Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative: Thirsties

Showing posts with label Thirsties. Show all posts

Sunday, September 11, 2011

September 11, 2011

So, it is September 11, 2011, the 10 year anniversary of the horrible attacks on the United States in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC. It is also my day to blog on the Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative blog. I have been trying to come up with something appropriate to share with you all. However, despite my best efforts, writing about diaper rash salve or the best cloth training pant seems so trite and inconsequential.

I read an interesting article on how to talk to your kids about 9/11 and was all prepared when my young sons asked about it this morning (they wanted to know why there was a commemorative ceremony at the baseball game they were watching on tv). When I started to answer them using the words and tone the article suggested they replied "Oh, the Twin Towers? We learned about that at school." "Really?" I responded, "When?" "In Art class" they replied. Huh? In Art class? Has 9/11 and the wars that followed so desensitized us as a nation to the horrors of that day that 2nd graders are learning of it in Art? This was the defining moment of my adulthood. Like Pearl Harbor and the Kennedy Assassination that proceeded it, it is one of those days where everyone can tell you exactly where they were, what they were doing and how they felt when they first heard of it. It ended any innocence that remained and caused fear to be a unwelcome companion. Should something this consequential and life changing really be a topic in 2nd grade Art? Upon hearing of our sons' history lesson, my husband and I sat down with them and provided a bit more detail than I am assuming they received over finger paints and glitter.

So, on this 10th Anniversary day, I will not blog about diapers but I will do a giveaway as we all need something fun and happy to which we can look forward. One of our favorite Made in the USA diapers, Thirsties, has recently added new prints to its diaper cover line. They are sweet and delightful and make me smile whenever I see them. We will give away one of these new covers (you pick the size and print) via a random drawing from the entrants.

In order to enter, please do one or all of the following (doing all four gives you four entries!):

- Comment below on how you discuss 9/11 with your children

- Fan Cottontail Baby on Facebook

- Fan the Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative on Facebook

- Join the Cottontail Baby mailing list

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Circumcision - Whose Choice is it to Make?

I am Kathleen, owner of both Cottontail Baby and Mamaclothonline and, most importantly, mother to three young boys. It is in my Mom role that I have been reading with great interest the news that San Francisco is considering a ballot initiative that would outlaw circumcision for boys under 18. The ban would make circumcising minors punishable by a fine of $1000 and up to one year in jail. There would be no religious exemptions. The more I read and the more I learn, the more I am finding myself quite conflicted about this proposed ban.

Certainly, on the one hand, circumcision is a form of mutilation of the body of a very much innocent and helpless infant. If God made it this way, why do we need to tamper with it as the actor Russell Crowe infamously tweeted earlier this week? I agree with this and feel the same way regarding this and a whole host of cosmetic procedures.

On the other hand, I do understand all the studies that indicate the health issues related to circumcision (some studies in Africa suggest that circumcision helps stop the spread of AIDS). I also understand the cultural and religious rituals associated with circumcision especially amongst Muslims and Jews and the importance placed on this rite of passage in both religions. Circumcision is so important to both groups that a ban of the practice could be seen as violating one's First Amendment rite to practice one's religion as one sees fit.

One study I read indicated that while only 30% of males world wide are circumcized, over 80% of males in the US are circumcized. Clearly, this is a US cultural issue in many ways. I am curious to know why this is so important and prevelent in our country but significantly less so world wide? Does it have something to do with our anti-septic, shrink wrapped culture? Are we just a nation of conformers and afraid, even for our tiny infants, to go against the norm? Are we lemmings who do not think for ourselves but just blindly and unquestionably approve unnecessary procedures?

One issue in the debate that I find most interesting is the dichotomy between what is good for the males and what is good for the females (female genital mutilation). Female circumcision (the removal of the clitoris) is illegal in this country. The San Francisco ban would simply provide males the same protection that is already enjoyed by females. I have yet to speak to any parent who believes in circumcision for boys who feels the same way for girls. Why is that? Is it that the process for girls is so much more barbaric (done when they are so much older and in such a crude fashion leading to significant illness, disfigurement and, occasionally, death)? I think that has to be part of it. In addition, for boys, circumcision is done for religious and health reasons but for girls, it is a cultural practice designed to repress women by eliminating their ability to experience sexual pleasure.

