us a little about your personality. I love to be the life of a party, but rarely make very close friends for fear that I will move away from them. I will come up with all kinds of ways to start a business, but never have gotten one off the ground! :) .

Carrissa is one of my good friends.  We were college dormies for three years, and we both married Benjamins, just a couple of months apart (and our Ben's were good friends with each other).  I enjoy Carrissa’s frugal approach to homemaking – she has inspired me in many ways.  I was only too glad to help her a little bit as she launched into modern cloth diapering!  Now she has converted several other people.  She has been a guest blogger for Doable Diapers in the past.

On Sale NOW - bumGenius 4.0 Diapers!

Announcing a special sale on bumGenius! 4.0 One Size diapers…

From March 17-20 you save 15% on all in-stock bumGenius 4.0 diapers in solid colors! 

Plus, Doable Diapers is offering FREE shipping on all orders to the Domestic United States.

Click HERE to visit Doable Diapers and place your order today.

Fine Print:  We are unable to ship any bumGenius products outside of the United States.  Sale applies to in-stock items only.  We reserve the right to cancel and/or refund an order, or to offer you the choice of a substitution if we sell out of a particular color. (Please do not order an item that shows “0 in stock” to avoid this).  Sales tax may apply.

The Rumparooz Warehouse

I was finally able to visit the Rumparooz warehouse and showroom!  Today my mom, Elaine, and I drove out to Golden to take a tour. I met some of the staff members that I have worked with via phone and email.  I also learned a little bit more about the production of Rumparooz, the growth of the company, and some new products that are in the works.  I had hoped to meet Julie Ekstrom, the creator of Rumparooz, but she was in a meeting when I arrived.

The Kanga Care offices and warehouse are located in Golden, Colorado.  They are in the process of expanding into even more space where they will be able to “house” more diapers to ship to their growing list of retailers around the world.

The Rumparooz diaper covers have been completely successful, and they are sold out of all the prints and nearly all the colors.  These bins are where the covers were stored while waiting to be shipped to retailers like Doable Diapers.  As you can see, many of them are empty!  The covers with snaps were the most popular, so there are still some available in aplix closures.

The boxes in the back are all One Size diapers in various colors and prints.

I learned that last year Rumparooz (under the parent company, Kanga Care) doubled in size, and they are anticipating doing the same again this year.  They really do have an amazing product that is in great demand among cloth diapering parents.

Mike, the wholesale manager, gave us a tour and explained the production process a little bit.

Me and Elaine with Mike

Here are the Rumparooz Doll Diapers.  These came about after Julie visited the manufacturing factory in China and discovered that the scraps were just the right size to create doll diapers.  Elaine likes her baby doll diapers, so I’m glad that Julie is so creative!

I was also able to see (yes – touch and feel) the prototypes for several new products that are in the lineup for this year.  Among them are a bamboo 6R soaker/insert, a bamboo fitted diaper in newborn and one size, and a wool diaper cover.  These products are still in the testing stages, but I am very excited for them to be produced!  The bamboo and wool products will be organic, and they will comprise a new line called “Eco-Posh”. 

It was so much fun to look around and be surrounded by diapers in fun colors and prints.  Maybe one day Doable Diapers will have a store/showroom also where our products can be displayed like this!

Elaine and me in the showroom at Kanga Care

If you haven’t ever used a Rumparooz product, you really must give them a try.  There are so many features that I love, and the Rumparooz is definitely one of my favorite cloth diapers!

Out of Town…but still open for business!

Just wanted to let you all know that I am headed to Colorful Colorado for a week to visit my folks.  I’m looking forward to some fresh mountain air and a little space…every once in a while you just gotta get out of the City!

You can still place you order with Doable Diapers.  My husband will be filling all orders in the evenings after work.  He knows almost as much about cloth diapers as I do (but don’t tell the guys).  That said, it may take an extra day for your package to ship.  I will still be blogging and checking email while out of town, so if you need anything you can still get in touch with me!

In addition to seeing my parents and grandparents (and dining at Chick-fil-A), I’m particularly looking forward to one aspect of this trip…a visit to the Rumparooz showroom and warehouse in Golden, Colorado!  Stay tuned for more details and pictures later.

This will be a big trip as I am travelling alone, being six months pregnant, with a 16 month old, and she will be sitting in my lap.  I’m sure I will learn even more about traveling with cloth diapers (yes…we are taking our cloth with us).  I’ll post more on that later too!

Winner!

The winner of the Rumparooz one size diaper (from the 500 Blog Followers/700 Facebook Followers giveaway) is…

Heidi Daily

entry #85

Please email iwon@doablediapers.com with your full name, shipping address, and color/print (in-stock) of your choice.  Winner has 48 to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Congratulations!

