Monthly Report: Cloth Diapering at Two Months

Master Nolan is now two months old!  Why does the time fly by so quickly when they are little and cuddly, yet it drags by when they are in the terrible twos? 

Anyway, I thought I would let you know about cloth diapers on a two month old.  Nolan is now on the “small” (one row of snaps showing) Rumparooz rise setting.  Today I had to let out the waist on his FuzziBunz one size diapers.  I also packed away the newborn prefolds and covers.  Nolan wears the small size prefold with a Snappi and  Rumparooz One Size Cover on the small rise setting.

We are using primarily pocket diapers.  I have enough pockets now that I am not changing Nolan every 2 hours.  I change him at every feeding, and if he poops.  I pull out the prefolds if I get behind in my diaper laundry!

Nolan slept through the night every night last week (7+ hours each night).  I just used a Rumparooz pocket diaper with both inserts.  The microfiber is plenty absorbent for him at this point.  He has worn an Eco Posh Fitted diaper and Wool Cover to bed several times.  I just don’t like to have the dampness of a fitted diaper against his skin for so long.  My first choice for overnight diapering is a pocket with either hemp or bamboo insert, but Nolan doesn’t need that much absorbency yet.

At this age, my daughter was wetting very heavily at night, so we used bamboo or hemp fitteds, or a Rumparooz pocket with hemp inserts.

We also went back to cloth wipes now that I feel like I have my routine under control slightly better.  Two little ones is a lot to keep up with!  As mentioned earlier this week, my husband requested that we go back to pre-moistened wipes, so that is what we are doing for now.

I will say that my preference is leaning toward Rumparooz diapers right now.  I didn’t know about Rumparooz with Elaine at this age.  I love the gussets for catching the runny EBF poo!  I have only had a couple of leaks total, so it’s not like my FuzziBunz don’t work.  However, without the gussets the poo is usually right there ready to come out the leg openings.  I’m also struggling to find “Nolan’s setting” on the FuzziBunz so the Rumparooz are just a little easier. My husband prefers the Rumparooz because of the vertical snaps on the waist, and no hip snaps to worry about.

For comparison purposes, Nolan is almost 13 pounds.

Kozy Carrier Winner

The winner of the Liberty Kozy Carrier is…

Entry # 179
Amanda Hitz!

(View the entries Here)

And I just want to point out that Amanda won because she made a purchase from Kozy during the giveaway.  It does pay off to use the links in giveaways and support the sponsors by making a purchase!  And I’m just a wee bit excited because Amanda is a friend of mine from college…

Please email iwon@doablediapers.com within 48 hours to claim your prize!

Baby Magic Snob

Confession: I’m a Baby Magic snob.  I just don’t think that anything compares to the soft sweet scent of a baby just bathed in Baby Magic body wash and then lathered with original Baby Magic lotion.  I’m such an addict that I buy it in packages of six bottles on Amazon.  And Johnsons & Johnsons will never come close!  So I splurge on Baby Magic and I won’t use anything else!

It all started when both my mom and mother-in-law asked me if I was using “Baby Magic” on my newborn.  I had never heard of it.  In disbelief my mom ran out to the store to bring home a giant bottle of the wonderful lotion.

“What does that have to do with cloth diapers?” you may be wondering.  Well, it’s like this.  I make my own wipe solution for my cloth wipes. 

Throughout the last 21 months I have used a variety of cloth wipe methods – pre-moistened wipes in a pop-up container, dry wipes with a spray bottle {only on occasion}, and a foaming wipe solution.  My wipe solution uses baby shampoo along with baby oil and sometimes essential oils.  And for the 21 months I have been “using up” my Johnsons & Johnsons and store brand baby shampoo in my wipe solution.  {Yes.  I really did receive that much baby wash as gifts for my first baby.  I re-gifted the lotion.}

Now I have only two bottles of baby wash in my bathroom.  One is Baby Magic, and the other is a foaming pump that I use to make my own foaming baby wash. 

