Thursday, June 30, 2011

Surprise Delivery Sponsors

I neglected to tell you all of the sponsors before the Surprise Delivery event started…so here it is!

exploraCupsMastheadTomee Tippee – Explora Truly Spill Proof Sippy Cups

iusb_760x100_7278996[7]My Eco Baby – Wool Soaker

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Rockin’ Green  - REMIX detergent

195815_129812660326_932387_nTEA collection – $50 gift certificate

iusb_760x100_8562886Marine Parents the Shop – $15 gift certificate

50554_274987485226_4925368_nBaby Bond – Nursing Cover

Doable Diapers Button PNGDoable Diapers

Some of these reviews and giveaways will come after the baby is born, so stay tuned for more fun!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

1000 Facebook Fans Giveaway

One Doable Diapers Facebook fan will win a Spearmint colored FuzziBunz One Size diaper!

FB Spearmint

Eco Nuts Giveaway

Surprise Delivery Button

As part of the Surprise Delivery baby event, Doable Diapers is giving away a regular size box of Eco Nuts natural laundry soap!

The Product
Eco Nuts contain saponin, a natural cleaner that works as a surfactant, breaking the surface tension of the water to penetrate the fibers of your clothing, lifting stains from the fabric and leaving dirt suspended in the water that is rinsed away.

Eco_Nuts_Laundrygroup1_Soap_Nuts_jpg_w560h377Eco Nuts are gentle on both clothes and skin, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin, eczema, allergies and psoriasis. Because they are so mild, they are perfect for baby clothes and cloth diapers. But don't expect these shells to foam up like commercial soaps, which have artificial foaming agents. Foam simply does not represent cleaning power.

A common reason why Cloth Diapers leak is residue buildup. Even if you use free and clear or other so-called natural detergents, all of these leave a residue on your fabric which will cause the fabric to become less absorbent. Fabric softener will additionally make the diapers less absorbent. This residue can also cause diaper rash. Diapers are more prone to residue buildup because they are more absorbent than other fabrics.

Eco Nuts leaves very little residue, so you don't have to strip as often, and will remove any residue buildup left behind by other products. 

Eco Nuts are great for cloth diapers because they do not contain any dyes, enzymes, softeners, or fragrances which contribute to the deterioration and excessive wear/tear on diapers.  Eco Nuts  very effectively remove all lingering smells.

The saponin in Eco Nuts actually helps to loosen fibers in the dryer instead of tighten them, keeping your diapers as absorbent as they were when you first bought them, even after many, many washes. This loosening effect that saponin has on fibers is also why no fabric softener is needed for your diapers to be soft and fluffy.  We've been Loved and Approved by many WAHM and Cloth Diaper Manufacturers!

Eco Nuts Are:washbag

  • Biodegradable
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Perfect for Sensitive Skin, Allergies, Eczema, Psoriasis
  • Nut Allergy Safe!
  • 100% Natural and Free From Manmade Chemicals
  • Beneficial For Septic and Gray Water Systems
  • Sustainable
  • Fragrance Free
  • Reusable
  • Vegan Friendly, Vegan Approved
  • Certified Organic By EcoCert and USDA at the Source
  • Packaged in the USA

The Giveaway
One Doable Diapers reader will win a regular size box of Eco Nuts all natural laundry detergent!  Giveaway is open to US residents.
(Here’s how the giveaway works)

Links you may need:

Fine Print: View the entries in this giveaway by clicking HERE.  Sensitive information has been removed to protect your privacy.  Entries must be made using the form.  Comment entries will be deleted, however feel free to leave a comment to remind yourself that you have entered.  Winner will be chosen using a random number generator, and will be announced on the blog as well as contacted via email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond and claim prize or a new winner will be chosen. 

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Tommee Tippee Winner

The winner of the Tommee Tippee Explora Sippy Cups is…

Entry # 112

Cindy Weibley

images - CopyCongrats Cindy!

