My week with disposables.

I just got home last night from a 5 day trip to visit family.  We enjoyed family time, fishing, swimming, and riding in our golf cart (it's the best way to get around!).

My boys enjoying the sunset.

Last week I started the 2nd Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge, hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  The first 4 days were fine (you can read about them HERE).  But on Day 5, the day we left for our 6 hour road trip, I cheated because I thought it would be easier.  I wish I had just bought more flats.

I got some Flip disposable inserts to go inside Flip covers to use on our trip. I normally take 100% reusable diapers with us (because I've found it's much easier than I originally thought it would be).  However, the water up at the lake isn't the best, and I wasn't sure about washing diapers in it and dealing with the aftermath.  I mean, I use bottled water when brushing my teeth because the well water tastes horrible (note: we stayed at a different house this time that had co-op water, which wasn't so bad; wish I had known that before the trip). 

I started using the Flip system the day we left, so I didn't have to leave any dirty diapers at home.  I admit it, we also bought disposable diapers.  E was having some funky diapers (still not sure why), and I wasn't able to keep up handwashing the 4 Flip covers in time for them to dry before he needed another diaper.  Plus, the thought of washing out the covers in gas station bathrooms was not appealing.  So we did a mix of the Flip system and regular disposables.  The Flip system is awesome, except the messy poo always got all over the cover.  The disposables ended up being easier because of this reason (of the 2 options we had with us).

I MISSED MY CLOTH. 

We used disposables for 2.5 years (Riley was 2.5 and E was 2 months when we made the switch to cloth).  I remembered this weekend why I always dreaded diaper changes.  Disposables do not contain messy poop very well.  They have chemicals that bothered his already sensitive skin.  They STINK.  And then you have to deal with throwing them away (no garbage man to come curbside -- the dumpster was 10 minutes away).   When you run out, it can be a pain to run to the store (especially if the store isn't close).  They're not cheap.  They got nasty from rubbing on his shorts (the outer part of the diaper).  And let's face it, they're just not even half as cute as cloth.

We used disposable wipes, too.  I was reminded why I despise disposable wipes.  It takes so many to get him clean.  And the chemicals hurt his sensitive skin.  We almost ran out, so I was going to buy more at the nearest place I could (about 10 minutes away, a gas station/convenience store/restaurant; the next closest place was 25 minutes away).  The box of cheap wipes was $4.49 + tax.  I decided to try to make do with what we had (we came home with literally 3 wipes left).

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I have always told people that it is easy to travel with cloth.  Yet many people say they just use disposables, or a hybrid system (such as the Flip system we used) because it is easier.  I gave it a try this time around to make it "easier" on me so I didn't have to worry about washing the diapers while on vacation, then stripping them when returning home (which I was sure I'd have to do with the different water up there).

I will never travel without cloth diapers again.

We are returning to the lake in July for a full week.  We are also taking a weekend trip to Houston in 2 weeks.  I will take the remaining Flip disposable inserts with us, but I will also take our cloth.  I would rather wash diapers than deal with disposables.  It may have been easier in the sense I didn't have to do diaper laundry.  However, it was not easier in so many other areas.  Especially when his bottom was bright red. I wished we had his soft, chemical free cloth diapers with us so many times.

For me, I'd rather "deal with" diaper laundry on vacation than disposables.  Things may have been different if E didn't have nasty diapers the entire time, but it just confirmed to me that disposables aren't always the easier diaper (including the hybrid sytems).  I think they do have their place, and if they work for you, I think that's awesome!  I also understand that if staying somewhere without laundry facilities that 100% reusable diapers aren't always practical (but I would likely use flats and handwash vs using disposables).  I'll just stick with cloth. 

I was so happy to be able to put a real diaper on his bottom last night as soon as we got home!  I am also looking forward to tomorrow when I do diaper laundry (strange as it seems, I don't mind diaper laundry).  After handwashing for the last 11 days (covers and/or flats), and using disposables/hybrids the last 6 days, it sure is a nice change!  I appreciate my washing machine more than ever.  And I am so thankful we made the switch to cloth nearly 2.5 years ago! 

Just for fun, here are a couple of pics of my boys enjoying their weekend at the lake!

Eli "driving" our golf cart. 

Eli throwing rocks, while Riley fished with his Uncle Wes.

This post was written by Brenda.

Flats Challenge: DAY 5

I am participating in the 2nd Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge, hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  I have pledged to use flats, and handwash them, for 7 days.  The Challenge was an idea that came about after numerous articles referenced the practice of reusing disposable diapers.  Families with no money for new diapers were scraping out the solid contents or using a hair dryer to dry the diapers for reuse.  Not only is this unsanitary but it is also extremely dangerous. {read the original article} It was the personal mission of Kim of DDL to educate others that, although not ideal, hand washing the inexpensive flat cloth diapers was an option to families who had no other way to diaper.  No baby should have to suffer when there are ways to diaper for less than $50.00.

A little Flats Challenge humor!
(not sure who made this to credit them)

DAY 5

UPDATE:  We have a TON to do today (shopping, packing, lunch, speech therapy, gymnastics, loading up the car, then a 6 hour car trip).  E woke up first thing with a nasty diaper, then another one soon after (where the receiving blanket leaked even his pee, but fortunately not the poop).  The last 2 days he's had nasty "teething poo", but he's not teething.  Not fun with flats, but I've dealt with it and just washed more often.  But today (and the next 2 days) I won't have time or be able to handwash diapers every few hours.  We don't have enough to go more than 5 diaper changes before I need to wash. 

So I cheated.  And not even with a regular cloth diaper.  I cheated with disposable inserts.  I have them to use on our trip once the Challenge was over, but I'm starting early.  I don't want to leave dirty cloth diapers here for 5 days, so it was the next best option. 

