Today marks two weeks since I had dinner with Jill @babyrabies and I was basically thrown into the deep end when it comes to the world of cloth diapering. I am probably way more versed on the entire process than most people are when they start their fluffy stash … but for some reason even with a great friend’s Q&A, even with all the online research and help I’ve had, even with 3 different brands to play with and a 5 month old with an awesome temperament … I still felt like I had absolutely NO idea what I was doing. And really, that’s okay … but we’re talking about me here, the world’s most type-A insane planner … and I just don’t handle ‘not knowing’ very well.
::breathe Tottums, breathe::
So. Things are going well! I’ve been using cloth diapers in the evenings and on the weekends. In the evenings I try to use at least 2 cloths, and on Sats/Suns I try to use anywhere from 3-5 (depending on what we’re doing and what the laundry situation is like). I took my entire stash down to San Antonio for our trip last week, and used them a lot down there as well. I’ll admit, I was REALLY scared about the first poopy diaper … but it really wasn’t bad at all! The liners I bought caught 99% of the poo. I just picked it up in the liner and flushed it … no big deal at all.
Just so everyone knows what I’m blabbering on about, these are the products I’m using right now:
DIAPERS
So far, I have only tried pocket diapers. Pockets are basically a waterproof cover with a pocket inside that you slide an absorbent insert into. Super simple to use. All of the pockets I’m using are also one size diapers, meaning they’ll grow and adjust to my kiddo from like 10lbs to 35lbs. Some close with snaps, others with velcro.
I have 2 Happy Heinys : These are really great diapers. Both of mine are the ‘one size’ kind, and both close with velcro. I like how big the front tab is, it seems easier to get a good snug fit with one big tab than it is with two smaller tabs. These guys retail for around $18 each.
I have 1 Baby Kanga : This guy is my favorite so far. They’re aptly named after a kangaroo because the pocket for your insert is on the front, outside the diaper, instead of inside. Thus, if your baby makes a mess, you don’t have to go rooting around in the mess trying to get the insert out. Also, this diaper seems a lot less bulky than the other 2 brands I’m using. This diaper closes with snaps up front, and is also a ‘one size’. The downside? These guys are not as easy to find online, although they seem to retail around $17.
This is all my baby wanted to do while I was trying to take pictures of his diapers. I just couldn’t be mad … look at how ridiculously cute he is!
I have 7 BumGenius 3.0 pockets, and 1 BumGenius AIO (all in one) – Since I have a lot of these guys, they’re what I use most of the time. They are super super super simple to use. Especially the AIO … which means there is no insert to take out or stuff in, the whole diaper is one piece. I will say that of the 3 brands, these guys seem to be the most bulky … which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it means I have to be more conscious of what clothing I’m putting the Froggy in (since it might not fit on him the same way).
Of the 3 brands, they’re also the most commonly used … so they’re a lot easier to find for a good price, especially if you’re willing to buy used (which I obviously am). I just bought another one online for $6 (in a really great bright green color called ‘Ribbet’ lol). The pocket version normally retails for $18, and the AIO version retails for a little more than that. Again though, you can find really great deals on these.
LINERS
I’m using Bummis Bio-Soft Liners. I picked them because they were the cheapest ones I could find on Amazon, lol. They’re very similar to a long drier sheet (without all the chemicals on them obviously, and longer) and work great at keeping most of the poo contained. Loving them so far.
WASHING
So how to wash your cloth diapers is kind of big deal. There are only certain soaps you’re supposed to use. If you use ‘normal’ soaps with lots of chemicals in them, your diapers will build up those chemicals and they won’t be as absorbent anymore. So, I emailed the folks over at Rockin’ Green soap, and they were awesome enough to send me some samples of their washing detergent specifically engineered for not only cloth diapers, but washing cloth diapers where YOU live.
I’ve only done three loads, but so far, so good! Let me be frank, if this whole cloth diapering thing was going to be difficult on me … if I was going to have to scrub, and soak, and scrub some more … I wouldn’t be doing it. Stains have not been an issue at all … and OMG do their scents smell SO yummy (I’m especially partial to their ‘Lavender Mint Revival’ – yum!).
I want to reiterate thought that I am just doing this PART TIME. The Froggy still wears disposables at night (although we might try them overnight soon … we’ll see), and when he’s at daycare during the weekdays. If I’m going to be gone for most of the day with him, he gets a disposable as well. At this point, I’m not comfortable with carrying around dirty diapers (note to self, get a wetbag STAT) or dealing with them while out in public … and that’s fine. I have to remind myself this is NOT an ‘all or nothing’ thing. I DON’T have to make myself feel bad about using disposables when I want to.
And with that in mind, give this some thought … are you a disposable diaperer? Are you interested in the idea of cloth diapering? If so, what’s stopping you? Because you CAN do this. You CAN do three cloth diapers a day. You know how I know? Because if I can, ANYONE can. I promise I would not say that if I didn’t mean it. Every single person who takes the Change Three Things Challenge helps make a difference in our environment … join the club, I promise you can!
To help you make the jump (or keep you there if you’ve already started!) my new friends over at Rockin’ Green are offering up a free bag of their soap to a Froggy & the Mouse reader! One lucky reader will win a bag (containing 45/90 loads, depending on your washer type) of the soap and fragrance of your choice! Check out the entry rules below, and make sure you leave a comment for EACH entry you complete. Good luck!
MANDATORY ENTRIES
1. Visit Rockin’ Green’s site and leave me a comment letting me know which soap/scent you would like to try.
2. Follow Froggy & the Mouse via Google Friend Connect.
OPTIONAL ENTRIES
1. ‘Like’ Rockin’ Green on Facebook.
