Diaper Notes

Newborns are different to diaper than chubby 3-4 month olds, my newborn weighed ~7# but gained so quickly that I switched up to next size from newborn prefolds by the end of first month.  Higher frequency of changes mean necessary 24 minimum on hand, and ideally fit is key though leaks are rare 'cause there's just not that much production yet.  (see also my blogged diaper discoveries Pt 1 & Pt 2)

Happily, in my eclectic Bin O'Diapers, are 2 bumGenius stuffable All-In-Ones, and 1 bumGenuis pocket, all three I am loving for night-time. The fit is good, stretchy tabs at snaps, good elastic, these will fit for months and months.

A friend gifted me 2 Imse Vimse wraps that of course work well with the dipes of same brand, a terry organic cotton contour (ergonomic) fit, have been great for this newborn and will work great up until he outgrows them (just as his sister did).

Grandma gifted 2 RumpARooz Lil' Joeys, not sure a more perfect diaper for newborns exists.  These are the only fitted diapers I've ever owned, everything else is effectively One-Size and it's been an adventure finding what "one-size" truly means per brand.  Anyway, RumpARooz patented inner gusset is super functional, there's a snap down for umbilical, these work just like a 'sposie.  My Boy started wetting through these at about 1 month though.  Poly-fleece, while popular for it's "stay-dry" aspect simply isn't as absorbent as natural fiber.

Yet another friend gifted several WeeHugger wraps with a mountain of g-Diaper's disposable and reusable inserts.  I'd read about Wee Hugger but not tried them, and I'm pleased with the fit and versatility. The disposable g-Inserts I'm familiar with, though we'd never tried the reusables.  These are fleece backed with (best guess) hemp/cotton blend, after Baby Boy started soaking through one fleece insert I simply added another, and the doubled inserts have been working well in the pocket dipes. These wraps have also been accommodating for pre-folds as well.

And a New Find at the gently used section of GGB---Gen-Y wraps.  A short snap-over design, hip fabric with a nice thick PUL layer, and deep outer gussets.  Both the WeeHugger and Gen-Y become damp or even soaked depending on time worn, so they're not exactly "wipe clean", but generally I can use one wrap all day much like the RumpARooz wrap I purchased for Baby as well.

Incidentally when perusing gently used diaper merchandise here are tips:

• look closely for stains, if it's breastmilk sunlight will take care of it easily, though if otherwise beware
• listen to elastic, if it's creaky when stretched, it's old, in a heated dryer too often and won't last too much longer
• look at seams with PUL lining, if its cracking or pealing it's been in the hot dryer too often, expect wicking
• carefully consider the new price vs. used price, in my opinion a used diaper item should be half or less than half of the full price new---unless it is really in stellar un-used condition, i.e. washed once never used

Some great huge gratitudes for community we've gained, the main reason I can expound yet again on subject of diapering.  LOVE!

The BIRTHDays Are Here

I had a lovely, simple birthday.  I got a nice breakfast, home facial, a bit of yoga, meditation, short Morning Lesson with my Big Girl, and off we went to celebrate a fabulous local shop's first birthday as well.  Though I spent too much time perusing the supplies we made it to my OB appointment then spent the afternoon with dear friends, Lucky Pie pizza, and Sweet Cow Ice Cream.  Back on our side of town we met for lite grocery shopping and a quick meal pick-up.  The girls were so wasted and belligerent with lack of rest (most especially the Younger of The Two) it was a sad comedy getting them fed and sacked out.  

The Elder of The Two then had her birthday celebration the following day, with a Kenpo sparring workshop, trips to the Lego and comic book stores, then a Rockin' Kitchen and ice cream get together at Scrumptious.  An unintended bonus is that her birthday is May the Fourth Be With You, so, many Star Wars perks were had.  

The weekend hasn't been without challenges here and there, nothing that Love & Logic skills couldn't handle.  In trying to keep it simple we overlooked a couple of things that were pretty important to Miss Monkey, namely singing the Birthday Song and blowing out candles.  We're still rookies in a certain sense when it comes to her, it's rather difficult to keep up with her expectations discerning which are truly important and which are red herrings.  As it turned out, those two items were non-negotiable, though everything else she listed about her day as not ideal weren't necessary.

