Cloth Diapers... by Cotton Babies

Cloth 101: Do not use the sanitize cycle!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittney) — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:11:00 +0000

Picture this.

Your baby's cloth diapers reek. That large pile of bumGenius, Flip and Econobum cloth diapers is just haunting you with its smell alone. You muster up some courage, grab that funky stack of diapers, toss 'em in a clothes basket and promptly walk toward your laundry room for an impromptu meeting with your wash machine. You've made it and are now staring directly at your saving grace. It's just you, your diapers and your wash machine — alone. But something catches your attention out of the corner of your eye. That big, bright sanitize cycle feature on your wash machine starts flirting with you from a distance. You can't lose your focus. The temptation may be hard to resist, especially in this situation, but you must use your willpower and say "NO!" Alway say NO to the sanitize cycle!

You're probably wondering why, so here's the answer:

The sanitize cycle on a washing machines generates extremely hot water, often raising it above our suggested washing temperatures of 140°F/60°C. These high temperatures can cause your cloth diapers to lose elasticity or destroy hook & loop closures, snaps, and PUL. The high heat and prolonged exposure to it can also cause some of these components to wear and degrade more quickly.

Now you're probably wondering what you need to do if your diapers stink. We also have the answer and suggest the following:

Strip your diapers, which we explain here.
Add 1/4 cup of regular liquid chlorine bleach to your wash load once a month. Just pour it in the bleach dispenser on your wash machine. If you do not have a bleach dispenser, let your machine fill with water and later pour in the bleach. You should add your diapers to the load after you have filled the machine with water and bleach.
Sunning. It's easy and free. Just find a nice sunny spot outdoors to lay down your diapers for an hour or two.

If you're still having trouble with odors, give us a call at 1-888-332-2243. We will be able to troubleshoot the issue with you and help you make the proper adjustments to your laundry routine.

**Using this recommended amount of bleach once a month will not harm your bumGenius, Flip or Econobum cloth diapers. Always be sure to check with other cloth diaper manufacturers if you plan on adding bleach to your wash load**

This Just In: Mod Sleeper by MOD'Swad

noreply@blogger.com (Brittney) — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:24:00 +0000

Fact: Babies like to be swaddled. It's soothing, comforting and provides a sense of security like a mother's womb.

There are a few different ways to swaddle your baby and one of the most common is with a blanket. But, aside from blankets, there are other swaddling methods, too.

Similar to a Woombie, the Mod Sleeper is the ultimate in children's loungewear! These one-piece sleepers are soft, breathable, and perfect for tangle-free swaddling. The Mod Sleeper softly confines arms and legs, gently compressing your baby's body, but allows your little one to stretch extremities as needed.

Unlike a swaddle blanket, the Mod Sleeper provides a more natural and peaceful environment for infants, producing longer periods of sleep with less restlessness. It also prevents startling, scratching, overheating and doesn't unravel like a blanket.

Made from soft, organic wool blended with a bit of spandex for stretch, the Mod Sleeper luxuriously cradles your baby.

Features and Benefits:
• Gently swaddles baby with ergonomic shape
• Adjustable lengths
• Double zipper
• Easy to use
• Beautiful vintage look
• 100% Soft Organic Merino Wool
• 20+ lb size fits up to 2T
• Smooth, non irritating fibers
• Merino naturally pulls moisture from baby, absorbing and releasing
• Creates an environment that cools baby in the heat and warms in the cold

Mod Sleepers are also available in bamboo here.

Thursday Giveaway: Cloth Diapering a Newborn

noreply@blogger.com (Brittney) — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Blankets? Check. Carseat? Check. Baby clothes? Check. Diapers and wipes? .. .. Uh, no.

Welcoming a new baby to your family is a one-of-a-kind experience, but can also be overwhelming. Preparing for the arrival of an infant is key and will always make things a bit easier for everyone.

