Tushie Talk Tuesday: Why Emmett ditched his pants today

Today is an appropriate day for Tushie Talk.  Today we are not wearing cloth diapers.

Someone has been having tummy trouble today and we have changed poopy diapers approximately 8 times....yup.  EIGHT.

I wasn't dealing with that many poopy cloth diapers so I broke out the disposables!

We also ditched our pants today (well, Emmett did.  I wore mine).

I friggen love baby leggings.  They make diaper changes so much easier, especially when you are changing every hour.  I wish I had thought to put them on him as a newborn - would have made the constant changes so much easier!

 

We have something like 25 pairs of leggings...whoops...they are all super adorable though so that makes it okay?  I get them from juDanzy (which is what he is wearing in the photo) and Baby Leggings. 

 

I do not enjoy the way they look with disposable diapers!  Actually I don't enjoy disposable diapers at all!

 

I just ordered my first shipment from The Honest Company!  I'm pretty excited to try out this line (including some soaps, skin cleaners etc).  I will be sure to keep you in the loop about how that goes! 

 



Have you ever used baby leggings?

Do you have a favorite, natural company?

Tushie Talk Tuesday: Fell off the Wagon

I epically failed at my goal of "disposable free by September".  In fact....I don't think I did more than 2 or 3 loads of cloth during the entire month.

I confess...I spent more time purchasing soaps, swaddling blankets and organic toys at our fav CD shop than diapering supplies.

So what happened?  Simple.  LIFE happened!

We were so busy that the convenience of disposables won over the past month.  Am I upset, discouraged?  Of course not! 

I am committed to jumping back on the fluff wagon as of yesterday and starting fresh....with some freshly washed clothies of course!

Do you guilt yourself when you fall off the "fluff" wagon?

Tushie Talk Tuesday: Stripping with Blue Dawn

Yeah, yeah.  I know it's not Tuesday...again.

Things have been crazy around here the past few weeks and unfortunately my poor little blog has been neglected!

I had to write this post even a few days late because every cloth diapering Mama NEEDS this info!

Tushie Talk Tuesday: Stripping with Blue Dawn

Yup, that's right.   You CAN strip your CD with dish soap.  It is also the best dang stripper you can use!

I've had a couple diapers lately that no amount of soaking in Rockin Green, Funk Rock or RLR could cure....

I've read lots of blogs, articles, etc. that suggest Blue Dawn works wonders.  Desperate and not quite willing to bleach the diapers just yet I decided to give it a shot.

Holy.  Freakin.  Moly.

The diapers are like new.  No smells, not stains (well some time in the sun is to thank for that also), nothing.  Zip.  Nada.

So.  You want to know how right?  Easy peasy.

1.  You must use BLUE DAWN.  Not apple scented, not unscented yellow.  Blue Dawn.  Don't know the science behind it....don't care.  it works.

2. Your diapers have to be clean.  Do a regular wash (you can skip the first rinse if you want - I did it just to be extra sure they were clean but skipped the second rinse).  Use your normal washing detergent.  They don't have to be dry - just clean. 

3. Add Blue Dawn.  For top loaders add 1 TABLESPOON, for front loaders add 1 TEASPOON.

4. Wash with lots of water

5. Rinse, rinse and rinse some more!  Keep rinsing until the suds are gone.  I needed 2 extra rinses and I have a top loader.  You may need more for a front loader (or top loader depending on the amount of agitation your washer provides). 

That's it!  You are welcome ;)

Some companies warranty may become void when using alternate cleaning solutions (blue dawn, bleach, etc.).  If you are concerned about the warranty on your diapers consult with the company prior to washing.

Tushie Talk Tuesday: Destashing

Don't worry I'm not falling off the cloth diaper train!  Quite the opposite in fact.  My stash is OUT OF CONTROL.

Seriously, for one kid we are pushing 75 diapers (it may be more I won't count....afraid).  I just can't help it! 

I've thought about it before but every time I do I can't decide which are my favorites.  Even though most days I can tell you which I do and don't love anymore.

I think I've decided I am going to destash my original Glow Bugs.  As much as I love them I love my newer Glow Bugs even more.  The rest have fallen to the bottom of the storage system.

There are a few others that I have to talk myself into parting with that fit Emmett well when he was smaller but aren't a great match right now.

And as I sit here typing this I think....but what if I need them for our next child?

Oh great, here I go again!!

How many cloth diapers do you have?

Do you destash less loved diapers or keep them for potential future children?

Review: Glowbug Cloth Diapers

Disclosure: I did receive product in exchange for writing this review.  In no way did this influence my opinion of this product/company.  These opinions are my own and not those of the company.