Next weekend the Younger will have her birthday slightly occluded by her elder sister's first CARA gymnastics meet, otherwise it's business as usual.  I am starting to feel some real pressure to have certain items on hand before relaxing into the birthing process---like peanut butter, toilet paper, and frozen foods.  I am so ready to have this babe in arms rather than pummeling my innards, causing physical discomfort and effectively handicapping me.  Ideally, I'd like to have the entire house in proper order, but I'm realistic.  I've already wiped down a majority of the house as we moved in, no worries there.  Getting other things ready, however, has been a challenge as I feel I can't do anything until, but then there are To-Do's that must be done before.  I need a place for baby to sleep (when not with us in bed), a few items for the baby to wear, and a couple of swaddling blankets. The diapers are all collected and clean, ready to use.  Though I have to figure out a mattress and bedding for it, the crib is in house.  For myself, I'd like my sling, nursing cover, nursing bra or two, and an UnderCover Mama.....and maybe one or two other things that will come up as needs inevitably do.  

So it goes, so it beautifully goes.  I am so blessed, I am so grateful.

Dirty Diaper Business on Display

The Giggling Green Bean's Denver, CO store window.  AWEsome, no?


I love this store. Had it not been for scheduling difficulties I could be working there.  This photo has gone viral, HOORAY!  It's an incredible visual.
AND with busy sites like Dirty Diaper Laundry blogging about them I'm excited for their exposure, I had to share it on my little blog as you well know how big an advocate for cloth I am.

Happy happy happy diapering!
: )
A

Babies All Around

It seems a few of my contemporaries are all pregnant or recently have had babies.  I'm inspired today to write my [very] short list of absolute must haves for The Newborn.  These are items that I simply had to have the second time around as they worked so well:

• car seat, a.k.a. baby bucket
•  Maya Wrap ring sling
•  Ergo Baby Carrier with infant insert
•  Over size baby blankets (at least 1.5 yd fabric, see super blankets, those little "receiving blankets" I found as useless as paper napkins, but can be great burp cloths)
•  L'oved Baby Nursing Cover
•  Ju-Ju Be Pack-a-Be (really any of their bags are superfantastic, I'm a back-pack girl though)
•  Rocky Mountain One-size pocket diapers
•  prefold diapers + Blueberry, SweetPea, or RumpaRooz one-size wraps
• 1 dozen cloth wipes (minimum, no liquid solution, you can wet them as needed)
•  Dreft powder and a sunny clothesline
• Several sizes & styles of Simple Onesies (fancy clothes = difficult to launder clothes)
• 1 hat (including the one from the hospital, 2 is enough to keep track of)
• Sun hat for a short time later when Little begins to hold up head
• few socks---be sure to have a plan for the wash (mine was safety pins) and just know & understand they will get lost...find yourself stressing about tiny socks & hats? let it go, baby really only needs you
• co-sleeper bassinet with linens, unless baby is in your bed.  why co-sleep?  look here.

ANYthing else you (or others) think you need can wait. That said, know this; only your baby and you can decide what is best for you both. Also, remember the wisdom of uncertainty, this is a dynamic state, as soon as you think you're comfortable something will change.  

Babies can't focus, so toys for newborns are silly. Babies spit up and poop a LOT, fancy clothes are totally impractical no matter how *cute*. A Baby needs only you, your voice, your scent, your bodily noises, your face, your closeness. You are perfectly enough just as you are.

“It is no small thing, when they, who are so fresh from God, love us. ” 

― Charles Dickens

Baby E in her SuperBlanket ~ > 2 years ago
she still loves these blankets, large enough for towel

Training Pants & Wheels

We're there, really watching these little people get big.  If Toddleator E is my last baby, I'll have to sit with a mourning of sorts, for now we are content and joyful, and so very grateful.  If god-the universe sees fit to send us another blessing, we will accept with open hearts & arms.

Miss Monkey has decided that the training wheels are not going back on her bike.  From what I've seen I think she's better off just figuring out 2 wheels on her own.  I tend to get somewhat short tempered with her, I don't remember riding a bike being that difficult.  But I think I learned to ride a horse before a bike--maybe that made it easier.  I don't recall my mom running behind me on the bike, maybe someone else did?  Either way it's challenging to teach my daughter without resorting to the yelling and barking orders that I was trained with.  Jeaz, Ada, of course she's having a hard time, it's a totally new experience for her.  At the very least I've the awareness that I should step away rather than make biking a nightmare for her.  I stood back the other day, arms folded simply cheering her on and giving words of encouragement.  It's thrilling to watch her progress.  

