Call me crazy...

I wasn't able to sleep last night, so I figured I would utilize the quiet time and get some work done on the DFW Cloth Diaper Project.  As I thought about everything that needs to be done, I became a little overwhelmed.  This, is in addition to family life, church, both global and local committees for the 2012 Great Cloth Diaper Change, the DFW Cloth Diaper Group (which has 2 monthly meetings, and a very active Facebook page), and recovering from the motorcycle accident.  Any one of those things is a job in and of itself.  I sometimes think I have lost my mind.

So, why do I do all of this?

When I started the Cloth Diaper Group in August 2010, my hope was to meet a few local families with similar interests.  While visiting online cloth diaper forums, the common theme was that everyone felt alone in their choice to cloth diaper.  They felt isolated when their family and friends disapproved of their choice to do what they felt was best for their family.  While I didn't feel this way (I knew a few people in real life who also cloth diapered), I thought it would be fun to have a local group.  So, I started one, unsure of where it would lead. 

It was a slow start, with only 1 person at our very first meet up (followed by no one at the next 4 meet ups).  But in January of 2011, we grew to 100 members!  Suddenly, people showed interest in this little group that I almost regretted starting.  We had about 15 mama's and their babies at that meet up!!  Now we have nearly 800 "likes" on Facebook (and a very busy page!) and two monthly meet ups.  I am blown away, and deeply humbled, by how amazing the group is now.  It is more than I had ever imagined.  I am learning as I go with the group, as I have never done anything like this before. 

I had hopes of what the group would become, but I never thought it would be a reality.  In April 2011, we participated in setting a Guinness World Record (tm) for the most simultaneous cloth diapers changes around the world!  A global event to promote the use of cloth diapers, and we were part of it.  How cool is that?! 

The DFW Cloth Diaper Project seed was planted in my heart a little over a year ago.  I was in line behind a young woman at the store.  She had two young kids with her, and only a few items in her cart.  She had food stamps, but did not have enough cash for the food and diapers in her cart that the food stamps did not cover.  She stood there, trying to decide what to put back.  I told the cashier to add something to my bill, but she ignored me.  I asked her again, but she refused to ackowledge me.  The young girl made her decision and rushed out of the store.  I knew even if I purchased her abandoned food, I would never find her by the time I got to the parking lot.  It broke my heart to think that she had to choose between food and diapers. 

I contacted someone at a local non-profit about possibly leading classes on cloth diapers.  The idea was not supported, though, since they didn't feel their clients would be disciplined enough to follow through.  So I shelved the idea for awhile.  In the spring of 2011, I had the idea to start the Project for a program that helps homeless teen moms.  In the end, that did not work out.  But the idea was there, and we are moving forward, though in a different direction than originally planned.  We will soon be accepting applications for those who are unable to afford both diapers and their household bills. 

I was overwhelmed with how the DFW Cloth Diaper Group responded to this little idea.  Diapers were sent to me in boxes and bags to be used for the families.  We even hosted an online auction to raise money for the Project, where we raised over $350!!! 

I have a passion for sharing the "fluffy love" that has become part of my life.  It has not only given me a hobby, but it has been a great way to meet the most wonderful people!  I have the opportunity to share something that is not only better for our babies, but for our planet and our bank accounts!  Imagine, the very first disposale diapers ever made are still in landfills across the globe.  What kind of world does that leave our grandchildren and their grandchildren?  We did not start using cloth diapers for environmental reasons, but it has become a reason to continue using them.

I do what I do because it has been placed on my heart to help those around me in my community.  It just so happens that it is fun!  I am not paid a penny for any of this, though it sometimes feels like a full time job.  I seriously love what I do. 

Even if I do feel a little insane sometimes.


Fortunately, there are some wonderful people who share the same passion for cloth diaper advocacy that help me out!  I could not do any of this without them.  They keep me sane, simply by knowing they are there to help.  A very special thanks to Elise of Baby Rear Gear for taking everything over last minute for the Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011, since I was in the hospital and unable to attend the event.  She did an amazing job, and it could not have happened without her.  I also want to thank Lori (the Gnome's Mom) and Tara of Diaper Solutions for serving on the Project Committee.  I am in the process of creating a committee for the 2012 Great Cloth Diaper Change, so I want to thank all of you in advance for doing your part in being advocates for modern cloth diapers! 

I also want to thank each and every member of the DFW Cloth Diaper Group and all of our local cloth diaper shops.  You are all amazing!  Just by doing what you do, you are making this world a better place.  Yes, that sounds cheesy and mushy, but it is true.  So, thank you! 

I Flip'd out!

Riley woke me (and Eli) up at 7:15 this morning by yelling, not really sure what was so important.  So by 9:00 am we were dressed and ready to run some errands.  I realized when we got to the second stop that I left the diaper bag at home.