Whether you spend months planning every small detail of your baby's nursery, or run to your local Cotton Babies store just weeks before your due date to stock up on last-minute supplies, we want to make sure that you are ready for your big day.

If you're expecting, or want to give a thoughtful gift to someone who is, then this giveaway was created for you! You can win two bumGenius Newborn Cloth Diapers, a pack of bumGenius Flannel Wipes, and a pair of bumGenius BabyLegs. All you need to do is share a few tips for a new mom. Want to improve your chances of winning? There are bonus entries available too!

PS: For the soon-to-be moms who live near a Cotton Babies retail store, stop by this Saturday for Mama To Be Tea.

This free event helps pregnant moms connect with the natural birthing community, prepare for delivery, discover new resources, and see what products will help ease the transition into parenthood.

We'll have special in-store sales throughout the day and every mom will receive a FREE bumGenius Newborn Cloth Diaper from 10:30am to noon.

Click here to learn more or to reserve your spot at Mama To Be Tea!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eligible entries must be posted no later than midnight Eastern time, Monday, May 20, 2013. U.S. residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn after the close of the contest and notified via email. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Cloth 201: Do I have hard water?

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

If you call Cotton Babies customer service for some troubleshooting assistance, many of the questions we will ask revolve around your laundry routine. How often you wash? What detergent are you using? How many cloth diapers do you wash in a load? Do you know if you have hard water?

What is hard water? Hard water is water that has high mineral content. This is different from region to region based on what types of minerals are in the ground where you live and what your water sources are.

Why is it important to cloth diapering? The level of hardness in your water can affect how well soaps, shampoos and detergents work. It can determine how much soap or detergent you need to use to get your dishes, hair and laundry clean.

How do I know if I have hard water? There are a couple of ways to find out. First, there are hard water maps that will tell you generally if you have hard water or not. A more specific way to find out is to check with your local water utility company. My water company has a place on their website where I can fill in my zip code and it will tell me the water hardness in grains per million. I have 7 grains per million, which is considered hard water. If you water company doesn't have a website, the information should be available with a simple phone call. If you have well water, you may need to test it to find out how hard your water is.

If I have hard water, what do I do? If you discover you have hard water and are having issues with stink, we have a few suggestions. First strip your diapers so you have a fresh start. Next, try using a little more than the recommended amount of detergent in each load to make sure your cloth diapers are getting clean. You can also try Rockin' Green Hard Rock laundry detergent, it is specially formulated for hard water conditions.

If you find you have really hard water, adding Calgon water softener to your cloth diaper loads (and other laundry) may help your detergent work more effectively. This is not the type of Calgon that you add to your bath to take you away. Calgon is a laundry additive and you will find it in the laundry detergent aisle of most stores. Simply follow the instructions on the label to add it to your cloth diaper laundry.

I thought I had hard water, but it's really soft! If you find out you have soft water and are having leaks, this may be due to detergent buildup. In this case, you will want to strip your diapers to start fresh and begin using slightly less than the recommended amount of detergent in each wash cycle. There is also a Soft Rock version of Rockin' Green laundry detergent you may want to try. This will help prevent detergent buildup. Soft water may also mean you need to add an extra rinse to your laundry routine to make sure all the detergent is out.

If you have further questions, give us a call at 1-888-332-2243 or email us at contactus@cottonbabies.com.

This Just In: Preggers Maternity Leggings

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

If you are 7, 8, or 9 months pregnant, your legs may be tired after a simple stroll across the room. Let's not even talk about what your legs feel like after a whole day of work. You try to convince yourself it's not that bad, but let's be honest — if you could have a masseuse follow you around all day, you would. Since that's not quite possible, we have something that will compare.

Meet the ultimate comfort staple while pregnant: Preggers Maternity Leggings! These thicker, more opaque compression leggings are perfect for layering with your favorite maternity tunic or dress.

