We’ve heard it countless times – “it’s what’s inside that counts.” And when it comes to diaper bags, that statement couldn’t be more true. What’s the point of having a gorgeous designer bag if it doesn’t help you be relaxed and ready whenever you want to head out the door? Be prepared and you’ll be the coolest cucumber at your next mama’s group gathering or afternoon of running errands.
Besides the obvious need for diapers in your diaper bag, here are three items we propose should be in your bag the next time you venture from home (and every other time too!).
A wetbag – this is a waterproof bag that holds 2-6 diapers. It provides an easy place to put the dirties and keeps everything else dry and smell-free. You’ve got your choice between drawstring and zippered options – the preference is all up to you.
A change pad – a mobile change pad is a must in our book, just because you never know what’s going to be available when you need to change your baby. A change pad covers your bases whether you’re changing on the front seat of your car, on a grungy public washroom change table, or on the floor at the rec center. It’s also great at home, especially if you don’t always change diapers in the same place in the house. A change pad also rolls up small and doesn’t take up much room in the diaper bag.
Our favorite is wool, as it’s soft and made entirely of natural fibres, but there’s also organic cotton with a waterproof backing if you so prefer. If you’re on a tight budget, you can also use use a large prefold (one size larger than the standard “infant” size”), which can come in handy later anyway for a multitude of uses. (Stay tuned for our blog post on Why Prefolds are a Smart Choice for Every Family!)
Hemp/cotton wipes – Cloth wipes are not only more gentle on your baby’s skin and save you money, but they’re great to have on hand for runny noses and ice cream covered hands, too. We find it extra-easy to keep them in a travel-size disposable wipes container and just wet them right before we go out the door. That way they’re ready to handle any size mess no matter where you go. When you’re done, just toss them in the wetbag and wash them with the next load of diapers. Easy peasy!
Here’s wishing you happy trails wherever your diaper bag takes you…
One of the most common frustrations for cloth diapering parents and one of the most common reasons we know of why parents decide to quit cloth diapering is leaks.
But leaks are fixable – and often easily so. Read on for a checklist to see how you can keep your baby AND his clothes dry.
Typically, leaks happen because of issues related to fit, size, absorbency, or because bits of the diaper are peeking outside the diaper cover. Also, leaks commonly happen when a baby is “in between” sizes or when a “one-size” diaper is too big on an itty-bitty newborn. Let’s look at each of these scenarios by itself:
FIT: Each baby’s shape and size is different. Some babies are long and lean and some have those lovely rolls of baby fat around their thighs. Thus, even though two babies may be the same weight, the same diaper will fit them differently. Basically, just make sure that once your diaper is on that there are no gaps anywhere around the thighs or back of your baby. Everything should be tight, snug, and secure (and don’t worry – it’s difficult to get a diaper too tight.)
A second, though less common, “fit” issue is with how a diaper is sewn in the legs. On some babies, certain diapers will tend to “roll up” at the thighs and this can cause liquid to wick out. If you see any “inner” part of the diaper showing, such as fleece or cotton, try to roll it or tuck it back into place.
SIZE: It may seem obvious, but make sure you’re using the right size diaper. If the diaper is too big, there will be gaps around the legs or back where pee and poo can escape. (Gaps may be obvious or not. Basically, if you can easily fit more than one finger in between the elastic of the diaper and your baby’s leg, liquids will have no problem getting out.)
Likewise, if the diaper is too small, the elastic around the legs and back may get stretched too much and they can’t do their job of containing everything. Often diapers that are too small also have a very low rise over the crotch. Especially with boys, this can mean there’s just not enough diaper where the liquid wants to go and the leaks will happen at the front.
The fix? Check for gaps, over-stretched elastic, and your diaper’s rise and adjust which size diaper you use accordingly. If you are “in between” sizes, where a “small” is too small and a “medium” is too big, consider adding a bit of bulk, such as a doubler, or changing the brand or type of cover you use, which often fit differently, to get you through those two or three interim weeks.
ABSORBENCY: As a baby goes from a newborn to toddler, the amount and frequency of the baby’s wetting changes. Typically, as a baby grows she will pee less often but with a greater quantity. Thus, make sure you are using a diaper with adequate absorbency for your baby. If you need to increase the absorbency but aren’t ready to switch to a different size, add a doubler or two. Also, if you use pocket diapers, consider adding an entire flat or prefold for night time leaks.