In the end, is this simply a parents rights issue? Does the government really need to legislate every choice parents make for the children? Is this just another in a long line of Big Brother laws such as outlawing spanking, criminalizing parents when their children misbehave (many laws that penalize and, in some cases, jail parents for having truant children for instance) or criminalizing parents who smoke in cars in which their children are riding.

What do you think? Is this a clear cut issue for you or are there many shades of grey? What would you do if you lived in San Francisco and this law passes?

GIVEAWAY

In terms of a giveaway for this sunny month of June, I would like to give a Thirsties Fab Duo. The relatively new Fab Duos are so soft and squishy and remind me of wrapping up in a towel after a long day at the beach. They come in fun, summertime colors such as mango, ocean and honeydew. No matter what you choose to do in regards to circumcision, these are great, comfy, wonderful diapers for your children.

So, to enter the drawing, you need to do the following by June 25, 2011:

Comment on this blog post and tell us what you think
Fan Cottontail Baby on Facebook
Fan the Cloth Diaper Retailers Cooperative on Facebook
Join the Cottontail Baby mailing list

Good luck!

Monday, May 16, 2011

We're 4 months old now! Duo Fitted and GIVEAWAY!

Hi! I'm Bayla from Soft and Cozy Baby in Baltimore, MD. I wrote about my Newborn Picks in February and now my baby Netanel is 4 months old already!

Wow! Babies grow so fast! And with them, their diapers! It's so sad that I have to start putting away my adorable newborn diapers. Some still barely fit - like the Kissaluvs 0 and the Thirsties XS. But we've basically moved into smalls otherwise. bumGenius AIO smalls (hand-me-downs from my older son as they dont make them anymore), Thirsties Duos and One-Size diapers. We've also upgraded to Bummis and Thirsties small wraps. And my favorite, once again, is Thirsties duos. We use the Duo Fitteds, Duo wraps, and Duo diapers. I know this topic has been discussed before but this is what I'm excited about now!

I have the original Thirsties fab fitteds from my older son and the Duo fab fitteds are much better! Besides the adjustability which allows them to grow from 6-18 lb, they also have a second liner which increases absorbancy, allows you to add stuffing, and lets them dry quicker. Plus the colors are so adorable that you really don't want to cover them up.

And get this - Size 1 is 6-18 lb and Size 2 is 18-40, right? Well I was running low on dipes so I pulled out a Size 2 Duo Diaper from my 3 year old's stash. It was a little big but still worked perfectly on my 3.5 month, about 15 pounder! No leaks or anything! We do have a few Size 1's but I'm going to start increasing my Size 2 stash instead!

So for our GIVEAWAY (YAY!), you can win a Duo Fab Fitted!
You get one entry for doing each of the following things and then commenting below that you did it. Please make each entry a different comment. Each comment counts as 1 - we wont be going through if you did multiple things but put them all in one comment.
The contest ends Saturday May 28 2011 at midnight. We will pick one comment with random.org as a winner. Let us know what color/closure duo fitted you'd prefer and a second choice.

1. Go to our New page and let us know what your favorite product listed is that you might want to try some day.
2. Follow Soft and Cozy Baby on Facebook and say hi on our page
3. Follow CDRC on Facebook and say hi
4. Tell us which page we have an ad in April's Pregnancy and Newborn magazine (look at your OB or midwife's office!)
5. Follow us on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway with a link. You can tweet once a day and put a comment below each time you tweet.
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook with a link. You can post once a day and comment below each time.
7. Visit the Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative 'Locate A Retailer' page and find the cloth diaper retailer closest to you. Visit their website, and leave a comment below with BOTH the name of the store AND whether or not you have ever ordered from them before.
8. Let us know what size/color/closure you want. You can see the options here

Good luck!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

To Spray Or Not To Spray.. That Is The Question!

Are your cloth wipes getting the most bang for their buck? Perhaps you are a bit intimidated by the little cloth wonders or don't know what to use with them. Let me be the first to recommend trying some spray solution with your wipes. There are some great benefits to using cloth wipes and a spray solution as well.