I am still handwashing the last batch of flats and covers.  I knew at this point I could have just thrown them in the washer, but I wanted to at least follow through with that part.  So, I think I am done with the Flats & Handwashing Challenge.  I really wanted to follow through, and I'm a little disappointed.  But, I'm still proud I even did the first 4 days with our busy week. 


The rest of this blog I wrote yesterday, since I wasn't sure I'd be able to sit and blog this morning.  So read on for things I've learned, and some helpful tips!

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I've learned a lot this week.  I've been cloth diapering for almost 2.5 years, done a TON of research, lead our local cloth diaper group, but I have never done anything quite like this challenge.

I'll be honest.... I was this close to backing out last minute.  I have had so much going on recently, and the next 5-6 weeks are just crazy busy.  I didn't want to add using "inconvenient" diapers, and the time to handwash diapers, to my list of things to do this week.  Not to mention the blog posts to go along with it.  And the fact that Day 5 we will be in the car for 6 hours, and Days 6-7 will be out of town.  There were too many good reasons NOT to take this challenge. 

But, I'm glad I did!  I'm glad I have stuck with it so far.  We'll see how things go when we hop in the car later, and spend the next couple of days out of town, but so far it has taught me a lot.



Here are just a few things I've learned so far:

• Pad folding inside a PUL cover is just like using an AI2 style diaper.
• Flats & handwashing are only as difficult as you make them out to be.  I took a simple approach, and found this challenge was much easier than I anticipated.  I think if I had over-thought it (or had a very negative attitude towards it) I would have just made it more difficult on myself.
• I really can cloth diaper my child with things found around the house.  Receiving blankets aren't my favorite diaper, but they work (sometimes;).  So do t-shirts.  Flour sack towels are my favorite.  Granted, not everyone has PUL or wool covers, but they are easy to get or make.  Baby washcloths make great wipes (but I already knew that!).  This is advice I frequently give, but never experienced first hand.  Now I have!
• In case of emergency, I will not have to worry about what to use as a diaper.  I can get creative.  I know how to wash them if I don't have access to a washing machine.
• Don't spend 30 minutes drying and straightening your hair, then wash the diapers.  You'll get sweaty and undo what you just did.... 

TIPS:

• Always have an extra change of clothes when running errands.  I've been lucky with our regular cloth diapers not to have to do this. 
• Be sure the cover goes over all of the flat.  I forgot a few times and the wet flat stuck out of the cover, causing leaks.
• Wash daily, or it's just more work.  I found that 5-8 items (covers and wetbags included) were the easiest for me to wash at one time.  I sometimes washed twice a day, but once a day was usually enough.
•  Line drying outside is much quicker than indoors.  Plus, the sun helps sanitize the diapers, while fading stains.  
• Flats are extremely versatile!  They can be used in ANY cloth diaper.  Plus, they make fantastic cleaning or burp rags.  Also good for spilled drinks!  
• It doesn't take much detergent when handwashing diapers.  I used 1-1.5 tsp to wash 5-8 items, with the bathtub filled about 1/4 of the way.
• When taking diapers off an outdoor clothesline, shake well to remove any bugs. 
• Beat, shake, and/or twist dry diapers to soften them up.
• Don't skimp on the agitating.  When agitating diapers by hand (or with a plunger),  it feels a lot longer than it is.  4-5 minutes worked well for me, then soak, then another 3-4 minutes of agitation before rinsing.  Diapers may stink if they don't get clean enough.
• Moisturize!  My hands have been very dry this week, so lotion has been my friend.  

I will try to update as soon as I am able with how the final days of this Challenge went while out of town.  If I have internet access, I will try to get at least one blog post up.  Here's hoping I don't give up on flats in the last 2 days of the challenge.  My only concern is finding time to handwash the diapers.  [insert sad face here]

Flats Challenge: DAY 4

I am participating in the 2nd Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge, hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  I have pledged to use flats, and handwash them, for 7 days.  The Challenge was an idea that came about after numerous articles referenced the practice of reusing disposable diapers.  Families with no money for new diapers were scraping out the solid contents or using a hair dryer to dry the diapers for reuse.  Not only is this unsanitary but it is also extremely dangerous. {read the original article} It was the personal mission of Kim of DDL to educate others that, although not ideal, hand washing the inexpensive flat cloth diapers was an option to families who had no other way to diaper.  No baby should have to suffer when there are ways to diaper for less than $50.00.

DAY 4


Yesterday E definitely "challenged" me!  We had a playdate at the mall with a friend (who cloth diapers her LO's).  We happened to meet another cloth diapering mama there (her little girl was showing off a Zinnia BumGenius under her dress).  E was wearing a Clementine Flip cover over a pad folded receiving blanket.  While the "flat" wasn't soaked, he leaked out of the cover onto his shorts.  So after that he ran around in a Twilight Flip cover with a pad folded organic cotton flat.  So far, I'm not super impressed with receiving blankets as flats.

After playing, we had some lunch, then went to the car to head home.  As I was getting E in his carseat, he told me he pooped.  Of course he did, and it wasn't "clean". It was a big squishy mess. He had 4 of those yesterday.  Thanks, E. 

After the Flats Fail.

This is my first time to handwash diapers.  I am not a fan of handwashing anything!  I am one of those people who won't buy an item if it's handwash only.  The very few items I have, I still put in the washer on delicate cycle, and just line dry or lay flat to dry.  I don't do handwashing.  The only thing I wash by hand are E's wool diaper covers.  But that's super easy!

Which makes it even weirder (is that even a word?!) that I am taking this challenge!

I don't wash them in any fancy manor.  If he poops, I rinse well in the toilet to get as much off as I can, then add it to the wetbag or bucket until time to wash.  I don't own a sprayer, don't really care to.  I'm not afraid of poop.  I wash my hands anyway, so it doesn't bother me if my hands go in the toilet water a little.  If you're squeamish, then get a sprayer! 