“TUCKAGE”: This one is especially easy to fix and is incredibly common, even among experienced cloth diaperers. “Tuckage,” while perhaps not even a real word (darn!), merely refers to the times when a bit of the diaper doesn’t get tucked into the cover during the diaper change. Especially when you’ve got a wiggly baby, it can be difficult to remember to check that everything is tucked securely inside the cover, but this one step will make sure everything stays dry!
BAGGY ONE-SIZE DIAPERS ON NEWBORNS:One-size diapers can be real budget-savers and a great way to only have to buy diapers once in your baby’s diapering lifetime. However, they can be too baggy in the newborn days. In this case, we recommend adding a hemp/cotton cloth wipe folded in half. This will add some bulk, but it will improve the fit until your baby fills out the diaper a bit more.
The early days of babyhood are often full of wonderment… and diapers. Newborns can easily go through 10-12 diapers a day, which means you may feel like you’re changing your baby A LOT.
That’s why prefolds are such a great solution for the first few months of life. They are the most inexpensive way to cloth diaper, they don’t have to be pinned or fastened in any fancy way, they ensure natural fibres are up against your baby’s newborn skin, and they’re easy to have ready to go for anytime you need to do a change, including those bleary-eyed, middle-of-the-night changes.
Let’s talk about cost first. Prefolds are a very economical way to cloth diaper, especially in the early days when you go through so many diapers per day and when you don’t typically need lots and lots of absorbency. And even if your baby does pee copiously, prefolds are layered in such a way that they absorb quickly and effectively.
Third, prefolds are the ultimate in flexibility. Because you can fold them in a myriad of ways, they offer great flexibility in putting absorbency where you need it AND they offer great versatility because they fold to fit your baby without a predetermined fit. The preemie size is good for bigger newborns too and fits perfectly in a newborn cover.
Fourth, they have no synthetic fibres as part of the construction of the diaper – no elastic, no snaps, no fleece or velour or microfibre – so they offer the most natural layer next to your baby’s skin. Choosing a wool diaper cover ensures a completely natural experience.
Currently the prefolds we have (and love!) are made from 100% certified organic materials. The most economic prefold choice is an organic cotton prefold but if you are looking for premium absorbency and trimness, check out BabyKicks Organic Hemp Prefolds. If keeping a tight budget is your primary goal, the Bummis Organic Cotton Diaper Kit is a great way to get all the basics you’ll need for a very economical price.
In a recent post, we explained why wool is such a viable and popular cover for night-times. But what about the diaper that goes underneath? After all, the cover just keeps things contained. The diaper itself does the bulk of the work (no pun intended – honest.)
Obviously, the more hours the diapers needs to last, the more absorbency the diaper needs to have. So, what are a few good options? Here are just a few:
Use a fitted diaper with lots of layers (for maximum ability to put absorbency where you need it and for ease of washing later).
Many parents love bamboo for its softness and its staying power over long periods of time. Hemp is also a popular choice due to its incredible absorbency and its durability over time. The Bamboozle is one of our favourite bamboo options and the BabyKicks Organic Hemp One Size Fitted offers a soft, snug, leak-proof fit that has great ability to adjust it’s absorbency potential and grow with your baby.
Use a pocket diaper with extra stuffing.
Many pocket diapers come pre-stuffed with an über-absorbent microfibre insert. If this isn’t enough for your babe to last the night, consider adding to it or replacing it with a hemp prefold or insert or bamboo flat – or even two! Your baby may look like a Weeble-Wobble, but he’ll sleep comfortably and wake up without leaks. Along with a dry bed, pocket diapers often offer a layer of stay dry fabric next to baby’s skin which some baby’s find very comfortable all night long.
Add a doubler or two.
Doublers increase a diaper’s absorbency by adding a few layers right where extra absorbency is needed. They come in various sizes for different needs and sizes. What doubler or extra insert would work for your night-time needs.
In a recent post, we explained why wool is such a viable and popular cover for nighttimes. But what about the diaper that goes underneath? After all, the cover just keeps things contained. The diaper itself does the bulk of the work (no pun intended – honest.)
Obviously, the more hours the diapers needs to last, the more absorbency the diaper needs to have. So, what are a few good options? Here are a few:
Use a fitted diaper with lots of layers (for maximum ability to put absorbency where you need it and for ease of washing later).
