I have been a believer that the perfect cloth diaper stash is something of an urban legend. There is just no such thing.
Companies continue to come out with better diapers, cuter prints and more ways to save on leaks while saving on moohlah.
I mentioned in the last post that I bought a Lil Joey. Add that to my 24ish BumGenius 4.0s, 4 Baby Bamboo AIO one size diapers, and a plethora of prefolds (no covers though). I think I also have something like 5 small Fuzzi Buns and a few Haute Pockets, too.
Right now, I only use the BG and BB on my older daughter (almost 2 yo). We wash about every 2-3 days (depending on how potty training is going for the days!). Because I am expecting daughter #2 in the next few months, I have the perfect excuse to add to my already-pretty-great stash.
And I want the Flips.
I need the covers for both the newborn prefolds AND to use over training pants for my older DD. To me, they seem just perfect! And I think by adding 8 or so of these to my stash, I will have the closest thing I can to the perfect diapers.
Until I see something brand new, brighter, and cuter.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Lil Joey
I caved.
I bought one of these Lil Joey diapers for newborns. They are the cutest, little diapers I have seen out there, and they are an AIO, so I am hoping they are very easy to use.
I only got one (though they typically come in packs of two) because they are so tiny that I know they probably won't last too long for my baby. My older DD was 8lbs 10 oz at birth, and LJ says these will go to about 12 lbs.
I can't wait to take pics of the little one in this teenie diaper though!
Check them out at http://www.everythingbirth.com/. Tell them Rachel Hall sent you:)
I bought one of these Lil Joey diapers for newborns. They are the cutest, little diapers I have seen out there, and they are an AIO, so I am hoping they are very easy to use.
I only got one (though they typically come in packs of two) because they are so tiny that I know they probably won't last too long for my baby. My older DD was 8lbs 10 oz at birth, and LJ says these will go to about 12 lbs.
I can't wait to take pics of the little one in this teenie diaper though!
Check them out at http://www.everythingbirth.com/. Tell them Rachel Hall sent you:)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Traveling with cloth
How do you travel with cloth? Is it a problem?
So far, we haven't done a long trip using cloth. But for weekend trips, or for a few days at a time, I have enough diapers that I won't need to wash. I use my Planet Wise hanging wetbag to store the diapers in. It has a large wet bag pocket for the dirty dipes, and a large dry compartment to keep my wipes and clean diapers in:)
Since we have switched to cloth wipes, I find that storing the diapers/wipes on trips is much easier. I don't have to separate the wipes from the diapers when I get home (have you ever washed a disposable wipe? yuck!), and I know I am saving more moohlah by doing it!
What is your method?
So far, we haven't done a long trip using cloth. But for weekend trips, or for a few days at a time, I have enough diapers that I won't need to wash. I use my Planet Wise hanging wetbag to store the diapers in. It has a large wet bag pocket for the dirty dipes, and a large dry compartment to keep my wipes and clean diapers in:)
Since we have switched to cloth wipes, I find that storing the diapers/wipes on trips is much easier. I don't have to separate the wipes from the diapers when I get home (have you ever washed a disposable wipe? yuck!), and I know I am saving more moohlah by doing it!
What is your method?
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Mission Accomplished!
With a big thanks to my mom, all of my diapers have new aplix and are ready to go!
We spent an afternoon together while she fixed the replaced the majority of the aplix on my BG 3.0s, and we have used them for about a week with HUGE success. My daughter no longer pulls her diapers off, and we no longer wake up without a diaper on her. And the best part is they seem sturdy enough to last YEARS.
We spent an afternoon together while she fixed the replaced the majority of the aplix on my BG 3.0s, and we have used them for about a week with HUGE success. My daughter no longer pulls her diapers off, and we no longer wake up without a diaper on her. And the best part is they seem sturdy enough to last YEARS.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
So worth the cost!
When I found out I was pregnant with my first daughter, I began my research of cloth. As I have written about before, I chose the BG 3.0s. They are a one-size, so my daughter has worn them since she was an infant.
We bought the aplix (Velcro) diapers, which I absolutely love for fit. BUT after two years of HARSH diapering (and many diaper chains before I got the hang of the wash tabs and such), my aplix is a little worn out.
My daughter can take the dipes off with ease. Sometimes they fall off on their own (well, okay, with her funky dance moves!) if I don't have something covering them (pants, shorts or anything like this).
BUT.....
When I found out I was expecting another little girl, I wanted to make these dipes last. We paid $17.95 for most of them, and found some of them on craigslist used for about 10 bucks each. Because we received many of the dipes as baby gifts (start your registry at http://www.diaperparties.com/!) we only have several hundred dollars invested.
I contacted Cotton Babies - the maker of BG - about the worn tabs, simply asking if they sold a replacement for them. I must have reached the right person, because although they recently began selling a BG Replacement Kit for about a buck, they sent me 24 kits for free. Just for asking!
I am not an experienced seamstress, but my gracious inlaws recently blessed me with a brand new sewing machine. Tonight, I successfully replaced the tabs on one of the dipes, and immediately put it on my daughter! I know we won't have "leaks" tonight (can you call them leaks if her entire diaper is pulled off?).
The dipe is literally like new. It looks good, and the PUL is still in great shape!
So in addition to the thousands of bucks we have saved on sposies, we are saving ourselves from another stash of brand new diapers.
Now, if I could make myself stop looking at the cute new designs offered at Everything Birth!
We bought the aplix (Velcro) diapers, which I absolutely love for fit. BUT after two years of HARSH diapering (and many diaper chains before I got the hang of the wash tabs and such), my aplix is a little worn out.
My daughter can take the dipes off with ease. Sometimes they fall off on their own (well, okay, with her funky dance moves!) if I don't have something covering them (pants, shorts or anything like this).
BUT.....
When I found out I was expecting another little girl, I wanted to make these dipes last. We paid $17.95 for most of them, and found some of them on craigslist used for about 10 bucks each. Because we received many of the dipes as baby gifts (start your registry at http://www.diaperparties.com/!) we only have several hundred dollars invested.
I contacted Cotton Babies - the maker of BG - about the worn tabs, simply asking if they sold a replacement for them. I must have reached the right person, because although they recently began selling a BG Replacement Kit for about a buck, they sent me 24 kits for free. Just for asking!
I am not an experienced seamstress, but my gracious inlaws recently blessed me with a brand new sewing machine. Tonight, I successfully replaced the tabs on one of the dipes, and immediately put it on my daughter! I know we won't have "leaks" tonight (can you call them leaks if her entire diaper is pulled off?).
The dipe is literally like new. It looks good, and the PUL is still in great shape!
So in addition to the thousands of bucks we have saved on sposies, we are saving ourselves from another stash of brand new diapers.
Now, if I could make myself stop looking at the cute new designs offered at Everything Birth!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Make your own detergent!
This week I learned how to make my own laundry detergent. It's easy, affordable and pretty good for the environment. Best of all- it's cloth diaper safe, but affordable to use on all my clothes.
Here is the recipe:
1 bar grated Kirk's Castile Soap (which is made with coconut oil, so it helps with yeast!)
1 cup Borax
1 cup Super Washing Soda
Mix it all up, and there you have it. Done.
The recipe says to use 2 tablespoons per load, but I will use slightly less for the diapers. Make sure to wash in hot hot hot water to get it all rinsed out!
Here is the recipe:
1 bar grated Kirk's Castile Soap (which is made with coconut oil, so it helps with yeast!)
1 cup Borax
1 cup Super Washing Soda
Mix it all up, and there you have it. Done.
The recipe says to use 2 tablespoons per load, but I will use slightly less for the diapers. Make sure to wash in hot hot hot water to get it all rinsed out!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Cloth wipes:)
I got a new sewing machine last week, and although I have never used a machine successfully before, I was able to figure out cloth wipes!
I have made only two so far, but I am really excited to get a bit stash!
All I did was take two pieces of flannel and sew them togethering using a zig zag stitch (I don't have a surger). They are totally cute, despite my lack of skills. And after all, they are to wipe my daughter's bum, so I figured they would be a great first project.
Can't wait to keep going! I don't think two wipes are nearly enough;)
I have made only two so far, but I am really excited to get a bit stash!