These aren't just any maternity leggings though. The compression promotes better circulation and delivers a controlled amount of squeeze that's greatest at your ankle and gradually gets lighter up the leg. True gradient compression increases circulation, prevents swelling and energizes tired legs and feet. The support top gives belly support without being constrictive, and will fit during all stages of pregnancy. The built-in tummy support panel provides a sense of stability for active mommas and can be worn folded under belly or unfolded over belly. Smooth seams will not dig into your tummy or show under clothes.

Super soft yarns are breathable and provide shaping support
Moisture-wicking provides a comfortable coolness
Footless design accommodates fashionable footwear such as sandals, flats, flip-flops, heels, or boots.
Fashionable design for everyday wear
Made 100% in the USA
Nylon and Spandex blend

Preggers Maternity Leggings are available in black and "Shake, Rattle, and Rose" colors at CottonBabies.com and in Cotton Babies retail stores. To see these compression leggings, and other great new items available at Cotton Babies, visit our What's New category.

Thursday Giveaway: Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Brittney) — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Mother's Day is just a few days away and, if you're like most parents, you've probably been too busy to even realize it.

In between feeding your baby, changing cloth diapers, and maintaining your household, finding a few minutes to relax is easier said than done.

Despite Sunday being the annual celebration of moms, we want to you to know you're appreciated the other 364 days of the year, too. That's why we created this lovely little shirt to remind you that "You're one good mum!" This shirt is intentionally printed backwards so when you see yourself in the mirror, you'll know just how special you are.

For today's giveaway, three random winners will each receive a "You're One Good Mum!" T-shirt, bumGenius Travel Mug and $10 Gift Certificate to Cotton Babies.

To enter this contest, tell us what being a great mom means to you. You can also improve your chances of winning through bonus entries!

Happy Mother's Day!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eligible entries must be posted no later than midnight Eastern time, Sunday, May 12, 2013. U.S. residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn after the close of the contest and notified via e-mail. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Real Mom Talk: I knew I was a mom when...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:00:00 +0000

On this Mother’s Day, I (and every other mom in the country) will get to celebrate the honor that is being their child’s mother. But this year, I’ll be approaching May with nervous excitement because by the time Mother’s Day rolls around, I’ll be 40 weeks pregnant with our third child, which is an honor indeed!

And even with the impending arrival of said third child (who literally seems to be trying to kick his way out of my womb), I’m still often taken aback by the hilarity and profoundness that comes with being a mom. I’ve realized my station in life as captured in the following moments:

…Making the difficult decision between chatting with the other working moms at the company potluck, or being permanently stationed near the crockpot of buffalo chicken dip.

…Finding myself at work in the lounge or copy room absentmindedly grabbing my chest to see if it’s time yet to head to the nursing mother’s room to pump. Hopefully — fortunately — nobody has witnessed this.

…Instructing my kids to say “bottom” or “tushy” instead of the alternate word they’ve heard on the playground or at the babysitter’s house. (This is coming from a woman who, pre-mommyhood, had the worst potty mouth in the history of forever.)

…Comforting my son’s ongoing fears about the possibility of “turning five and growing a beard,” reassuring him that mommy will not go to jail for accidentally running that red light, or fielding the ever-increasing (heartbreaking!) questions about what will happen if he gets sick or hurt and the doctor can’t fix him. It’s tough sometimes watching my little guy learn about his big confusing world!

… Using my company’s generous PTO benefits almost exclusively for my kids’ sick days or school breaks.

… Finding my daughter’s ballet shoes in my purse several weeks after her last class ended.

… Realizing that every meal now requires a side of vegetables.

Fortunately, I've also learned that a short haircut and minivan (though helpful) are not requirements for motherhood; though patience, resilience, and lots of coffee apparently are. And so, I wish all the mommies out there a joyous, fulfilled, caffeinated, and HAPPY Mother’s Day!

Francesca Abernathy is a mother of three children (Finn, Lila, and Truman) and loves to cook, bake, and jog. She works outside of the home but dreams of the day she can sit on her couch, watch Dr. Oz, and eat Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups from 8:00-5:00. She lives with her saint of a husband in St. Louis, Mo.

