So after much thought I'm going to give wool covers a try too. I have chatted with several woman who live in either Florida or Texas who swear up and down that wool is awesome even in out hot temps. So I ordered some. I ordered 1 Sustainablebabyish knit wool cover in natural which is one of their new colors so I wont get it until mid December but that's ok since I wont have a baby to use it on until March :-) lol. While I was there I also ordered 2 of their snap less multi-fitted diapers (which are made with a heavy organic bamboo
cotton terry body with turned and top stitched leg elastic), 1 Organic Bamboo Fleece Doubler to try, 1 roll of Bummis Bio-soft Liners in small to try, 1 planet wise wet/dry bag (it has two separate pockets which I thought would work great for storing some wipes in one spot and dirty diapers in the big pocket), and of course some Eucalan no rinse wool wash. One of the reasons why I went with Sustainablebabyish is because of this: "sustainablebabyish/sloomb has partnered with Trees for the Future to offset the carbon generated in the production and care of each of our cloth diapers and knit wool covers. when you purchase a sustainablebabyish cloth diaper, a tree is planted in Southeast Asia. you know choosing cloth diapers keeps disposables out of landfills. now, your choice also reduces carbon emissions and helps reforest the planet." I love that this company does this!!
I just can't wait to get the new fluff in the mail! I only have a few more things that I want to buy for Javan that will go over his little bum so that saddens me but one of the reasons for doing cloth diapering is to save money so I can't really justify buying more than we need :-( so I guess I will savor these last few things that I need to buy (at least until he grows out of the ones we have :-D). I know I'm addicted lol
Showing posts with label cloth diapering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cloth diapering. Show all posts
Friday, November 19, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Cloth Diapering Resources
These are all places that I have found useful information!
*Useful tip for those that don't know and are using windows if you hold ctrl down while left clicking on a link it will open the link in a new window/tab so you wont navigate away from my page*
what the different types of diapers are general descriptions and functions
diaper definitions
some pics of how to fold Pre-folds
some more pics of different folds for Pre-folds
how to fold flat with video
Jaimee Gleisner's You Tube Channel she has a good Cloth Diapering 101 in a 7 part series.
next to each pic of one of these diapers is a link to see the diaper on a baby and on most of them they show how the diaper is actually put on and different pins or snappi uses
All About Cloth Diapers a blog I really like to read for opinions
Cotton Babies a company I love their products and they carry some other brands I love and they have free shipping!
Green Mountain Diapers If your looking for cotton that's all they carry besides a few hemp and wool items. The owner is very pro-natural fibers.
Detergent ratings for CDing
HE-Detergent ratings for CDing
My Favorite wool is from Sustainablebabyish great wool care instructions and I'm in love with their snapless multi-fitted cloth diapers too!
As I find more useful sites or info I'll add it to the list of resources or feel free to add your own favorites in the comments below!
*Useful tip for those that don't know and are using windows if you hold ctrl down while left clicking on a link it will open the link in a new window/tab so you wont navigate away from my page*
what the different types of diapers are general descriptions and functions
diaper definitions
some pics of how to fold Pre-folds
some more pics of different folds for Pre-folds
how to fold flat with video
Jaimee Gleisner's You Tube Channel she has a good Cloth Diapering 101 in a 7 part series.
next to each pic of one of these diapers is a link to see the diaper on a baby and on most of them they show how the diaper is actually put on and different pins or snappi uses
All About Cloth Diapers a blog I really like to read for opinions
Cotton Babies a company I love their products and they carry some other brands I love and they have free shipping!
Green Mountain Diapers If your looking for cotton that's all they carry besides a few hemp and wool items. The owner is very pro-natural fibers.
Detergent ratings for CDing
HE-Detergent ratings for CDing
My Favorite wool is from Sustainablebabyish great wool care instructions and I'm in love with their snapless multi-fitted cloth diapers too!
As I find more useful sites or info I'll add it to the list of resources or feel free to add your own favorites in the comments below!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Kawaii Cloth Diaper Snazzy Minky Giveaway!!
O.k. so I have loads of CD friends who swear by these diapers! They are supposedly super cheap but super great diapers! So I'm hoping against all odds to to win this contest so I can get a free one to try it to see what all the hub-bub is all about :-) so fingers crossed! Wish me luck! I'm off to enter as many times as I can!!
And if you want to enter as well here is where you go http://audsbabydays.blogspot.com/2010/11/kawaii-cloth-diaper-snazzy-minky.html and good luck to you too!
And if you want to enter as well here is where you go http://audsbabydays.blogspot.com/2010/11/kawaii-cloth-diaper-snazzy-minky.html and good luck to you too!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Woohoo finished ordering more diapers!!