Please email iwon@doablediapers.com with your shipping info and color choice.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Tea Collection Review and Giveaway

About the Company…
The Tea Collection is designer clothing for children and women.  The company started in 2002 in San Francisco with 3 pima cotton sweaters and a vision of bringing a fusion of worldwide cultures and modern design to children's clothing.  Tea products are available online, as well as in specialty and department stores.

Tea is always going to a new destination, whether across the globe or across the street.  The latest destination is Catalonia, Spain.  This provided the inspiration for the clothing collection this season!

Tea graciously provided us with a $50 gift certificate to pick out some items for review.  I was really torn as to whether or not I should shop for Elaine and the new baby, or just the new baby.  But alas, not knowing the gender of our Surprise Delivery does make shopping a little difficult! 

What We Ordered…
E22216L_SMOKEYBLUEFinally we decided on the Palma Playdress for Elaine.  Actually, Daddy picked it out.  We also selected a neutral colored item for the new baby.  We chose the Moon Print Bodysuit. Tea products start in a 0-3 month size, so it may be a couple of weeks before our new arrival can wear it.

Here are a couple of my other favorites from the website…I just love the “grown up” and sophisticated styles, even for little girls!

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Maritime Stripe Dress

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Campanillas Banded Dress

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Jardin Wrap Neck Dress

My Review…
First, I was impressed by the customer service I received from TEA Collection Review picturesTea.  The agent was friendly and professional.  She knew exactly what items I was talking about.  It was so easy!  I also think that the website is easy to navigate.  And Tea charges just a reasonable $7 for shipping! 

I really L.O.V.E. the length of the playdress!  We prefer that Elaine’s dresses come below her knees.  This makes it difficult to find dresses sometimes!  The playdress is the perfect length – covering her knees (and providing a little protection), but not getting in the way of walking, running, playing, and activities. 

TEA Collection Review picturesThe cotton is soft and lightweight.  I love that it came off the clothesline without a wrinkle.  That is a huge plus when you don’t own a dryer!  This dress is definitely easy to care for! 

The fabric print is modern and sophisticated, but not too grown up for a little girl.  There is even an adorable little pocket on the front which Elaine recently discovered.  In short…we love it!

I am looking forward to using the bodysuit on our new arrival.  It is also made of super-soft cotton and the print is just adorable.  In a lovely grey-blue color it will work well for a boy or a girl.

Buy It
Shop the TEA Collection anytime at www.teacollection.com

Win It…A Giveaway
One Doable Diapers reader will win a $50 gift certificate to the TEA Collection!  Open to US residents only.

Links You May Need:
Doable Diapers: Facebook :: Twitter :: Newsletter
TEA Collection: Website :: Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter

Fine Print: View the entries in this giveaway by CLICKING HERE.  Sensitive information has been removed to protect your privacy.  Entries must be made using the form.  Comment entries will be deleted, however feel free to leave a comment to remind yourself that you have entered.  Winner will be chosen using a random number generator, and will be announced on the blog as well as contacted via email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond and claim prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Nursing Cover Giveaway

carsonAs an expectant mom, I knew I wanted to breastfeed my baby.  I had plans to nurse Elaine exclusively, which meant I would need a way to do it in public.  I like to keep modest and covered, so I used a shawl style nursing cover.  I liked that my cover had boning around the neckline so that I could maintain eye contact with my baby.

 

The Giveaway
Today I am giving away a similar nursing cover as part of the Surprise Delivery event.  It is in neutral colors of brown, red, and cream. Giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents.
(Here’s how the giveaway works)

Links you may need:

Fine Print: View the entries in this giveaway by clicking HERE.  Sensitive information has been removed to protect your privacy.  Entries must be made using the form.  Comment entries will be deleted, however feel free to leave a comment to remind yourself that you have entered.  Winner will be chosen using a random number generator, and will be announced on the blog as well as contacted via email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond and claim prize or a new winner will be chosen

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

My Eco Baby–Wool Soaker Review

I was very excited when Gabriela from MyEcoBaby agreed to be a sponsor for the Surprise Delivery Event.  I have been thinking about venturing into wool diaper covers for a while, but I haven’t taken the plunge. 

