Help save the Gulf Coast wildlife! Donate your cloth diapers and inserts!

As a Florida resident, the Gulf Oil Spill is on our minds daily. Summertime here is beach season and every time we are able to go to our beautiful beaches we are reminded that others on the Gulf Coast, like Louisiana and Florida's panhandle are not so lucky, who knows when they'll ever get to enjoy their coastline again.

You may not know this but cloth diaper manufacturer FuzziBunz is located in Louisiana and has found a way that the cloth diapering community can help with this horrific disaster.

Tereson has started "Cloth for the Coast." After much research and cutting through red tape she has found that donations of new or used inserts, prefolds and other cloth diapers can be used to assist in the cleanup and in rehabilitating the affected wildlife.

While we may all feel helpless to stop this terrible oil spill from continuing to affect our coastlines and wildlife I think that it is awesome that there IS something we can do to help.

Please become a FAN of Cloth for the Coast on FaceBook and send your donations to

FuzziBunz Diapers
Attn: CFC
315 Weeks St
New Iberia, LA 70560

Items that you can send are; microfiber towels, absorbent inserts, pocket diaper inserts of any kind, washcloths, burpcloths, baby blankets and more.

It is preferred that items be free of snaps, elastic and velcro but if needed volunteers will be able to sort the donated items and will be donating the items that can not be used in the cleanup efforts to charity.

This is our chance to help make a difference! Let's show the coast just how awesome the cloth diapering community is!

Want brighter colors or prints? Wondering why more pastels? Read this!

Hi everyone.

Wow, what a day we had yesterday. It was amazing to watch the visitor count on the website climb (hours before the video posted to YouTube), sad to watch the server melt under the load and thrilling to watch the order count climb as retailers and customers ordered tens of thousands of diapers yesterday. A truly jaw dropping day from my vantage point. I had no idea that our users could respond in such a strong way in such a short period of time. You are amazing and the combined power of the cloth diapering community is nothing short of phenomenal!

YouTube updated the view count on the announcement video last night.  As of right now, they say that the video has over 8000 views. The Cotton Babies YouTube channel (a mere two days old) has nearly 1000 subscribers. The blog subscribers have doubled, Cotton Babies Facebook fans have doubled and bumGenius Facebook fans have climbed to well over 10,000 (30% of those have been added in the last ten days or so). I'm in awe of the response we've had. Thank you so much for believing in the product line!

After processing through some of the feedback we have received about the new diapers, I thought it was important that you hear from me about what is going on with the 4.0s and why we made the changes that we did.

First, let's take a look at what's new in the 4.0.

1. Updated hook & loop
2. Easy elastic access. Now refreshing your elastic can be accomplished easily even if you have no sewing knowledge!
3. Larger sizing... we have always fit average sized babies up to 35 pounds in the 3.0s... but if your baby was chunky, it was quite likely that our diapers weren't going to fit. Now they will.
4. Your choice of closures.  Some people like snaps.  Some people like hook & loop.  We thought you deserved a choice.

The 4.0s are a release that focused on functionality and addressed repeated requests from a multitude of customers. If you go back and read through customer threads on Diaper Swappers or other forums, they repeatedly bring up complaints related to these three things. Addressing these issues was a major undertaking and I'm quite relieved to have that behind us!

With the 4.0 release, we also added three new colors to the bumGenius color family - Sweet, Bubble and Noodle. We chose these colors because many customers who purchase bumGenius are first-time parents looking for colors that will fit into their newborn's wardrobe. We've heard from these parents that they wanted cute, coordinating light colors that would be discreet under their baby's clothing. We're trying to take care of all of our customers. The new pastel colors address requests from that group of people.  These colors will be available in all of our products soon.  We'll start shipping them in the bumGenius Elemental diapers in a few weeks.  The bumGenius AIOs and Flip will be close behind.

Now that the functionality changes are behind us, we get to focus on the really fun things - like other colors and *prints*!  I'm happy to confirm that both of these things are in progress. We've taken a beautiful, adventurous and high end approach to our new print designs. We've also been investigating some new mediums and ways to apply color to fabric. I have diaper samples right here in my office - my daughter has actually been wash testing and wearing the first version of those samples since last winter. We approved samples a few weeks ago and fabric is actually in production now. As soon as I have a ship date on the real diapers, we'll be pushing that information out to you and to our retailers.

Also, many of you are asking for the return of the bumGenius brights. Like the prints, this has been on ongoing project since we saw the public outcry after they were discontinued. Our production process is large and it involves a number of components so it takes some time to get that machine moving again. We are looking forward to being able to bring those to you soon!