Cloth 201: Leaking Cloth Diapers

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Occasionally you may experience a random cloth diaper leak. If it happens once or twice, it could just be a fluke. However, if you notice recurring leaks, you will want to investigate a little further to find the source of the leaks so you can find the appropriate solution.

If you call our customer service team for help troubleshooting leaks, we'll ask a few questions for some more common reasons for leaks.

First, are your cloth diapers new? Believe it or not, one common reason for cloth diaper leaks is that natural fibers have not been washed enough times to release all the natural oils. It takes 5 to 7 washes for bumGenius Elemental, Flip Organic Day and Night Time inserts, cotton prefolds and other inserts made of natural fibers to be fully absorbent. Learn more about prepping your cloth diapers here.

If you've been using your cloth diapers without leaks for a while and are suddenly experiencing leaks, we have some other questions to ask.

Where is the leak coming from?
If your cloth diaper is leaking out the top, make sure that the insert isn’t pushing any of the lining fabric up against your baby’s clothing. That will cause the diaper to wick moisture up and out of the top. The top edge of the diaper should be flat against your baby with the soft fabric against your baby’s skin. If you have a son who only has leaks during sleep, you might need to "aim down" to avoid leaks.

If your diaper is leaking out the side of the legs, change the diaper and remove the insert. If the insert is saturated then your baby just pee’d a lot and either needs a more absorbent insert or a more frequent diaper change. If it isn’t saturated, then you either have a fit or a repelling issue, so continue reading for those tips.

To check the fit of the cloth diapers, pick up your baby’s legs after putting the diaper on and observe how it fits around their bottom. Is it snug? If so, good! However, if you can see any gaps or "air" between the diaper and their skin, then you need to refine the fit somehow. With bumGenius that might mean trying a different waist snap setting or fastening the tabs tighter. You may also need to adjust the rise setting on your one-size cloth diapers to get a better fit around the legs.

If the fit is correct and there are no gaps, you may have a repelling issue. Detergents and diaper creams can build up in the fibers of the cloth diaper, causing it to repel rather than absorb. To correct this issue, we recommend stripping your cloth diapers to remove the buildup using a little bit of original formula (blue) Dawn dish detergent. You can find our detailed stripping instructions here.

If the diaper is leaking out the back, make sure that the insert and all inner fabrics are tucked in completely. If the insert is sticking out the top of the diaper, it will wick moisture onto your baby’s clothing. We also occasionally see leaks up the back with little girls who are heavy wetters or little boys who are aimed off to the side of the insert.

If all of the above is fine and you are still having leaks, don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-888-332-2243. Our phone line is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday. Our experienced team will ask you some personalized questions about your baby, laundry routine and cloth diapers to help you find the solution to your leaking issues. We are always glad to help!

In Store: Mama To Be Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sat, 04 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Hey new mamas! We have a free event specifically for YOU. Join us on Saturday, May 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon for our Mama To Be Tea.

This special day is an opportunity to connect with the natural birthing community and meet other expecting moms. Mama To Be Tea is a chance for families to learn what to expect when the big day arrives, discover new resources, and see what products and services will help make the transition into parenthood as smooth as possible.

To participate, please reserve your spot. Then, on the day of the event, bring your ticket into the store to get a free bumGenius Newborn cloth diaper! There will be exclusive deals throughout the day.

When: Saturday, May 18, 2013
Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Cotton Babies South County | Cotton Babies West County | Cotton Babies Vancouver, WA

P.S. If you are a local doula, midwife or natural birthing advocate we may have a few slots remaining for you to participate in our St. Louis, MO area teas. Please call one of our local stores to find out more.

This Just In: Sili Squeeze

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 03 May 2013 21:00:00 +0000

If you love making food for your baby or toddler at home, but love the convenience of a single serve food pouch, have we got the product for you!

