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Tag Archives: cloth diapers
Velcro on Cloth Diapers Can Be a Good Thing
When it comes to cloth diaper closures, snaps are definitely king in terms of market choices and maternal preference. In fact, some of the most popular styles and brands are offered exclusively with snap closures. Why are snaps generally preferred? Velcro (or “hook and loop” as it’s called generically) tends to snag on things in the washing machine and dryer. It doesn’t last as long as snaps do, and it attracts lint, dirt and other debris very easily. Some moms have even had issues with babies being scratched or irritated by the rough hook and loop tabs. And then there are those curious little ones who learn that it’s not that hard to take off a diaper when it isn’t snapped…. Still, there is a place for diapers and covers with hook and loop closure. In fact, many mothers vastly prefer them and have shunned snaps altogether. There are some good reasons for doing so: 1. The fit is much more customizable because you’re never stuck in between two snap settings. It’s similar to the way “half sizes” make shoes fit more comfortably; snapping diapers are kind of like having … Continue reading
Flat Cloth Diapers – Compare Costs to Fitteds | #flatschallenge
I’m excited to participate in the 3rd Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge this year during the week of May 20-26! Since last year’s challenge, I have been an advocate for flat diapers, not only because they’re a very cheap cloth diapering option, but because they’re so easy to use! Last year, my family and I were in a lay over for three months at my parents’ house while we were waiting to close on our house. We did the flats and handwashing challenge while we were there, and we had some hiccups along with way! Check out what I’ve learned about flats along the way. A flat is any single layer absorbent fabric & it’s uber cheap! It may take a little hunting, but you can usually find the really good birdseye flat diapers online for a good price. Birdseye Flat Diapers – $1.50 – $1.58 (CD stores or Amazon) Flour Sack Towels - 5 for $5 (Walmart) Receiving Blankets – Free (around the house/baby showers) – $0.25 (thrift stores) Flannel Fabric – $2+ per yard Front and back panel of a Tshirt or sweatshirt – Free Compare the cost … Continue reading
Cloth Diaper Anatomy – Types of Elastic
Just when I thought I had figured out all the cloth diaper terms a few years ago, along came FOE and gussets and true gussets and double gussets and…and… Elastic is manufactured by weaving, braiding or knitting rubber with polyester, cotton or nylon (there is also clear elastic – one brand name you may have heard of is Lastin – available.) Each type/material has different benefits such was not narrowing when stretched, laying flat (not rolling) when stretched, durability, longevity etc. (Poly Braid is often used in diapers.) Elastic also comes in different widths, and widths may vary by diaper brand, or even area (waist vs. leg elastic.) Unless you are sewing your own diapers, you won’t be as concerned about the type as much as the sewing style of the elastic/leg openings (although I do find that wider elastic is my preference.) Encased: Elastic is sewn inside a fabric leg casing, such as Bumgenius pocket diapers and many others. Not Encased: Elastic is sewn end to end, but it not held inside a leg casing. Examples are Bottombumpers and the old style Bumgenius Elementals. Serged: Applecheeks is a good … Continue reading
Save even more money with used cloth diapers!
I have to admit, when we first decided to cloth diaper, I began looking on our local Craigslist for used cloth diapers. We had chosen to cloth diaper to save money, so what better way to save even more money than by buying used cloth diapers, right? Well my husband didn’t like that idea. He couldn’t wrap his mind around diapers that had been soiled by some other baby. Fast forward almost two years and I have finally convinced him it’s okay to buy used cloth diapers! I have since purchased some myself! If you’re curious about used cloth diapers, this post should help! Benefits of buying used Save even more money on your diaper stash. Purchase prints, colors, or styles that are no longer available. Many colors, styles, and prints get retired. The only way to get your hands on them is to buy used! Reduce, reuse, recycle! If the diapers are in usable condition, why not reuse them! When you’re done, pass them on to another family. Where to look for used cloth diapers Diaper Swappers Cloth Diaper Trader eBay Craigslist Facebook B/S/T Groups Used Cloth Diaper Dictionary … Continue reading
BEAT nighttime cloth diaper leaks with these three products!