I have mentioned most of this information in various ways on forums and on Facebook in the last twenty-four hours, but wanted to write a blog post so the information was a little more sticky!

I hope you're as excited as I am about the fun things that are up ahead for bumGenius and for the cloth diapering industry. I believe that major things are up ahead for our industry... but that is a post for another time and another day. We have some orders to ship!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Kindest regards,


Jenn

bumGenius 4.0 - Hook & Loop Details (UPDATED!)

We've received many questions today about what exactly what we changed about the hook & loop.

Our new hook & loop is made out of 100% polyester (the vast majority of hook & loop available in the United States is made of nylon).  It is flexible, softer, and stickier after washing.  I absolutely love it!

The photo to the right is a picture of the old laundry tabs and the new laundry tabs.  These stay soft and flexible over time while retaining their stickiness.

(sidenote:  in this photo you can also see the start/stop of the top stitching just above the laundry tab to accommodate for elastic accessibility.  Many families want to be able to use their diapers for another child.  This change makes it easy for those families to refresh their diapers for another baby if needed. )

In the photo below, the twilight diaper is a new bumGenius 4.0 and the ribbit diaper is a bumGenius 3.0.   Both diapers are unwashed.

I am still at the office, but tomorrow I'll add a photo to add of a diaper with the new hook and loop that has been used and washed for six months so you can see how it has held up over time.

Update 6/30/2010:

I've taken some additional photos of the diapers that I have been testing at home... these have been in use for about six months.  As you can see, you can tell they have been washed, but they don't show any of the wear and tear that we were seeing on previous versions of the diaper.

bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers are here!!

We are releasing an all new bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Cloth Diaper! The bg4 now accommodates even larger babies! The bg4 has all new hook & loop closures (also available in refresher kits) The bg4 has accessible, easily replaceable elastic.  All elastic tack-points are now visible from the inside of the diaper.  To replace elastic, turn the diaper inside out, thread new elastic through the casing and stitch it down at each end. Three new colors have joined our family - Bubble, Noodle and Sweet. You now have your choice of bumGenius closures (snaps or hook & loop). We will have product available for preorder at Cotton Babies right now. Please direct conversation and questions to our bumGenius Facebook page.  Cotton Babies staff will be monitoring the conversation to answer as many questions as we possibly can.  Have a great afternoon!

bumGenius Product Launch Details!!

Hi everyone!

We wanted to let you know that the new bumGenius product announcement will be tomorrow, June 29th at 2pm (Central Time) on the new Cotton Babies YouTube Channel. You are welcome to subscribe to the Cotton Babies YouTube Channel anytime!

The video announcement on YouTube will be followed with additional information by email to the Cotton Babies newsletter email list.  If you happen to know someone who isn't receiving our newsletter, please direct them to the link below so they can sign up:
http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101140614310&p=oi

We will have product available for preorder at Cotton Babies at 2:15pm Central Time.

Please direct conversation and questions to our bumGenius Facebook page.  Cotton Babies staff will be monitoring the conversation to answer as many questions as we possibly can. 

Because of how long it is taking to upload things tonight, I am expecting to be up most of the night... so if you're up with me, let's chat!

Have a great evening everyone!

Kindest regards,


Jenn, Owner
Cotton Babies, Inc.

CLOSED: Pimp Your Stash: Win a Knickernappies OS Diaper w/ Loopy Do Inserts! Ends 07-02-10

This week's Pimp Your Stash Winner will have their stash pimped by Knickernappies!

One lucky mama will win a Knickernappies OS Diaper w Loopy Do Inserts in the color of her choice! A prize valued at $24.95!

These diapers are just amazing and if you haven't already got one then this is your chance. The side snaps are awesome and they fit up to 40lbs, much longer than other onesize diapers.

This weeks mandatory task for your first entry is Visit Earth Angels Diaper Co. and tell me one other item that you'd purchase besides the Knickernappies OS Diaper, and why?

Guidelines for Entry
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first answer the weekly question.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....

-This contest runs until Friday Jul2 2, 2010 @ 11:59pm EST.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Saturdays and winners name also posted on Blog.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination will not be replaced.