All I did was take two pieces of flannel and sew them togethering using a zig zag stitch (I don't have a surger). They are totally cute, despite my lack of skills. And after all, they are to wipe my daughter's bum, so I figured they would be a great first project.
Can't wait to keep going! I don't think two wipes are nearly enough;)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
From Everything Birth; steps to going green
Yes, I am stealing this from Everything Birth Blog. I read it on their blog site, and thought it was well worth re-posting. Visit them at Everything Birth Blog .
5 Baby Steps to Going Green.
Posted on September 29, 2010 by everythingbirth
Choosing to drastically change a part of your routine just after you had a baby is unrealistic. Greening your lifestyle doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it seems. There are a few little things that you can do to make your carbon footprint just a little bit lighter one baby step at a time.
Stop using plastic water bottles. Drinking water instead of soda is way better for you, but when it take 5 times the amount of water to produce the bottle you are drinking out of, you need to stop and consider the resource you are depleting. In most cases tap water is just as good if not better than the water in those bottles. Stainless steel, glass, and aluminum water bottles are safer and more earth-friendly. There are also many companies manufacturing BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic water bottles.
Use cloth diapers. You knew that one was coming. Just one cloth diaper a day keeps 200 pounds of disposable diaper waste out of our landfills.
Switch to phosphate free soaps and detergents. This requires you to read labels. You vote every time you make a purchase at the store. Whether you avoid toxic chemical ingredients in your soap such as phosphates, or chemicals in your food such as partially hydrogenated oil or high fructose corn syrup. Avoiding these harmful items helps save our planet.
Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup and Partially Hydrogenated Oil. Any highly processed foods for that matter. Shopping around the outside of the grocery store will help with this choice. Just read your labels. HFCS and PHO are toxic for you and for the environment.
“Phosphorous is like a fertilizer. It increases algae and aquatic weed growth in water bodies,” Bernie Duffy, natural resource specialist with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, told the AP. He said too much algae depletes oxygen needed for healthy fish and aquatic life.
Sewage treatment plants and private septic systems can remove much but not all of the phosphorous from wastewater, so some of it ends up in lakes, streams and rivers.16 states ban phosphate-laden dishwasher soap
Bring your own bags when you go shopping. Not just at the grocery. Everywhere.
•Approximately 60 – 100 million barrels of oil are required to make the world’s plastic bags each year
•Most plastic bags take over 400 years to biodegrade. Some figures indicate that plastic bags could take over 1000 years to break down. (I guess nobody will live long enough to find out!). This means not one plastic bag has ever naturally biodegraded. -Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags
5 Baby Steps to Going Green.
Posted on September 29, 2010 by everythingbirth
Choosing to drastically change a part of your routine just after you had a baby is unrealistic. Greening your lifestyle doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it seems. There are a few little things that you can do to make your carbon footprint just a little bit lighter one baby step at a time.
Stop using plastic water bottles. Drinking water instead of soda is way better for you, but when it take 5 times the amount of water to produce the bottle you are drinking out of, you need to stop and consider the resource you are depleting. In most cases tap water is just as good if not better than the water in those bottles. Stainless steel, glass, and aluminum water bottles are safer and more earth-friendly. There are also many companies manufacturing BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic water bottles.
Use cloth diapers. You knew that one was coming. Just one cloth diaper a day keeps 200 pounds of disposable diaper waste out of our landfills.
Switch to phosphate free soaps and detergents. This requires you to read labels. You vote every time you make a purchase at the store. Whether you avoid toxic chemical ingredients in your soap such as phosphates, or chemicals in your food such as partially hydrogenated oil or high fructose corn syrup. Avoiding these harmful items helps save our planet.
Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup and Partially Hydrogenated Oil. Any highly processed foods for that matter. Shopping around the outside of the grocery store will help with this choice. Just read your labels. HFCS and PHO are toxic for you and for the environment.
“Phosphorous is like a fertilizer. It increases algae and aquatic weed growth in water bodies,” Bernie Duffy, natural resource specialist with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, told the AP. He said too much algae depletes oxygen needed for healthy fish and aquatic life.
Sewage treatment plants and private septic systems can remove much but not all of the phosphorous from wastewater, so some of it ends up in lakes, streams and rivers.16 states ban phosphate-laden dishwasher soap
Bring your own bags when you go shopping. Not just at the grocery. Everywhere.
•Approximately 60 – 100 million barrels of oil are required to make the world’s plastic bags each year
•Most plastic bags take over 400 years to biodegrade. Some figures indicate that plastic bags could take over 1000 years to break down. (I guess nobody will live long enough to find out!). This means not one plastic bag has ever naturally biodegraded. -Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Tuesday's Tip (10-5-10)
Tuesday's Tip: Knowledge is power!!!!
Did you know that it takes up to 500 years for a disposable diaper to decompose? It does.
It takes around 80,000 pounds of plastic and more than 200,000 trees each year to manufacture enough disposable diapers for American babies!!
It is estimated that roughly 5 million tons of untreated waste and a total of 2 billion tons of urine, feces, plastic and paper are added to landfills each year.
A cloth system can start at only a few hundred dollars. Over the course of diapering one child, you can spend more than $2,000! Plus, you can save cloth and use them on siblings.
Still aren't interested in learning more about the modern (EASY TO USE!) cloth diapers?
Did you know that it takes up to 500 years for a disposable diaper to decompose? It does.
It takes around 80,000 pounds of plastic and more than 200,000 trees each year to manufacture enough disposable diapers for American babies!!
It is estimated that roughly 5 million tons of untreated waste and a total of 2 billion tons of urine, feces, plastic and paper are added to landfills each year.
A cloth system can start at only a few hundred dollars. Over the course of diapering one child, you can spend more than $2,000! Plus, you can save cloth and use them on siblings.
Still aren't interested in learning more about the modern (EASY TO USE!) cloth diapers?
Saturday, October 2, 2010
It starts tonight!
Okay, I am going to start replacing the diaper tabs by hand tonight.
Dum dum dum, dum, dum dum, dum, dum dum....
Dum dum dum, dum, dum dum, dum, dum dum....
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sized or one-size?
Do you prefer sized diapers, or the one-size dipes?
I chose the OS because I didn't want to have to keep purchasing new diapers. Still, my diapers are almost two years old, and I just recently ordered replacement tabs (we use hook and look closure) in hopes of getting a few more years out of them.
The problem? I don't sew. Soooooooo..... I am either going to have to hand-sew them on (would that be strong enough? I don't know.) or find someone to help out:) Or just keep looking at the bright new tabs unattached to the dipes. Useless.
I don't think this would have been a problem if I had used the sized dipes. Or the snaps. But snaps never seem to be the right fit for my kid. And she is pretty squirmy so I have more difficulty with diaper changes than I do with my trusted Velcro.
Anyone?
I chose the OS because I didn't want to have to keep purchasing new diapers. Still, my diapers are almost two years old, and I just recently ordered replacement tabs (we use hook and look closure) in hopes of getting a few more years out of them.
The problem? I don't sew. Soooooooo..... I am either going to have to hand-sew them on (would that be strong enough? I don't know.) or find someone to help out:) Or just keep looking at the bright new tabs unattached to the dipes. Useless.
I don't think this would have been a problem if I had used the sized dipes. Or the snaps. But snaps never seem to be the right fit for my kid. And she is pretty squirmy so I have more difficulty with diaper changes than I do with my trusted Velcro.
Anyone?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday's Tip (9-28-10)
Not many bum creams are safe to use with cloth diapers. And by "safe" I mean that they won't cause a build-up line that keeps the diapers from absorbing.
When I first started reading blogs and message boards about CDing, I panicked to realize I had used Aquafor with my BG 3.0s. I read that the damage would be irreversable! WHAT?! How could I not know this?
Turns out, it never caused too much build-up, and a simple hot was strip rinsed my dipes clean!
Garden Dreams - a home made line in New Hampshire -- sells a pretty awesome product called Baby Bum Butter that is completely safe to use with dipes. It is also handy to use on scrapes, cuts, and even hangnails.... Interested? Contact me. Diaper Parties sell this amazing line exclusively:)
Baby Bum Butter!