Uh oh.

The fully stocked diaper bag... sitting at home alone.

But I saw I had the trusty back up Flip cover and 2 stay dry inserts in the car, so I knew we were fine.  The disposable wipes I keep in the car as backup were dried up, but I knew I could just use wet paper towels if/when I needed to change his diaper. 

After a couple errands, we had lunch at In N Out Burger.  Yum!  The boys ate well, and drank lots of lemonade.  Then off to the mall to play for the boys to run off some of their boundless energy.

I changed Eli into the Flip cover and 1 stay dry insert, and put the extra insert in my purse.  Just in case.  I didn't think we'd need it.  After all, they were just going to play for a bit before going home.

Fast forward 20 minutes when I smell something stinky when E came to get a drink.  But I knew we had the extra Flip insert, so we were okay.  A quick change in the family restroom and a "borrowed" bag from Gymboree, and the boys were playing again in no time!  Crisis averted.

It was almost time to leave when I smelled it again.  I checked, hoping it was another kid, but I knew it was Eli.

Okay, now what?  I don't have any blankets or shirts in the car, but we are at a mall....

We went over to Sear's, bought some receving blankets, and I changed Eli again.  I just pad folded a blanket like a flat cloth diaper and reused the same Flip cover (which was still clean enough to use -- no poop got on it!).  And now we have some uber cute "flats"!

Three of the four adorable new "flats" we have.
Bonus:  they were on sale!

I called Ryan on the way home and told him how glad I am we cloth diaper!  Our day would not have been so productve otherwise.

If we still used disposables, I'm not sure we would have finished running our errands today.  Once I realized I left the diaper bag at home, I probably would have just gone home.  If we had made it as far as the mall, I know I could have asked someone at the play area for a diaper.  But we would have gone straight home after the first offense.  Instead, they got to stay to play! 

Making the switch to cloth diapers has made me realize that there are so many things that can work in a pinch!  Blankets, towels, t-shirts, pretty much any cloth item!  So if you're ever in a bind, be resourceful!

From now on, I know that the one cover and 2 inserts are not enough.  In addition to those, I will also keep several flats (either blankets or actual flats), cloth wipes, and a gallon ziploc bag in the car.  Enough for a full day out in case I forget the diaper bag again.


What have you used as a diaper in an emergency situation (of the real kind, or like my situation today)?

Wool: Part 1

I have found a new love that I haven't even shared with you yet.  It feels like forever that I've done a post on diapers.  In fact, I wrote this last week and haven't had a chance to take some super cute pics to add to this, but that never happened.  Time got away from me.

So, you want to know what my new obsession has been for the last few months? 

Wool!  I even love fitteds now, too.  I wish I had listened to everyone sooner and tried wool long ago. 

E wearing wahm knit shorties.

I had tried fitteds last year, but didn't really get the point of them.  I tried them with PUL covers, and it was like putting on 2 diapers under his shorts.  It was just too much.  So in January, I tried another fitted, the Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted with a PUL cover for overnight.  That didn't turn out so well.  The microfiber caused major stink.  So I sold them and moved on.  I kept using a pocket with a gflapper, but wasn't very happy with it anymore.  It seemed E needed something better for all night.

My wool love started with a visit to the Just Between Friends Consignment Sale in Fort Worth last spring.  I found a pair of lightweight green wool shorties for $6(!).  So I figured, what the heck?  For $6 if I don't like them it's no big loss.  Everyone had told me that wool and fitteds were bulletproof for overnight, but I was skeptical and wasn't sure about it.  Wool is what I wear in the winter, so wouldn't they just be hot?  We live in Texas, not Canada!


I also thought that wool would be hard to care for.  They have to be handwashed (I hate handwashing anything!).  And lanolized.  I thought that was just too much work.  But for $6, I'd give it a try.  In the back of my mind I just knew I wouldn't like it.

I held on to the wool for several weeks before even opening the bag it came in.  I finally did, and then lanolized them.  I had bought some Eucalan wool wash, and just used some spare Lansinoh brand lanolin that I had leftover from the early nursing days.  I line dried them in the bathroom.  I was surprised when they were still damp 2 days later. 

When they were finally dry, I put a spare fitted diaper that I had laying around under the wool.  E didn't seem to mind it at all.  I thought, okay, maybe this isn't so bad.  When it came time to change his diaper, the wool was still dry on the outside.  I guess I was a little skeptical and thought it wouldn't really be waterproof.  But it was.



Interlock wool
Wild Child Woolies



So I decided to break down and buy some wool and a fitted for overnight.  At a trip to Babies Bottoms & More, I bought a Tiny Tush wool cover and a Tiny Tush Trim fitted diaper.  I figured I would add a gFlapper to it and it would be good for overnight. 

