Cloth Diapering 201: How To Strip Your Diapers

It doesn't take much time in cloth diapering circles before you encounter the term "stripping". What exactly is "stripping" your cloth diapers, how do you do it and how do you know when you need to perform this task? No worries, we're here to help.

Stripping in the cloth diapering community refers to the removal of detergent, diaper cream or other items that may leave residue in the fibers of your cloth diapers. One analogy is to think of kind of like stripping paint from a piece of wood furniture.

There are several reasons you may encounter along your cloth diapering journey where we would suggest stripping your cloth diapers. Here are a few of the most common:

• Using a detergent that has enzymes, scents or brighteners. These ingredients can cause build up in your diapers, which can lead to leaks. New to cloth diapering? You can read more about detergent choices in this article.
• A caregiver accidentally uses diaper cream without a fabric barrier. No, it's not the end of the world, but yes, it can be somewhat stubborn to remove.
• You're beginning to experience leaks and there is no change in your child's diet or input.
• Your child has been diagnosed with a yeast infection or other type of communicable rash.
• You're having trouble with stinky smells in your diapers, even after washing.
• You need to switch laundry detergents. Maybe you've discovered your child's skin is sensitive to a particular brand, in which case you want to remove all residue and start with a clean slate.

So now that you know the situations in which we recommend stripping your cloth diapers, how do you do it? For bumGenius, Flip and Econobum products, we recommend this method:

• Wash once in hot water with one teaspoon (for high efficiency machines) to one tablespoon (for regular washing machines) of original liquid Dawn (blue formula) and up to 1/2 cup regular, liquid chlorine bleach in the wash cycle.
• Do two additional hot water washes with no detergent to completely rinse the diapers clean. If you still see suds, keep rinsing until the diapers are rinsed clean.

If you are using other brands of cloth diapers, we recommend checking with that manufacturer for their recommendations.

The other frequently asked question is "How often do I need to strip?" There really is no rule or guideline for this. We have found that those who live in hard water situations tend to get detergent buildup faster than those with softer water. Also, if you use a detergent that has enzymes or brighteners, you may find you need to strip more frequently than if you use a detergent completely free of these ingredients. If either of these situations apply to you, you may need to strip your diapers once every 3 or 4 months. We do not recommend using bleach more than once a month, so please keep that in mind if you are stripping your diapers on a regular basis.

If you have more questions on this topic or need more personalized recommendations, e-mail us at contactus@cottonbabies.com or call us at 1-888-332-2243. We're always glad to help you.

Cloth Diapering 101: What is Odor Remover?

What is bumGenius Odor Remover?
bumGenius Odor Remover is an all natural formula designed to remove odor in diapers, diaper pails, clothing and more. It quickly eliminates the source of odor causing bacteria in cloth diapers. It is non-toxic, biodegradable and completely free of chemicals, oils, detergents, perfumes and solvents.

How do I use it?
bumGenius odor remover comes in a convenient spray bottle, perfect for putting near your diaper pail or laundry facilities.
It quickly eliminates the source of odor-causing bacteria in cloth diapers. First, remove waste from your cloth diaper. Next, from a distance of 6-8”, spray directly onto soiled diaper, lightly covering the soiled area. (Please do not spray on baby.)
For best results we recommend spraying every diaper, cover and insert. Do not soak diapers. Always store diapers in a dry pail.

Why should I use it?

As your little one grows, you will likely find you need to adjust your laundry routine to curb the smells you encounter as their diet changes. Adding bumGenius Odor Remover is a quick, easy addition to your laundry routine that yields immediate results.

Kristen, a Cotton Babies customer, said it best,

"We previously used cloth diapers and after spending all the money with the diapers, pail, liners, wet bag...etc... I just couldn't bring myself to buy this spray, because really, it was just one more expense. The smell of amonia would seep through the pail and into her room inevitably every time. This time...we bought it. It's a God-send. It's wonderful. No smell. It's perfect. I love it and am recommending it to everyone that I know that cloth diapers."

While it is designed to eliminate the odors in diapers and diaper pails, it also works great on pet urine, trash cans and more! I personally keep a bottle near my washing machine for any kind of stinky laundry. I even use it in my school aged sons' tennis shoes.

bumGenius Odor Remover comes in a 8 ounce spray bottle for only $5.99

This Just In: New Summer Toys from Haba

New at Cotton Babies, the Spielstabil toy line from Haba! Just in time for summer, we have several new sets of toys for water and sand play. Because it's from Spielstabil, you know it is built to last and safe for your family and the environment. All Spielstabil toys are made from indestructable, color fast, top quality plastic. They are free of PVC, phtalates and other harmful chemicals. With bright colors and adorable details these toys are sure to become your child's favorite.

The Spielstabil Water Fun set comes with a sturdy bucket, a shovel, and an adorable turtle shaped watering can. Three squirter friends; a crab, a dolphin, and an octopus; come along to play too. All six pieces come in a sturdy plastic zipper tote for easy travel and storage.