Get a Free FuzziBunz Hanging Diaper Pail!

Through the end of March, you can get a free FuzziBunz Hanging Diaper Pail with the purchase of twelve FuzziBunz Diapers. 

This is a manufacturer sponsored promotion.  Simply make a purchase for twelve FuzziBunz diapers (we have a discounted package here), and then submit your receipt to FuzziBunz to receive your free diaper pail. 

The rebate form and more information can be found HERE. 

There is no limit to this promotion – you get one free diaper pail for every 12 diapers you purchase!

Obsession Confession–Erin Koza

Name: Erin Koza

Children: Elias, 16 months

Occupation: SAHM

Where do you live? Spotsylvania, VA

Is your hubby on board with using cloth diapers? Totally! He said I can even buy a whole new stash when we have the next one.

When did you start cloth diapering? Feb 2010

What was your main reason for switching to cloth diapers? My son’s super sensitive skin.

Share the short story of how you started using cloth diapers.  My son is allergic to all ‘sposies except 7th gen chlorine free, it was too expensive to keep buying them so I did my research and asked to borrow some cloth from a friend and I was hooked.

What is your favorite brand and style of diapers? I use bumGenius 3.0 and 4.0 OS pockets, but I recently tried a Knickernappies and I really liked it. 

How many diapers are in your stash? almost 40

Share a blooper or “newbie” story from your cloth diapering experiences. I used tide clear and got the worst stinkies ever. I had to go back to ‘sposies while stripping the dipes.

Do you have a tip to share with others? It’s so much easier than you think.

Is there anything you wish you had known when you started using cloth diapers? You can’t use diaper creams without a liner.

What is the greatest issue or problem you’ve had with cloth diapers, and how did you resolve it? Stinkies. I switched to Rockin’ Green.

Is there anything you would like to know regarding cloth diapers? Which inserts are the best.  I don’t really like microfiber.  Also what are the best newborn diapers.

What are your other hobbies, interests, and obsessions? Sewing, reading, hanging out with my family.

What are your favorite blogs and websites? Cotton Babies, Coping with Frugality.

Tell us a little about your personality.  I am pretty laid back and easy going. I’m shy at first but a great friend and listener.

The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011

Cloth Diaper Enthusiasts preparing to set Earth Friendly World Record on April 23, 2011

Amazing Global Response to US initiated Earth Day Celebration: World wide locations will gather simultaneously for a Guinness World Records Event of the most babies changed into a cloth diaper.

Cloth diapers have come a long way in the past ten years. An event, called the Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011, already creating buzz not only in North America, but all over the world, will take place on Saturday, April 23, 2011 in locations all around the globe. The Great Cloth Diaper Change (http://www.greatclothdiaperchange.com) will set a Guinness World Record for the most cloth diapers ever changed simultaneously.

Parents, child birth educators, lactation consultants, pediatricians and environmentally responsible businesses agree that it is not environmentally or financially justified to continue sending billions of disposable diapers to landfills every year where it will take hundreds of years for them to decompose. Heather McNamara, of the Real Diaper Association, says that "our local volunteers are finding growing numbers of parents coming to find out about cloth diapers, whether it be for environmental, financial, or health reasons - - or even because these diapers are just plain cute!" It is the hope of the organizers that this event will be an eye opener and an inspiration for expecting and new parents to use cloth diapers, a more planet friendly alternative that also saves parents substantial money.

• Help set a Guinness World Record™! Follow the challenge on Facebookand Twitter and, for frequent updates, www.greatclothdiaperchange.com.
• Date and Time is Saturday, April 23 at 9AM Pacific / 12PM Eastern - which means that on a global level some cloth diaper enthusiasts will gather and do the diaper change in the middle of the night. Exact information is available on a local level so that all participants, no matter where they live, can find the appropriate location and time.
• A multitude of locations will be available for families all over the U.S and around the globe, across the ocean, in Europe, Australia, and the list keeps growing. Parents, care givers, educators, retailers, playgroups, day care centers - anybody can apply to become an organizer and host a location.
• Each group/location will have a minimum of 25 participants to count for the record. Each local event will be unique, with many hosts planning fun family activities for parents, friends and older siblings, leading up to the specific "change" time.
• This event is part of a larger (and growing) movement. Participants may contribute $1 (or more) at all North American events to benefit the Real Diaper Association, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to help families across the U.S. and Canada find and use reusable cloth diapers.