Diapering two, for real this time
So, come February, I think we are destined to have two in diapers. As frantically as we are trying to potty train our daughter (who turns two in January), I am now doubting her success in ridding of diapers before our due date.
I don't mind the laundry. I don't even mind changing them (especially newborn diapers! They are the easy peasy ones!). What scares me is the thought of buying a whole extra set of diapers.
We use OS dipes, and I have always planned on getting a few more with the new baby (mainly because I am dying to try the Bamboo Baby OS AIOs!!!)
Still, I love the thought of using every last inch of use the fabric will offer us:) So, maybe I will just do laundry more often. Or maybe I should take advantage of this excuse and grab some newbee diapers that are just too cute!
I don't mind the laundry. I don't even mind changing them (especially newborn diapers! They are the easy peasy ones!). What scares me is the thought of buying a whole extra set of diapers.
We use OS dipes, and I have always planned on getting a few more with the new baby (mainly because I am dying to try the Bamboo Baby OS AIOs!!!)
Still, I love the thought of using every last inch of use the fabric will offer us:) So, maybe I will just do laundry more often. Or maybe I should take advantage of this excuse and grab some newbee diapers that are just too cute!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Cloth Diaper Challenge
Did you know that if you replace one disposable diaper each day with a cloth that you can save up to $300 per child?
That is what the Cloth Diaper challenge is all about. Simply replacing one diaper can save you a ton, but it is also a good way to get started and see how easy CDs are.
Cloth diapers don't have to take any extra time than sposies to change, and doing a load of laundry is just as easy as taking out the (stinky) garbage.
Take the Cloth Diaper Challenge and help save the environment and your wallet.
That is what the Cloth Diaper challenge is all about. Simply replacing one diaper can save you a ton, but it is also a good way to get started and see how easy CDs are.
Cloth diapers don't have to take any extra time than sposies to change, and doing a load of laundry is just as easy as taking out the (stinky) garbage.
Take the Cloth Diaper Challenge and help save the environment and your wallet.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Two in cloth, oh my!
So a few times this week, my daughter and I helped to watch (aka, play with) a cutie one-year-old who shares our love for cloth diapers (well, at least his mama does!).
Before his first big play date, I was a little nervous about keeping two kids in cloth. With cloth diapers, you tend to change diapers more often to prevent leaks. But really, that turned out to be the only extra.
His mama took his dirty dipes home with her, and having him in cloth was literally as easy as disposable diapers.
I think day care centers should really consider making the switch, or at least start to research and consider it when a mother asks about cloth diapering.
Before his first big play date, I was a little nervous about keeping two kids in cloth. With cloth diapers, you tend to change diapers more often to prevent leaks. But really, that turned out to be the only extra.
His mama took his dirty dipes home with her, and having him in cloth was literally as easy as disposable diapers.
I think day care centers should really consider making the switch, or at least start to research and consider it when a mother asks about cloth diapering.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tuesday's Tip (8-10-10)
Another reason to nurse your baby!
During a time when the baby is exclusively nursing, there is no need to rinse a diaper off before washing it, even when it is soiled. Breast milk soiling is water soluable, therefore a cold rinse in the washer is more than plenty to wash it away.
I exclusively nursed my daughter for the first 6 1/2 months, and was hesitant to start solids as I knew a new extra step would be necessary. The diaper sprayer was great once we needed it, but it was great to just toss them in with no worries!
During a time when the baby is exclusively nursing, there is no need to rinse a diaper off before washing it, even when it is soiled. Breast milk soiling is water soluable, therefore a cold rinse in the washer is more than plenty to wash it away.
I exclusively nursed my daughter for the first 6 1/2 months, and was hesitant to start solids as I knew a new extra step would be necessary. The diaper sprayer was great once we needed it, but it was great to just toss them in with no worries!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Showered in diapers
Cloth diapering can be an investment up front, and despite the money you save over time (and it's a ton of money!), the diaper costs can be significant enough to keep some moms looking to other way.
Here's an idea: Have a diaper shower! I recently did a Diaper Parties shower for an expecting mom, and she received EVERYTHING she needs. Plenty of diapers, wet bags, other diaper support products, and even a diaper sprayer.
You can "register" with me ahead of time, and we can come up with the best way to run your shower. Best of all, this is a great way to help get information to those who otherwise might not pay attention.
Here's an idea: Have a diaper shower! I recently did a Diaper Parties shower for an expecting mom, and she received EVERYTHING she needs. Plenty of diapers, wet bags, other diaper support products, and even a diaper sprayer.
You can "register" with me ahead of time, and we can come up with the best way to run your shower. Best of all, this is a great way to help get information to those who otherwise might not pay attention.
Friday, July 30, 2010
It's aloha Friday, again:)
Whew, the weeks are flying by!
I had my first Diaper Party last night. Much success and much fun. There are just so many diaper options out there, it is hard to choose what you want without seeing a variety.
One mama who came, Jennifer, already uses cloth. She began with the basic flat diapers and cover combo, but is ready to move on the next step - fitteds or pockets. She said she chose her flats because they were the least expensive, and she didn't want to be too invested in case they didn't work out. She - like many other mamas - won't turn back from cloth now.
I had my first Diaper Party last night. Much success and much fun. There are just so many diaper options out there, it is hard to choose what you want without seeing a variety.
One mama who came, Jennifer, already uses cloth. She began with the basic flat diapers and cover combo, but is ready to move on the next step - fitteds or pockets. She said she chose her flats because they were the least expensive, and she didn't want to be too invested in case they didn't work out. She - like many other mamas - won't turn back from cloth now.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Charleston Gazette article
Thanks, Julie, for a great article! This was published in the Charleston, W.Va., Gazette on June 20, 2010.
http://wvgazette.com/News/201007190592
By Julie Robinson
The Charleston Gazette
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Rachel Hall estimates that she and her husband, Charlie, have saved more than $1,000 using cloth diapers on Faithanna, their 16-month-old daughter.
The cost savings enable Hall to stay home with her daughter and to pursue her writing career on a free-lance schedule, rather than return full time to the work force.
The environmentally friendly aspects of cloth diapers appeal to Hall, especially after she and Charlie lived briefly in Hawaii, where recycling and trash reduction are a necessary way of life. There isn't much room for landfills on islands.
"We became more environmentally conscious while we lived there. We were surrounded by this amazing natural beauty that we didn't want to impact in a negative way," she said. "When we moved back here, I realized West Virginia has the same beauty, but I hadn't noticed it before. I didn't want to have a negative impact on it, either."
The statistics about disposal diapers spoke to Hall.
Each disposable diaper takes 500 years to decompose.
The average baby in disposable diapers contributes about 2 tons of waste to landfills.
Disposable diapers cost between $2,000 and $4,000 for each baby. A cloth system starts at $500.
Most people are familiar with the statistics, but don't consider cloth diapers a viable alternative. In May, Hall launched a business, Diaper Parties by Rachel, in which she hopes to both educate parents about the advantages of cloth diapers and to sell diapers and related products.
Hall brings a kit containing a wide array of modern cloth diapers and associated products to groups of parents, or anyone interested in child care.
"They can touch and feel the diapers," she said. "Even people who are pretty adamantly opposed to them, if they just hear about them, especially the financial considerations, they might be interested."
Cloth diapers are a tradition in Hall's family. Norma Gensler, Hall's mother in Huntington, diapered four of her five children in cloth diapers. She didn't have a washing machine when her first child was born, so she had to use disposables.
Hall's sister in Cincinnati introduced her to the modern line of pinless cloth diaper products. While she was still pregnant, Rachel picked out the diaper line she planned to use on her baby. Her options are a bit mind-boggling.
Faithanna's fashionably clad bottom bears little resemblance to traditional saggy white diapers. Her brightly colored and patterned diapers are cute enough for public viewing, but don't show under her toddler shorts and pants because they fit snugly.
All her diapers have a row of snaps so they can be adjusted to grow with her. Faithanna wears the same diapers today that she wore as a newborn. The Halls received nearly enough diapers as baby gifts to outfit Faithanna until she uses a potty chair, but still bought more.