If you are already a cloth diaper user, you already have a system in place to store dirty diapers and launder them. Usually you have a wet bag for travel and a dry pail or hanging pail at home. When you use cloth wipes you can save a large amount of money over time since you do not have to keep buying disposable wipes. Also, since you already have your cloth diapering system in place all you have to do is put the dirty wipes in your pail and launder them with your diapers.

Some people prefer to use just plain water or essential oils with water as their wipe solution. I truly love using a spray solution with my cloth wipes. First, it travels well. Stick it in the diaper bag and you're good to go! Second, it's easy! It's right there on the changing table ready for use. I just spritz it on baby, wipe, and then throw the cloth wipes in with my cloth diapers to be washed. Very easy and extremely affordable! No more trips to the grocery to pick up more wipes!

Happy Heinys makes a nice organic wipe solution. The solution is derived from plants and is completely safe for baby's skin. Available in 8 oz amounts for your changing table and 4 oz for your diaper bag!

Thirsties also has a 4 oz and 8 oz wipe solution called Thirsties Booty Luster. This solution is non-irritating and 100% biodegradable. The luster is blended by hand in small batches and cleans, moisturizes, and helps protect against diaper rash.

**Giveaway closed ** Want to win some Booty Luster? Here are a few ways to enter. You may leave a comment for each item that you complete.

*Like Tender Loving Cloth Diapers on Facebook

*Like Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative on Facebook

*Follow This Blog

The contest will end 4/24/11 and the item will be shipped free to the winner!

Amanda

Owner

www.tlcdiapers.com

Saturday, February 26, 2011

USA made diapers and a Giveaway

Are you looking to build your cloth diapering stash with only USA made products? Are you worried that there simply won’t be enough choices? Guess again! There is actually a wide variety of styles of cloth diapers that are made solely in the USA. Some companies need to import some of their materials, while others are able to get all of their materials in the USA.

You can furnish your entire cloth diapering stash of cloth diapers made in the USA. Let’s start out with some newborn options:

Kissaluvs – all of their diapers, diaper lotion potions and fabrics are made right here in the USA. Kissaluvs size 0 fitted diapers are absolutely perfect for newborns. They provide plenty of absorbency, a great fit and even have a snap down for umbilical cord care. Pair these with our next company’s products and you have the perfect newborn combination.

Thirsties – An absolutely amazing company whose warehouse is 100% powered by wind energy! Thirsties products are also 100% made in the USA using components made in the US. Thirsties goal of becoming Carbon neutral is well underway with their new solar panel array producing more than enough electricity to power all their business needs!

Pair a Kissaluvs size 0 or a Willowpads Prefold with a Thirsties Duo Size 1 cover and you have a great newborn stash.

Willowpads – their amazingly soft, durable and absorbent prefolds are all made here in the USA. Willowpad prefolds are a combination of organic cotton and hemp and the most absorbent prefolds I have ever used. I used them on my son as an infant and then used them to stuff some of his pocket diapers with for overnights. They come in both infant and premium sizes.

Once your baby is out of the newborn diapers, there are quite a few choices for both one size diapers and a sized diapers option.

If you are interested in going the sized diaper route, try a Drybees! Made in the USA, this AIO hybrid is a nice, trim fitting choice. Drybees AIO's are an AIO but with a pocket in case you would like a little extra absorbency.

Are you more interested in one size diapers? You have quite a few options:

1. Knickernappies One Size Diapers: all of Knickernappies diapers, inserts and mama products are produced right here in the USA. In fact, right in Oregon! Knickernappies are one of my personal favorites as they provide a trim fit, especially for a one size diaper. Knickernappies One Size Diapers are also the longest fitting one size diaper as they fit well up to 40 lbs! Their award winning loopy-do and super-do inserts (also made in the USA) are amazing and number 1 and 2 on diaper pin!

2. Happy Heinys One Size and Sized Diapers: Not only are all of Happy Heinys products made in

their own facility 3 miles from their home but all of their materials are from the USA as well, including inserts. If you check out where some of the inserts of other companies are made, you will realize how unusual this is. Only the hemp is imported due to government regulations. Happy Heinys recently revamped their one size diaper so that it now fits smaller babies just as well as larger babies. They are also the only company to sell a glow in the dark diaper! You can also find a nice variety of mama pads and breast pads also made in the USA.

