It's been over a year now, and I am so happy that I have stuck with cloth diapering. Not only have I saved money, but my daughter knows exactly when she has a dirty/wet diaper. She is VERY vocal about this! I hope this translates to easy potty training, but that's yet to be seen.
The one minor detail I've noticed as I've cloth diapered is that, occasionally, there is a smell to the diapers when they become wet or dirty. It makes me think that each diaper is a poopy diaper, yet when I open it up, it's simply wet. This has gotten kind of annoying. So, I did some research.
Did you know that cloth diapers need occasional maintenance in order to maintain their absorbency and eliminate detergent buildup? I didn't. You'd think that this information would be more readily accessible within the cloth diapering community. But, seeing as I am one of the first of my friends to use cloth diapers, perhaps it's just not known in my community.
It's possible that I am either using too much or too little detergent when laundering my diapers. These are both common issues with smells. I use a heavy duty cycle with multiple rinses. I also use an all-natural detergent. But, buildup can still occur.
Therefore, I've now stripped my diapers. When I first heard this term, "stripping diapers", I thought that it was going to be extremely complicated and too much work for me. The easy news...it's not. It's simply a term that refers to getting rid of that extra buildup in the diapers. And, with regular maintenance, this is as simple as doing multiple rinse cycles with zero detergent on clean diapers. By continually rinsing the diapers, you get out all of that buildup that, over time, affects the absorbency - and therefore smell - of cloth diapers.
Now, there are products out there to assist with stripping cloth diapers. Thankfully, most of them are unneeded. Before spending lots of money on chemicals, try doing a couple of simple heavy duty, hot rinse cycles on a load of clean diapers (note, be sure to actually clean the diapers first!). With regular maintenance, your diapers will continue to work the way you know and love them to.
Happy diapering!
Showing posts with label cloth diapers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cloth diapers. Show all posts
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Bummis' Bio Soft Liners
Changes happen all the time. I loved the change when my darling daughter went from crying all the time to smiling, giggling, and sleeping 12, long, joyous hours at night. These are the good changes that every mother looks forward to. I loved the excitement of teaching my baby how to say "ma ma" (even though the "D" word came first), watching her little fingers learn how to grasp objects, and eventually learning to eat solid foods and drink water. Oh, how some changes can be wonderful!
But, even the wonderful changes have their downfalls. The excitement of introducing solid food to babies inevitably brings with it the change of the not-so-smelly (especially if breastfed) poops to the ever-poignant aroma of digested peaches, apples, chicken, green beans, carrots, mangoes, rice cereal...you get the picture (dare I need to show you one?!). And, when you add cloth diapers to this ever-expanding picture, things really do get a bit sticky.
Here's where Bummis' Bio Soft liners come in. The liners come in two different sizes. I didn't even bother with the small, but went straight to the large. It worked just fine. You simply add the liner to the top of the diaper in order to keep that sticky, peanut butter consistency off the cloth diaper so that it can simply be flushed down the toilet. Then, you wash the diaper as normal: no scrubbing at all!
Now, all of this sounds a lot easier said than done. While I am now a huge fan of Bummis' liners, there are some tricks to using them. First, because Baby is now on solid food, that probably also means that Baby is big enough to squirm, kick, roll, and do everything else in his/her power to not have a proper diaper change. When you add prefolds into this mix, doing an angel fold becomes a bit more complex. You cannot pre-arrange the diaper and expect that Baby will stay nice and still while you add the liner to the top in just the right manner so that it stays in place and the diaper is covered. It may take a while to experiment with the best way to arrange the prefold - it took me about a week. When using pocket or AIO diapers, the liners would be a lot easier.
This may sound like a lot of work, but I still think it's worth it in the end. Not only are you still saving money by using cloth diapers, but you're also saving time by not having to stand over the toilet scrubbing diapers. Plus, you can still travel out and about with Baby in cloth diapers - just needing to visit a restroom for #2 and simply disposing of those #1 liners in the waste.
The only other downfall to these liners is that they are not reusable. While the packaging doesn't say that they're resuable, I attempted washing the #1 liners. After all, why waste the liner if it's not been used for its purpose? Well, the liners disintegrated in the wash...which made me feel better about flushing those #2 liners down the drain - knowing they disintegrate easily.
The last note I have regarding Bummis' Bio Soft liners is that they truly are soft. Compared to the other disposable liners I bought, these had the best feel to them. I have been impressed and will continue to use these.
If you're interested in purchasing Bummis' Bio Soft Liners...
But, even the wonderful changes have their downfalls. The excitement of introducing solid food to babies inevitably brings with it the change of the not-so-smelly (especially if breastfed) poops to the ever-poignant aroma of digested peaches, apples, chicken, green beans, carrots, mangoes, rice cereal...you get the picture (dare I need to show you one?!). And, when you add cloth diapers to this ever-expanding picture, things really do get a bit sticky.
Here's where Bummis' Bio Soft liners come in. The liners come in two different sizes. I didn't even bother with the small, but went straight to the large. It worked just fine. You simply add the liner to the top of the diaper in order to keep that sticky, peanut butter consistency off the cloth diaper so that it can simply be flushed down the toilet. Then, you wash the diaper as normal: no scrubbing at all!
Now, all of this sounds a lot easier said than done. While I am now a huge fan of Bummis' liners, there are some tricks to using them. First, because Baby is now on solid food, that probably also means that Baby is big enough to squirm, kick, roll, and do everything else in his/her power to not have a proper diaper change. When you add prefolds into this mix, doing an angel fold becomes a bit more complex. You cannot pre-arrange the diaper and expect that Baby will stay nice and still while you add the liner to the top in just the right manner so that it stays in place and the diaper is covered. It may take a while to experiment with the best way to arrange the prefold - it took me about a week. When using pocket or AIO diapers, the liners would be a lot easier.
This may sound like a lot of work, but I still think it's worth it in the end. Not only are you still saving money by using cloth diapers, but you're also saving time by not having to stand over the toilet scrubbing diapers. Plus, you can still travel out and about with Baby in cloth diapers - just needing to visit a restroom for #2 and simply disposing of those #1 liners in the waste.
The only other downfall to these liners is that they are not reusable. While the packaging doesn't say that they're resuable, I attempted washing the #1 liners. After all, why waste the liner if it's not been used for its purpose? Well, the liners disintegrated in the wash...which made me feel better about flushing those #2 liners down the drain - knowing they disintegrate easily.
The last note I have regarding Bummis' Bio Soft liners is that they truly are soft. Compared to the other disposable liners I bought, these had the best feel to them. I have been impressed and will continue to use these.
If you're interested in purchasing Bummis' Bio Soft Liners...
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Out and About
When my husband and I first started using cloth diapers, we decided that we were only going to use them around the house. It sounded way too difficult to travel with cloth diapers and, after all, that would still save us a lot of money. Eight months later...I love cloth diapers so much that I almost exclusively use them. The only time we don't use them is at night. So, during the week I only use seven - maybe eight - sposies...that's approximately $2 per week spent on sposies (or 23 weeks to use one package of diapers...you'll change sizes before you run out!).
There are many misconceptions to using cloth diapers while out and about (for your day-to-day errands - we'll discuss long-term travel in a future blog). Some people think that it's too much of a mess (or smell). Others think that it's too difficult to change CDs on the run. Even more think it's easier to use sposies. Well, let's take a look at these situations:
1. MYTH: It's too much of a mess (or smell)
FACT: Depending on the type of wet bag you buy (I'll have some reviews in the near future), there is little to no smell while traveling with dirty/wet diapers. You don't want to use just any bag (plastic store bags will most certainly tinge your diaper bag with one of the most unpleasant aromas I've ever experienced). You want to use a bag that is specifically made for cloth diapering. These often have antibacterial properties to completely absorb both the scent and sense of all that's associated with diapers.