How it all started
The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011 was initially the brain child of Judy Aagard of Tiny Tots in California, as a way to show our country and the world that cloth diapers are a real option for today's families. After initial contacts with Guinness World Records™ she saw the potential to help further enhance the cloth diapering movement, while setting a world record. The response has been above and beyond expectations. It is evident that cloth diapering has a formidable following not just in North America, but truly around the world. What better way to celebrate Earth Day 2011?

Free Shipping

I meant to announce this earlier…

We are testing out a new shipping policy at
Doable Diapers. 
For the month of March, Domestic US orders will receive
FREE shipping on every order. 
International customers will still need to pay shipping costs, which will be invoiced separately.

If things run smoothly this month we will keep this policy in place  long term.

Thank you for supporting Doable Diapers!

Diaper Packages Save Money

Using cloth diapers is a great way to save a hunk of change in your budget.  You can maximize these savings even more by purchasing a cloth diaper package.  Most manufacturer’s offer a discount when you buy a certain volume of diapers.  Doable Diapers offers several great diapering packages – from just diapers, to all accessories included.

Some people are eclectic with their diaper stash, while others prefer to have everything the same.  I am mix between the two.  I love to try new things, but I have my two absolute favorites which make up the majority of my stash.  If you know you like a particular brand of diaper, you can save money by purchasing a package.

~FuzziBunz Packages & Rumparooz Packages:

Save when you buy 6, 12, 18, or 24 diapers.  The more you buy…the more you save! 

~Flip Day Packs

These packages come bundled with two covers and six inserts of your choice.  You save money by using a hybrid system (less covers to purchase because they can be reused), and you save money by buying a Day Pack.  The cost of two covers and six inserts would be $53.70 (stay-dry isnerts).  The cost of a stay-dry day pack is $49.95.  Available in Stay-Dry or Organic Cotton inserts.

~The Get Started Package – save $55

This package gives you the necessary diapers and accessories to “get started” in cloth diapering.  Included are 12 one size diapers, a diaper sprayer, a small wet bag (for your diaper bag), a large wet bag (to use as a diaper pail), one package of cloth wipes, and one bag of detergent.  Available in FuzziBunz diapers or Rumparooz diapers.

~The Complete Package – save $95 

This package is for the one who wants it all!  Save $95 over the cost of purchasing these items individually.  You get 24 one size diapers, a diaper sprayer, a medium wet bag, a pail liner (or extra large wet bag), two packages of cloth wipes, and a bag of detergent.  You get a full stash of cloth diapers in either FuzziBunz or Rumparooz!

Questions from the Readers: When to “Size Up” Your Diapers

Sometimes there is a question that comes to me through a web-site comment, a blog comment, a survey, or an email.  Maybe there are more people who have that same question, so as they come in I would like to take a moment to answer them.

Today’s question came from the Obsession Confession survey, from Lindsey:

“How do you know when to size up your One-Size diapers?”

I never thought about it before, but that is a great question.  There is a little bit of trial and error in getting just the right fit with your cloth diapers.  And it will likely be different from brand to brand.  Here are some things that I use as a guide in knowing when to size up my one size diapers.

1.  Rise – the diaper should come about to your baby’s belly button.  If it is lower, you should probably let out the rise a bit.  You can do this by adjusting the rise snaps (ex: Rumparooz) or the adjustable leg elastic (ex: FuzziBunz). 

2.  Fit around the legs – if the diaper is too tight or too loose around the legs, it is time to change the size.  With loose leg openings you could have leaks.  If the legs are too tight you will probably leave red marks on baby’s skin.

3.  Fit around the waist – you want to be able to get a snug fit (but not too tight) around the waist.  If you are having a hard time fastening the diaper on your baby, then it is time to size up so there is more room.  Also, if you notice red marks on your baby’s waist, you are probably snapping the diaper too tight, and you should move “out” on the snaps toward the edge.  Don’t let the diaper get too loose around the waist, or you will have leaks.

4.  Check the sizing chart – as your baby grows and gains weight, check the manufacturer’s sizing chart and adjust your diaper accordingly.  I don’t notice it when Elaine gains weight because it happens slowly.  So I check the chart after our well visits – when Elaine has been weighed at the doctor’s office.  Then I know how much she has grown, and I can adjust the diapers if I need to.  Keep in mind that sizing charts are just a guide.  Every baby is built differently, and you may need to tweak it a little – especially with adjustable elastic diapers.

5.  Leaks – if you are having leaks then your diaper is likely too big or too small.  Change the setting and try again.  This is where the trial and error comes into play.

6. Overnights – Your overnight diapers may need to be set one size larger to accommodate the extra absorbency pads you stuff into it.  I use Rumparooz one size diapers at night.  If I am using a trim hemp insert, I leave it on the current setting.  If I am using a double stuffed microfiber insert, then I open the diaper’s rise up to allow for the extra cushion.