Toddleator E had a perfect record for potty learning yesterday.  While I know there will be occasional accidents, it's been terribly easy.  A few days ago, in Target, it occurred to me to simply pick up a package of underpants for her.  She was totally enthused when trying them on later, the look on her face was a curious freedom added to a full body wiggle. After a couple of days mostly home, E has made the complete connection.  Incredibly easy, and definitely due in part to The Firstborn's support and example.

Win-Win

Spiritual work is always win-win.  Growth can be uncomfortable, it's worth it though ultimately.  It's kind of double edged though, 'cause once I've done the growth I can't UNgrow.  I can never go back to ignorance (at least not without considerable effort and damage).  The ignorance I'm referring to here is god's freedom misused.  We get what we expect, change my thoughts and I change my life.

Part of this little life-laboratory experiment has come to fruition with little winnings here and there.  I joyfully expect that I will win, hand it over to the universe to work on, let go, and be ready to gratefully receive.  In the past 3 months or so I have won a teething bon-bon from Little Spruce Organics, a new Yo-Yoo wetbag from Snaps & Snails, and a solid gift certificate from Nutured Family.  All three are stellar for all the crunchy mama needs!

New Label : Things I Make

Super Blankets for new baby cousin.

 

Snazzy Dolly Diapers

Shower Sack

Newest Fluff on the Block

I purchased new diapers.  Specifically, 4 one-size pocket style diapers so The Man would might not be so opposed to aiding changes.  Not a moment too soon it seems, since we've been back from Texas there has been a terrible rash on Baby E's bum.  Not a screaming rash, but definitely an itchy red issue that must be uncomfortable.  I can only guess that it's yeast and I've taken steps to rid my pre-folds of it.  With the somewhat begrudging use of stay-dry poly-fiber inserts, her bum is looking more normal.

I wanted to purchase diapers that would accommodate a prefold as an insert.  I'd rather have purchased sans insert but the retailer wouldn't sell them separately and wouldn't work with me to trade the poly-fiber inserts for hemp.  After some perusal online I had decided I needed to get hands on a Blueberry one size pocket. While I was in the store, I hit upon Rocky Mountain, locally made & owned.  I got 2 of each label, and happily headed home. 

Blueberry I had my eye on 'cause their Coverall wrap is so stellar (much better than Thirsties, in my opinion), I am pleased.  The manufacture is strong, looks and feels like it will last, the fleece is soft, the print is cute, and the pocket easily fits a prefold (the generously cut dipe can be used as a wrap over a prefold, as well).  The Rocky Mountain pocket diapers are a slightly different style, relying on an inner snap-adjustment to make them one-size with dual in-line snaps 'round the waistline, a lower rise to the fit than the Blueberry.  So far, Blueberry has not leaked one bit.  Rocky Mountain suffered an overload one afternoon when Baby E sipped her way through an entire bottle of water.  I don't blame the diaper though, it was Big Sister that gave her the bike bottle.  I think the Rocky Mountain diaper does better with a hemp insert than a poly fiber.  The Blueberry it doesn't seem to matter much at all what that diaper is stuffed with. 

I can highly recommend both.

*Incidentally, back in the pocket diaper posse, I noticed I still feel the same about these diapering systems.  I really enjoy the ease of pockets, but dislike having to wash the whole diaper every time, the same with all-in-ones. Pre-folds + wrap make sense, as a wrap can be used over and over until it's pooped---seems smarter I think.

D.I.Y. Diaper Sprayer

I shopped them, I even asked a local store if they were going to stock them.  The store called me when the sprayer arrived, and I balked at the price. $45?

In Home Depot, taking advantage of a gift card, on yet another trip to the potty for someone or other in our party, I passed through the plumbing aisle. Hmmm, I thought as I spotted the sink sprayers.  On our way back through I snagged the paid plumber assistant fellow, and he perused the stock looking for all the right pieces. Plumbing has always fascinated me, all the metal and machining involved with making water travel to distant places is neat-O.  Anyway, I told him what I wanted to do, and happily followed him around while he gathered the pieces.  After memorizing the order in which the pieces should be attached, I added them to our haul.

Excited as I was, this was a little project that would have to wait until after we returned from the Epic Texas Trip. On our first full day home it was one of the premier projects that I completed.

Tools?  Pair of right sized pliers.

The plumber's picks?  A valve adapter (add 1/4" comp. outlet to a valve), an Ice Maker Supply Line, a standard sink sprayer with hose, and a Compression Connector (1/4"OD x 1/4" MIP w/ insert).