Get this six piece set for just $19.99.

Great for the sandbox or the beach, the Spielstabil Sand Play kit by Haba is the most fun in the sun you can have. This kit includes a jumbo sized pail, sieve, large sand scoop, and 2 sand molds. All five pieces come in a sturdy plastic zipper tote for easy travel and storage. It makes a great gift for only $17.99

The Spielstabil Back Pack includes two sand molds, a bucket, a watering can, a sand sieve and a scoop. All six pieces come in a heavy-duty clear backpack with a large zippered compartment, an extra zippered front pocket for small things, and adjustable padded shoulder straps. Only $34.99 and eligible for Cotton Babies free economy shipping.

Have some fun in the tub with the Spielstabil Splashing Fun Set. This set contains a cup with holes, cup with mills, a rubber duck, spoon and a boat. All five pieces come in a sturdy plastic zipper tote with drain holes and suction cups for easy storage. The Splashing Fun set is only $20 and can also be used for fun at the pool or beach.

Be sure to check out our What's New section for other great new products including new Haba Terra Kids toys.

Fluff Stash for iPhone! Finally a Cloth Diaper Addicts iPhone app!

Fluff Stash
The World’s First Cloth Diaper Addicts iPhone App
Scheduled to hit the App Store today!
Official Press Release


Introducing the very first of its kind, Fluff Stash, an iPhone app just for cloth diaper fanatics!  In this easy to use and navigate app you’ll have so much fun snapping pics of all your diapers, categorizing them by brand, color, size, style and more!  Sort, organize, and share your stash with the click of a button.


We know just how addicted cloth diapering moms are, not just to their cloth diapers, but to their smartphones and their social networks.  That’s why we’re giving you the best of all your favorite things by allowing you to satisfy your craving to talk about cloth, use your phone, and share photos of your entire stash all in one convenient place!


What’s the best part?


It’s totally affordable, just .99 and it’s easy to use!  No gimmicks, finally an app that you can use on a daily basis for practical or totally impractical reasons, you decide!

Download Fluff Stash from the App Store today and take your cloth diaper addiction to a whole new level!

Make sure you also “LIKE” Fluff Stash on Facebook where you can connect with other Fluff Stash users, ask questions, participate in promotions and more!

Like what you’re reading?

We need your help spreading the word about this new app!  Please copy & paste this press release and post it to your blogs, facebook, twitter, message boards and more!  Don’t keep this exciting news to yourself, the more who use it the more fun we all can have!

Real Mom Talk: Disaster Preparedness

Since the world didn't end Saturday night, for today's Real Mom Talk, we're talking about disaster preparedness. If you follow Jenn Labit's Facebook page, you may have joined in on a conversation about disaster preparedness recently. Cotton Babies is located in St. Louis, MO. In the last several years, our area has experienced tornadoes, small earthquakes, snow and ice storms that have left our families without power for hours or days. In April, Cotton Babies staff had some disaster preparedness training so that in this type of event, we could be secure in knowing our families were safe and taken care of.

Having lived in Missouri my entire life, I'm the type of girl who would be a storm chaser if I could. When the clouds roll in and the wind whips up, I'm one of the first to run to the nearest window or door to check it out. Since becoming a mother, I've had to learn how to control those feelings and seriously consider how to take care of my family when severe weather strikes. With the recent tornado in Joplin, MO, not far from where I was raised, I've been giving a lot of thought to how my family would survive without electricity, water or phone lines for a day or more.

Where do you being with disaster preparedness? Here are some of the Cotton Babies staff's favorite tips:

• Start with a disaster preparedness site like Ready.gov or the American Red Cross. Both of these resources have lists and suggestions for to get you started on your family's personalized plan and kit.
• Make it local - depending on where you live, you may experience different weather or natural disaster situations. Check with your local state, county and municipality for recommendations specific to where you live.
• Make it age appropriate - if your children are old enough to speak, make sure they know their full name and your full name. With the Joplin, MO tornado affecting the local hospital, we've read reports of children being sent to hospitals miles away, which can make it difficult for the children to be identified and families to reconnect. For more age appropriate tips for young children, check out Sesame Street's Let's Get Ready page.
• For cloth diapering mamas, Dirty Diaper Laundry is hosting a Flats Challenge this week. The idea of the challenge is to gain information and experience on how to cloth diaper without the normal luxuries of pocket diapers and washing machines. This is great information that could be added to your tool kit in case of emergency, when stores may not be open or have disposable diapers available.
• Make an point of contact that your family members will be able to reach in the event of emergency. We've learned from recent disasters that local phone lines can be overwhelmed during emergencies. It's helpful to have an out of town contact person to call or text that lives in an area that is likely unaffected. Another alternative is to send a send a simple text message to like "I'm OK" or "All Safe" to your closest family members. Although it make take a while, text messages will make it through the system eventually, even if phone lines are down.

