Newborn Series: Upsies NB AI2 Diaper

Upsies diapers are a WAHM diaper brand that you can find on Hyena Cart. They stock at certain times and are only in stock until sold out so keep an eye out at the top of their shop page or on their fb page for when they stock.

I have an adorable Upsies whale print AI2 diaper. This diaper is more boyish but I would use it on a girl for sure because, well, its just super cute!
Here is a little about this diaper:
-Outer layer is cotton, hidden layer of PUL and inside layer is fleece
-Has umbilical cord (u.c.) snap down
-Fits approx. 7-12 pounds
-Has a snap in soaker

Here is a shot of the diaper. It has the snap for the u.c. snapped together.

Here is a full shot of the diaper on the outside. It has 2 rows of snaps across the waist but only 1 snap on each tab. When you have the snap down for the u.c. then you would use the lower set of snaps on the waist. When the u.c. snap is open then you would use the top row of snaps on the waist. This also allows for a higher rise on the diaper after the u.c. falls off.

The inside of the diaper is lined with a soft fleece. You can see the snap in the middle back (on the right side) where you snap in the soaker. You can also see the waist snaps better on the diaper in this picture...it looks like a lot but don't let it scare you. Its very easy to figure out where to snap.

Each of the Upsies AI2 diapers comes with a snap in soaker which is made of a prefold. You have the option to get a bleached or unbleached prefold with your diaper. You can also purchase additional prefolds to snap into the shell.

Sorry for the blurry picture. Here is the whale Upsies diaper on Micah around 9 pounds. It has a great fit and its so soft and cute. We love it. Its one that my 3 year old will pick out when he is being my helper because he wants Micah to wear this one! It has the cord snap snapped down and we didn't have any rubbing issues. There were a couple of NB diapers that we couldn't use because they would rub on the cord so we had to wait to use them but this one worked great.

 An issue I did have it this diaper was when the corn snap was being used it did gap away from the tummy showing a little of the prefold inside. However we didn't have any leak issues from this so it didn't turn out to be a problem for us.

 And a back shot because its so cute. I love how trim this diaper is as well.

 The inside of the diaper is fleece lined so its very soft around Micahs legs which is nice to have. It doesn't cause any irritation or leave red marks.

 And because I loved the Upsies diapers so much I ordered Micah two new custom diapers for him! These are the first ever custom diapers I have ever ordered and they are just adorable!

 Here is Micah around 9.6 pounds wearing the new Upsies diaper I got for him with the cord snap open because he had lost his cord. The fit is still great and I think he will be able to wear this for a while.

 How does this diaper work for us?
Well seeing as how I bought 2 more of the I can say they work really awesome for us. I love the fun prints, the soft and comfortable fleece on the inside and around the legs. The snap in soakers are nice and trim and usually we are able to reuse the cover because the poo stays on the soaker. Which is hard to believe with NB explosive poops! We did have a leak with this diaper but that was (I think anyways) because my MIL put it on him and she didn't get it tight enough on him. I have also found that the soakers are a little long so they do need to be folded over so they don't stick out but over all we love these diapers!
 
Want one for yourself...errr...your baby? Head over to Upsies and check them out! They NB AI2 diapers run 10.95 each plus shipping so a great price for WAHM made diapers! I also purchased a custom set of 2 diapers for 19.95 plus 3 for shipping so a great deal!

Friday Four!

Hello all!

Here are some neat things I've found:

1. Zucchini Brownies - These are awesome!  The link she posts back to allrecipes contains the recipe for the chocolate icing.  It's REALLY yummy!  If you have allergies, the brownies themselves are egg and dairy free. =)  Note: the recipe for the brownies is the third one in her post.

2. I'm an Organizing Junkie - This website has a TON of ideas on how to get different areas of your life organized.  She shows a lot of pictures and helps break things down.  I'll probably be on this site all weekend. ;-)

3. Marshmallow Shooter - Wouldn't this make you the coolest mom on the block?!  I can't wait to try it with my kiddos!  And I love how they set up starting lines to see how far they could launch and bulls-eyes for aim.

4. Forward facing in baby carrier? - Nope.  This article shows you why it's not a good idea for your baby to be forward facing.  I saw a mom in Wal-Mart and her baby (maybe three months old) was below her belly button and facing out... Yikes!  I think it's really important to do some research when you buy a new carrier.  Babywearing is AWESOME when it's done correctly!  This is just one of many articles meant to help.

Have a great weekend ya'll!

-Joy

We Recycle (now)

A few months ago, after watching an episode of Handy Manny (of all things) my kids started recognizing the recycle symbol everywhere. We started talking about what it meant to recycle and reuse and how that helps save the Earth. My daughter, Nyla, 5, started to really get into it and asked a lot of questions that I wasn't 100% sure about.