2. MYTH: It's too difficult to change CDs on the run
FACT: It's difficult to change any diaper on the run. So, there's really no difference in whether or not it's a cloth diaper or sposie. Using the method that you are most comfortable with is important because you will have limited space (whether it's a bathroom stall, the backseat of the car, or grassy area). If you don't think you'll be comfortable changing a prefold and cover while out and about, buy a few AIOs or pocket diapers. They'll take up a bit more room in your diaper bag, but can help you feel at ease while still saving money and the environment.
3. MYTH: Sposies are easier
FACT: Many places (at least in my city) are now putting signs up saying not to dispose of any diaper in their waste containers due to health concerns. Therefore, you may still need to carry around a dirty diaper until you find a place where you can properly dispose of it. If you're going to have to carry around the diaper anyways, why not make it a cloth? Plus, with the ease of AIOs and pockets, the only thing different is the material the diaper is made of. The application process is exactly the same.
Traveling or running errands does not mean the end of your cloth diapering experience. However, there is preparation needed. If you are going to spend a day traveling around town, you will need to think ahead so that you remember all of your cloth diapering needs (prefolds, an extra cover, Snappi, wet bag, and cloth wipes and diaper spray - if using). But, there's truly no more preparation than if you were preparing for a day out with sposies. It's a simple matter of recognizing what you typically use during a diaper change and assuring that you have it with you.
So, next time you need to run a few errands, why not try to take those cloth diapers with you...save that money and the environment.
There are many misconceptions to using cloth diapers while out and about (for your day-to-day errands - we'll discuss long-term travel in a future blog). Some people think that it's too much of a mess (or smell). Others think that it's too difficult to change CDs on the run. Even more think it's easier to use sposies. Well, let's take a look at these situations:
1. MYTH: It's too much of a mess (or smell)
FACT: Depending on the type of wet bag you buy (I'll have some reviews in the near future), there is little to no smell while traveling with dirty/wet diapers. You don't want to use just any bag (plastic store bags will most certainly tinge your diaper bag with one of the most unpleasant aromas I've ever experienced). You want to use a bag that is specifically made for cloth diapering. These often have antibacterial properties to completely absorb both the scent and sense of all that's associated with diapers.
2. MYTH: It's too difficult to change CDs on the run
FACT: It's difficult to change any diaper on the run. So, there's really no difference in whether or not it's a cloth diaper or sposie. Using the method that you are most comfortable with is important because you will have limited space (whether it's a bathroom stall, the backseat of the car, or grassy area). If you don't think you'll be comfortable changing a prefold and cover while out and about, buy a few AIOs or pocket diapers. They'll take up a bit more room in your diaper bag, but can help you feel at ease while still saving money and the environment.
3. MYTH: Sposies are easier
FACT: Many places (at least in my city) are now putting signs up saying not to dispose of any diaper in their waste containers due to health concerns. Therefore, you may still need to carry around a dirty diaper until you find a place where you can properly dispose of it. If you're going to have to carry around the diaper anyways, why not make it a cloth? Plus, with the ease of AIOs and pockets, the only thing different is the material the diaper is made of. The application process is exactly the same.
Traveling or running errands does not mean the end of your cloth diapering experience. However, there is preparation needed. If you are going to spend a day traveling around town, you will need to think ahead so that you remember all of your cloth diapering needs (prefolds, an extra cover, Snappi, wet bag, and cloth wipes and diaper spray - if using). But, there's truly no more preparation than if you were preparing for a day out with sposies. It's a simple matter of recognizing what you typically use during a diaper change and assuring that you have it with you.
So, next time you need to run a few errands, why not try to take those cloth diapers with you...save that money and the environment.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Happy Heinys One-Size Pocket Diapers
So, you've decided that prefolds and diaper covers is just too much work for you and/or you don't want to deal with the mess of touching a dirty diaper. But, the AIOs are just too expensive. Well, a nice alternative may be Happy Heinys one-size pocket diapers.
The benefits of using any pocket diaper is that they are similar to an AIO, but you can easily add more or less absorbency with the inserts. Personally, I always use at least two inserts (one longer than the other) in order to protect against leaks. These are also great to use with babysitters or other people who may not be familiar with the intricacies of cloth diapering. Laundering is easy because you do not need to take the inserts out. You simply toss the entire diaper into the wash and the inserts come out during the cycle.
Happy Heinys makes a durable pocket diaper that grows with Baby. The snaps allow for growth from about 8 pounds to over 20. The Velcro fasteners allow for a comfortable fit around the legs and belly. The covers are also very cute - I chose the animal prints.
The downfall of this pocket diaper is that, when you do have a very full diaper, leak potential is higher since there are no leg gussets or second method of protection against leaks once Baby becomes mobile. There also is not an elastic band around the belly and back to prevent those powerful up-the-back blowouts. You can increase the size of the diaper as the output grows, but it only increases so much, and we all know just how powerful some of those blowouts can be!
Overall, if you want to try an easy form of cloth diapering, give Happy Heinys a try. I'll continue to use these diapers in my rotation - mainly after we've had our daily poopy diaper. They are highly durable through multiple washes and material gets softer with each wash, making me very happy to have my child wear them. These are so easy to use that you could have them handy just for those special nights out when you don't want Baby to wear a sposie just because your sitter doesn't know how to use cloth diapers.
If you like this post, be sure to check out...
The benefits of using any pocket diaper is that they are similar to an AIO, but you can easily add more or less absorbency with the inserts. Personally, I always use at least two inserts (one longer than the other) in order to protect against leaks. These are also great to use with babysitters or other people who may not be familiar with the intricacies of cloth diapering. Laundering is easy because you do not need to take the inserts out. You simply toss the entire diaper into the wash and the inserts come out during the cycle.
Happy Heinys makes a durable pocket diaper that grows with Baby. The snaps allow for growth from about 8 pounds to over 20. The Velcro fasteners allow for a comfortable fit around the legs and belly. The covers are also very cute - I chose the animal prints.
The downfall of this pocket diaper is that, when you do have a very full diaper, leak potential is higher since there are no leg gussets or second method of protection against leaks once Baby becomes mobile. There also is not an elastic band around the belly and back to prevent those powerful up-the-back blowouts. You can increase the size of the diaper as the output grows, but it only increases so much, and we all know just how powerful some of those blowouts can be!
Overall, if you want to try an easy form of cloth diapering, give Happy Heinys a try. I'll continue to use these diapers in my rotation - mainly after we've had our daily poopy diaper. They are highly durable through multiple washes and material gets softer with each wash, making me very happy to have my child wear them. These are so easy to use that you could have them handy just for those special nights out when you don't want Baby to wear a sposie just because your sitter doesn't know how to use cloth diapers.
If you like this post, be sure to check out...
Friday, October 22, 2010
You want me to use cloth what???!!!
Telling people that you use cloth diapers will inevitably involve receiving the occasional glance that screams, "You're CRAZY!" But, when you tell someone that you also use cloth wipes, they will know that you are. However, let's think about this handy little accessory that so many people don't consider...and more should.
Whether or not you're worried about saving the environment or saving your money, cloth wipes make sense. When you use anywhere from one wipe to the entire package just to clean Baby's bottom, you're just tossing waste and money into the garbage...not to mention putting unneeded chemicals onto Baby's bottom. Cloth wipes are an amazing tool that most people don't even think about. Not only are they reusable, but they cost next to nothing to either make or buy. They are also much more efficient at cleaning that precious little bottom since they act more like a washcloth (which you can also use as wipes) than a regular wipe.