There are a lot of great resources out there, but these are just a start. Does your family have a plan in case of natural or other disaster? What resources did you use to create your family's plan? What is important to have in a disaster preparedness kit?

Cotton Babies Econobum Giveaway

This week, we are back to the basics. From our neighbors in Joplin, MO cleaning up after Sunday night's storm to our cloth diapering community acquiring new skills with a Flats Challenge this week, we know there are times in life that just require a simple, tried and true method of cloth diapering.

We appreciate the simplicity and accessibility of Econobum cloth diapers. They are designed to be affordable for any family. The inserts are made of cotton, an absorbent, natural fiber. The one-size diaper cover means they can serve a family with children of multiple ages and sizes with just a few simple snaps. Put simply, they get the job done.

Today's prize winners will each receive a prize pack that includes two Econobum covers and prefolds, a Cotton Babies Cold Cup, and because it's still May and we are still celebrating mothers - a You're One Good Mum t-shirt.

To enter today's blog giveaway for your chance to win one of our prize packs, leave a comment on this blog post and let us know if you've tried an Econobum or other cover and prefold style cloth diaper. What do you love about Econobum? How do you use them? What about Econobum surprised you the most?

Eligible entries must be posted today, Tuesday, May 24, 2011. U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn at random on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 and notified via e-mail. (Please make sure Cotton Babies staff can see your e-mail in your comment or through your Blogger profile page.)

How to Pack a Cloth Diaper Diaper Bag!

Guest Post by Samantha

One of the biggest fears when starting in the world of cloth diapers is taking cloth diapers on the go. As a busy mommy-on-the-go, I know how important it is to keep things simple and quick so having a diaper bag at the ready is at the top of my list. Apart from your normal diaper bag necessities (whatever those are to your day to day), here are some things to include in the bag when you cloth diaper:

Diapers!

Obviously, as any mom knows, it’s essential to bring some diapers whenever you take baby out. With that in mind, I personally pack some of my cutest prints, but the diaper selection is entirely up to you! I like to consider the trip I’m taking for the day, mentally calculate how many diapers I think baby will need, and ALWAYS pack one more than I actually think. (My luck usually lands on using all of those diapers!) 

For shorter trips (i.e. grocery store, quick errand run, short playdate), I pack about 2-3 diapers (including my extra). For longer trips (i.e. outlet mall shopping, days at the zoo, day trips to the grandparents), I pack 4-5 diapers. Again, this depends on your outing as well as your baby! If you find that your diaper bag is considerably full of diapers (leaving room for not much else), consider bringing prefolds with covers or something like the Flipsystem where you bring inserts with perhaps one or two covers. This can lighten your load while also still adequately covering your baby’s bum!

A wet bag for your diapers!

One of my favorite cloth diaper must-haves is a wet bag. I purchased one from a local work-at-home mom and picked out an adorable print! You are welcome to order one from anywhere, but I find this to be an essential item for the cloth diaper diaper bag. When going to change your baby while out and about, you want a wet bag to store all the soiled cloth AND something that will protect it from the other things in your bag – a wet bag does just that. They have a great lining inside and usually zip up which keeps the wetness & smells out of your way!

Cloth wipes & storage
This step and the next depend entirely on your way of cloth diapering. Some moms will only use cloth diapers, while others will use cloth diapers and wipes. I fall into the second category and so having cloth wipes in my diaper bag is a must. I grab a stack of fresh cloth wipes to take with me. I usually take between 5 and 6 to accommodate messy diapers and any other quick wiping I may need to do while we’re out. I find that storing them in a plastic wipes case (trial-size) works as does a reusuable snack sack or resealable plastic baggie. This depends entirely on your own preference. Either way, be sure to grab some cloth wipes! 

Cloth wipes solution

Finally, a cloth wipes solution is not always a necessity. Sometimes, simple water from the sink will do. However, I usually have some on hand already (made up from that morning) and so I’m inclined to grab that bottle and store it in a side pocket. This way, I’m still getting that great soft texture for baby’s bottom and I don’t need to worry about finding water if we’re out somewhere (like at the park or forest preserve).

Packing a cloth diaper diaper bag takes just about as much times as a regular diaper bag. It may seem daunting at first, but you will get the hang of it! 

Remember to pack any of the other essentials you may need for your trip, such as extra outfits or onesies, snacks, bottles/water/formula if needed, sippy cup, changing pad, bibs, etc. Be sure to account for more than one child also (especially in those instances where you have more than one in diapers at the same time!) Keep the bag organized and simple with extra room. You never know when you’ll need that little bit of extra space and it makes finding things much easier!

Remembering these four essentials can make packing the cloth diaper diaper bag a breeze!

My packed bag – ready for adventures!

My finished bag includes 3 diapers, cloth wipes in plastic case storage, 1 wetbag, 1 outfit, changing pad, wipes solution, lipstick, small First Aid kit, crayons for my oldest, an extra pacifier and room to grow!