I went to the library and got a few books out so that we could start doing more for our part. Where we are from, there isn't a big emphasis on recycling so I felt silly (and sometimes still do) not knowing what to do or where to start.


We read 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save The Earth by the Earth Works Group. This had a bunch of very kid friendly ideas that we did right away. It was easy enough for my 5 year old to understand and help with. My 3 year old was bored pretty quickly until we started to do the actual stuff. Then he would do a little and then run and play with his trucks.

One of the first things we did was fill an empty gallon milk container with water...

and put it in our toilet tank!


I explained to the kids that it was #1 reusing the plastic container and #2 (no pun intended) helping to not waste so much water.



The milk jug takes up a large portion of the tank and therefore makes the inner workings of the toilet sense that it is full faster using less water.



Not only does this help with our plan to "SAVE THE EARTH" as Nyla puts it, but it also helps on our water bill as well. A double plus! (triple if you count reusing the jug!) This is a simple and easy thing to do and the kids LOVED being able to see inside the toilet tank...how cool is that!




We have started to do a few other things as well but I want to evolve them a little bit more and be able to share our experiences with you in depth. I will be writing a little bit each week of our adventure into recycling and what works for us and what doesn't.

Our first 5 family recycling goals:

1. Visit the recycling center in our neighboring town (ours doesn't have one)
2. Find some reusable snack bags and not buy any plastic ones from now on (gonna be tough on Daddy! Although we do use a lot of Tupperware)
3. Un-paper towels and napkins all the way(we are doing this partially already)
4. Do at least one recycle craft per week-sneak peek here for next week
5. Finish our recycling station/bins (including a picture on the bins per Nyla)

If you have any ideas or tips for me, please share! (jen @ clothdiaperaddiction.com) We would love to hear what you do with your kids as well!

Newborn Series: Little Bee Co. Newborn Diaper

The Little Bee Co. Newborn Diaper

A little about this diaper:
-Fits babies up to 12 pounds
-Features a snap down for the Umbilical cord
-Newborn Leg gussets
-Bamboo Fleece lining
-Tip: Button your diaper inside out while drying on low heat.

This diaper retails for $14.95

I purchased this adorable tiny little diaper a while ago and have been waiting to use it. It is so cute. In the below picture you can see it has a snap down rise and have nice leg elastic.

Here is the diaper with the snap down rise opened up. This allows the diaper to fit a little big longer after the cord falls off baby.
The diaper features one snap on each tab of the diaper and two rows of snaps across the front of the waist.
The inside of the diaper is one solid piece. The legs have a really neat special gusset for helping get a great fit and containing all messy messes.
Here is the Little Bee Co. diaper next to the xs fuzzibunz diaper for size comparison. They are pretty similar in size.



 Here is the Little Bee diaper on Micah around 9 pounds with his cord still on. We now use this with the cord snap open and have a great fit. With it snapped down for the cord we also had a nice fit and didn't have any rubbing issues.

 Because of the way that this diaper is made it looks like the diaper gaps away from Micahs skinny legs. However there is an extra gusset inside that actually keeps it nice and snug on his legs.

 How does this diaper work for us?
This diaper has worked well for us. We haven't had leak issues and I really like the extra gusset on this diaper to help get a nice leg fit as well as keep everything contained inside the diaper. The inside of this diaper is made with a bamboo material which is nice and soft but does not provide the stay dry feel. One thing I really do not like about this diaper is that it takes FOREVER to dry. It has a lot of layers in it and because its an AIO it takes a long time. It isn't really bulky though which is nice.

You can purchase a Little Bee Co diaper online from their store here for 14.95 plus shipping.

Fleece vs. Wool Covers

Fleece and Wool are great alternatives to PUL covers to use over Fitteds, Prefolds, and Flats.

But, you may be asking, "Why would anyone want to use wool and fleece?"

Wool and Fleece offer:

• amazing breathability for your baby's bottom (ie: air circulation) which also reduces heat build-up (which leads to bacteria growing and diaper rashes!)
• a Water resistant cover - to an extent. They won't stay dry on the outside for forever, however, if paired with a very absorbent diaper (fitted, prefold) you can go many hours, even all night.

Wool does need to be hand washed, which might make it unappealing to some cloth diaperers, however, it does NOT need to be washed after every use (unless baby poops). When the cover starts to small like a wet diaper, then it is time for a wash (I've found this to be about 4-6 uses, depending on the stage of my baby, and when I've been using it {day use vs. night use}). Wool offers all natural materials that are anti-fungal, and it keeps baby cool in summer and warm in winter.

Wool Cover from Alfalfa & The Sprout.

Wool Shorties from Mama Hooks.

Wool Cover from Baby Go Green.