Here's how I handwash in the bathtub:

~  Rinse all items with warm water under the faucet.  I tried the handheld shower head we have, but it's busted (thanks to the kids) and not spraying correctly.  Wring out excess water.

~  Fill tub to cover diapers.  It doesn't take much since I haven't washed many items at a time (about 5-8 total, including covers and maybe a wetbag).  I get the water as hot as I can stand.  Sprinkle 1 tsp detergent (my regular diaper detergent, Rockin' Green) over diapers.  Agitate by hand for about 5 minutes.  Let soak for 30 minutes, or so. I tend to forget, so a couple times it's been over an hour...

~  Check Facbeook, eat lunch, play a game with the kids...  Agitate diapers for another 3-4 minutes.  Drain water.

~  Rinse each item with warm water under the faucet until all suds are gone.  Wring out as much water as possible.

~  Line dry outside.  The sun kills any bacteria, speeds up dry time, and fades stains.  Flats and PUL covers are dry in less than an hour, wetbag and any night inserts used (bamboo) take a little longer.

Day 2 - First day to wash!  Diapers soaking in detergent.
5 flats, 1 small wetbag, 1 PUL cover, & 1 bamboo doubler.

It has been easier to handwash the diapers daily.  Fewer diapers makes it easier to rinse well.  I prefer to wash in the morning so I can line dry them in the sun. 

Had I thought about it ahead of time, I would have bought a cheap plunger to use to agitate so I could use HOT water, and not use my hands.  However, I already mentioned on Day 2 that I didn't prepare well for this.  I am only using items I already had, or needed to buy for future use.  I did not buy anything specifically for this challenge.  While we have a plunger, it grosses me out to think about using it to wash diapers.  I can't be the only one, right?!  If I were to handwash diapers on a regular basis, I would invest in a second plunger just for diapers. 


Handwashing diapers has not been as difficult as I thought it would be.  As with cloth diapering (and later, using wool covers), it was more intimidating than it actually is.  I was hesitant to try it, but then I quickly realized it is easier than anticipated!  That doesn't mean I would want to handwash diapers all the time.... I love my washing machine!  But, I know that I won't freak out if I'm ever without a washer.

Showing off his Cloth Diaper Advocacy Tee, ordered from Gnomes' Naturals.

Flats Challenge: DAY 3

I am participating in the 2nd Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge, hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  I have pledged to use flats, and handwash them, for 7 days.  The Challenge was an idea that came about after numerous articles referenced the practice of reusing disposable diapers.  Families with no money for new diapers were scraping out the solid contents or using a hair dryer to dry the diapers for reuse.  Not only is this unsanitary but it is also extremely dangerous. {read the original article} It was the personal mission of Kim of DDL to educate others that, although not ideal, hand washing the inexpensive flat cloth diapers was an option to families who had no other way to diaper.  No baby should have to suffer when there are ways to diaper for less than $50.00.

DAY 3


My kids woke me up before 7:00 am today.  I knew I needed to wash diapers first thing so he will have some to wear later. Just fyi... 7:00 am is WAY too early to be handwashing diapers.  Or to do anything productive, for that matter.  

So no pics today.  It's too early and I'm too tired.  Plus, E doesn't like posing for me in his diapers anymore!


What is my favorite way to use flats so far?  I love either the Diaper Bag Fold or just a simple Pad Fold.  Or the best of both worlds:  A Diaper Bag fold with a Pad Folded flat as a doubler.  Score!

I am not a fan of using a Snappi or Boingo's with flats.  E is a big kid (a 35 lb 2.5 y/o who wears 3T clothes), so there isn't a lot of material on his hips.  The "claws" dig into his skin and leave marks, so I just don't use them with flats (I love them with fitteds!).  For some strange reason I like using pins with flats.  I can't stand pins with fitteds, or even the very very rare occasion I use prefolds. I find it strange (and unexplainable) that I like flats, but not prefolds.

I'm a conundrum, I know.

I'm hoping to blog the rest of the week, but since we are leaving town on Friday I'm not sure how much I'll be able to.  Vacations with young kids aren't exactly vacations!  They just take more planning, more work, and while fun... the kids are out of routine and get cranky.  But, I'm looking forward to spending time with family this Memorial Day weekend!

Flats Challenge: DAY 2

I am participating in the 2nd Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge, hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  I have pledged to use flats, and handwash them, for 7 days.  The Challenge was an idea that came about after numerous articles referenced the practice of reusing disposable diapers.  Families with no money for new diapers were scraping out the solid contents or using a hair dryer to dry the diapers for reuse.  Not only is this unsanitary but it is also extremely dangerous. {read the original article} It was the personal mission of Kim of DDL to educate others that, although not ideal, hand washing the inexpensive flat cloth diapers was an option to families who had no other way to diaper.  No baby should have to suffer when there are ways to diaper for less than $50.00.


DAY 2

Night 1 in Flats went well!  Here is what he wore:

Organic flat, Diaper Bag fold, with a Sustainablebabyish organic bamboo doubler, and an organic Flat Pad folded.  All underneath Sustainablebabyish wool.  

I will be washing the diapers for the first time today!  Wish me luck!!

I should have been better prepared for the Flats & Handwashing Challenge.  However, I have been slightly preoccupied with planning my soon-to-be 5 year old's birthday party that is in less than 3 weeks.  And we are about to leave town for 5 days; my 2.5 y/o's speech evaluation we've waited 6 weeks for; dog-sitting this week; family is coming in 2.5 weeks so I must clean my house; and well, I have 2 kids under 5.  So this week just seemed to pop up out of nowhere!  I realized just this weekend I only have 5 actual flats (2 flour sack towels and 3 organic cotton flats).  And 2 PUL covers.  Yes, I have wool, but for under clothes PUL fits better. 

