I can't believe Under Cover month has finally arrived! I am so beyond excited for this event. Its time to give some love to the underdogs. Under Cover will take place for three full weeks on multiple blogs. Each blog will be focusing on this event for the three weeks. On the different blogs you will find reviews, giveaways, hints, tips, tricks and much more about fitteds, prefolds, flats, contours, covers, wool, fleece and our experience with these items.
Here is a basic run down of how this event will run:
Week One: Fitted's
-During week one Fitted's will be the main focus. Why fitteds? Fitted's can be a great option if you are looking for something a little cheaper than AIO's and Pockets. They are not the cheapest option but are close to it. Fitteds are also a great choice for parents who need to save the money but want the convenience of something a little more easy. Most fitteds come with some kind of closure and if they don't you can easily use a snappi on them. Fitted's are not water proof and need to be used with a cover. Although some people prefer to leave the cover off if hanging out at home to help let the babies bottom get a little bit of air flow. Fitteds can also be found with some super cute prints on the outside so why not show them off!
Week Two: Prefolds, contours, flats
-This is the big reason for this event. Prefolds...YIKES! Aren't those the things our grandmothers used on our parents when they were babies? Well, yes they are but boy how they have changed! Not only is the material a way better quality but how you use them have improved immensely over the many years. No more pins and worrying about poking baby. Also, don't worry about not knowing how to 'fold' these diapers. We will cover all that information during week two! Prefolds are also the cheapest way to go when Cloth Diapering, which is a big reason a lot of people switch to cloth in the first place right?
Week Three: Covers
-Well I guess if you are going to be using prefolds and fitteds you need something to go over top and what is better than an awesome cover? Look out as we introduce you to a huge variety of brands and materials that are used for covers from fleece, to PUL to wool. No more pull on plastic pants, we will show you how easy this can really be.
Check out all the other participating blogs at the links below:
March 5, 2011
Doopsy Insert Review
Kristina did a great job describing the Doopsy Diaper and new insert, so I won't repeat all that information!
I tried out the Doospy with new insert on both my guys for super, extended amounts of time.
I tried it on my youngest over night and it worked like a dream. He's typically in the same diaper from about 830/9pm until about 830/9am.
Next up, my toddler. Very trim, even with the extra insert. We tried it for a nap time for him, and an extended afternoon outing and it held up great.
I tried out the new insert with a couple other diapers as well for some extra protection, and it worked great with just about every diaper I tried.
Such a neat idea to make a universal insert/double that works in a variety of diapers!
I tried out the Doospy with new insert on both my guys for super, extended amounts of time.
I tried it on my youngest over night and it worked like a dream. He's typically in the same diaper from about 830/9pm until about 830/9am.
The diaper (even though, this review is about the insert, I feel the need to mention it!) fit him a little funny. Caedmon has this itty bitty waist but chunky thighs. It was hard to get a really great fit with this diaper (with or without the insert).
Next up, my toddler. Very trim, even with the extra insert. We tried it for a nap time for him, and an extended afternoon outing and it held up great.
I tried out the new insert with a couple other diapers as well for some extra protection, and it worked great with just about every diaper I tried.Such a neat idea to make a universal insert/double that works in a variety of diapers!
March 4, 2011
Doopsy Diaper Insert
Awhile ago I had the opportunity to review a Doopsy diaper. You can find the review here. Just recently they came out with a new style insert. I had the opportunity to receive one for reviewing and share a little bit about it with you. Here is a little about the new style insert (taken from Baby Eco Mart):
DOOPSY Pocket Insert - Includes 1 Microfiber Insert to be stuffed inside the pocket - Made in USA
1 PUL layer (white, red, pink, baby blue, royal blue)
2 Layers of Bamboo Hemp Terry(70% Bamboo, 30% Hemp)
In between the 2 layers of bamboo hemp there is a doopsy microfiber insert that has 4 layers of fabric
The Doopsy Pocket Insert can be used with or without the microfiber insert stuffed inside
MADE IN USA
Available Sizes:
Small = 13"x5"
Medium/Large = 15"x5"
Because I have both new and old styles of the inserts I had to do a compare/contrast of them. The picture below shows the new on the left and the old on the right. The new inset has the bamboo hemp on the outside which I find to hold more liquid than the older version of the insert which had double loop terry on the outside.
The new version comes with a microfiber doubler that you stuff into the insert for extra absorbency. The old version came with a smaller bamboo insert that you would stuff in after you had to stuff the long flap of material in to itself. As you can see below the new version is the two items on the left and the old version is on the right. I like not having to stuff the long tail in and then the bamboo insert, it was one extra step to do and even though it wasn't hard it just took TIME which is a precious treasure to any mom.
