FuzziBunz Flash Giveaway!

We’re giving away a One Size FuzziBunz diaper this weekend! 

Giveaway closes at midnight on Sunday, October 2, 2011.

Enter the giveaway below with Rafflecopter:

Wool: An Overnight Solution

Confession: I am very new to wool when it comes to cloth diapering.  I didn’t have that many overnight problems with Elaine, and wool diaper covers always seemed so…bulky.  Not wanting to be a chicken anymore, I delved into the world of wool during the Surprise Delivery event last summer.  Then Rumparooz (Kanga Care) released their new organic Eco-Posh line of diaper products.  I purchased an Organic Fitted Diaper and a Wool Diaper Cover.

Many moms turn to wool, especially as an overnight diaper, because it is super-absorbent, as well as it’s natural antibacterial properties.  Wool is also breathable, making it great for sensitive skin. Coupled with an absorbent fitted diaper, wool can usually contain even the heavy wetter for long periods of time.

I have lanolized my diapers, and found it to be an easy process.  I used Eucalan wool wash first to clean my covers.  I then dissolved a little bit of Lansinoh lanolin (like you use for sore nipples when breastfeeding) in very hot water.  I poured this in the sink and worked it into my covers.

I am overall impressed with the performance of the Eco-Posh products.  My biggest complaint with wool has already been stated…it is very bulky.  Fitted diapers are bulky in themselves, so adding a thick wool cover seemed over the top.  I suppose it seems extra bulky on a little guy like Nolan.

I still prefer my PUL pocket diapers (Rumparooz is my first choice) for overnights – both for Elaine and Nolan.  But I use my fitted and wool diapers about once a week or so, and I will definitely turn to them if Nolan becomes more of a heavy wetter.

Check out our expertly written Wool Primer from Marah at Diary of a Devil Dog Wife!

Pre-fold Diaper Storage

I have done many different things to try to organize and “contain” my mess of prefolds throughout the last two years.  I think I finally have a system that I like, so I thought I would share it.  And I would love if you would share your tips, tricks, and systems.  Leave a comment or upload a picture to our Facebook page!

I always use a stay-dry type fleece liner in my prefolds to help prevent diaper rash from wetness.  I like to have the liner ready with the diaper so I only have to grab one thing at the changing table.  I tri-fold my pre-fold diaper, and place the liner on top.  Then I stack all of my prefolds.

In the past I have just stacked the prefolds on my changing table.  Recently I got bins to make everything look nicer.  The bins are not wide enough to allow my prefolds to lay flat.  So I started folding them in half, and I like it a lot!

My bin holds two stacks of prefold diapers.  Then I put the diaper covers in the top.  My Snappi fasteners are stored next to my wipes.

You may also want to see my DIY tip for making your own stay-dry liners.

Washing Cloth Diapers at the Laundry Mat

I am a very fortunate renter to have a washing machine in my Brooklyn apartment.  But last week, it started dripping into the apartment below, so we had to discontinue using it until the plumber could make the necessary repairs.  Of course this happened the night before wash day!

So…it was off to the laundry mat with my diapers in tow.  We actually made two trips last week.  I put my prefolds back into rotation in order to stretch my stash for three days.  I filled up both diaper pails and both hanging wet bags…two kiddos in diapers means a lot of dirty ones!

Elaine thoroughly enjoyed the experience…for a while!

Here are a couple of tips, but I am by no means a pro at doing this since I have only washed diapers at the laundry mat a couple of times!

:: Select a laundry mat with new{er} machines.  One laundry mat near us has machines that allow you to select a pre-rinse cycle.  Perfect for cloth diapers!  The second laundry mat that I went to (the one that is within walking distance) didn’t have this option.

:: Pay extra for the larger machine.  You want to be sure your diapers are getting clean enough.  A larger machine uses more water to wash out the urine.  It also means you don’t have to try to stuff everything in the small machine, which could mean that your diapers don’t have enough room to agitate properly.

:: Don’t dry pockets for the full cycle.  The PUL/TPU (waterproof) portion of pocket diapers and diaper covers will last longer if it is line dried.  I was down to my last diaper before I went to the laundry mat, so I didn’t have the luxury of waiting for them to line dry.  I put everything in the drier for two “quarter” cycles – about 12-14 minutes.  Then I removed the pockets and finished drying the inserts on high heat.

