Today on diaperswappers.com I saw a post where someone was asking a question about whether it would be possible for her to cloth diaper her baby and toddler for $60 or less. She only wants to spend the amount that she spends on disposable diaper in one month. She was asking for suggestions about what kind of diapers/covers would work for this budget.
Well there are a lot of "high end" diapers out there now days that cost upwards of $20 per diaper, so those are definitely out, but you can cloth diaper for very little money these days.
My suggestion was to use flat diapers and Dappi brand nylon diaper covers, using pins or a snappi to secure the diaper. Let see how much this would really cost up front, not including washing costs.
At cottonbabies.com you can get a dozen cotton flat diapers (which fit from infant to toddler depending on how you fold them) for $19 per dozen. Dappi nylon pants are two in a package for $5. And a pair of pins are $1 each. So two dozen flat diapers, three pakages of medium Dappi pants (these fit 20-25lbs, she is diapering a 20 month old, so I am guessing on the size) and one package of size large for the toddler, along with two sets of pins: this would cost exactly $60. They offer free shipping for any size order and sometimes they have coupon codes for a discount off your total purchase. Perfect package for someone on a tight budget. Flat diapers are also the easiest diaper to clean since they are only a single layer of fabric. They can even be hand washed and air dried quickly. Nylon pull on covers are also super easy to hand wash and they dry in a snap. So question answered.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Mother-Ease: one of my favorite cloth diaper brands!
Mother Ease is a company out of Canada that manufactures superior cloth diapers and diaper covers. I have used both their one-size fitted diapers and also there sized fitted diapers, called Sandy's, on my daughter Isabelle from the age of about 10 months all the way through potty training.
Their one-size diapers adjust to fit a 10lb baby all the way up to potty training age or about 35lbs. There Sandy's diaper come in 4 sizes. Newborn for 6-12lbs, small for 8-20lbs, large from 20-35lbs and toddler size for 35-45lbs. Most children only need the size small and large to make it through potty training.
Both of their fitted diapers come in several different fabrics. You can pick from a rainbow of colors or white cotton, unbleached cotton, organic cotton (my favorite) and bamboo.
Mother Ease also makes water-proof polyester diaper covers. The "Air Flow"diaper covers are a size snap cover, so curious baby's will find it difficult to undo the diaper cover. The size snaps are positioned in such a way that the cover allows air to ventilate, but is still leak free. They come in white and a variety of pastel colors and prints. Mother Ease also makes velcro wrap diaper covers, all-in-one diapers and a variety of other products. I find Mother Ease fitted diapers and covers to be a good value and they are very effective at containing messes and they are nicely absorbent.
The organic cotton diapers are 100% cotton and while a bit more expensive, I feel like they are the best for my child and for the environment. The conventional cotton , unbleached, colors and bamboo have a small percentage of polyester in them for durability. These diapers wash well and can be tumbled dry or hung to dry.You can read an older post of mine for detailed washing instructions or you can go to www.mother-ease.com for more information.
I hope to become a Mother Ease retailer here in North Carolina sometime within the next few months. I am working on a plan for my own line of handmade children/baby items; diaper bags, cloth baby wipes, wool diaper covers and even some baby clothes. My hope is that I will have these items available in a home based boutique. Offering a line of good quality cloth diapers is also my goal. So watch for future posts about this adventure.
Their one-size diapers adjust to fit a 10lb baby all the way up to potty training age or about 35lbs. There Sandy's diaper come in 4 sizes. Newborn for 6-12lbs, small for 8-20lbs, large from 20-35lbs and toddler size for 35-45lbs. Most children only need the size small and large to make it through potty training.
Both of their fitted diapers come in several different fabrics. You can pick from a rainbow of colors or white cotton, unbleached cotton, organic cotton (my favorite) and bamboo.