But I didn't get the chance to try it for a couple months.  I didn't lanolize the wool right away, and then Ryan and I were in our motorcycle accident.  Life was turned upside down for awhile, and my mom took over diaper laundry.  So E continued to wear a pocket with an added gflapper for overnight.

Once I was feeling a little better, I lanolized the wool and waited the few days it took to dry (which is my biggest complaint about wool -- the long dry time).  Then I put the Tiny Tush fitted on him (with the trusty gflapper) under the Tiny Tush wool.  The next morning, I knew we had finally found the best night time option.

Why didn't I listen to everyone sooner?!

I immediately went on a search for new fitteds.  I also bought my first Sustainablebabyish (aka Sloomb, aka Sbish) wool and fitteds (and this, too!) from Baby Rear Gear.  Elise, the owner, warned me that the Sbish sized fitteds run a little small, so I ordered the large.  She was right, it does run small, but it is my favorite fitted for overnight!!  I do not have to add any inserts, it is plenty absorbant enough for all night.  I now have 3, and absolutely love them!  The snapless multi is also very absorbant, and good for overnight (though I do add a gFlapper for that).



Custom Shorties by Fluffabebe.



I have added to E's wool and fitted stash.  In fact, I sold literally half of my stash of pockets and AIO's to make room for fitteds and wool.  I found Little Fancy Pants fitteds, which, next to Sbish, are my favorites.  I also found FluffaBebe woolies.  She is local, and shared her brand new business when I asked on the DFW Cloth Diaper Group's page asking about wool.  In fact, the green woolie and the shorties you see on her Etsy page belong to E:)

I do not find the wool hard to care for.  In fact, it's easier than the diapers!  While we are at home and at night, E wears fitteds and wool.  Out of the house he still wears pockets or AIO's, since they fit better under his regular shorts.  But in this heat, the wool is breathable and keeps his bottom cool.  He's had some nasty rashes from his very acidic teething poo, and the fitteds with wool have helped clear those up quickly (with my favorite rash remedy, Grandma El's!) since the heat is not trapped in the diaper.

I'm glad I finally broke down and tried wool.  My only regret is that I didn't try it sooner.

I will explain how to care for wool (complete with pics!) in an upcoming post!

I CHALLENGE YOU!!

I'm about to take a challenge.  I'm challenging YOU to do the same.  Read about the challenge HERE and  HERE.  It will take place May 23-30.

Have you ever used flats?  Have you ever hand washed your diapers?  Yeah, me neither.  But I'm about to do both, and I'm super excited about it!

In response to this saddening article, a challenge has been made to prove that diapering can be done at an extremely low cost by using flats.  The challenge was also made to prove that cloth diapering IS possible, even without a washer and dryer.  When I read the above article about how some families are washing out and reusing disposable diapers, I was inspired to start a program that's been stewing in my mind for several months now.  I had planned on waiting until later this year when things settled down.  But let's face it: things will never settle down.   As I'm typing this, there are families who are having to choose between diapers and groceries.  I do not want any babies health to be at risk because their families can't afford both groceries and diapers.  Why wait?

Then I saw this challenge, and I'm all over it!  Contacts have been made to get things started with the program to help local families in cloth diapers who cannot afford it.  This challenge will help me be able to not only tell people it can be done very inexpensively and without a washer/dryer, but I can share my own personal experience. 

So, do you accept this challenge? 

:::squeal:::

I FINALLY have a CLOTHESLINE!!!

I am so excited, can you tell?

I have been asking my husband to put one up for a year.  And now I have one.

LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!

I am excited to start saving some energy by line drying the diapers, and whatever else I can fit on the lines.  It was very relaxing doing the monotonous work of hanging the items on the line.  A good way to clear the mind.  I even did part of it with E on my back in the Pikkolo. 



I finally have a photo of my diapers out on the line.  I have always been a little envious of the beautiful photos I've seen on so many cloth diaper forums and pages!  Now I have my own to share!!




The pretty colors <3





I added some clothes to the 2nd line.  I ran out of room.  I need more lines...



I'll throw in the other project we did this weekend.  "We" being my husband, with a little help from Riley.

Riley enjoyed playing in the hole for the new tree we planted.

Making sure it's deep enough!

Watering the new tree:)

the "A" word.

This post should be about my review of Country Save laundry detergent.  However, I am going to have to put that off until a later date.  I have had some major issues, with only 3 diapers, so I am unable to give an honest review of Country Save at this time.  So instead, I will share all about my battle, and how I've had to strip multiple times in just a few weeks.

For those who are new to my blog (welcome!), I did a review on the new (at the time) Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted diaper for overnight use.  I loved it!!  It seemed bulletproof.  But after only 1 short month of use, there were issues.  They never leaked, they were definitely great in that aspect.  Every morning when changing E, I was nearly knocked out by the strong smell of the dreaded "A" word......