My husband recently asked me to go back to pre-moistened wipes.  I mixed up a 2 quart pitcher of solution with my precious Baby Magic bath wash.

As I was changing Nolan’s diaper the other day, I got a whiff of the sweet Baby Magic smell {but I didn’t realize it was coming from my cloth wipes}.  I thought, “Wow.  He smells good considering it is not bath day.”  When I finally realized that the lovely aroma was coming from my wipes container, I wondered why I didn’t use Baby Magic for wipes before. 

You should try Baby Magic.  You will never look back!

*Note…this is a pure personal preference/recommendation.  I was not paid to “advertise” for Baby Magic products.

Kozy Carrier Review and Giveaway

The urban lifestyle of New York City parents meshes easily with baby wearing.  Most of my shopping and errands are done on foot within blocks of my apartment.  Taking a stroller can be difficult if you have to carry it down the steps and maneuver it through small stores and doorways.  Now that I have two kids, the hassle is compounded.  That’s why I love baby wearing.  And baby wearing is how I came to love my Kozy.

About the Company
Kozy Carriers were designed by Kelley Mason.  Kelley and her sister Kristi Jennings run the Kozy company.  I love that they are Christians and they aren’t afraid to say so on their website!  I also love that this product was designed by a mom.  That’s something that I can trust! 

I also appreciate that they encourage baby wearing, even if the Kozy is not the carrier for you.  It’s a mission, not just a product for sale!

Kelley was a mom who needed a comfortable way to wear her baby.  She saw a picture of an Asian Mei Tai carrier on the internet.  The next day she whipped one up at her sewing machine!  From that point there have been several revisions to the design so that the Kozy Carrier is a top notch product.  Read more about the Kozy story HERE.

About the Product
I had never used a Mei Tai carrier before.  I expected it to be difficult to get on properly since there were no buckles or anything to make it easier.  I was SO wrong!  The Kozy is simple to use!  Here is a little more about the features of the Kozy Carrier:

• extremely versatile and comfortable Asian inspired baby carrier (Mei Tai) that can be used from birth to toddlerhood (or beyond) and can easily be worn on your front, side, or back!
• has no buckles or rings . . . it simply ties on
• keeps baby's legs up and supports his spine
• 'made to order' in solid colors or patterns
• comes standard with light shoulder padding (I LOVE this feature – the straps are so comfortable!)
• can be ordered with extra long straps if needed
• can be worn reversible without the pocket option

The overall design of the Kozy, plus its features and extras, sets it apart from most of the others on the market. The Kozy's greatest design feature is probably its versatility, as it can be worn on your front, side, or back.

My Review
Kristi sent me the Liberty Kozy to review.  I couldn’t have been more thrilled – I love the fabric pattern!  As I mentioned before, I expected it to be difficult to learn to use the Kozy.  I received a full color brochure with my carrier that had detailed instructions and pictures.  This took the guess work out of how to use the Kozy.  More techniques can be found on the Kozy website HERE. 

I had help from my husband putting the Kozy on for the first time.  Once I knew how the carrier worked, I was able to put it on by myself.  It really is so simple!

I have used the Kozy with Nolan since he was two weeks old.  I also used it with Elaine who is 21 months old.  The Kozy really is versatile!  It is also comfortable.  I have a back injury from a car accident.  Most carriers and slings are uncomfortable after only a short time.  Not so with the Kozy!  The only reason I took it off was because my kiddos wanted out, not because I was in pain.  The shoulder straps are wide and padded, making them extremely comfortable.

The only difficulty for me was when Nolan was tiny.  At that age, it is best to keep his feet inside the carrier.  However, Nolan is a very active guy and he always has his legs and arms in motion.  He didn’t like having his legs tucked up for very long.  Now that he is bigger, I put his feet out and he enjoys it much better!