Many parents love bamboo for its softness and its staying power over long periods of time. Hemp is also a popular choice due to its incredible absorbency and its durability over time. The Bamboozle is one of our favourite bamboo options and the AMP hemp fitted offers a soft, snug, leak-proof fit.
Use a pocket with extra stuffing.
Many pockets come pre-stuffed with an über-absorbent microfibre insert. If this isn’t enough for your babe to last the night, consider replacing it with a cotton prefold or hemp or bamboo flat – or even two! Your baby may look like a Weeble-Wobble, but he’ll sleep comfortably and wake up without leaks.
Add a doubler or two.
Doublers increase a diaper’s absorbency by adding a few layers right where extra absorbency is needed. They come in various sizes – check out our selection to see what would best fit your needs.
Here’s to a long and restful good night’s sleep!
(And don’t forget to check out our archives for more nighttime ideas…)
Let’s face it – caring for our babies can get expensive fast! But cloth diapering is one way to save major bucks.
Most babies go through more than 7,200 diaper changes in the first three years of their lives. This adds up to an average of nearly $3,300 in an mid-range disposable diapers over those three years. If you use other diapering systems, specialty disposables, or a cloth diaper service, that amount can easily be even more.
However, if you choose to purchase your own cloth diapers and launder at home, the average cost for three years ranges between $900 – $1,500 – for a savings of about $2,000-2,500!
And if you use your diapers for more than one child, the savings multiply three- or four-fold.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers for different systems:
For a mid-range disposable, considering the addition of wipes and accessories for each age range:
TOTAL of 7200 diaper changes for 3 years = $3290.40
For various cloth diapering options:
Most Economical Set (Prefolds) + Covers + Snappis + Accessories = $393.48
One Size Pocket Diaper (bumGenius) Set + Accessories = $773.62
A perennital favourite and easy to use Diaper Diaper Set (Fuzzi Bunz) + Accessories = $941.35
Beyond paying for the diapers and accessories themselves, the average cost of laundering your diapers every two days, including the cost of running your washer and dryer and buying detergent, is $3.42 per week over those three years. Sixty-one percent of that cost is dryer usage, so if you line dry when you can, your savings will certainly add up!
A great way to start to build your collection of cloth diapers is to create a gift registry and let your friends and family know. And let the practical, useful gift giving begin!
In the early days of babyhood and diaper changes, having reliable night-time diapers isn’t so much of a challenge. Young infants tend to be changed often due to their waking and sleeping cycles that have no awareness of night and day, and so having diapers that can last for hours and hours overnight isn’t much of a concern.
When babies start sleeping through the night, however, or when parents are in the process of teaching a sleep routine to their older infants, having reliable nighttime solutions become much more of an issue.
Here’s a run-down of why we at N&G heart wool for night-times:
Coupled with an absorbent diaper, wool has natural properties to keep your baby dry, comfortable, and free of diaper rash.
Due to the natural lanolin found in wool, it is a naturally water-resistant material and will repel liquid for hours. Then, even when it has reached its saturation point and starts absorbing liquid (like any good fabric will do), it still can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in liquid before it even feels damp! And THEN, even then, it won’t actually leak, but will just feel, well…. damp.
Also, due to the breathability of natural fibres, air easily passes through the wool cover to help the pee next to your baby’s skin evaporate, leaving your baby dry for much longer periods of time. This not only helps prevent and treat diaper rash, but helps regulate your baby’s body temperature, keeping him or her warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
It’s easy to keep clean, naturally antibacterial, and provides an easy solution for families who want to use as many natural-fibre products as possible.
Wool’s natural antibacterial properties mean you only have to wash the cover once every 1-2 weeks. After a quick swish in the sink with some yummy smelling wool wash followed by a line dry, you’re good to go for another couple of weeks.
All the wool options at New & Green are made right here in BC, so you can feel good about buying local!
Aristocrats double-layer wool soaker covers (great for nighttime) come to us from the Kootenays and Luxe single-layer wool diaper covers make their start right here in the Lower Mainland in Langley. One of the New & Green Mamas Bonnie has a particular love for Luxe Wool Diaper Covers. So much so, she wrote a love letter to her Luxe.