Ammonia.

For an entire year of cloth diapering, I only once experienced this, after a brief affair with Tide Free & Gentle.  But one stripping and back to Tide original did the trick, no more stinky and leaky diapers.  I didn't even use anything special to strip them, just did multiple hot washes.  I knew my current ammonia problem was not caused by detergent build up.  After all, the Fab Duo's never leaked, even after all night.  And no other diapers, even the thick microfiber AIO's, smelled of ammonia.

In January, I tested EcoNuts Soap nuts.  Towards the end of that month, I started smelling ammonia every morning.  I suspected it was because the Eco Nuts just couldn't get the thick microfiber fitted clean enough, since the thick microfiber AIO's also had a faint ammonia smell.  I thought a good stripping would take care of it.

At the end of January, I soaked half of my clean stash in RLR Laundry Treatment. Then the entire next day I did hot wash after hot wash.  I think it was about 5 hot wash/cold rinse cycles (a few days later I did the other half of the stash in the same way).  I figured the diapers would have no more residue of any kind after this.  So I started my month long test of Country Save detergent.

For the first week or so, I could not smell any more ammonia.  Yay!!  But my joy did not last long.  This time it was only the Thirsties Duo Fab Fitteds.  Once the ammonia returned, I stripped the diapers again (all of them).  That only lasted one use.  After washing them again, I smelled the ammonia yet again.  Over the next couple of weeks, I tried multiple things to get rid of the stink

Adding white vinegar to the pre-rinse.

Adding an extra rinse, and even an extra hot wash.

Soaking in white vinegar.

Soaking in OxyClean.

Soaking in a white vinegar/OxyClean mixture.

Soaking only the Fab Duo's in boiling water.

Adding a little RLR to each wash.

I also bought Bac Out, and soaked them (and all of the other microfiber while I was at it, just in case) overnight.  I did this twice.  The inserts came out a brighter white!  But the Fab Duo's still had the stink.  This was the last straw.  I do not want high maitenance diapers.

Everyone told me to try a few drops of blue Dawn dish soap to strip.  And I was told to use Rockin Green's Funk Rock.  Or to spray them after each use with Bac Out prior to putting them in the diaper pail.  I know all the tricks, but I was tired of trying to get rid of ammonia that just did not want to stay away.  I even thought about ditching my detergent reviews and going back to Tide original.  But, I decided not to do that.  I figured if I was having problems with ALL of the diapers, not just these 3, then I would do that.  But it was only the 3 Fab Duo's that made a nice home for ammonia.

I'd had enough.  I am done with the Fab Duo's.  I am a little sad, though, since the diapers worked so well. 

In case you're wondering, I have an older top loader, not an HE machine. This is the first time I have ever had a problem with my wash routine in over a year of cloth diapering.

So for the last few nights E has been wearing a Thirsties Duo Diaper with an added bamboo/hemp gFlapper.  I only have 2 of those, and they are set aside for my husband to use (easy hook & loop).  So today I bought a Knickernappies OS Pocket, which includes 2 LoopyDo inserts (microfiber and hemp).  I hear amazing things about these LoopyDo inserts.  If this works, then E may have a new nighttime diaper. 

Next week, after getting back into a normal wash routine and stripping all of the diapers yet again, I will start my month long test of Rockin Green.  Without the Fab Duo's, I am hoping to be able to give an honest review.  I have another detergent planned for May, and will return to Country Save in June.

Blissful Booty Review and Giveaway -- CLOSED

This giveaway is CLOSED.

Congrats to Meredith Klobucnik!!

A few weeks ago I received a bag of fluffy goodness from Cathy, owner of Blissful Booty Cloth Diapers (who is local to the DFW area!).  She had contacted me about doing a review on her diapers, since I promote her business for the DFW Cloth Diaper Group.  In this goody bag were 2 Blissful Booty AIO diapers (size large), a 10-pack of wipes, a 5-pack of booster pads, a 4-pack sampler of  wipe water concentrate, a 6 oz spray bottle, and a natural lip balm.  I was unable to continue using the lip balm, though.  I really liked it... until the hives appeared (I am allergic to certain ingredients in some lip balms, this isn't the first time it's happened).

The Blissful Booty AIO has a soft waterproof out shell, a microfiber terry inner, an incredibly soft microfleece to wick moisture away from baby's booty, and inner gussets to contain any mess.  It is a sized diaper.  Using the sizing on her website, I told Cathy E needs a large (which said "large 21-35 lbs").  E is about 33" tall and 29 lbs.  The large fits him great, if not a bit big.  He has PLENTY of growing room in this diaper!  The hook & loop tabs need to be overlapped to give him a good fit. 