3. Rocky Mountain One Size Diapers: As the name suggests, it is made here in the US. Rocky Mountain diapers are a one size pocket diaper fitting babies 5-30 lbs. They have incredibly cute contrasting inner microsuede and outer PUL colors. Rocky Mountain diapers are one of the few diapers that will fit a newborn. They adjust via snaps on the elastic in the legs.

4. Softbums: Similar to Rocky Mountain diapers, Softbums are one size diapers that adjust via

elastic in the legs. However, rather than having snaps in the elastic, they adjust via a toggle switch on the elastic. This gives a perfect fit for all sizes of babies. They now have 2 USA made styles of diapers – the very popular Softbums echo system and the new Softbums OMNI that is a first of a kind. The Softbums OMNI can serve as an AI2 where you snap in a soaker or as a pocket diaper.

5. Wahmies: A unique one size pocket diaper that closes with hooks rather than snaps or hook-and-loop closures. Wahmies are the only diaper I have tried that is truly toddler proof! And of course, made in the USA.

6. Last but not least, my all time favorite nighttime diapering solution:

Lollidoo! These miracle diapers are not only made in the USA with USA materials, but made from recycled pop bottles! Talk about eco-friendly! In addition, they are the ONLY diaper that gets my 3 year old heavy night wetting son through the whole night DRY! You can get them with “innies”, Lollidoo’s inserts. Lollidoos paired with innies are adequate overnight for many children. I use the combination of a super-do insert with 1 of the innies in my Lollidoo Overnight diaper and it is so wonderful! If you are waking up to change sheets throughout the night, do yourself a favor and try a Lollidoo Overnight.

GIVEAWAY!
Now for our giveaway! One lucky participant will win a Knickernappies One Size diaper with their choice of microfiber inserts or Loopy-Do inserts! To enter, simply “like” Simple Wonders Diapers on facebook and leave a comment here telling me your favorite USA made diaper! Giveaway ends March 10th, 2011

Sultana
www.SimpleWondersDiapers.com

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Newborn Dipes

Hi! It's Bayla from Soft and Cozy Baby in Baltimore, MD. We had our second son 4 weeks ago and I am LOVING cloth diapering a newborn. I have a lot of my first son's diapers saved but we started with a diaper service so the diapers I had are still too big on my newbie! Plus there are so many fun diapers out there that I needed to try! I consider him a business expense - to try out all my new products!

So Netanel was born Jan 17 weighing in at 7 lb 4 oz - perfect size! But he was also too small for some of the diapers that should fit a newborn. Plus we had the umbilical cord issue - what would fold down and not rub on it. So I'll share my faves!

Lil Joeys are awesome for newborns! They're a bit pricey, I agree. But they really fit perfectly. They're designed for 5-12 lb. We used them from the beginning, as they have a fold down for the umbilical cord. Plus they still fit great a month later, and I except to get at least another month or so use out of them. To top it all off, my 2 year old's favorite diaper is Rumparooz Ladder 6 - so now he has matching diapers with his little brother!

Tini Fits are also designed to fit 5-12 lb. They don't have the umbilical cut out and they were a bit big initially, but we love them now, at 4 weeks. Plus they're stuffable like a pocket!

FuzziBunz Perfect Size in XSmall is another great fit. I love pocket diapers in general as you can stuff them with extra absorbancy, which I've needed to do. Plus if you snap them all the way to the center, at the smallest setting, it pulls down the middle to clear the umbilical cord.

Kissaluvs fitteds in a Size 0 are a well-known favorite for newborns. They fit great, snap down in front and are trim. To go over it I used a Thirsties XSmall cover which fits great. I started with a Bummis Newborn Super Brite but he's basically outgrown that by now - except for very trim diapers. But it doesn't work over prefolds anymore.

Prefolds are also a great newborn option. They're economical, absorbant, and you can customize the fit. They are a bit bulky but fit fine under a onesie or stretchie. Babies look cute with a bubble butt! For overnight diaper changes I like Bummis Whisper Pants - you dont have to deal with pinching and tucking the prefold into a cover. They're not cute, but when you're bleary-eyed in the middle of the night, you just pull it up and you're done!

bumGenius XS All-In-One are also a great, easy newborn diaper option.