"They're just so darned cute, it's hard to resist," she said
The diapers Hall uses cost $17.95 each. They own 28 diapers, at a cost of about $530. There are associated costs with laundering.
"If we have more children, we'll use these same diapers on them," Hall said.
Hall launders the diapers every two days. On sunny days, she drapes them on a drying rack to air dry. The sun bleaches them.
Hall uses disposables occasionally. When she stays with hosts who might not appreciate dirty diapers in their washing machines, or on family vacations when she doesn't know what laundry facilities will be available, she uses disposable diapers.
"When I use disposables, I feel very guilty when I think of the consequences, like the fact that they take 500 years to decompose," she said.
Faithanna's diapers sometime bring curiosity when Hall changes her in a public rest room. She tucks the soiled diaper into a waterproof zippered bag. Hall uses the questions as a chance to talk about cloth diaper advantages and the business she's making of them.
Most cloth diaper users Hall knows are at-home parents or parents whose children are in the care of a private baby sitter. Most child-care facility owners encourage disposable diaper use, although cloth diapers are not prohibited by state health codes.
"Most baby sitters are pretty receptive to them, if you just show them how to use them," she said.
Her husband, a physical therapy assistant, was initially leery of the cloth-diaper decision.
"He was unsure about the 'ew' factor. He changed his mind after a little bit of experience with them," she said. "Now he's completely on board. He changes her when he's home and folds and puts the diapers away."
Hall debunks cloth diaper myths
Diaper pails stink: Not if diapers are washed frequently. A 4-day-old dirty disposable diaper smells about the same as a 4-day-old cloth diaper, Hall said. Control cloth diaper odor with a quick laundry turnover. Garbage pickup is usually only once a week.
It's more work: There is extra laundry involved, probably three loads a week for most families. "At first I thought they were a lot of work, but then I realized I was a new mom and everything seems like a lot of work then," she said.
Cloth diapers cause rashes: Cloth diapers are softer on baby's skin and contain no chemicals. To avoid soap buildup, Hall "strips" them once a month, which means she washes clean diapers in hot water without soap, then rinses again in hot water, checking for soap bubbles. Her mother had another solution: "I always added vinegar in the rinse cycle."
http://wvgazette.com/News/201007190592
By Julie Robinson
The Charleston Gazette
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Rachel Hall estimates that she and her husband, Charlie, have saved more than $1,000 using cloth diapers on Faithanna, their 16-month-old daughter.
The cost savings enable Hall to stay home with her daughter and to pursue her writing career on a free-lance schedule, rather than return full time to the work force.
The environmentally friendly aspects of cloth diapers appeal to Hall, especially after she and Charlie lived briefly in Hawaii, where recycling and trash reduction are a necessary way of life. There isn't much room for landfills on islands.
"We became more environmentally conscious while we lived there. We were surrounded by this amazing natural beauty that we didn't want to impact in a negative way," she said. "When we moved back here, I realized West Virginia has the same beauty, but I hadn't noticed it before. I didn't want to have a negative impact on it, either."
The statistics about disposal diapers spoke to Hall.
Each disposable diaper takes 500 years to decompose.
The average baby in disposable diapers contributes about 2 tons of waste to landfills.
Disposable diapers cost between $2,000 and $4,000 for each baby. A cloth system starts at $500.
Most people are familiar with the statistics, but don't consider cloth diapers a viable alternative. In May, Hall launched a business, Diaper Parties by Rachel, in which she hopes to both educate parents about the advantages of cloth diapers and to sell diapers and related products.
Hall brings a kit containing a wide array of modern cloth diapers and associated products to groups of parents, or anyone interested in child care.
"They can touch and feel the diapers," she said. "Even people who are pretty adamantly opposed to them, if they just hear about them, especially the financial considerations, they might be interested."
Cloth diapers are a tradition in Hall's family. Norma Gensler, Hall's mother in Huntington, diapered four of her five children in cloth diapers. She didn't have a washing machine when her first child was born, so she had to use disposables.
Hall's sister in Cincinnati introduced her to the modern line of pinless cloth diaper products. While she was still pregnant, Rachel picked out the diaper line she planned to use on her baby. Her options are a bit mind-boggling.
Faithanna's fashionably clad bottom bears little resemblance to traditional saggy white diapers. Her brightly colored and patterned diapers are cute enough for public viewing, but don't show under her toddler shorts and pants because they fit snugly.
All her diapers have a row of snaps so they can be adjusted to grow with her. Faithanna wears the same diapers today that she wore as a newborn. The Halls received nearly enough diapers as baby gifts to outfit Faithanna until she uses a potty chair, but still bought more.
"They're just so darned cute, it's hard to resist," she said
The diapers Hall uses cost $17.95 each. They own 28 diapers, at a cost of about $530. There are associated costs with laundering.
"If we have more children, we'll use these same diapers on them," Hall said.
Hall launders the diapers every two days. On sunny days, she drapes them on a drying rack to air dry. The sun bleaches them.
Hall uses disposables occasionally. When she stays with hosts who might not appreciate dirty diapers in their washing machines, or on family vacations when she doesn't know what laundry facilities will be available, she uses disposable diapers.
"When I use disposables, I feel very guilty when I think of the consequences, like the fact that they take 500 years to decompose," she said.
Faithanna's diapers sometime bring curiosity when Hall changes her in a public rest room. She tucks the soiled diaper into a waterproof zippered bag. Hall uses the questions as a chance to talk about cloth diaper advantages and the business she's making of them.
Most cloth diaper users Hall knows are at-home parents or parents whose children are in the care of a private baby sitter. Most child-care facility owners encourage disposable diaper use, although cloth diapers are not prohibited by state health codes.
"Most baby sitters are pretty receptive to them, if you just show them how to use them," she said.
Her husband, a physical therapy assistant, was initially leery of the cloth-diaper decision.
"He was unsure about the 'ew' factor. He changed his mind after a little bit of experience with them," she said. "Now he's completely on board. He changes her when he's home and folds and puts the diapers away."
Hall debunks cloth diaper myths
Diaper pails stink: Not if diapers are washed frequently. A 4-day-old dirty disposable diaper smells about the same as a 4-day-old cloth diaper, Hall said. Control cloth diaper odor with a quick laundry turnover. Garbage pickup is usually only once a week.
It's more work: There is extra laundry involved, probably three loads a week for most families. "At first I thought they were a lot of work, but then I realized I was a new mom and everything seems like a lot of work then," she said.
Cloth diapers cause rashes: Cloth diapers are softer on baby's skin and contain no chemicals. To avoid soap buildup, Hall "strips" them once a month, which means she washes clean diapers in hot water without soap, then rinses again in hot water, checking for soap bubbles. Her mother had another solution: "I always added vinegar in the rinse cycle."
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Sale!
BumGenuis All-in-Ones are on sale! They are cheap, too:) Contact me if you would like details. rachel@diaperparties.com
Friday, July 2, 2010
Introducing the BG 4.0
My first thought was "Nuts. They are discontinuing my BG 3.0s..." The 4.0s seem to be very similar, though, although "improved." Can't wait to get my hands on one to try out!
In the meantime, if you preorder a BG 4.0 with me before July 14, I will enter you for a chance to win a Beach Bonanza: 1 Planet Wise Swim Bag; 1 Quickee Bumkins Wet Bag; 1 Swim Diaper (size and style of your choosing!).
How sweet is that?! Contact me for more info!
In the meantime, if you preorder a BG 4.0 with me before July 14, I will enter you for a chance to win a Beach Bonanza: 1 Planet Wise Swim Bag; 1 Quickee Bumkins Wet Bag; 1 Swim Diaper (size and style of your choosing!).
How sweet is that?! Contact me for more info!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Tuesday's Tip (6-29-10)
Refresh and restore!
Use 1/3 cup vinegar in your rinse cycle to help restore normal pH and soften your diapers.
Use a few drops of essential oil of Rosemary in the rinse cycle to freshen your diapers.
Use 1/3 cup vinegar in your rinse cycle to help restore normal pH and soften your diapers.
Use a few drops of essential oil of Rosemary in the rinse cycle to freshen your diapers.
