Econobum

We are so thrilled to announce that one of our new products, Econobum, has already won an iParenting Media Award - and it hasn't even hit the market yet!! Stay tuned for all the details, which will be announced this Sunday!!!

Now...I bet you can't wait to hear what else is hiding up our sleeves... :)

Comparing the fit of the sized Thirsties Cover vs. the Duo Wrap

I’ve been using Thirsties covers on my baby for the last six months, and I love the way the leg gussets help contain leaks. They really make cloth diapering with prefolds and flats just about as easy as using all-in-ones. Since, like most cloth diapering mamas, I love to save money on cloth diapers, I was especially excited to see the new Duo Wraps. (I only wish they had come out with these earlier this year, since my baby outgrew the extra smalls in less than two months!) Although the weight range for the Thirsties Duo Wrap Size 2 is the same as the regular Thirsties medium and large, the Duo Wraps are trimmer and the fit is a little bit different. At almost 6 months and 17 pounds, my chunky monkey can still fit the size small Thirsties covers, and the mediums are a bit big in the legs, even with the tabs overlapping all the way.

The new Thirsties Duo Wrap Size 2, however, fits just fine already with the snaps on the smallest rise setting, so it’s a great choice for babies who are “in between” a small and a medium, and it can grow along with them! For now, we still use a small Thirsties cover during the day for a trim fit over a birdseye flat or infant size prefold, and the new Duo Wrap over a standard prefold with a preemie prefold as a doubler at night. These photos show a size small Thirsties cover in white, a size medium Thirsties cover in baby blue, and the new Thirsties Duo Wrap Size 2 in ocean blue, all over the same birdseye flat with a Snappi.

Contributed by Christy

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Thirsties Edition

This week, in honor of our fabulous Pimp Your Stash sponsor, Thirsties, the Cloth Diaper Geek will focus on some frequently asked questions regarding your favorite Thirsties products. Here, every Tuesday, at Diaper Discussions you'll find answers to reader submitted questions. No question is too big or small for The Cloth Diaper Geek! Post your questions as comments or feel free to use our Reader Contribution Form to submit your question.

Question: I've heard you aren't supposed to tuck your prefolds under the flap in the front of the Thirsties Covers, is this true? If so, why not?

The Geek's Answer: Although at first it might appear that the flap is there to hold your prefold in place, it is actually there to serve as a barrier. One of the most common areas on a diaper for leaks/wicking is through the stitching on the tummy that secures the aplix/velcro to the diaper. Thirsties "flap" is there to provide the extra protection you need to keep baby comfortable and dry longer. Placing your prefold in the flap would cancel out the benefit of having a barrier and would cause premature wicking.

Question: I've heard that fluffing my Thirsties covers/diapers on high heat is recommended to seal the PUL. What does this mean?

The Geek's Answer: It's not unusual for new diapers to need to be washed, or at the very least dried before there first use. Since needles are used in the sewing/manufacturing process tiny holes are made in the waterproof fabric known as PUL. A full cycle in the dryer helps reseal the PUL, essentially shrinking it around the thread sewn into the product, reducing the impact these tiny holes can create

Question: My baby has a latex allergy, is it safe for me to use Thirsties products on him?

The Geek's Answer: Absolutely! All Thirsties products are PVC (vinyl), phthalate, lead and latex free!

For more FAQ questions and answers regarding Thirsites products please click HERE.

Are my cloth diapers repelling?

Are my cloth diapers repelling? Probably not. Most of the time, leaking cloth diapers are caused by one of the following issues:

• Diaper Fit (the diaper was put on wrong) - Most often, fit problems are around the legs. Be sure that the elastic is fitted around your baby's legs. If the elastic is not fitted to their leg, the diaper will leak. To solve a gapping problem at the legs, fasten the diaper tighter around the middle and use a lower rise setting. For a newborn, fold the top edge of the diaper down and cross the velcro tabs over in the middle.
  
• Stuffing - Wetting habits vary by child. Wetting habits will also change. If your baby is growing, they may eat more. This increases their urine output. You may need to use more inserts or change more frequently to accommodate the increased urine output. Inserts also vary in their performance when saturated. A completely saturated microfiber insert will leak when compressed. You'll experience this if you put your baby on your hip when he has a wet diaper. If this is an 'all-the-time' problem, consider switching to hemp inserts (like Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds).
  