Kozy to the Test
I put the Kozy to the test in several situations.  First, I used it to travel to Manhattan by train without my husband.  I cannot maneuver a stroller down the subway steps with two kids.  I took my umbrella stroller for Elaine, and I packed Nolan in the Kozy.  It was a lifesaver – I wouldn’t have been able to make the trip without my Kozy!

Nolan – 1 month old

Elaine – 20 months old

By the end of the trip Nolan was ready to stretch his legs a little.  I put him in the stroller, and wore Elaine in the Kozy.  She loved the extra attention and getting the same thing as baby brother (she is still a tad jealous of the new baby).

I also wore my Kozy to a church picnic.  I knew we would be there for several hours and that Nolan would not want to be in his car seat the entire time.  I also knew that I would need both hands to help my toddler with her food and activities.  Once again, it was the Kozy to the rescue!  Nolan enjoyed a long nap in the Kozy, and I received several compliments about my carrier!

 

Buy It
Shop Kozy anytime at their website, or find a retailer.

The Giveaway
One blessed Doable Diapers fan will win a Liberty Kozy Carrier just like the one I was sent!  Giveaway open to US residents.
(Here’s how the giveaway works)

Links you may need:
Doable Diapers: Facebook :: Twitter :: Newsletter
Kozy: Website :: Facebook :: Blog :: Buy It

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. 

Doable Diapers is Turning One!

One year ago I applied for a business license.  When I was approved, Doable Diapers was born.  Time flies by so fast! 

To celebrate this milestone we are holding a one week sale.  take 10% off your entire purchase with coupon code dd1year!*  Save even more with Doable Diapers’ FREE shipping!  Combine this with the FuzziBunz Buy 6 Get 2 Free sale and you can save big!

Additionally, we are giving away a Kozy Carrier tomorrow – right here on the blog.  Be sure to come back for a review of a great product and a chance to win your own!

 

 

 

*Fine Print: Diaper packages, bumGenius!, Flip, and Eco-Posh products are excluded and must be purchased in a separate transaction.

The Power of Tide

I have been using a mixture of Rockin’ Green and bumGenius detergent for many months now.  I haven’t had any stinkies or repelling or issues of any sort.  They are good detergents.  They are made for cloth diapers.  They work.  I had no reason to switch detergent.

However, with the release of the new Eco Posh products, there were very specific detergent instructions, including the fact that the detergent needed to have enzymes.

I have read the detergent “debate” on Kanga Care’s website before.  It made sense to me that a detergent should have enzymes in order to get the diapers clean.  No bleach, no softener, no additives.  But enzymes, yes.

The top recommended detergents from Kanga Care are Tide Original, Gain, and Ecover.  I have never paid the price for Tide detergent, but this time I was curious.  Could it really work?  Is a regular detergent acceptable? 

I couldn’t fend off my curiosity this time – I had to know from personal experience.  So I bought a box of Tide at Costco during my last shopping trip.

I cannot believe the difference in my diapers from just one wash in Tide!  I never thought my diapers had a problem, but they were very grey and dingy compared to their appearance now!  The linings of diapers that are nearly two years old look brand new.  Even some long time stains are barely visible!

Kanga Care has done extensive testing on various detergents.  They are also a leading manufacturer of cloth diapers, and cloth diapering parents with much experience.  They recommend Tide.

I plan to continue using Tide on my diapers and see what the results are.  If you want to give your dingy diapers a facelift, or if you are having detergent battles, I suggest you try Tide!

Get a Good Fit with Your Rumparooz!

Rumparooz just created this fun little video to help you ensure you are getting a good fit.  Be sure to “like” the Rumparooz facebook page to get “in the loop” for more Rumparooz tips, videos, and information!

FuzziBunz Mystery Prints are Here!

FuzziBunz is making their Bonus Bunz program even better!  From August 15 (that’s today) through September 30, 2011 you will receive two free diapers for every six that you buy!

And just in case getting two FREE diapers isn’t enough, let’s sweeten the deal with the NEW mystery prints!  FuzziBunz has produced four different new prints, and the only way to get your hands on them is through this promotion. 