Mother Ease also makes water-proof polyester diaper covers. The "Air Flow"diaper covers are a size snap cover, so curious baby's will find it difficult to undo the diaper cover. The size snaps are positioned in such a way that the cover allows air to ventilate, but is still leak free. They come in white and a variety of pastel colors and prints. Mother Ease also makes velcro wrap diaper covers, all-in-one diapers and a variety of other products. I find Mother Ease fitted diapers and covers to be a good value and they are very effective at containing messes and they are nicely absorbent.
The organic cotton diapers are 100% cotton and while a bit more expensive, I feel like they are the best for my child and for the environment. The conventional cotton , unbleached, colors and bamboo have a small percentage of polyester in them for durability. These diapers wash well and can be tumbled dry or hung to dry.You can read an older post of mine for detailed washing instructions or you can go to www.mother-ease.com for more information.
I hope to become a Mother Ease retailer here in North Carolina sometime within the next few months. I am working on a plan for my own line of handmade children/baby items; diaper bags, cloth baby wipes, wool diaper covers and even some baby clothes. My hope is that I will have these items available in a home based boutique. Offering a line of good quality cloth diapers is also my goal. So watch for future posts about this adventure.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
FuzziBunz Cloth diapers
FuzziBunz cloth diapers are some of the first cloth diapers that I used on my first child, Annabelle. They are called a "pocket" diaper, which is a waterproof outer layer of PUL that is sewn to a stay dry inner layer of fleece. The back of the diaper has an opening for the absorbent layers. They come with a microfiber insert that you "stuff" between the two layers. But you can use other inserts as well. I liked to use a 100% cotton infant size prefold in the diaper. They offer great absorbency and wash very well. FuzziBunz are easy for Dads, Grandparents and child care workers to use because they go on like a disposable diaper and when soiled you just remove the diaper and put on a new one.
They are adjustable in the waist and legs with snap closers that are very durable and longer lasting than velcro/aplix closures.
I would recommend FuzziBunz to new mommas that want to try out an easy cloth diaper. I am also an affiliate for them, so use this link to check them out and order if you wish.
http://sales.myfuzzibunz.com/SH1C
They are adjustable in the waist and legs with snap closers that are very durable and longer lasting than velcro/aplix closures.
I would recommend FuzziBunz to new mommas that want to try out an easy cloth diaper. I am also an affiliate for them, so use this link to check them out and order if you wish.
http://sales.myfuzzibunz.com/SH1C
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Making your own cloth baby wipes...
Cloth baby wipes are a great way to clean your baby during diaper changes and also save the waste of using disposable baby wipes. They can be washed along with your cloth diapers.
When Issy was born, I started with one dozen organic cotton baby wipes that I had purchased at www.babyworks.com. I quickly realized that a dozen wipes would not be enough to get me through until the diaper wash was done (every other day). So I started to use baby wash cloths as wipes as well. This still wasn't enough and I figured it would be easy to make my own.
Luckily my mom has a serger that was available for me to use and I found a couple of flannel receiving blankets and baby terry towels that I could cut up and re-purpose as wipes. I cut them in rectangles about 5 inches wide by about 8 inches long. This would fit in my wipes warmer perfectly. I placed the flannel and the terry layer wrong sides together and serged around the edges. That's it. I found them to be easy to make and they worked perfectly to clean up my little one's bum. I think I made about 2 dozen of these. I used these for almost 2 years on a daily basis, before I decided I wanted to make new ones (they weren't worn out, in fact I gave some to another mom to use on her baby). I just wanted to make new wipes with the wonderfully soft bamboo terry and velour that I had purchased. These new wipes inspired me to start making wipes and selling them to others.
Now I have a WAHM (work at home mom) page on www.diaperswappers.com were I can post pictures of my work and other moms can request an order. I have sold several dozen wipes now and I am also making and selling wool diaper covers and cotton print diaper bags. I have fun doing it and it keeps me in the diapering world, since my almost 3 year old is finally potty trained.!Check out my page at: http://diaperswappers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1136705
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Issy is trained!