The new version has the bamboo hemp against the PUL as well as on the top (as you can see by looking at the pocket. This can provide plenty of absorbency by itself but you can easily add in the microfiber for even more.
Over all I really like this insert. I like that it is easier to use. You still don't need to un-stuff it before washing which is great. I used this on my 10 month old and he went to bed before getting changed and it lasted about 6 hours on him before leaking. I'm sure it would have gone longer if it had a few extra washings done to it and if it had been in a different diaper shell. I also think that it is a little bit trimmer while on my baby which I like! This insert will normally sell for $9.95 but you can get it on sale from Baby Eco Mart right now for $7.99.
Joana from BabyEcoMart has offered to giveaway the new Doopsy pocket insert to a winner! Fill out the form below to enter:
DOOPSY Pocket Insert - Includes 1 Microfiber Insert to be stuffed inside the pocket - Made in USA
1 PUL layer (white, red, pink, baby blue, royal blue)
2 Layers of Bamboo Hemp Terry(70% Bamboo, 30% Hemp)
In between the 2 layers of bamboo hemp there is a doopsy microfiber insert that has 4 layers of fabric
The Doopsy Pocket Insert can be used with or without the microfiber insert stuffed inside
MADE IN USA
Available Sizes:
Small = 13"x5"
Medium/Large = 15"x5"
Because I have both new and old styles of the inserts I had to do a compare/contrast of them. The picture below shows the new on the left and the old on the right. The new inset has the bamboo hemp on the outside which I find to hold more liquid than the older version of the insert which had double loop terry on the outside.
Here is a close up of the material. The new on has the brown tint to it. 
Both of the inserts are lined with PUL on the back to give an extra layer or leak protection. This is a nice feature to have. (new inserts is red)
Both of the inserts are lined with PUL on the back to give an extra layer or leak protection. This is a nice feature to have. (new inserts is red)
The new version comes with a microfiber doubler that you stuff into the insert for extra absorbency. The old version came with a smaller bamboo insert that you would stuff in after you had to stuff the long flap of material in to itself. As you can see below the new version is the two items on the left and the old version is on the right. I like not having to stuff the long tail in and then the bamboo insert, it was one extra step to do and even though it wasn't hard it just took TIME which is a precious treasure to any mom.
The new version has the bamboo hemp against the PUL as well as on the top (as you can see by looking at the pocket. This can provide plenty of absorbency by itself but you can easily add in the microfiber for even more.
Over all I really like this insert. I like that it is easier to use. You still don't need to un-stuff it before washing which is great. I used this on my 10 month old and he went to bed before getting changed and it lasted about 6 hours on him before leaking. I'm sure it would have gone longer if it had a few extra washings done to it and if it had been in a different diaper shell. I also think that it is a little bit trimmer while on my baby which I like! This insert will normally sell for $9.95 but you can get it on sale from Baby Eco Mart right now for $7.99.
Joana from BabyEcoMart has offered to giveaway the new Doopsy pocket insert to a winner! Fill out the form below to enter:
Homemade Baby Food & Vital Baby Press 'n' Pop Mini Freezer Pots
I love making baby food for my kiddos. It's super duper easy, so much cheaper, fresher and tastes incredibly better than the jarred stuff. I had a magic bullet that I used to use, but I got a food processor at Christmas and it has made things SO much easier. We just started solids with our youngest about two weeks ago. He's had bananas, avocados and now sweet potatoes. I typically keep enough fresh food on hand that I don't have to freeze things, but I also like to have food in the freezer in case the bananas go bad (or get eaten by my big monkeys!) or whatever the case may be. So, earlier this week, I whipped up some Sweet Potatoes for the freezer. I also purchased some Vital Baby Press 'n' Pop Mini Freezer Pots a few months ago. In the past I've used ice cube trays, but I didn't particularly like all the chemicals that were leeching into my children's food (one of the reasons I make it all myself).
Then I threw them, a couple slices at a time, into my food processor. This doesn't make them totally pureed and runny, like your typical Stage 1 jars of food. This has a bit of 'chunk' to it. It is easily mashed in to more of a white mashed potato consistency, but, since we delay solids a bit with our kiddos, I don't worry as much with the chunk. Any who...
Once the sweet potatoes are all chopped up, I dished the potatoes into the 1 ounce Vital Baby cubes.
Popped the top on them...
Piled them up and stuck them in the freezer.
When it's time to pull them out of the freezer, you can see why they are called "Press 'n' Pop" cubes.
The cubes look small, but it is a decent amount of food for a 'lil guy {or gal!}
On the bottom of each cube is a soft area...
Put your finger on that and ...
Press!