Here’s how it works:

• You are eligible for 2 free FuzziBunz® diapers for every 6 FuzziBunz® diapers purchased – you will receive 1 FuzziBunz® solid color diaper (Perfect Size or One Size) and 1 FuzziBunz® mystery print (One Size or Medium Perfect Size).  You can specify boy, girl, or neutral colors/prints on the rebate form.
• There is no limit to the number of free diapers you can receive! You are eligible for 2 free diapers for every 6 diapers purchased. If 12 diapers are purchased, 4 free diapers are given. If 18 diapers are purchased, 6 free diapers are given, etc.

• You must fill out the Rebate Form (located HERE) and mail you receipt(s) and UPC codes to FuzziBunz® to receive the free products.

• Promotion is open to US and Canadian customers

The process to claim your free diapers is as follows:

• Simply purchase 6 FuzziBunz® diapers (One Size or Perfect Size) in one purchase.  (Use this link to purchase one of Doable Diapers’ discounted packages and save even more money!)

• Fill out online rebate form and print.

• Mail Rebate Form and the following items in one envelope:

  • Original UPCs from each diaper’s packaging

  • Original or copy of store receipt or packaging slip dated on or between August 15 & September 30.
• Envelope must be postmarked October 15, 2011

After you make your purchase and receive your FREE diapers, come back and share a picture…I’m dying to know what the prints are!

Cloth Diapers and Day Care

…a guest post by Victoria from i am vika

Hi, my name is Victoria and I'm a mom to a rambunctious 8 month old, Natalya.

Before Nat was born, I wasn't planning to use cloth diapers. Honestly, I didn't really have a plan at all. None of my friends had babies, so I did a whole lot of reading (blogs, books, research, etc). I don't really remember how the whole topic of cloth diapering came about, but my husband was on board from day one.

A couple of months before Nat's due date, we even took a cloth diapering class at our local cloth-diapering store. Weeks after the class, we managed to forget everything we learned. Right around that time, we also started looking for daycare.

There were a handful of daycares that we interviewed. One of the questions I asked was whether they would use cloth diapers with our baby. None of the daycares were familiar with cloth diapers but they all said yes. Husband and I decided on in-home-daycare. We told them all about the cloth diapers and they said that they'll try it out. Boy, are they sorry now!

Nat started wearing cloth diapers around 4 weeks and she started daycare at 8 weeks. At that time, I was still experimenting with different types of diapers - pockets, Flip, Econobum, and GroVia AI2. I only had about 10 or so diapers and sent them all to daycare. I expected a few to come back unused, none did. I was happy that they were using them, nonetheless. Pretty quickly, I realized that unless I wanted to do laundry every night, I needed to build my stash. 

I bought a few more Econobum covers and GroVia AI2 and AIO diapers off the different swap boards. I also took advantage of the "seconds" sales.

A few months later, I was chatting with one of the daycare teachers and she said that they just met with a family who asked if the daycare would be ok with cloth diapers. You know what the daycare said? No.

Once it started to get hot, another problem arose. The daycare said that they needed a way to keep dirty diapers contained so they don't stink up the entire house. Quickly, I found a couple of WAHMs who made me individual sized wet bags which I now send daily to daycare. They're actually pretty handy to have around for anything, baby related or not.

So far the daycare's happy. Their only concern now is, what will happen when Nat's a toddler? Will the diapers leak? I guess we'll figure it out when time comes. Right now, I'm just happy that they're willing to work with us.

Vika is a first-time mom to the most beautiful 9-month old girl and a wife to the most handsome man she knows. She works full-time, studies part time, and cooks sporadically. She spends every free moment with her daughter Nat in one hand and a camera in another. Be sure to stop by her blog, i am vika!