My daughter is 32 months old and she has finally potty trained just this last week! She is doing so well and is very aware. So much so that she stays up late at night until she has gotten up one last time to go pee pee before falling asleep. While this is a bit annoying for mom, she is waking in the morning totally dry. Only one accident yesterday and its been over a week since I would say the "light when on". Its true that a child needs to be gently guided and not rushed into the potty training and that eventually a with "click". This happened a little later for Issy than for my first child, so I was worried. But each child is unique and I was patient with her. I now the Sandy's diapers that can be pulled up and down helped us greatly as well as the M+M rewards.
Now I am on to my new hobby with is sewing wool diaper covers for other peoples babies. I need to stay involved with this cloth diapering world until I get a newbie to diaper in cloth again :) You never know a girl can hope!!
Now I am on to my new hobby with is sewing wool diaper covers for other peoples babies. I need to stay involved with this cloth diapering world until I get a newbie to diaper in cloth again :) You never know a girl can hope!!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Potty training sucess!
Issy has been potty learning for several months (with not much commitment on my part). Well recently, after being frustrated with all the accidents in her cotton training pants, I decided to purchase some side snapping cotton fitted diapers. They are great at containing a mess, but can pull up and down like regular underwear. I got Mother-Ease brand Sandy's diapers. I got some in pretty colors and told Issy they were her new pretty "fluffy underwear". She has been doing great with these. I pair them with a pair of wool pants to catch any moister. But to be honest she is having great success with going potty and staying dry. She has even started telling me when she needs to go. This has been a new development in the last few days.
I also purchased a large bag of peanut M+M's which have been a great motivation for her to use the big girl potty. We did this for a couple days until they were gone and now the behavior has continued even without the treats.
Another thing that has helped with the potty training is our "Potty Power" video. She loves watching it and knows the songs.
I am so proud of Issy and we are not longer having issues with night time "ammonia" diapers, because she is going pee on the potty right before bed and is dry until early morning. She is still wetting her diaper at this time, but at least she isn't laying in a urine soaked diaper all night.
I also purchased a large bag of peanut M+M's which have been a great motivation for her to use the big girl potty. We did this for a couple days until they were gone and now the behavior has continued even without the treats.
Another thing that has helped with the potty training is our "Potty Power" video. She loves watching it and knows the songs.
I am so proud of Issy and we are not longer having issues with night time "ammonia" diapers, because she is going pee on the potty right before bed and is dry until early morning. She is still wetting her diaper at this time, but at least she isn't laying in a urine soaked diaper all night.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Washing and Lanolizing Wool Diaper Covers
How to wash and lanolize your wool diaper covers.
1. Hand wash your soiled wool diaper covers in lukewarm water using a wool-safe wash (like Euculan or Northern Essence). Make sure the water is not too hot or cold. Fill a small sink or basin with lukewarm water; add 1 tsp. of Euculan and then your wool. Swish and soak for 5 minutes. When finished don’t ring out your wool, gently press out the water and roll in a towel. Then lay flat to dry.
2. To spot clean your wool (like for a poo stain, but the whole cover is not dirty). Use a bar of olive oil soap (Kiss my face makes a good one) and apply to the stain with some lukewarm water. Rub gently. Rinse and lay flat to dry.
- To lanolize add a pea size amount of solid lanolin (like Lansinoh) in a small jar or container. Add some very hot water and 1/2 tsp. of the wool wash or baby shampoo(this helps emulsify the lanolin) swish or shake until well mixed. The mixture will become cloudy and you won't see oil floating. Fill your sink or basin with lukewarm water, add the lanolin mixture. Turn the cover inside out and add it to the basin. Let it soak for 15-30 minutes. Remove the cover and gently roll it in a towel and lay flat to dry. I usually lay my cover to dry on top of the dryer. Do not put your wool in the dryer. This will shrink the wool.