You all know I love my Glow Bugs.  They are super fun, easy to use and wash and hold up against leaks.  I think we have over 30 Glow Bugs now!  At the end of June I contacted Glow Bug about using some photos/links from their website in a review of the 2012 diaper.

Of course these amazing ladies went and did one better and offered to send one us one of their new and improved diapers to review.  Ummm...heck yes!?!

What's the difference between the old and new diapers?  Why the new 360 degree gusset!!


Photo credit: glowbugclothdiapers.com

This adds extra leak protection to the diaper and it works!  Usually when I review a diaper I have to wait and wait for the ultimate test of a diaper...the poop!!  Which when you are only working with one of a particular diaper can take a while!  Not.  This.  Time.  First time I put this guy on EJ I took it off 20 minutes later.  It did the job!

Now we still used a liner in this diaper but I patted it down into the gusset and it kept the shape pretty well!  Rather than the poop sliding up the back of the diaper it got trapped down in the gusset.

These diapers also feature the same snaps as the old diapers.  Lots of waist and length sizes and the hip snaps that the 2012 diapers included.

Also new to this version was the male and female parts on the inserts so you can snap additional inserts for added absorbency.

They still have the great prints from 2012 and added 12 new unisex prints!


Photo credit: glowbugclothdiapers.com

My verdict?  5 FRICKEN STARS!

LOVED this new diaper!  The new features are awesome and the overall quality of the diaper just gets better and better!

The new unisex prints are fun and colourful AND they are still the same great price!  $150 for 12 diapers.

I'm seriously considering de-stashing some of my old bugs to trade up for these new ones!

Tushie Talk Tuesday: Back to Basics

I'm still here!

We have been so busy the past few weeks!  I am also guilty of....disposables....until yesterday I had the same diapers drying on the line that have been there for close to 2 weeks.  Bad!  They were also piled underneath yards and yards of fabric!!  I have been sewing like crazy getting ready for the Momstown Birthday Bash which is in just under two weeks.

I may be MIA until then with just a post here and there.

I'm skipping the diaper series this week and last week and probably next week because I haven't been able to take any pictures of Emmett wearing them.  I'm hoping to have the new Glow Bug diaper review done soon!

So, why am I posting a picture of part of our stash today? 

 

This post isn't about creating a start up stash.  It is to remind you to do your own research. Find what works for you.

 

  When I first started our stash I read reviews, did research on companies and materials, various systems (AIO, pocket, prefolds, etc) and chose the CD and accessories and wash products and routines that I felt would work best for our family.  We did go with a lot of mid/high end diapers.  We are fortunate that we were financially able to do so (one of the reasons a lot of families choose to CD!). 

 

We have been very lucky that this research and purchase of high quality products paid off and we have had very few problems.  There are only a handful of diapers in our 75 + diaper stash that we don't like.

 

A few weeks ago I gave my input to a local Mom via the world wide web about starting up a stash.  Opinions on the brands I like, use, don't use and reasons why.  My suggestion as it is to anyone wanting to start out is to get a few different brands and see what works for you and your baby.

 

I was bothered by another comment suggested that this Mama should purchase a starter stash of a few low end brands (they were named but I won't rename them here because I personally don't use them -  research and friends opinions led me away).  Just to see if they liked CD because there was no point putting out the money only to not like it.

 

Just to see if you like CD....personally had I ONLY purchased low end diapers that were prone to leaks, repelling due to lower grade materials and poor fit...I probably wouldn't be using them anymore! 

 

While I think there are some great low/mid end diapers to start out with you may not be one of the lucky ones to have a good experience with them.  Don't let start up cost have you running out of the store.  Think of the long run savings!

 

That being said.  What worked for our family may not work for the next family.  It might work great for another.  I KNOW it won't work for some families too.

 

Everyone's experience and needs will be different.  Just like everyone's baby is different! 

Tushie Talk Tuesday (but Thursday): Diaper Review Series # 3

We moved to Thursday this week!!  My Tuesday post deserved the slot and since there is another day of the week that starts with T....

Firstly, I had a GREAT mail day on Tuesday.  Perfectly suited for a day dubbed "Tushie" by us!

OMFREAKING FLUFF MAIL!!!!

 

Can we say cuteness overload?  I have been patiently waiting for these guys that I ordered from a Co-op for weeks!!  So cute!  I can't wait to prep them and get them onto Emmett's little behind!

 

Okay.  Onto today's diaper!

 

Disclaimer: I did not receive product in compensation for this review.  These opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by the company nor was I asked to write this review.

 

Blueberry (sometimes refereed to as Swaddlebee)

http://www.blueberrydiapers.com/

One Sized, Pocket

AND

One Sized, AIO

 

My Blueberry diapers were the first CD that I truly loved.  They were also the only newborn sized diapers that we purchased.

 

Why love at first sight?  Why do I love most of my diapers - the designs! 