Wool may feel like a stretch to think of as a cloth diapering must have, but ask families who have used wool. They’ll tell you they wake up feeling great in the morning because their baby has been dry and comfortable all night long!
PS – Other wool to keep your little one happier at night: a wool puddle pad, often used as a mattress pad and a wool doubler to boost the functionality of your single layer wool diaper cover.
For many urbanites, apartment dwelling involves a shared laundry room, coin operated machines, and designated time slots for using the washers and dryers. Can families really still manage cloth diapering in these circumstances? The answer is a resounding “yes, oh YES!”
Dealing with cloth outside of one’s own suite may seem like a nuisance, not to mention expensive when you’re shelling out coins in hand. In reality, it’s quite easy and the cost is usually comparable, if not less, than paying for the extra energy usage on your monthly utility bill.
Here are four tips for using cloth when you don’t have insuite laundry:
Choose diapers that unfold or come apart to wash easily and dry quickly. Pockets, prefolds, and flats are great options for this. If you use fitteds or all-in-one’s, choose ones that have multiple, separated layers for ease of washing and drying.
Sign up for time slots or make your schedule to allow you to wash every two or three days. If you can’t get three slots a week, try to sign up for two slots that are 3 ½ days apart, such as a Monday evening and a Friday morning.
Consider line drying. Since most laundry-room machines are coin operated, line drying will certainly save you $$$. If you’ve got the room either in your suite or in your building’s laundry room, give it go. Inexpensive drying racks can be found at Ikea or any hardware store or mass merchandiser.
Do a short cold wash cycle first or choose your own rinse. The fact that many coin-op machines can’t do an isolated rinse cycle adds unwanted cost and time to the washing process. If you prefer to avoid this cost, consider two cheaper and faster ways of rinsing your diapers (and of course, as always, it is preferable that you knocked off all solids into the toilet at the time you changed the diaper!):
In the diaper pail – Place the diaper pail in a large laundry sink or bathtub. Fill with cold water and swish with a stick. (This is a great use for an old gDiaper swish stick or consider investing $1-2 in a 1/2”– 3/4” dowel.) Pour out as much water as you can, then dump all the contents into the washer and start your normal hot wash. This method requires a strong back, but ensures that you never have to touch the dirty diapers!
In a laundry sink – Dump the dirty diapers from your pail into a large laundry sink, fill with cold water, and agitate them with a stick or with your hands. Drain the water from the sink, pressing on the diapers as the water empties. Toss the diapers directly from the sink into the washer and wash on hot with detergent. Presto change-o, you’re done!
With a bit of planning and some considerations about how to save even more money with cloth diapers, laundering in a shared laundry or a coin-op laundry is definitely do-able.
Are you are a “no in-suite cloth diapering family”? What is your best strategy for making it work for your family?
One of the most common questions we’re asked at our New & Green Cloth Diapering 101 workshops is about cloth diapering at daycare. Do daycares allow cloth? Which diapers are best? Do I need any special equipment?
From the bit of research we’ve done, it seems the vast majority of daycares in the Lower Mainland are happy to accommodate cloth-loving parents, provided the process is made easy for the care providers. We definitely recommend that you “know before you go” – call your daycare (or prospective daycares) and find out what they specifically prefer so that you don’t end up buying diapers and supplies you don’t need. Also, check out the Real Diaper Association’s excellent tip-sheet for some great info.
Basically, when it comes to cloth diapering in a daycare, it boils down to this:
KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly): Make it as easy for the care providers as possible.
Use diapers that are most like putting on a disposable – either an All-in-One or a pre-stuffed pocket diaper with Velcro closures. Velcro closures make diaper changes both easy and speedy!
Considering using Bio-Soft liners and pre-line all your diapers. This way, poop is easy to deal with for the care provider and you’re less likely to have super-poopy diapers coming home for you to deal with later! (Always a plus!)
Remember that some daycares require that everything belonging to the child must be labeled, including cloth diapers. You can either stick these labels right on the diapers or hand-sew a little tag onto the diaper to hold the label so that you can easily remove it later. Laundry-safe labels can be found by searching online for “children’s clothing labels” (or some such variation).
If you want cloth wipes used as well, consider having them pre-wetted in a travel-size disposable wipes container so they are easy to grab and ready to use.