Monday, June 28, 2010
To bleach or not to bleach
When I first started cloth diapering, I heard many moms chatting about the terror of bleach. To me, it made sense to use it, though, since I knew it would be killing those germs and getting the diapers really clean.
The facts are that bleach isn't good for most diapers out there. It can eat away at the fibers in your diapers and cause holes and fray edges. It can also decrease the absorbency and durability of the diaper, and can decrease the waterproofing in some diapers.
Some brands recommend it; BumGenius, for example, recommends to use 1/4 cup of bleach occasionally to the hot cycle.
If bleach isn't for you, consider using baking soda and oxygen bleach instead. They are both great at whitening the diapers, if you are concerned about that.
The facts are that bleach isn't good for most diapers out there. It can eat away at the fibers in your diapers and cause holes and fray edges. It can also decrease the absorbency and durability of the diaper, and can decrease the waterproofing in some diapers.
Some brands recommend it; BumGenius, for example, recommends to use 1/4 cup of bleach occasionally to the hot cycle.
If bleach isn't for you, consider using baking soda and oxygen bleach instead. They are both great at whitening the diapers, if you are concerned about that.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
What is it?
What is stopping you from cloth diapering?
My husband was hesitant because of the "eww" factor. He thought it would be gross to have to dump the poop and to wash the diapers. Turns out, it isn't that bad. In fact, you are supposed to dump disposable diapers, too.
Once he realized just how much money we are saving, he decided to give it a shot (and heck, I didn't give him much of a choice). In 17 months, we have probably saved more than $1,000. We got many of our diapers as gifts, and others we purchased second-hand, so we don't have too much money in our stash.
So, what's stopping you? Hate the thought of saving all that money? Does it make you cringe to think of being environmentally responsible? Gosh, do you resent the idea of doing what is best for your baby's skin? Well, then cloth diapering probably isn't for you.
Oh wait? That isn't right? You would like to do all of those things? Then maybe you should give cloth diapers a shot! What is stopping you?
My husband was hesitant because of the "eww" factor. He thought it would be gross to have to dump the poop and to wash the diapers. Turns out, it isn't that bad. In fact, you are supposed to dump disposable diapers, too.
Once he realized just how much money we are saving, he decided to give it a shot (and heck, I didn't give him much of a choice). In 17 months, we have probably saved more than $1,000. We got many of our diapers as gifts, and others we purchased second-hand, so we don't have too much money in our stash.
So, what's stopping you? Hate the thought of saving all that money? Does it make you cringe to think of being environmentally responsible? Gosh, do you resent the idea of doing what is best for your baby's skin? Well, then cloth diapering probably isn't for you.
Oh wait? That isn't right? You would like to do all of those things? Then maybe you should give cloth diapers a shot! What is stopping you?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Tuesday's Tip (6-22-10)
Double up!
As your child gets a little bit older, you might consider doubling up when stuffing their diapers, especially at night.
I typically use a newborn insert as a doubler, and it works great for us. I started this when I realized we were having some night leaks, and we haven't had a leak since I started doing this.
You don't have to use pocket diapers to be able to do this. You can always add an extra strip of absorbent material:)
I often double up when we are going out to run errands, too, just in case.
As your child gets a little bit older, you might consider doubling up when stuffing their diapers, especially at night.
I typically use a newborn insert as a doubler, and it works great for us. I started this when I realized we were having some night leaks, and we haven't had a leak since I started doing this.
You don't have to use pocket diapers to be able to do this. You can always add an extra strip of absorbent material:)
I often double up when we are going out to run errands, too, just in case.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Diaper choices
If you are first starting an exploration on today's cloth diapers, this should help you out.
There are three basic choices to pick from, and and then once you know what kind of diaper you want, then there are a billion more choices to make;)
1) The basic diaper and cover combo: Just like it sounds, this is a diaper that needs waterproof cover to go over it. But don't panic. This isn't the old pins and rubber pants that your grandmother used. These come in cute patterns with Velcro and snaps. Or many people use the old style diaper (prefolds or flats) with the new Snappi, a pretty cool little invention with claws on the end so you never need to use pins. Many of the diapers and covers have Velcro or snaps. I have heard that these are the most economical if you are looking for the cheapest, but I disagree.
2) All-in-ones: Literally as it sounds, this has everything in one package. The diaper is sewn into a waterproof cover or liner, and usually is held together by either Velcro or snaps. (Both have goods and bads about them). The best thing about these are that they are Dad and Babysitter approved because they are just as easy to change as disposable diapers. But rather than throwing them away, you simply toss them into a diaper pail (after dumping any spoiling). I think the most economical would be a One Size all in one, which literally grow with the baby (by means of snaps and settings!).
3) Pocket Diaper: This is somewhere in between the other two options. It is similar to an all-in-one, but has an opening to stuff an absorbent material into. The nice thing about this is that you can take out the pocket liner and it will wash "better" and dry a bit faster. These also have One Size diapers, which again will take you through a newborn to a toddler.
There are three basic choices to pick from, and and then once you know what kind of diaper you want, then there are a billion more choices to make;)
1) The basic diaper and cover combo: Just like it sounds, this is a diaper that needs waterproof cover to go over it. But don't panic. This isn't the old pins and rubber pants that your grandmother used. These come in cute patterns with Velcro and snaps. Or many people use the old style diaper (prefolds or flats) with the new Snappi, a pretty cool little invention with claws on the end so you never need to use pins. Many of the diapers and covers have Velcro or snaps. I have heard that these are the most economical if you are looking for the cheapest, but I disagree.
2) All-in-ones: Literally as it sounds, this has everything in one package. The diaper is sewn into a waterproof cover or liner, and usually is held together by either Velcro or snaps. (Both have goods and bads about them). The best thing about these are that they are Dad and Babysitter approved because they are just as easy to change as disposable diapers. But rather than throwing them away, you simply toss them into a diaper pail (after dumping any spoiling). I think the most economical would be a One Size all in one, which literally grow with the baby (by means of snaps and settings!).
3) Pocket Diaper: This is somewhere in between the other two options. It is similar to an all-in-one, but has an opening to stuff an absorbent material into. The nice thing about this is that you can take out the pocket liner and it will wash "better" and dry a bit faster. These also have One Size diapers, which again will take you through a newborn to a toddler.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Never enough diapers;)
Many people lately have asked me how many diapers someone needs. The answer is simple; you can never have enough. ;)
Seriously, I have about 28 diapers, and would recommend having between 24 and 32. When your baby is a newborn, you are going to be changing him more often, so you might want a few extras around during that time.
With 28 diapers, I do laundry every other day, and still have a few left over to use while the diapers are in the wash. Sometimes, I cut it close. But usually, this method works pretty well.
If you are like me, when you see the new diapers, they are hard to resist!
Seriously, I have about 28 diapers, and would recommend having between 24 and 32. When your baby is a newborn, you are going to be changing him more often, so you might want a few extras around during that time.
With 28 diapers, I do laundry every other day, and still have a few left over to use while the diapers are in the wash. Sometimes, I cut it close. But usually, this method works pretty well.
If you are like me, when you see the new diapers, they are hard to resist!
Wash, wash, wash
I like to wash my diapers every other day. I think doing this keeps them fresh, and it kind of grosses me out to have them hanging around dirty for very long.
I am curious how often you wash your diapers. So.... how often?
I am curious how often you wash your diapers. So.... how often?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday's Tip (6-15-10)
I talked about stripping diapers last night, but another thing I like to do is regular rinse maintenance. If you check your diapers while they in the second rinse cycle, and you see some soap bubbles still there, go ahead and run an extra rinse cycle. The cleaner you keep the diapers, the more absorbent they are going to be and they less stinky they will be.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Strip 'Em
Stripping has become a necessity in my house.
Diapers, people. Diapers!
Stripping cloth diapers isn't hard, but it really is necessary from time to time. I have done it a few times, and it really helps get rid of any soap build-up, not to mention any stink accumulation.
There are lots of ideas out there about this, and I am sure they all work.
