There are currently no government funded programs to help babies in need of diapers.  

The challenge will raise awareness and teach parents that they can use reusable cloth diapers even when no traditional laundry facilities are available.  Flat cloth diapers are the most economical diapering system available.  Low income families can even use found objects such as receiving blankets and kitchen towels to diaper their babies for free.  Flat cloth diapers can be easily handwashed in a sink, tub, or using a camp style bucket washing system that can be constructed using a 5 gallon bucket and a plunger.

Kim has pledged $1.00 per participant (up to $200) who completes the flats challenge to Giving Diapers Giving Hope, a non-profit that supplies cloth diapers to families in need.  As one of the Web’s largest online cloth diapering stores we have matched Kim’s donation to Giving Diapers Giving Hope by donating $200 to the organization.  To date over 400 participants have signed up to complete the challenge.  A few of the participants will even be blogging about their experiences using flat cloth diapers and washing them by hand for one week.

We think it’s important to give back to the community and help provide resources for families in need.  “We are excited that our donation will fund cloth diapers and accessories to families who cannot afford them so that they may be able to afford food and shelter for their families.  It’s important to educate families that using cloth diapers can help provide these necessities,” adds Bobbi-Jean Palmer, our faithful owner.

To find other ways to help families in need get cloth diapers and cloth diaper education you can sign the petition to get cloth diapers covered by WIC – a government funded program that assists low income families by supplying food and other baby needs but not diapers.  There is also another petition to show support for the DIAPER ACT (H R 3134) that could help get more babies access to cloth diapers (cloth and disposable).

To keep up with the challenge and meet the participants you can follow them on Twitter using #FlatsChallenge.

We’ll be providing some additional tips and guides about how to use flats here on the blog.  In addition, we’re added flats packages to the store which include a dozen flats, 3 covers, a snappi, and a detergent sample.  These packages start at about $55 and will last from birth through potty training.

Be sure to stop by Facebook this week and share your experiences with flats on our wall.  

In celebration of our big event we’d like to offer you a special ‘Thank You’ from all of us at DiaperShops.com (and Kelly’s Closet).

Starting right now (12:01am ET on Saturday, May 12th) and ending at 9:00am ET, Sunday, May 13th – all orders placed will be entered to win some great prizes.

• 1 random order will be sent to one lucky customer completely free!  We will let you know on Monday if your order was selected.  No minimum or maximum order – every order placed during the celebration will be considered and yes, multiple orders can be placed to increase your odds of winning.
• 25 random orders will receive a free diaper (valued at $20+).  Again, no minimum or maximum is required and all orders will have an equal chance of winning.
• 25 random orders will receive 25 Bonus Diaper Dollar reward points.
• 25% off itti bitti tutto solid colors in our Fluffy Deal of the Day!

That means 51 of our customers who place orders during the celebration will receive a little bonus just for being so special.  But we know that we may have over 51 orders placed during this period so we have an extra coupon offer for ALL of you AND a giveaway (see below).

Use coupon code 25FBFAN and save $5 off your order of $25 or more.  There are a few exclusions due to manufacturer restrictions - bumGenius, Flip, Econobum, Hemp Babies, GroVia and Thirsties brand products are excluded. Limit 1 code per order.  Limit 2 uses per customer.  Offer will expire at 9am ET on Sunday, May 13th.

In addition to the wonderful goodies listed above we’re also giving away 1 of the brand NEW GroVia one-size, all-in-one, print diapers.  We’ll even let you pick the print from the stock we have on hand.  No purchase necessary to win – all you have to do is complete the Rafflecopter entries below (only the first two are mandatory to enter, the rest are optional and bonus entries).  Giveaway is open to residents of the US over the age of 18 yrs.  Giveaway will close at 12:01am ET on 5/20/12.  Note: Comments will be approved tomorrow so please don’t panic if your comment does not show up immediately! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE:  Yes, the Mother’s Day coupon has temporarily ended!  MOMMYAPLIX and MOMMYSNAP will return on Sunday morning for Mother’s Day!  

Grand Prize:  Valued at over $250 worth of cloth diapers and accessories!  Win a lifetime supply of FuzziBunz Elite (12 diapers), a Ruby Moon gift set, a set of 3 Wooly Rounds drier balls, and a Fluff Bling accessory. WINNER:  Angelique P.