Sunday I made a trip to Target and still forgot to buy more flour sack towels.  Whoops.  Instead of going back, I'm just dealing with it.  I may go later this morning, but I had a headache yesterday (again - thanks to horrible allergies/sinuses) and didn't feel like it.  I did make it to a local CD Shop to buy a few more PUL covers (buy 2 get 1 free is awesome!).  I wouldn't have bought more PUL covers just for this, but they will also come in handy next week since I plan on using disposable inserts (for the first time since the water where I'm going is awful!).  So I feel it was worth the investment.

Here is what I have to use this week, as of now:

3 organic cotton flats
2 flour sack towels
3 receiving blankets (though I may pull out some more if needed)
t-shirts I pulled from my closet that I no longer wear
diaper pins
wool covers
PUL covers
wetbag for running errands
bucket to store dirties at home
Rockin Green Classic Rock detergent
clothesline outside (already there;)

That's it!  I am trying to keep it simple.  I didn't want to spend money to do this challenge for only 7 days.  I will be washing diapers in the bathtub, with good old fashioned elbow grease!  I plan on washing daily if I can, but there's a chance it will be every other day.  I am using the bucket to store dirties at home so I don't have to wash my large hanging wetbag that I normally use.  I don't use a diaper sprayer, it's plop/dunk/swish around here!  I do use flushable liners about 75% of the time, but not for this week. 

I finally told my hubby last night I am taking this challenge!  It just never occurred to me until last night to let him know I will be handwashing diapers in the tub all week. 

Flats & Handwashing Challenge: DAY 1

I am participating in the 2nd Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge, hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  I have pledged to use flats, and handwash them, for 7 days.  The Challenge was an idea that came about after numerous articles referenced the practice of reusing disposable diapers.  Families with no money for new diapers were scraping out the solid contents or using a hair dryer to dry the diapers for reuse.  Not only is this unsanitary but it is also extremely dangerous. {read the original article} It was the personal mission of Kim of DDL to educate others that, although not ideal, hand washing the inexpensive flat cloth diapers was an option to families who had no other way to diaper.  No baby should have to suffer when there are ways to diaper for less than $50.00.



DAY 1

You may think it's a little weird to choose flats and handwashing when I have a perfectly "normal" stash of cloth diapers (a fairly large one, at that).  But I'm sure you think it's just insane to choose to handwash diapers for one full week, when my washer is in full working condition. 

So WHY? would I choose flats and handwashing for 7 full days?  Why would I choose to take the extra time when I am busy planning my soon-to-be 5 year old's birthday party?  Why, when I am planning a 5 day trip to visit family?  Day 5 of this challenge, we will be in the car for 6 hours.  Days 6-7 we will be staying with family.  Outside, at a lake, in the woods.  I already plan to use a hybrid system (for the 1st time) the remainder of our trip.  But the plan is to stay dedicated to the Flats Challenge. 

The first reason that comes to mind is so that I am able to share my personal experience with those who could benefit from using flats and handwashing full time.  As the founder of the DFW Cloth Diaper Project, I would love to be able to share my own tips and tricks.  As with all things cloth diapering, I like to be able to give my own opinion, since it adds a more personal touch.  How can I teach someone to handwash diapers if I've never done so myself? 

I recommend that people use flats and covers on trips, since they are easy to handwash.  Since the last 2.5 days of this challenge will be on vacation, I will also be able to give my personal experience with flats while traveling.

First Flat of the Challenge!
Flour Sack Towel, "diaper bag fold", with an organic flat as a doubler.
I only use pins with flats.
My poor little guy was attacked by ants and mosqitoes this weekend:(

Another reason is to simply prove to myself that I can do it.  I admit, I am nervous about handwashing.  I bought flats last year in preperation for the 1st Flats & Handwashing Challenge.  However, I was in a motorcycle accident about a month prior to the Challenge and was not able to participate.  I have never been a prefolds girl, I just don't like them.  But I discovered last year that I actually kinda like flats.  Not my favorite diaper, but there's something nostalgic about using flats and pins.

Another reason I'm participating is the good ol' Boy Scout motto:  Be Prepared!  I have been caught out of the house, running errands, with a poopy toddler... and NO DIAPER BAG.  I used the spare diaper (a Flip cover and stay dry insert) from the car, but he pooped again.  We were at the mall, so I went into a department store and bought some receiving blankets on clearance.  I felt so proud that I was able to think of that!  I can honestly tell you that if that had happened when we used disposables (we used them for 2.5 years before we knew about cloth) that I would have been poop out of luck (pun intended!).  I would have gotten nothing done and just gone home. 

We live in North Texas.  Tornadoes are not common, but also not rare.  Not too long ago we took shelter in our bathroom while tornadoes touched down all over the metroplex (the closest one less than 10 miles away).  If tragedy struck our home, I feel I would be well prepared to use items that are easily found (t-shirts, towels, blankets) as diapers.  This Challenge will give me the tools I need, so that diapering my child is one less thing to worry about in a terrible situation. 

So that's it!  The many reasons I want to participate in this Challenge.  E was actually dry all morning long in his first flat (though he wouldn't pee on the potty, despite several attempts)!  I finally changed him around 1:30, when he welcomed this Challenge with a BANG!  Oh, what fun it is to change nasty stinky diapers in the car....

Are you throwing money away?

Real Diaper Week is here!! The DFW Cloth Diaper Group is so excited to be participating in the Great Cloth Diaper Change again this year! For those of you who don't know, the GCDC is an event to raise awareness for cloth diapers. This year we are attempting to break last year's World Record of 5,026 babies simultaneously changed into a cloth diaper around the world.