Be prepared: About 93% of the daycares we surveyed on the North Shore stated that they would be happy to use cloth diapers, provided they were shown how to use them. At your first meeting with the provider, bring along samples of everything you’ll be sending with your child and be prepared to show them how to use it. It often helps if you’re upbeat and positive, emphasizing how easy the process is!
Be flexible: If your daycare isn’t quite sure about cloth diapering – even after your enthusiastic tutorial – perhaps propose a trial period, say three weeks, in which to try cloth. Likewise, choosing a different type of diaper may help the daycare as well. Be flexible in accommodating their needs as well as your own – some of them may never have seen modern cloth diapers.
Be happy: We believe that choosing cloth is a wonderful, fun, and sustainable choice for you and your family. Extending that choice to other people who care for your children can require courage, wisdom, and knowledge – you should be happy knowing you’ve prepared yourself for this journey and your child will reap the benefits. Hip hip hooray!
We often get asked if it’s possible to start cloth diapering from day one or if it’s possible to cloth diaper a smaller newborn. In short, the answer is….YES!
The biggest consideration for diapering a newborn is containment. This is key to success (meaning no leaks and the ability to confidently say to nay-sayers that it IS working out for you!). In the newborn phase, your baby is changed often and their bladders are not all that big, so super absorbency is as high on the priority.
So how to you achieve great containment? A good fit, particularly around the legs and waist, the ability for the fabric to absorb readily and the two barriers that a fitted diaper (like a Kissaluv Size 0) and a Diaper Cover (like a Bummis Super Brite) go a long way in extra insurance!
And if you want to start from day one, you’ll need to consider having a diaper that allows your baby’s umbilical stump to be open to the air to heal. Once it’s healed (usually 1 – 1.5 weeks), having a diaper with a higher rise that covers the umbilical stump is absolutely fine.
Top rated on consumer sites like TheDiaperPin.com, the Kissaluvs Size 0 paired with a Bummis Super Brite is our first recommendation for parents wanting a functional and easy to use system for their brand new babies.
Have a look at the video (caution – I can speak very very fast) and let us know what you think. If you have any questions about your newborn diapering choices, email customercare@newandgreen.com for further direction.
On Twitter tonight (it’s Wednesday) there is a chat called EcoWed. Folks on Twitter chime in on topics that are eco-related and also often health related. One of the frequent discussions is around the safety of plastics.
Recently a customer emailed about a concern with the safety of using Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) covers for her newborn. She had done some preliminary research that left her with some questions.
Let’s take a look at PUL. PUL is a very common fabric used in the diaper industry. It is used in many other industries as well. For the purpose of the following information, we are only looking at PUL specifically manufactured for cloth diapering.
PUL is used for the outer layer of diapers or as the fabric for diaper covers and functions to keep the wetness in while allowing airflow to reach the baby’s skin. It is very durable, even under the rigorous washing conditions associated with washing cloth diapers.
Thanks to Shirley of Bummis, we have some good (and reassuring) information to share with you. Bummis is the manufacturer of the Canadian made and gold standard Super Whisper Wrap and Super Brite Diaper covers.
Firstly, all of the fabrics used in these diaper covers meets or exceeds US Government CPSIA standards indicating that there are no diisocyanates present in the polyurethane lamination. Diisocyanates are a respiratory hazard for which inhalation and dermal contact should be avoided. Other potential toxins that are standard for CPSIA testing include hydrogen cyanide, pthalates, formaldehyde or lead. While these are not expected to be present at any level in PUL testing confirmed that the levels of these potential toxins were zero.
On the making of PUL – PUL is formed by reacting polyol with diisocyanates in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives. This makes the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) from initial stages of the polymerization. This process is completed in a factory within a controlled environment. Once the polymer is made, these initial substances cease to exist as they were and have formed another compound known as TPU.
The newly created TPU is an inert material.
The Material Saftey Data Sheet for TPU states that it only releases harmful chemicals above 428F degrees. This is true for all plastics. If any TPU was heated to such a high melting point, they could release toxic fumes but this is not the case in a stable product with regular use.
TPU is used on open wound dressings as the waterproof film that stops fluids from seeping out. One of the reasons TPU is used in this application is that it is not an irritant. Beyond dressings, TPU is used in many medical invasive applications approved by the US FDA.