I usually always add lanolin to the wash each time I wash my covers (which in once every 2-3 weeks or sooner if they get a stain or something).
There are a lot of videos on youtube that show the process of washing and lanolizing wool diaper covers.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Cloth Diaper Starter set for sale.....
I have put together a wonderful starter set for an infant. It includes:
One dozen infant size prefolds (Diaper service quality, white prefolds)
Two size small cashmere recycled soakers with interlock wool waistband and cuffs. Both in beautiful gender neutral colors. Orange/cream strip and a pretty ocean blue. These are new and made by me. (pictured on the left)
Ten cloth wipes made by me from recycled flannel receiving blankets and baby towels. One side is flannel and the other side is terry.
Six micro-fleece liners to keep baby dry and for easy clean up of messes.
One size 1 snappi, to secure the prefold to the baby.
I will also include instructions for washing the prefolds and caring for the wool covers.
I would estimate that this package would fit a baby from 10lbs to 18lbs (depending on the build of your baby).
$50 via paypal. Wonderful deal for diapers and covers made from natural fibers. Shipping is extra and will probably be cheapest via a USPS flat rate box. I could get these into a medium size box, which would be around $10. Email me for an exact amount.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Diapers for charity
A well known cloth diaper store owner, put out this email today. Do you know of any organizations that need wonderful organic cotton prefold diapers? Geneva
Do you know an orphanage in need of seconds prefolds?
GMD is giving away seconds prefold diapers to orphanages. We are looking for East coast shipping destinations to send boxes of off-brand prefolds. Adoption agencies. Also crisis pregancy centers. We are trying to keep our shipping costs down for the give-aways so... east coast and charitable (tax deductible) places needed.
If you know a place that wants some of these, please send an email to
karen@greenmountaindiapers.com
Sincerely,
Karen
Do you know an orphanage in need of seconds prefolds?
GMD is giving away seconds prefold diapers to orphanages. We are looking for East coast shipping destinations to send boxes of off-brand prefolds. Adoption agencies. Also crisis pregancy centers. We are trying to keep our shipping costs down for the give-aways so... east coast and charitable (tax deductible) places needed.
If you know a place that wants some of these, please send an email to
karen@greenmountaindiapers.com
Sincerely,
Karen
Friday, November 12, 2010
Want to start your own web based business?
Do you sew, knit or create other handmade items? Do you have a home based business and what to expand to online? Check out www.hyenacart.com
Hyena cart is a web site that allows you to have your own "store front" and sell your goods to anyone who has access to the internet. You are in charge of stocking your store with your items. Hyena cart provides the online "shopping cart" that is needed to make the transaction. Most shops use paypal to accept payment, you then ship your item to the buyer. Its easy. Only requirement is that the items be family friendly. The cost is $10 to start and $5 per month. Unlike Etsy, Hyena cart does not charge a percentage of your sales price and they don't charge a fee for each listing. Get more information here:
Sign up here!
Hyena cart is a web site that allows you to have your own "store front" and sell your goods to anyone who has access to the internet. You are in charge of stocking your store with your items. Hyena cart provides the online "shopping cart" that is needed to make the transaction. Most shops use paypal to accept payment, you then ship your item to the buyer. Its easy. Only requirement is that the items be family friendly. The cost is $10 to start and $5 per month. Unlike Etsy, Hyena cart does not charge a percentage of your sales price and they don't charge a fee for each listing. Get more information here:
Sign up here!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Great new fitted diaper....
I just received some new fitted diapers from Green Mountain Diapers.
These are the "Cloth-eez Workhorse" diapers. They are made from 100% cotton prefold diapers that are shaped like a fitted diaper with elastic around the legs and waist, and they have an extra flap style doubler sew to the back of the diaper. They come with either snaps or with no closure (you can use pins or a snappi to close).