We are participating in the Real Diaper Week Blog Hop!

This year, Real Diaper Week was introduced to help YOU advocate for cloth diapers in your local community. The theme is "Real Simple. Real Diapers." Each day this week we will focus on the daily topic, and we encourage you to share this with your friends and family!

A little over 2 years ago we had 2 kids in diapers.  That was expensive.  I was hoping that our oldest would potty train before his little brother was born, but alas, that did not happen.  He was 2.5 years, and Eli was 2 months old, when a friend asked if we had considered cloth diapers. 

"Oh, hell no!" was my initial reaction.

Then I clicked on the link (to see what craziness she wanted me to take part in), and instead of old prefolds and plastic pants, I saw the most adorable things a child can poop in!  I wasn't on board just yet... after all, I hate laundry.  But after doing the math, I decided it might be worth a try. 

$40 a week - $160 a month - was going in the trash.  But only after our kids pooped on it.  For us, that was a LOT of money.  We sure could use it for other necessities.  So I started my research.  I decided to only dip my toes in, and bought 3 diapers.  I was still skeptical, so I didn't want to jump in until we were sure.

But with the first diaper, I was hooked!  I knew we could do it.  I convinced hubby, and we slowly built up a stash big enough for 2 kids.  I was thrilled the first time I went to the store and did NOT have to buy diapers! 

I was standing in line at the store one day behind a young mother, with her 2 small children.  She placed the small amount of food on the counter (we were in the 20 items or less lane), and a package of diapers.  She didn't have enough money for all of it.  I told the cashier to just put the food that the woman put back on my bill, that I would pay for it.  But the cashier ignored me each time I said something (I was getting more than annoyed with her).  I tried to quickly pay for my items, planning on adding the left-behind food, but the young mother rushed out of the store before I was done.  She was gone.  I knew cloth diapers could have helped her so she wouldn't have to make that decision between food and diapers.

Source: jenniferlabit.files.wordpress.com via Brenda on Pinterest

I couldn't help that mom, but I wanted to help others.  I reached out to a local non-profit, but was quickly shut down.  They didn't think their families would be committed.  But they didn't even give those families the chance to decide for themselves.

I wasn't going to stop there, though I did put it on the back burner as I was starting up the DFW Cloth Diaper Group.  And then there was the motorcycle accident my husband and I were in.  But last summer, we took the right steps to start the DFW Cloth Diaper Project!  We collected diapers, stripped them, organized them, and finally, in November 2011, we were open for business! 

It has been so wonderful to be able to help local families!  The cost of diapers was once a major hinderance for us.  I know what it's like to not pay a bill, or cut down on groceries, so you can buy diapers.  We were "better off" than many other families (and have a very supportive family), but we still struggled.  I don't want other families to make that choice between food and diapers.

How YOU can help:

• Donate (diapers or money) to the DFW Cloth Diaper Project, or other cloth diaper charities.
• Help lead a class on how to make your own cloth diapers (coming soon to the DFW area; see HERE if you would like to help!).
• SHARE this post to raise awareness.

DFW Great Cloth Diaper Change

University Christian Church

Fellowship Hall

2420 S. University Dr

Fort Worth, TX 76109

Vendor Expo and GCDC Event!

10:00 - 1:00

Visit our website for more information!

My house no longer smells like a landfill.

Real Diaper Week is here!! The DFW Cloth Diaper Group is so excited to be participating in the Great Cloth Diaper Change again this year! For those of you who don't know, the GCDC is an event to raise awareness for cloth diapers. This year we are attempting to break last year's World Record of 5,026 babies simultaneously changed into a cloth diaper around the world. 

We are participating in the Real Diaper Week Blog Hop!

This year, Real Diaper Week was introduced to help YOU advocate for cloth diapers in your local community. The theme is "Real Simple. Real Diapers." Each day this week we will focus on the daily topic, and we encourage you to share this with your friends and family!

Want to know what 5,000 disposable diapers per child looks like?

Source: everythingcloth.com via Brenda on Pinterest

I was reminded of the awful wet disposable diaper smell at our church on Easter Sunday. We helped in for the toddler room, so I had to change some diapers. Two poops and one pee. The poopy ones you would expect to smell bad. It's poop. But I almost forgot just how bad the chemicals in the disposables smell when they mix with pee. I used to work in daycare (and had 1.2 kids of my own in disposables) and was once accustomed to the smell. But after 2 years of using cloth, it was not a pleasant aroma.

One of the things I love the most about cloth diapering is that my house no longer smells like a landfill. We used disposable diapers on our kids until Riley was 2.5 years and Eli was 2 months. We tried a Diaper Genie (but ours wasn't as fancy as this one) and the Diaper Champ, but our house still smelled like pee and poop, mixed with the chemicals in the diapers. Not to mention the cost of the refills for the Diaper Genie. They get expensive, especially on top of the cost of disposable diapers.

More and more money went in the trash. The smell in our house was a constant reminder.

Pail deoderizers, room fresheners, sprays, candles, bleach.... nothing worked. My hubby took the trash out every night. We thought we just had to deal with it until our kids were out of diapers.

Disposable diapers generate 7.6 BILLION pounds of garbage each year. Each child in disposables contributes 2,000 pounds of garbage in only 2 years.

I could throw out a ton of facts about how bad disposables are for our environment. But instead I will link to a post that I read this weekend, because they did such a great job. The eco-living blog Small Footprint Family did a wonderful post called Why Disposables are Dirty and Dangerous. I have been cloth diapering for a little over 2 years, I've done all the research, I run a local cloth diaper group, I know the numbers. And yet it still grosses me out.

One of the points I frequently share when people ask about the environmental impact of disposables is that it can take at least 500 years for just one disposable diaper to decompose in a landfill. At least. That means the first disposables ever invented are still on this earth.