They're attached in that exact order from the water supply at the wall.

I turned off the water at the wall.  I unscrewed the existing hose to the toilet, added the valve adapter, re-attached the toilet water line, then screwed on the Ice Maker Supply line to the new valve. 

Then came the compression connector... 

and the sprayer itself.

Voila!  Diaper Sprayer!  I laughed with triumph!

Total Cost?  ~$20 and less than half an hour installation.

What I've learned so far:

• There is a learning curve with a diaper sprayer, you might, as I did, spray pooplets all around the intended toilet bowl.  Beware the splattering ricochet.
• Spray close, very close.  Spray down, almost straight down the diaper.
• The water pressure surprised me, hence the poopletsplosion.
• Pocket diapers are best sprayed front to back, or pocket opening downward toward the bowl.
• Prefolds can be challenging if poo is outside the imagined boundary of a liner, but diaper sprayer definitely wins over "swishing" method.
• The water is cold, so unless you enjoy torturing your children (and your own eardrums), sprayer is not for use on dirty naked children in the tub.

Oh! The Diapers We Tried! Pt. 1

Disposables

meh.  Pay for something that I'm going to throw away almost immediately. And by the way, the poop really is supposed to go in the toilet, especially the real poop after baby starts eating solids.

All-in-One by Bum Genius

Like most all in ones, took too long in the dryer, and I got tired of washing the entire diaper when I knew only the cloth needed it.  A cute diaper though.  I hear of TotsBots making an all-in-one diaper that has an easy-stuff insert and that dries easily.  As I'm staying away from man-made fibers though I've yet to try one.

gDiapers' hybrid

Neato diaper, flush and done or compostable (very cool). Cute stuff and innovative design with a "wipe-clean" snap in liner covered with cloth-like outer(g-pant).  The g-pants' velcro didn't wear well. Definitely more expensive than bulk disposables.  Can be used with a g-cloth insert instead of the biodegradable/flushable insert.

Fuzzi Bunz pocket

Fuzzi Bunz I used mostly with Miss Monkey. However, the exclusivity of the wash was annoying. Meaning: they recommend not to wash the polyfleece pockets with any natural fibers (hemp or cotton, etc.) because it causes the fleece to pill and not to wash the polyester microfiber inserts with naturals as it supposedly has adverse effect for absorbency. Either way, it was a nuisance to find a washcloth accidentally mixed in, and have fiber strings from static sticking to the inserts and the diapers.

Furthermore, when Miss Monkey learned nighttime pottying, she would argue with me in the mornings about whether her diaper was dry or not. She insisted it was still dry 'cause she couldn't feel it was wet---a drawback of the "stay dry insert".  Baby E has always had a specific "I'm uncomfortable with my bottom!" cry, and now that she's on the move she'll pester me until I check and change her.

---continued with Part 2---

Oh! The Diapers We Tried! Pt. 2

Bum Genius pocket

I enjoyed the Bum Genius pockets, though again, those polyfiber inserts that I don't care for.  Might get a couple more, sans insert, for The Man, these diapers work all right with prefolds as stuffin'.

Gerber prefold with Bumkins wrap

The Gerber prefolds sold at Target, the problem with them is they're "stuffed" with poly fill (gauze) instead of extra cotton layers, so they're less absorbent than they could be.  They work fine for newborns 'cause there isn't much to absorb, but past point of newborn I only recommend them as a doubler if at all.  These did get softer and softer with every wash.  The Bumkins wrap, a wipe clean material, worked well for it's simplistic design, there are nice tabs to protect the velcro with every wash, the small size didn't fit over Baby E's chubster thighs.  Once we came close to a total blowout with the mediums I knew it was time to upsize.

GroVia's (formerly GroBaby) hybrid 

I was unimpressed with their netting lining the wrap, not a wipe-clean surface like other wraps, so ended up washing them more often than I wanted, and their aplix did not react well when accidentally dried. I did however like their disposable insert, and when sitters are here, or Gary's feeling challenged by diapering they're still available for use.  Supposedly these inserts are flushable, also.

Babykicks Bumboo w/ hemp insert

I dislike the snap-over design. I tried some and when Baby E pooped it was a total mess with the flaps flopping around every.single.time. Their bamboo cotton mix lining has a terrible pill-ing problem, also. Didn't care for the hemp insert, too long to dry and seemed to smell funky too soon, nice leg gussets though.  I just used that dipe (minus insert) as a swim diaper today.