I am happily very close to potty-training with my oldest and so thankfully, packing for one bottom nowadays.

.

By: Samantha Schultz

I am a mostly SAHM of two boys, Charlie (28 months) and Jack (4 months). I enjoy making the most of my family scrapbook online at The Peanuts Gang (www.thepeanutsgang.com) and sharing our adventures with the world!

I'm Glad You Were Born WINNERS!

We had some amazing entries in our "I'm Glad You Were Born" contest. There we so many inspirational, moving and loving stories share with us, we hope you had time to read a few and be inspired about the blessings that children bring into our lives and our world.

Here at Cotton Babies, we really enjoy getting the opportunity to learn a bit more about the people we serve every day. It was a pleasure to read what you shared about you, your family, your hopes and your dreams. One of the core values of Cotton Babies is that we want every mom (or dad, grandparent, etc.) to leave our stores feeling that they are a "good mom". We are here to assist you on your parenting journey, so we appreciate these little moments and feel so privileged you gave us a special glimpse into your world.

It was a very difficult task to choose the top three responses. As we read your responses, you made us smile, laugh and cry (especially the expecting mother on the judging panel, she cried a LOT!) So without further ado, here is the $100 Cotton Babies gift certificate grand prize winner:

Chris said...
I’m so glad you were born because the world needs more women like you. You’re a fearless leader. You forgive quickly. You are not afraid of heights, bees, or snakes. Where there is music, you will dance and sing. Wearing your bathing suit is cause for celebration. You understand that a loved one’s kiss can heal wounds. You’re not afraid to be the loudest one at the party. You hug your friends when they cry, and join them when they laugh. You can, and often do, laugh at yourself. You think broad daylight and nudity mix well. You get up quickly after falling. You are not afraid to try again if you fail the first time. Your deep belly laugh makes a smile appear on the grumpiest of faces. You like broccoli. You eradicated all fears I had about what kind of mom I would be.
In the 19 months your soft, round, warm little body has graced my world, you’ve allowed me to be the woman I had spent 32 years trying to become. That such a petite little girl can so fundamentally change my worldview leaves me with no doubts that your mark on this world will extend beyond me and your dad and the dog and cat you love to chase. I’ll always be proud to be your mommy, pumpkin. Now go get ‘em, girl.

Our second place prize, a $50 Cotton Babies gift certificate, goes to Jenica who wrote:

"When did you become so patient?" my step-mom said to me just the other day. I was dealing with a very stubborn two-year old while attempting to negotiate with my four year old and soothe my 7 week old. When did I become so patient? Had you asked me four plus years ago what my good qualities were, patience would not have been on the list. In fact, I was known for saying "Patience is not my forte."

There are many reasons I'm glad that my three kids were born, but one of the big ones is all the things THEY have taught ME! Sure, I've taught them many things, but they teach me more every day.

*They teach me patience when they act up; I have learned to stay calm through it all.
*They teach me forgiveness when they hug me and tell me they love me five minutes later.
*They teach me to be humble when they tell me I'm the most beautiful mommy.
*They teach me humility when they share their bodily fluids with me (haha!!).
*They teach me selflessness when I help them with what they need first when what I really need to do is run to the bathroom!

And most importantly, they have taught me that love knows no bounds, that it can grow infinitely. I never thought I could love my husband more, but seeing him as a daddy has increased that love. I never thought I could love another child as much as I love my first, but my love has grown three times. And for this, I'm so glad all of you were born - Taryn, Alaina & Elizabeth.

Third place, winner of a $25 Cotton Babies gift certificate, goes to Sara who wrote...

Darling Penelope,

When I try to recall life before you entered my world, the details are fuzzy. I feel as though everything leading up to your birth was meant to prepare me for the miracle that awaited me, and even though you’ve only been here for a few short months, you’ve already taught me more than I have learned in all my previous years. You’ve taught me more than patience, selflessness and gentleness… you’ve taught me to live life in the moment. Phone calls, dishes and laundry will wait very patiently, and, desperate as I am for a shower, the most important thing I can do right now is watch your chest softly rise and fall as you drift off to sleep. That’s why my first Mother’s Day as a mom brings me to this realization: Mother’s Day isn’t so much about celebrating mothers as it is about celebrating the children that make us mothers; each one unique, each one a precious gift. I am so thankful for this moment—this brief pause—that I can spend in quiet wonder, thanking God for you.

We also found an "honorable mention" that moved us as well, so Amy will also receive a $10 Cotton Babies gift card:

You frustrate me. You make me feel inadequate, confused and lonely. You demand much and give so little. Because of you, I will never have another moment where I am not thinking about someone other than myself. And that, my dear girl, is why I am so glad you were born. You prevent my selfishness and demand my best. You do not give in wealth or fame, but what you do give is fundamental and refreshing. For the hours of incessant cries comes a burst of delightful giggles. You give in affection, satisfaction and allegiance. Each inch you grow and skill you master bear out the fact that the privilege of guiding you through life is mine. You remind me that my inadequacies are conquerable and my loneliness is unnecessary. You are the jewel of my crown, my joy, the answer to my question. I am a mother, and you are my child forever. And that, my angel, is why I am so glad you were born.

