Cloth Diapering Basics: Laundry Edition

Quite honestly the hardest factor of cloth diapering is keeping them clean. In this post I will highlight my favorite items to maintain a fresh, soft, and build up free diaper.

 Oxygenated/Fragrance Free Detergent 

Locating "oxygenated soap" is key to maintaining clarity and freshness in your cloth diapers. Only use a 1/4 of the amount of detergent called for according to load size.

Baking Soda 

Baking soda is a household deodorizer and works equally well in the laundry. It is also a non-abusive fabric softener. 

 Black Soap/Castile Soap/Dish Detergent

All these soaps are useful for pre-washing diapers and heavily soiled clothing. Best of all only a couple of drops are needed to get the job done.

Essential Oils

Since dryer sheets are a huge NO for cloth diapers essential oils are a great alternative to smell good laundry. Use directly in the washing water or sprinkle several drops on cotton balls and seal in an organza pouch and toss in the dryer. Do not over do it; essential oils have the potential to stain.

Sun

In my experience sun bathing diapers works tremendously well for expelling odors and stains. The sun holds antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties just to name a few. Dry diapers for a cycle in the dryer and allow to finish drying in the sun.

There it is, simple as pie.

What products do you use to keep your diapers fresh and clean?

Have questions? Ask below.

Potty Training Success!!

With every venue I attend, I am consistently questioned on how my young one was potty trained so early. Given I am a first time mother and certainly not yet a pro, but, I can proudly say my child was fully potty trained by 20 months. By that I mean using the bathroom in public, through day naps and on occasion at night.

Personally I feel that was an incredible feat for a little one not yet turned two years old, however, please keep in mind every child is different and you have to work with your personal schedule to achieve consistency and success.

Below I've listed 9 pointers that worked for my household; hopefully you will find them helpful as well.

9 Steps to Potty Training Success

1. Inform: Introduce the potty to your child and tell them exactly what it is, how it is used and what is suppose to go in it. In the beginning, carry it into every room that an extended amount of time will be spent. (For a while it felt like the potty literally became my right hip.)                                                                     

2. Bare Bottom: Whether you're using cloth or disposables, ditch the diaper. This will allow the child to recognize what happens when the sensation arises.

3. Watchful Eye: More often than not your child will show signs of having to use the bathroom. Whether it's a little dance, clenching of the jaw or a change in face color. As an observant parent you will be able to distinguish movements and initiate potty use by keeping an eye for these signals.

4. Release Frustration: Just as much as children are learning how to use the toilet we as guardians are learning how to instruct them in 

this endeavor. There will be mistakes, do not allow the mistakes to generate anxiety.

5. Encourage and Motivate: It is important to set up a comforting environment for our children even centered around potty training. Be cautious with the urges to scrunch up your nose or turn your face in disgust for bowel movements. This portrayal sets the tone for how you feel about the occurrence; in turn your "mini me" may depict the same. Instead offer affirmations to ensure their efforts.

6. Be Stern: Once you realize your child recognizes where their waste is to be released and is perhaps being lazy or disobedient; express your unhappiness with it. Bend down to their level, look them in the eye and sternly tell them how you expect them to continue to behave.

7. Take Them with You: As crazy as it sounds this proved to be useful as well. Remember your child is your "mini me" and 9 times out of 10 wants to copy all you perform. Inviting your child into the bathroom (they usually come at their own will...) will help them to see that using the bathroom is an everyday occurrence. Take this chance to lead by example.

8. Throw a Parade: Let go of all inhibitions when the goal is achieved. Dance, sing, jump, give hugs and kisses and ultimate praise. They will possibly love to see mommy/daddy acting a fool so much that the potty will become fun time.

9. Be Consistent: There is no "half way", "part time", "every now and then" or "when I feel like it" when it comes to potty training. The success of this practice is integral in becoming a part of your daily and hourly routine. Whatever techniques you choose to employ in teaching your child the basics in potty training, STICK WITH IT.