Nuts About Eco Nuts

…a guest post by Carrissa Stalcup from Gastonia, NC

We sent Carrissa some Eco Nuts to try on her diaper laundry.  She has had problems in the past with “stinkies,” and has been using Rockin’ Green on her cloth diapers.  Here is what she had to say about Eco Nuts:

“They really work!  I was shocked. They worked better than Rockin’ Green.  My hubby loves no scent on the clothes, because he thinks it covers up stink.  He fell in love instantly.  It is not a stain remover, so keep that in mind, but it got our whites really, really white.  We also love the fact that it does not harm the environment.  We would switch over completely, but the price is not lower than our current laundry soap.”

Cloth Diaper Storage

I thought I would take a minute to share my cloth diaper storage system with you.  I have tried several methods, but I just reorganized everything and I’m “pleased as punch” with the outcome!  While I would prefer a changing table with drawers in it, this is what we have, so we have made do.

The bins are Closet Maid fabric storage bins from Target.  I made the labels using a tutorial from IHeart Organizing (but she uses MS Excel, and I prefer Word for this project).

Right now the changing table is in the dining room so that I don’t have to wake Elaine for middle-of-the-night changes and feedings.  Eventually the kids will share a room.  The drawers on the right are Nolan’s “dresser.” 

The basket is also from Target – it was a baby gift for Elaine.  It is designed for disposable diapers and wipes, but I store our diaper cream, Snappi fasteners, hand sanitizer, lotion, cloth wipes and solution there along with the thermometer and nail clippers.

From left to right, top to bottom, the bins are:
Elaine’s Diapers; Nolan’s Diapers; Pre-folds and Covers (we use these as back-ups and in case of rashes right now); Wipes & Wet Bags; Extra Inserts & Night Time Diapers; and Burp Cloths & Receiving Blankets.

How do you store your diapers?  Please share…I love new ideas!

Winners

Nolan stayed up late with me last night so he could help pick the winners of the last two giveaways.  (Please read the last sentence like this, “Elaine went to bed early, but Nolan didn’t so I used the awake time to get in some computer work!”)

The winner of the Contoured Burp Cloth giveaway is:

Nicole Blanchette, entry #29
(view the entries here)

The winner of the Referral Contest is:

Angela Heffner (Mama of the Littles)
with 26 new fan referrals!

Thanks to all who participated!

Winners: please respond to your email, or send an email to iwon@doablediapers.com within 48 hours to claim your prize.

Rumparooz Newborn Diaper Cover

Here is a picture to show the fit of a Rumparooz Newborn Diaper Cover on my 10.5ish pound baby.  Nolan is five weeks old.  The newborn cover is designed to fit babies 4-12 pounds.  Nolan is on the largest rise setting.  He wears the waist snaps on the last (farthest apart) snaps on each side.

Diapering Two: Increasing Your Stash

I knew when I found out that I was expecting, I knew that I would be diapering two kids at the same time…at least for a while.  (Elaine is 21 months old today and we are in the process of potty training, but she still wears diapers when we go out, and for naps and bedtime).  I figured that with two in diapers I would need to increase my stash some, but I didn’t really know what items I would be adding.

Pocket Diapers
Nolan is a super soaker.  He can pee through the prefold in an hour or less.  So prefolds are not the best choice for naptime or nighttime (even though he gets changed once at night when he gets up to eat).  Because of this, I have found myself adding more pocket diapers to my stash in order to have enough diapers for both kiddos. 

Confession: I am addicted to pocket diapers.  The are SO easy to use, wash, dry, and they are so effective at containing the mess.  When Elaine was a newborn we primarily used prefolds and covers, with six pocket diapers.  While I did get out the prefolds with Nolan, they are definitely not my first choice diaper.  Since I have so much more to do and pay attention to with two kids, it is much better to have a fast and easy diaper change.

Wet Bags
I have also added some accessories.  With only one kid in diapers I could get away with just one pail liner.  Now that there are two kids, I don’t always get the diaper laundry put away as quickly.  And I am changing more diapers, more often.  And those dirty diapers need a place to go. 

We now have two pail liners, three hanging wet bags, and two medium wet bags (for the diaper bag), and two wipes wet bags in our stash.  This allows me to always have a clean wet bag ready to go.