We're pleased to add the Sili Squeeze to our lineup of innovative feeding items for your little one you can find on the shelves of Cotton Babies. The Sili Squeeze is not a bottle! It is a reusable, silicone food pouch that you can fill with homemade baby food, smoothies, yogurt, applesauce or other squeezable foods your toddler enjoys.

The BPA- PVC- and Phthalate- free four easy-to-assemble components can be safely cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher. The eco-friendly contemporary design suits any lifestyle and promotes a more economical approach to feeding your little one healthy, nutritious snacks and meals on-the-go! Know exactly what is in your child's food because you're the one filling the pouch!

Sili Squeeze features include:

Detachable, clear, plastic cap that offers leak-proof protection over the nipple spout while storing your Sili Squeeze.
Silicone nipple with built-in plastic base attaches smoothly to the Sili Squeeze 'home' ring, locking in place, completing the squeeze-controlled/spill-proof, patent pending design.
Silicone body is soft, easy-to-squeeze and easy-to-clean due to the naturally non-stick quality of the silicone. The wide opening makes it easy to fill with your homemade purees and smoothies.

The Sili Squeeze is available in a 4 oz size, in your choice of Apple Red or Reef Blue colors. You can find this and other great products that have recently been added to our catalog in the What's New category of CottonBabies.com or in our local stores.

Thursday Giveaway: Travel easy with Flip!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittney) — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:30:00 +0000

Summer is right around the corner and we know what you're thinking: vacation. But sometimes, even the thought of traveling with a little one when the weather warms up may seem bleak, especially if you're using cloth diapers.

Traveling with cloth diapers doesn't have to be difficult! We've made it simple with our Flip Hybrid Diapering System!

With a one-size cover that's compatible with three insert options — stay-dry, organic and disposable — you can use Flip Diapers wherever you go!

We want to save some room in your suitcase and make planning for your summer vacation a breeze! For today's giveaway, you have a chance to win a Flip Travel Pack, three sample packs of bumGenius Laundry Detergent and a pair of bumGenius BabyLegs.

To enter today's contest, simply tell us how you make traveling with a child easy. Want to improve your chances of winning? There are bonus entries available too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eligible entries must be posted no later than midnight Eastern time, Sunday, May 5, 2013. U.S. residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn after the close of the contest and notified via e-mail. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Real Mom Talk: Off to the Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (MomEinstein) — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:30:00 +0000

Now that the weather is (finally) warm, it’s time to start planning our outdoor activities. One of my favorite places to take the kids is the zoo. It’s perfect: sunshine, animals, and (fairly) contained spaces for children to explore. What more can you ask for?

Don’t overthink the venue. Kids will be equally thrilled with a zoo complete with African safari or a farm with a few horses and cows. Everything is fun for them. Some of Vicki’s favorite experiences were feeding turtles animal crackers at the lamest zoo I’ve ever been to. She didn’t care – for her, seeing animals was fun. Period.

Dress for comfort. Zoos involve a LOT of walking. Add in toddlers and they involve a lot of running, too. I always bring a stroller for when inevitably someone gets tired and needs to ride for a little while. It also helps to have something to hold the bag full of snacks, sunscreen, drinks, and diapers.

Try the petting zoo. If it doesn’t work, no big deal. But the 50 cents for food pellets is worth the 2 seconds of pure bliss on a child’s face as a goat eats out of their hand. Bonus points if you get a picture. Just don’t forget to wash up afterwards!

Make it educational. Pop quiz your kids about what kind of animal they see, what the animal eats, where it lives, and so on. Most zoos have informational placards so you can even learn on the fly. Extend the learning by watching nature shows with their favorite animals or reading wildlife books or magazines.

Go with the flow. If I were in charge of the operation, I’d power through the entire zoo and make sure to spend time seeing each animal. With my two year old, I have to slow down a little. She likes to linger at the elephants and go back to see the turtles over and over. We skip some exhibits because they’re not stroller friendly. But at the end of the day, if she’s happy, I’m happy.