When I first started changing my baby's diapers, I noticed that the traditional, disposable wipes seemed to just move the mess around. They also weren't absorbent when Baby began to poop or pee during the diaper change - thus leading to an even bigger mess to clean. Baby also developed diaper rash nearly every other day despite constant diaper changes.
Once I switched to cloth wipes, I found that they were much more efficient at cleaning those messy diapers and I was able to use the wipes to absorb anything that came my way during the change. I also noticed that, with the use of cloth wipes and just water or a shampoo/water mixture in one of the foaming soap containers, Baby's diaper rash was non-existent.
While I still travel with the traditional disposable wipes (due to ease of always having enough for any diaper change), I have managed to only go through a very minimal amount of disposable wipes in seven months and only purchased four dozen wipes (more than enough to last until a load of diapers needs to be washed). I wash the wipes with the diapers (in the same detergent and on a heavy duty cycle), but they have managed to keep their absorbency and quality build for the past seven months. I foresee that they will last me a much longer time.
If you liked this post, be sure to check out some of my favorite cloth wipes, the two-sided cloth wipes, at Green Mountain Diapers.
Whether or not you're worried about saving the environment or saving your money, cloth wipes make sense. When you use anywhere from one wipe to the entire package just to clean Baby's bottom, you're just tossing waste and money into the garbage...not to mention putting unneeded chemicals onto Baby's bottom. Cloth wipes are an amazing tool that most people don't even think about. Not only are they reusable, but they cost next to nothing to either make or buy. They are also much more efficient at cleaning that precious little bottom since they act more like a washcloth (which you can also use as wipes) than a regular wipe.
When I first started changing my baby's diapers, I noticed that the traditional, disposable wipes seemed to just move the mess around. They also weren't absorbent when Baby began to poop or pee during the diaper change - thus leading to an even bigger mess to clean. Baby also developed diaper rash nearly every other day despite constant diaper changes.
Once I switched to cloth wipes, I found that they were much more efficient at cleaning those messy diapers and I was able to use the wipes to absorb anything that came my way during the change. I also noticed that, with the use of cloth wipes and just water or a shampoo/water mixture in one of the foaming soap containers, Baby's diaper rash was non-existent.
While I still travel with the traditional disposable wipes (due to ease of always having enough for any diaper change), I have managed to only go through a very minimal amount of disposable wipes in seven months and only purchased four dozen wipes (more than enough to last until a load of diapers needs to be washed). I wash the wipes with the diapers (in the same detergent and on a heavy duty cycle), but they have managed to keep their absorbency and quality build for the past seven months. I foresee that they will last me a much longer time.
If you liked this post, be sure to check out some of my favorite cloth wipes, the two-sided cloth wipes, at Green Mountain Diapers.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Snappies
Every once in a while, I find a piece of technology that ultimately changes the way I think about life. In the '80s, it was my crimper. In the '90s, it was my walkman. In the '00s, it was Frizz-Ease and hair straightners. Now that I'm a mom, this new technology that has revolutionized my life is the Snappi.
When most people think about cloth diapering, they think about diaper pins to hold the diaper together. Well, you no longer have to fumble around, worrying that you're going to prick either yourself or your little, squirmy bundle of joy. In come Snappies...these are your easy-to-use, can't-live-without, diapering accessory for anyone that is using prefolds and diaper covers.
Snappies look like a "T" with Ace bandage claws at each end. After angel folding your diaper, you simply grip the Snappi to one side, then the opposite side, and then down the center. It's really as easy as 1 - 2 - 3! The Snappi allows for easy adjustment of the prefold in order to attain a snug fit and; therefore, limited leaks. Giving you a great first barrier to anything Baby has (beginning with those first month breastmilk poops to the solid food stages).
What's even better is that Snappies are economical. You can purchase a 3-pack of Snappies for less than $8. And, this 3-pack will last you until you need to buy the next size (there are two sizes: infant and toddler). You'll also save money while these fasteners are helping to contain leaks since you won't need as many covers!
This may seem like such a simple piece of technology - or not even a technology at all - but I can guarantee they will revolutionize your cloth diapering experience.
If you're interested in purchasing Snappies, check these out:
When most people think about cloth diapering, they think about diaper pins to hold the diaper together. Well, you no longer have to fumble around, worrying that you're going to prick either yourself or your little, squirmy bundle of joy. In come Snappies...these are your easy-to-use, can't-live-without, diapering accessory for anyone that is using prefolds and diaper covers.
Snappies look like a "T" with Ace bandage claws at each end. After angel folding your diaper, you simply grip the Snappi to one side, then the opposite side, and then down the center. It's really as easy as 1 - 2 - 3! The Snappi allows for easy adjustment of the prefold in order to attain a snug fit and; therefore, limited leaks. Giving you a great first barrier to anything Baby has (beginning with those first month breastmilk poops to the solid food stages).
What's even better is that Snappies are economical. You can purchase a 3-pack of Snappies for less than $8. And, this 3-pack will last you until you need to buy the next size (there are two sizes: infant and toddler). You'll also save money while these fasteners are helping to contain leaks since you won't need as many covers!
This may seem like such a simple piece of technology - or not even a technology at all - but I can guarantee they will revolutionize your cloth diapering experience.
If you're interested in purchasing Snappies, check these out:
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thirsties Duo Wraps
I just visited a local baby store this week. It's a half consignment - half local mothers' sewing club store. I fell in love with it! Granted, my husband may not have fully appreciated my purchase...I didn't make it much past the front counter with all of the beautiful handmade hair bows, clips, and hats. But, my baby girl is now the proud owner of a hair accessory to match every possible outfit!
While in the store, another customer was asking questions about cloth diapering. I couldn't keep my mouth shut. She and the owner of the store had never tried cloth diapering. The owner had tried selling cloth diapers previously, but said they weren't that successful. Then, she showed me the diapers she had tried to sell and no wonder! These weren't the pull-on pants, but they were close. I could see leaks happening within minutes of diapering my baby.
Thankfully, Thirsties knows how to prevent leaks! As with my favorite diaper, the Thirsties V2, the Duo Wraps are a pleasant surprise at ease of use and prevention of leaks. These covers are similar to their sibling, but have some major differences to point out.
Both the V2 and Duo Wrap covers have leg gussets (my diaper cover MUST) which protect against leaks for even the scrawniest child. These also are very useful once Baby starts kicking and moving all around. The Duo Wraps also have a variety of colors available - although not the degree of assortment as the V2s.
The Duo Wraps come in only two sizes due to their ability to grow with Baby. They also come in both Velcro and snap fasteners so that you can choose which you prefer (I, personally, prefer the Velcro due to ease of fastening and adjusting when you have a squirmy baby). However, one of the downfalls of this product is that the size charts, in this user's opinion, is not accurate. These covers are tighter than the V2s and; therefore, don't allow for the extra folds when you're moving up sizes in the cloth diapers. While the product information says Size One goes to 18 pounds, I had to move up to Size Two at 14 pounds.
Overall, Thirsties does it again with the Duo Wrap covers. And, the best thing is, after my visit to the baby store, I now have hair bows to match all of my Thirsties Duo Wraps!
If you like this review, then check out the Thirsties Duo Wraps:
While in the store, another customer was asking questions about cloth diapering. I couldn't keep my mouth shut. She and the owner of the store had never tried cloth diapering. The owner had tried selling cloth diapers previously, but said they weren't that successful. Then, she showed me the diapers she had tried to sell and no wonder! These weren't the pull-on pants, but they were close. I could see leaks happening within minutes of diapering my baby.
Thankfully, Thirsties knows how to prevent leaks! As with my favorite diaper, the Thirsties V2, the Duo Wraps are a pleasant surprise at ease of use and prevention of leaks. These covers are similar to their sibling, but have some major differences to point out.