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About the shop…
Gabriela  is a mom of three boys.  She loves Etsy, coffee, and recycled & repurposed eco-friendly items.  That’s why she makes upcycled wool soakers from old sweaters.  Not only are they eco-friendly, and handmade, but they are adorable with unique appliques on the rump!  Check out some of her cute designs:

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Wool Medium Soaker with Owl

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Cashmere/Wool Newborn Soaker with Lady Bug

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Wool/Cashmere Medium Soaker with Airplane

You can even request a custom design!  Gabriela offers five sizes of soakers:

  • Newborn 0-3 months/7-14 lbs.
  • Small 3-6 month/11-20 lbs.
  • Medium 6-12 month/15-27 lbs.
  • Large 12-24 month/22-35 lbs.
  • XLarge 24 month-2T

There are specific measurements listed in each product description so you can ensure that you get the right size and a great fit!

What we received…
Elaine was sent this green and white wool soaker with a flower applique.  Based on her measurements, we chose a medium soaker.  It is just a smidge big in the waist, but that is a common problem for Elaine!

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Because we don’t have a dryer, I don’t have a lot of fitted diapers in my stash.  Fitteds would be best underneath these wool shorties.  We used our Doopsy Bamboo fitted, as well as prefolds with a Snappi.  I love the way Elaine looked when she was running around in her shorties!  I also appreciate the added doubler that Gabriela sews into all of her soakers.  It ensures absorbency in the wet zone.

My Review…

Elaine and wool soakerAs this is my first encounter with wool, I know I still have a lot to learn!  There are extra steps in the care of wool soakers as you need to use a wool wash (we chose to use Eucalan), and you need to lanolize the soaker. 

I like the breathable properties of wool, especially for the summer.  We have used our soaker several times overnight.  Elaine did have a leak one time, but I think it is because I need to lanolize the cover.  For overnight use, I would also prefer a soaker with no applique on the bum.  However, for day use I love the cute designs offered by MyEcoBaby!

I think that the soakers offered by MyEcoBaby are adorable.  I love the handcrafted appliques!  I also appreciate that these soakers are made from recycled sweaters and wool products, so nothing is being wasted!  The prices at MyEcoBaby are very reasonable, especially compared to other wool products that I have seen on the market.  MyEcoBaby even offers longies in the shop which would be perfect for the winter!

If you are in the market for another wool soaker, or you want to get started with wool diaper products, please visit MyEcoBaby on Etsy!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

My Newborn Stash

After much deliberation, I have finally settled on several new diapers to add to my stash for the new baby.  I have a good amount of newborn prefolds and one newborn Bummis Snap Wrap from Elaine. I added a Rumparooz newborn cover in Gumball (our favorite print).  If the baby is a boy, I also have a Robotronics newborn cover.  If it is a girl, I have an Amethyst cover.

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One of the Snap Wraps pictured is a small size, and I have eight prefolds which are slightly larger than these newborns, but not quite as big as the small prefolds.

I chose to try these diapers on my newborn to compare fit and length of use: 2 FuzziBunz Perfect Size Extra Small, 2 FuzziBunz One Size, and 1 Rumparooz One Size with Aplix closure.  I decided not to use the bumGenius AIO and the Rumparooz Lil Joeys simply because I don’t have a dryer.  I don’t think that I can get the inner soaker dry enough, and dry fast enough, to justify adding them to my stash.  I was disappointed about this because I really wanted to try the Lil Joeys!

img_0130The White and Mac N Cheese diapers are the Extra Small Size.  I also saved a Blueberry diaper before it was discontinued, and I chose one of the new Spearmint colored diapers in the One Size.

Here is a size comparison of the One Size set to a newborn setting, and a Perfect Size Extra Small.  They are pretty much the same size!  I’m looking forward to comparing the fit.

img_0147(Spearmint OS on the left; Mac N Cheese X-Small on the right) 

Since I have other FuzziBunz One Size diapers in my stash, I will have a good amount of newborn pocket diapers.  That was a luxury I didn’t have with Elaine!