Fleece can be washed with your regular laundry or with your diapers (I prefer regular laundry so that the velcro tabs on cloth diapers don't snag the fleece). I usually use fleece 2-3 times (unless I use it all night, or baby poops) before washing. While the fibers are not natural, like wool, fleece is incredibly soft. 

Fleece Cover from EmotiBums.

Fleece Longies from FluffyRumps.

Both fleece and wool can be found in varying lengths/styles - in a typical diaper cover length/pattern, as shorts (shorties), pants (longies), capris, and for the little ladies, skirties! All work just as well as another in keeping them dry, and helping to reduce rashes on their bottoms through the breathable fibers. 

So, question to our readers - Do you use Fleece? Wool? Both? What do you love about it? Dislike about it? Favorite place to get your Wool or Fleece?

Newborn Series: SwadddleBees SImplex Newborn

Sweet Bottoms cloth diapering store carries a nice selection of newborn cloth diapers. Including the Swaddlebees Newborn Simplex diaper, which they sent me to use and review for our Newborn Cloth diapering series.


A little about the Swaddlebees Simplex NB:
-waterproof outer and 100% birdseye cotton on the inside.
-AIO diaper with a quick dry style
-fits 6-16 pounds
-Openings on both ends so attached extra soaker can shift out in wash.

The Swaddlebees Simplex retails for $16.95

The Swaddlebeex Simplex newborn diaper comes in a variety of colors and adorable prints. I was sent this pretty blue color.  In the picture below you can see the snap down for the babys cord. The diaper is set to the smallest setting.

 (sorry about the sideways picture...can't turn it!) Below is the diaper with the cord snap open.

 

This diaper features a double row of snaps across the waist with two snaps on each wing.  This is a feature I like because it (in my opinion) helps to keep the diaper up on the baby rather than rolling down if there is only one row of snaps.

 The diaper is so cute and tiny! here is the outside, very simple like its name!

 The inside of the diaper is the birds-eye cotton. Here you can see the diaper is ready to be put on a baby. The extra attached soaker is tucked into the pocket.

 Here you can get a better understanding of how the extra attached soaker works. It agitates out in the wash so you don't have to worry about digging in and pulling it out. After its washed you just simply tuck it back in and your good to go.

 Close up of the birds-eye cotton.

 Here is the SS NB on Micah with the cord snap snapped down. He had already lost his cord when I took this picture but i still kept it snapped down for a while to allow the belly button to heal up. The waist snaps are set as small as it goes and he has a great fit while wearing it.

 You can see there is no gaping around his skinny little legs which means no leaking coming from this diaper.

How did this diaper work for us?
 We are VERY pleased with this diaper. I love the fit we get. Micah was around 8.6 when we came home from the hospital and at 3 weeks old he is now at 9.12 and the diaper is still fitting great with plenty of room to grow into it. I wasn't sure how I would like the inside birds-eye material in this diaper but its actually pretty absorbent and stays really soft. It doesn't offer the stay dry material but I don't think Micah really minds at this point. We haven't had any leaks with this diaper either and it is one I typically try and save for night time because it is so absorbent and Micah has gone up to 5 hours in between feedings so we need a good diaper to get us though the night and between feedings. This diaper has such a cute look to it as well!

Where can you get a Swaddlebees Simplex Newborn diaper? From Sweet Bottoms! You can also check out their other NB diapers while you are at their site as well. These diapers cost $16.95 and SweetBottoms offers free shipping on all US and Canadian orders under 4 pounds!

*I was sent a Swaddlebees Simplex NB diaper to use and review free of charge.*

*All opinions are my own and my experiences may differ from yours.*

Friday 4!

Hello again!

Here are my favorites from around the web:

1. Recycled Wind Chimes - What a neat project to make with the kiddos!  We're going to hang ours in their "fort" on our play set at home.

2. Strawberry Shortcake Muffins - These are awesome!  I'm a HUGE strawberry fan - and I LOVE baking with them in the summer.  These won't disappoint!

3. Kid's bathroom idea - I feel bad that I couldn't find the source, but I love this too much to not share (and since I'm not claiming it as mine, I hope that's okay =) ).  This is on Pinterest and the person said they took up close shots after the kiddos had taken a bath and then hung them over monogramed hooks.  How cute!

4.  Cloth Diaper Addiction Swap - Need a place to sell some used diapers?  Have a specific diaper you've been hunting for but don't want to pay full price?  Looking for a trade?  Check us out - we have a group on Facebook that can hopefully help you out! =)

Have a great weekend everyone!

-Joy

Diapering in Days Gone By

I had a friend tell me the other day about this "new idea" of cloth diapering... I had to giggle as I reminded her that disposables haven't always been around! In light of that, I was all excited to put together a "history" of cloth diapering, but the folks at The Diaper Jungle already accomplished that.... ;-) I do encourage you to head over and check it out - it is REALLY fascinating {or maybe I'm just a nerd...ahem}

However, I still wanted to share some fun, old-school finds with ya'll... and in my search for information, I found this {hilarious} painting by Adriaen Brouwer showing what we mamas do all day - change diapers.