Both the V2 and Duo Wrap covers have leg gussets (my diaper cover MUST) which protect against leaks for even the scrawniest child. These also are very useful once Baby starts kicking and moving all around. The Duo Wraps also have a variety of colors available - although not the degree of assortment as the V2s.
The Duo Wraps come in only two sizes due to their ability to grow with Baby. They also come in both Velcro and snap fasteners so that you can choose which you prefer (I, personally, prefer the Velcro due to ease of fastening and adjusting when you have a squirmy baby). However, one of the downfalls of this product is that the size charts, in this user's opinion, is not accurate. These covers are tighter than the V2s and; therefore, don't allow for the extra folds when you're moving up sizes in the cloth diapers. While the product information says Size One goes to 18 pounds, I had to move up to Size Two at 14 pounds.
Overall, Thirsties does it again with the Duo Wrap covers. And, the best thing is, after my visit to the baby store, I now have hair bows to match all of my Thirsties Duo Wraps!
If you like this review, then check out the Thirsties Duo Wraps:
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Imse Vimse Organic Cover
I'm a huge fan of purchasing all things organic. It's nice to know that it's still possible to purchase items without synthetic materials or chemicals. But, I'm also a big fan of function and guaranteed performance. Sometimes, it's possible to have all of these things in one item and sometimes it's not.
In the case of the Imse Vimse Organic covers, I have a mixture of opinions. The design, durability, and feel of the covers is excellent. The leg gussets guarantee that no mess will squeeze through the cover as my baby is moving all over the place, plus the soft texture of the organic materials allows for movement of Baby's legs and torso without restriction.
But, because there is no plastic layer within this diaper cover, wetness can - and does - occasionally seep through to Baby's outfit. I also have found that it's best to switch to the next size earlier than the weight chart says. My baby outgrows these covers about two pounds earlier than the size chart indicates she should.
Starting at $15.40, these covers are some of the cheaper organic options available, which makes them a good deal if you only want organic material around your baby, but in this mom's opinion, I'll stick with the covers that provide better guaranteed performance - even if that means buying non-organic.
You might be interested in:
In the case of the Imse Vimse Organic covers, I have a mixture of opinions. The design, durability, and feel of the covers is excellent. The leg gussets guarantee that no mess will squeeze through the cover as my baby is moving all over the place, plus the soft texture of the organic materials allows for movement of Baby's legs and torso without restriction.
But, because there is no plastic layer within this diaper cover, wetness can - and does - occasionally seep through to Baby's outfit. I also have found that it's best to switch to the next size earlier than the weight chart says. My baby outgrows these covers about two pounds earlier than the size chart indicates she should.
Starting at $15.40, these covers are some of the cheaper organic options available, which makes them a good deal if you only want organic material around your baby, but in this mom's opinion, I'll stick with the covers that provide better guaranteed performance - even if that means buying non-organic.
You might be interested in:
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Bummis Super Brite
Coordination is important. I am constantly trying to convince my husband that brown shoes do not go with black pants. The same is true with my baby. While she may not recognize the need for this skill yet, I continually try to implant it into her mind so that she'll be the fashion-forward child that I wasn't in the 80s. With this in mind, Bummis Super Brite diaper covers offer a unique opportunity for teaching color coordination skills while preventing leaks and providing a high quality diapering option.
They're called Super Brite for a reason...the diapers are SUPER BRITE! They come in four different color designs (green, blue, pink, and orange) with multi-colored, dotted circle design. White is also an option but, in my opinion, why go for white when you can have Baby stylin' without anything on? This cover has leg gussets which, in my family, are proven in preventing leaks. They also have Velcro that covers the entire front of the cover, allowing for a secure fit as Baby grows. The cover is waterproof and thinner than some other covers - which can be felt when trying to squeeze Baby into some of those pants that say they're one size when, in reality, they aren't.
I'm also a big fan of the edging material. Some diaper cover manufacturers seem to skimp on this aspect of the cover - causing a greater degree of leakage when you have those "shoot-up-the-back" moments that always seem to happen at the most inopportune time. The edging on the Super Brites has never left me disappointed (or covered in you-know-what).
This cover is slightly more expensive than other diaper cover options, but it is tried and true. At $12.25 each, you can still diaper Baby on an affordable budget.
They're called Super Brite for a reason...the diapers are SUPER BRITE! They come in four different color designs (green, blue, pink, and orange) with multi-colored, dotted circle design. White is also an option but, in my opinion, why go for white when you can have Baby stylin' without anything on? This cover has leg gussets which, in my family, are proven in preventing leaks. They also have Velcro that covers the entire front of the cover, allowing for a secure fit as Baby grows. The cover is waterproof and thinner than some other covers - which can be felt when trying to squeeze Baby into some of those pants that say they're one size when, in reality, they aren't.
I'm also a big fan of the edging material. Some diaper cover manufacturers seem to skimp on this aspect of the cover - causing a greater degree of leakage when you have those "shoot-up-the-back" moments that always seem to happen at the most inopportune time. The edging on the Super Brites has never left me disappointed (or covered in you-know-what).
This cover is slightly more expensive than other diaper cover options, but it is tried and true. At $12.25 each, you can still diaper Baby on an affordable budget.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
SposoEasy AIO Diaper
So, you've decided that you want to try out cloth diapers, but you don't want to deal with the multiple steps of using cloth diapers with covers. You want something that is just as easy as a disposable diaper. The SposoEasy All-In-One (AIO) diaper may be just the diaper for you.
SposoEasy's AIO has an exterior that is waterproof and an interior that is 100% cotton - which means that Baby stays dry and so does his/her clothes. This AIO comes in either snaps or Velcro and sells in sizes X-Small to Large (4 - 50 pounds), making it easy to find a size that fits your baby. The best part of this AIO is that, unlike pocket diapers, there is nothing to stuff prior to diapering Baby. Also, it has a flap sewn in to the diaper that adds absorbency without bulk. This flap also allows the diaper to wash - and dry - more easily.
The one downside that I found with the SposoEasy AIO is the area around the legs. This area, when not properly fitted to Baby, allows for leakage. I am a person who prefers leg gussets for extra leakage protection. This diaper falls short in this area, but still does a good job containing most things in comparison to your regular disposable diapers.
As with all AIOs, the reason that I don't particularly choose to diaper with this style is that it will cost more. Each of these diapers range from $18.95 - $20.95. You will need a greater amount of AIOs if you choose this diapering option since the entire diaper must be washed prior to reusing. Depending on the age of the child, this could be anywhere from 6 to 15 diapers per day (and possibly even more), putting a grand total of possibly $400 per diaper size (assuming you wash diapers once a day) and then potentially spending up to $2000 for the entire duration of diapering. For me, I prefer to save this cost through the reuse of diaper covers.
However, SposoEasy does make a good diaper that saves money in comparison to disposable diapers. If you are interested in an easy AIO, then check out SposoEasy!
SposoEasy's AIO has an exterior that is waterproof and an interior that is 100% cotton - which means that Baby stays dry and so does his/her clothes. This AIO comes in either snaps or Velcro and sells in sizes X-Small to Large (4 - 50 pounds), making it easy to find a size that fits your baby. The best part of this AIO is that, unlike pocket diapers, there is nothing to stuff prior to diapering Baby. Also, it has a flap sewn in to the diaper that adds absorbency without bulk. This flap also allows the diaper to wash - and dry - more easily.
The one downside that I found with the SposoEasy AIO is the area around the legs. This area, when not properly fitted to Baby, allows for leakage. I am a person who prefers leg gussets for extra leakage protection. This diaper falls short in this area, but still does a good job containing most things in comparison to your regular disposable diapers.