Prize Pack #2: Kissaluvs baby bundle, 1 Thirsties Duo AIO, 1 AppleCheeks microterry Little Bundle, 1 limited edition Rump•a•Rooz “I <3 RAR” diaper, 1 Ruby Moon gift set, 1 set of 3 Wooly Rounds drier balls, and 1 brand new surprise diaper from BabyKicks.  WINNER: Denee M.

Prize Pack #3: 1 Thirsties Duo AIO, 1 Oh Katy pocket diaper, 1 limited edition Rump•a•Rooz “I <3 RAR” diaper, 1 bag of Ruby Moon detergent, 1 brand new surprise diaper from BabyKicks, and 1 “Cloth Rocks” tee from the new Dirty Diaper Laundry apparel line.  WINNER:  Adam L. 

Prize Pack #4: 1 Experience Gro-Via Pack (2 shells/4 soaker pads) in the NEW prints, 1 limited edition Rump•a•Rooz “I <3 RAR” diaper, and 1 bag of Ruby Moon detergent.  WINNER: Jenelle D.

Prize Pack #5: 1 limited edition Rump•a•Rooz “I <3 RAR” diaper, 1 Hiney Lineys! bundle, 1 bag of Ruby Moon detergent, and 1 Fluff Bling accessory.  WINNER:  Stevi A. 

Prize Pack #6: 1 limited edition Rump•a•Rooz “I <3 RAR” diaper and 1 bag of Ruby Moon detergent.  WINNER:  Jojo V. 

Prize Pack #7: 1 Changing Diapers book, 1 Diapering Today DVD, and 1 Lunette Mama Cup.  WINNER:  Alaina F.

All of the winners have been emailed and we’ve received confirmation from them.  The prizes will be sent directly from the manufacturers so please allow 2-3 weeks for processing time.  Thank you all for entering and we hope you had fun with the Sweepstakes! Congratulations!!!

We’re a proud sponsor of the 2012 Great Cloth Diaper Hunt!

Diaper Decisions is hosting the 12^th semi-annual Great Cloth Diaper Hunt an internet scavenger hunt from May 1-31, 2012.  We are proud sponsors of this year’s hunt and have donated an itti bitti d’lish to the incredible list of prizes.

What is the Great Cloth Diaper Hunt (GCDH)?  By visiting the sites on the hunt during the month of May, you have the opportunity to explore a myriad of natural family stores.  When you find the GCDH “I Found It” diaper logo on each of the sponsor’s sites you’ll qualify for random prize drawings and the ultimate Grand Prize.  You’ll first need to register for the hunt so they can keep track of how many diapers you find along the way.  There is a spot on the registration form to let them know that Kelly’s Closet referred you to the hunt so be sure to fill that out.  Visit Diaper Decisions for a complete list of Rules for the hunt.  

To begin your hunt click on the first clue on the front page of our store (coming May 1st) and follow the clues to our special hiding place.  If you get lost along the way we have a hints forum on the Diaper Decisions page that we’ll monitor a few times a day.  Just don’t share the location with your friends, make them do the work too.

As a special reward for hunting we’ll be offering hunters a special coupon code and discount when they find the “I Found It” diaper.  Let the hunting begin – have fun!

One of the most enticing elements of cloth diapering is the ability to reuse them for multiple children but will they really last for more than 2-3 years?  The answer to that question depends on many factors.  Here are some tips to ensure your diapers last you for multiple babies.