My first six pocket diapers with Elaine were FuzziBunz Perfect Size in small.  They seem so huge compared to these extra-small diapers!  The small size is designed to fit from 7-18 pounds, while the extra-small fits 4-12 pounds.  Elaine was very skinny and her pockets didn’t fit well until about two months old.

img_0129 

I chose to add a Rumparooz Aplix diaper just because I’m curious.  I’ve always been a snap diaper fan.  Many people choose hook & loop closures because you can get a more exact fit in the waist.  I want to test that on my newborn.  I also need another “easy” diaper for the nursery workers and babysitters to use.

Depending on the gender of the baby, I have several other one size diapers picked out.  I am dying to use a Ladder 6 Rumparooz.  We have very little yellow, orange, and blue diapers in our stash (because we have a girl), so it will be nice to add some of those as well… maybe! 

How about you?  Did you cloth diaper a newborn?  What was your favorite diaper for fit, function, and budget?  I found prefolds easy to use  for a good fit on a little baby.  But I want to test some of the more modern options for newborns.  I’ll let you know the results!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Tommee Tippee Review and Giveaway

Surprise Delivery Button JPGHave you ever packed a sippy cup in your diaper bag only to open the bag and find your clean cloth diapers soaking wet from the leaking cup?  Or have you handed a sippy to your child in his/her car seat, and when you arrive at your destination you find the seat and your kiddo all wet?  I have…numerous times!  I have been so frustrated trying to find a sippy cup that would work for Elaine.

For that reason, I was very excited when Tommee Tippee agreed to let Elaine and I review their Explora Truly Spill Proof Sippy Cups. They arrived in a package of two 11 ounce cups.  These are a stage two sippy cup, designed for babies 9 months and older.

My Review: The Explora system from Tommee Tippee starts at 4 monthsKONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA, and gradually moves the baby into more advanced cups.  I love that the cups we received have a gentle soft spout for babies who are cutting teeth and have sensitive gums!  Elaine has actually chewed through the latex spouts of other sippy cups.  The Tommee Tippee cup has a firm spout beneath the outer soft spout, making this impossible to do!  There is also a hygiene cap that flips to cover the spout – I love this feature when the cup is being transported in a diaper bag!

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAAs I was reading the instructions that came with the cups, I discovered that the Tommee Tippee valve system is specially designed by a physicist.  No wonder it works so well!  The valve is sensitive enough to allow liquid to flow on demand, yet it is truly spill and leak proof.

We had one leak while using these Tommee Tippee cups…but it was a total user error!  I had not snapped the valve into place properly, so it was no wonder that liquid was allowed to escape!

Elaine’s Review: Elaine totally l.o.v.e.s. these cups!  As soon as they arrived in the mail she insisted that I fill one for her to use.  If I offered a drink in another sippy cup, she would protest and point at the cupboard until I took a Tommee Tippee cup from the shelf.  The soft grips on the sides of the cup make it easy for her to use and carry.

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

We put the Tommee Tippee cups to the true test when we packed them KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAexclusively for our road trip to North Carolina.  We didn’t have a single leak in the car seat, and nothing was soiled or wet in the diaper bag.  My experience was nothing but pleasant!  It makes me wonder…why didn’t I know about Tommee Tippee before?  Why did I waste so much time and money on sippy cups that failed to perform?  We are completely sold on the Tommee Tippee system, and I look forward to trying their cups for younger babies once the new baby has arrived.

Final Opinion:  We LOVE Tommee Tippee cups, and we will not be buying any other sippy cups again!

The Giveaway

One reader will win a set of two Tommee Tippee Explora Truly Spill Proof Sippy Cups!  Open to US residents.  Giveaway ends on June 27th at 11:59 EST.
(Here’s how the giveaway works)

Links you may need:

 

Fine Print: View the entries in this giveaway by clicking HERE.  Sensitive information has been removed to protect your privacy.  Entries must be made using the form.  Comment entries will be deleted, however feel free to leave a comment to remind yourself that you have entered.  Winner will be chosen using a random number generator, and will be announced on the blog as well as contacted via email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond and claim prize or a new winner will be chosen. 