-How to earn extra entries:
* (1) Become a Follower of this DiaperDiscussions Blog
* (1) Become a FAN of Earth Angels Diaper Co. on FaceBook
* (1) Become a FAN of Knickernappies on FaceBook
* (1) Follow the Knickernappies Blog
* (1) Subscribe to our Newsletter
* (1) Follow Us on Twitter
* (3) Submit a photo, or have already submitted a photo to our Monthly FaceBook Fan Photo Contest by posting it to our FB Wall
* (1) Follow the Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative Blog
* (1) Become a FAN of Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative on FaceBook
* (1) Place the DiaperDiscussions Banner on your site or Blog
* (3) Tweet About the Giveaway. Use @clothdiapergeek in the tweet and link to this GiveAway using tinyurl of http://tinyurl.com/25thx2l (You may tweet 2x per day)
* (3) Advertise our Giveaway in your blog, facebook, forums or website (post with your comment the direct link where you posted about it if possible).

--- Please post a separate comment for each extra entry and let us know which you've chosen to do in that comment ---

*Thanks to Knickernappies for sponsoring this great giveaway and for providing the winners prize!

Good Luck!!

Prefold Heaven

We thought you might want to know that our specially imported Indian prefolds have been marked down for even greater savings. These are first quality diapers! We're just passing on our savings to you.

Not sure what to buy? You may want to consider combining an Indian prefold with an Econobum or Flip one-size diaper cover. Be sure to pick up a Snappi while you're at it!

By the way, prefolds have a great "after life" in the cleaning closet at your house. We have even heard about prefolds getting snagged out of the baby's room so a certain member of the family can wash the car!

Do you have a fun story about how prefolds have been used at your house? Share it with us in the comments. We'll pick a random commenter and send you six free prefolds!

Have a great summer afternoon and spread the word...

Just Julie: What's the word on the street about the NEW BumGenius Product?

Yesterday Cottonbabies officially announced the retirement of the BumGenius 3.0 OS Diapers. Their exact words were that they have been officially discontinued. A new product will be revealed to the public on June 29th.

What are your thoughts on what the new product will be? They have had testers and I am surprised that none of the top secret details have been leaked. So.... what do you know? Someone knows something, they're just keeping a tight lid on it.

My thoughts? Well believe it or not, us retailers are pretty much just as in the dark as the rest of you. I have heard some who simply believe a new BumGenius 4.0 is coming but personally I don't think so. I don't think they would have used the term "discontinued" if just a new and improved version was coming out.

Will there be prints? New colors? Will they ditch the aplix and only offer snaps? Onesize, Twosize, Biodegradable? Please comment with your thoughts, I'd love to hear from you all.

bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers - An Important Announcement

The last couple of years has been a wild ride for Cotton Babies and the brands we created. We started out on our product venture with a tiny shipment of diapers that sold out within hours on December 21st, 2005. Since that date, the production lines haven't stopped and our most popular brand, bumGenius, has gone on to be sold all over the world, winning awards and accolades from media nearly everywhere it goes. In keeping with our long standing tradition of excellence, we have been working on something new for quite some time. I'm not very good at keeping secrets, so news has gotten out here and there about what might be new. Speculation from you and your friends has been quite literally all over the map about what the new product might be. Up until today, we weren't 100% sure of when we could tell you, but finally, we have a date. I am excited to announce that a new bumGenius product will be born on June 29th! We're confident that you will be just as excited about this new product as we are. So, immediately following my announcement, we will open up to preorders. We begin actually shipping orders on July 14th. Something fun and new is coming. But that usually means that we have to say goodbye to something else. So, it is with slightly heavy hearts that we have to announce that we have discontinued our highly acclaimed bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers. If you're in the midst of building your stash, we still have a limited inventory available at the awesome Buy 5, Get 1 Free deal (while supplies & coupons last). Shop now or forever hold your peace! :) We'll email you soon with details of when and where the new product announcement will be made.... have a great Tuesday everyone!

Fabulous Fluffy Father's Day Sale!

Fathers love fluff too!
We're celebrating fathers day by having a sale! Tons of great items have been marked down plus as always, FREE Shipping on USA orders over $50.00 applies.

Here are just some of what's been marked down-

• Thirsties Duo Diapers
• Thirsties Duo Wraps
• FuzziBunz Onesize
• Earth Mama Angel Baby
• Flip Stay-Dry Individuals
• Flip Covers
• Burt's Bees
• Moby Wraps
  
• & much more!

Even our Gift Certificates are on sale for a limited time!

Winner of the Duo Hemp Prefolds is.....Jessica of Natural Baby Giveaways!

Congratulations to Jessica of Natural Baby Giveaways! She was lucky comment #109 and she will receive two Duo Hemp Prefolds in the size of her choice! Thank you to Thirsties for sponsoring this awesome giveaway!
Want to visit Jessica's great Blog? Visit Natural Baby Giveaways today!