And coming soon are GroVia's newborn organic All-In-Ones! Can't wait to try it!

What's your favorite newborn diaper??
Check out our Newborn Diaper page!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Duo Decisions!

Thirsties diaper company has produced a great line of diapers and accessories.. all with the name Duo. A few of my customers have had some confusion over which "Duo" is the best option for them. In this post I will attempt to lay it all out for you and hopefully help you decide which Thirsties option will work for you and your baby!
The Duo Wrap - The "Duo" that started it all! The Duo Wrap is a diaper cover that is designed in two sizes instead of the traditional four (XS, S, M, L). Duo means two sizes.. size one and size two. The Duo Wrap is available in snap or velcro, and prints or solid colors.

The Duo Diaper - The Duo Diaper is a type of pocket diaper that is available in size one or size two. It comes with a two part insert made of microfiber terry and hemp, with seven layers of absorption. The outer sleeve has two openings which allow the insert to agitate out in the wash, which makes this diaper super easy to use. No pulling wet inserts out before placing the diaper in the pail! An excellent diaper all the way around. The Duo Diaper is available in prints and solid colors as well.

The Duo Fab Fitted - The Duo Fab Fitted is a two sized fitted diaper, which means that it does require a diaper cover to be waterproof. These fitted diapers are extremely soft on baby and very absorbant. I like using these without covers when we are home so that I can see as soon as baby is wet. The new Duo design allows you to add additional inserts to the diaper for naptime or nighttime. The Duo Fab Fitted is available in velcro or snap. Pair this with the Duo Wrap and

you have an adorable combo!

The Stay Dry Duo Insert - This insert an excellent, trim option to use in your Duo Wrap. The insert is comprised of two pieces - one is made of microfiber with a stay dry microfleece top, and the other is a hemp insert made of 5 layers. One of my customers tried these with a baby who had diaper rash problems and her diaper rash cleared up quickly. Truly an excellent insert! Available in size one and size two.

The Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold - Made of soft hemp jersey, this prefold allows for a more trim design in two different sizes. The Duo Hemp Prefolds allow for maximum air flow and minimal drying time. A great option to pair with a Duo Wrap!

So there you have it! I hope that this post helps to explain a bit about all the different Duo options from Thirsties. You can view all of these Thirsties Duo options on my site, tlcdiapers.com. Another great reason to try Thirsties? All of their products are made in the USA!!

Amanda
tlcdiapers.com

Saturday, October 2, 2010

You get to pick! + Giveaway

As Snuggle Hugs gets ready to go to the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas, the premier juvenile products trade show, I started thinking about all the wonderful items we already offer at Snuggle Hugs and what might be missing from our site.

Our current list of cloth diapers include - Happy Heinys, BumGenius (bumGenius 3.0 on clearance), Rocky Mountain diapers, FuzziBunz, Rumparooz, Gro-Via, Bummis, Knickernappies and Thirsties. We also carry the accessory items of the companies above plus Planet Wise and Whamies for cloth diapering while out and about.

Scootababy

For your baby wearing needs we have the following great carriers for you to choose from - Baby K’Tan, Catbird Baby, Didymos, Dolcino, Hava, Kozy Carriers, Moby Wraps, Scootababy Hip carrier, Sleepy Wrap and Zolowear.

What other goodies would you like to see at Snuggle Hugs to make your shopping experience with Snuggle Hugs even better?

Ok so here is this months giveaway and what you need to do to get it. Visit SnuggleHugs, shop around and look at what we offer. Make some notes and comment below and on FaceBook. A qualifying comment will include your favorite item we currently offer and one item you would like to see us add to the site for you and why you love that item.

For every comment here and on Snuggle Hugs FaceBook page you get an entry. Your reward for helping us make Snuggle Hugs even better for you is a $10.00 gift certificate you can use on any order at Snuggle Hugs (gift certificate cannot include shipping). Winner will be emailed a one time use gift code created just for them and must be used within 30 days of winning.