5 Tips to Make Your Diapers Last Longer

1. Quantity Matters – while the average starter stash is 15-24 diapers many parents keep adding to their stash over the first year.  The more diapers you have in your stash the less you’ll have to wash each diaper.  Just like your favorite pair of jeans, the more you wash a cloth diaper the faster it will wear out.
2. Quality (sometimes) Matters – the price range of cloth diapers vary greatly by style and brand.  All diapers are not created equally and that $10 diaper you found on sale at a closeout site may not last as long as the name brand diaper.  That doesn’t mean that the $10 diaper isn’t good and won’t last…some parents actually prefer brands like KaWaii Baby, which is one of our best selling brands.
3. Laundry Tabs Matter – if you have Velcro, hook&loop or Aplix closures on your diapers you’ll want to be sure you use the laundry tabs all the time.  Using laundry tabs will prevent the rough part of the closure from wearing out and/or damaging the PUL of your diapers.  Another trick for keeping aplix secure in the wash is to attach it to the front of the diaper just as if you were putting it on your baby.  The loop on the front may actually hold the hook more secure than the laundry tabs.
4. Washing Routine Matters – be sure you review the manufacturers laundry recommendations.  While they may differ from brand to brand there is a reason why the manufacturer placed those directions on their product.  The directions for washing microfiber pocket diapers are different from washing hemp or bamboo.  Why?  Because just like your clothing – all fabrics behave differently when washed.  Be cautious with heat also – excessive heat (water temperature or in the drier) can prematurely wear out PUL and elastic.
5. Repairs Are Possible – Even with the most diligent care elastic and velcro can wear out.  Thankfully these are easy repairs (either for yourself or for a local seamstress).  We sell bumGenius repair kits and FuzziBunz diapers come with extra elastic.

How old is the oldest cloth diaper in your stash?  How many babies have they been used on?  

Have you heard about the Great Cloth Diaper Change yet?  Leading up to Earth Day (April 22nd) the Real Diaper Association (a non-profit cloth diaper advocacy group) is hosting Real Diaper Week (April 16-21st) and the 2nd Annual Great Cloth Diaper Change (April 21st).

Are you concerned that your day care provider won’t accept cloth diapers?  These days more and more day care centers are flexible and willing to try cloth diapers.  If you find a stubborn provider who tries to tell you that it’s against the law for them to use cloth diapers you may want to refer to the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care’s database.  They list the regulations for each state and you’ll be happy to know that it’s not against the law (for most states).

The Real Diaper Association has a database of cloth diaper friendly day care centers.  If you are looking for a day care in your area you may want to start your search here.  If you have a cloth diaper friendly day care, be sure to add their name to the list and help other parents in their search.

We’ve created a downloadable eguide that will also provide you with some helpful tips on finding and working with your day care center to use cloth diapers.

Just a few tips:

• Positive Attitude - go into your first meeting with the day care center with a positive attitude.  Don’t assume that you are going to have to battle with them to use cloth diapers.  Many day care providers don’t know about the modern cloth diapers and how similar they are to disposable diapers.
• Prepared – go into your first meeting fully prepared with the state regulations just in case you need to refer to them.  Also have your system available to show them how they work.
• Educate – yes, you may have to educate them on cloth diapers.  Keep the routine simple and prepare to give them a very brief demo.  If you have a copy of the Changing Diapers book let them borrow it if they are want to learn more.
• Simplify – stick with a simple routine and diaper style for day care.  If your budget allows you to have all-in-one style diapers in aplix (or Velcro) closures that may be the easiest (and least confusing) diaper style to use while your baby is at day care.  Diapers, wet bag, and maybe some cloth wipes are all the supplies the day care should need.  If you want to make it even more attractive – add in some flushable liners!
• Trial Period – if they are overly hesitant ask them to try cloth diapers on a trial period before they make up their mind.  Chances are after they try them they will love them just as much as you do.

Do you have a baby in day care?  Does your day care center accept cloth diapers?  What challenges have you faced or overcome?  

How much money have you saved by using cloth diapers?  Here are some ways you can save even more and maybe even get a few free diapers.

• For starters we often run free diaper with purchase promotions to help you build your stash.  Our current coupon (only available for a limited time) is valid for a free AIO OS diaper with your order of $65 or more.  Make sure you sign up for our newsletter and mailing list to receive notifications when we have a new promotion.
• Visit our other blog, The Cloth Diaper Whisperer, and enter our weekly Fluff Friday giveaway.  No purchase necessary, just enter and you may be the next winner.  A new giveaway is posted every Friday.
• Diaper Dollar Rewards – every time you make a purchase at Kelly’s Closet you earn one point for every dollar that you spend.  Once you earn enough reward points you can exchange them for gift certificates to our store.
• Write for us at The Cloth Diaper Whisperer blog.  That’s right, we’ll reward you with Diaper Dollars if your article is published on our blog.  Any topic or article related to parenting and diapering will be considered.
• Become a Spotlight Mom or Dad (or grandparent, etc).  Each month we select one of our fans or customers to be featured in our Newsletter and on The Cloth Diaper Whisperer as a spotlight parent.  We’ll send you a $25 gift certificate if you are selected.  You’ll need to resubmit each month and the winner is selected at random from the entries.
• Contests, Sweepstakes, and Parties – we’re very active on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter and often hold giveaways or contests.  This month we have a Real Simple, Real Diapers Sweepstakes where you could win one of 7 great cloth diaper prize packages.