So with that all said, are PUL diaper covers safe for your little one? Yes, with regular use and care, they are comprised of inert substances that will not expose your child to potentially toxic fumes or chemicals.
Bummis Training Pants are an excellent tool in active toilet training. Like any new skill, children need teaching, guidance and repetition to master it. Using smart tools to help with achieving success will make toilet training a more positive and enjoyable experience.
Here is a bit about the trainers and some tips and ideas for using and washing them:
Bummis Trainers are not meant to replace diapers; they are simply intended to provide an “underwear” experience for the child with the bonus of having some absorbency built in along with a waterproof outer layer. These trainers will hold one to two toddler pees if needed.
Bummis Trainers feature a cotton inner layer and terry absorbent core. The advantage to this is that your toddler will receive immediate feedback when he/she begins to pee. The wetness is a means in which to restore and/or reinforce the association between the feeling and process of peeing with the goal of eventually being able to recognize the feeling of needing to pee with the knowledge of what to do when you have this feeling.
Bummis Trainers have a waterproof outer layer; the same fabric that is used with their industry gold standard diaper covers.
Bummis Trainers are generously cut so may appear poofy but are excellent at supporting the self care aspect of undressing and dressing during toileting. Toddlers will have a greater success if the trainers are not too tight and they are able to pull them down and up without too much strength and motor planning. When wearing the trainers under pants, they compact down nicely, losing the poofy appearance.
Before use, for optimal performance, the trainers should be washed inside out 3-5 times on hot with a additive-free (no extras) detergent. This will help the cotton become absorbent by stripping the natural oils from the fabric and plumping up the fibres. Some examples include:
Nature Clean – available locally at Save on Foods Natural foods section
Nellies Laundry Soda – available at London Drugs
Tide
Sunlight
Cheer
Country Save – in Canada at London Drugs
Washing routine – for wet and soiled trainers, run a cold soak/rinse cycle followed by a hot wash with an approved detergent. If using a conventional detergent, reduce the amount recommended by half. Dry in dryer or line dry. Recommend washing inside out for best results and faster drying time. For wet only trainers, you can skip the rinse cycle.
And lastly, some general info on toilet training. There are a couple of threads of commonality woven throughout today’s common philosophies:
The process of helping your child to learn how to eliminate in the toilet needs to be a positive experience; your child should never be pressured into using the toilet
A parent’s job is to observe their child’s behavioural cues to determine if there are any consistent cues related to when the child wets or has a poop in their diaper
A parent must provide opportunities to try and use the potty/toilet at appropriate times
A child is often more successful with learning to use the potty when he becomes aware of the association of peeing and becoming wet.
Bummis Training Pants are one essential piece of “equipment” that you’ll need to assist your child in this transition. Training pants signal a change from “what babies wear” to “what big kids wear” and also give parents and children easier access/ability to get clothing/underwear off to quickly use the potty.
Enjoy the process. Remember every child is different and it can feel tricky at times but in the end, well worth the effort when your child learns that she has mastered using the toilet!
With the end of December approaching, I always feel compelled to look back on the year past and reflect about many things, two of them being what I am grateful for and what I have learned.
It’s been a fabulous year here at New & Green, adding to our testing department with little Clare (born November 16th, 08) at the end of last year, seeing more than 300 wonderful parents through our Cloth Diaper 101 Workshops and being able to meet with our key manufacturing partners this fall in Vegas.
All of this has helped us to grow as a company and be able to serve you better with a continually evolving knowledge of cloth diapering as well as the ability to bring in the best products to suit your needs.
This growth was also fueled and supported by the wonderful mamas I work with here at New & Green. These are the mamas that pack and ship your orders to you (they are fast, aren’t they?!) and make sure that they look beautiful as they arrive in your waiting hands, the mamas that meet you when you pick up your order and answer your last minute questions with kindness and expertise, the mamas that drop off and receive your Diaper Tester Kits and congratulate you with a twinkle in her eye when you tell her “it really wasn’t that hard!” and the mamas who so eloquently lead the Cloth Diaper Workshops, guiding you through what can seem like a myraid of jargon, choices and systems. Well these women have taught me many, many things and each bring something different to New & Green.
I wanted to share one thing that I’ve learned from each of the New & Green mamas this past year that has inspired me:
Dear Bonnie: You have taught me that mothering, while messy at times, is joyful and being a domestic goddess is darned hard work! You have helped me to connect with the earth around me and enjoy the “local fruits” of my labours. Thank you.