Shop Snuggle Hugs and find your favorite item
Shop Snuggle Hugs and let us know what you would like us to add
Follow this blog and in your comment include answers to #1 and #2
Like Snuggle Hugs on FaceBook and include answers to #1 and #2
Follow Snuggle Hugs on Twitter every time you tweet @SnuggleHugs you get another entry
Giveaway ends 10/30 winner will be picked via Random.org

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

One Size Diapers and the size of YOUR baby

BROUGHT TO YOU BY SIMPLE WONDERS DIAPERS

I often get asked, "which one size diaper is the best?"

My answer usually depends on their baby. Most cloth diapers fit each baby just a little differently. One size cloth diapers are no different.

So how do you decide? Here are a list of the one size diapers that Simple Wonders Diapers carry and a description of how they fit skinny babies, average size babies and large babies/toddlers. These are my opinions (as opposed to the manufacturers) based on my experience with my own kids and the many children I have helped to put in cloth diapers over the past 5+ years.

bumGenius One Size Diapers (Pockets, AIO, and FLIP): Tend to fit skinny babies and average size babies well. Tend not to fit larger babies and toddlers well, although that fit is much improved with the new 4.0 version. Start fitting well around 8-9 lbs. One of the most popular one size diapers out there. They fit trimly and are very easy to get on and off.

Happy Heinys One Size Cloth Diapers (both aplix and snaps): These fit the entire range really well. They start fitting well around 9-10 lbs, but certainly fit babies and toddlers at the upper end of the weight range (35 lbs) and I've seen toddlers even a little bigger fit well into the Happy Heinys One Size diapers. If you have a very large baby or toddler, I suggest either going with the Happy Heinys or Knickernappies One Size.

Knickernappies One Size Diapers: These are another style of one size diaper that fits the whole

range well. They start fitting around 10 lbs. The major bonus with Knickernappies one size diapers is that they actually do fit up to 40lbs. By far, the longest fitting one size diaper.

Rocky Mountain One Size Diaper: These fit well on the smaller end of the range. Unlike other one size diaper though, these fit 7lbs very well. I find the Rocky Mountain One Size Diapers to fit very well on newborns (after the umbilical cord falls off).

Wahmies One Size Diapers: These tend to fit very true to their statement of starting to fit

around 7lbs and up to close to 40lbs. As a bonus, they come in both the hook closures and snaps. Although the hook closures are a little tricky at first, they do get much easier with time. An added bonus of hte hook closures are that they are the ONLY closure a curious toddler cannot get undone.

Fuzzi Bunz One Size Diapers: LOVE these one size diapers! The internal elastic adjustments on them ensure a nice trim fit even on the smaller range of the weight spectrum. They have elastic in both the waist and legs so they can adjust to 8 different size settings rather than the 3 or 4 in most one size diapers that adjust via snaps in the front.

Rumparooz One Size Diapers: The only diapers with the internal gussets that I adore. They will

start fitting at 6.5-7 lbs. If you have a baby that stays on the smaller range of the spectrum, they are wonderful. However, if you have a very large baby that gets even larger as a toddler, you may need fit problems as your toddler reaches the 30 lb mark.

Softbums One Size AI2: Another of my absolute favorites. These get so teeny tiny, it is amazing. Similarly to the Fuzzi Bunz One Size diapers, they adjust via elastic in the legs. However, they have a toggle on the elastic allowing for the ultimate in adjustability. Rather than Softbums fitting into a small, medium and large, it is simply a continuum of fits. Great concept and wonderful fit!

Lollidoo One Size overnight diapers: truly the ultimate overnight solution. However, I also like

the classic lollidoo and the lollidoo diaper covers. All one size! Lollidoos adjust with elastic in the legs and fleece is rediculously stretchy. Fits smaller babies and toddlers well.

Thirsties AI2: choose from a prefold or stay dry duo insert. These are actually 2 sizes - size 1 fits 6-18 lbs and size 2 fits 18-40 lbs. Another nice AI2 system.

Overall recommendations:

If you have a skinny/small baby: you can choose from most any of the one size options. BumGenius, Rumparooz, Softbums, Fuzzi Bunz, Rocky Mountain, Wahmies and Lollidoo Diapers will all work very well for you.