I know this. But the Small Footprint Family's blog post put it in a way I haven't thought of before:

In other words, if Christopher Columbus had worn Pampers, his poop would still be intact in some landfill today.

That's not the environment I want my kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids to grow up in.

I want a safe, healthy world for my kids to grow up in.

We started using cloth diapers to save money. The other benefits (environmental, health, cute-factor, fewer-to-no leaks, fewer diaper rashes, better smelling house) were all just a huge bonus. However, we continue to cloth diaper for so many reasons. Environmental being a big one. I have always been a stickler for recycling, but now I find new ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle in our home. Now it's just a bonus that it saves us money.


Visit What A Waste and the Real Diaper Association's website for more information on how disposable diapers are impacting our planet. It's not pretty.

How can you help reduce disposable diaper waste?

• Ask an environmental group, municipal waste division, or government representative to support cloth diapers.
• Make the switch to cloth diapers, if you haven't already.
• If you use disposable inserts in your hybrid diapers, try replacing them with cloth inserts.
• Share this article with your friends and family.
• Take the Change 3 Things Challenge.

Source: change3things.com via Brenda on Pinterest

DFW Great Cloth Diaper Change

University Christian Church

Fellowship Hall

2420 S. University Dr

Fort Worth, TX 76109

Vendor Expo and GCDC Event!

10:00 - 1:00

For more information on our local event, please visit our website.

This post was written by Brenda.  She has an awesome hubby (for 5.5 years) and 2 energetic boys (4, 2; pictured above).  She is the founder of the DFW Cloth Diaper Group and the DFW Cloth Diaper Project.

Real Simple. Real Diapers: Outreach

Real Diaper Week is here!!  The DFW Cloth Diaper Group is so excited to be participating in the Great Cloth Diaper Change again this year!  For those of you who don't know, the GCDC is an event to raise awareness for cloth diapers.  This year we are attempting to break last year's World Record of 5,026 babies simultaneously changed into a cloth diaper around the world. 


We are participating in the Real Diaper Week Blog Hop! 

This year, Real Diaper Week was introduced to help YOU advocate for cloth diapers in your local community.  The theme is "Real Simple.  Real Diapers."  Each day this week we will focus on the daily topic, and we encourage you to share this with your friends and family!

Different types of cloth diapers.  This was for 2 kids in cloth full time.

Today we will focus on Types of Cloth Diapers.


Back in the day, cloth diapers were basic, without options.  Prefolds or flats under plastic pants were basically it.  Let's not forget about diaper pins!

Today, you can choose from pockets, AIO's, fitteds, prefolds, flats, contours, hybrids, synthetic or natural materials, wool, PUL, snaps, hook & loop, pins, Snappi, Boingo... so many options!  And that's not even getting into all of the brands or accessories!!

One of the things I hear the most from those researching cloth diapers is how overwhelmed they are by all of the choices.  I always tell them to a) take a deep breath, and b) to know that you don't have to commit to one style/brand of diapers.  Try what you think you will like, and go from there.

Pockets and AIO's (all in one's) are great for those who want a quick diaper change with an easy to use diaper.  These are also very user friendly for those who may be unfamiliar with cloth (such as grandparents, sitters, and daycare).

Hybrids (aka: AI2's - all in two's) are great for those who wish for a system where you can reuse the outer shell, but use a new insert.  These are a good alternative to prefolds.

Fitteds, prefolds, and flats are a great option for those who want more natural materials against baby's skin.  Under a wool or fleece cover, this is a fantastic, breathable night time diaper!  Prefolds and flats are also the most economical choice of cloth diapers.

Accessories.  Really, the only accessory you need is your baby.  However, there are some things that will make cloth diapering easier.  A wetbag for using cloth out of the house, a diaper pail to store dirty diapers at home, and wipes to clean them up (I love my cloth wipes more than disposable wipes!).  Any other accessories are optional.


HERE is a complete list with descriptions of the types of diapers, as well as a video made by Amanda of Old School Cool cloth diapers (a local wahm!). 

What does this have to do with outreach?  Easy!  SHARE this with your friends and family to let them know that cloth diapers aren't what they used to be! 

I have converted several friends to cloth by doing these basic steps:  Use cloth.  Share articles.  Be available.  Who knew it could be so easy?! 

If you are looking beyond the basics, here are a few more ways you can advocate for cloth diapers.  I challenge you to try at least one of these things:

• Wear a cloth diaper advocacy pin!  "Real Simple. Real Diapers." or "Ask me about cloth diapers!"  Available here and here. 
• Host a Cloth Diaper 101 class with your mom's group, at a hospital or birth center.  We are here to help you with this, and will hopefully be organizing classes in the coming months!
• Invite a friend to one of our monthly meetups.
• Invite a friend to the Great Cloth Diaper Change, and let them borrow a cloth diaper (or three!) to use. 

DFW Great Cloth Diaper Change!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

10:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Vendor Expo and GCDC Event!

University Christian Church

2720 S. University Dr

Ft Worth, TX 76109

For more information about our local Great Cloth Diaper Change, visit our website. 

This post was written by Brenda, founder of the DFW Cloth Diaper Group and the DFW Cloth Diaper Project.  She is wife to Ryan (5.5 years), mommy to two boys, Riley (4.5) and Eli (2).  She is looking forward to attending the GCDC for the first time, even though it is her second year planning.  She has been instructed NOT to get on a motorcycle again until after the GCDC.

Shop Local: Jack's Choice

This is a new series about our local cloth diaper shops. Each week, we will feature two local shops! You will learn where they are located and all about their products. For more information about our local cloth diaper community, please visit our website!