In my opinion, the best way to strip diapers is just with hot hot hot water. Like boiling hot. In fact, I don't think my washer gets quite hot enough, so when I strip them, I boil two large pots of water and toss them (carefully) in with the diapers. I run a cycle over and over until no more soap bubbles appear. Sometimes it just takes a few cycles. Sometimes it takes 6 or 7. Whatever it takes, it is worth it.
Before you strip them, make sure they are clean. (So go ahead and do a wash cycle with your soap). But don't add anymore soap in the stripping cycles. The point is to get it all out, not keep adding more.
If the hot water doesn't work, there are other methods. One is Dawn dishwashing soap, and I have heard this works wonders. But, unless it is really needed, I'd stick with the hot water:)
Diapers, people. Diapers!
Stripping cloth diapers isn't hard, but it really is necessary from time to time. I have done it a few times, and it really helps get rid of any soap build-up, not to mention any stink accumulation.
There are lots of ideas out there about this, and I am sure they all work.
In my opinion, the best way to strip diapers is just with hot hot hot water. Like boiling hot. In fact, I don't think my washer gets quite hot enough, so when I strip them, I boil two large pots of water and toss them (carefully) in with the diapers. I run a cycle over and over until no more soap bubbles appear. Sometimes it just takes a few cycles. Sometimes it takes 6 or 7. Whatever it takes, it is worth it.
Before you strip them, make sure they are clean. (So go ahead and do a wash cycle with your soap). But don't add anymore soap in the stripping cycles. The point is to get it all out, not keep adding more.
If the hot water doesn't work, there are other methods. One is Dawn dishwashing soap, and I have heard this works wonders. But, unless it is really needed, I'd stick with the hot water:)
Friday, June 11, 2010
Love my AIOs
Have I mentioned that I LOVE how my husband complains when he can't find our CDs and has to use a sposie? He has come a loooooooooong way from the first time he used them. He was afraid he would ruin it, or put it on incorrectly, or maybe that he wouldn't be able to figure it out (despite the 15 billion times I showed him). He learned quickly, and he does it now without much talk. It's just what we do.
Our diapers are quick and easy. They go on like a disposable, off like a disposable. The only difference is I get to wash and reuse them rather than dumping them into some landfill.
I even caught the hubby folding the diapers the other day (at least what he needed at that moment) which is HUGE.
Our diapers are quick and easy. They go on like a disposable, off like a disposable. The only difference is I get to wash and reuse them rather than dumping them into some landfill.
I even caught the hubby folding the diapers the other day (at least what he needed at that moment) which is HUGE.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Sale of the week
Hey all! Diaper Parties by Rachel is offering a few sales this week, including Planet Wise products. You also have the potential to get a free Garden Dreams clay mask!
Contact me for details! I'd love to share them!
Contact me for details! I'd love to share them!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Battling a rash
My daughter has ultra-sensitive skin. I am lucky we use cloth.
But for the past few days, she has broken out in a weird rash. Because creams and lotions are not good for cloth diapers, my first instinct was the put her in a sposie and slather her with cream. It seems to be helping, but doing that is somewhat of a Catch-22.
By that I mean that I think the sposie is contributing to the rash, so even though she is slathered up, it isn't getting a whole lot better.
When she wakes up, I hope air drying is going to help. Then back to a BG (without cream). Here's hoping that lots of diaper changes are going to help this!!
But for the past few days, she has broken out in a weird rash. Because creams and lotions are not good for cloth diapers, my first instinct was the put her in a sposie and slather her with cream. It seems to be helping, but doing that is somewhat of a Catch-22.
By that I mean that I think the sposie is contributing to the rash, so even though she is slathered up, it isn't getting a whole lot better.
When she wakes up, I hope air drying is going to help. Then back to a BG (without cream). Here's hoping that lots of diaper changes are going to help this!!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday's Tip (6-8-10)
Get those dipes in the sunshine!
By drying diapers in the sun, you are not only saving energy (and money!), but sunshine is so good for diapers!
The sun acts as a natural bleach and can whiten any stains that might show up. The sun drying can also save the Velcro from getting too frayed.
By drying diapers in the sun, you are not only saving energy (and money!), but sunshine is so good for diapers!
The sun acts as a natural bleach and can whiten any stains that might show up. The sun drying can also save the Velcro from getting too frayed.
Monday, June 7, 2010
A case of the Mondays
My big plan for the day is to get our kitchen set up for recycling. And get rid of the piles of things to be separated that have taken over all corners of the room.
I have to admit, I am pretty excited to get this in order. It is LONG overdue.
If you haven't started recycling around your home, I challenge you to find out what you need to do to be successful. And then do it.
I have to admit, I am pretty excited to get this in order. It is LONG overdue.
If you haven't started recycling around your home, I challenge you to find out what you need to do to be successful. And then do it.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Drying old school
Yesterday, it was so hot and nice out, that I stuck the dipes outside to dry in the sun.
Sun "bleaching" is supposed to be really good for the dipes, and it definitely saves energy. It takes a few hours to dry the inserts, but the covers dry pretty quickly.
I always wonder what my neighbors think, if they can even tell what the diapers are when they are on my "line." I hope they can, but no one has ever asked.
From left field, we had a storm pretend to come in, so I left them hanging in my foyer during the night, and they are nice and dry this morning.
Off to fold them, and to Grandmother's house we go.
I always wonder what my neighbors think, if they can even tell what the diapers are when they are on my "line." I hope they can, but no one has ever asked.
From left field, we had a storm pretend to come in, so I left them hanging in my foyer during the night, and they are nice and dry this morning.
Off to fold them, and to Grandmother's house we go.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Happy Aloha Friday!
It's Aloha Friday!
And I am getting ready to throw the dipes in the washer and prepare for the weekend. Remember the promise I made about no sposies? I have successfully accomplished it all week long, but the weekends are always the challenge.
Tomorrow we are spending the day with my DH's parents going SWIMMING. But that makes the challenge more difficult. I am not even sure how many dipes to pack! But I am going to follow through. Why should we get the weekends off from CDing? We shouldn't.
Each diaper we use goes into a landfill and will take up to 500 years to decompose.
I wasn't really in tune with that concept until my family moved to Hawaii. If you haven't visited Hawaii (or aren't currently living there, like my sister is!), they have a pretty darn good recycling program. They tax you 6 cents for every water or pop bottle and can you purchase. So if you purchase a 12 pack, they tax on 72 cents. Then, when you turn the cans/bottles in to the recycling program, they refund you 5 cents for each (the other cent goes into the program). So basically, everyone recycles. It would be too much of a financial waste not to.
But it gets better.
The Recycling Center where we lived (in Hilo, Big Island) was located right beside the trash dump. Since it is free to take your trash there yourself rather than having it picked up at your home, a lot of people were already there once a week or so. So those who might be too lazy to recycle were already on site, and with the benefit on the extra dollars, we all did it.
Wait, it gets even better.
At the same location, officials conveniently placed large bins for paper, glass, metal.... EVERYTHING that is recyclable. You were already there. You might as well throw those items in the right bin. And people did. Each time we were there, many others were, too.
In case you haven't heard, Hawaii is made up of a chain of islands and is located quite literally in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Look at a full map or globe (not just the US maps the pretend it is in a box next to California). The islands are tiny. In fact, all of the main inhibited islands wouldn't fill the state of West Virginia.
This left us truly considering where our trash was going. Although we lived on the Big Island, it really wasn't big. Just larger than the others (and it grows a little each day, thanks to the active volcano.) Would it go into the ocean? The rain forest? Would it float around Punalu'u Beach Park, an amazing black sand beach where honu (green sea turtles) often come to rest? Would it kill the hump back whales we could see playing off the coast of Māhukona Beach Park as we fell asleep camping? They were so amazing that they were still there dancing in the water as we woke up! Should we expect Pele to burn it up and make it appear as though we are not a disposable society?
In West Virginia, it's easy to forget about your trash once it leaves your house. There is plenty of room for it to go, right? We don't see it once it leaves. But it is still there. Piling up somewhere. Reeking havoc on this amazing planet we have. Don't you think it is just a little bit selfish to not want to be just a little bit more green? I do. Why not make a few seconds of sacrifice daily to try to make our home a little bit cleaner?