 

We have owls, monkeys, handprints, giraffes, elephants, monsters and cow prints!  Snaps and hook and loop.

 

Needless to say we LOVE our Blueberry Diapers!

 

These diapers get an amazing fit!  Even around Emmett's chubby thighs.  They are super absorbent but keep him dry!

 

Blueberry offers so many choices (minky, bamboo, cotton/micro) that there is a diaper for everyone.

 

I love that you have the option of tucking in the soaker on the AIO (like a pocket) to keep a more natural fabric on babes skin.

 

The ONLY thing I don't like about my Blueberry Dipes is that there isn't a wing or cover over the opening.  Occasionally the microfiber insert will ride up and touch Emmett's skin.  He is really sensitive so he usually gets a rash from this.  Solution for us has been to use a bamboo or hemp insert that is friendly to his sensitive skin.

 

Blueberry Diapers cost around $25 but are so worth the price!  Plus they are made in North America (unfortunately, no, not Canada).

 

My biggest regret about Blueberry Diapers?  I didn't know how much I'd love the hook and loop when I started my stash and was convinced I'd love snaps more (which I DON'T!) and this fab dino diaper eluded me because I could only find it in hook and loop...AND since I've been forbidden to purchase anymore fluff (since our stash is around 70?) it will have to wait.  Boo.

Photo: blueberrydiapers.com

 

If you don't have any of these fab diapers in your collection?  You should.  Go get some!

What's in my diaper bag: 2nd edition

I haven't done one of these for a while!  I feel like my diaper bag is getting fuller and fuller lately!  I thought it was supposed to get smaller as Emmett got older.

Now, if I am just running to the store for a quick errand or a walk around home we just grab a spare diaper, wipes and maybe a snack or bottle just in case.

We can call this the "almost 8 month old" diaper bag.  This is our actual diaper bag ready to go our for the day.  Most of the stuff is similar to the post I did a few months ago with some new additions!

Diapers...diapers...and more diapers.

I usually carry 3 CD with me or 2 shells and flip inserts if they are clean.  That white roll is a flip insert.  I don't have the flip shells I just use an unstuffed pocket.

 

I also have a wetbag and wipes.

 

I always have disposables in the bag just in case we run out.  They are usually attached to the wipes with my Wow Baby diaper strap anyways.

Burp cloth and spare outfit

While we have far fewer blowouts these days...we still have them!  Fortunately with the warm weather I can get away with just packing a spare onesie.

Food, snacks, meals, bottles...

Whatever you want to call it.  This is the most important part...according to Emmett.

For trips close to home I'm generally packing 2 8oz bottles (with the powder to make 3 or 4).  Today we also have vegetable Baby Mum Mums and yogurt drops.  Emmett isn't old enough for them yet but we follow watch the baby not the package!

 

If we were going to family/friends house we would have fresh fruit or veggies for a planned snack but these are easier to carry for just in case...or as bribery to keep him quiet!

 

Random stuff

 

With the nice weather I have been carrying a disposable swim diaper (for planned swims we use Bummi's CD) because you just never know!

We also have our Badger organic sunscreen.

Sippy cup.  Emmett loves water so fortunately I won't have to try and trick him into drinking it with juice!

Also Bamboo Baby toy/pacifier wipes because he LOVES to throw his toys on the ground and Bamboo Baby nose wipes...because he is still pretty congested.

Finally, the toys.

 

The remote goes everywhere with us.  It is a life saver.  Any toy that clips into our rings will travel!  I like using the rings because I just clip all the toys onto them and then snap it onto the diaper bag.

Sophie also goes everywhere with us.  We have two and generally leave one in each car.

 

Well that's it!  Our "almost 8 month old" diaper bag!

 

What items do never leave home without?

Is there anything that has been in your diaper bag from newborn stage?

Tushie Talk Tuesday: Diaper Review Series Week 2

Disclaimer: I did not receive product in compensation for this review.  These opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by the company nor was I asked to write this review.

I did not think I was going to make it in time for Tushie Tuesday...but the sleep gods intervened and Emmett is FINALLY asleep!!

This week we will be reviewing:

BumGenius 4.0

Pocket Diaper

http://www.bumgenius.com/

 

At first I didn't understand the BG love that the CD world seemed to share for them.  I hated the way that they fit Emmett.  Now as he has grown to be quite the chunk they are one of my favorite fits on him.  They have great leak protection too.

BG 4.0 allow him to get into everything!

 

 Things I love.

 

The fit - these do fit Emmett very well.  I think that the velcro fit better than the snap.  I love that these fit his chunky thighs even on the smallest setting.  They also have a great high rise.  BG are one of the only diapers we still have on the smallest setting.

Great fit!