These are great fitted diapers with an amazingly low price. They come in sizes newborn, small, medium, large and XL. I am using the XL size on Issy. She is 30lbs and 2 years old and they fit her generously, but are not too big. She will be able to wear these until she potty trains and then at night as well. I like fitted diapers because they are easy to use and they contain messes well. You can get by with using fewer covers because the fitted diaper contains the mess and you can reuse the cover more times in between washings. Many fitted diapers are very expensive and thus are a difficulty for many parents to afford. These fitted diapers cost between $3.95 (for newborn with no closures) to $6.95 (for all other sizes with snap closures), which makes them a very affordable choice. They are selling quick and right now she has size newborn, small and medium available. Large and extra-large will be in stock in a couple months.
Check out http://greenmountaindiapers.com/workhorse.htm for more information.
Happy diapering,
Geneva
These are the "Cloth-eez Workhorse" diapers. They are made from 100% cotton prefold diapers that are shaped like a fitted diaper with elastic around the legs and waist, and they have an extra flap style doubler sew to the back of the diaper. They come with either snaps or with no closure (you can use pins or a snappi to close).
These are great fitted diapers with an amazingly low price. They come in sizes newborn, small, medium, large and XL. I am using the XL size on Issy. She is 30lbs and 2 years old and they fit her generously, but are not too big. She will be able to wear these until she potty trains and then at night as well. I like fitted diapers because they are easy to use and they contain messes well. You can get by with using fewer covers because the fitted diaper contains the mess and you can reuse the cover more times in between washings. Many fitted diapers are very expensive and thus are a difficulty for many parents to afford. These fitted diapers cost between $3.95 (for newborn with no closures) to $6.95 (for all other sizes with snap closures), which makes them a very affordable choice. They are selling quick and right now she has size newborn, small and medium available. Large and extra-large will be in stock in a couple months.
Check out http://greenmountaindiapers.com/workhorse.htm for more information.
Happy diapering,
Geneva
Sunday, July 11, 2010
PEE PEE IN POTTY
Issy did her first pee pee in her little potty on July 9th 2010. I bribed her with a chocolate Easter egg (I have some hiding in the freezer). I have quickly realized that potty training her is not going to be easy. She is very strong willed and wants to do things her own way. I think it will only work if she is naked on the bottom, because whenever I put a diaper or training pants on her, she immediately wets. She has had two more successful pees since the first (each with the chocolate egg bribe) and she has had two accidents. I think she is doing very well. Today, we didn't work on training since we were out of town all morning/afternoon.
Anyone who has any thoughts on potty training strong willed kids is welcome to leave a comment. I know a lot about diapers, but I could use some advise on the potty training.
Happy Sunday!
Anyone who has any thoughts on potty training strong willed kids is welcome to leave a comment. I know a lot about diapers, but I could use some advise on the potty training.
Happy Sunday!
Friday, July 9, 2010
More diaper business
Here is a link to an online business that sells the new all in one diapers that I love on my little Issy, Bottombumpers. See my review of them on my April 22nd 2010 post.
www.bananapeelsdiapers.com.
www.bananapeelsdiapers.com.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Potty training, is she ready?
My youngest daughter is 22 months old. I am thinking more and more about potty training her. Both wishing she was ready and also savoring what I know are you her last months of using diapers.
In many ways she has reached the necessary developmental milestones that would tell me she is ready for potty training. She sometimes is dry after a nap or even all night. She knows when she is going pee or poopy. She is interested in the potty chair. The only problem is that she refuses to actually sit on the potty chair with no diaper/clothes on. She actually insists on using a diaper, although she can tell me right away when she has done a poop. I am trying to continue with the normal diapering routine, until she seems less scared of actually sitting on the potty with a bare bottom.
Watch for continued updates Issy's potty training progress, or lack thereof.