Out POPS the food - even in a completely frozen state! I did find that it was easier to let the straight-out-of-the-freezer cube sit on the counter for just a few minutes before press and popping.
There's your frozen cube of food ready for thawing and chowing.
And then, you have a very happy baby who is digging the new tastes and textures!
I steamed my sweet potatoes.
Then I threw them, a couple slices at a time, into my food processor. This doesn't make them totally pureed and runny, like your typical Stage 1 jars of food. This has a bit of 'chunk' to it. It is easily mashed in to more of a white mashed potato consistency, but, since we delay solids a bit with our kiddos, I don't worry as much with the chunk. Any who...
Once the sweet potatoes are all chopped up, I dished the potatoes into the 1 ounce Vital Baby cubes.
Popped the top on them...
Piled them up and stuck them in the freezer.
When it's time to pull them out of the freezer, you can see why they are called "Press 'n' Pop" cubes.The cubes look small, but it is a decent amount of food for a 'lil guy {or gal!}
On the bottom of each cube is a soft area...
Put your finger on that and ...
Press!Out POPS the food - even in a completely frozen state! I did find that it was easier to let the straight-out-of-the-freezer cube sit on the counter for just a few minutes before press and popping.
There's your frozen cube of food ready for thawing and chowing.
And then, you have a very happy baby who is digging the new tastes and textures!
Do you make your own baby food? Have your tried the Vital Baby Press 'n' Pop Mini Freezer Pots or another baby food cube?
Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for this review. I purchased my own set of Vital Baby Press 'n' Pop Mini Freezer Pots for our own use. All opinions are my own and you may have a different experience.
March 3, 2011
Picky Eater Vs. Foodie
image by Kaitlin Roten of KaitlinRotenPhotography.My two older boys, Keaton (a month shy of turning 4 years, sigh) and Benjamin (2.5 years) are total opposites in every way.
Keaton is LONG and lanky. Benjamin is longish, but has a bit of chunk (compared to big bro).
Keaton has bright red hair, light blue eyes and fair skin. Benjamin has dark eyes, dirty blonde hair and a beautiful, year-round tan.
Keaton is always go-go-go, picking up different toys and must have someone playing with him at all times. Benjamin could sit alone and play with the same toy for hours.
Keaton hates for his hands to be dirty, but I'm always finding sticks, rocks and dirt in and on Benjamin's clothes.
Keaton is a morning person - up before the sun, bright and chipper. Benjamin prefers to stay up late into the night and stumbles into the kitchen with eyes still closed, growling at anyone who dares speak to him.
Keaton is LONG and lanky. Benjamin is longish, but has a bit of chunk (compared to big bro).
Keaton has bright red hair, light blue eyes and fair skin. Benjamin has dark eyes, dirty blonde hair and a beautiful, year-round tan.
Keaton is always go-go-go, picking up different toys and must have someone playing with him at all times. Benjamin could sit alone and play with the same toy for hours.
Keaton hates for his hands to be dirty, but I'm always finding sticks, rocks and dirt in and on Benjamin's clothes.
Keaton is a morning person - up before the sun, bright and chipper. Benjamin prefers to stay up late into the night and stumbles into the kitchen with eyes still closed, growling at anyone who dares speak to him.
When it comes meal times, the opposites continue. Every morning, Keaton wants oatmeal. Lunch time rolls around, "Mommy, I want peanut butter and jelly." Thankfully, he's pretty open to dinner time options (as long as cubed chicken isn't involved).
Benjamin - you never know what he'll ask for at breakfast, at lunch, the same thing. Yesterday, he asked, very specifically for a bologna sandwich, with ketchup, mustard, mayo, American and mozzarella cheese and the sandwich cut into four triangles.
It's a totally different "order" every day ;)
And, as long as I can get dinner to Benjamin first, he'll eat it, no problems. If he hears big brother say, "It's gross", forget it!
I write all this to get some toddler/pre-schooler lunch ideas. I have about 6 months to convince Keaton that PB&J doesn't rule the world, as his pre-school is a peanut free school!!
Are your kids pickies or foodies? What do your picky eaters love?
Benjamin - you never know what he'll ask for at breakfast, at lunch, the same thing. Yesterday, he asked, very specifically for a bologna sandwich, with ketchup, mustard, mayo, American and mozzarella cheese and the sandwich cut into four triangles.
It's a totally different "order" every day ;)
And, as long as I can get dinner to Benjamin first, he'll eat it, no problems. If he hears big brother say, "It's gross", forget it!
I write all this to get some toddler/pre-schooler lunch ideas. I have about 6 months to convince Keaton that PB&J doesn't rule the world, as his pre-school is a peanut free school!!
Are your kids pickies or foodies? What do your picky eaters love?
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