An experiment with gDiaper Disposable Inserts & random covers

Last Thanksgiving I tried using the gDiaper with disposable inserts on my trip back home, and hated it.  A couple of weeks ago at the Celebrate Mama event I had someone ask me if they could just use a disposable insert with any cover.  This wasn't the first time I have heard this question, and I usually say that each disposable insert is made specifically to fit the manufacturer's cover, so I wouldn't advise it, though, I'm sure you could try.  Two weekends ago I drove up to NJ to visit some family who were visiting from Jamaica.  I had an open pack of gDiaper inserts left over from last year so I thought to myself, hmm.... this would be a good time to conduct a little experiment.  I didn't want to open up a brand new pack of GroVia inserts for my little overnight trip, so, I thought, let's see how these g-inserts will work with my Gen-Y, Bumkins & Happy Heinys OS cover.

The quick answer.... miserably.  Becca leaked all weekend.  I definitely had to increase the frequency of the changes, and this is why.  It's not that the insert didn't fit into any of the covers, because they did... I was concerned they'd be too wide or too long, but, that wasn't an issue.  It kinda came back to the same reason I didn't like them in the first place.  You know how when your baby pees in their cloth diaper the pee wicks throughout the diaper and everything gets soaking wet? Well, with the g-inserts, they don't do that!  Becks peed, and it just stayed in one place, isolated in the front.  It never permeated through the entire pad.  And when the front was soaked through, it had no place to go but outside the cover.  I wonder why it does that?

Of the 3 covers I used, I must say the Bumkins did the best, while the other two tied... and this has nothing to do with how good the cover is seeing that I don't usually have leaks in any of these covers, it was just the fit.  If you think about it the covers are usually over a relatively bulky diaper right?that is, relative to this insert.  So, when I put the insert in the cover that would usually fit snug over a cloth diaper, the cover fit pretty loose over the insert.  Meanwhile, my Bumkins cover tends to fit very snug usually, and so I think it was able to contain the pee a little better in this situation.

Conclusion?  Still hating the gDiaper.  If you ever thought to do this on a trip, don't bother.  Stick to the system that the insert is made for unless it says it is interchangeable with another, as most cloth inserts tend to be.  And the worst part is, I still have g-inserts left - what to do!

Bye Bye Prefolds, Hello One-Size Fits All Pockets

It's no secret that I am a thrifty mom and that I particularly love the natural fibers, which is why I've tended to stick to prefolds and hemp fitteds and pockets.  I prefer the trim fit of the hemp products over bulky, so I've been working with that.  But, it's the summer time, and little Miss Becca is downing so much water that she is peeing through the regular-sized prefolds. So, I decided it's time to test out some of my other products.  I mean, I AM the diaper lady right? Which means I should have personal experience with as many diapering products as I can get my hands on. 

So, I started using a Fuzzi Bunz OS pocket, the GroVia hybrid with cotton soaker, and Rumparooz OS pockets.  Let me tell you, there's no turning back. I mean, I do love the good old prefold, and I stand by that for infants, but, a toddler I think needs a little more.  First of all, the whole toddling aspect.  Becca is running around, climbing up and down the couch, just constantly moving, and though the Snappi never gave way, I could see it was holding on for dear life :).  Also, Becca isn't a squirmy one during changing, but, I know that many toddlers don't want to be stopped in their tracks for too long for changing time, so, not having to do a 2-piece deal is great.  Don't get me wrong, I still use my trusted Baby Kicks One Size Organic diaper with  a Gen-Y or Bumkins cover at night-time, and even some Diaperaps hemp fitteds and OsoCozy Cotton Fitteds in the days, but, everything else right now, is a pocket diaper or all-in-one.  I've been using the Kushies All-In-Ones, and though I confessed before, not my favorite diaper (there is room for improvement at the legs), it works okay for around the house.  When I go out with Becks, I take the Fuzzi Bunz, GroVia or Rumparooz with me - definitely don't want to be messing with 2 things when you're trying to change a kid in the back of the car.