I was so excited to try this diaper that I had been hearing so much about.  I was proud that a local business woman (and mom) was creating such a buzz in the cloth diapering world.  As soon as we got home from a trip to a nature museum, I put the unwashed Blissful Booty CD on E.  He wore it for 4 hours before I finally decided to change him.  There were no signs of leaking anytime soon, but I hated that he had gone so long in the same diaper (I normally change him every 2 hours, but wanted to put the diaper to the test).  4 hours was my limit.  It didn't seem to bother E (who, surprisingly, did not poop in a brand new diaper!).

I was hooked then and there, and my nerves about trying it overnight were calmed.  He has gotten to the point where he needs a lot of absorbancy overnight.  A BumGenius 3.0 double stuffed does not last the night.  I added 2 of the booster pads to the BB, still a little unsure, but there were no leaks when he woke up!

Since the BB is an AIO, I expected it to take a long time to dry.  I was wrong.  It only need one cycle (an hour) on low heat to fully dry.  The other AIO's I have need about 80-90 minutes on low (and one even needs to be line dried overnight after all that time in the dryer).  So I would say it's a quick drying AIO.  I will soon be getting a clothesline, so I do not know yet how long it takes to line dry. 

I do want to mention that after the first wash/dry, part of the seam on the back elastic came undone, exposing the elastic.  I did inform Blissful Booty about it, just so they know, but it never effected the function of the diaper in any way.  If I knew how to sew, it would be a simple fix.  Cathy offered to stitch it up for me. 

The wipes are large enough to actually get a messy bottom clean, without getting your hands dirty.  I have tried a few cloth wipes before, but prefer store brand baby wash cloths.  But I find myself reaching for the BB wipes, especially for those really messy diapers.  One side grabs messy poo, the other side is smooth against baby's skin.

The wipe water concentrates smell so yummy!!  The four scents I got are Sugar Cookie, Jasmine Vanilla, CoCo Mango, and Baby White Tea.  So far I have used the Sugar Cookie and CoCo Mango.  Only 1/2 tsp is needed for every 6 oz of water, which goes a long way.  Not only does it smell good, but it also works!  I have tried several recipes for homemade wipe solution with no success.  I have been using plain water.  But I am loving the BB wipe solution!

I now know why there has been such hype about Blissful Booty.  It is a trim, absorbant, quick-drying easy to use diaper, backed by great customer service!  Despite the back seam coming undone, I love this diaper.  If E didn't have way more diapers than he needs, I would be getting more.


This giveaway is CLOSED.
How would you like to win a Blissful Booty AIO?  Since Cathy gave me 2 diapers, and, as I mentioned, E does not need any more, I decided to do a giveaway! 


Here's what one lucky person will win:
1 Blissful Booty AIO cloth diaper, size large
2 booster pads
1 sample size wipe water concentrate (Jasmine Vanilla)


Here's how to enter:  CLOSED
Leave 1 comment letting me know you have done all 3 things.  Leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.
1.  Follow my blog.
2.  Like my Facebook page (leave your fb name so I can confirm).

3.  Tell me one thing that your child did today that made you smile.

Winner will be drawn on March 31 (using random.org). 

Winners!! Weehugger Review and GIVEAWAY!! -- closed

This giveaway is closed.

The winners of the Weehuggers are Shyana Jacquess and Jill Davidson!!  Congrats!  We will contact you about how to redeem your prize.

Winner, Shyana Jacquess (from Ashley's blog):

Winner #2 (from my blog) is Jill Davidson!

Yes, I said giveaway!!  I'll get to that in a moment...

E showing off his Weehuggers, while his friend Ry plays:)

I recently purchased a Weehuggers cover (size 2) in the cutest owl print! This cover is very versatile, and can be used with many different soakers. E has worn it over a Flip stay dry insert, a hemp/bamboo gFlapper, a Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted (overnight diaper), and a Tiny Tush contour diaper. It is very trim over all of these, with the exception of his overnight diaper.

E playing  drumming with his friends Z and Ry!

In the many times he has worn this cover over the insert of my choosing, it has not leaked once! I like the double leg gussets, that contain the messiest of poo's. The double row of snaps gives it a great fit! If you choose the velcro closure, you would get an even better fit! I did need to change the rise setting, depending on which insert he wore underneath (varying trimness). My favorite combo is the Weehugger cover and a gFlapper. Very trim, yet extremely absorbant.  It was also extremely trim over the Tiny Tush contour diaper!! 

I have heard of some people having wicking troubles with the Weehuggers. But no matter what insert E was wearing, and no matter how long he wore it, it never wicked. Not even close!

Follow this link to see what Ashley, author of Ashley D00dles all the days, has to say about Weehuggers.

This is the best picture we could get of the front of the Weehuggers.  It was challenging trying to get 3 playful boys to be still for 5 seconds!