The inserts - they have alot of sizes and snaps to customize where you need the most protection.  I have yet to have a BG leak. 

The pockets have lots of room for extra soakers.

The flaps over the pocket never ride up.  I love that because I know if I'm using a microfiber insert that it will never touch his skin.

 

Things I don't love.

 

The boring prints.  I know, I know CD should be about functionality right?  I still love a good print!  I have one fun BG print and haven't seen any others!

BG pockets only have one opening for stuffing....I'm torn on how I feel about this feature in diapers.  I LIKE that Emmett stays dry in the front because nothing escapes through the opening.  I don't like it because it does make stuffing them a bit trickier...especially with a boy and requiring a lot of padding in the front.  It isn't a deal breaker though!

I'm giving BG 2 ratings.

1: Taking into consideration ONLY functionality - 5 stars

2: Based on all aspects (hint: boring prints) - 3.5 stars...hey, as a modern cloth Mama this is important to me!



Happy diaper wearing dude!

 

 

Tushie Talk Tuesday: Diaper Review Series week 1

I decided to kick of the Diaper Review Series with my favorite diaper (I promise after this week I will not be going in order of favorites).

This week we will be reviewing:

Tots Bots Easy Fit

Made in Glasgow, Scotland

AIO

http://www.totsbots.com/



Emmett loves this diaper so much he is drooling over it!

 

 

When we were starting our stash my initial draw to this brand was the fun storybook character prints!  We currently have 4 Tots Bots in our stash.  I wish we had more!

 

Things I love:

 

The fit - these diapers fit Emmett better than any other diaper.  It has an extra long Velcro piece to ensure a great fit.  We have never had a leak in these guys.  Emmett also has super chunky thighs and these fit them very well.

 

They are trim!  Usually I'm stuffing his fluff butt into a pair of pants.  Not with these!

 

The prints - so cute.  We have their versions of Chicken Little, Hansel and Gretel, Jack and the Beanstalk and Superhero.

 

Rocking his Lickin Chicken diaper!

 

 

AIO - All in One

 

MINKY - I love minky!!  Emmett's bum loves minky!  Who doesn't love minky?

 

Things I don't love so much:

 

The insert doesn't get a great "stuff" after washing and because it's an AIO it is harder to adjust the liner for a perfect fit. 

 

The price is a bit steep at around $25 a diaper but honestly they are worth every penny.

 

Tots Bots get 5 stars from us!

 

7 Product Must Haves: 7 Month Old

Seriously, where has the time GONE!?  Baby Boo is seven months old today, SEVEN! 

Today I thought I'd do a list of products I use on or for Emmett on a daily basis.  7 of them for his 7 month birthday!

1.  Anointment Baby Calendula soap.

I love this handcrafted, organic, natural soap.  It is unscented but I swear it has a nice light, fresh smell (or maybe Emmett just smells nice).  It leaves his skin so soft and I think he prefers the feeling of the bar of soap than a rough wash cloth!

2. Anointment Baby Balm.

Emmett is prone to diaper rash so a good, CD safe cream is a MUST for us.  I recently discovered this gem and will be using it until all future babies are out of CD!  I love that it is natural and zinc free!

3. Munckin Fresh Food Feeder

These are a great tool to help Emmett learn to bring food to his mouth and experience flavours outside of purees without the fear of choking!  I also throw these into the freezer for a popsicle type snack of fresh fruit for the hot, hot days we have been having lately! 

The only thing I don't like about these is the mesh gets very grimy after a few uses.  I have heard that there is a silicone version available so I think I will be looking into that!

4. Flip Stay Dry Cloth Diaper Inserts

These are a great option for CD on the go!  I just grab the inserts and a back up cover (just in case) and chuck them into a wet bag!  Much less bulk than carrying 5 or 6 AIO around!

5. Bummis Reusable swim diapers

Emmett LOVES the water and swimming!  We are at a pool or beach at least once a week!  Once the cities splash pad opens (any day now hopefully) we will be more often!  I love these swim diapers!  They get a much better, closer fit than disposables.  I paid a few dollars more than a package of twelve disposables for one diaper. 

I like knowing what is against my babies skin.  I always wonder what chemicals are added to swim diapers to keep them from bloating in the water!

6.  Small baby books.

Yes, I know that Emmett can't read.  I'm not sure he even likes looking at the pictures.  I can assure you though that Emmett LOVES to eat a good book. 

7. Aleva Naturals Tooth N Gum wipes

I love these guys!  They are a wipe made with plant based ingredients designed to clean babies teeth and gums!  Emmett isn't old enough for toothpaste yet but has his two front lower pearly whites!  We use these kind of like a toothbrush and toothpaste to teach him good oral hygiene habits!

There you have it!  My top 7 at 7 months!