Fuzzi Bunz

GroVia

So how do I like them? Well, the Fuzzi Bunz fits like a glove.  Yes, having to adjust the leg settings can be a chore initially, but once you find the right one it fits great, and looks cute.  Pro about Fuzzi Bunz is the wide pocket opening for the insert.  I love the Rumparooz also because it just fits so well.  The microfleece liner is SO soft I'm sure Becks just loves it. Con with Rumparooz, the pocket opening isn't as wide as the Fuzzi Bunz which can make unstuffing after a poop a little messy.  The microfiber inserts are bulkier than hemp for sure, but, they do the job. I could be wrong, but, I somehow feel that the microfiber inserts don't hold fluid as well as the hemp inserts do? Like, if pressure is exerted on it, the moisture tends to squeeze out more so than with a hemp insert.  Has anyone had that experience? I think I'll have to try the Baby Kicks 3g Bumboo pocket to compare, because I never have leaks with my fitteds + covers, and I did have a couple leaks with the Rumparooz (this could also be because it's summer and Becca's drinking water like crazy so we've had to change her more frequently than we're accustomed to).  The GroVia's I like because I can just unsnap the used soaker and snap the new one in.  It also makes for a lighter diaper bag if you're just carrying the soakers and maybe an extra shell.  For me, I think 3 hours is the max in the GroVia unless you have a booster inserted.

So no, I 'd rather not say I'm abandoning my beloved hemp or the prefold, instead I prefer to look at it as the evolution and diversification of my stash.  For containment, I definitely think the fitted + cover system works the best, but, for convenience a good one-size pocket diaper is great to have handy.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Newborn Cloth Diapers & Eco Babies Newborn Rental/Trial Pack

Anyone reading this who has attended one of my cloth diapering workshops knows that I'm not the biggest proponent of buying newborn sized diapers.  The simple truth is that newborns outgrow the diapers so quickly it can really be a waste of money to buy a stash of diapers that will last maybe 2 months.  Most "small" diapers start from 7lbs.,  which I dare say is fine for most babies. It was certainly fine for mine since she was born at 7lbs 13oz, however, as a colleague of mine pointed out, what about all the other babies born under 7lbs? What about the preemies? What about twins? Certainly I shouldn't exclude them from the product selection that Eco Babies provides.

An attendee at one of my workshops told me that she would be renting some newborn diapers from an online retailer... and so the seed was planted.  As of April 1, 2011 Eco Babies will be offering a newborn rental package that will act not only as a way to accommodate a smaller baby in an affordable way, but, also a way to introduce mommies, who are still apprehensive and tentative about using cloth diapers, to cloth diapering without making the financial investment.  I am really excited about this, because one of the biggest questions in my workshops is, "which one should I choose?".  And I usually tell people it's about personal preference and lifestyle, and to buy a couple different diapers and see which they like before making an investment on a full stash, because they're not going to hate any diaper, but, they might prefer one type over another.  This rental package allows the mom to do just that.

So, without further adieu, introducing the Newborn Rental/Trial pack brought to you by Eco Babies.  Full terms and conditions can be found on my website, however, here is a quick ditty about how it works.  The Newborn Rental/Trial Package will contain prefolds, contour diapers, covers, pocket diapers, All-In-Ones, and some necessary accessories.  Customers will pay a deposit of $220.  Rental fee is $35/month, and a minimum of 2 months rental is required.  At the end of the 2 months, if the customer wishes to terminate the rental they will have to return the rented items and will receive the deposit less the rental fee less and any other costs incurred.  Customers will be required to wash their diapers with Rockin' Green detergent, and upon return or rental package all rented diapers will be professionally laundered by 2 The Root diaper service, located in Takoma Park, MD. 

I am SUPER excited to roll this new service out as I really think that it will be very beneficial to many moms.  Eco Babies really strives to make cloth diapering accessible to parents and to tear down the walls of fear and apprehension that tend to come with cloth diapering.  We hope that this service will help to do just that.

I want my cloth diapers Made in the USA!

