April Showers bring Lily Flowers!

More Lily :)
(Last one for awhile, I promise)

Lily loves to swing

But only when she can go high!

We participated in the Great Cloth Diaper Change 2012 (setting a world record)

But first... play time!

With lots of balloons and creepin' babies.

All these babies are a little overwhelming (there were 56!!)

Proof!

We also got some new sunglasses with grandma :)

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Cloth Diapers- Types

Part 2:
Those of you that have started your research know, there is an unlimited amount of information on cloth diapers out there. I’m sure you are starting to pull your hair out, ready to give up because of the overwhelming amount of information. So let’s break it down.
There are many types of cloth diapers. It is best to try out a few types and pick what works for you best.

OS (One size)- This is a diaper that is multiple sizes in one. These usually work from about 9 pounds-30 pounds. They snap down to change sizes easily so you do not have to buy multiple sizes (small ,medium, large) with these. Often, these do not fit newborns or large toddlers.
AIO (All in one)- This is the closest you can get to a disposable. The outer layer is waterproof and the inner layers are absorbent. You do not have to add any thing, unless you want more absorbency. In that case you can use a booster or doubler (inserts you lay inside diaper). These usually have velcro or snap closures. They usually have longer drying times and can be a bit pricey than other options.
AI2 (All in 2)- These are often referred to as hybrid diapers. AI2’s have a cover/shell and an insert. These systems are great for on the go. Often, you only have to change the insert. The cover/shell is waterproof. You lay the insert inside of the shell and put on baby. Often, these systems have available disposable inserts that are more eco friendly than disposable diapers. AI2’s can be a bit more pricey than other options.
Pockets- Pocket diapers could easily be the most popular cloth diaper type. These diapers have a waterproof outside and a stuff-able inside. You must “stuff” inserts into the pocket area to have absorbency. You can customize absorbency but stuffing different material (hemp, bamboo, microfiber) or more insets into the pocket. You can often find cheap pockets or more expensive ones depending on what you are looking for.
Fitteds- Fitted diapers require a wrap or cover. These are very absorbent and are great for a night time diaper. Paired with a hemp insert, these will work with even the heaviest wetter!These can also be a bit pricey.
Prefolds/Flats- Prefold and flat diapers are probably the kind of diaper you remember hearing about. You must fold these or wrap these on your baby and then use a cover. You know longer have to use diaper pins however, with this amazing invention called the snappi. This is the cheapest/most economical option out there. We like to trifold our prefolds into a cover for a quick diaper change.
WAHM (work at home mom’s)- Many WAHM’s make diapers and sell them. These are usually made in the United States and have great prices and can be customizable. You can often find these diapers on Etsy, hyenacart or diaperswappers.
Wool- This is a natural fiber cover. The best of the best :) Price ranging from cheap to expensive.
There are a few other things to consider. Do you want leg gussets? Do you prefer natural fibers? Is your baby chunky/skinny? Would you mind using preowned diapers?
Leg Gussets- Leg gussets are an extra bit of fabric around the thigh that insures no poo can escape! This helps especially with exclusive breast fed poo.
Natural Fibers- Many diapers come in natural fibers but some are made with microfiber/microfleece. Is this important to you? Make you you pay attention to what your diapers are made of.
Skinny/Chunky babies- Different diapers fit different babies differently. That said, imagine going shopping with your best friend and buying the same dress. It will fit you both differently, even if you are the same size. The best thing to do is try them out before you commit to a certain brand. Many stores have ‘trial packs’. Or you could go on diaperswapper.com and find a pre-used/pre-owned diaper for a steal! Also, there are many buy/sell/trade boards on facebook. Often you can find locals to help you out!

BRANDS-
This is the fun part. Finding what works for you.
AIO’s- Grovia, BumGenius, Thirsties, Swaddlebees, Rumparooz
AI2’s- Grovia, Flip, G Diapers
Pockets- BumGenius, Fuzzibunz, Kawaii, AlvaBaby, Happy Heinys, Blueberry, Thirsties
Fitteds- Kissaluvs, Thirsties, Sustainablebabyish, Kiwi Pie, Blueberry, Eco Posh,
Prefolds- Thirsties, Bummies, Swaddlebees, Babykicks, Econobum
WAHM’S- Wylie Clothworks, CC Bums, Curwhibbles

Note-There are MANY other brands out there, these are just a few.

There are many options out there and cloth diapering can get overwhelming. A word of advice, keep it simple. This can be as complicated as you make it! Pin It Now!

Cloth Diapering- Myths Exposed!