Always keep in mind even seasoned youngsters have accidents. When your child is making sincere strides to make it to the potty just in time, whip out the words of encouragement and the spot cleaner. I will never forget the moments when my daughter was literally mid-step to the potty as the trickles began to flow down her leg. 

Continue to encourage and be open and accessible to you child's feelings. Potty training success will not be far behind.

In the process of potty training? Let me know what techniques you employ or if you found this article helpful.

How to Cloth Diaper a Newborn

I am asked these questions all of the time;

 "What diaper should I use for my newborn?"

"Should I purchase newborn diapers when babies grow so quickly?"

In this post I intend on giving you the best outcomes I have experienced as a mommy and now an auntie.

"What diapers should I use?"

For the parent(s) who have the time and dexterity: Flats/prefolds

For the parent(s) who simply want to slap the diaper on and keep it moving. All in One's

  I found flat/prefolds incredibly useful when cloth diapering for the first time namely for two reasons.

    1. I could easily customize the fit.

    2. Newborns do not need a lot of absorbency.

This style of diaper can actually fit from birth to potty training. Not only that, when I no longer felt like using them as diapers they served as burp cloths, extra absorbency for overnight diapering and even wipes on a necessary occasion. I felt like going through a dozen of this style in one day was completely cost effective because flat/prefolds hold a place throughout the diapering years.

Another easy option for newborns are fitted diapers, with this style there is no need to fold and pin, but, requires a waterproof cover.

If you do not care for the dexterity involved with flats/prefolds I suggest All in One's. They are super simple and Daddy's love them. As well, if you happen to have a toddler running around this style may prove to be the best choice.

As my family journeyed deeper into cloth diapering we jointly decided this was our favorite style of diaper. It is virtually impossible to place on baby upside down or even backwards; so both parents can enjoy changing those lovely messes.

 

 

Regardless of the decision, keep in mind you may want to save the bulk of your money for a size that your baby will spend the most time in. To view options and sizes I offer please visit the website at www.Sadies-Babies.com

Pros & Cons of One Size Diapers

One Size diapers seem to be the most popular choice of cloth diapers preferred by parents, but, like anything they too have their pro's and cons. In my post "Sadie's Babies Recommended Diaper List" I suggested obtaining several of this style to add to your collection, however, it is best to know the benefits and limitations one size diapers offer.

The Bad News:
1.One size diapers do not fit every child the same way. You may run into a time where your little one is between the sizes of the specific rise adjustment snaps. When this happens, the leg elastic is either too tight or too loose around baby's thighs perhaps causing red marks or leaking because of an improper fit.

2. Irritation: As your child becomes mobile the snaps seen in the rise may become irritating to their inner thigh. Although this is less common it is an issue that has been brought to my attention by fellow cloth diapering mommies.

3. Misleading: The average one size diapers do not truly fit from birth to potty training. Regardless the weight your baby is born all children can take up to 3 weeks before the newborn size specific diaper begins to fit properly. With that said most one size diapers only reach a size small when adjusted to its lowest setting.

 

 

The Good News: 
1. Longevity: Children typically begin to fit nicely into one size diapers around eight weeks or so and can honestly last for a couple years thereafter. As well, there comes a point where your child will most likely rest within a particular size range, knowing this one size diapers serve a great purpose.

2. In between stages: while this size is not my "go to" diaper they are wonderful to have on hand. When in between washing or figuring out your little one's next size range you are able to base it off of the size setting that fits best on your child.

3. Investment: When it comes to this diaper money is spent one time. Additionally when properly maintained you can easily place the same diaper on subsequent children.

Knowing these factors of one size diapers will hopefully shed light and aid in decision making when it comes to building a collection of cloth diapers that best fit into your lifestyle and budget.

Ultimate Baby Shower Gift- Sadie's Babies Coveralls

That's it. I'm convinced, this has now become the ultimate baby shower gift!
Who would have thought that my mother's thrift store find would turn out to be so useful.
Given I would like to say that I came up with this concept from my ever creating  mind, but, I did not. I adapted the over sized bib my mother purchased to make it completely adorable and incredibly industrious. Alright enough blabbing here it is...