:: To save money, you can line dry at home.  If you have to do this on a regular basis, you can save some money by bringing everything home to dry on a rack or clothesline.  I needed my diapers in a hurry because I waited until the last minute to go wash, but if I had planned ahead I would have dried everything at home.

:: Add a little (just a teeny bit) of detergent to the pre-rinse. I suppose I am prejudiced against front loading machines, but I wanted to be sure my diapers came clean, and I didn’t want to pay to wash them again.  So I added a small boost to the pre-rinse cycle with a little detergent.

:: Make sure your wet bag isn’t full of water.  This is my first experience with a front loader.  I found that it didn’t spin my things out quite as well as my top loader.  I had to wring out the wet bags before putting them into the dryer to prevent them from soaking everything else.

This is what it looked like when I dumped everything out in my living room.  Three days worth of diapers for two kids!

How about you?  Do you wash at the laundry mat regularly?  Any tips to share?  Would you still use cloth diapers if you did  have to wash at the laundry mat?  I came to the conclusion that I would, though it is definitely more work!

For a full list of washing tips, please visit the FAQ section of our website.

Replacing the Elastic in FuzziBunz One Size Diapers

Quite a while before Doable Diapers was born, I purchased two used One Size FuzziBunz diapers from Craigslist.  They were my first One Size diapers…I had read enough mixed reviews to cause me to stick with my sized diapers at first.  These were the original version of FuzziBunz One Size, so they are slightly different from the current “model.”  When I was adjusting the size for Elaine, I noticed that the elastic didn’t have quite as much stretch any more.  It was time to be replaced!

This “tutorial” may seem elementary for some, but may be needed for others.  I have a general knowledge and sewing ability, and I have worked with elastic quite a bit.  Some may be nervous to pull out that old elastic, fearful that you will not be able to thread the new elastic through.  Fear no more!  It really is easy!

First, remove the old elastic.  Your FuzziBunz One Size diapers came with three pieces of replacement button-hole elastic.  The two long ones are for the legs, and the short piece is for the waist.

Button your new piece of elastic on one side.  It will be helpful if you button it on the #1 hole so that you don’t have to pull the elastic as tight while threading it through the casing.  You can always adjust it to the proper setting later.

Attach a safety pin (be sure it is small enough to fit through the casing) to the other end of your elastic.  Also be sure you are threading your elastic through with the numbers facing up so you can easily adjust it as your baby grows.

Insert the safety pin into the leg casing hole.  Thread it through by grasping the head of the safety pin (through the fabric) and pushing the leg casing over the safety pin.  Work it through to the other hole.

Pull the safety pin out the other side and button your elastic.  Adjust to the proper setting for your baby’s size.  Repeat for the other leg and the waist.

Done!  See…easy peasy!

Some Sales…

Here are some sales you may want to take advantage of:

FuzziBunz Buy 6 Get 2 Free
Through the end of September you can buy six FuzziBunz diapers and submit your receipt to FuzziBunz to get 2 free (one mystery print, and one solid color).  More details here.  No coupon code required.

BumGenius Buy 5 Get 1 Free
Use code BFGO911 to get a Bubble, Sweet, or Artist Series 4.0 diaper free when you purchase 5 bumGenius 4.0 diapers.  The free diaper will not display in your cart, but the code must be entered.  In the comments box at checkout please enter your preferred color for free diaper.  In-stock items only, while supplies last.  Valid Sept. 15-Oct.31.

Spend $100, get a free diaper!
Through September 30th, you will get a FREE one size diaper (our choice) with your purchase of $100 or more.  Use code DD100FREE at checkout.  The free diaper will not display in your cart.  Enter your preferred color (boy, girl, or neutral) in the comments box at checkout.  Combine this with one of the other sales to score a great deal!

Rockin’ Green REMIX
Detergent doesn’t qualify for free shipping at Doable Diapers, so we have included the shipping in the cost of the product.  For a limited time we are offering FREE shipping on Rockin Green detergent, so prices have been reduced.  While supplies last, in-stock fragrances only.

FuzziBunz Microfiber Inserts
These ultra-absorbent inserts have been reduced to 75% off!  Just $1 each (small or $1.25 for large) and FREE shipping!