Cloth Wipes
The other thing I found myself running short on was cloth wipes.  I didn’t use cloth wipes when Elaine was a newborn, so I didn’t realize how many wipes I would need…especially for two kids.  I added the Planet Wise printed wipes to my stash.  All of my other wipes are two layers thick, so I didn’t expect great things from these “one-ply” polka dot wipes.  However, I found myself pleasantly surprised.  They take up less bulk in my diaper bag when I need to carry twice as many wipes.

Energy
Well…I have a hard time adding more of this!  I don’t have a dryer, so all of my diapers are washed, then hung out to dry, then pulled in off the line, then stuffed and put away.  I do this about every 36 hours right now.  Here is a picture of my clothesline laden with the diapers for two kids for a day and a half:

Yes…I often wish that energy was something I could buy at Doable Diapers!

So if you find yourself preparing to diaper two little ones, take into consideration the things you may need to add to your stash! I wish I had planned ahead so I would have been more prepared.

Comparison: One Size Diapers on a Newborn and Toddler

I had a request for a picture showing my daughter and son wearing the same one size diaper.  For comparison purposes, here are the stats:

• Elaine is 21 months old, tall and skinny, and about 21 pounds.  She is wearing the Rumparooz on the largest rise setting.  (She was kind of in between rise settings, so we recently went ahead and sized her up).
• Nolan is 1 month old, has skinny thighs, and is between 10-11 pounds.  He is wearing the Rumparooz on the smallest rise setting, but he is close to being sized up as well.
• They are both wearing the Gumball print.  Elaine is wearing snap closures and Nolan is wearing the Aplix closure.  With all of the Gumball pictures recently, can anyone guess my favorite print???

I told Elaine to show her belly button so you could see the rise.  She thought that was hilarious!

Contoured Burp Cloths Review and Giveaway

Some of my favorite baby items are handmade!  While I “opted out” of much of the so-called necessary baby gear, there are a few items that I don’t know if I could do without.  A couple of them are Butterfly Blankets for swaddling, and contoured burp cloths.  These unique items are handmade by Sherry, a Work-At-Home-Mom (and Grandma!)  I am just a little bit biased…these items are made by my mom!

Butterfly Blankets
The Butterfly Blankets are shaped like a butterfly and make swaddling incredibly easy.  Made out of two layers of super soft baby flannel and matching serged edges, they are both cute and functional. 

I never could get the hang of swaddling like the nurses in the hospital do it, but with my butterfly blanket I can have Nolan swaddled in a jiff!  With Nolan’s birth came the gift of two more Butterfly Blankets, so I am blessed with quite a “stash!”

Contoured Burp Cloths
Along with the Butterfly Blankets come matching burp cloths.  They are contoured to fit perfectly on your shoulder without falling off.  I have tried several different things for burping my baby…even prefold diapers!  Everything always slipped off my shoulder or didn’t cover it adequately.  That is so frustrating, but it’s not a problem with the contoured burp cloths.

I love these contoured burp cloths for several reasons.  I love that they match my blankets.  They are also soft, made of two layers of baby flannel.  They are absorbent, but not too thick, and easy to care for.  I have weeded out all of the other burp cloths from my stash, and now I have a colorful collection of Contoured Burp Cloths!

Buy It
These Burp Cloths are available for purchase at Doable Diapers.  By purchasing them you are supporting a Work-At-Home-Mom.  They make great gifts, and even more so because they are handmade.  Each one is just a little bit unique! 

If you are interested in purchasing a Butterfly Blanket with matching burp cloths, you can contact Sherry by sending an email to info@doablediapers.com. She will work with you to completely customize your blanket set!

Win It: The Giveaway
One Doable Diapers reader will win a set of two Contoured Burp Cloths in choice of boy or girl prints.  Giveaway open to US and International residents.
(Here’s how the giveaway works)

Links you may need:
Facebook :: Twitter :: Newsletter

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.