So this weekend, when I start to put on a sposie diaper because I don't want to bring home 10 extra diapers to wash tomorrow night, I am going to remember the amazing blue waters crashing on the shore behind my Hawaiian Paradise Park house and the wild cut out of Green Sands Beach in southern Hawaii. I am also going to remember the beauty in my backyard - The New River Gorge, Camp Caesar in Cowen, WV, the remarkable riverfront in downtown Charleston. Heck, even Coonskin Park! I want my kids to know and love these things. I want their kids to know and love them too. And their kids, and their kids and their kids.
So, happy Aloha Friday!
And I am getting ready to throw the dipes in the washer and prepare for the weekend. Remember the promise I made about no sposies? I have successfully accomplished it all week long, but the weekends are always the challenge.
Tomorrow we are spending the day with my DH's parents going SWIMMING. But that makes the challenge more difficult. I am not even sure how many dipes to pack! But I am going to follow through. Why should we get the weekends off from CDing? We shouldn't.
Each diaper we use goes into a landfill and will take up to 500 years to decompose.
I wasn't really in tune with that concept until my family moved to Hawaii. If you haven't visited Hawaii (or aren't currently living there, like my sister is!), they have a pretty darn good recycling program. They tax you 6 cents for every water or pop bottle and can you purchase. So if you purchase a 12 pack, they tax on 72 cents. Then, when you turn the cans/bottles in to the recycling program, they refund you 5 cents for each (the other cent goes into the program). So basically, everyone recycles. It would be too much of a financial waste not to.
But it gets better.
The Recycling Center where we lived (in Hilo, Big Island) was located right beside the trash dump. Since it is free to take your trash there yourself rather than having it picked up at your home, a lot of people were already there once a week or so. So those who might be too lazy to recycle were already on site, and with the benefit on the extra dollars, we all did it.
Wait, it gets even better.
At the same location, officials conveniently placed large bins for paper, glass, metal.... EVERYTHING that is recyclable. You were already there. You might as well throw those items in the right bin. And people did. Each time we were there, many others were, too.
In case you haven't heard, Hawaii is made up of a chain of islands and is located quite literally in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Look at a full map or globe (not just the US maps the pretend it is in a box next to California). The islands are tiny. In fact, all of the main inhibited islands wouldn't fill the state of West Virginia.
This left us truly considering where our trash was going. Although we lived on the Big Island, it really wasn't big. Just larger than the others (and it grows a little each day, thanks to the active volcano.) Would it go into the ocean? The rain forest? Would it float around Punalu'u Beach Park, an amazing black sand beach where honu (green sea turtles) often come to rest? Would it kill the hump back whales we could see playing off the coast of Māhukona Beach Park as we fell asleep camping? They were so amazing that they were still there dancing in the water as we woke up! Should we expect Pele to burn it up and make it appear as though we are not a disposable society?
In West Virginia, it's easy to forget about your trash once it leaves your house. There is plenty of room for it to go, right? We don't see it once it leaves. But it is still there. Piling up somewhere. Reeking havoc on this amazing planet we have. Don't you think it is just a little bit selfish to not want to be just a little bit more green? I do. Why not make a few seconds of sacrifice daily to try to make our home a little bit cleaner?
So this weekend, when I start to put on a sposie diaper because I don't want to bring home 10 extra diapers to wash tomorrow night, I am going to remember the amazing blue waters crashing on the shore behind my Hawaiian Paradise Park house and the wild cut out of Green Sands Beach in southern Hawaii. I am also going to remember the beauty in my backyard - The New River Gorge, Camp Caesar in Cowen, WV, the remarkable riverfront in downtown Charleston. Heck, even Coonskin Park! I want my kids to know and love these things. I want their kids to know and love them too. And their kids, and their kids and their kids.
So, happy Aloha Friday!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Recycling - we need help!
We are trying to figure out a decent system of collecting recycling at home. We don't have home pick up (darn it!), and we are already recycling our cans with a good system (The Crusher makes it easy! And it is therapeutic!!)
The problem at our house comes with ALL the other stuff. I rinse the cans, but they end up sitting on my counter until someone throws them out. We have ants, too, which makes it a little easier to just toss them. The paper and cardboard eventually get tossed, too, because they just pile up in the corner of the kitchen.
HELP ME! Do you have a good system? Care to share how you started and keep it going? Thanks!
The problem at our house comes with ALL the other stuff. I rinse the cans, but they end up sitting on my counter until someone throws them out. We have ants, too, which makes it a little easier to just toss them. The paper and cardboard eventually get tossed, too, because they just pile up in the corner of the kitchen.
HELP ME! Do you have a good system? Care to share how you started and keep it going? Thanks!
My next dipes
Bamboo Baby AIO One-Size We use a combination of diapers on my kiddo - Bum Genius 3.0s and Fuzzi Buns. We have also tried a few "off brands" including some made by work-at-home-moms.
We chose the BG because they looked so easy to use, and well, they are. A simple All-in-Two (AI2) that make diaper changes just as easy as an AIO.
BUT now that I am going through my diaper kit and can play with a bunch of different diapers, I realize just how many are out there.
My next two purchases will be the following: BG Flip and the Bamboo Baby All in One - One Size Cloth diaper.
The BG Flips are pretty cool. They have an two-sided "insert" that you just lay in the cover: one side is the absorbent material (Stay-Dry inserts are made of 3 absorbent layers of microfiber) and the other is soft and wicks away wetness (made of a smooth stay-dry suede). You can also choose an organic insert or even disposable inserts (talk about a hybrid diaper!!).
The Bamboo diapers are the softest diapers I have ever touched. It will fit babies from 7 to 30 lbs, and is said to be one of the slimmer fits you can get in an One Size:) It comes it adorable colors, too!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Take the Cloth Diaper Challenge!
Not sure if cloth diapers are for you?
Host a party! Diaper Parties are now available in West Virginia. During a party, you can see and feel a large variety of diapers, and see how easy they are! There are lots of perks, including making credit in the everythingbirth store! You could win a free bamboo diaper (the softest out there, IMO!) as well!
To host a party, contact me at rachel@diaperparties.com.
Host a party! Diaper Parties are now available in West Virginia. During a party, you can see and feel a large variety of diapers, and see how easy they are! There are lots of perks, including making credit in the everythingbirth store! You could win a free bamboo diaper (the softest out there, IMO!) as well!
To host a party, contact me at rachel@diaperparties.com.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday's Tip (6-1-10)
Tuesday's Tip for easy cloth diapering:
No more diaper trains while washing!
For awhile my BG3.0s were great to wash. I'd attach the Velcro to the wash tabs when I took the diaper off before throwing it into the pail. They all went through the washer and dryer great. After awhile, though, it started to wear. Soon, I was pulling diaper trains out of my dryer. One diaper attached to the next diaper attached to the next attached to the next..... I could go on and on.
If you use CD with Velcro or aplix fastening, don't use the "wash tabs" for washing. Instead, attach the Velcro as if you are putting the diaper on the babe, turn it inside out, and then throw it in the washer. No more diaper trains. And my diapers get just as clean.
No more diaper trains while washing!
For awhile my BG3.0s were great to wash. I'd attach the Velcro to the wash tabs when I took the diaper off before throwing it into the pail. They all went through the washer and dryer great. After awhile, though, it started to wear. Soon, I was pulling diaper trains out of my dryer. One diaper attached to the next diaper attached to the next attached to the next..... I could go on and on.
If you use CD with Velcro or aplix fastening, don't use the "wash tabs" for washing. Instead, attach the Velcro as if you are putting the diaper on the babe, turn it inside out, and then throw it in the washer. No more diaper trains. And my diapers get just as clean.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Day
Is it wrong to say "Happy Memorial Day"? I ran to the store a bit earlier, and overheard multiple people saying this, including the cashiers. It seems odd that people would say this, considering the day is all about taking time to remember those who gave everything for our freedom. I did see lots of American flags and people sporting the colors, which was neat.
Thank you to all military men and women, past and present! Thank you to the families of these amazing people, too! I appreciate your sacrifice!