7.  Red marks – it has been alluded to, but if your diapers are leaving red marks then they are likely set too small, or fastened too tightly.

I hope that helps a little bit.  What do you use as a guide to know when to size up your diapers?  Leave a comment and share your wisdom with other readers!

Rumparooz Doll Diapers

My daughter received her first baby doll for Christmas from Grandma & Grandpa.  She was very excited at first, but then the newness wore off and she returned to her best friend, “Bunny.” 

Then a few weeks later, Elaine insisted on taking “Besty” (her baby doll) with her to naptime.  Elaine usually plays in her crib for a few minutes before I come to get her after naptime.  On this particular day I heard the sound of velcro as I approached the bedroom.  I was a little baffled as we don’t use hook and loop diaper closures.  Then I realized the source of the sound…Elaine had discovered Betsy’s diaper. 

That same week, Kanga Care released their Doll Diapers, made from the scraps during the manufacturing of Rumparooz one size diapers.  I was so excited and thought they were adorable…I couldn’t wait for the package to arrive.  I picked out Gumball and Lux for the baby doll, to match Elaine’s diapers.  We played with them a little bit and changed Betsy’s diaper.  But alas, again the newness wore off.

One day recently during playtime, Elaine wanted to change Betsy’s diaper.  She can fasten the velcro tabs if I hold the diaper in place.  After we finished, she went and found another dolly and wanted a diaper on it.  We had great fun diapering her dolls.  But then Elaine wanted one on her Bear. 

I should mention that this Bear was around when my husband was a child, and it was given to Elaine by my mother-in-law.  Elaine absolutely loves him! 

We did encounter a problem.  You see, Bear has big hips.  The dolly diaper was just not going to fit!  Elaine insisted, and so I improvised.  We are now one diaper cover short in our stash…Bear is wearing Elaine’s Butternut Flip!  Elaine seemed happy with this arrangement, and she still does not want the diapers to come off!  (One of her three words is “no” and she uses it quite loudly if you try to mess with her Bear and Betsy).

Baby (wearing a Gumball Rumparooz), Bear (wearing a Butternut Flip), and Betsy (wearing a Lux Rumparooz).

Survey Winner

Thanks to everyone who participated in our survey.  Your answers will help us carry the products that you want!  We have already added several items based on responses from the survey: bumGenius! Elemental Diapers, bumGenius! newborn diapers, more diaper covers (Rumparooz and Lil Joey), and more detergent options (Eco Nuts and bumGenius! Detergent).  We are working on getting some WAHM wipes in fun colors and prints. 

And now…the winner of the FuzziBunz One Size diaper:

Rosie
(rosieh2@…)

Congratulations! 

Please email iwon@doablediapers.com with your full name, shipping address, and color choice.  Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner will be chosen.

New Rumparooz Diaper Covers

The highly sought after prints and colors exclusive to the Rump•a•rooz One Size Diapers can now be found on the new Rump•a•rooz Diaper Covers and loved by families who cloth diaper using the more traditional style prefold system.

February 28, 2011 – Kanga Care takes on another huge division of the cloth diaper market with the launch of their new Rump•a•rooz Diaper Covers.  Kanga Care is famous for the unbeatable quality and function of their pocket-style One Size Cloth Diaper, the Rump•a•rooz.  The Rump•a•rooz is one of the top brands in the market for a pocket style diaper system.  With the launch of the Rump•a•rooz Diaper Covers Kanga Care will now be reaching out to customers who opt for the more traditional, or "old school", style of cloth diapers known as prefolds and flats.

Rump•a•rooz Diaper Covers work as a means to waterproof an absorbent diaper that does not have a built in way to contain the moisture (prefolds, flats and fitted style cloth diapers.)  The Rump•a•rooz Diaper Covers are available in 2 sizes.  

The first is a Preemie/Newborn size cover which has 3 adjustable rise settings and will grow with a tiny baby fitting them from 4 - 12 lbs.  The second is a One Size Cover.  The One Size Cover has 4 adjustable rise settings and will fit a baby from birth, at 6 lbs, up through potty training with a maximum weight of 35 lbs or more.  

Both size covers are available in a snap or a hook and loop closure.  Both size covers are also available in the 12 famous Rump•a•rooz Colors and the 7 highly sought after and exclusive prints.  There are a total of 84 choices of covers for parents to chose from.

Kanga Care's Rump•a•rooz Covers are on sale now.  They can be purchased at Doable Diapers!

New Giveaway!