Product Review: Rockin' Green - Funk Rock

Disclaimer:  I did receive free product in exchange for this review.  This did not have any influence on my review.  These opinions are my own.

I have been using Rockin' Green Laundry Detergent since we started using CD.  I spent a lot of time looking into detergent because A) we have very hard water and B) I was terrified of messing up my washing routine!  I had read so many horror stories of people ruining their entire stash because of the wrong detergent.

I have had ZERO problems so I figure why mess with perfection?

The Rockin' Green love doesn't stop there for us.  We also use Shake It Up! in our wet bags.  I LOVE this stuff.  As I've posted previously we leave our wet bags open, hanging on Emmett's dresser.  I have had no problems with smells.

I was so excited when the awesome folks over at Rockin' Green sent me a bag of Funk Rock Ammonia Bouncer to try out!  What is Funk Rock (Information is the content of rockingreensoap.com)?

Product Description

Do you have the funk? Stinkies? Ammonia problems? Diapers that make your eyes water? Have you considered a kryptonite lined diaper pail to contain the smell of your dirty diapers?
Did fluffy or fido have an accident on your bunny slippers? Dealing with the dreaded toddler pee?

You need funk rock! This 100% natural compound is unlike anything you have tried before. It targets funk at the source and leaves no prisoners. Just 4 tablespoons is enough to de-funk up to 20 diapers in one sitting. A little to your pre-wash to keep the stinkies from coming back. That’s right, this 16 ounce bag will keep the diaper funk away for over two months!

Phosphate Free – Enzyme Free – SLS Free

Conveniently (well sort of) Emmett ended up with a wicked diaper rash last week and we needed super strength cream that I just don't trust on my CD so we switched to disposables for a few days while it cleared up.  I accidentally forgot about the bag of stinkers....for FIVE days.  Ahhhh CRAP!!  Literally!

It was time to put Funk Rock to the test! 

I followed the directions on the package.  Put 4 tablespoons into warm or hot water and add your diapers.  You are lucky smell-o-vision does not exist.  My eyes were watering the ammonia on these guys was so bad.  I knew well enough to take a big breath and just dump those dipes into the wash.  I could smell the barnyard from 4 feet away!

Filling up the washing machine

I let it soak for 60 minutes and then washed as usual.

Stinkers ready to go!

My final verdict?  A God send!  You would never know that these diapers were the same ones I threw into the washing machine!  I also threw in 3 diapers that were waiting to be stripped because the build up and barnyard smell on them was so bad.  They also smell brand new!

I did the ultimate sniff test on the biggest offenders of the bunch...I know who they were because there are still some stains on them - nothing a little sun bleaching won't take care of!   Watermelon fresh (not from the Funk Rock, we use the watermelon scented RG detergent). 

Funk Rock receives hands down 5 Stars from this family.  We may never have to strip our diapers again!  Thanks Rockin Green!

Tushie Talk Tuesdays: What's in our stash?

This can't be covered in one post!  You would be reading for days! 

I've decided to do a mini-series of posts for the next 9 weeks of "Tushie Talk Tuesday's" all about our stash!

I will be telling you what I like, don't like about each diaper.  If there is a reason I prefer one brand to another and if I have any tips or tricks I have for each brand. 

I will be talking about the following brands but not necessarily in this order:

Glowbugs - New design

Happy Heiny's

Bumgenius 4.0

Swaddlebees

Blueberries

Tots Bots

AMP

Bummis swim diapers

Lil Helper

Annnddd of course there is always the possibility I may acquire new brands to include (although I have been forbidden from any more fluff).

Continuing the Adventure!!!

Product Review: Sling Sisters Wetbags - Not just for the CDing family!

Disclaimer: I did not receive free product in exchange for this review nor was I asked to write this review.  These opinions are my own.

When I was purchasing my initial stash of CD and gear I hadn't done much research into the wetbags that we would be using to store dirty diapers.  Why?  Everything that I had read suggested that Planet Wise were the way to go. 

Done.  The store we were buying the starter stash from sold them.  Perfect.

Well.  We got there and checked out the large wet bags from Planet Wise.  Most of the prints were girly, very girly - think flowers.  Nope, these were not going to match Emmett's room at all.  So I grabbed one that was the least offensive to my liking and figured I'd buy more later.

Then I glanced over to the next row of bags and saw monkeys, owls, swirls and loops.  Fun prints and colours, lots of options for boys too!

I grabbed an owl printed bag.  I was hesitant because I hadn't heard about this company before.  I asked one of the girls working and she told me that they just started carrying them and they hadn't had much feedback yet. I loved that it was a Canadian company that made it and I loved the print so I figured we would take our chances.

So glad that we did!

My Sling Sisters wetbags are the BEST!  No, seriously they are!