Geneva
In many ways she has reached the necessary developmental milestones that would tell me she is ready for potty training. She sometimes is dry after a nap or even all night. She knows when she is going pee or poopy. She is interested in the potty chair. The only problem is that she refuses to actually sit on the potty chair with no diaper/clothes on. She actually insists on using a diaper, although she can tell me right away when she has done a poop. I am trying to continue with the normal diapering routine, until she seems less scared of actually sitting on the potty with a bare bottom.
Watch for continued updates Issy's potty training progress, or lack thereof.
Geneva
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Happy Mothers Day!!
Some mothers day sales to let you know about:
Babyworks is offering free shipping, and they have some great new products as well.
www.babyworks.com
If you are looking for some beautiful wool covers, pants or super absorbent bamboo diapers, check out Sustainablebabyish, at www.sloomb.com
They are offering a coupon code for 15% off your order. I can also get a discount with your first order if you mention my name. Anyone can refer a friend.
Babyworks is offering free shipping, and they have some great new products as well.
| MOTHER'S DAY BONUS COUPON! | Enjoy free shipping on all online orders over $50 through Sunday, May 9th (exclusions apply*). Or use it for $5 off your purchase over $35 for store purchases through Saturday, May 8th, or on internet orders marked store pickup through May 9th. USE COUPON CODE MDFS for Free Shipping over $50, orMD5 for $5 off store pickup orders $35 and over |
| Not valid with any other coupons or discounts. May not be retroactively applied. Not valid for gift certificates. Online coupon expires 5/9/10. *FREE SHIPPING EXCLUSIONS: Biokleen products less than 1 gallon or 5 lbs. & Allens Detergent. ALASKA, HAWAII, PO BOXES AND OTHER U.S. MAIL ONLY ADDRESSES - Free shipping is valid up to $8.50. Any additional, you would pay. NOT VALID FOR ORDERS OUTSIDE THE U.S. | |
www.babyworks.com
If you are looking for some beautiful wool covers, pants or super absorbent bamboo diapers, check out Sustainablebabyish, at www.sloomb.com
They are offering a coupon code for 15% off your order. I can also get a discount with your first order if you mention my name. Anyone can refer a friend.
| ||
| |
Thursday, April 22, 2010
New AIO that I love....
I recently purchased a second quality "Bottombumpers" all-in-one (AIO) diaper. I got one directly from the company. They are a PUL outer with an inner layer of organic cotton fleece. They have a snap in soaker with 4 layers of organic cotton fleece and one layer of bamboo velour. I purchased the aplix closure style, which I really like. But they also come in side snapping. I also purchased one of those in size medium, this turned out to be too small for my almost 2 year old daughter, but the size large in aplix was perfect. They fit well, are very absorbent and are SO easy to use. The only thing wrong to make it second quality, was some crooked stitching. They are $16.95-$18.95 new and $12.00 for seconds, which are sometimes posted on there website, www.bottombumpers.com
The first quality diapers are available at:
www.bananapeelsdiapers.com
or
www.twolittlewhales.com
I used AIOs on my recent trip to Virgina and they worked great. I have 1 Bottombumpers and about 8 Sposoeasy diapers (see prior review of these). More on traveling with cloth, in my next post.
The first quality diapers are available at:
www.bananapeelsdiapers.com
or
www.twolittlewhales.com
I used AIOs on my recent trip to Virgina and they worked great. I have 1 Bottombumpers and about 8 Sposoeasy diapers (see prior review of these). More on traveling with cloth, in my next post.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Cloth encouragement......
Need some encouragement to start using cloth diapers on your baby?
The great thing about cloth is that you can start using them at anytime. It will save you money in the long run to start using cloth diapers on your baby starting from birth or soon thereafter, but you can start using cloth diapers at any age. It is better for the environment to use cloth diapers. "Disposable" or rather single use diapers, are what make up the majority of our landfills. They are not biodegradable and the "natural" brands are not biodegradable either. They may be better for your baby since they don't contain some of the same chemicals that are used to whiten and process regular disposable diapers, but they do contain the same super absorbent gel material that is not a natural substance and does not break down.