Since we had more than 250 entries, we're giving away 6 randomly drawn winners who will also each receive a $10 Cotton Babies gift card. Those winners are:

• DesignerJules
• Lisa B.
• SarcasticRedhead
• SamSanow
• MomLovesDeals
• Amanda J.

All winners will receive an e-mail from Cotton Babies with their gift code no later than 5 p.m. Central time on Monday, May 23, 2011. Thank you to all who participated and remember to watch this blog for our Tuesday blog giveaways!

Real Mom Talk: Turn That Frown Upside Down

For today's installment of Real Mom Talk, we're trying something new. Today will be the voices of real moms, sharing their tips and experience.

We've all had rough, difficult or just plain bad days. It seems that once you add another life into the mix, the chances of things not going as planned seem to multiply exponentially. So what do you do when you recognize things aren't going so well and how do you change it?

Yesterday, we asked our Facebook fans:

Did your mother ever tell you "Turn that frown upside down"? How do you turn around a rough or difficult day? What do you do to change and improve your mood? Share your tips with us!

We received a lot of great responses and want to share with you what real moms suggest.

Jessica W. of WY said: “I like to blast my favorite music. Exercising helps a lot too. After a good sweat, it's almost like 'what was I mad about?'”

Adriel M. of AL said, “A cup of something warm: tea, coffee, cocoa, and five minutes of just sitting quietly, telling myself it is not as bad as I think. I just find something soothing in holding a steaming mug. Oh, and an uninterrupted shower is always good too.”

Memphis Misfit Mama said, "Get my baby to laugh!"

Ruthie V. of WI said, "I listen to Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al" really, really loud and dance around.... never fails to revise my mood."

What do you do when you see you or your children in need of an attitude adjustment? How do you turn the mood in your household around? Share your tips and tricks with us in the comments below.

You're One Good Mum and bumGenius Giveaway

While we comb (and cry) our way through the entries for our "I'm Glad You Were Born" giveaway, it's become quite clear our Cotton Babies community is filled with great parents and caregivers. While we are busy trying to select the best of the best of those entries, we'd like to share a little giveaway fun with you.

For today's blog giveaway, three random winners will each receive a Cotton Babies "You're One Good Mum!" t-shirt and a bumGenius 4.0 cloth diaper. We hope that each time you wear this and look in the mirror you are reminded what a great mom you are.

I love the message of these shirts so much I bought one for my mother and each of my sisters, who are also mothers. It's my hope that they never forget they are a good mom, even on the toughest of days.

To enter today's blog giveaway for your chance to win one of our prize packs, leave a comment on this blog post sharing what you think makes you "one good mum" or dad. Go ahead, brag on yourself! Are you a great cook, energetic storyteller, the best boo-boo kisser ever? Share with us what makes you a great parent.

Eligible entries must be posted today, Tuesday, May 17, 2011. U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn at random on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 and notified via e-mail. (Please make sure Cotton Babies staff can see your e-mail in your comment or through your Blogger profile page, please.)

Cloth Diapers 101: What is a Stay Dry Doubler?

What is a stay dry doubler and why would I need to use it?

A stay dry doubler is an absorbent insert made of a layer of fleece, a fabric that will wick moisture away from your baby's bottom, as well as two layers of absorbent microfiber. These are ideal for those who use natural fiber inserts like prefolds or cotton fitteds, but need additional absorbency at night and a way to keep the moisture away from baby's bottom.

Jenn Labit said,

"I am absolutely thrilled with this product! We use prefolds with Andrew during the day and its always bothered me to know that his little bum was wet when his diaper got wet. With these doublers, he stays dry! Thanks to the Stay Dry Doublers, I may actually be able to use prefolds at night again..."

The Stay Dry Doubler is different from a stay dry liner because it has microfiber to absorb. Stay dry liners are simply a layer of fleece to wick moisture away without added absorbency.

Stay Dry Doublers are also a bit different from the bumGenius Diaper Doublers, also known as Newborn Inserts. The bumGenius Diaper Doublers are only microfiber and have no layer of fleece, so we do not recommend placing a bumGenius Diaper Doubler next to baby's bottom. bumGenius Diaper Doublers are great for inside a bumGenius 4.0 or other pocket style diaper.

For more information or personalized recommendations about inserts for your little one, give our customer service team a call at 1-888-332-2243, send an e-mail to contactus@cottonbabies.com, or chat with us live on www.cottonbabies.com (button on bottom bottom of left hand column). We'd be glad to assist you.