Friday, June 17, 2011

Guest Post at Diary of a Devil Dog Wife…

Diary of a Devil Dog WifeMy readers who have been following for a while now may remember that I teamed up with Marah from Diary of a Devil Dog Wife for a photo contest back in February.  Marah’s husband is a Marine who just returned from deployment.  Marah has been taking a break from blogging to spend time reuniting her family.  I was asked to write a guest post, and it featured today!

Head over to Diary of a Devil Dog Wife for some tips on Traveling with Tots…

Monday, June 13, 2011

Swim Diapers…a little tip

The weather is getting *HOT* (atKONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA least here in NYC), and that means lots of summer fun outside in the water!  On our recent *vacation* for my brother’s wedding, we booked hotels with pools.  I was looking forward to easing some pregnancy discomfort, as well as introducing Elaine to the swimming pool.  (She insisted on wearing both the arm floaties and the ring float).

This brought me to consider my options in swim diapers.  I could purchase a specially designed cloth swim diaper, I could use a disposable swim diaper (not really an option for us), or I could use something I had on hand.

I chose the latter option, and utilized a tip I learned from Julie, the founder of Kanga Care and designer of the Rumparooz cloth diaper.  You can easily use any pocket diaper in your stash as a swim diaper, and it will save you some money.  Here’s how:

1.  Select a pocket diaper.  I chose Rumparooz because of the inner gussets.  I felt they would contain a mess in the water better than a diaper without gussets.

2.  Remove the insert.  You want to contain any messes in the water, but you don’t want to weigh down your baby.  Just remove the absorbent insert!

3.  Set your pocket diaper to one size smaller than your baby normally wears.  Since there is no insert creating extra bulk, you will want a snugger fit.

4.  Have fun in the water!

The chlorine in the pool may cause your PUL to break down faster than normal.  For that reason, I choose to use the same pocket as a swim diaper every time.  Then, if I do have issues with the PUL, it is only one diaper lost, and not my whole stash!

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAElaine had a great time in the pool – she did not want to get out!  Here she is enjoying some time with Grandpa!

Insert Giveaway Winners

Here are the seven winners of the flash giveaway for inserts.  The first to respond get first choice on FuzziBunz or Rumparooz inserts.

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Entry #64 – Cara Staten

Entry #72 - Nicolette may Capuano

Entry #80 - Laura Estep

Entry #17 – Christine Drumb

Entry #10 – Trisha Durham

Entry #24 – Amy Robinson-Church

Entry #86 - Brittany Higgs

Please send an email to iwon@doablediapers.com with your full name and shipping address.  Specify Rumparooz or FuzziBunz inserts, and the size (Small or Medium/Large) you would like.  Congrats and thanks for playing!

Friday, June 10, 2011

FuzziBunz Gives: Autism Speaks

AutismSpeaksBlueDiaperFuzziBunz is working with Autism Speaks to help research autism!   The Big Sky colored diaper has been renamed to Light It Up Blue.  For every Light It Up Blue diaper that is sold, FuzziBunz will donate $1 to Autism Speaks.

Tereson Dupuy, the creator of FuzziBunz, has a special place in her heart for Autism Speaks.  Tereson’s oldest son, Eden, was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism.  Here’s what she says about this new partnership:

“I recognize that I am fortunate that FuzziBunz® has afforded me the opportunities to treat and help Eden, but I know not all families are in this position. That's why, in Eden's honor, FuzziBunz® will donate $1 for every "Light It Up Blue" diaper we sell to Autism Speaks, a national advocacy organization dedicated to funding autism-related research and helping families impacted by autism. The diapers are the same price as the all the other FuzziBunz® cloth diapers—so I hope you'll simply add the Light It Up Blue diaper to your stash and know that, by doing so, you're helping families like mine cope with autism and that you're contributing to our nation's plight to find a cure.

“Many of you already know that I founded FuzziBunz® because of Eden. His constant diaper rash wouldn't go away and his doctor told me I had to use cloth diapers only—no more chemical-ridden disposables. At the time there weren't any modern cloth diapering options, so I had to invent one. I credit my special little boy, Eden, with the invention of FuzziBunz®, and now as the inspiration of FuzziBunz's® public support for autism-related organizations. Thank you to Eden and to my entire support system, which includes family, friends, advocacy organizations and now you, our loyal FuzziBunz® fans!”