If you have an average size baby: BumGenius, Happy Heinys, Knickernappies, Wahmies, Softbums, Fuzzi Bunz, Lollidoo, Thirsties diapers will all work very well for you.

If you have a larger/very chubby baby: Happy Heinys, Softbums and Knickernappies are wonderful for the cute little chubby legs.

Please keep in mind, these are my opinions after being in the cloth diapering business 5+ years. Do you have any one size diaper tips that you would like share? Just post your response or email it to me at info (at) simplewondersdiapers.com

Saturday, August 7, 2010

The 411 on Hemp + Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold Giveaway! Ends 08-31-10

Welcome to Everything you ever wanted to know about Hemp!

Why do an entire post on Hemp? Because Hemp is fast becoming one of the most popular components in diaper making and it happens to be sustainable too. The problem is that it's controversial and there are many misconceptions regarding this amazing resource. Hopefully this post will shine some light on the truth about Hemp and help us all understand it's place in our lives.

Let's first address some of those laughable yet serious questions that most people may have

about Hemp.

If it's Hemp can I smoke it? This seems like a silly question, people really aren't going to try and roll up their hemp t-shirt or diaper and smoke it, but in theory they wonder "Are hemp and marijuana the same thing? The truth is that hemp plants and marijuana plants are NOT the same.

Both the marijuana plant and hemp plant are of the same species but must be grown to produce entirely different plants to yield the desired results. Marijuana plants are desired for their leaves and/or buds and are therefore grown to be "bushy." Hemp plants grown for their fiber and edible seeds are cultivated to be stalky plants with very few leaves. Finally, marijuana results in a crop with high levels of THC while hemp plants contain only trace amounts.

What makes Hemp perfect for cloth diapers and clothing? Well as far back as Christopher Columbus people have been using hemp because of it's superior strength and durability compared to other fibers. It is one the fastest growing renewable energy sources and requires little to no pesticides and no herbicides, unlike cotton, which makes it a super eco-alternative. It also produces more protein, oil, and fiber than any other plant on earth.

Hemp is also superior in it's absorbency compared to other fibers. When compared to cotton it was able to absorb at least 50% more liquid and required much less mass which makes it a super absorbent AND trim alternative.

Hemp is also naturally anti-microbial! This provides a natural protection against mold, mildew, undesired bacteria and other fungus. This is a huge perk and a valuable trait, especially for cloth diapers and inserts.

So let's re-cap!

You can't smoke Hemp
Hemp is a renewable and sustainable resource
Hemp is an environmentally friendly crop
Hemp is superior in strength
Hemp is more absorbent
Hemp has naturally anti-microbial properties
Hemp is more durable than cotton and other fibers

So, now you know why many cloth diapering moms thinks Hemp is the perfect choice for use in some of their most popular products! You can find Hemp in a variety of Knickernappies items like Loopy Do's, Super Do's, Just Hemp Doublers, Stay Dry Hemp Doublers, Hemp Prefolds, Stackable Mama Pads, and Reusable Nursing Pads. Plus, Thirsties recently debuted a a fabulous new product I love called the Duo Hemp Prefold. It's as soft as a t-shirt and is also super absorbent.

I hope this post has helped you view Hemp in a whole new light!

Giveaway Details: Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold in Sz1 or Sz2
Are you interested in winning a Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold? Enter the giveaway below. Giveaway ends 08-31-10.

Please leave one comment per method of entry.

*Mandatory first entry, Subscribe to the Earth Angels Diaper Co. Newsletter
*One extra entry, Become a Fan of Earth Angels Diaper Co on FaceBook
*One extra entry, Become a Fan of Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative on FaceBook
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Top Picks for Newborn Diapers & Giveaway (Closed)

Congratulations to Madeline Miller!
You are the winner of the lil Joey 2-pack giveaway!!