As with all AIOs, the reason that I don't particularly choose to diaper with this style is that it will cost more. Each of these diapers range from $18.95 - $20.95. You will need a greater amount of AIOs if you choose this diapering option since the entire diaper must be washed prior to reusing. Depending on the age of the child, this could be anywhere from 6 to 15 diapers per day (and possibly even more), putting a grand total of possibly $400 per diaper size (assuming you wash diapers once a day) and then potentially spending up to $2000 for the entire duration of diapering. For me, I prefer to save this cost through the reuse of diaper covers.
However, SposoEasy does make a good diaper that saves money in comparison to disposable diapers. If you are interested in an easy AIO, then check out SposoEasy!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
gDiapers
With all of the talk about gDiapers, I recently decided I would check them out for myself. After all, if there's a way to make cloth diapering easier without all of the mess of the actual cloth diaper, I'll try it.
Well, while I can see the benefit of using gDiapers (ease of use, limited laundering needed, stylish colors, and overall quality construction of the cover), I must admit that this is far from actually doing cloth diapers. To begin with, the actual diaper portion of the gDiaper is a disposable insert. The packaging states that the inserts are flushable; however, I can hardly imagine anyone actually being able to flush something this large down anything less than a commercial-grade toilet. I, for one, was not willing to test this statement with my low-flow toilets. Thus, I was stuck with the option of disposing of these diapers in the traditional method...straight into the trash, thus eliminating the actual purpose for using gDiapers (keep reading for one other option of composting the liners). The only portion of the gDiaper which is cloth is the exterior liner (with an interior plastic liner).
gDiapers also says that you can use regular cloth diapers as inserts in their diapering system. You would simply tri-fold the diaper and insert into the plastic liner. Well, the plastic insert is not a very large area, thus making it virtually impossible to insert any form of folded cloth diaper into this area while still allowing ample room for Baby to do what he/she needs to do without an overflow situation. Also, with the way that this liner stretches as you put it onto Baby, it does not cover the entire area needed in order to prevent leakage in babies that are scooting, crawling, walking, or moving in any way. During my trial, the #2 diaper did not withstand the movement of my baby.
Now, the gDiaper isn't a horrible diaper. It does makes some effort to reduce diapering waste. The inserts that you can buy for these do not contain plastic, thus making them more biodegradable. The packaging even describes how you can put these into your compost. This may be OK while your child is still being breastfed; however, once started on solid foods (specifically meats), this is not something I would want included into my compost pile due to the difficulty of animal products composting - not to mention the smell and added pest attraction that animal products bring to a compost pile. But, even in disposing through traditional methods, I would imagine that - due to the lack of plastic - the diaper would compost more quickly than your traditional disposable.
Overall, if you are serious about getting into cloth diapering, I wouldn't give gDiapers a second glance. Their inability to contain leaks when using a cloth insert, as well as the additional cost to purchasing their biodegradable inserts, does not make this diaper a cost-effective and environmentally-sound diapering option. However, they would be something to consider if you want to dabble in cloth diapering or are afraid to try traditional cloth diapers while traveling. With the disposable inserts, you would have significantly less bulk to carry around in your car or on a public transport system. Overall, they do offer an easy to use - and launder - option to cloth diapering, but just realize that they're not actually cloth diapers.
Well, while I can see the benefit of using gDiapers (ease of use, limited laundering needed, stylish colors, and overall quality construction of the cover), I must admit that this is far from actually doing cloth diapers. To begin with, the actual diaper portion of the gDiaper is a disposable insert. The packaging states that the inserts are flushable; however, I can hardly imagine anyone actually being able to flush something this large down anything less than a commercial-grade toilet. I, for one, was not willing to test this statement with my low-flow toilets. Thus, I was stuck with the option of disposing of these diapers in the traditional method...straight into the trash, thus eliminating the actual purpose for using gDiapers (keep reading for one other option of composting the liners). The only portion of the gDiaper which is cloth is the exterior liner (with an interior plastic liner).
gDiapers also says that you can use regular cloth diapers as inserts in their diapering system. You would simply tri-fold the diaper and insert into the plastic liner. Well, the plastic insert is not a very large area, thus making it virtually impossible to insert any form of folded cloth diaper into this area while still allowing ample room for Baby to do what he/she needs to do without an overflow situation. Also, with the way that this liner stretches as you put it onto Baby, it does not cover the entire area needed in order to prevent leakage in babies that are scooting, crawling, walking, or moving in any way. During my trial, the #2 diaper did not withstand the movement of my baby.
Now, the gDiaper isn't a horrible diaper. It does makes some effort to reduce diapering waste. The inserts that you can buy for these do not contain plastic, thus making them more biodegradable. The packaging even describes how you can put these into your compost. This may be OK while your child is still being breastfed; however, once started on solid foods (specifically meats), this is not something I would want included into my compost pile due to the difficulty of animal products composting - not to mention the smell and added pest attraction that animal products bring to a compost pile. But, even in disposing through traditional methods, I would imagine that - due to the lack of plastic - the diaper would compost more quickly than your traditional disposable.
Overall, if you are serious about getting into cloth diapering, I wouldn't give gDiapers a second glance. Their inability to contain leaks when using a cloth insert, as well as the additional cost to purchasing their biodegradable inserts, does not make this diaper a cost-effective and environmentally-sound diapering option. However, they would be something to consider if you want to dabble in cloth diapering or are afraid to try traditional cloth diapers while traveling. With the disposable inserts, you would have significantly less bulk to carry around in your car or on a public transport system. Overall, they do offer an easy to use - and launder - option to cloth diapering, but just realize that they're not actually cloth diapers.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Bummis Whisper Pant Nylon Pull-On
Since I began my diaper cover reviews with my highest praise, I thought the obvious next review is the cover that receives my lowest praise: the Bummis Whisper Pant Nylon Pull-On.
Now, if you're looking for a diaper cover with the greatest cost efficiency, then this is the cover for you. At $6/cover, you can't beat the cost. And, if your mother used cloth diapers, she'll probably tell you that this type of cover isn't so bad. This is the diaper cover that everyone first thinks of when they think of cloth diapering. It's the all nylon, completely pull-on, if-your-baby-poops-you're-going-to-regret-it diaper cover.
Bummis makes some great covers, so please don't let this review stop you from looking at their other products, but you may think twice about purchasing this pant nylon pull-on.
Just to show you how little this diaper does...my extremely frugal husband decided to purchase one of these in our first order because of the low cost factor. His thought was, if it's cheap, I might as well try it out. Well, after trying it out once, he was absolutely convinced that the cost of this diaper cover doesn't validate using it. If ANYTHING leaks through the cloth diaper, it will get all over your baby, and you'll be bathing Baby on-the-go. Not my idea of a fun-filled day out and about.
So, needless to say, this diaper cover receives my lowest rating. I don't think you can get much worse than this!
Now, if you're looking for a diaper cover with the greatest cost efficiency, then this is the cover for you. At $6/cover, you can't beat the cost. And, if your mother used cloth diapers, she'll probably tell you that this type of cover isn't so bad. This is the diaper cover that everyone first thinks of when they think of cloth diapering. It's the all nylon, completely pull-on, if-your-baby-poops-you're-going-to-regret-it diaper cover.
Bummis makes some great covers, so please don't let this review stop you from looking at their other products, but you may think twice about purchasing this pant nylon pull-on.
Just to show you how little this diaper does...my extremely frugal husband decided to purchase one of these in our first order because of the low cost factor. His thought was, if it's cheap, I might as well try it out. Well, after trying it out once, he was absolutely convinced that the cost of this diaper cover doesn't validate using it. If ANYTHING leaks through the cloth diaper, it will get all over your baby, and you'll be bathing Baby on-the-go. Not my idea of a fun-filled day out and about.
