Homemade Wipes Solution

So in the last leg of total cloth diapering is using cloth wipes. I had purchased FuzziBunz double sided cloth wipes but had not been brave enough to actually make the jump from disposable to cloth wipes. I finally decided it was time and thought it would be wise to try them out while I still had disposable wipes on hand just in case.
Since I already had the wipes the next step was to find a recipe for a solution. I searched the web and my favorite DIY blog and eventually landed on this website. I liked it because of all the different recipes it had to offer. I ended up adjusting the basic wipes solution a little to my own liking.
Basic Wipes Solution:

• 1 Tbs. Liquid Castile Soap (I used Dr. Bronner's Unscented Baby-Mild)
• 3 Drops Apricot Oil (Burt's Baby Bees)
• 2 c. water (or more as needed)

I measured the water then added the oil then soap. I did it in this order to avoid suds. Then just pour over wipes. You can also keep in a spray bottle and spray each wipe as you need it, but since I have a wiggly bear I opted to have them pre-moistened. The only disadvantage is that I have to keep a close eye on them to make sure the wipes don't get musty or mildew. So I'm just checking it daily. I only put in 10 wipes at a time which should last about 2 days or less.

I put mine in an old wipes container that has a hole for the wipes to continuously feed through, but with cloth wipes I was concerned I would have to be digging in the hole just to get the next wipe. Being the problem solving wizard that I am, I folded the wipes so that they interconnect and as each wipe is pulled out the next one is partially pulled through and ready for the next time I need it. It takes a little more time on the front end but is well worth it when the little man is wiggling around and I need a wipe ready.

So there you go. I've finally fully embraced the world of cloth diapering!! I hope to also make a few of my own wipes from flannel or plain cotton. 

Cloth diapering on the road

So we are gearing up for our first major trip other than moving since our baby bear was born. One thing that has been a major debate is whether or not to cloth diaper while we travel. Ultimately I decided to stick with the cloth for the trip. We'll see if it ends up being a wise decision.
In preparation I did some research on other cloth diaper moms had to say about traveling. Basically their tips were to bring all the diapers you think you will need and then some more. The next step is bringing the washing supplies and stuff to put dirties in. I decided to bring our pail liner and two wet bags. We will be in the car for several hours so we'll see how well these bags keep in the stink. The other major concern is where and how to launder. It's thing to be able to wash in my own laundry room and hang up covers to dry and deal with the odor of hot water on dirty diapers, but either washing in a laundry mat or at someone's house is another story. Thankfully we'll be staying with or near family who will graciously allow us to use their facilities.
So my diaper bags are packed and I am ready for the adventure that surely awaits me. I'll be sure to report back with how cloth diapers to go succeeds.

Why I love cloth diapers

So when we found out we were pregnant, like all parents we started thinking about the things we would need to get for our little joy. One of the big discussions we had was cloth vs. disposable diapers. Believe it or not Jarrod was the one who first got me even considering cloth diapers. In KC we had a few friends who used them and really liked it. So I did my research and found that the world of cloth diapers is not only different from what I expected but it is vast! There are flatfolds, prefolds, all in ones, pocket diapers, organic cotton, the list goes on. And there are so many brands!! After months of research both online and with friends, I finally decided on a combination of flatfolds, prefolds, and pocket diapers. My thanks definitely go out to Heather at teenygreenykc.com for all her help and for creating my registry. Even if you don't live in the KC area she is a great person to get cloth diapering info from.

Here are the ones I ended up using and why.

Econobum: I got 4 sets (a set consists of 3 prefolds and a diaper cover). We use these throughout the day. I get to use the cover over and over (unless it gets poopy) and just change out the cotton diaper.  I also use a Snappi to fasten the diaper.

BumGenius 4.0: I ended up with 5 of these. This is a pocket diaper which means you stuff a cotton insert into a pocket in the back of the diaper. The more you stuff the more absorbent the diaper is. We use these at night so that I don't have to change his diaper every time he gets wet. It holds as much as, if not more, as any disposable. This diaper should fit babies 7lbs-35lbs. It adjusts by snapping down the front.

 

Diaper and Insert

 FuzziBunz One Size: These are my favorite. We have 11 and as little man gets bigger, I plan to get more. They are similar to the BumGenius as far as being a pocket diaper but the way the size adjusts. It also fits 7lbs-35lbs. Instead of snapping down the front, it has adjustable elastic in the legs.

So I know what you're thinking. What about washing and having to touch the messy diapers? No big deal! I put a Planet Wise Diaper Pail Liner in my standard diaper pail, have a Diaper Sprayer for when it comes time to clean out the poopy diapers, use Planet Wise Wet Bags on the go, and use Charlie's Soap to wash the diapers. I do wash diapers every day but don't necessarily have to. I just prefer to keep things clean and that way I don't get behind. 

So that's my two cents about cloth diapers. I never imagined I'd use them but I'm glad I decided to. I don't have to worry about buying diapers, taking out bags of diaper waste, or about guessing what size to buy. I just reach in the drawer and pull out the perfect diaper every time!