When most people think of cloth diapers they probably assume that it’s something that only crunchy, treehuggers do.  In our 1st Annual Cloth Diapering Pulse Survey it was surprising to find that 52% of parents surveyed (sample size 500) decided to use cloth diapers primarily for the cost savings.  Only 22% of those parents actually said that being more eco-friendly was their primary reason for using cloth diapers.

We regularly ask questions on our Facebook wall to find out what the habits of our customers are and a lot of parents explain that because they use cloth diaper they have found themselves being more open to other eco-friendly parenting styles.

5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Waste at Home

1. Cloth wipes – once you get the hang of using cloth diapers adding reusable cloth wipes isn’t that much more work.
2. Un-Paper Towels – paper towels are typically only used for a few seconds before they are tossed.  Investing in a few kitchen towels and wash cloths can reduce your kitchen waste significantly.
3. Ditch the water bottle – bring along a reusable tumbler or water bottle and you’ll never again have to buy bottled water (which typically comes from your local water supply anyways).
4. Reusable menstrual products – that’s right mama’s, there are reusable mama cloths and menstrual cups that are more eco-friendly (and healthier for you) than those paper pads and tampons.  It might be a rather large leap for you but most mama’s never look back!
5. Eco-friendly lotions and body washes – did you know that many popular baby lotions and soaps contain parabens and other chemicals that have been known to cause cancer?  You can read more about hidden toxins in your home by visiting Healthy Child Healthy World.

What other ways have you found to go green?  Are you more open to being more eco-friendly after using cloth diapers?

Have you heard about the Great Cloth Diaper Change yet?  Leading up to Earth Day (April 22nd) the Real Diaper Association (a non-profit cloth diaper advocacy group) is hosting Real Diaper Week (April 16-21st) and the 2nd Annual Great Cloth Diaper Change (April 21st).

Have you heard about the Great Cloth Diaper Change yet?  Leading up to Earth Day (April 22nd) the Real Diaper Association (a non-profit cloth diaper advocacy group) is hosting Real Diaper Week (April 16-21st) and the 2nd Annual Great Cloth Diaper Change (April 21st).

This week at DiaperShops.com and Kelly’s Closet we have some fun promotions to help celebrate Real Diaper Week.

1.  For the first 100 orders over $49 placed during Real Diaper Week (April 16-21) you will receive a free Real Simple, Real Diapers advocacy button.  No coupon code necessary – we’ll place the button in your package when we ship. Limit 1 per family please.

2.  Free all-in-one, one-size diaper with purchase of $65 or more! Use coupon code REALSIMPLE at checkout.  This offer begins today, April 16th and will continue until we run out of our free diaper.

3. Real Simple, Real Diapers Twitter Party – Tuesday, April 17th at 9pm ET with @TheEcoChic and our special guest panelists; @EFFBlog, @MyCDStash, @JennyMcClamroch, @CHGDiapers, and@StephaniePete.  We’re giving away $200 worth of gift certificates to Kelly’s Closet as door prizes for joining the party.  To RSVP visit The Eco Chic blog.

4. Real Simple, Real Diapers Facebook Sweepstakes – all month long you can register to win one of 7 cloth diaper prize packages.  Don’t forget you can enter once a day and you can earn extra entries for every friend who enters when you share the contest on your Facebook page.  For more information check out our blog post from earlier in the month about the sweepstakes.

5. Attend the Great Cloth Diaper Change – we’re sponsoring the one here in Portland, ME but there are over 250 locations around the world who will be hosting as well.  Help break the World Record for the most babies changed into cloth diapers at the same time.

Over 60 bloggers are participating in a Real Diaper Week blog hop.  Be sure to visit them for some great cloth diapers tips and stories all week long.