2. Follow Rockin’ Green on Twitter.
3. ‘Like’ Froggy & the Mouse on Facebook.
4. ‘Like’ Change Three Things on Facebook.
5. Follow ME on Twitter.
Remember, leave a comment for EACH entry. The winner will be randomly picked a week from today!
I received my Rockin’ Green Soap at no cost for review purposes. I received no other compensation for this review, and all opinions are my own.
I love the Lavender Mint Revival!
I already like RNG on FB!
I liked change 3 things!
I liked froggy and the mouse on FB! Thanks for the chance!
I follow on GFC, I’m a new follower. I also cloth diaper part time only, I use disposables at the babysitter, and my husband uses them on the weekends I work, and on occasion at night or if I don’t feel like washing LOL. BUT we’re starting potty learning *gulp* BUT #2 is coming in October, so I’ll still need some Rockin’ Green!
I forgot to mention my desirable scent! it’s earth, wind and orchids
It’s great to hear about another part-timer CDer!
I like Rockin Green on FB
under the name Krystina McMillen
I follow Rockin’ Green on twitter under @sugarberry07
I liked Froggy and the Mouse on FB under Krystina McMillen
I liked Change 3 Things on FB under Krystina McMIllen
I follow you on twitter under @sugarberry07
I love Smashing Watermelons.
I follow you via GFC!
I like Rockin Green on Facebook
I follow Rockin’ Green on twitter
I like the Froggy and the Mouse on Facebook.
I like Change 3 Things on Facebook
I follow you on twitter!
I would LOVE Classic Rock, Bare Naked Babies!
I’m following you on Google
I had already ‘liked’ Rockin’ Green on Facebook.
I ‘Like’ Froggy & the Mouse on Facebook.
‘Like’ Change Three Things on Facebook.
I love Mighty Mighty Marshmallows!
I follow you via GFC!
I like Rockin’ Green on Facebook!
I like Froggy & The Mouse on Facebook!
I like Change 3 Things on Facebook!
I think I would like the Bare Naked Babies (no scent)
domesticprncs@gmail.com
I follow via RSS
domesticprncs@gmail.com
I like RG on FB
domesticprncs@gmail.com
I follow RG on Twitter: @domesticprncs
domesticprncs@gmail.com
I like CTT on Facebook
domesticprncs@gmail.com
I love motley clean!
Been wanting to try the Lavender Mint Revival!
I love smashin watermelon!
I followed you via GFC!
I already liked RnG on facebook.
Just followed you via GFC.
Following RnG on twitter.
Liked Froggy and the Mouse on facebook.
Liked Change Three Things on facebook.
Now following you on twitter.
I like the fresh clean smell of Mötley Cleän
i like Rockin green on FB
I like froggy and mouse on FB
I like change 3 things on FB
Have you asked daycare if they would use cloth?
I’ve been wanting to try RnG for so long! I want to try out the lavender mint scent. Oh, and I follow your blog.
Fan of RnG on Facebook
This was a great, very informative post!
I follow you and would take you advice and try the lavendar mint revival!
ourgrowinggarden@gmail.com
I like RG on fb!
I follow RG on twitter @ourgrowgarden
I like you on FB
I like Change 3 on FB!
I follow you on twitter @ourgrowgarden
I think I would love the Rage Against the Raspberry!
I liked Rockin’ Green on FB.
I follow Rockin’ Green on Twitter.
Like change 3 Things on FB.
I already follow you on Twitter.
I like your FB page!
I would like to try the Bare Naked Babies “scent” but the scented ones sound nice also!
Following you on google friend connect!
Following you on Twitter
I’d like to try the Hard Rock Bare Naked Babies!
I ‘Like’ Rockin’ Green on Facebook. (Tamara Szogedi)
I follow Rockin’ Green On Twitter
ID: @szogediek
I follow you on Twitter
ID: @szogediek
I ‘Like’ Froggy & the Mouse on Facebook.
(Tamara Szogedi)
I ‘Like’ Change Three Things on Facebook.
(Tamara Szogedi)
I’ve tried the marshmallow and couldn’t really smell it, so I would love to try a different scent.. perhaps, Smashing Watermelons.
I’d like to try Barenaked Babies for Hard water. I follow you on GFC
I like you on FB
I follow you on Twitter
I follow Rockin Green on Twitter
I like Rockin Green on FB
I would love to try rage against the raspberry in hard rock.
I now follow you on friend connect
I now follow rockin green on twitter
And now I also follow you on twitter
I would love to try the Lavender Mint Revival, but based on where I live, it looks like I would have to try the Soft Rock which only comes in the Bare Naked Babies!
I follow on GFC
I like Rockin’ Green on FB!
I like you on FB!
I want to try Marshmellow!
I follow you on GFC. (At least I’m pretty sure I do – I tried to double check but GFC wasn’t working. I’ll double check later. =) I would assume I do already.)
I like RG on fb.
I follow RG on twitter.
I like you on fb.
I like C3T on fb.
I follow you on twitter.
I would like to try Mighty Marshmallow Classic Rock!
vsoul2213 at comcast dot net
GFC follower via Virginia Soul
Lilke Rockin’ Green on FB via Virginia Lee
follow Rockin’ Green on Twitter via Mommy2_Desi_AJ
Like Froggy & The Mouse on FB via Virginia Lee
Like Change Three Things on FB via Virginia Lee
Follow you on Twitter via Mommy2_Desi_AJ
I would like to try Lavender Mint Revival.
I already liked RnG on FB.
I like you on FB.
I follow you via GFC.
I like Change 3 Things on FB.
Good for you for trying it! I did it part time from6-12 months with my daughter. I’m working on my stash right now to try it full time with my one due in late October.