Hi! This is LeAnn from Giggle Britches. I am anxiously expecting the birth of my third daughter due in November! I can't wait to use my newborn "fluff" again! If you want to cloth diaper your baby right from the very beginning, it is a good idea to invest in a newborn stash. Many of the popular "one-size" options out there don't fit newborns well. What do I suggest? Here are my top picks for your itty bitty babe:

1) Prefolds with Thirsties Duo Wraps, Size One (6-18lbs) - Newborn babies and young infants use up to 12 diaper

s a day! There is no more economical way to cloth diaper your tiny baby than using prefold diapers. You can fold them down to the exact size needed, and prefolds are very absorbent. The Thirsties Duo makes the perfect compliment to the prefold. The leg gussets keep in any messes that may escape the prefold. It is even smaller than many x-small covers out there, with the advantage of growing with your baby!

2) Kissaluvs 0's (5-15lb s) - The thick terry pile of the KL0's make it a perfect diaper for stopping those newborn poops in their tracks!

The size o snaps down in the front to help keep the diaper away from baby's healing cord stump. They are more pricey than prefolds, but do a better job of keeping messes in the diaper and off the cover.

3) Lil Joey (4-12lbs) - This diaper is a special all-in-one designed with the intent to fit babies before a one-s

ize option will work. The Lil Joey also snaps down in the front to protect baby's healing cord stump. This diaper has leg gussets which contain messes really well. It is also a great choice for parents looking for a one step diaper change. It will even fit your preemie!

Are you building your newborn stash? Giggle Britches can help! I am giving away one Lil Joey 2-pack in a gender neutral color!! Read on to learn how to enter. Hurry, giveaway ends 8/10/10!

Mandatory Entry
(1 entry) Tell me what your favorite newborn cloth diaper is (or one you want to try) and why.

For extra entries do any or all of the following. Leave a comment for each you do.

(1 entry) Follow @cdretailercoop and @GigglBritches on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Please tweet, "@GigglBritches and @cdretailercoop are giving away a lil Joey 2-pack! http://bit.ly/dieNhh #clothdiapers #giveaway" Leave a comment with a link to your status.

You can tweet once a day for the duration of the contest. Leave a comment with your status for each tweet. 1 entry per day.

(1 entry) Follow this blog. Leave a comment.

(1 entry) Grab our button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.

(2 entries) Blog about this giveaway and link to it. Post a link in your comment (leave two comments).

(2 entries) Post about this giveaway on a message board or forum. Post a link in your comment (leave 2 comments).

(1 entry) Like Giggle Britches on Facebook. Leave a comment.

(1 entry) Like Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative on Facebook. Leave a comment.

LeAnn

Follow us on Twitter - http://twitter.com/GigglBritches
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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Review: Thirsties New Hemp Prefolds (and a giveaway!)

The Green Baby Store Reviews the new Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefolds.

We LOVE them! It's that simple. They are the best insert I've used--hands down! They are so versitile anyone can use them.

First, I have to say these prefolds are super absorbent. They work great on my super-wetter 2 1/2 year old. She can wet through almost anything. In fact these prefolds are one of only two inserts that work for her without leaking. And these prefolds are so much trimmer and softer than the other hemp inserts out there. They can be worn in her pockets or are soft enough to trifold and sit against her skin in a cover (in a hybrid system). Best of all: they were this absorant after minimal prepping (only one hot wash) and have just gotten more absorbant with each wash.

Look how trim in a pocket diaper! The size 2 Duo Hemp Prefolds fit perfect in one-size diapers on larger settings as well as medium and large sized diapers. The size 1 Duo Hemp Prefold fit great in size small and as well in one-size diapers on smaller settings. This is a size 2 Prefold in a Medium FuzziBunz Pocket Diaper on my 2 1/2 year old.

They also can be snappied or pinned to help keep messes contained and then covered with a diaper cover. This hemp prefold is snappied on a 9 month old. But the easiest way to use them is as part of a hybrid diapering system. Just tri-fold the Hemp Prefold and lay it in a cover and secure on baby.

Easy to use and super absorbent--the perfect combination! Be sure to pick some up today!

Want to win a free Thristies Hemp Prefold?

Follow us on facebook and leave a note below. You'll need to be registered on blogger or leave us a way to contact you in your comment (we may be able to contact you via facebook message if your profile allows). We'll choose a winner on July 23rd, 2010!

Post by Melissa of The Green Baby Store

http://www.thegreenbabystore.com/

www.facebook.com/thegreenbabystore

thegreenbabystore@yahoo.com

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