Jack's Choice is one of our newest local shops.  They are located near Denton.  They are still in their start up phases, and adding more products!  Jack's Choice currently sells cloth diapers, amber necklaces, and adorable crocheted hats!  They would love to feature WAHM's, so if you are interested in partnering, email jackschoice@live.com for more info!

You can find Fuzzibunz and Rumparooz at Jack's Choice.  They also offer a rainbow of Baltic Sea Amber Necklaces!  You can find adorable crocheted hats, made by ABChic Designs. 

Staci, the owner, is very helpful if you are new to cloth diapers!  She is one of our wonderful members and wants to help others make the switch to real diapers.  I asked her why she started her own shop, and rather than summing up what she told me, I will just let her explain:

I figured out when my son was born that I was a lot "crunchier" than I ever thought I would be. When I first started cloth diapering, I started learning as much as I possibly could about it. Though I don't use all kinds of natural products myself, I see the benefits. I also see a need in my area. I've lived in Denton or the Denton area for about 10 years. There are lots of "crunchy" people here, and no stores for this sort of stuff. So, I'd been thinking about it for awhile. I guess I started to freak out one day because I can't find a "real" job to save my life, and what if something happened to my husband? I wouldn't be able to feed my son. In this economy they're saying entrepreneurship is the key. I figured it was now or never. I know it'll take awhile for it to really grow and take off. I do hope to eventually be a brick and mortar store in Denton someday. This is my dream!

Have you shopped with Jack's Choice?  Please share your experience in the comments!

Shop Local: Pooter's

This is a new series about our local cloth diaper shops. Each week, we will feature two local shops! You will learn where they are located and all about their products. For more information about our local cloth diaper community, please visit our website!


Our next featured local cloth diaper shop is Pooter's!  Maj is the owner and is very helpful in finding the best diaper for your baby!  Pooter's is open 24/7 online, but Maj will meet you for local pick up if you would prefer.

Pooter's offers a variety of cloth diapers, covers, and accessories to help you get started with cloth diapers. 

If you are looking for a good, affordable fitted diaper, I would recommend the Pooter's Bamboo Fitted diaper!  This is only $10.80, with discounts if you buy 3 or more!  This makes a great night time diaper.  If you have a heavy wetter, then add an insert or doubler.  Wool is a great cover for overnight since it is breathable.  When fully lanolized, the sheets will be dry!  Don't know how to care for wool?  There is a great tutorial found here. 

If you are expecting a newborn, you should look at the Pooter's newborn fitteds!  They are only $9 each!  There are also several cloth diaper rental packages if you would prefer to rent instead of buy.

In addition to the wonderful Pooter's brand of diapers, you will find a variety of other brands of diapers, including Happy Heiny's, GroVia, Softbums, and Sustainablebabyish (aka: Sbish or Sloomb). 

If you are new to cloth diapering, or trying to troubleshoot a problem, then visit the How-To Guides for helpful information.  Also be sure to check out the clearance section for a great deal!

Stay up to date with the latest Pooter's news by "liking" them on Facebook!  You can also sign up for the Pooter's newsletter on their website. 

Please share your experience with Pooter's in the comments! 

Shop Local: Baby Rear Gear

This is a series about our local cloth diaper shops. Each week, we will feature two local shops! You will learn where they are located and all about their products. For more information about our local cloth diaper community, please visit our website!


Baby Rear Gear is located in Arlington.  You can call or email Elise to schedule an appointment to shop at their in-home store.  Saturday, November 5 will be their first day to be open for retail hours, from 10:00-2:00!  There will be lots of freebies for giveaways!!  Call or email for details and the address. 

Baby Rear Gear has a variety of cloth diapers and accessories.  They are currently working on their website, but you can call, email, or shop in store to find great products to fit your baby and your budget! 

Baby Rear Gear is a drop-off location for your donations for the DFW Cloth Diaper Project!  If you have any cloth diaper related items you would like to donate, just bring them in while you shop! 

If you haven't tried Bottombumpers yet, then you need to make a trip to Baby Rear Gear!  Bottombumpers is an amazing product, one of Elise's favorite diapers!  It is trim, yet very absorbant!

If you are looking for a great night time solution, Baby Rear Gear offers sustainablebabyish (aka: Sbish or Sloomb) brand of fitteds and wool.  However, because of the very high demand, they are currently out of stock (waiting on shipments from Sbish).  As soon as Sbish are back in stock, you should order them quickly before they sell out again! 

"Like" Baby Rear Gear on Facebook to stay up to date with their latest products, sales, and specials!

Is Baby Rear Gear your local cloth diaper shop?  Please share your experience with us in the comments! 

 

Shop Local: Hip Green Baby!

This is a new series about our local cloth diaper shops. Each week, we will feature two local shops! You will learn where they are located and all about their products. For more information about our local cloth diaper community, please visit our website!


Hip Green Baby is located in Anna, just north of McKinney.  Locals are welcome to make an appointement to shop their in-home store.  Kristi, the mama behind HGB, is very helpful in both cloth diapers and babywearing!

Hip Green Baby makes a variety of products, my personal favorite being the hand dyed pre-fitteds!  I am not a fan of prefolds, but I like the simplicity of these.  I sometimes add a bamboo insert for nap or longer car/plane trips, but generally, just the pre-fitted is more than absorbant under a wool cover. 

They carry a variety of cloth diapers, including Kawaii's.  One of my favorite diapers is the Kawaii Bamboo Minky OS diaper I bought from Kristi early this year.  If you are cloth diapering on a budget, but want the ease of pockets, Kawaii is a good option for you! 

Kristi understands that it is sometimes difficult to find the right cloth diaper for you, especially when on a tight budget.  This is why she offers amazing deals on cloth diaper packages! 