Almost all of our Sling Sisters

 

What I love about these bags?

 

Firstly, they are Canadian made.  Yay!

 

Second - I LOVE the designs and colours.  They help make CD even more fun! 

 

Lastly - the functionality.  Obviously the most important feature. 

 

The extra large bags are huge and hold 3-4 days of cloth diapers (from their website and my personal experience).  I love the straps on the top with the snaps.  Most other bags don't have this snap.  They make it simple to attach anywhere you want to store you dirty diapers.

 

You could even take these bags camping, to the beach, on overnight trips etc. 

 

 

 



Regular sized wetbags (we own 3!).  These are great for on the go!  When we CD outside of the house we take one along to store the dirty dipes.  We just snap it onto the diaper bag.  I think I've stuffed about 7 CD into this guy.  If we are using disposables for whatever reason while we are out I still bring along a rolled up regular bag.  Just in case I need to store clothes that have been spit up on, had a diaper blow out etc.  I also take along a regular sized bag to swimming lessons to keep mine and Emmett's bathing suits away from oh I don't know...say my cellphone!

One of our regular sized is also their double duty bag.  It has a stay dry zippered pouch to keep the wets and the dry stay dry. 

Double duty bag and small/large snack bags

A couple of weeks ago I participated in a fun, online auction the Sling Sisters held on their Facebook page where they offered slightly imperfect, yet still functional items at a discount.  Auction style.  I was determined to get a double duty bag.  In the end I did not.  I did end up with 2 reusable sandwich bags which I am super excited for but I should have been smart like my friend Megan, she bought her stuff earlier in the day on their website to ensure she got what she wanted.  The auction offered bigger lots of items for ultimate discounts so I opted to try my luck.  It was 2 hours of FUN.

Since I bought our first Sling Sisters bag I have heard much more talk of this great Canadian company.  Their product is great and at a better price than their competitor.  They also offer more than just wetbags.  Be sure to check out their website!

I give their wet bags 5 stars!

Next on my list...I need to get my hands on some of their ninja prints!

Tushie Talk Tuesdays: Our dirty laundry

We...okay I...spent some time researching all the options on dirty diaper storage.  I didn't realize how many choices I had when it came to stinky, dirty diapers!  Wet pails that lock or don't lock.  Wet bags, dry bags, dry pails, plain ole garbage can, can with a liner, specially designed pail for CD....the list goes on!

This was the area I feared would lead me to ditching the cloth.  I am very sensitive to scents and the last thing I wanted was to be constantly smelling dirty diapers.

In the end we decided to use hanging wet bags.  The bag hangs on Emmett's dresser, zipper open, and we just chuck the dirty dipes in as they come!  That's it.  The wetbag contains the smell for at least 2-3 days.  Although, there have been a few times I've had to zipper it up because we've had a particularly poopy day....word to the wise - when you have to open up that zipper don't take a breath...just don't.  Trust me.

Our wetbag collection

We have 3 large wet bags.  We started with 2 but I found I had to use the dryer more often because they didn't line dry fast enough in the winter.  So we added our 3rd.  Now we have 1 in use, 1 drying and 1 ready to go!  We use Sling Sisters and Planet Wise bags.

We also have 3 small wetbags to take on outings.

Recently we have started using a great product from Rockin Green (go figure).  Shake It Up is a powder you just sprinkle into your wetbag or pail to help freshen things up until laundry time.  We have the Bare Naked Babies scent (because that's all the store had) but will be getting a scented version next time!  I <3 Rockin Green.

The nice thing about the wetbag storage is you just throw it into the wash with the diapers.  No rinsing out diaper pails here!

That's it....our dirty laundry all aired out.

Until next time friends!

Tushie Talk Tuesdays: LilHelpers Cloth Diapers Review

Disclaimer:  I did not receive free product or compensation from the company for this review.  I was not asked to write a review  These opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by the company.

A few weeks ago I discovered Lil Helper cloth diapers...purely by fluke!  You can read all about my decisions to try out these diapers here. 

Here is a quick recap on WHY I decided to purchase, invest, had to have these diapers:

1. 2 words - charcoal bamboo
2. Funky, hip, adorable prints

Moustache and Unicycle, Glasses & Bicycles and Chevron patterns....how could I resist?!

 

3. Good, honest, philanthropist company (and funny too!)


Okay, but how did they hold up?

You know that moment when Carrie Bradshaw sees an amazing pair of shoes and exclaims....
"Hello lovers".

Yup.  That was exactly how I felt.  I have had these diapers for just over two weeks now and I LOVE them.

They are an AI2 (all in two) diaper.  What the heck does that mean?  It means that as long as the inner fabric of the shell stays dry you can just pop off the inserts and keep the same cover.  Excellent if you are out and about and need to save space in the diaper bag!