Damp sheets, wet clothes, soaked diaper….what is the deal here folks? Is there a cloth diaper that can make it through the night without needing to be changed? There are solutions to the nighttime cloth diaper issues you may be experiencing. First thing to remember though is that not all babies pee the same amount or with the same frequency. This varies from baby to baby and changes with age. Second thing to remember is that in my opinion it doesn’t have a whole lot to do with the pocket diaper or cover you’re using, but more to do with what you’re stuffing in it. If a diaper with two inserts needs changing every 2-3 hours during the day then there’s a 100% chance it’s going to need to be changed the same amount during the night. Experiment with these three combinations and see if you can’t get a whole night’s sleep without having to wake up and change the babies soaked diaper. My TOP Pick #1 Kissaluvs Super Soaker Doublers. Photos can NOT do these doublers justice. They are thick, absorbent and will get the job done. Use one … Continue reading
The Toughest Cloth Diapers Around
I have been abusing my cloth diaper stash for years. GASP! Kelly Wels did what? I’ll let you in on a secret….I purposely put my cloth diaper stash to the test when I cloth diapered my son Riley. Now..I DO NOT endorse using “said” products. I use the phrase “Don’t Try This At Home!” (Don’t Try This at Home, a phrase used in the media to advise against imitating a dangerous activity.) I have used: Chlorine Bleach, Vinegar, Febreeze, Bac-out, and a host of other “non-eco-friendly” products on my cloth diaper stash. My purpose in doing so was determine what was the toughest cloth diaper around. When I owned a cloth diaper business I needed to know what diapering products were “tough”. Again, I have to stress I don’t endorse using any of these products. Chlorine Bleach…well I used that one with reckless abandon. My entire stash was composed of all brands and styles and I washed a load of cloth diapers approximately every 3 days. I am in the process of putting together a few boxes of cloth diapers to donate to Giving Diapers, Giving Hope and here are … Continue reading
The Benefits of Sunning Your Cloth Diapers
With winter behind us and spring ahead the sun becomes a major resource for all of us cloth diapering mama’s! I always used to hang my clothes out on a clothesline to let them soak up the sun and get that clean and fresh smell. But did you know that you could do the same with your cloth diapers? In fact, there are even added benefits to using the sun? Check out the list below: Doesn’t it just feel good to get yourself outside, not just your diapers? Soak up some vitamin D and let the kids run around while your diapers are drying. The sun provides a way to rid your diapers of stains. The sun acts as an all natural bleach. Simply lay your diapers out with the stains in direct sunlight, and watch them disappear. Sunlight acts as an all natural sanitizer as well. The sun provides antimicrobial properties helping to rid your diapers of mold and other bacteria. Sunning helps to decrease your electricity bill by decreasing your use of the dryer. Best part: SUN IS FREE! While you are going crazy thinking of ways to … Continue reading
Which cloth diaper style is best for you?
There are many different cloth diapering options on the market. It can difficult to sort through them and determine what’s best for you. Here’s a little info to help you decided. If you’re looking to save money: Prefolds and Flats These are the diapers from the past, but they still have a place in the cloth diapering community. Prefold and flat diapers are some of the most economical diapers on the market. At just a couple dollars per diaper, you can cloth diaper one child for around $100 or less! You’ll need a few diaper covers to rotate in your stash. If you’re looking for the closest thing to a disposable diaper: All-in-ones All-in-one (AIO) diapers have no extra steps! Just fasten onto your baby and go! After washing, AIOs don’t require any extra work to prepare them for the next use. If you are planning to use diapers at daycare: Pockets Pocket diapers are great for using at daycare. The cloth diapers will be prepped and ready to go for your child care provider and you can customize the absorbency for what your child needs. Stuffing the diapers at home, … Continue reading
Where are THEY now? Cloth Diapers I used to know.
With the popularity of Social Media, there are certainly brands that stay in the forefront and some that in my opinion have seemed to fade away. Facebook was not popular when I first started cloth diapering. Cloth diaper forums like Diaperswappers and Mothering were where everyone seemed to hang out. I noticed recently that I hadn’t seen or heard of some of my old favorite brands and the ones that were the most popular when I was getting started. Where are they now? Are they still in business? I went on a quest to find out. Drybees Cloth Diapers. I absolutely adored these Made in the USA cloth diapers. Drybees are still around it appears but they do not have a social media presence so that could by why we don’t hear or see them much online. Looking for an awesome overnight diaper? Try the Drybees Night Time fleece pocket diaper. You will love it! Green Acre Designs. I’d compare GAD diapers to the Apple Cheeks of today. When I was just getting started these diapers had a HUGE cult following. Mom’s coveted each others GAD stashes and these were … Continue reading
In-a-Pinch Cloth Diapers and Covers | Emergency Cloth Diapering
I have two sisters. Of the three of us, I’m the only one who uses cloth diapers on my kiddos. That’s cool. I’m ok with it. The three of us are completely different, and we all have learned to respect each others’ choices as parents. Emergency Cloth Diapering When my nephew (now 7) was a baby, I received a call from my sister one day. Apparently, they ran out of disposable diapers, and in a pinch, she grabbed a kitchen towel and some clothespins. She folded the towel around my nephew, pinched the clothespins on the side, and rather than taking a picture, her first instinct was to call me! (Mine would have been to take a picture!!) She giggled the whole time we were on the phone, and she just knew I’d think it was hilariously genius! What she didn’t expect was for me to tell her how to make it waterproof! I told her to grab a plastic grocery bag, and fold it around him in the shape of a cover so that if he pees, it would be contained! (Just make sure she put pants over it … Continue reading