So, needless to say, this diaper cover receives my lowest rating. I don't think you can get much worse than this!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thirsties - V2
It's not often that I find a baby product for which I am truly thrilled about. But, Thirsties V2 diaper covers are amazing! This is my go-to diaper cover for all of those outfits I want Baby to wear all day. Now, granted, a diaper cover doesn't always guarantee that an outfit will make it through the day, but I'd rather be wiping off spit-up than trying to bathe my baby on-the-go.
The thing that I love best about Thirsties diaper covers is the fact that they incorporate so many different aspects that make a great diaper cover. They are not only made in the USA, but they are made of material that doesn't allow a wet diaper to feel wet, even outside the cover (as some organic cotton covers will do).
After considering the leak-resistant materials used, I then look at the construction of the diapers. The diapers allow for growth - meaning that, even when my child is in those in-between stages and I have to go to the larger Cloth-eez diaper, I can still fit the entire diaper within the confines of the Thirsties diaper cover. Too often, the weight range on diapers does not include room for the extra folds needed when Baby is growing and changing diaper sizes. But, the Thirsties' size chart allows for these extra folds, thus making the sizing more accurate.
The Thirsties diapers also have leg gussets (a definite MUST HAVE). My kicking, squirmy worm can move all around and, even when she has a poopy diaper, it doesn't escape onto her outfit. The leg gussets allow for an extra safeguard around the legs that many other diaper cover brands do not offer.
Now, in this blog, I am specifically looking at the V2 diaper cover. It's not a one-size-fits-all cover. Instead, you must purchase the sizes as baby grows, but I don't mind this at the $11.25/cover cost on Green Mountain Diapers' website. I prefer buying my covers with the different sizes so that I know the covers will fit and don't have to worry about snapping and unsnapping covers in order to fit the different diapers I am continually trying under them. I also believe that the sized covers are better to reuse for future babies because the snaps and Velcro do not wear out too much and can easily be reused with future children.
The last aspect to Thirsties V2 diaper covers that I like are the color options. Now, my husband is a man who could care less about color coordinating an outfit, but I am the complete opposite. I don't want my daughter to have a bright orange diaper cover on under a white onesie (You should see her 3-month pictures for which Daddy dressed her!). I want the diaper cover to blend into the outfit. Thus, the 11 color options are a wonderful option when selecting the covers you want. I've had other friends who buy different colors in order to coordinate with the size of the cover, but I'll stick to coordinating with the outfits!
So, thus begins my first genuine diaper review. Thirsties truly offers a genuine, leak-proof diaper cover with the greatest opportunity to begin to teach your child about fashion go's and fashion no's in color coordination. The Thirsties V2 diaper cover receives my highest praise!
The thing that I love best about Thirsties diaper covers is the fact that they incorporate so many different aspects that make a great diaper cover. They are not only made in the USA, but they are made of material that doesn't allow a wet diaper to feel wet, even outside the cover (as some organic cotton covers will do).
After considering the leak-resistant materials used, I then look at the construction of the diapers. The diapers allow for growth - meaning that, even when my child is in those in-between stages and I have to go to the larger Cloth-eez diaper, I can still fit the entire diaper within the confines of the Thirsties diaper cover. Too often, the weight range on diapers does not include room for the extra folds needed when Baby is growing and changing diaper sizes. But, the Thirsties' size chart allows for these extra folds, thus making the sizing more accurate.
The Thirsties diapers also have leg gussets (a definite MUST HAVE). My kicking, squirmy worm can move all around and, even when she has a poopy diaper, it doesn't escape onto her outfit. The leg gussets allow for an extra safeguard around the legs that many other diaper cover brands do not offer.
Now, in this blog, I am specifically looking at the V2 diaper cover. It's not a one-size-fits-all cover. Instead, you must purchase the sizes as baby grows, but I don't mind this at the $11.25/cover cost on Green Mountain Diapers' website. I prefer buying my covers with the different sizes so that I know the covers will fit and don't have to worry about snapping and unsnapping covers in order to fit the different diapers I am continually trying under them. I also believe that the sized covers are better to reuse for future babies because the snaps and Velcro do not wear out too much and can easily be reused with future children.
The last aspect to Thirsties V2 diaper covers that I like are the color options. Now, my husband is a man who could care less about color coordinating an outfit, but I am the complete opposite. I don't want my daughter to have a bright orange diaper cover on under a white onesie (You should see her 3-month pictures for which Daddy dressed her!). I want the diaper cover to blend into the outfit. Thus, the 11 color options are a wonderful option when selecting the covers you want. I've had other friends who buy different colors in order to coordinate with the size of the cover, but I'll stick to coordinating with the outfits!
So, thus begins my first genuine diaper review. Thirsties truly offers a genuine, leak-proof diaper cover with the greatest opportunity to begin to teach your child about fashion go's and fashion no's in color coordination. The Thirsties V2 diaper cover receives my highest praise!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Diapers: It's What's Inside that Counts
After researching all about cloth diapering, I learned a lot about the different covers, ways to fasten, cleaning, and everything else associated with the diaper except the actual diaper. What goes under the diaper cover is by far the MOST important aspect of cloth diapering. After all, it's what (hopefully) holds everything in. I was amazed when my eyes were opened to the worlds of diapering differences.
When people think of cloth diapering, many people look at what's available in the stores and then assume that Gerber is the primary brand for the prefolds and flatfolds. And, while it may be true that Gerber is the leader in positioning amongst many store shelves, in my opinion, they are not the leader in quality and cloth diapering efficiency. This is where Cloth-eez comes in.
Let's start by taking a closer look at the Gerber diapers. Just for this blog, we'll focus on the prefolds. There are several different types of Gerber prefolds (differing in thickness). This is a good thing as the child grows larger, consumes more, and thus has more output (a.k.a., poop and pee). The cost of Gerber prefolds is also quite a bit lower than the cost for other brands. However, as the Gerbers are used more and more, you may notice that the texture of the diapers changes from a soft, cushioned texture to one that is scratchy and inconsistent. The Gerbers also are not as size-appropriate for our babies as most other brands, thus leading to bulky diapers that are difficult to pin or Snappi. This can lead to difficulty for your child as he/she tries to roll over and use his/her legs.
The Cloth-eez brand prefolds that I use are color-coded by size, so they also grow with my child, but in a way that is better fitting to her size - not just her output. The material used in the diapers also gets softer and more absorbent the more that it is washed (directions say to wash multiple times prior to use in order to begin to build the absorbency). While the Cloth-eez are more expensive (ranging from $21 - $36 per dozen depending on the size), my daughter and I have both been much happier with the "results" of fewer leaks, mobility, and overall quality of this brand.
Cloth-eez sells their diapers in either chlorine-free white, unbleached, or organic cotton. They are 4-8-4Ply, making them more absorbent than Gerbers which use a standard 3, 4, or 6-Ply. The sizes are based on the age and weight of the child, thus making them more "custom" fitting than other brands.
Another thing that I love about Cloth-eez is that they also have the Workhorse diapers available. These are prefold diapers that are shaped like a fitted diaper. These diapers are more expensive, but I've loved my tests with them!
For more information on Cloth-eez, be sure to check out www.greenmountaindiapers.com. And, if you have a brand of diapers that you love, be sure to leave a comment. I'm always up for testing out other brands!!
When people think of cloth diapering, many people look at what's available in the stores and then assume that Gerber is the primary brand for the prefolds and flatfolds. And, while it may be true that Gerber is the leader in positioning amongst many store shelves, in my opinion, they are not the leader in quality and cloth diapering efficiency. This is where Cloth-eez comes in.