You can also find the cutest cloth trainers, as well as swim diapers and baltic amber necklaces.  Check out the website for many more wonderful products available at Hip Green Baby!

Do you have diapers that need some TLC?  Hip Green Baby offers diaper repairs, including snap conversions and elastic replacement. 

Is there anything better than FREE diapers?  All you need to do is host a Diaper Party and you can earn free diapers from Hip Green Baby! 

Want to know about sales and specials from Hip Green Baby?  Go "like" them on Facebook!

Have you shopped with Hip Green Baby?  How was your experience?

What is your favorite product from HBG? 

Shop Local: the Nappy Shoppe in Allen

This is a new series about our local cloth diaper shops. Each week, we will feature two local shops! You will learn where they are located and all about their products. For more information about our local cloth diaper community, please visit our website!




This week's feature cloth diaper store is the Nappy Shoppe!  The Nappy Shoppe is located at 1210 W McDermott Drive (Suite 102) in Allen.  If you have ever shopped in store, you most likely called to find out exactly where they were located.  They have a very unique location, that I wish was available in more areas.  They are in the business strip center inside the Advantage storage complex at the north east corner of McDermott and Alma. You can park directly behind the storage office (between CareNow and the Goodyear auto shop), then walk through the black gate to Suite 102.

The Nappy Shoppe is open 5 days a week! 

Sunday - Monday  CLOSED

Tuesday - Friday   10 am - 3 pm

Wednseday  -  6 - 8 pm

Saturday  -  10 am - 4 pm

The Nappy Shoppe has a wide variety of products in stock, ready to go home with you! When you visit the Nappy Shoppe, you will find cloth diapers, detergents, nursing supplies, baby carriers, toys, DIY supplies, and much much more!

If you would like a diaper demo, the wonderful ladies who work there can show you how each diaper works.  It is very helpful to be able to compare diapers side by side before making a commitment to purchase.  For those new to cloth diapering, this is a great way to compare the types of diapers while being able to ask questions about each one.  For the cloth diapering pro, you will be amazed at all of the fluffy goodness!

The Nappy Shoppe also carries a wide range of baby carriers!  If you are interested in babywearing, you can try on different carriers to see which one fits you and your baby the best.  You can receive safe babywearing tips from their expert babywearing guru's!

Cloth 101 and Babywearing 101 classes are now offered in store! 

They make various items in-store.  Training pants, gFlappers, nursing pads, wetbags, and more are locally made with love! 

My personal favorite cloth diaper item is the gFlapper!  Sharni, the owner, designed these for her own son when she used gDiapers before they offered a cloth insert.  I have several gFlappers, both the all bamboo and the bamboo & hemp.  Both are the most absorbant inserts I have ever used.  They offer a variety of gFlappers made from different materials to suit your needs and preferences.  They can be used inside any pocket diaper, as an insert inside any PUL cover, or for extra absorbancy for overnight.  They are extremely versatile!

If you are creative and enjoy making diapers, then you will enjoy the DIY section!  You will find fabric, PUL, thread, snaps, snap pliers, and much more to help you make quality diapers at home.

The Nappy Shoppe is a drop off location for the DFW Cloth Diaper Project!  If you have diapers and accessories you would like to donate, leave them in the diaper pail next to the changing table.

Text CLOTHDIAPER to 41411 for deals, updates, announcements, and more! 

"Like" the Nappy Shoppe on Facebook for the same, as well as informative links and articles related to natural parenting!

Read Sharni's Blog for diaper reviews, tips on cloth diapering, care, babywearing, and more!

Have you visited the Nappy Shoppe?  Please share your experience in the comments! 

Haven't had the chance?  Visit their website and tell us your favorite product you would like to try. 



Shop Local: Cloth Diaper Services

This is a new series about our local cloth diaper shops.  Each week, we will feature two local shops!  You will learn where they are located and all about their products.  For a complete list of local shops, visit our website!

This post will feature our two local cloth diaper services. 


Bluebonnet Diaper Service started in May, 2009 after seeing the need for such a business north of Dallas.  They serve the North Texas community.

BlueBonnet Diaper Service, LLC
P.O. Box 222
Valley View, TX US

info@bluebonnetdiaperservice.com

Their New Mommy Packages are all-inclusive, and include diaper service, prefolds, covers, snappi's, and wetbags!  You can choose 12, 26, or 52 full weeks.

Are you wanting a basic cloth diaper service?  Then check out their many options for Basic & Expanded Services!  From the part-time cloth diapering family, to full-time, you are sure to find the service you need.  Their new Dalmation Service provides full time cloth diaper service on a budget!

In addition to their great service, they also sell cloth diapers, accessories, and detergent. 

Are you looking for a great gift for a new mom?  You can purchase gift certificates or gift packages!

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There is another cloth diaper service in the metroplex, Green Baby Diaper Service, serving Dallas, Rockwall, and Collin counties. 

Green Baby Diaper Service

423 Trout Street, Rockwall, TX 75032

972-722-1294

Info@greenbabydiaperservice.com  

Green Baby offers a varirty of cloth diaper packages!  From Just the Basics to I Don't Want to Miss a Thing! you are sure to find the perfect package for your diapering needs.  There is also a package for you to use your own diapers, without having to wash them (see What's Mine is Mine).  They also provide a Potty Training package!

There is even a package for those who wash their own diapers, but have been battling stinky, repelling diapers.  You can choose the Stash Swap package to trade diapers for one full week.  They will strip your diapers for you, while providing you with a full supply of prefolds and covers.  This is guranteed for 2 weeks, and is the great low price of $35!

To stay up-to-date with the latest Green Baby news, "like" them on Facebook!

North Texas is very fortunate to have not one, but two fantastic cloth diaper services! 

Do you use (or have you used) one of our cloth diaper services?  Please share your experience with us in the comments below!