Now, for the good part! Sharni, owner of the Nappy Shoppe, is giving away 1 Weehugger of your choice (in stock items only please)!! Also, Ashley and I are giving away 1 Weehugger size 2 in the Dot Matrix print!! So you have the chance to win 1 of 2 adorable Weehuggers!! This is only open to the US (sorry!).

Once Ashley and I each reach 150 followers on our blogs, we will draw the 2 winners on random.org!  The winners will be announced on our Facebook blog pages.

You must do these 3 things to be entered:
1.  Follow my blog. Leave a comment here.
2.  Follow Ashley's blog, Ashley D00dles all the days. Leave a comment on her blog, tell her I sent you.
3.  Like the Nappy Shoppe on Facebook. Leave a comment here that you did so with your facebook name.

1 Bonus Entry for each of the following:

• Like Ashley's blog fan page on Facebook. Leave a comment here with your facebook name.
• Like my blog fan page on Facebook. Leave a comment here with your facebook name.
• Follow @ashley_d00dle on Twitter and leave a comment here. 
• Tweet this once per day and leave the permalink for it on a comment. "@ashley_d00dle is giving away 2 weehuggers #clothdiapers with her friend check her blog to enter http://www.ashleyd00dle.blogspot.com/.

And for your viewing enjoyment..... the adorable video Weehuggers put together <3

For another cute video, visit Ashley's blog post to see our boys dancing and grooving in their Weehuggers!

Go Nuts!

I'm continuing my detergent review.  Here is how I am testing each detergent on cloth diapers:

I will test each detergent for 1 month, unless I start having build-up and/or any other issues before that time.  In between testings, I will strip all of the diapers in RLR Laundry Treatment so there is no residue of the former detergent. 

I have an older top loader, with normal water.  I have a large range of types and brands of diapers, as well as a mixture of natural and synthetic materials.  My normal wash routine is: Cold rinse.  Long hot wash plus detergent, followed by one cold rinse.  I typically wash every 3 days.

I first reviewed Tide Original Powder, since that is what I used for a year before testing different detergents.  In that review is also a mini-review of Tide Free & Gentle.

Detergent #2 that I tested was EcoNuts soap nuts.  From the EcoNuts website:

"Eco Nuts™ are an EXTREMELY effective natural wild-crafted detergent with absolutely NO manmade chemicals, toxins or artificial perfumes or fragrances. This natural detergent leaves your laundry marvelously clean and  fresh. Eco Nuts™ are mild enough for delicate fabrics, wool and silks.  Eco Nuts™ are gentle enough for baby clothes but strong enough for cloth diapers. The quick biodegradability of Eco Nuts also make it ideal to use if you are on a septic or gray water system. Eco Nuts™ are hypoallergenic and great for those with sensitive skin, eczema, and psoriasis....All Eco Nuts™ packaging is 100% compostable or 100% recyclable, and 100% plastic-free."

I used Eco Nuts for one month exactly.  I followed my normal wash routine, but just threw in the bag of soap nuts instead of regular detergent.  I will admit, I was skeptical at first.  I even decided to do a couple of loads on my clothes before trying them on the diapers.  With a positive wash experience on the clothes, I tried them on a small load of diapers.  I was amazed at how clean they smelled!! 

Eco Nuts provides 2 small bags to put 4-6 Eco Nuts in, just toss one of the bags in the machine, and wash.  That's it.  I did have to remember to find the bag before transferring the diapers to the dryer (or to be line dried, depending on the diapers), but that was not a big deal.

While the diapers were clean, Eco Nuts did not remove stains very well.  Nearly all of the inserts are now stained.  I know sunning would take care of this, but with the freezes we had in the month I tested the soap nuts, that is not practical this time of year.  Sharni, owner of the Nappy Shoppe, told me she prefers Eco Nuts in the summer time when it's easy to sun the diapers.  This week will actually be a perfect time to sun the diapers.  Spring appears to be coming early!

Overall, I do like the Eco Nuts.  I think they are a great idea for babies with sensitive skin!  However, in the last 2 loads, I don't think the diapers came out as clean as they had been.  I started noticing a very strong ammonia smell.  I do not believe it is from detergent build-up, since these are not exactly a regular detergent.   I think the diapers (especially the fitteds he wears at night, which are very thick) were just not getting very clean.  It mostly effected the thicker diapers (fitteds and AIO's), and the synthetic materials.  I did not notice ammonia stink in the natural fiber diapers and inserts.  I am in the process of stripping the diapers to move on to my next detergent.

I would consider using Eco Nuts again on the diapers, knowing that I would most likely need to strip once a month, in addition to sunning more often than I normally do.  I will definitely keep using it on my clothes, and the boys clothes.  

The next detergent I am testing is Country Save.  

Doodle Dypes Review



Riley loved this Mickey print!!!