Let's start by taking a closer look at the Gerber diapers. Just for this blog, we'll focus on the prefolds. There are several different types of Gerber prefolds (differing in thickness). This is a good thing as the child grows larger, consumes more, and thus has more output (a.k.a., poop and pee). The cost of Gerber prefolds is also quite a bit lower than the cost for other brands. However, as the Gerbers are used more and more, you may notice that the texture of the diapers changes from a soft, cushioned texture to one that is scratchy and inconsistent. The Gerbers also are not as size-appropriate for our babies as most other brands, thus leading to bulky diapers that are difficult to pin or Snappi. This can lead to difficulty for your child as he/she tries to roll over and use his/her legs.
The Cloth-eez brand prefolds that I use are color-coded by size, so they also grow with my child, but in a way that is better fitting to her size - not just her output. The material used in the diapers also gets softer and more absorbent the more that it is washed (directions say to wash multiple times prior to use in order to begin to build the absorbency). While the Cloth-eez are more expensive (ranging from $21 - $36 per dozen depending on the size), my daughter and I have both been much happier with the "results" of fewer leaks, mobility, and overall quality of this brand.
Cloth-eez sells their diapers in either chlorine-free white, unbleached, or organic cotton. They are 4-8-4Ply, making them more absorbent than Gerbers which use a standard 3, 4, or 6-Ply. The sizes are based on the age and weight of the child, thus making them more "custom" fitting than other brands.
Another thing that I love about Cloth-eez is that they also have the Workhorse diapers available. These are prefold diapers that are shaped like a fitted diaper. These diapers are more expensive, but I've loved my tests with them!
For more information on Cloth-eez, be sure to check out www.greenmountaindiapers.com. And, if you have a brand of diapers that you love, be sure to leave a comment. I'm always up for testing out other brands!!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
AIOs, Pocket, and Prefolds...Oh, my!
As mentioned in my previous blog, cloth diapers are not your momma's cloth diapers any more. Now, the lingo can be daunting. There are AIOs, AI2s, diaper covers, doublers, fitted diapers, flat diapers, hybrid diapers, inserts, liners, one-size diapers, pocket diapers, and prefolds. When I first began my cloth diaper research, all of the different options overwhelmed me, and I didn't know where to begin. So, I did the only thing I knew to do...I asked other moms!
While every mom will have a different story to share with cloth diapers, you still get some very good information. I learned why moms liked the diapers they chose, some of the downsides, and the costs to the different diaper systems. I also began to develop my own decisions on how I wanted to start the cloth diapers.
When I first thought about using cloth diapers, I was dead set against anything that wasn't an all-in-one (AIO). These are the Porsches of the diaper world. There's no messing with diaper pins, Snappis, or inserts. They look and act just like disposable diapers, but have a little more bulk. Basically, they are the ease of disposable diapering. But, as I began to do the research, I learned a lot about using AIOs. First, they cost a lot more. So, not only was I going to have to convince my frugal husband, but I was also going to have to spend more money up front in order to have a good supply of diapers on hand.
As my research went on and on, I decided to actually go to a cloth diaper store. Here in Portland, OR, we have a store called Mother Nature's Earth (located at Clinton and 26th Ave., http://www.mothernaturesbabystore.com/). The sales rep in the store was extremely knowledgeable about ways to use the cloth diapers. And, it was here that I changed my opinions and began to look more deeply into the prefolds and diaper covers - of which I am now a HUGE fan!
My decision to use prefolds and diaper covers came not only because it's one of the cheapest cloth diapering options, but I also felt like it was the easiest way to "test" the cloth diapers. I didn't have to put out a lot of money only to find out that I really didn't like cloth diapers. The prefold diapers often come in packs of 6 or 12 and are generally less than a dollar each. The diaper covers begin around $6 and can go higher than $30 each - I'll have future blogs which tell of my personal opinions on many different options.
With all of my research, I was now ready to begin on the path down cloth diapering my baby. However, after my daughter arrived, I quickly realized that diapering isn't quite as cut and dry as I thought it to be. In my research, the way that the prefolds and diaper covers were used was by tri-folding the prefold and then inserting it into the diaper cover. The cover goes on the baby just as a diaper would. No pins and many of the covers have velcro, so attaching is easy. Well, I learned VERY quickly that I didn't like the tri-fold prefolds. What I realized is that it is a very quick way to get poop all over the diaper, the baby, and eventually me. So, I began my research all over again.
This time, I decided to go to a very valued resource...YouTube! I searched for any videos about cloth diapers and came across one that showed an angel fold with the prefold (there are many, many videos out there). Snappis are used in this fold in order to properly secure the diaper before covering with the diaper cover. And, if done properly, the cover can often be reused with subsequent diaper changes, making it easier - and cheaper - to use cloth diapers.
As my daughter has grown, I have had to slightly modify the way that I fold the prefolds (sometimes adding an additional fold in the back so that the prefold better fits her), but overall, I have been extremely happy.
Be sure to check back for future blogs about different diaper covers that I've tested and my reviews!
While every mom will have a different story to share with cloth diapers, you still get some very good information. I learned why moms liked the diapers they chose, some of the downsides, and the costs to the different diaper systems. I also began to develop my own decisions on how I wanted to start the cloth diapers.
When I first thought about using cloth diapers, I was dead set against anything that wasn't an all-in-one (AIO). These are the Porsches of the diaper world. There's no messing with diaper pins, Snappis, or inserts. They look and act just like disposable diapers, but have a little more bulk. Basically, they are the ease of disposable diapering. But, as I began to do the research, I learned a lot about using AIOs. First, they cost a lot more. So, not only was I going to have to convince my frugal husband, but I was also going to have to spend more money up front in order to have a good supply of diapers on hand.
As my research went on and on, I decided to actually go to a cloth diaper store. Here in Portland, OR, we have a store called Mother Nature's Earth (located at Clinton and 26th Ave., http://www.mothernaturesbabystore.com/). The sales rep in the store was extremely knowledgeable about ways to use the cloth diapers. And, it was here that I changed my opinions and began to look more deeply into the prefolds and diaper covers - of which I am now a HUGE fan!
My decision to use prefolds and diaper covers came not only because it's one of the cheapest cloth diapering options, but I also felt like it was the easiest way to "test" the cloth diapers. I didn't have to put out a lot of money only to find out that I really didn't like cloth diapers. The prefold diapers often come in packs of 6 or 12 and are generally less than a dollar each. The diaper covers begin around $6 and can go higher than $30 each - I'll have future blogs which tell of my personal opinions on many different options.
With all of my research, I was now ready to begin on the path down cloth diapering my baby. However, after my daughter arrived, I quickly realized that diapering isn't quite as cut and dry as I thought it to be. In my research, the way that the prefolds and diaper covers were used was by tri-folding the prefold and then inserting it into the diaper cover. The cover goes on the baby just as a diaper would. No pins and many of the covers have velcro, so attaching is easy. Well, I learned VERY quickly that I didn't like the tri-fold prefolds. What I realized is that it is a very quick way to get poop all over the diaper, the baby, and eventually me. So, I began my research all over again.
This time, I decided to go to a very valued resource...YouTube! I searched for any videos about cloth diapers and came across one that showed an angel fold with the prefold (there are many, many videos out there). Snappis are used in this fold in order to properly secure the diaper before covering with the diaper cover. And, if done properly, the cover can often be reused with subsequent diaper changes, making it easier - and cheaper - to use cloth diapers.
As my daughter has grown, I have had to slightly modify the way that I fold the prefolds (sometimes adding an additional fold in the back so that the prefold better fits her), but overall, I have been extremely happy.
Be sure to check back for future blogs about different diaper covers that I've tested and my reviews!