Unbleached various prefolds with Sweet Pea/Blueberry/Thirsties Duo wraps

A flannel liner for poo removal/disposal, and a newborn prefold as a doubler at night.  For versatility and economy pre-folds can.not.be.beat.  Consider the methods of folding alone to accomodate different babies, consider the possibility of using pre-folds as inserts if necessary, consider that prefolds range ~$1.50-$2.75 each, add a $10 wrap that can be reused often...it's the best.  Once my hands learned the pattern of "fold-snappi-wrap" it's quick, also.  With cotton dipes, I can rinse them a couple times and add whatever else needs to be washed without a second thought.  All my wraps are "wipe-clean" surface.  The Sweet Pea has a stretch to it, and nice deep gussets. The Blueberry coverall, my favorite nighttime wrap, never has issues covering the pre-fold, nice gussets, as well.  The Thirsties Duo I was disappointed with what they profess as a size 1 to fit up to 18# baby, did not fit Baby E, had to switch to size 2 immediately.

I have yet to try wool, though I appreciate the sustainability of it, the exclusivity of laundry looms with the idea of lanolizing, etc.  I dream of a gusseted pocket diaper made with PUL that is reclaimed plastic, a sweet natural fiber flannel/fleece next to the bum, that has it's own contoured cotton insert or will accommodate good prefold.

To Cloth or Not to Cloth

Cloth diapering that is. I first heard about cloth diapers from my mom, who liked to remind me now and then that I never once had a disposable diaper on my bum. I had been considering the question of whether to cloth diaper ever since Miss Monkey was born. I bought several all in one diapers to test them out, then gave them away when we decided to move from Maui as I had fallen in love with gDiapers and their flushable system.

After diggin' the G's for a while, and discovering that we could NOT flush them in the lovely historic building we lived in, let alone anywhere with septic or plumbing older than 10 years---I sat down one day after we moved to Colorado, and made 3 columns on a piece of paper. One for disposable diapers, one for gDiapers (a nice hybrid diaper), and one for Fuzzi Bunz pocket diapers. For just one year of diapering, based on an average number of diapers used at that time (she was ~1 year old) Fuzzi Bunz, fully a cloth pocket diaper, won out completely. Cloth is a one time purchase. So, the total cost of the diapers eventually goes to nil. The more often they're used, the more children they're used with makes cloth the most cost effective diaper available. Presenting this to My Loving Husband, showing him how much money we'd save, seemed to win him over for a time.

Now, in appreciation of being "green" one must consider the ecology of the area. On Maui, where water is scarce, but so is land, cloth is a more viable option for the most part. It's probably greener out there to avoid contributing to the garbarge dump, and use water instead. If a mama really wanted to be green out there though, she'd consider elimination communication. Here in Colorado, water is scarce, and land is bountiful. So, one might conclude that compostable diapers are the best bet (i.e. GroBaby BioSoakers, OR gDiapers inserts). The problem is, truly composting a diaper insert means be exposing it to the elements, burying waste doesn't help it decompose faster. So considering where we live now, a compostable diaper would be ideal---and easiest to convince The Man to use as it is essentially "disposable" after depositing the solids in the toilet. The main difference, for instance the Biosoaker, has much less mass to it than the typical disposable diaper. The most important absorbent part of the diaper is used ,disposed of, and the shell is re-used cutting back on the overall amount of garbage created. The Man cares little about being green (taking in to account the gimmicky commercialization that being Green has undergone), so this is not an easy sell. Convenience is a main point to me, what a lovely system to just wash and re-use and never have to venture out with newborn & preschooler in tow to purchase more diapers! Again, he cares little for the convenience, and his common complaint is the ammonia smell cropping up when the dirties are left for a day too long (incidentally, washing with a cup or so of vinegar remedies this issue perfectly).

So we are at an impasse, he has a decision and so do I...it's just not the same decision. Because I want to change diapering "systems" for Baby, going to a one size shell system---less laundry and won't have to purchase more diapers in the future due to outgrowth. Our current budget mayn't allow for the purchase, so I'm entering contests and cruising Freecycle, CraigsList, etc. Currently there is a contest at TheClothDiaperWhisperer.com, it's their 9th Birthday and they're celebrating by giving diapers away, HOORAY!
Maybe I'll get lucky.