Whether your child is 6 weeks, 6 months or almost potty trained, using cloth diapers is great for your pocketbook and also a great way to "go green". Just think, investing in cloth diapers now will mean that you will already have diapers on hand for your next little bundle of joy. Most will last through more than one child and when you don't need them anymore, use them as rags or donate to a friend in need or even send them overseas to an orphanage. No need to throw them out, but know that when you do....they won't be hanging around for 500 years.
Feel free to email me if you need more information or advise.
Happy diapering.
Geneva
The great thing about cloth is that you can start using them at anytime. It will save you money in the long run to start using cloth diapers on your baby starting from birth or soon thereafter, but you can start using cloth diapers at any age. It is better for the environment to use cloth diapers. "Disposable" or rather single use diapers, are what make up the majority of our landfills. They are not biodegradable and the "natural" brands are not biodegradable either. They may be better for your baby since they don't contain some of the same chemicals that are used to whiten and process regular disposable diapers, but they do contain the same super absorbent gel material that is not a natural substance and does not break down.
Whether your child is 6 weeks, 6 months or almost potty trained, using cloth diapers is great for your pocketbook and also a great way to "go green". Just think, investing in cloth diapers now will mean that you will already have diapers on hand for your next little bundle of joy. Most will last through more than one child and when you don't need them anymore, use them as rags or donate to a friend in need or even send them overseas to an orphanage. No need to throw them out, but know that when you do....they won't be hanging around for 500 years.
Feel free to email me if you need more information or advise.
Happy diapering.
Geneva
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Dealing with.....poo.....after starting solids
While your baby is exclusively breast feed, washing diapers is rather easy. Just take the diaper, BM and all, and toss it in the washer for a cold rinse cycle followed by your hot wash routine. Breast milk poo has the consistency of yogurt and will easily break down with just water.
Once you introduce solids to your babies diet or start to supplement with formula, your diaper washing becomes more complicated, but still manageable once you get a routine down. At this point you will need to remove the waste into the toilet before washing the diapers. The easiest method that I have found is to use a "diaper sprayer" and spray to waste into the toilet. I keep a bucket beside the toilet to store that diapers in. When I have enough diapers to wash, I do a quick cold rinse cycle to remove any lingering stuff and then do my regular wash routine (see older posts for delated washing instructions. A diaper sprayer is a device that is connected to with water line and your toilet. It looks like a hand held bidet. They are available online and at local diaper retailers. Here is a link for more information: http://www.minishower.net/
There are several brands that are similar to the one in the link. This is the brand that I use. If you don't have a diaper sprayer, nor the funds to purchase one (they cost almost $45 new, I got one on craigslist for less than half that price still new in package) you can still effectively clean your cloth diapers. When your baby is older waste may "plop" easily off the diaper into the toilet, while they are still young and poo is more of a "peanut butter" consistency, you will need to do some dunking/ flushing to remove the waste. Rubber gloves a good for this, keep a pair near your toilet that are just for diaper dunkin'. Remember to keep a good grip on your diaper, you don't want to flush one down! Another useful tool for dunking to clean is the diaper duck, here is a link: http://babyworks.com/cloth-diapering/diapering-accesories/diaper-duck.html
I have never used a diaper duck, but they look great. This will ensure you don't flush that wonderful prefold down the toilet.
To remove stains from diapers make sure to do the initial cold rinse. This will remove the poo residue and won't set the stain. The best way to remove stains is to air dry your diapers in the sun. The UV rays work wonders on diapers. If you have no sun (hey we live in Washington State) then you can use a tiny bit of bleach in your wash once a month or so. This will help to disinfect your diapers as well, especially if you are getting a lot of ammonia smell to your diapers. You can also try using a non-chlorine bleach like Oxo-brite. This is an oxygene bleach that I get at Trader Joe's. I love this stuff, it works great. Now that I use Country Save detergent, I don't use Oxo-brite as much because Country Save already has oxygene bleach added to it. Check your detergent, if you don't have any "sodium percarbonate" in yours, try adding a scoop of Oxo-brite or Oxyclean Baby to your diaper wash. It may work wonders. Lastly stains don't usually mean that your diapers are not clean. Smell your diapers, if they smell like nothing at all or smell clean, then they are.