While this painting isn't cloth diaper specific, I think it is very safe to assume, the child being...cleaned, most likely isn't about to have a Huggies put on their bottom!

If you click on and enlarge the picture, the facial expressions are priceless....

I think my husband and I are guilty, many times over, of expressions just like those, especially once solids have been introduced!

I found this ad (on eBay of all places!) from 1904 for Dri-Dide Cloth Diapers.

What I found most interesting was the claim that these cloth diapers "prevent[s] deformity of the limbs..."













I also found these snapping diapers on eBay, but there was no brand name or other information. Anyone have a clue?

Along with this ad and the ability to purchase these unused diapers, there were a slew of ads from Curity Baby Diapers - totally fascinating to read through them all!





From the 1950's, I give you the "Safe Diaper Clip" (retailing for 49 cents, which would be $4.39 these days!) 

The Safe Diaper Clip was invented by Edward Moonan and was used to secure diapers (a safer alternative to pins, and a precursor to Snappis).




One more gem from the 1950's is the Safe-T Di-Dee - a pinless, snapping One-Size diaper invented by mom, R.G. Geeslin! The article states, "...looks like a pair of junior's training pants. It's simplicity personified. Two series of fasteners on either side allow for the baby's vigorous growth...provide leg and groin room birth to 30 pounds."

Later it says, "They [moms] found there was no hunting for the right and wrong side...they could close their eyes and slip them on their babies."

Check out this video from 1979 about Pampers vs. Cloth Diapers.... (I know this is in favor of disposables, but it was still entertaining!)

So what about you? Have you ever discovered diapering from "back in the day" - either in internet searches or while talking with family?

Newborn Series: Lil Joey's

Rumparooz Lil Joey

A little about this diaper:
-Fits babies 4-12 pounds
-Sold new in packs of 2
-Has a snap down for umbilical cord.
-AIO diaper with 4 layers of microfiber in the middle
-Double inner gussets
-2 rows of waist snaps

The Lil Joeys retail for $29.95 for a 2 pack. You can only purchase these new as a 2 pack.

I was sent from Kissed By The Moon a 2 pack of Lil Joeys to feature for our Newborn Cloth Diapering series. This cute print which is very gender neutral is called gumball.
In the picture above you can see the size range that this newborn Lil Joey diaper offers. The diaper on the left is opened up to its biggest setting and the one on the right is on the smallest setting with the snap down snapped for the cord. The diaper features 2 rows of snaps along the waist to help get the best fit for your baby. The outside and inside of the Lil Joey diaper. The wings have one snap each.

The inside of the diaper features a great double gusset which will help keep in the newborn explosive poo.

Here is the Lil Joey on Micah right before we left the hospital. His weight was 8.6 pounds. We used it with the cord snap snapped down because otherwise it would have rubbed and irritated the stump.

Here is the diaper with the cord snap opened up. Micah also had lost his cord when this picture (below) was taken. As you can see the diaper fits great still.

The elastic around the legs provides a great fit on his skinny legs with out having leaking issues.

How does this diaper work for us?
We used this diaper to come from the hospital in. I chose it because it was one of the smaller diapers in our newborn stash that we had and I liked the cord snap down feature on it with the soft stay dry fleece on the inside. The gussets inside were also a little perk because they help hold the explosive newborn poop inside the diaper and contain the mess great. I really like this diaper on Micah because it is so small and doesn't cause a lot of extra bulk on his bottom which a couple of the other newborn diapers we have do. This diaper can also hold a TON of pee which is great for babies who sleep a longer period at night. I do how ever very much dislike how long these cute little diapers take to dry. They take forever and a day it seams to get completely dry. I will usually turn them inside out and snap them that way to try and help them to get dry faster.  We are still using the Lil Joeys at 9.12 pounds and I think we will be able to get a little more use out of them yet. I honestly was skeptical about these diapers even fitting our bigger babies in the first place but they have a great fit.

Kissed By The Moon has a nice selection of newborn diapers. They also offer a really neat newborn rental program. You can pick what diapers you want, how many you want, and how long you want them for! I have seen other newborn rentals at other shops and they are all pre-picked for you so you don't have the option to pick which diaper you want to use. The price of the package does vary based on how many diaper you choose to rent and how long you want to rent them for. If you are considering cloth diaper is also a nice way to get started as it allows you the opportunity to try out different diapers and see what works best for you.

*I was sent Lil Joeys to use and review at no charge.*

*All opinions are my own and your experiences may differ from mine.*