Have a question or suggestion for future Cloth Diapers 101 or Cloth Diapers 201 blog posts? Leave your question in the comments below.

Cloth Diapers 201: Overnight Cloth Diapering

As your little one grows, at some point, you finally reach the elusive goal... your child will actually sleep for more than 3 hours at a time. About the time you begin to revel in this blissful state, you may begin to discover the dark side of more sleep. Your little one's diapers now require more absorbency to last through the night.

One of the most common questions we receive at Cotton Babies is how to adjust absorbency to adapt to your growing child's overnight needs. The simple answer is natural fibers. Two great natural fibers that add absorbency are hemp and cotton.

Hemp is great because of its durability, absorbency, and it's natural anti-microbial properties. This means your baby will be protected naturally from bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus. We offer a variety of Hemp Babies and Baby Kicks to match your child's needs and the style of cloth diapers you use. Most of our hemp products are a blend of 55% hemp and 45% cotton for effective absorbency.

• Hemp Babies Little Weeds - these are great if you are using a pocket style one-size diaper on a small rise setting or All-in-one style in a small size. Little Weeds feature two layers of hemp to ensure that your diapers wash clean easily and dry quickly. Designed specifically for an infant, the small diaper folds in half for less bulk and four layers of absorbency.
• Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds - These high quality diapers were specifically designed to be used as an insert in a medium or large pocket diaper. Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds fold in thirds for six thirsty layers of hemp absorbency.
• Hemp Babies Diaper Doublers - These diaper doublers come in two sizes (small or large). The size and shape of the Hemp Babies Diaper Doublers make them ideal for use with a prefold, all-in-two, or hybrid style of diaper. I liked using the large Hemp Babies Diaper Doubler underneath a Flip Stay-Dry insert for my toddler daughter for overnight. They also work well placed inside a pre-fold diaper overnight.
• BabyKicks Hemparoo Joey-Bunz - These inserts are designed especially for use with Fuzzi Bunz, but work great with all other pocket diapers, like bumGenius. Intended to be trim, absorbent and easy to use since there's no folding. They come in three sizes (small, medium and large) to give you a customized fit for your little one.
• BabyKicks Hemparoo Fleece Pre-folds - These prefolds feature 2-3-2 layers of luxuriously soft 55% hemp/45% cotton fleece. These prefolds are up to any task, from being pinned, folded in thirds in a snug fitting wrap, or as a pocket diaper stuffer.

Cotton is another great, affordable option for adding absorbency overnight. Cotton prefolds can be used inside a cover like Econobum or Flip, or even as an insert inside your favorite bumGenius pocket diaper. At Cotton Babies, we carry Chinese, Indian and Econobum styles of prefolds that range in price from $1 to $2 each depending on size and style.

Two last tips for using natural fibers - natural fibers do not wick moisture away from baby's bottom and are a bit slower to absorb than synthetic diapers. Some customers find they need a stay-dry liner or layer closest to baby's bottom to keep baby dry all night. If you are layering hemp or cotton inserts with a stay-dry insert, we recommend the stay dry layer closest to baby's bottom with the natural fiber underneath to ensure best absorbency and reduce the chance of leaks.

If you need help in finding which insert would best meet your family's needs for overnight, give us a call at 1-888-332-2243. We can ask you a few questions about the cloth diapers you use, your little one, how long they sleep at night and your laundry routine. In just a few minutes, we can give you some suggestions for products that may work best for your family.

Real Mom Talk: I'm glad you were born

To my princess,

I'm glad you were born. I'll admit "glad" was not the word that came to my mind the day I sat staring at those two lines as the sounds of three little boys under 18 months of age bombarded me through the bathroom door. Terrified, shocked, worn, nervous... all of these things, but not exactly glad, at least not in those early minutes. Those same emotions flooded me again the day we saw you on the ultrasound and heard you were a girl. I recall thinking, "But I KNOW how to raise boys! I'm not ready for this new challenge!"

Princess, you've taught me how to be a girl. Since you've come along, I've worn more skirts, dresses and heels than ever before in my life. It seems like nearly half my closet is now pink and purple, rather than the old blue and black. You've forced me to control my mouth, so that those inner lies about my true beauty and worth don't escape my lips to find your precious little ears. Your mere presence and the thought that my words and behaviors will shape the woman you will become have motivated me to improve myself. I'm so much more aware of the things that go in and on my body now that you've joined our family. I pray that I'm a good example to you of a healthy, strong, intelligent woman.

I love the way you encourage me to fully embrace womanhood. I look forward to Saturday afternoons when you grab the nail polish and sweetly ask, "Is it time to paint ours nails?" Then you make me choose the color, to ensure that our nails will match. Princess, I love our girl time.

For years I thought I could be content being a mom to only boys. You rocked our world in such a dramatic way; leading to new jobs, new city and a new home. It's so difficult to imagine what our life would be if not for you. I'm sure I would have been content without you, Princess, but I wouldn't be the woman I am today without you to inspire me. I'm truly glad you were born and I love being your mom.