If you have questions or need more information about cloth diapers or washing cloth diapers, email me or send me a comment. Happy diapering.
Once you introduce solids to your babies diet or start to supplement with formula, your diaper washing becomes more complicated, but still manageable once you get a routine down. At this point you will need to remove the waste into the toilet before washing the diapers. The easiest method that I have found is to use a "diaper sprayer" and spray to waste into the toilet. I keep a bucket beside the toilet to store that diapers in. When I have enough diapers to wash, I do a quick cold rinse cycle to remove any lingering stuff and then do my regular wash routine (see older posts for delated washing instructions. A diaper sprayer is a device that is connected to with water line and your toilet. It looks like a hand held bidet. They are available online and at local diaper retailers. Here is a link for more information: http://www.minishower.net/
There are several brands that are similar to the one in the link. This is the brand that I use. If you don't have a diaper sprayer, nor the funds to purchase one (they cost almost $45 new, I got one on craigslist for less than half that price still new in package) you can still effectively clean your cloth diapers. When your baby is older waste may "plop" easily off the diaper into the toilet, while they are still young and poo is more of a "peanut butter" consistency, you will need to do some dunking/ flushing to remove the waste. Rubber gloves a good for this, keep a pair near your toilet that are just for diaper dunkin'. Remember to keep a good grip on your diaper, you don't want to flush one down! Another useful tool for dunking to clean is the diaper duck, here is a link: http://babyworks.com/cloth-diapering/diapering-accesories/diaper-duck.html
I have never used a diaper duck, but they look great. This will ensure you don't flush that wonderful prefold down the toilet.
To remove stains from diapers make sure to do the initial cold rinse. This will remove the poo residue and won't set the stain. The best way to remove stains is to air dry your diapers in the sun. The UV rays work wonders on diapers. If you have no sun (hey we live in Washington State) then you can use a tiny bit of bleach in your wash once a month or so. This will help to disinfect your diapers as well, especially if you are getting a lot of ammonia smell to your diapers. You can also try using a non-chlorine bleach like Oxo-brite. This is an oxygene bleach that I get at Trader Joe's. I love this stuff, it works great. Now that I use Country Save detergent, I don't use Oxo-brite as much because Country Save already has oxygene bleach added to it. Check your detergent, if you don't have any "sodium percarbonate" in yours, try adding a scoop of Oxo-brite or Oxyclean Baby to your diaper wash. It may work wonders. Lastly stains don't usually mean that your diapers are not clean. Smell your diapers, if they smell like nothing at all or smell clean, then they are.
If you have questions or need more information about cloth diapers or washing cloth diapers, email me or send me a comment. Happy diapering.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Loveybums Seconds Sale
Loveybums is a company that makes handsewn organic diapers and wool diaper covers. They are having a clearance sale on there "seconds". Usually seconds just have small cosmetic flaws that do not effect the function of the diaper/cover at all. Right now the seconds have all been marked down significantly. They have a lot of wool covers in size newborn/small (birth to 12lbs) and also size medium (9-22lbs). They also have some large and x-large in stock. Check it out here:
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
My favorite prefolds on sale
Green Mountain Diapers has there Cloth-eez second quality prefolds on sale for one day, today. These are usable diapers that are just not perfect. Maybe sewn slightly irregular, cut a little bit smaller, have a dirt or pen mark, or stiching is just not perfect. I have many seconds and love them, they have all been usable. I wish I could buy more, but just don't need them. So I hope someone else can benefit from this sale.
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