Featured Product!!! Bum Joy one-sized pocket diaper

 

What is a one size pocket diaper? 

If you are interested in cloth diapering your child, you might want to consider a pocket diaper. A pocket diaper has much of the convenience of a disposable diaper but allows you to adjust the level of absorbency your child needs. Pocket diapers are reusable , require no folding, pins or diaper covers. They consist of a PUL (poly urethane laminate) outer layer that is completely waterproof. There is a layer of soft micro fleece that helps wick the moisture away from your baby so they feel dry or layers of microfiber. This helps prevent diaper rash. Pocket diapers usually come with an insert that is stuffed into a built in pocket. Stuff extra inserts or prefolds for more absorbency. Pocket diapers are an important addition to a cloth diapering system. They are typically used while traveling and for babysitters and outings. Because pocket diapers have a PUL layer, they are not meant to be used on a daily basis. This is because the waterproof layer will eventually breakdown after repeated drying.

This particular brand of Pocket diaper (Bum Joy) is made by a work at home mom! Her design is a one size pocket diaper, consisting of a PUL layer and five layers of microfiber encased in micro fleece. Snaps on the front of the diaper allow you to adjust the rise as your baby grows. You will save a lot of money not having to buy extra pocket diapers as your baby gets older. The style is very chic and soft, with gussets around the legs for extra protection against leaks. Each pocket diaper comes with an insert.

To care for Bum Joy pocket diapers:
Knock solids in the toilet. Small solids stuck in fleece will dissolve in the wash.
Remove insert before washing.
Machine wash warm.
Tumble dry in medium heat or hang dry.
No bleach, fabric softener or diaper cream- these cause cloth diapers to be less absorbent.

If you are interested in purchasing Bum Joy one size pocket diapers, you can find them at: www.littlegreengrape.com.

Are Baby Products Safe?

      Being an eco-conscious person, I try to make the best decisions when it comes to purchasing products for my online store.  I knew from the beginning that disposable baby wipes were something I could do without.  Think about how many wipes you go through a week, a month, a year.  Now imagine the number of parents who use wipes and how much waste is created.  Pretty disgusting.  Luckily, there are other options for parents today.  Purchasing biodegradable wipes can help reduce some of the waste.  Cloth wipes are very economical and can be used over and over again.  So we know the environment is a good reason to stop buying disposable wipes, but another good reason is your child's health.

      There is a lot of controversy surrounding the ingredients used to make baby wipes.  I found studies that were in favor of and against the use of some of the chemicals found in wipes.  Here are some information that helped me decide I would never use wipes.  Wipes are made of fibers, usually cotton and rayon, as well as plastic resins.  Baby wipes contain detergents with moisturizing agents, fragrance and preservatives.  

      Parabens  are a preservative found in wipes.  They are absorbed into the skin and are also found in many personal care products.  Parabens mimic estrogen and increased levels of estrogen can cause breast cancer.  It is a fact that parabens are found in breast tumors.   Also, testing on newborn male mammals has shown a certain type of paraben (butylparaben) to create problems to their reproductive systems.  Some experts say the parabens found in lotions and makeup can potentially effect the female reproductive system.

      Propylene glycol, also found in baby wipes and personal care products, is used in brake fluid and antifreeze.  The Material Safety Data sheet warns users avoid skin contact as it is a strong skin irritant  and can cause health effects such as kidney  and liver damage.  Even though the amount found in baby wipes is considered safe by the manufacturers, I wouldn't feel right taking that risk with my child.

      Baby lotions, shampoos and powders can also contain these chemicals. For example, here is a list of ingredients in a popular baby lotion known for its smell: water, propylene glycol, myristyl myrisate, glyceryl monosterarate, oleic acid, stearic acid, polysorbate, alkyl benzoate, benzyl alcohol, carbomer, fragerance, methylparaben,  butlyparaben, sodium hydroxide, red #33.   Baby powder's main ingredient is talc, which in a 1993 National Toxicology Program report, causes tumors in animals.  Talc has fibers very similar to asbestos.  The Cancer Prevention Coalition has called talc a carcinogen, and says it causes tumors in human ovaries and lungs.  Studies in the 1980's have shown baby powder when inhaled by infants, to cause death or serious illness.  Apparently the FDA had proposed limiting the amount of asbestos-like fibers found in talc used in cosmetics.  The ruling never passed.

     While many of these issues are still being researched, I feel it is better to err on the safe side.  Products now exist that cut out dangerous chemicals from baby wipes and lotions.  Websites such as www.safemama.com can give you information and recommendations about baby products to help you make good decisions for your baby.

How Many Cloth Diapers Will I Need?

As someone who has done extensive research on the topic, I would suggest purchasing a variety of cloth diapers for your babies' changing needs.  As your child grows, the amount of absorbency and number of diapers needed will change.  Here are some suggestions as to the number of diapers you will need to get by.  Keep in mind, the number and cost of the diapers is approximate, every child is different!

                                     Frequency of Laundering

Age                      Everyday                    Every 2 days            Every 3 days

0-6 months          10-12 diapers           20-24 diapers             30-36 

6-12 months        8-10                         16-20                           24-30

12-24 months      6-8                           12-16                           18-24

potty training        2-4                           4-6                               6-8

To save money, the majority of the diapers needed above should be prefolds.  Purchasing 3 AIOs per size: small, medium and large for any outings or when using a babysitter.  Also, it is nice to have a couple pocket diapers on hand for convenience and to stuff for overnight protection- may three of each size.