Love, Mom (Heather)

We love using Piggy Paint for our girly manicure sessions, so we wanted to make sure it was included in our Mother's Day sale. Save $1 on all your favorite varieties of Piggy Paint Polish, Refined collection, Project Earth collection and remover.

Be sure to share with us your own "I'm glad you were born" story for your chance to win Cotton Babies gift cards worth up to $100. For details and to enter, visit this blog post.

Mother's Day Sale: 15% off select Thirsties products

In celebration of mothers, we're having a great sale all week long. Our Mother's Day category has several great items, but today, in place of our Cloth 101 feature, we'll be focusing on Thirsties, which are 15% off this week only!

Thirsties Duo Wraps are a really popular product at Cotton Babies. They are easy to use and easier on your wallet. The adjustable rise of this wrap design means one size will last twice as long. Only two sizes will cover your baby from birth all the way to potty-learning. These are great if you love using prefolds, flats or fitted cloth diapers on your little one.

Cotton Babies customer, Susan, shared this in a review:

I am new to cloth diapering and ordered the Duo because of the sizing for newborns/smaller babies and the positive reviews, plus the adjustable sizing. I can say that I just love them! No leaks, perfect fit, very adjustable on my 4 week old baby. I've used these since she was born. Very trim fit over a trifolded prefold and couldn't be easier. The velcro is soft so it won't hurt her skin. I'd buy these again in a heartbeat. The lavender is my favorite.

Thirsties Duo Wrap covers feature a double leg gusset and are available in a variety of colors and prints. You can get Thirsties Duo Wrap covers in either hook and loop or snap closures for only $10.84 this week only!

We also have several other great Thirsties products on sale this week including the sized diaper covers, Duo Diapers, pail liners and the brightly colored Thirsties Fab cloth wipes.

Mother's Day 2011: I'm glad you were born

Last year, we introduced “I'm So Glad You Were Born” as a special mother's day promotion. We were overwhelmed with the responses and really moved by your amazing stories. We loved the results so much, we just had to host this contest again. But this time, we're just going to make sure we have a big box of tissues ready for the judging session.

For those who are new to Cotton Babies or may have missed last year's contest, here the original blog post and inspiration for the contest:

Have you ever told your kids how happy you are that they were born? I was looking at my children wrestling on the couch the other day and had a melty mommy moment. Andrew has such a gentle heart. Oscar loves to laugh. Elsie is fourteen months old now and turning into a little dancing (and couch wrestling!) diva. She was such a pleasant surprise. I didn't know how much I could love another little person. Now I know. I tell my kids almost every night that God put them in my belly and that He decided that I was supposed to be their mommy. I am so glad they were born.

It's Mother's Day this weekend. As I was pondering how to have a Mother's Day promotion at Cotton Babies, I realized that I feel most rewarded as a mother when I'm talking to my kids about how much I love them. Flowers are great. Lunch is great. New clothes are great. A hug is fun... but truthfully, my heart gets the biggest thrill from that knowing nod my four-year-old has when he hears that I'm glad he was born... now that's a Mother's Day present. So, in honor of Mother's Day, I want you to write a comment on this blog post about someone little in your life (biological, adopted, foster, god-child, in-utero, in-mind or even some other status I didn't think of) and why you are glad they were born - or are going to be born. One person is going to win $100 Gift Certificate to Cotton Babies!

How to Enter:
Write one comment on this post about a child in your life using the theme "I'm So Glad You Were Born". One comment (one entry) per person. Comments should be limited to 250 words. Contest entries only please. Inappropriate or irrelevant comments will be deleted. If you have a comment about an entry, want to support a particular entry or have something else to say, feel free to leave a post on the Cotton Babies Facebook page.

Entries must be received by Sunday, May 15th (note: contest extended due to Blogger outage). A winner will be announced by Friday, May 20st. It may be sooner, but we're anticipating quite a few entries to sort through. We want enough time available to give each entry a fair review. Please be sure your e-mail address is visible to our Cotton Babies staff, winners will be notified via e-mail only.

Judging:
First, second and third place winners will be selected based on content. We are looking first at the content and quality of what you wrote. Please check your spelling and your grammar. If we have trouble deciding between two entries, we will also consider how many of the optional things (see "Extra Credit Opportunities") you did to promote the contest and your favorite baby retailer, Cotton Babies. Additional runners up will be drawn at random. For every 100 entries, 3 random winners will be drawn (i.e. 200 entries = 6 random winners; 500 entries = 15 random winners).