Congratulations....Whitney, Winner of our May Fan Photo Contest!

Congratulations to Whitney for winning our May Fan Photo Contest! This pic of her little one Rory was just too adorable and impossible to resist.
Want your chance at winning our Fan Photo Contest? Submit a picture of your little one in cloth diapers to our FaceBook Fan Wall and you could be the next winner! Each month one winner is chosen and wins a $20.00 Gift Certificate to Earth Angels Diaper Co.!

CLOSED Pimp Your Stash with a FREE Pair of Thirsties New Duo Hemp Prefolds! (ENDS 06-11-10)

This week's Pimp Your Stash Winner will have their stash pimped by Thirsties!

One lucky mama will win a set of (2) Brand Spankin' New Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefolds in the size of her choosing!

These super-soft and super innovative prefolds will make a great addition to any baby's stash and paired with your favorite Thirsties Cover you'll have a match made in heaven!

This weeks mandatory task for your first entry is Visit Earth Angels Diaper Co. and read about the Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold. Comment with what size you'd need and also what type/size of Thirsties Wrap or Cover would you'd pair it with.

Guidelines for Entry
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first answer the weekly question.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....

-This contest runs until Friday June 11, 2010 @ 9pm EST.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Saturdays and winners name also posted on Blog.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination will not be replaced.

-How to earn extra entries:
* (1) Become a Follower of this DiaperDiscussions Blog
* (1) Become a FAN of Earth Angels Diaper Co. on FaceBook
* (1) Become a FAN of Thirsties on FaceBook
* (1) Subscribe to our Newsletter
* (1) Follow Us on Twitter
* (3) Submit a photo to our Monthly FaceBook Fan Photo Contest by posting it to our FB Wall
* (1) Follow the Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative Blog
* (1) Follow Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative on Twitter
* (1) Become a FAN of Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative on FaceBook
* (1) Place the DiaperDiscussions Banner on your site or Blog
* (3) Tweet About the Giveaway (use @mommy in the tweet and link to this GiveAway)
* (3) Advertise our Giveaway in your blog, facebook, forums or website (post with your comment the direct link where you posted about it if possible).

--- Please post a separate comment for each extra entry and let us know which you've chosen to do in that comment ---



Good Luck!!

bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers - Buy 5, Get 1 FREE

While supplies last, Cotton Babies is offering bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers in a Buy 5, Get 1 Free package deal. This offer reflects the "clip and save" coupon price currently available in certain magazines on newsstands.

Remember, this is a "while supplies last" offer, so shop now to get in on the deal of the year!

Fluff in the Spotlight! Thirsties *New* Duo Hemp Prefolds!

Some of you may have been around long enough to remember that Thirsties used to manufacture their own cotton prefolds. When they were discontinued the cloth diapering world was heartbroken. Moms scoured the web looking for the last of the last, whatever remained for sale was going to be it.

Since then we've had to pair our beloved Thirsties products with various types of prefolds and fitted diapers from other companies. Inquiring minds asked pretty regularly "When might you all make prefolds again?"

Well the time has finally come and Thirsties has released their New Duo Hemp Prefolds!

These fantastic new prefolds really are unique and innovative.
What are some of the features of the *New* Duo Hemp Prefolds?

• Available in TWO Sizes (Size 1 fits 6-18lbs & Size 2 fits 18-40lbs)
• Patent pending design is easy to clean, quick to dry, and grows with your baby.
• Made from buttery soft hemp jersey custom knit in the USA
• 25% more absorbent and much more durable than cotton
• Maintains a trim and comfortable fit
• Naturally anti-microbial
• Pair with Thirsties Duo Wraps and end up saving $2000 over disposables

What are some of my favorite features? Personally I love the feel of the hemp jersey. They feel soft like a t-shirt and I can tell baby would love the texture. No more crunchy cotton feeling like some of the cotton prefolds get.

I also LOVE the loop design. It's hard to tell from the pictures so I added to the illustration so you could get a better understanding of where the loop is and why it makes laundry so much easier. It's everything you love about prefolds but the loop design allows for much faster drying times.

What else? You could even put your favorite insert or doubler inside the loop before you fold it to make the prefold more absorbent! No liners would be needed because the baby would still only have the hemp jersey against their soft skin.

Want to win a set of Duo Hemp Prefolds? Come back to DiaperDiscussions tomorrow and enter our Giveaway! One lucky mama will win a set of Duo Hemp Prefolds in the size of her choice, compliments of Thirsties!