Dear Jessi: You have taught me that you can rise up to any challenge (looking after the boys on your own!) when you and your family are working towards a goal. And, you have taught me that most moms are in the same boat and benefit from being around each other, no matter their background or current situation. Thank you.
Dear Kristin: You have taught me that nurturing my creative side can bring much joy. You have also taught me that fashion may be something that I can embrace, and should (though I’ll never pull it off like you!)! Thank you.
Dear Kresha: You have taught me that above all comes family and I have been honoured to observe how you protect your time with your family. I have also learned much from the example you set of resourcefulness and resilience. Thank you.
To B, J, K & K – here is to another great year, learning & growing together with our New & Green Family Community!
What have you learned this past year from the people who surround you?
Back in November, we announced the arrival of our newest line, the Flip Organic Diaper System. It’s been very well received by New & Green Families and this is great news because for every Flip Diaper purchased until yesterday, we donated $1 of the proceeds to the Christmas Hamper we put together for the Christmas Bureau right here in North Vancouver.
We are so grateful for your support. We were very pleased that this little diaper helped us to give a family of four – Mom, Dad and two girls a holiday to remember!
{the humble Flip, leaning up against the gifts that we were able to put together with the donated proceeds from the Flip sales}
A review of the Flip from one Cloth Diapering Mama:
AMAZING, these diapers are amazing. The re-use of the cover cuts down on laundry. I love the snaps. The fit around the legs and waist is snug. The organic cotton inserts that come with them are soft, absorbent and don’t take a long time to dry. I also bought the extra insert and love those too. No leaks and I can easily refit the diaper to put on my day trained preschooler at night in a pinch. I am definitely purchasing more of these diapers. I am very happy with all the cloth diapers I have but I must admit this is one of my favorites. ~Michelle, Mama to 2 (baby and preschooler)
There seems to be some trends emerging in cloth diapering these days. And it’s making me smile. Why? Well really we are coming back to basics, back to what we know works all with the conveninece and technology of today’s textiles.
What is emerging as the top priorities?
Organic and natural textiles next to baby’s skin. Parents are simply getting bowled over by toxicity in toys (have you seen all the recalls coming out these days) and frankly our heads are starting to spin with all the info about what is safe to feed our children, what is safe to wash our children…and it goes on. And for that reason, parents are opting for what they know is safe – certified organic.
Ease of use. This one never falls off the top three list. Plain and simple. We all need more of that in our lives.
Easy to wash and fast to dry. With energy use also a consideration, families want diapers that are fast to dry.
Where does this leave us? Well the trend is moving us towards a diapering system with a reliable, velcro closure cover and an organic cotton absorbent diaper that is easy to fold and lay inside the cover. A combo that will always win out for absorbency and meeting that top three list.
Amongst our favourite solutions in this category is a Canadian made diaper cover and an organic cotton diaper.
Introducing the Bummis SuperBrite and the Organic Cotton Prefold! With over 20 years in the diaper cover industry, Bummis is a tried and true design. The prefolds are soft, absorbent, easy to wash and fast to dry as they open up and become flat in the dryer. No trying to dry through layers and layers and layers of absorbency!
With the new preemie size prefold and newborn size cover, you have a perfect combo that is easy, organic, Canadian made and will fit your brand new baby!
We’ve heard it countless times – “it’s what’s inside that counts.” And when it comes to diaper bags, that statement couldn’t be more true. What’s the point of having a gorgeous designer bag if it doesn’t help you be relaxed and ready whenever you want to head out the door? Be prepared and you’ll be the coolest cucumber at your next mama’s group gathering or afternoon of running errands.
One of the most common frustrations for cloth diapering parents and one of the most common reasons we know of why parents decide to quit cloth diapering is 
The early days of babyhood are often full of wonderment… and diapers. Newborns can easily go through 10-12 diapers a day, which means you may feel like you’re changing your baby A LOT.
In a 
In the early days of babyhood and diaper changes, having reliable night-time diapers isn’t so much of a challenge. Young infants tend to be changed often due to their waking and sleeping cycles that have no awareness of night and day, and so having diapers that can last for hours and hours overnight isn’t much of a concern.
One of the most common questions we’re asked at our 