Extra Credit Opportunities:

• Tweet about the contest by using the #cottonbabies hashtag and linking to this post.
• Subscribe to this blog.
• Blog and encourage others to enter this contest and to shop at Cotton Babies.
• "Like" this post (below) to share it with your Facebook friends.
• Join our mailing list to receive notifications about coupons, sales and second quality merchandise exclusively available through the Cotton Babies "In The Loop" newsletter:
  
  

  Join Our Mailing List

  Email:

  
  or use this link to subscribe to the newsletter: http://bit.ly/bfl7VT
• Add a link recommending Cotton Babies to your blog using this text and image:

<a href="http://clothdiapers.blogspot.com"><img src="http://www.cottonbabies.com/images/mothersday2011/GladUWB_button180x180.gif"></a>
Please provide relevant links to your tweet, blog, social media page and forum post in your comment if you chose to complete these steps. Remember, this isn't required... and please don't harrass your friends on Facebook or Twitter to get "extra" entries. Once is good enough!

Winnings:

• 1 grand prize winner ($100 gift certificate to Cotton Babies)
• 1 second place winner ($50 gift certificate to Cotton Babies)
• 1 third place winner ($25 gift certificate to Cotton Babies)
• 3 additional runners up per 100 contest entries ($10 gift certificate to Cotton Babies)

Gift certificates will be e-mailed to the winners and can only be redeemed online through the Cotton Babies website. You must either live in the United States or have a shipping address in the United States to be eligible to win. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win.

Final Thoughts:
Please keep what you write and share it with your child when they are old enough to understand it. I'd love to know how you decided to do this when the time comes!

By the way, thank you for shopping with Cotton Babies and for using our brands (bumGenius, Flip, Econobum & Hemp Babies). Have a great weekend everyone!

May Day Giveaway!

Happy (belated) May Day! I'm not sure about you, but May is a busy month for our family. We have lots of events, travel and days away from home planned. May brings Mother's Day, weddings, graduations, birthdays, end of school events and more!

For today's blog giveaway, we're giving Mom (or Dad) the gift of convenience. If you haven't already seen it online, the newest addition to our Flip product lineup is the Flip Travel Pack. This pack includes two Flip covers and 18 Flip disposable inserts. At Cotton Babies, we know that life gets busy, sometimes you are away from home and sometimes a disposable option can alleviate a bit of stress. Most of us keep at least one package of Flip disposable inserts at home, just in case.

Whether you'll be traveling in May or all you really want for Mother's Day is a day off laundry duty, we have the prize for you! Today's winners will each receive a Flip Travel Pack and a Cotton Babies Cold Cup.

To enter today's blog giveaway for your chance to win one of our prize packs, leave a comment on this blog post sharing what May event you are looking forward to most. Would a Flip Travel Pack or Cotton Babies Cold Cup make that day even better? Tell us.

Eligible entries must be posted today, Tuesday, May 3, 2011. U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn at random on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 and notified via e-mail. (Please make sure Cotton Babies staff can see your e-mail in your comment or through your Blogger profile page, please.)

Cloth Diapers 101: What is a Snappi and how do I use it?

What is a Snappi?
The Snappi is a modern, diaper fastener that has become an important cloth diapering accessory. This easy-to-use fastener replaces the diaper pin. It comes in a variety of colors and is made from a stretchable non-toxic material, which is T-shaped with 'teeth' on each end. These 'teeth' hook into the diaper fabric to ensure a snug-fitting diaper with enough natural movement for the baby.

Why would I want one?
The Snappi is a practical cloth diapering accessory, especially if you are using prefold or flat style cloth diapers, even part-time. The Snappi can be used with or without a cover, and is especially handy as your little one reaches those "in between" sizes with your favorite covers. Snappis help hold the cloth diaper in place, preventing leaks and blowouts with your folded diapers. They can help keep the diaper in place on a squirmy baby as you reach for your favorite diaper cover.

How do I use it?
When you first purchase your Snappi, you will need to stretch it before its first use. The stretching triggers the 'memory' of the Snappi to return to its original size, and in so doing, will pull the diaper together to the middle to allow for a snug fit. This is essential for the Snappi to work properly. To stretch, hold the Snappi in the center with one hand, and close to the end of the leg with the other hand. Then stretch it approximately 10 times. As you do this you should feel how the material 'softens' or gets more elastic. Follow this stretching procedure with each leg. Then your Snappi will be ready to go!

When it's time for a diaper change, make sure that the Snappi is attached securely with the following instructions. When attaching the Snappi, hold onto the solid part of the tab. Do not pull on the loops. It is important that the Snappi 'leg' being attached be stretched across the diaper before hooking it into the diaper. Snappi recommends you hook left, stretch across and hook right, then stretch down and hook center. In other words, the Snappi should go from a ‘T’ shape to a ‘Y’ shape.

Snappi recommendations and tips:

• We recommend at least 2 Snappis, so you always have one ready to go, should one get dirty. Snappis can be washed with hot, soapy water; but should not be laundered.
• Snappis should not be used longer than 6 months.
• Snappis are available in two sizes, baby and toddler. The toddler size is recommended for children 16 months and above.
• For more information and manufacturer's recommendations, please see the Snappi website.