Thank you to all military men and women, past and present! Thank you to the families of these amazing people, too! I appreciate your sacrifice!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Weekend Diapering
We have gotten into some bad habits. We are on the go so much during the weekends, that I often (1) don't bring enough CDs with me, so I end up using the sposies I leave in my car for emergencies or (2) decide just to leave the CDs home altogether to cut down on laundry when we get home.
I am no longer satisfied with my laziness.
At the end of the day, I have a ton of laundry through the week. The extra few loads it takes to do diapers is not significant. There is no reason to have that as an excuse.
So, here I go. No more sposies for awhile.
I am no longer satisfied with my laziness.
At the end of the day, I have a ton of laundry through the week. The extra few loads it takes to do diapers is not significant. There is no reason to have that as an excuse.
So, here I go. No more sposies for awhile.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Splish, splash....
We cannot wait for the local pools to open. Last year, I used the name brand sposie swim diapers, but I am really checking out the cloth swim diapers for this year. I have read that some moms just use the diaper covers for the pools, but I am not sure I am ready to let chlorine get in my dipes just yet.
The sposie swim dipes are pretty pricey; I just found them for $9/pack of 11 at Target (I think they were Huggies Little Swimmers). If you aren't doing much swimming, this might work, but we plan on being in water as much as possible this summer! Two beach trips, the in law's home pool, the neighborhood park pool, not to mention a little blow up pool for the backyard (that I don't yet have, but some of them are pretty reasonable!).
A Bummis swim diaper runs about $13, and I think I can get away with two for the summer. The entire purpose is to catch poop, so I think you can wipe them clean pretty easily.
Decisions, decisions.
The sposie swim dipes are pretty pricey; I just found them for $9/pack of 11 at Target (I think they were Huggies Little Swimmers). If you aren't doing much swimming, this might work, but we plan on being in water as much as possible this summer! Two beach trips, the in law's home pool, the neighborhood park pool, not to mention a little blow up pool for the backyard (that I don't yet have, but some of them are pretty reasonable!).
A Bummis swim diaper runs about $13, and I think I can get away with two for the summer. The entire purpose is to catch poop, so I think you can wipe them clean pretty easily.
Decisions, decisions.
Sprayer
Thank goodness for my diaper sprayer.
Seventeen months ago, I wasn't convinced my husband would change diapers at all. I was pretty sure he would be the Dad to always have something else to do just as soon as a diaper became stinky. He was afraid of our new adorable cloth diapers that I stacked so nicely in the kiddo's room.
And for a little while, I was right. In the hospital, he pretended to be asleep when the nurse came in and changed our little one. Once we were home, it was more of the same. I don't even remember the first diaper he changed (although I would bet that he does). I do remember him always calling me to come help if it had a stinky load.
This morning, however, he got our kid out of bed, changed her and brought her to me. Then I heard him in the bathroom with the diaper sprayer. He cleaned the diaper off himself, tossed it in our pail, and never even mentioned it to get praise. Ha!
Our diaper sprayer is so easy to use, and it works so quickly and effectively so our diapers are easy to wash. I can guarantee without it, I would have been called in as reinforcements this morning.
Thank goodness for the sprayer.
Seventeen months ago, I wasn't convinced my husband would change diapers at all. I was pretty sure he would be the Dad to always have something else to do just as soon as a diaper became stinky. He was afraid of our new adorable cloth diapers that I stacked so nicely in the kiddo's room.
And for a little while, I was right. In the hospital, he pretended to be asleep when the nurse came in and changed our little one. Once we were home, it was more of the same. I don't even remember the first diaper he changed (although I would bet that he does). I do remember him always calling me to come help if it had a stinky load.
This morning, however, he got our kid out of bed, changed her and brought her to me. Then I heard him in the bathroom with the diaper sprayer. He cleaned the diaper off himself, tossed it in our pail, and never even mentioned it to get praise. Ha!
Our diaper sprayer is so easy to use, and it works so quickly and effectively so our diapers are easy to wash. I can guarantee without it, I would have been called in as reinforcements this morning.
Thank goodness for the sprayer.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Too many diapers
Before I chose which diapers I wanted to use, I was overwhelmed with all the choices and lingo. Cloth diapers sure aren't the pin diapers that my mom used on me. They are modern, slim and constantly evolving. Lucky for me, my sister had cloth diapered two of her children (and, btw, is CDing her twin boys right now, and loves it!). She used several different types of diapers and was able to offer some insight with which diapers I might like.
I went with the Bum Genius 3.0, and we have really liked them. They are a one size diaper (meaning they grow with the kid) that models 'sposies as to how you put them out. I knew we didn't want to keep purchasing more and more cloth throughout my kid's time in diapers, so the fact that they have different settings were great. The fact that they are easy to use are even better; my lovely husband now has no excuses to not get hands on with changes!
I have recommended them to several people, and unfortuantely they haven't worked well with everyone.
In the past year that I have been CDing, people have continued to come out with better and better diapers.
The problem with where I live is there isn't really a place to see the diapers before you purchase them, and the only way to buy them is online.
When I heard about diaperparties.com from a friend who is looking to explore CDing with her little bean, I knew this was something that could help our area.
Diaperparties.com supplies a variety of diapers for a mom and dad to see, feel, play with, practice on dolls with, or whatever, before they buy them. You can host a party and get your friends involved, too. I am hoping this will fulfill a need here in West Virginia by answering the hundreds of questions that moms usually have for me when they found out my babe is sporting cloth. I am awaiting my diaper kit from them, so we shall see.
I went with the Bum Genius 3.0, and we have really liked them. They are a one size diaper (meaning they grow with the kid) that models 'sposies as to how you put them out. I knew we didn't want to keep purchasing more and more cloth throughout my kid's time in diapers, so the fact that they have different settings were great. The fact that they are easy to use are even better; my lovely husband now has no excuses to not get hands on with changes!
I have recommended them to several people, and unfortuantely they haven't worked well with everyone.
In the past year that I have been CDing, people have continued to come out with better and better diapers.
The problem with where I live is there isn't really a place to see the diapers before you purchase them, and the only way to buy them is online.
When I heard about diaperparties.com from a friend who is looking to explore CDing with her little bean, I knew this was something that could help our area.
Diaperparties.com supplies a variety of diapers for a mom and dad to see, feel, play with, practice on dolls with, or whatever, before they buy them. You can host a party and get your friends involved, too. I am hoping this will fulfill a need here in West Virginia by answering the hundreds of questions that moms usually have for me when they found out my babe is sporting cloth. I am awaiting my diaper kit from them, so we shall see.
Monday, May 24, 2010
The kiddo
Welcome to Rachel's world.
Okay, I get it. I am sold on the "theory" of global warming. When I think about landfills, my stomach cringes. My family -- all three of us -- we try to minimize our personal carbon footprints, but sometimes we slip. We aren't obsessive, although we probably should be. I still use paper towels, eat fast food (don't tell Jamie Oliver!), and often jump in my car and drive to no where just to get out of the house.
Hey, I am a stay-at-home mom. I am trying. But sometimes you just go stir-crazy in the house all day. Especially when I used to explore the world around me as a journalist in West Virginia where there was always something to learn and something new to write about.
The most successful way we have conserved energy and space in the landfill has been to primarily use cloth diapers on our 16-month-old daughter.
We. Love. Them.
She does, too. Turns out, she has pretty sensitive skin, and the cloth keep her from diaper rash. Who knew they would be so much better for her, too? Well, I had a pretty good idea that they might be, but it was still amazing to see the results. We have had the same set of diapers since she was a newborn, so they have saved us a lot of cash, too.
We slip there, too, sometimes. At least we are trying.
Hey, I am a stay-at-home mom. I am trying. But sometimes you just go stir-crazy in the house all day. Especially when I used to explore the world around me as a journalist in West Virginia where there was always something to learn and something new to write about.
The most successful way we have conserved energy and space in the landfill has been to primarily use cloth diapers on our 16-month-old daughter.
We. Love. Them.
She does, too. Turns out, she has pretty sensitive skin, and the cloth keep her from diaper rash. Who knew they would be so much better for her, too? Well, I had a pretty good idea that they might be, but it was still amazing to see the results. We have had the same set of diapers since she was a newborn, so they have saved us a lot of cash, too.
We slip there, too, sometimes. At least we are trying.
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