Sincerely,
Tereson Dupuy

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Referral Contest (and Giveaways)

Surprise Delivery ButtonHere is another contest and giveaway for my fabulous fans!  How about a referral contest? 

If you refer your friends and family to Doable Diapers and they become a follower or fan, ask them to drop your name to us!  They can fill out the easy form below and give you credit for the referral.  The person with the most referrals at the end of the Surprise Delivery baby event will win a $20 gift certificate to Doable Diapers!

The friends that you refer must be NEW followers of the blog using Google Friend Connect, or NEW Facebook fans. 

Let’s see if we can get 1000 (or more!) Facebook fans before the baby is born.  If we do, I will give away one of the NEW FuzziBunz Spearmint diapers to one lucky fan!  If we hit 650 blog followers before the baby’s birth, then I will give away TWO Spearmint diapers!

You can direct your friends to this post to enter the form below, or they can find it at the top of the right sidebar on our blog.  Spread the word however you wish – on your Facebook wall, tweet it, or blog it.  Just be sure the new fans drop your name or blog name so that you get credit!

 

Fine Print: View the entries in this giveaway by clicking here.  Sensitive information has been removed to protect your privacy.  Entries must be made using the form.  Winner will be announced on the blog and Facebook.  Gift certificate may not be used on detergent.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Baby’s First Fluff Photo Contest (Giveaway)

Surprise Delivery ButtonAs part of the Surprise Delivery baby event, I would like to host a photo contest!  Send a picture of your baby in his/her first cloth diaper to info@doablediapers.com.  Or, you may post the picture on the Doable Diapers Facebook wall.  Your baby doesn’t have to be a newborn, but it should be one of the first fluffy pictures you have.

Please fill out the form below so I have your information to contact you if you win.  You also get bonus entries for following the Doable Diapers blog and “liking” our Facebook page!

One winner will be chosen to win a $20 gift certificate to Doable Diapers!  Entries are open through the birth of my baby.  Since that date is unknown, the the sooner you send in your pictures, the better!  I will post the winner here on the blog along with a picture of my new baby in his/her first cloth diaper!

Fine Print: Only one entry per person.  View the entries in this giveaway by clicking here.  Sensitive information has been removed to protect your privacy.  Entries must be made using the form.  Comment entries will be deleted, however feel free to leave a comment to remind yourself that you have entered.  Winner will be chosen using a random number generator, and will be announced on the blog as well as contacted via email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond and claim prize or a new winner will be chosen.  Gift certificate may not be used on detergent. Open to US and International residents, however, International residents must pay shipping charges.  bumGenius, Flip, and Rumparooz products may not be shipped outside of the United States.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Taking Cloth on the Road: Disposable Liners

This past weekend my brother got married in North Carolina.  Since we live in Brooklyn, NY, the big event meant a road trip!  It was really a whirlwind trip for my little family.  My husband took time off without pay, so we had five days for this trip – and only one of them did not involve travel!  Using disposables on vacation has never been an option that we have considered, and especially not for such a short time frame.

Flushable LinersI packed all of my pocket diapers, my hybrid, a couple of pre-folds (just in case), and my overnight diapers.  I had enough for about three days.  I packed some detergent and an extra wet bag so I could do one load of diapers in the coin washer at the hotel.  My diaper bag also included my cloth wipes, foaming wipe solution, and rash cream (also just in case).  This time we added something new to the bag – flushable liners.

I learned on my last trip home that cloth diapering without a diaper sprayer is no fun.  Being in hotels and public rest stops for the majority of this trip meant public toilets.  While I despise “dunking” on a normal day, it is even worse in a public toilet.  I wanted to really put these liners to the test.