• It just needs changed. A wet diaper needs to be changed.

If you are sure that your diapers are repelling, please review these guidelines and instructions.

Rule #1 - Most leaky diapers just need to be changed. A full diaper will leak. Period. The end. Amen. Just go change the diaper and all will be well with the world.

Rule #2 - It's probably not repelling. True repelling is really uncommon. Try everything else FIRST. Do not skip straight to stripping your diapers. Personal note: I've been cloth diapering for seven years and have never, ever stripped my diapers.

Rule #3 - (refer back to #2) The symptom of a repelling diaper is a continuously dry insert and a very wet lap. This should happen over and over again regardless of how it is stuffed. This won't be a one-time occurrence.

What exactly is happening? A diaper that is repelling is not allowing liquid to absorb into the inner core of the diaper because the surface of the diaper is coated with something that is hydrophobic. Hydrophobic means tending to repel and not absorb water. Oils and waxes coat fabrics and cause them to repel moisture. The most common sources of oil in your cloth diaper laundry are detergent, fabric softeners and essential oils.

Can I prevent it? Sometimes. Some households have water that leaves deposits on everything - not just their diapers. Everybody will get buildup if you use bad detergent. To best prevent buildup:

• Be sure that you are using a completely additive free detergent.
• Do not add essential oils to your wash.
• Do not use fabric softener.

Can I fix it? Yes, you can fix repelling diapers. Before you do anything, be sure that the problem is repelling. If it is, it will affect all of your diapers and it will happen over and over again. Have you checked to be sure the diaper is on right? Is the insert really dry?

How to strip your diapers:

• Wash your already clean diapers in hot (not boiling) water with a squirt of Dawn.
• Rinse twice.
  
• Put on your baby.

How NOT to strip your diapers:

• Do not put them in the dishwasher. You could set your house on fire.
  
• Do not use boiling water. You could ruin the waterproofing.
  
• Do not wash with weird things you can only find at the hardware store. This is dangerous for you, for your diapers and for your baby.
  
• Just because a product is labeled as "safe for cloth diapers" doesn't mean that it is.
• When in doubt - don't.

Warning!!
Some of the information available online about stripping absolutely will RUIN your cloth diapers. You are solely responsible for taking care of your diapers properly. If you have questions, call Cotton Babies customer service at 888-332-2243.

Fluff in the Spotlight: Thirsties Cloth Diapers

If you're reading this then we have something in common, we love cloth diapers, in fact we can't get enough of them! They're cute, fluffy, eco-friendly alternatives to disposable diapers and once you switch you just know you're doing the right thing. But one other reason is making cloth diapering a phenomenon... almost all cloth diapering businesses were started by moms like us and nothing makes us happier than knowing our passion for cloth diapers is also helping support mom-run businesses.

Thirsties is no exception! Owner Erin Kimmett started the Thirsties brand back in 2004 with her sewing machine, a dream, and a lot of optimism. Beginning with less than $100 in startup funds she has since grown her business to be one of the largest and most popular lines of cloth diapers on the market. Located in Historic Canyon City, Colorado, Thirsties 4000+ square foot warehouse is a renovated 1920's feed store.

Thirsties mission is to make it easy and attainable for every family to choose cloth while simultaneously investing in our local economy and sustainable business practices.

What else makes Thirsties so special?

• All Thirsties products and components are proudly made in the USA.
• All Thirsties products are made by fellow moms like you and I, and many enjoy working for Erin from the comfort of their own homes.
• Thirsties Diaper Covers, Duo Wraps & Pocket AIO's specialize in delivering a leak-proof cloth diapering system.
• Thirsties is committed to providing diapers and accessories that everyday families can afford and rely on.
• Even though Thirsties is one of the largest manufacturers of cloth diapers in the world, they have maintained a solid reputation for quality cloth diapers that families everywhere have come to depend on.
  

To top it all off, Thirsties hospitality, customer service and business practices are just as fabulous as their diapers. So if you ever find yourselves in Canyon City, Colorado, Erin invites you to stop by and take a tour of the facility!

Stay tuned, Thursday's post is a Behind the Scenes Interview with Sonya the Customer Service and Warehouse Manager at Thirsties!

And don't forget to enter this week's PimpYour Stash GiveAway! Thirsites has generously donated a Fab Fitted & Duo Wrap to this weeks lucky winner! Ends 9-11-09