Monday, July 12, 2010
To Cloth or Not to Cloth
The choice to use cloth or disposable diapers is easy for some people, but for me it was not. My husband is a very frugal man. I am a woman who looks for convenience. It was an obvious choice for me...disposable all the way! So, why am I now the biggest fanatic of cloth diapers??? While it is better for the environment and saves us a lot of money (with which I can make additional appointments at the spa), these aren't the reasons I decided to switch. It wasn't even for the fact that cloth diapers supposedly makes potty training easier (I have yet to verify this myth, but will hopefully be able to add a post in the future). No, I chose to use cloth because it works for my baby and, after hours upon hours of research, I learned how to make it just as convenient as disposable.
Cloth diapers are no longer involve diaper pins and plastic pants like our mothers used to use. While all of this is still available, I quickly decided it wasn't for me. Nowadays, there are hundreds of ways to use cloth diapers. There are the all-in-ones (AIOs), pocket diapers, prefolds, organic cotton, wool, Snappis, Bummis, Thirsties, etc. etc. etc. A person can go crazy just looking at all of the different types, brands, styles, and accessories used with cloth diapering. In future blogs, I'll talk more about the different diapering choices we have tried, but for now I just want to discuss how cloth diapering can be convenient.
The first thing that I thought of when cloth diapering was even mentioned was the grossness and time involved with cleaning the cloth diapers. When I researched diaper services, I learned that this choice is often times more expensive than using disposable diapers, so obviously was not a choice for my frugal husband. So, I began researching ways to make the cleaning easier for me. Low and behold, I learned that breastfed baby poop is not solid (I didn't know this before having children). Because of this, there is no need to scrape, scrub, or do any other thing over the toilet before cleaning the diapers. We simply put the diapers in our washer, run a quick, 30-minute, cold wash cycle without detergent, and then run a heavy duty cycle (hot, extra soak and extra rinse) using Tide Ultra detergent. After washing, we dry the diapers on a timed cycle (not sensor-dried) since this is also a part of the sanitation process. The total time to wash/dry the diapers is approximately 3 hours, but I've learned how to work it into my daily (or often times every other day) schedule: I wash/dry the diapers in the evening as I'm getting my baby ready for bed. Because we use disposable diapers to prolong our nighttime sleep, as soon as I've changed the final cloth diaper, I start a load. I then feed my daughter, read her nighttime books, sing our songs and say our prayers. Once she is asleep, the quick wash is completed and I start the heavy duty cycle. This cycle takes our machine two hours to complete, so I usually work on other chores, read a book, or do something for me. If I manage to stay awake the entire two hours, then I start the dry cycle. If not, I start it in the morning.
The second thing I thought of when using cloth diapers was how to travel with them. I like to go out and about during the day. The thought of carrying around a bunch of dirty, smelly diapers with me was gross. But, I invested in a high-quality wet bag that has excelled at ridding my diaper bag of smells and storing several diapers at once so that I can go out and about without fear. I've also found that using cloth diapers while traveling long distance is also easy - and desirable for me. When we've traveled with disposable diapers, my baby had numerous blowouts causing us to constantly have to change outfits (often times in the crowded location of airplane lavatories...think "Tommy Boy"). The cloth diapers have alleviated the blowouts (I can count on one hand the number of blowouts we've had). While I probably have to change the diapers more often due to the difference in absorbency from disposable diapers, I keep a carry-on bag with a larger wet bag in which I can store a day's worth of soiled diapers. Once I have reached my destination, I ask family/friends if I can use their washer and dryer (I ask ahead of time). I have yet to have anyone say I cannot use these, but if I did - or if I was traveling where there were no friends nor family - I would go to a laundromat. So, not only have I spared the embarrassment of having something running down my baby's or my outfit while traveling, but I have also allowed myself to continue with the same pattern of use to which my baby is accustomed.
In future blogs, I'll get into some of the greater details that I like cloth diapers - especially showing you the tools that make it convenient. This is where I really get excited!! If you haven't figured it out by now, my husband and I did a lot of research. This caused us to do a lot of testing. There are some VERY good cloth diaper choices out there. But, there are also (in my experience) some VERY, VERY bad cloth diaper choices. Example A: our mother's plastic pants diapers.
Cloth diapers are no longer involve diaper pins and plastic pants like our mothers used to use. While all of this is still available, I quickly decided it wasn't for me. Nowadays, there are hundreds of ways to use cloth diapers. There are the all-in-ones (AIOs), pocket diapers, prefolds, organic cotton, wool, Snappis, Bummis, Thirsties, etc. etc. etc. A person can go crazy just looking at all of the different types, brands, styles, and accessories used with cloth diapering. In future blogs, I'll talk more about the different diapering choices we have tried, but for now I just want to discuss how cloth diapering can be convenient.
The first thing that I thought of when cloth diapering was even mentioned was the grossness and time involved with cleaning the cloth diapers. When I researched diaper services, I learned that this choice is often times more expensive than using disposable diapers, so obviously was not a choice for my frugal husband. So, I began researching ways to make the cleaning easier for me. Low and behold, I learned that breastfed baby poop is not solid (I didn't know this before having children). Because of this, there is no need to scrape, scrub, or do any other thing over the toilet before cleaning the diapers. We simply put the diapers in our washer, run a quick, 30-minute, cold wash cycle without detergent, and then run a heavy duty cycle (hot, extra soak and extra rinse) using Tide Ultra detergent. After washing, we dry the diapers on a timed cycle (not sensor-dried) since this is also a part of the sanitation process. The total time to wash/dry the diapers is approximately 3 hours, but I've learned how to work it into my daily (or often times every other day) schedule: I wash/dry the diapers in the evening as I'm getting my baby ready for bed. Because we use disposable diapers to prolong our nighttime sleep, as soon as I've changed the final cloth diaper, I start a load. I then feed my daughter, read her nighttime books, sing our songs and say our prayers. Once she is asleep, the quick wash is completed and I start the heavy duty cycle. This cycle takes our machine two hours to complete, so I usually work on other chores, read a book, or do something for me. If I manage to stay awake the entire two hours, then I start the dry cycle. If not, I start it in the morning.
The second thing I thought of when using cloth diapers was how to travel with them. I like to go out and about during the day. The thought of carrying around a bunch of dirty, smelly diapers with me was gross. But, I invested in a high-quality wet bag that has excelled at ridding my diaper bag of smells and storing several diapers at once so that I can go out and about without fear. I've also found that using cloth diapers while traveling long distance is also easy - and desirable for me. When we've traveled with disposable diapers, my baby had numerous blowouts causing us to constantly have to change outfits (often times in the crowded location of airplane lavatories...think "Tommy Boy"). The cloth diapers have alleviated the blowouts (I can count on one hand the number of blowouts we've had). While I probably have to change the diapers more often due to the difference in absorbency from disposable diapers, I keep a carry-on bag with a larger wet bag in which I can store a day's worth of soiled diapers. Once I have reached my destination, I ask family/friends if I can use their washer and dryer (I ask ahead of time). I have yet to have anyone say I cannot use these, but if I did - or if I was traveling where there were no friends nor family - I would go to a laundromat. So, not only have I spared the embarrassment of having something running down my baby's or my outfit while traveling, but I have also allowed myself to continue with the same pattern of use to which my baby is accustomed.
In future blogs, I'll get into some of the greater details that I like cloth diapers - especially showing you the tools that make it convenient. This is where I really get excited!! If you haven't figured it out by now, my husband and I did a lot of research. This caused us to do a lot of testing. There are some VERY good cloth diaper choices out there. But, there are also (in my experience) some VERY, VERY bad cloth diaper choices. Example A: our mother's plastic pants diapers.
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