Ok so now that my credit card is smoking I think I've now got everything I need ordered! Today I ordered:
2 kissaluvs pail liners
12 kissaluvs bamboo/hemp doublers (the price was to good to pass up)
24 Organic Birdeye Flats
Snappis
A Gallon of Allens Naturally Laundry Detergent
So that's it! I still have stuff I want to buy but I got everything I think I actually need to successfully CD Javan onces he's born!!
2 kissaluvs pail liners
12 kissaluvs bamboo/hemp doublers (the price was to good to pass up)
24 Organic Birdeye Flats
Snappis
A Gallon of Allens Naturally Laundry Detergent
So that's it! I still have stuff I want to buy but I got everything I think I actually need to successfully CD Javan onces he's born!!
100% Organic Cotton Vs. Plain 100% Cotton
There are many options when buying cloth diapers (to say in the least) and while trying to sort through which ones I wanted to invest in two options kept coming up. Organic or non-organic cotton and bleached or unbleached. So I've been doing quite a bit of reading and will cover bleach vs unbleached in a different blog. So here is the skinny on Organic vs Non-Organic Cotton. This is mainly about the farming and harvesting part since that is where there is a big difference really. These are lists of facts I've gathered from all my reading compiled into one place for maybe better understanding and easier comparison.
Non-Organic Cotton:
*typically treats seeds with fungicides or insecticides
*uses genetically modified organism seeds for approximately 70% of US grown cotton
*Synthetic fertilizers are applied to the soil
*soil requires intensive irrigation
*Highly toxic herbicides are applied to kill weeds
*Highly toxic pesticides are used for pest control
*25% of the worlds consumption of insecticides are used for pest control on cotton
*use toxic chemicals to defoliate for harvesting
Non-organic cotton farming uses 2.03 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers (formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, chemical dyes etc) per year while only using 3% of the farmland.
Organic Cotton
*Uses untreated seeds
*Never uses genetically modified organism seeds
*Living soil is the basis of the organic farm
*Soil enriched by compost and other organic matter
*Builds strong soil through crop rotation
*Soil retains water efficiently
*Weeds are physically removed instead of chemical methods
*Uses beneficial insects, biological and cultural practices to control pests
*Maintains a balance between pests and their natural predators through healthy soil
*Relies mostly on the seasonal freeze for defoliation to harvest
Benefits of growing organic:
*protects surface and groundwater quality
*reduced risk insect and disease control by replacing insecticide with the manipulation of ecosystems
*long-term prevention of pests through beneficial habitat planting
*conservation of biodiversity
*eliminates the use of toxic chemicals used in cotton
*organically grown crops also yield soils with higher organic matter content, thicker topsoil depth, higher polysaccharides content, and lower modulus of rupture; therefore reducing considerably soil erosion
*saves lives pesticides & hazardous chemicals are believed to cause up to a million cases of poisoning a year and 20,000 deaths)
*no formaldehyde (used in the finished product) and according to NCI (National Cancer Institute) study, there is a link between formaldehyde exposure & cancer in the uppermost part of the throat
*no nickel is used which can cause skin rashes
USDA Organic Standards:(just a useful tidbit)
Four principal labels for organic cotton fiber products are:
1. 100% Organic Cotton. This must contain 100% organically produced cotton
2. Organic Cotton. This must contain 95% organically produced cotton
3. Made with Organic Cotton. This must contain at least 70% organically produced cotton.
4. Made with __% Organic Cotton. This must contain the percentage of cotton advertised.
So I don't know about you but for me it's an easy choice when buying my cloth diapers to go for the organic option when ever available because if your baby is wearing non-organic cotton diapers they are exposed to the pesticides and chemicals that were used to grow and manufacture the fabric. I find buying organic when ever possible helps send a message that I want a better place and cleaner environment. And this is one thing I can feel great about supporting!
Non-Organic Cotton:
*typically treats seeds with fungicides or insecticides
*uses genetically modified organism seeds for approximately 70% of US grown cotton
*Synthetic fertilizers are applied to the soil
*soil requires intensive irrigation
*Highly toxic herbicides are applied to kill weeds
*Highly toxic pesticides are used for pest control
*25% of the worlds consumption of insecticides are used for pest control on cotton
*use toxic chemicals to defoliate for harvesting
Non-organic cotton farming uses 2.03 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers (formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, chemical dyes etc) per year while only using 3% of the farmland.