One diaper cover is recommended per 4-6 diapers if using flats, prefolds, contour or fitted diapers.

If using cloth wipes, 24-36 per child is recommended.

It is wise to purchase a few extra inserts although you can use prefolds for this reason.  6-12 inserts is recommended.  Make sure a couple of those are doublers for overnight protection.

Though it may seem like a big investment, cloth diapers are fewer in number and in price than the disposables you would need to diaper your baby from birth to potty training.  Not only a good choice for the environment, but also for your pocketbook!

Cloth Diaper Terminology

    Considering using cloth diapers for your little one?  There are so many different types of cloth diapers that are available now, how do know which ones are right for you?  

Flats- As basic as it gets.  Flat diapers are just that, a flat rectangle of cotton that needs to be folded, pinned or Snappied.  These diapers require a diaper cover.  They are very economical.

Prefolds- Also rectangular, prefolds have extra layers of fabric in the middle third of the diaper for more absorbency.  The 'ply' or layers of these diapers range from 2x6x2 - 4x8x4 (four layers on both ends, eight in the middle).  Prefolds can be folded, pinned or Snappied.  They also require a diaper cover.  Prefolds are great to use as extra stuffing in pocket diapers.  They are very economical.  There are Chinese and Indian prefolds, both have their pros and cons.  Indian prefolds are natural in color while most Chinese prefolds are white.

Contour- Basically a cotton diaper that looks like a disposable diaper but needs diaper pins or Snappis.

Fitted- Same as a contour diaper but with velcro or snaps to keep closed.

Pocket diapers- These diapers have some of the ease of a disposable diaper.  They feature a waterproof outer layer (PUL)  and microfleece inner layer. There is a pocket on the inside of the diaper where you would stuff an insert which usually comes with the diaper.  These need to be removed while laundering.  It is easy to adjust the absorbency by adding thicker inserts or prefolds to the diaper.  Unstuffed pocket diapers can be used as swim diapers.  Many pocket diapers are one-size.

One size diapers- usually a pocket diaper or AIO with a whole lotta snaps on the outside of the diaper.  By snapping certain snaps, you can adjust the size of the diapers.  These can be a bit bulky on infants but they save a lot of money in the long run!

AIOs or All in One diapers-  JUST like disposables! A cloth diaper, cover and insert all in one.  These are uber convenient but are not meant for everyday use.  The waterproof layer will break down if washed and dried daily.  These are great diapers for outings and for babysitters who don't want to deal with pinning and mess.

Covers- Come in super breathable, leakproof, wool to breathable, machine washable fleece to waterproof  PUL (polyurethane laminate) cloth.  Wool is higher maintenance and more expensive albeit best for the environment, while the other two are more affordable.  

Snappis- a type of diaper fastener made of non-toxic material.  Shaped like a 'T' with grippers on the end.

DSQ- Diaper service quality.  A higher quality prefold that will stand up to repeated washing and drying.

Hope this helps clear up any confusion you may encounter in your searches!

DIY- Recipes To Help You Save

 Welcome!

    Here are some recipes that will help those of you with young children who do not want to spend a lot of money on natural baby products.  They may take some time to make, but will be easy on the wallet and will last several weeks if not longer. 

Diaper Rash Remedies:

-Add baking soda to bath water at first sign of redness.  This helps prevent further diaper rash.

-ointment:

1/2 c. sweet almond oil (or olive oil)

2-3 drops lavender oil

2-3 drops tea tree oil

4 Tbsp water

Mix ingredients well.  Transfer to a bottle or jar.

-cream:

1/8 c. coconut oil (extra virgin is preferred)

1/4c. raw shea butter

3-4 Tbsp arrow root powder

-Extra virgin olive oil that has been steeped with fresh calendula.  Apply when changing diaper to sooth rash.

To steep, pour desired amount of oil into glass bottle or jar.  Add calendula and shake.  Put in a dark place for 3-4 weeks, shaking the jar every day.

Antifungal Bottom Wipes:

1/2 c. distilled water

1 Tbsp. vinegar (helps prevent yeast)

1/4 c. aloe vera gel

1 Tbsp. calendula oil

1 drop lavender essential oil

1 drop tea tree essential oil

Pour all ingredients in a glass jar with tight lid. Cover and shake.  Place your wipes in a container and pour on enough solution to moisten them.  Store extra solution in the fridge.  Should stay fresh for a long time.

Washing Cloth Diapers:

Using 1/2 c. baking soda with the detergent helps take the smell of urine out of the diapers.  Add a 1/2 c. vinegar to first rinse, this will help restore the pH of the cloth diapers. Otherwise your baby may end up with diaper rash. 

Natural Cleaning Solutions:

Vinegar is safe cleaning solution for your home and your child's toys.  Use equal amount water with the vinegar.  It is safe for most surfaces, except for marble.  Always dilute with water, the smell disappears as it dries.

Baking soda can be used as a scrub when water is added and also to wash stuffed toys and other fabrics.

 These recipes have been used by many parents, however, I do not assume responsibility if an allergic reaction should occur.