Obsession Confession: April

It’s been a while since we’ve had an “obsession confession,” so it’s time to get back with it!  To start things off right, April is a mom of multiples!  I love to see moms who use cloth on twins.  It is definitely more work and more of a commitment when you have multiples!

Name: April

Children: 3- Micah (2 years), Elsa, & Miles (2.5 months)

Occupation: Newly SAHM

Where do you live: Oregon

Is your hubby on board with using cloth diapers? Yes! First I had to convince him they'd save money, but now he uses and likes them.

When did you start cloth diapering? Experimented some on my firstborn, but really started two months ago, shortly after the twins were born.

What was your main reason for switching to cloth diapers? Three kids in diapers! Actually, once we decided I'd stay home with the kids it became more of a possibility, since our firstborn's daycare would not do cloth.

Share the short story of how you started using cloth diapers. Bought two on a whim, tried them with my first because he has sensitive skin and paper was always giving him a rash.

What is your favorite brand and style of diapers? Pockets, and I'm a huge fan of Kawaii bamboo minky.

How many diapers are in your stash? 22 pockets, 25 covers, 3 dozen prefolds (Three in diapers, remember!)

Share a blooper or “newbie” story from your cloth diapering experiences. The first time I put a prefold and cover on one of the twins I folded the prefold the long way and it leaked everywhere because it was too bulky from being folded so much on such a tiny baby. It was a mess. I freaked out, then got online and found an image tutorial of how to fold them for newborns.

Do you have a tip to share with others? Test out a variety of brands and styles to find what works for each of your babies.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started using cloth diapers?  That one-sizes don't actually fit every baby, at least not right away.

What is the greatest issue or problem you’ve had with cloth diapers, and how did you resolve it? Thankfully, nothing big so far!

Regarding cloth diapers, is there anything you would like to know? I wish I knew of an inexpensive, easy way to use cloth at night. Hubby is afraid of it so we still use disposables.

What are your other hobbies, interests, and obsessions? Reading, hiking... my world is all baby right now so there's not time for much else.

What are your favorite blogs and websites? Just discovering the world of blogs, but I like The Connected Mom, and I'm a fan of Freebies4Moms.

Tell us a little about your personality. Quiet, practical, quirky, and creative.

Thoughts on Cloth Wipes…

As I was folding my cloth wipes so that they would pop-out of my wipes box, I had a few thoughts.  Perhaps you can benefit from them…

::  I used to only buy/use double thick cloth wipes.  I assumed that two layers of fabric would do the clean-up better.  And while I still prefer my double-thick flannel wipes, a single layer wipe works just as well.  You can still use both sides of the wipe.  And you can probably fit more in your wipes container since they are thinner.  Lately I’ve been using the Planet Wise polk-a-dot wipes, and they do a good job!  They dry quicker also.

::  Wipes with a serged edge function best.  I made some of my own wipes.  However, I do not own a serger, so I finished the edge with a zig-zag stitch.  While most of these wipes are still in use, the edges are fraying and not holding up as well as I had hoped.

::  You can make your own wipes – buy fabric, or re-purpose receiving blankets, fabric scraps, and t-shirts into wipes.  If you use t-shirt fabric, the edges don’t necessarily need to be finished.  They will not fray, but they will probably roll up on you a lot!

::  I really like the FuzziBunz Wonder Wipes.  They are a little pricey, but I think they are worth the money.  Polar fleece on one side and organic cotton on the other side make these wipes durable yet soft.  They are more gentle, especially if you have a little one with a rash.  The polar fleece also helps them to dry quickly, which is a big plus for people who line dry everything (like me!).

::  We did a stint with disposable wipes right after Nolan’s birth to help cut down on the laundry a bit.  My husband actually wanted them because he thought they would get things more clean.  Now that we are back to using pre-moistened wipes, he told me that he likes the cloth better.  He thinks they clean better and he can get them as wet as he wants to. 

::  I always reach for a cloth wipe to clean up Elaine after meals.  They are all ready to go, with a gentle cleansing soap.  It saves my washcloths for bath time, and keeps me from running to the bathroom to get it wet.

:: I bought a 2 quart pitcher for making wipe solution.  This way I can make a lot of solution at one time, and it is easy to pour over my wipes when I pre-moisten them.  I saved my peri-bottle from the hospital and fill it with solution at the changing table.  Then if I come across a drier wipe, I can easily wet it for immediate use.