Soakers just snap onto the shell - no stuffing pockets required!

Each diaper comes with two liners.  1 small and 1 large.  You can use them together or separately as required.  Emmett is a pretty heavy wetter and we can still use the small liner (although not at nap time!). 

 

Shell without a soaker, shell with large soaker and shell with both soakers.  The white diaper is the organic bamboo.

 

 

I purchased 2 Charcoal bamboo and 1 organic bamboo diapers.  I love them both equally.  They are super soft.  I do notice that the charcoal wicks the moisture away from Emmett's skin better.  You can tell there is a lot of moisture in the soaker because of the weight.  I also find the shell on the charcoal stay dry longer.

 

These diapers get a great fit!  At 23 lbs and 31 inches Emmett is still on the smallest length snap and the 2nd (on each side) waist snap.  So we have lots of growing space in these dipes!  They also have a great lower hip snap that keeps the sides from winging (extra fabric for size adjustment moving around).

Baby Boo photo op!

 

Prep was super easy also!  I did a lot of research on prepping charcoal bamboo.  I was even prepared to write a post on it.  Guess what??  Didn't need it!  These diapers are pretty much ready to go!  Just 1 pre wash and you are ready to go. 

 

I e-mailed back and forth with Mohammed a number of times with questions I had and promptly received a super pleasant and helpful response!  I couldn't believe how fast I had these guys in my hands after purchasing!  They also included 2 bamboo stay dry liners and a lovely smelling bath bomb!  The great customer service is never ending!

 

These diapers sell for just under $25 each - but you get what you pay for!  You can also purchase just the liners which I imagine would work with any other shells you have and you still get the Lil Helper quality!

 

I give both of these diapers 5 stars.  The price isn't even enough to remove a half star here! 

 

They also carry change pads, pail liners, blankets and more!  I can't wait to try out more of their wonderful product line! 

 

Be sure to check these guys out....even if you just need a laugh or a good read!

 

 

 

 





 

 

 



Shop Local

I am definitely not a rock star in the shop local movement.  However, there are certain stores in or near our city that we try to frequent for certain items. 

It is so sad to see your favorite little businesses go under because the big, evil box stores (Walmart I am looking at you) can offer a much more competitive price or selection.  At what cost though?

Customer Service?
Product Knowledge?
Loyalty?

Don't think so. 

I was going to include annoying customers (think...http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/) but I suppose this is beyond the control of any company...and my purpose of this post is not to bash Walmart!

On Tuesday Emmett and I made the short trip up to By Nature in Orillia.  A friend referred me to this store while I was pregnant with Emmett and starting up my CD stash.  At first I spent lots of time on their website browsing, filling and emptying and filling my cart again with cloth diapers, pregnancy teas and lotions and other random things.

Finally, I decided I need to take the trip to Orillia and check out the store. 

Ahhh...love. 

We've been back many, many times.

It's a small and simple shop on a side street in Orillia (just off Memorial if you are familiar with the area!).  The shelves are filled with natural and organic baby products, pregnant and Mommy products, toys and more.

We have purchased probably close to 1/3 of our diaper stash here.  As well as all our laundry detergent, wet bags, swim diapers, teas for during and after pregnancy, our baby carrier and more from this lovely shop!

I could go on and on and on.

The shop owner, Tamara, is a wonderful lady.  She and her staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the products that they sell.  They are never to busy to answer your questions and if the shop isn't busy you might just end up with all the ladies working helping you to answer your questions.

Tuesday Emmett and I, okay mainly I, went in with a purpose.  I needed more Hard Rock, a medium sized Sling Sister wet bag with dry pocket of course and I needed advice on a new diapering system for our outings.  Especially since my goal of disposable free by September is getting closer!  

Tamara helped us figure out what we needed and even helped to save some money by using the stash that we have at home!  I will be blogging about our new system soon!

Each of the three ladies working that day helped us out with something!  From finding products on the shelves, to explaining the benefits of certain creams and finding a new diaper system!

They even made funny faces at Emmett, which of course was his favorite part, other than the giant fan they have on the ceiling.

Okay, this is getting long.  I'm probably going to have to do another post on this wonderful store...okay, I know for sure I will be doing another post on this store!

Make sure you check them out either in Orillia or online bynature.ca!

My haul ;)

Tushie Talk Tuesdays: Regular laundry routine

One of the biggest hesitations from parents that I have heard about choosing cloth diapering is LAUNDRY!!

I am here to tell you today that it really isn't that hard! 


This is how we wash our dirty cloth diapers.  We wash on the largest setting possible to avoid stinky diapers and repelling issues!