Organic Cotton
*Uses untreated seeds
*Never uses genetically modified organism seeds
*Living soil is the basis of the organic farm
*Soil enriched by compost and other organic matter
*Builds strong soil through crop rotation
*Soil retains water efficiently
*Weeds are physically removed instead of chemical methods
*Uses beneficial insects, biological and cultural practices to control pests
*Maintains a balance between pests and their natural predators through healthy soil
*Relies mostly on the seasonal freeze for defoliation to harvest
Benefits of growing organic:
*protects surface and groundwater quality
*reduced risk insect and disease control by replacing insecticide with the manipulation of ecosystems
*long-term prevention of pests through beneficial habitat planting
*conservation of biodiversity
*eliminates the use of toxic chemicals used in cotton
*organically grown crops also yield soils with higher organic matter content, thicker topsoil depth, higher polysaccharides content, and lower modulus of rupture; therefore reducing considerably soil erosion
*saves lives pesticides & hazardous chemicals are believed to cause up to a million cases of poisoning a year and 20,000 deaths)
*no formaldehyde (used in the finished product) and according to NCI (National Cancer Institute) study, there is a link between formaldehyde exposure & cancer in the uppermost part of the throat
*no nickel is used which can cause skin rashes
USDA Organic Standards:(just a useful tidbit)
Four principal labels for organic cotton fiber products are:
1. 100% Organic Cotton. This must contain 100% organically produced cotton
2. Organic Cotton. This must contain 95% organically produced cotton
3. Made with Organic Cotton. This must contain at least 70% organically produced cotton.
4. Made with __% Organic Cotton. This must contain the percentage of cotton advertised.
So I don't know about you but for me it's an easy choice when buying my cloth diapers to go for the organic option when ever available because if your baby is wearing non-organic cotton diapers they are exposed to the pesticides and chemicals that were used to grow and manufacture the fabric. I find buying organic when ever possible helps send a message that I want a better place and cleaner environment. And this is one thing I can feel great about supporting!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Yay! Ordered more cloth diapers!!
I placed another order today with Cotton Babies. I ordered:
3 Proraps classic in newborn
3 Bummis Super Brites in small colors blue, green and yellow
1 Bummis Fabulous Wet Bag size medium in yellow
2 Seconds BumGenius 3.0 One-size cloth diapers in white
1 BumGenius BabyLegs in William (got this item for free)
I've almost completed my stash! I just need to order my flats, my 2 laundry wetbags and laundry detergent! and hopefully get my diapers that I registered for :-) and then I'm good to go!
3 Proraps classic in newborn
3 Bummis Super Brites in small colors blue, green and yellow
1 Bummis Fabulous Wet Bag size medium in yellow
2 Seconds BumGenius 3.0 One-size cloth diapers in white
1 BumGenius BabyLegs in William (got this item for free)
I've almost completed my stash! I just need to order my flats, my 2 laundry wetbags and laundry detergent! and hopefully get my diapers that I registered for :-) and then I'm good to go!
Monday, November 1, 2010
AIO vs Pre-fold with Cover
Someone asked me today what my thoughts on this topic were so here's what I told them!!
Good question! I have owned 1 AIO and never got around to using it, and let a friend have all my cloth diapers with the directions to return when done and 1 they never used them and 2 threw them away (needless to say it's a good thing he was one of my best friends cuz I wanted to kill him!!) . That being said at this point in time I have no plans to buy any AIO.
So from my readings this is what I think of AIO diapers:
Pluses!! They are the closest to a disposable diaper as you can get! They are a water proof cover, diaper and a liner all sewn into one, no stuffing just one thing to strap on to the baby. That being said you can buy diaper doublers, inserts or prefolds to add absorbency if you have a heavy wetter (in that case to me it seems like just as much work as a pre-fold with a cover).
AIO draw backs. They are like the ultimate diaper & so is the price! Also never having used one they seem like with everything sewn together it will take longer to dry and just like disposables you only get one use out of each diaper once used it has to be washed again. Lastly if something goes wrong with it that's a whole diaper gone :-(
Pre-fold/flats/contoured or fitted diapers can all be used with a cover. The reason I'm going to be using pre-folds and flats is because you are able to customize the fit as your baby as it grows and your baby's shape better than with an other diaper. The folding techniques are really really easy to do and with most covers you can just fold the pre-folds up like a newspaper and lay in the cover and go! Unlike AIO during every diaper change all you have to change out is the diaper not the cover unless it gets soiled so you need less covers. I also like the fact that if a cover does get dirty I can wash it in my sink really quick if I need it asap and they line dry in like 15 mins! The only cons I can think about for this type route of diapering is 1. not everyone knows how they work so you'll have to teach who ever might have to change your baby how to do it and 2 it takes maybe a few seconds longer than and AIO to do (I'm just assuming this since like I said I've never actually used and AIO but have used disposables before but with practice I'm sure prefold and cover will be just about as fast as AIO diapers).