It seems in these days of outsourcing that it is very difficult to find products that are made right here in the good old USA.  We can all acknowledge that due to the current economy we can't possibly expect everything to be made in the USA, or for all raw materials to be sourced right here in the US, however, some people really want to support their own and Buy American.  By buying American we mean supporting local workers and keeping money right here in the US.  Also, with all the recalls lately of products made in China, people are very concerned with their safety. I'm constantly meeting people interested in cloth diapers, who ask, "so which one is made in the USA?".  Well, here goes:

1. Happy Heinys products are all made right here the USA.  The Owner began making cloth diapers in her home out of necessity - wanting something better for her baby. This evolved into the successful business she has today. Happy Heinys specializes in pocket diapers.  They make sized pocket diapers, as well as one-size-fit-all pocket diapers that don't require a cover.  And they also make Happy Hempies which are hemp pocket diapers that require a cover - both in sized and one-size.  They also make a variety of accessories such as covers, wipes, washes & doublers.  Most the pocket diapers do not come with a doubler which gives the customer the ability to choose what type of doubler they want to use - hemp or microfiber, OR, to use their existing infant-sized prefolds as doublers.
2. Thirsties products are also made in the USA.  Thirsties signature products is the "Duo" system.  Their Duo Wraps are adjustable covers that come in two sizes to fit newborns through toddlers, and the Duo Diaper which is an open pocket diaper that comes in two sizes for newborns through toddlers.  The great thing about the Duo Diaper is that there is no need to unstoff the pocket because the pocket is designed to have the doubler agitate out in the washing machine. Other things that Thirsties sell includes prefolds, fitted diapers, doublers, wipes, sized covers and many more.  One could definitely diaper their baby exclusively with Thirsties products!
3. Gen-Y covers are made locally in Virginia.  The Owner tries to source the fabrics domestically, and all the sewing of the covers are done right here in the USA.  Gen-Y's mainstay is covers, and they make GREAT covers.  The coolest thing about Gen-Y covers is that all covers are limited edition because after the fabric is purchased and the covers made, another lot of that same fabric will never be bought!  And let me tell you, Gen-Y gets some super-cool prints!  Love them!
4. Planet Wise makes the coolest wet bags and pail liners.  Their products are all made in the USA, and they choose the coolest fabrics to make their wet and wet/dry bags.  The wet/dry bags tend to sell VERY well at Eco Babies not only because they are so cute, but also because they are very versatile - one side to keep your dry clean diapers, and the other waterproof side to store your soiled diapers/wet swimsuits, etc.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of cloth diapers made in the USA, so, if you have any favorite diapers that are domestic please share!

How do I deal with dirty cloth diapers when outside the home?

Inevitably one question I get when I talk to a mom and/or dad curious about cloth diapering they want to know what  to do when you're out on the town with the baby? Do you walk around with the soiled diapers for the rest of the day? Well, yes, you do, but, there are ways to make it not so messy. 

1. Diaper bag: if you don't already have a fancy super-compartmentalized diaper bag then get a nice eco-friendly diaper bag from Dandelion.  It's a washable canvas bag that's not ginormous.  I have a ginormous diaper bag that is just too much, and a smaller one that at times is just too small.  This canvas bag is just right.  Plus, if some milk or formula spills in the bag, which you know will happen eventually, just throw it in the wash.  Love it.
2. Wet bag or Wet/dry bag: these awesome bags by Planet Wise are cute and functional all at the same time.  Either get a medium-sized wet bag to put the soiled diapers, or, get a medium-sized wet-dry bag to hold the clean diapers, and to put the soiled diapers.  These wet/dry bags are great for day care or a day with grandma as all the diapers are in one place.  These bags are zippered shut so they contain odors well and hold 8-9 diapers comfortably.
3. Flushable liner: Who wants to walk around with a poop filled diaper? To mitigate this I line my diapers with a flushable liner so that if baby poops I can just flush it away leaving minimal poop, if any, on the diaper.  Way better than walking around with a poopy diaper all day long. 
4. Bamboo wipes: Nothing against cloth wipes, but, when I'm out I'd much rather have some disposable wipes.  I much prefer the bamboo wipes because they are so much stronger than the name-brand wipes, and they have natural and organic ingredients that are soothing for the baby, and smell lovely.