Diaper Boo-Boos, and the Bag Tag

While to many modern cloth diapers are just as easy to use as any disposable diaper, some are still confused with how to put it on the baby!  Here are a couple of care-giver faux pas or gaffes that we have encountered lately…they seriously made me laugh out loud!

Nolan came home from the church nursery one night with his Rumparooz on backwards.  It is truly a good diaper that doesn’t leak, no matter how you put it on!

A well-meaning baby sitter tried hard, and did an ok job, but it certainly looked awkward!  I have heard of “wing-drop” when the tabs fall out the bottom of the waistline.  What would this be called?  And somehow the rise setting was let out too!

To help protect against these types of errors, I have starting using a diaper bag tag.  I just took a piece of scrapbooking paper cut to the size of a tag (I think it is 3x5). 

On one side I printed easy, but detailed instructions for using cloth diapers.  I even included where to find wipes (I use a wet bag and not the typical wipes case), and where to place soiled diapers.  I have actually had soiled diapers just placed right back in my diaper bag without being in the wet bag.  Yuck…talk about contamination!

On the other side of my tag I put my baby’s name.  In a church nursery setting with many children, it can be easy to confuse diaper bags, especially when each worker is only in the nursery once a month or so.

I attached my tag with a ribbon and a binder ring, but you could tie it directly onto the bag.

When I drop my kiddos off at the nursery or to the baby sitter, I can just say, “diaper instructions are on the bag tag.”  I also use this sheet for baby sitter notes, and include diaper instructions there.

Tandem Diaper Change

Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.  Yesterday I had two clingy kiddos who both needed their diaper’s changed.  Neither one wanted to be put down or lose mom’s attention.  Mom didn’t want to listen to the cries, if only for a moment.  So I did a tandem diaper change, and they were both happy.

Layaway Program

On a tight budget?  Need a payment plan?  Then our NEW layaway program is just for you!  Layaway allows to place you order on hold and make four easy installment payments. 
Here are the details:

1.  Add all items to your cart (minimum of $50 please), just as if you were making the entire purchase today.  Be sure to fill in color choices on any package deals.

2.  Click the "Go To Payments" button.  Fill in your billing and shipping information.  Then choose the "layaway" payment option.  You will then be asked for your contact email address and phone number.  A receipt/invoice will be emailed to you.

3.  We will divide your total purchase into four equal payments of 25% each.  The first 25% is due as a down payment.  For each of the next three months you will receive a a bill for another 25%. 

4.  You will receive a PayPal invoice for the first 25% within 48 hours of making your purchase.  You do not need a PayPal account to use the layaway option - you can pay with a credit/debit card over the PayPal website.  Your invoice will arrive from andrea@doablediapers.com, so please add this email to your address book or check your spam folder if you do not receive the invoice.  This invoice must be paid within 48 hours of receipt.

5.  Each month we will send another PayPal invoice for 25% of your purchase.  These invoices must be paid within one week.  You are responsible for making the monthly payment.  If for some reason the invoice does not come through, please email andrea@doablediapers.com or contact us using the "contact us" link on this website.

6.  If you miss one of your monthly payments, your order will be canceled and you will be charged a 25% restocking fee (i.e. the initial down payment is non-refundable).

7.  You can complete your payment at any time, so if you are ready to pay off your balance early you may contact us, or send the payment via PayPal to andrea@doablediapers.com

8.  Once your order is completely paid for, we will ship it to you for FREE! (US only - international shipping rates apply and will be invoiced separately).

9.  Your items will be placed on hold and/or special ordered, so they are guaranteed to be in stock.  If an availability problem arises, we will contact you.

10.  Please note that Rumparooz/Kanga Care, Eco Posh, bumGenius, and Flip products may not be shipped outside of the United States.

Babywearing Elaine

You all read my review of the Kozy Carrier a couple of weeks ago.  I mostly use it when we go out, but last week I put him in it so that I could finish hanging the laundry.  Elaine saw me using it. 

Later she brought me her baby doll and the Kozy and indicated that she wanted me to put it on her.  I had to tie so many knots to keep her from tripping on the straps!  But she was happy, and incredibly cute!