Initially I was calling it "The Crumb Catcher" but my husband did not respond to fondly to that title  so we renamed it "The Coverall" Cute right?
While I was pregnant, about 5 months, my mother sent a huge box of various baby items including blankets, sippy cups (which I thought was pretty funny, what newborn drinks from a sippy cup) books and an over sized bib that needed some mending.
So, being who I am I placed all the items that were not pertinent in the closet to store away for later use.
One short year later I pulled out the box and could not have been happier to be reminded there was no need to purchase some necessary items including sippy cups and bibs large enough to cover my now self feeding child (thanks mom!).
Why did I not use the darn thing sooner?
It's perfect for catching spills and also proves to be wonderful for catching drool as she continually sprouts new teeth. Let's just say she started with one of the "Coveralls" and now has five! I especially love to use it to keep messes off her pretty little dresses.

You'll be able to receive more detail about it beginning October 12 in my online store. www.Sadies-Babies.com

Think this would be a hit in your household? Let me know below.

Traveling: Out of City/State

In previous post I wrote that I will be breaking "Traveling with Cloth Diapers" into 3 parts. Here's 2 or 3; Out of City/State.

This is where the rules change up a bit.The fist thing I'll say about this topic: it is best to vacation at a place where you'll have access to at least a washing machine and a dryer at best. So, an over night trip to visit grandparents, aunts/uncles, siblings or best friends are always a plus. If not no worries it can still be done.
When making travel arrangements first consider how many days/nights you will be away from home and pack accordingly. I like to gauge how many diapers to pack by how many my little one will typically soil in a days' period (including overnight) ; plus 2 extra per day. 
For example, if I will be away from home two days then I would pack 20 diapers and 4 boosters. Yes, that is a lot, but, I like to account for the "oops" moments. In a day's time that will give me 8 diapers including extra if necessary. If your child is a heavy soaker or has many bowel movements consider these factors as well.

Throughout the day I change and store my diapers as usual following the "Around the Town" routine. As I reach the living quarters I'll perform the pre-wash and continue to maintain as usual. If I'm not able to wash them that night or the next morning or if they do not dry in time I will have another days' worth of diapers ready to go.
Additionally, if you are absolutely sure you will be able to wash and dry before the start of the next day then just pack enough to keep baby's bottom covered. :)

Let me know if this helps :)

Traveling: Around Town

Traveling with your cloth diapers can prove to be slightly bulky and perhaps time consuming, but, when weighed against the health of baby's bottom and your wallet it is well worth it.
Since this is a pretty broad topic I'll break the article into three separate parts:
1. Around Town
2. Out of City/State
3. Out of the Country

Fortunately, I have experienced all of these types of travel with my diaper stash so I can tell you firsthand, it is not nearly as time consuming as one may think. I'll just say for the record the "poo" diapers become much easier as the little one begins to eat solids.

First up: Around Town

When not straying too far away from home you can really stick to packing the basics. Typically you will want to pack 1 diaper for every 2 hours.
For example, if you estimate to be mobile for 8 hours pack about 4 diapers; 3 hours perhaps 2 diapers and of course one or two extra for just in case.

 When making changes I found my changing station and zippered wet bag quickly became my best friends. Wonderful enough, I could fit two cloth diapers plus the wipes case within the inner pockets of the changing mat and just hang from my stroller handle for easy access.

 Additionally, I carried a homemade solution I concocted to spray on soiled diapers until I reached home. I found doing this helped to contain odors and retard possible set in stains.
Once home, perform the pre-wash routine and everything is back to normal. If you happen to get home late and do not feel like like washing the diapers out, no worries it's not the end of the world, just be sure to get to them first thing in the morning.
Super Simple right?  Traveling with cloth diapers Out of City/State will be coming soon.

Did you find this helpful? How do you travel with your cloth diapers? Let me know what works best for you below!