As promised in the newsletter, we are hosting a giveaway in honor of reaching 600 Facebook fans.  As I was waiting for the current giveaway to end, we far surpassed the 600 fans goal and now have over 700!  We are also just a couple of fans away from reaching 500 blog followers.  You guys gals are awesome!

 

Prize:

Rumparooz One Size pocket diaper in winner’s choice of in-stock solid color or print.

 

 

Mandatory Entry:

Follow Doable Diapers…via Facebook, GFC, or Networked Blogs.  Extra entries for doing more than one!

 

Extra Entries:

• Follow Doable Diapers on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway.  Your tweet must include @DoableDiapers, #clothdiapers, and this link: http://tinyurl.com/4rqrqcq
  You can tweet once per day during the dates of this giveaway.  For each tweet, leave the URL/permalink to your tweet as a comment on this post.
• Sign up to receive blog updates by email (“subscribe to Doable Diapers” box on right hand sidebar of the blog)
• Subscribe to the Doable Diapers Newsletter
• Grab the Doable Diapers button for your blog.  Leave the URL of your blog so we can find it.
• Blog about this giveaway (5 extra entries).  Leave the URL of your blog post!
• Rate Doable Diapers at the Diaper Pin.  This ONLY counts if you have made a purchase from Doable Diapers in the past and have experience with our company on which to base your feedback! (5 extra entries)
• Make any purchase from Doable Diapers during the dates of this giveaway (10 extra entries) 

All entries must be made using the form – comments
will not count (except for tweets) and will be deleted!  Please read the instructions on the form CAREFULLY to ensure that your entries are counted!

 

Click HERE to enter the giveaway!

 

The Fine Print:  Giveaway will be open until March 12th at midnight EST.  Winner will be emailed and announced on the blog.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond and claim prize, or a new winner will be chosen.  Entries will be verified.  Winner will be chosen using a random number generator.

Obsession Confession–Lindsey from So Easy Being Green

Name: Lindsey

Children:  1 Daughter who just turned 9 months old.

Occupation:  SAHM

Where do you live?  Small Town in Tennessee

Is your hubby on board with using cloth diapers?  It was his idea at first to save money... He will use them (but not wash them) and he's not on the cloth wipe bandwagon... yet!

When did you start cloth diapering?  I started when my daughter was 2 weeks old.  For the next baby, I will definitely cloth diaper as a newborn because I know I "can" do it!

What was your main reason for switching to cloth diapers?  To save MONEY!  And they are sooo cute!

Share the short story of how you started using cloth diapers.  Like I said, my husband suggested them, since I would be staying at home.  His reasoning: It would save money; I would have time to do extra laundry; and there was a time when everyone used cloth diapers.  He never thought I would agree, but I jumped at the idea, once I did some research and saw the modern cloth diapers!  :)

What is your favorite brand and style of diapers?  I love, love, love my AppleCheeks!  I'm falling in love with Fitteds and Wool more and more too.

How many diapers are in your stash?  It's ever changing... I would guess around 25 that she uses now.  I have smaller prefolds, covers, fitteds that fit her at a younger age.  I'm such an addict, I don't WANT to count... Haha.

Share a blooper or “newbie” story from your cloth diapering experiences.  My most recent blooper... leaving a new Bummis EasyFit (full of poo) in the wetbag in my car for 3 days!!!  At least it's a good wetbag, as there was no smell, but it was so stained... thank goodness for the sun's bleaching powers!

Do you have a tip to share with others?  Lemon Juice and the Sun are your best friend when it comes to using cloth diapers (and your diaper sprayer!)

When you started using cloth diapers, what is one thing you wish you had known?  I wish that I had done a Rental Program so that I could try a LOT of different diapers to find out which ones worked best for me and Sophia without buying upfront.

What is the greatest issue or problem you’ve had with cloth diapers, and how did you resolve it?  The stinks!  Just washing more and extra rinses.  Stripping helps so much too!

Is there anything you would like to know regarding cloth diapers?  I want to know how to get the best fit.  How do you know when to size up your One-Size diapers?

What are your other hobbies, interests, and obsessions?  I love gardening and just generally hanging and traveling with our little family!  I love blogging and have met so many great friends through my experiences!

What are your favorite blogs and websites?  Marine Parents, Twitter, Craigslist, Facebook, and Stuff Parents Need.

Tell us a little about your personality.  I'm a fun, silly woman that is loves being a Mommy and Wife!

Lindsey blogs over at So Easy Being Green.  She is hosting a wool event beginning on March 14th and would like to invite Doable Diapers fans & readers to participate!  Please stop by her blog and let her know we sent you!