So many people have been interested in starting cloth lately :) I thought I would make a reference post in case any was interested! I am always available to talk and answer questions too! hehe

Part 1:
Common misconceptions:
1. Cloth diapers DO keep your baby dry. Diaper rash is rare with cloth diapering. Disposables use gel that keep your baby ‘dry’. Really this gel is just allowing you to go longer in between changes, leaving your baby sitting in pee. In my personal routine, we change every 2-3 hours or when lily poops. She is always dry and has never had a diaper rash!
2. Cloth diapers and diaper pails don’t have to smell. Many people feel like using cloth diapers will make their home smell. I wash about every 3 days and have never had any smell issues. When Lily poops, it actually contains the smell too! Smell is rarely an issue with cloth diapers, unlike smelly disposables.
3. Cloth diapering is not more difficult than using disposables. I do an extra 2 loads of laundry a week. That is the extent of ‘difficulty’. Using cloth diapers can be just as easy as putting on a diaper, throwing the old one in a diaper pail. My husband actually prefers cloth over sposies.
4. cloth diapers ARE cheaper than disposables. On average, families that use disposable diapers spend around $1000-$2000 on each child. Families that use cloth diapers spend around $150-$300 dollars and can use the diapers on subsequent children. Now THAT is savings!! Not to mention, children who are cloth diaper often potty train a year earlier than those who use disposables.
5. With cloth diapers you rarely have to touch poo. Many people think that with cloth diapering comes getting down and dirty with your diapers. This is not the case. With exclusively breast fed poo, you can throw the diaper straight into the washer! When solids are starting there are two options. You can either:

• Use diaper liners and just shake the diaper over the toilet.
• Use a diaper sprayer (mini power washer for diapers) and spray into the toilet.

We used disposable diapers for about a month when Lily was a newborn. She had so many poop explosions, ruining clothes that I came to hate disposables. When we turned to cloth, no more explosions!! I am proud to say that I have not had to touch poop in three months (as long as she has been in cloth).
Cloth diapers really are quite easy to use and very fashionable. They are eco friendly, easy on the wallet and better for babies bum. Give it a shot, I think you will be pleasantly surprised! Pin It Now!

Thirsties Fab Fitted and Duo Wrap Review

Let me just say, our little chunk is a bit of a heavy wetter. She eats a lot therefore she pees, a lot. Weighing in at about 13 lbs at 3 months, 3 weeks Lily goes through diapers like a pregnant lady goes through Tums. We were using our Grovia's for night time diapering, but every morning she was waking up soaking wet. After changing her sleeper, onesie, swaddle AND the sheet every night for about a week I was determined to find something that worked. Enters Thirsties Fab Fitted.

Overlapping Aplix Tabs make it an amazing fit!

Very Trim Diapers, and they come in so many cute prints/colors.

Thirsties Fab Fitted are very trim. When it's time to fit into those almost too small pants this is the diaper to grab! They are very absorbent and last 12+ hours for us. The sizing snaps are strong enough that they don't pop open every time we change her, like other diapers have for us. They are very easy, even for sitters or clueless daddies. The system is very economical with only 2 sizes from birth to potty training. The aplix is strong, but the laundering tabs seem to be a little less sticky. Every now and then I will pull out a diaper chain, frustrated. Overall Thirsties Fab Fitteds have proven to be a keeper!

Very strong sizing snaps make for easy diaper changes!

This print is my favorie, Alice Brights.

Thirsties Duo Wraps are not my favorite. For diaper covers, they are good. They never leak, have amazing leg gussets and are very trim. I am not a big fan of the plastic-feeling though. Also, my 13 pound 3 month old is already in a size two!! At about 10 lbs the size one cover fully unsnapped started to dig into her belly. It would leave red marks that wouldn't go away for a few hours. These size 1 covers are supposed to fit until around 18 lbs. Overall, the Thirsties Duo Wrap did the job, but I would rather use a Grovia AI2 Shell or a Kawaii One Size Cover.

This combination for night time diapering has done wonders to my laundry routine. No more wet jammies! I would recommend for you to try Thirsties products yourself :)- Pin It Now!

Nakey Baby

Mmmm Mama's leg is yummy!

Ohhh... I ate too much!

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Gro-Via AI2 Review

We have been cloth diapering since our little girl was 2 weeks old. When I was pregnant I did a bunch of research and bought the bulk of my stash...Gro-Via AI2's.

Gro-Via shells come in either aplix (velcro) or snaps. They are one size diapers which fit from around 9 lbs-35 lbs. The sizing snaps are very strong so they don't unsnap while trying to diaper your baby. We are still on the smallest setting and the diaper is not that bulky. The waist snaps cross over and can snap pretty small! This is very nice for skinny babies. Lily has skinny little legs and we don't have any leaking problems. The aplix is very strong, but does not get caught up in the washer or dryer! This is a huge plus for me because I hate pulling my covers out of the dryer all stuck together because they came loose. My husband prefers the aplix and I prefer the snaps.

The soakers or inserts that snap into the shell are TPU backed so you never have wet hands. They have leg gussets to prevent EBF poo from leaking. We have never had a blow out and only had a leak when we waited a little too long to change her diaper (opps!). They are very absorbent and convenient for on-the-go diapering. Sometimes we just tri fold a prefold in the shell and it does the job. I am not a big fan of the Gro-Via boosters, but that may be from user error. I can't seem to get the shell tight enough with a booster inside.

We have only used 1 bio soaker and it didn't turn out too well. We have a heavy wetter and after just an hour we had leaks. It is a nice alternative to disposables, but doesn't quite do the trick for us. We will be trying these again in time and I hope the first time was just a fluke!

 

This system is a little on the pricey side but it is totally worth it in my book. We do not use this system for nighttime. Overall the Gro-Via AI2 system is my favorite so far. The pro's outweigh the con's and I continue to build my stash! As of now we have 20 soakers, 7 snap shells and 4 aplix shells. Pin It Now!