1. Cold rinse - no detergent
2. Hot wash - 2-4 TBSP Rockin Green
3. Cold rinse

Variations:
1. Ummm nothing.  This rinse is essential to removing crap (literally) from your diapers prior to washing

2. Some diaper companies will tell you warm wash only.  Some people will tell you cold will suffice.  The reason you need hot water is to kill the bacteria in the diapers.  Plain and simple.  BUT do not use a sanitizing setting.  This is too hot and can ruin the PUL.

3. The rinse ensures that all the detergent is removed from the dipes to avoid residue which can lead to repelling.  A lot of advice I received prior to CDing was to have two final rinses.  I did start with 2 but learned that my machine performs just fine on one rinse cycle.

I have the benefit of having a top loading washing machine.  It is old and dingy and ugly.  I don't care.  I love it.  If I have to buy a new washing machine while I am still using CD I will likely buy another top loader. 

Why?

Front loading machines are usually energy efficient.  What that means for CDing families is less water.  Generally, this is a good thing!  As far as washing CD it is not.  One of the top rules for washing is lots and lots of WATER.  Essential to getting those diapers clean, clean, clean!

**If you DO have a front loader and find that you are having trouble with build up/diapers not getting clean enough even though you are using the largest setting try placing a wet towel in the load.  It can help to trick your machine into thinking there is more stuff in there sending a message to give more water!**

Finally, the drying process.  I try to hang dry my CD as much as possible.  Usually outside but if that isn't possible inside in a sunny place.  The sun will bleach your diapers naturally!

Occasionally I throw them into the dry on a low setting to help reseal the PUL but this isn't necessary.  If you are running low on liners (which I never am because my stash is HUGE so I omit this step) you can throw them into the dryer regularly. 

So that's it!  Super simple right!

Here is a quick recap in pictures...because pictures always make learning more fun!

1. Bring your dirty dipes to the washing area.  Simple.

 

2.  Set your washing machine to the correct settings for your first rinse cycle

Please excuse the lint on the machine...I wasn't cleaning it just for you guys

3.  After the first rinse set your machine for the wash cycle...still with me?

4. Throw in all your crap along with some CD friendly detergent!  Almost done!

 

5. Finally, 1 or 2 more rinses (see # 2).

 

6. Hang to dry and you are done!!

 

 

Until next time...the adventure continues!

Weekend Recap - In advance!

I usually do a recap of our weekend events.  Not this weekend! 

We have a crazy busy weekend ahead of us, full of lots of family fun!  However, I won't be blogging about it in a weekend recap.  Instead I will quickly share our plans now!

Today is my Birthday - yay!  Happy Birthday to me!!  I don't actually get excited about my birthday.  This year isn't any different...butttttt....we are heading to Great Wolf Lodge and Niagara Falls tomorrow!  So I guess I'm excited about that ;).

Today we are heading down to the waterfront (weather permitting of course) for some fun at Twelve Ladies in a Tent.  Maybe a visit with my family too!

So why am I not blogging about my weekend and telling you about the things we are doing now?  I have a few good blogs coming up this week that's why!  I just won't have time!  You can expect:

1.  My review on bringing a baby to Great Wolf Lodge. 
2. How to strip diapers (it isn't as dirty as it sounds I promise).
3. I got my notification that my new dipes are enroute!!  I will either be reviewing them, writing on how to prep charcoal bamboo dipes (also not so scary) or maybe both!!

Of course, no blog is complete without a few pictures.  So here they are!

FINALLY prepped Emmett's new Tots N Bots CD!  How cute is he?!

Emmett walking with his Aunt Marianne (loving known as Aunt M) at Craig's ball game last Monday.

 

And now I'm off to enjoy my delicious smelling Birthday Breakfast Craig is cooking...smells amazing!!  Happy Weekend Friends!

Even MORE fluff mail is coming my way!

I don't want to make this blog entirely  about cloth diapers but I am so excited I just couldn't wait until Tuesday to share!

I say it all the time but I truly do have too many cloth diapers!! 

And now...I have 3 more on the way! 

In pursuit of a diaper that would stand up to Emmett's 10-12 hour, heavy wetting nights I ended up here. 

My initial attraction was to the Charcoal Bamboo cloth diaper.  These little babies are supposed to offer mammoth sized protection overnight! 

Next, I feel in love with this print...of course Emmett had to have one!


Photo: lilhelper.ca

Thirdly, these guys are fricken funny!!  Their wicked sense of humour is plastered all over their site!  We all need a chuckle when dealing with poop! 

They are local to me, well close enough.  I love me a good local diaper!

Finally, and this was the clincher.   For every 3 diapers purchased at the end of the month they will donate 1 diaper to a family in need.  They also hold themselves accountable in their blog.  Amazing.  Best reason to shop there!

Now...I sit and wait for my dipes to show up so I can review, review, review!