 Before our big trip to California last year to visit my brother and sister-in-law, I just had to have a couple of Mickey Mouse diapers.  We were planning on spending 2 days at Disneyland, and I thought it would be cute for E to show his love for Mickey (even though he was only 6 months at the time).  I put an "ISO" (in search of) post up on a board on babycenter.com in hopes that someone somewhere could help me out.  I got a couple of response, including one for a super cute Mickey Mouse comic strip print made by a new company, Doodle Dypes. 



E's first Doodle Dype!

I bought it and loved it!  I even posted on my facebook page that I was in love with the diaper because of how cute it was!!  I know all of you fellow CD addicts understand that statement.

I soon wanted more Doodles.  I slowly bought more, even participated in a couple of co-ops.  Elijah received 4 Doodle Dypes as Christmas presents!  At one point, E had 18!!!  I sold a few of the older style (I'll get to that in a sec), since his cloth diaper stash is somewhat large, not all of the Doodles were being worn much.  Now he has 14.  I gave the Mickey Doodle to my pregnant sister-in-law, with the stipulation that if I wanted it back it was mine.  I couldn't bear to sell it, since it was the diaper that started it all, but the older style doesn't fit E as well now that he's getting bigger.  For me to have that many of a single brand says a lot!  I love a variety of CD's in E's stash, but love love love his Doodles!

E dancing in one of the Doodles he got for Christmas!

I will do this review for the newer style Doodle Dypes, since that is what is made now.  I will include some pics of E in older style Doodles, though.  Although the older style does still fit him okay, I prefer the fit of the newer style. 

Obviously, this was taken before Riley was potty trained.  I love this photo!!

Doodle Dypes makes mostly AI2's (all in two's -- meaning a waterproof shell with a snap in soaker, only intended for 1 use before washing).  Sandy, the WAHM (actually, grandmother!) behind Doodle Dypes, also makes fitteds, pockets, and Dynky Doodles (newborn dypes).  I have only ever used the AI2's, since I love them so much!  The AI2's are One Size diapers, with a fold down rise.  They fit babies approximately 8-35+ pounds, with a generous 18" rise. 



Folded down for a smaller rise.

 

Unfolded for a larger rise.



The elastic is super stretchy, and the wings have cross-over snaps for a great fit.  Doodle Dypes provides a large, ever growing selection of the most adorable fabrics!  This is one of the many reasons I love Doodles, is the large selection of cute boy prints!!  When ordering customs or co-op dypes, I had the hardest time selecting which fabrics I wanted, since they are all so dang cute!  She also chooses complimentary color snaps for each dype to make it look it's best. 

Snake style soaker makes it easy to customize absorbancy for your LO.

The inner of the waterproof shell of the AI2 is made of microchamois, which is oh-so-soft, yet helps prevent wicking.  The snake style soaker is made of all OBF (organic bamboo fleece), unless you specify that you want it topped with OBV (organic bamboo velour), CV (cotton velour), or Microchamois.  The great thing about the snake style soaker is that you can customize it to your child's needs.  For example, for my son, I fold it towards the front so it is most absorbant there.  But for a girl, you can fold it so it is most absorbant in the middle. 

Old styles.

Current Style.  The leg elastic ruffles, which helps prevent wicking.

The elastic is very stretchy for a great fit!

Doodle Dypes are incredibly absorbant!  E can wear them for hours without leaking through.  He has not worn it overnight, but it is great for naptime.  I'm sure if I added more absorbancy to it (such as a hemp insert), it would be ok for overnight, but I prefer to save these super cute dypes for daytime use.  The older style Doodles do leak/wick if he is in them for too long (+2 hours), but the new style does not.  They also contain some of the nastiest teething poo's. 

So here I am raving about this amazing diaper, but that's not even the best part.  Sandy provides the best customer service!!  I can not tell you enough how much she cares about her customers.  If there is ever a problem, she does what she can to help you fix it.  Communication is also prompt.  She appreciates every customer. 

photo by
Surely Sweet Photography

Doodle Dypes is currently celebrating their 1 year anniversary!  I'm not surprised at how popular Doodle Dypes are, since Sandy makes wonderful diapers and provides 5 star customer service.  However, with the popularity, it is very hard to "score" a Doodle.  You need to "stalk" her website and be ready to click "buy now" the millisecond they are up or you miss out.  Sandy stocks her Hyena Cart every Wednesday afternoon.  It is actually a lot of fun trying to "win" the Doodle! 

To sum it up:  top quality, adorable fabrics, and amazing customer service make Doodle Dypes one of my favorite cloth diapers!

E with all 18 Doodle Dypes (before selling a few)!!

Wordless Wednesday

Again, not completely wordless (for those who know me know this is no big surprise;) and I'm posting it a day early since today feels like Wednesday to me!

This is an old photo (obviously, since Riley was still in diapers!) but one of my favorites!  It's one of the few moments Riley and Eli were still long enough to get a cute picture. 