And for an example I'm going to use BumGenius' products for pricing:
AIO (I was told you need 24 diapers to get through 2 days of diapering)
BumGenius 3.0 deluxe AIO (these come in x-small, s,m,l so you will have to buy more as your baby grows) $382.80
Organic option
BumGenius Elemental One-size AIO (fits baby from 7-35lbs) $598.80
Pre-Fold (you need 24) & Cover (you need 6)
BumGenius Flip One Size Diaper Cover (they are supposed to fit baby 7-35 pounds and I was told you need only 6 for 2 days) 6=$83.70
BumGenius Flip Insert Stay Dry (these aren't pre-folds but these are their non organic option) 24=$118.80
Organic option
BumGenius Flip Insert Organic (it's an actual prefold) 24=$190.80
Summary
AIO $382.80 vs Prefold & cover $202.50 and these AIO don't grow with the baby so you'll have to buy more as they get bigger! That's a $180.30 difference
Organic AIO $598.80 vs organic prefold & cover $274.50 with a difference of $324.30
So for me Prefold and Cover is a much economical option for me and I'd have less of a problem replacing them than an AIO if something did go wrong. I put in the two different price options because I plan to use as much organic products as possible and from what i've read organic cotton is more absorbent than regular cotton. So this is all just my personal opinion so take it for what it is lol bet you didn't think you'd get a novel for an answer :-D
Good question! I have owned 1 AIO and never got around to using it, and let a friend have all my cloth diapers with the directions to return when done and 1 they never used them and 2 threw them away (needless to say it's a good thing he was one of my best friends cuz I wanted to kill him!!) . That being said at this point in time I have no plans to buy any AIO.
So from my readings this is what I think of AIO diapers:
Pluses!! They are the closest to a disposable diaper as you can get! They are a water proof cover, diaper and a liner all sewn into one, no stuffing just one thing to strap on to the baby. That being said you can buy diaper doublers, inserts or prefolds to add absorbency if you have a heavy wetter (in that case to me it seems like just as much work as a pre-fold with a cover).
AIO draw backs. They are like the ultimate diaper & so is the price! Also never having used one they seem like with everything sewn together it will take longer to dry and just like disposables you only get one use out of each diaper once used it has to be washed again. Lastly if something goes wrong with it that's a whole diaper gone :-(
Pre-fold/flats/contoured or fitted diapers can all be used with a cover. The reason I'm going to be using pre-folds and flats is because you are able to customize the fit as your baby as it grows and your baby's shape better than with an other diaper. The folding techniques are really really easy to do and with most covers you can just fold the pre-folds up like a newspaper and lay in the cover and go! Unlike AIO during every diaper change all you have to change out is the diaper not the cover unless it gets soiled so you need less covers. I also like the fact that if a cover does get dirty I can wash it in my sink really quick if I need it asap and they line dry in like 15 mins! The only cons I can think about for this type route of diapering is 1. not everyone knows how they work so you'll have to teach who ever might have to change your baby how to do it and 2 it takes maybe a few seconds longer than and AIO to do (I'm just assuming this since like I said I've never actually used and AIO but have used disposables before but with practice I'm sure prefold and cover will be just about as fast as AIO diapers).
