How's it goin' – with cloth diapers?

I posted a picture and detailed list of the cloth diapers included in the Changing Diapers, Changing Minds Program in my previous post. I probably should feel embarrassed that I'm so excited about the colors of cloth diapers – but it's exciting to be excited about something so mundane and routine but necessary...

  

Here's what we're learning so far...

We don't really like:

• The GroVia Diaper: The insert is bulky; the fabric is stiff, and Baby seemed to be uncomfortable in the diaper.
• The Prefolds: We tried one of the (four) prefolds once, and Daddy wondered why we'd fight to get it folded and put on just right when the pocket diapers are so simple?! (We're also on the road a lot and don't need the risk of leaks prefolds tend to represent.)

So, we're planning to return the four prefolds and Snappy fastener as well as the GroVia diaper wrap and liner. According to instructions sent with the package, I can get store credit for items I return – and I plan to use that amount to get a couple more of the brands we're really liking! (Keep reading!)

We like:

• The BumGenius, SmartiPants, FuzziBunz, and Thirsties – all the Pocket Diapers: We really like all these. It's hard to pick a favorite...
• We're learning that the BumGenius (with two inserts) are best for night-time and naps. The record for us so far has been 14 hours non-stop at night! We're loving not having to change a diaper in the middle of the night when we're groggy...

However! I also learned that I should not be trying to go all night with a cloth diaper – when Baby puts poo in it. We did once (I could smell the poo while I nursed!), and our poor little guy got a very bad diaper rash – his first ever – on his legs. (And I felt terrible!) Amazingly, the diaper (BumGenius with two inserts) still didn't leak! But the elastic bands rubbed his chunky thighs, resulting in a pretty serious rash. Since rash creams can reduce the absorbency of cloth diapers, I took a break for two full days, giving the affected skin time to heal. (Thankfully, it healed nicely with Dr. Selby's Crema Curativa, a "miracle cream" from back home in Uruguay...)

We started back to cloth diapering this morning, using Caldesene Baby Powder as insurance on the thigh area. So far, so good!

We're living and learning... (That's why we signed up for the trial run, eh?)

FREE Dinner at EarthFare with $10 Purchase

Sign up on the new EarthFare.com to receive the weekly email newsletter, and get a coupon for the makings of a free dinner (with a $10 purchase at your local EarthFare)!

The dinner includes:

• Rustic Mashed Potatoes (16 oz container from deli)
• Organic Baby Carrots (16 oz bag from produce dept)
• Fresh Whole Chicken (1 from meat dept) OR Veggie Burgers (1 box from freezer)

Since you have to spend $10, you can look at this (healthy!) deal as a B1G1 deal...

Laughter: The BEST Medicine!

At least laughter would work much better than these supposed "remedies" from the 1800s!

Click on the picture to view a larger version.

The hilarious collection of ads from various old newspapers was part of the decor in a fast-food restaurant we recently visited.

What do you think?!

I'm joining Sharon and friends at Good, True & Beautiful...
Just for the JOY of It!

We're cloth diapering full-time!

Yep! The package arrived just in time for us to take it on vacation with us. I'm excited because the condo unit where we're staying has a washer and drier, making my experiment that much easier – and more frugal!

Here's what's included in the Changing Diapers, Changing Minds Program for this cloth diaper trial:

I must admit that I'm loving the cool colors!

Baby seems to be enjoying the experience, too!

1 Kissaluvs Fitted Diaper (green)
1 Thirsties Duo Wrap (meadow)
1 Thirsties Duo Pocket Diaper (mango)
1 Smartipants One-Size Diaper (aqua breeze)
1 Fuzzi Bunz Perfect Size Diaper (chocolate truffle)
1 BumGenius V4.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper with Snaps (moonbeam)
1 BumGenius V4.0 One-Size Pocket Diaper with Snaps (grasshopper green)
1 GroVia Shell ONLY (vanilla)
1 GroVia Organic Cotton Soaker Pad
1 Snappis Diaper Fastener (pastel blue)
2 OsoCozy Indian Prefolds
2 Bleached Chinese Prefolds
5 sample sheets of Flushable Liners from Imse Vimse

Previous to starting the experiment, we were having blow-outs with disposable diapers every time Baby put poo in his pants. We were concluding that he needed the next size up which, unfortunately, we did not have with us. Yes, our Little Man is tall for his age...

UH, OH! (Again?!)

So, I started this cloth diapering experience with a bit of hesitation... BUT we've been very pleased with the fact that none of the cloth diapers have leaked so far! And I'm being very daring, too. For example, Baby wore one of the BumGenius diaper with double inserts for 14 hours last night – and still no leaks! Even Daddy, who consistently helps with diaper changes, is impressed. And we're becoming more and more impressed, using cloth diapers even when we're out and about...

Stay tuned...