They worked!  Well…when I remembered to put them in the diaper!  My poor hubby was changing the diaper when we encountered the first poopy diaper of the trip.  And silly me, I had forgotten the liner.  After that he asked me at every diaper Flusable Liners no pkgchange if I had used the liner. A couple of times I forgot again, but for the most part we used a liner in every diaper.  This saved our sanity when Elaine did her “#2” jobs, and also allowed me to use rash cream occasionally without worrying about ruining my diapers.

The liners look rather like a dryer sheet, and they feel sort of flimsy.  They come in a roll like paper towels. I wasn’t sure that they would hold up to a messy diaper.  But every time I was able to just flip the liner into the toilet, and there was no residue left behind on my diapers.

I would highly suggest taking a roll of disposable/flushable liners with you when you take your cloth diapers on the road – whether it is by air or by car, for the day or a long vacation.  It will make cleanup sooooo much easier!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Wet Bag or Diaper Pail?

Some of you may be wondering about the best method for dirty diaper storage.  Some of you may have a definite opinion about which method is the best, and others may be like me…you use both methods!

pressrelease_wetpailThere are two primary storage options for your dirty diapers.  Thankfully, wet pails are a thing of the past!  The modern cloth diaper utilizes hanging wet bags, or a dry diaper pail until wash day.  Both options are beautifully designed to just go into the wash machine with your dirty diapers on wash day, so there is nothing extra to clean or wash.

WDHGeoMetricStudioI started out using a hanging Planet Wise wet bag.  I used the wet/dry bag because it holds more diapers.  This option worked great for us…in our last house.  There we had a doorknob right next to the changing table.  If the diaper needed to be sprayed, the bathroom was right across the hall.  I would take the bag and hang it on the bathroom doorknob, spray my diaper, and then place it in the wet bag.  Many times I didn’t even find it necessary to zip my wet be after each use.

PICT0135When we moved to NYC, the nursery shared a space with the living room, and there were no doorknobs in sight.  I had no place to hang my wet bag.  I tried attaching a hook to the changing table, but it didn’t work for us.  So I switched to a trash can with a lid, and a Planet Wise Pail Liner.  This worked well for us…until we rearranged!

PICT0136Now the nursery has its own room, but the doorknob is still not a good place to hang the wet bag.  We still use the pail in the nursery, and we have a smaller hanging wet bag in the bathroom for diapers that have to be sprayed.

So…which method is best?  I see pros and cons for each, which is why I use a “hybrid” method and have both a wet bag and pail liner.

Wet Bag
I love that the wet bag doesn’t take up floor space.  In a small apartment/house, that becomes a huge consideration.  The wet bag contains odors, is waterproof, and has designer fabric on the outside to match your style.  This makes it look less like a dirty diaper pail! 

Wet bags are easy to care for because they just go into the washer with your dirty diapers.  I would recommend one for the nursery and one for the bathroom if your bathroom is not close by the nursery.  You may also want to have two so that you can change them out on wash day.

Pail Liner
The dry diaper pail with a waterproof liner holds a lot more diapers than the wet bag.  If you have more than one child in diapers, or you go more than 2-3 days between washings, this will be of benefit to you.  You can get a trash can with a foot pedal so that opening and closing the pail is easy, even with a dirty diaper in your hands.

The diaper pail does take up more space, and it looks…well…like a diaper pail.    The liner is designed to contain odors and hold liquid, so the inside of your pail should not get dirty (I just use Lysol to deodorize the pail on wash day).  Pail liners are just as easy to clean as wet bags – just dump them in the washer with the dirty diapers.  I have found that the pail liners collect water in the wash cycle. I have to be careful when removing them from the washing machine or I will spill water all over the diaper which have just been spun.

My Top Picks
I started out with Planet Wise wet bags and pail liners.  I love the options in fabric design and color.  I also have a set of Kanga Care wet bag and pail liner.  The Kanga Care pail liner is larger and has a drawstring.  This will be a big plus when I get a bigger pail.  The wet bag is round, which makes it more compact for hanging in a small space.  I use Planet Wise wet bags when I’m on-the-go.

 

I hope this has been helpful to you.  What is your favorite method of diaper storage?  What brand of wet bag or liner do you prefer?  Leave us a comment and share your advice with others!

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