And for an example I'm going to use BumGenius' products for pricing:
AIO (I was told you need 24 diapers to get through 2 days of diapering)
BumGenius 3.0 deluxe AIO (these come in x-small, s,m,l so you will have to buy more as your baby grows) $382.80
Organic option
BumGenius Elemental One-size AIO (fits baby from 7-35lbs) $598.80
Pre-Fold (you need 24) & Cover (you need 6)
BumGenius Flip One Size Diaper Cover (they are supposed to fit baby 7-35 pounds and I was told you need only 6 for 2 days) 6=$83.70
BumGenius Flip Insert Stay Dry (these aren't pre-folds but these are their non organic option) 24=$118.80
Organic option
BumGenius Flip Insert Organic (it's an actual prefold) 24=$190.80
Summary
AIO $382.80 vs Prefold & cover $202.50 and these AIO don't grow with the baby so you'll have to buy more as they get bigger! That's a $180.30 difference
Organic AIO $598.80 vs organic prefold & cover $274.50 with a difference of $324.30
So for me Prefold and Cover is a much economical option for me and I'd have less of a problem replacing them than an AIO if something did go wrong. I put in the two different price options because I plan to use as much organic products as possible and from what i've read organic cotton is more absorbent than regular cotton. So this is all just my personal opinion so take it for what it is lol bet you didn't think you'd get a novel for an answer :-D
Friday, October 29, 2010
totally geeking out over cloth diapers and swaddle blankets
lol I don't think I've ever been so excited to receive a package! I got my order from Cotton Babies today and it's full of fluffy stuff for my babies bottom!! I got a bunch of Indian Prefold Diapers, some Flip diapers with organic cotton inserts, some Hemp Babies inserts, Bummis snap diapers, and I can't wait to order more!! lol and I don't even have a baby yet to put them on! Also while at Target today I went in the baby section and found they carry Aden + Anais Swaddleplus blankets!! OMG!! I almost did a jig right there in the store. They are made out of 100% Cotton Muslin. They are so soft and airy (which is a big deal here in Texas). They were only $30 for a package of 4!! I bought some other cute outfits too that they had! My husband thinks I've lost my mind with how completely giddy these few items have made me!! lol I probably have lost some of my sense from lack of sleep but I'll take this warm dopey feeling I got right now for a bit of sanity!! Just thought I'd share my joy!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Excited about Cloth Diapering
Well since I seem to be stuck in a rut of doing nothing but sitting on my butt which is expanding and my husband lovingly laughed at when i pointed out the new dimples (hey at least someone finds it funny) and watching tv I thought maybe I'd try blogging again. I love writing but prefer paper and pen but you know what when my daughter picked it up and said what does f-u-c-k spell I figured it's probably better to not write on paper that's left around my house! So here we go.
So since our new baby is due in March I've been doing lots of research on which cloth diapers to buy. (which has lead to many weird vivid dreams involving cloth diapers i mean I'm dreaming about reading about cloth diapers and buying them and it's just stupid but it wakes me up and i don't feel rested bleh) So after much debate I've decided to finally start buying them thanks to info from my sister Tara who uses cloth diapers and my many hours of reading. Granted I'm going to have to buy a few every month to get all that I want and think I need (and some I don't need but just want to try :-D). I placed my first order last night! I'm super excited and can't wait to get them (I know I have nothing to use them on yet but I'm still excited to get them) I'm buying them off http://www.cottonbabies.com/ since they carry the ones I'm interested in and they have FREE shipping! Woohoo! So here's what I ordered yesterday:
Speaking of projects I really need to get back to making and doing things. I've been so bored lately and now that we know for sure we are having a boy I need to get busy making things for him!! but I found my first project last night while reading on Bummis blog. http://blog.bummis.com/2010/10/make-your-own-felted-wool-dryer-balls.html So this is going to be my project for this week making Wool Dryer Balls. I'll also try to remember to post how these dryer balls work out for me. Hopefully this gets me back into the swing of things, and through out this week I'm going to hit up my huge collection of crochet patterns for baby stuff to start making. Because while dimples are cute on your face they aren't so cute on your butt!!
So since our new baby is due in March I've been doing lots of research on which cloth diapers to buy. (which has lead to many weird vivid dreams involving cloth diapers i mean I'm dreaming about reading about cloth diapers and buying them and it's just stupid but it wakes me up and i don't feel rested bleh) So after much debate I've decided to finally start buying them thanks to info from my sister Tara who uses cloth diapers and my many hours of reading. Granted I'm going to have to buy a few every month to get all that I want and think I need (and some I don't need but just want to try :-D). I placed my first order last night! I'm super excited and can't wait to get them (I know I have nothing to use them on yet but I'm still excited to get them) I'm buying them off http://www.cottonbabies.com/ since they carry the ones I'm interested in and they have FREE shipping! Woohoo! So here's what I ordered yesterday:
- 1 Flip Organic Day Pack $59.95 it comes with 2 one-size diaper covers (i got the Bubble color) and 6 organic inserts. It also comes with 1 free package of flip disposable inserts
- 18 Indian Prefold Cloth Diapers in Infant size $27.00
- 3 Flip Covers in Moonbeam $29.85 (these were listed in their seconds/clearance section)
- 2 Bummis Super Snap in Small $23.90
- 3 Hemp Babies Diaper Doublers $9.00 size large they are 55% Hemp, 45% Certified Organic Cotton
Speaking of projects I really need to get back to making and doing things. I've been so bored lately and now that we know for sure we are having a boy I need to get busy making things for him!! but I found my first project last night while reading on Bummis blog. http://blog.bummis.com/2010/10/make-your-own-felted-wool-dryer-balls.html So this is going to be my project for this week making Wool Dryer Balls. I'll also try to remember to post how these dryer balls work out for me. Hopefully this gets me back into the swing of things, and through out this week I'm going to hit up my huge collection of crochet patterns for baby stuff to start making. Because while dimples are cute on your face they aren't so cute on your butt!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)