They are both wearing Doodle Dypes (older style).  I will be doing a review on Doodle Dypes (one of my favorite diapers!!!) soon.  For now, though, you can go vote on this pic to help E win a custom Doodle!  They are celebrating their 1 year anniversary with a photo contest!  All you need to do is "like" the photo in their album.  The photo with the most "likes" will win a custom Doodle Dype!  If I win I may decide to spread the Doodle love and do a giveaway........

Minky Softness

The Minkie One Size Pocket Diaper is incrediblly soft!  I loved letting Elijah run around in just this diaper so when I picked him up I could feel the softness!  It has a waterproof hidden layer of PUL, with stay dry microsuede against baby's skin.  This diaper does not come with an insert, so I just used some extra ones I have.  The pocket opening is quite small, though it does stretch to stuff it. 

This is a OS diaper, and says it will fit approximately 10-35 lbs.  I think it is best for older or chunkier babies, though.  My 15 month old, weighing 25 lbs and 30" tall, is able to wear it on the smallest rise setting.  He is right in between the small/medium rise.  This would have fit him perfectly a year ago.  He was a chunker, nearly 21 lbs by 4 months old.  I had to look for OS diapers that were slightly larger, and this would have been perfect!  It fits him great now, and I believe will fit through potty training.

Side by side comparison:  Minkie OS Pocket Diaper (NS) and a BumGenius 3.0, both on the smallest setting.

Both diapers on the largest setting.  You can see clearly the Minkie is larger than the BG.

The pocket opening is a bit small.

Becuase it is a pocket, it is very versatile with which inserts you wish to use.  I used either a bamboo/hemp gFlapper or 2 microfiber doublers (extras that are just sitting around).  You could even use prefolds.  No matter what was in the pocket, this Minkie diaper never leaked!  The opening for the pocket is a little snug, so it is easier if you don't have larger hands to stuff the pocket.  My husband wouldn't be able to put an insert in it (good thing he doesn't stuff the pockets anyway!).

Many minky diapers are more expensive, but this is a great affordable, super soft diaper!

This was the best action shot I could get of E.  He's been a bit of a rebel lately when I try to take pictures of him in his diapers.  He's very patriotic, though, in his camo diaper and American flag Babylegs!

Echo!

The SoftBums Echo Dry Touch cloth diaper is an AI2, with a snap in snake style soaker.  The outer shell can be used for mutiple changes.  There are multiple "pods" (soakers) available.  Dry Touch Pods with 2 layers of microfiber topped with soft microfleece.  SuperDry Touch Pods have 3 layers of microfiber, topped with microfleece.  Mini Pods (in either microfiber or organic bamboo) can be used as a doubler.  There is also an Organic Bamboo Pod, made 70% of organic bamboo, and 30% organic cotton. 



This is a One Size diaper, but it has a unique way to adjust the rise.  Inside the diaper is an elastic drawstring, that you pull to adjust it to your LO's perfect size, setting it in place with a small toggle.  The great thing about this feature is there are no "in between" rise settings that can sometimes be an issue with snap down rises.  I now only have 1 child in diapers, so I could easily adjust the rise for Elijah and leave it there until he grows.  But when I had 2 in diapers, I liked OS diapers with a snap down rise so they could both wear the same diapers, with just a quick easy adjustment.  I do not think I would have used this diaper for both kids, since adjusting the rise isn't as quick and easy as a snap down rise.

Adjust the rise by sliding the toggles to exactly where you need for a perfect fit.

Most OS diapers are best for about 10-35 lbs.  The Soft Bums diaper, I believe, is truly a one size fits all!  Because of the unique Slide2Size rise setting, it becomes very tiny, great for a newborn!  The Mini Pods (in either Dry Touch microfiber or Organic bamboo) are the perfect soakers for the newborn size.  The regular Pods are too big when the SoftBums Echo shell is at it's smallest setting. 



Smallest




Largest



One thing you need to be careful with, is to make sure you fold the DryTouch Pod under itself, so only the soft microfleece is touching baby's skin.  As you may know, microfiber is so absorbant it pulls all mositure from baby's skin, which can cause a major rash.  So be sure to fold it the right direction.  The great thing about snake style soakers is that you can fold it in just the right place for extra absorbancy for your LO (typically in front for boys, in the middle for girls). 

Elijah never once leaked while wearing this diaper.  I normally change him every 2 hours, but as a test, left him in this for 3 hours one day.  Though the soaker was very wet, I know it would have lasted longer if I had left it.  But 3 hours was the max I wanted to leave him before changing him. 

The SoftBums Echo has a hook & loop closure, which overlaps.  The hook & loop is very sticky, and seems very durable.

Overall, I think this is a great diaper!  An added bonus is that it is made in the USA!