OPTION: If you don't want to do cloth when you're out, you can also do a hybrid diaper, like Gro-Via.  So carry an extra Gro-Via shell, and a bunch of bio-soakers which are flushable/compostable/bio-degradable.  If you're afraid of flushing them in a public bathroom, then feel guilt-free tossing them in the garbage.  A mom gave me a great idea the other day - use biodegradable dog poop bags to wrap up the diaper before disposal.  Gotta love it!

Am I missing anything?  Share your tricks of the trade with us.

Product Review: Cloth Wipes & Aleva Naturals Bamboo Wipes

In the cloth diapering world very few moms rely on disposable wipes that can be purchased at the supermarket. The truth is you never really know what's in them, and when you think of having to buy them on a weekly basis the cost can add up.  Cloth diapering moms tend to be environmentally friendly, health conscious and thrifty, so, in our normal every day we use cloth wipes.  If you're a cloth diapering mom that is washing her own diapers then using cloth wipes is really just an extension of that.  They go in your wet bag and get washed with the soiled diapers.

I see many moms talking about using some excess fabric, or running down to their local fabric store and making their own cloth wipes.  That's perfectly fine and quite noble, but, the rest of us purchase cloth wipes from their diaper retailer as many cloth diaper manufacturers do make cloth wipes.  What sets the pre-made wipes apart from the do-it-yourself wipe? Well, the really good wipes out there are double-sided - one side is a regular smooth cotton which is great for wiping up pee, and the other side is a fleece which is textured, which makes is great for the peanut-buttery poop that comes along when baby is eating purees.  For me, my cloth wipes do everything.  If baby's nose is running, I grab a wipe.  If she spills some milk, or has food on her chin, I grab a cloth wipe. So, they tend to be multi-purposed.

So, why buy Aleva Naturals bamboo wipes? Well, it's a great alternative to the brand-name disposable wipes because it contains only natural ingredients that are soothing for your baby's butt.  Each wipe is super soft yet very strong (I haven't had one disintegrate in my hands yet), they contain aloe vera, chamomile, tea tree oil & lavender oil and because of that smell awesome!  They're hypo-allergenic, contains no sulfates, parabens, alcohol or chlorine.  This is truly an all natural wipe.  Best of all, they are 100% biodegradable - so, flush them away guilt free.  I use these wipes in my diaper bag.  So when I'm out I don't have to worry about having enough cloth wipes with me, especially if baby makes a poopy, I can just toss the wipes, rather than walking around with the smelly wipes - cause you know to get off the sticky poop you'll need multiple wipes :)

So, cloth wipes are great! Bamboo wipes are great!  I use them both, and you should too :)

Yay for solid poop! It makes for light work of cloth diapers

My daughter has finally gotten to the last evolution of poop.  Whew!  That's all I can say.  It's the best thing after going through the other stuff.

I have blogged about poop before and the cloth diaper, but, now that I am actually at the last stage I just wanted to put the first-time mommy's mind at ease.    As I mentioned before, breastfed poop is runny and yellow and will stain the diaper more than solid poop does, but, it is completely water soluble and will come out in your washing machine very easily.  The "peanut-buttery" stage is the icky stuff that just sticks to the cloth diaper and your baby.  But, can be mitigated by a bio-degradable liner or a diaper sprayer. Definitely don't want that directly in your washing machine.

But this last stage is SOLID.  When my darling daughter makes a poopy these days, I literally walk over to the toilet, unfold the diaper, and "plop", the poop rolls right off and into the toilet with very little prodding from me.  Yes, I do get the sprayer out to get off any little pieces that may be lurking around the diaper, but for the most part, it just rolls off. I don't know about you, but, I'm excited! :)

What has your experience been with poop and the cloth diaper? Leave a comment for the new mommies.