Toddlers and animals are a perfect pair. They are delighted to see their favorites live and in color. If you live close enough to a zoo, consider getting a membership as a cost-effective way to visit the animals all year long. What’s your favorite zoo experience?
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Jessica von Wallenstein is a stay at home mom who chronicles her parenting adventures at MomEinstein.com. She has a daughter born in September 2010 and a son born June 2012 and will be buried in cloth diapers for the foreseeable future.

Cloth 201: How to cloth diaper at night

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:30:00 +0000

Cloth diapering your little one from an early age often makes it easy to cloth diaper at night. Many infants don't sleep through the night early on, so it's easy to just change your little one's diaper before a mid-night feeding. Once they get a little older and start sleeping through the night, it an be a bit of a challenge to cloth diaper at night.

If you use bumGenius 4.0 or other pocket style cloth diapers, the first solution is to add extra inserts into the pocket to increase the absorbency of your cloth diaper. A good first step is to use both the one-size insert and the newborn/diaper doubler insert that come with each bumGenius 4.0. However, as your little one eats, drinks and sleeps more, this may not be enough.

Our next step for heavy wetters for overnight is to use a hemp insert. Hemp is a natural fiber that is very absorbent, without adding a lot of bulk. Hemp and other natural fibers are a bit slower to absorb than microfiber, so when adding one of these inserts to your bumGenius 4.0, Freetime or Flip diapers, we suggest adding it underneath the stay dry and microfiber layers. This also helps to wick moisture away from your little one's skin, preventing rash.

Hemp Babies Little Weeds are ideal inside for use in one-size cloth diapers that are on a small rise setting, whether a pocket style or an all-in-one like bumGenius Freetime. Little Weeds feature two layers of hemp to ensure that your diapers wash clean easily and dry quickly. This small insert is specifically designed to folds in half for less bulk and four layers of absorbency, making it perfect for smaller cloth diapers.

Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds are similar to Little Weeds, but specifically designed to be used as an insert in a medium or large diaper or rise setting. Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds fold in thirds for six layers of hemp absorbency.

Hemp Babies Diaper Doublers are a preshaped insert that is available in two sizes – small or large. Since these are not folded, they are a trimmer choice than the other Hemp Babies inserts. The size and shape of the Hemp Babies Diaper Doublers make them ideal for use with a prefold, all-in-two, or hybrid style of diaper. I used a large Hemp Babies Diaper Doubler underneath a Flip Stay-Dry insert for my toddler for overnight.

BabyKicks Hemparoo Joey-Bunz are inserts are that were originally designed for use with FuzziBunz, but work great with all other pocket diapers, like bumGenius. Intended to be trim, absorbent and easy to use since no folding is required. They come in three sizes (small, medium and large) to give you a customized fit for your little one, no matter the size of diaper you are using.

BabyKicks Hemparoo Fleece Prefolds feature two layers of soft 55% hemp/45% cotton fleece, with a third layer in the center. These prefolds are up to any task, from being pinned, folded in thirds in a snug fitting wrap, or as a pocket diaper stuffer.

Cotton is another great, affordable option for adding absorbency overnight. Cotton prefolds can be used inside a cover like Econobum or Flip, or even as an insert inside your favorite pocket diaper. At Cotton Babies, we carry Chinese, Indian and Econobum styles of prefolds that range in price from $1 to $2 each depending on size and style.

With so many great natural fiber inserts to add absorbency to your overnight cloth diapers, you may feel a bit overwhelmed when trying to figure out which one to try first. We are always glad to help if you can call our customer service line at 1-888-332-2243. Our team is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday. While on the phone, we'll ask a few questions about your existing cloth diapers, your little one and their sleep habits to guide you with some personalized suggestions on which inserts may work best for you and your baby. You can also reach us by email at contactus@cottonbabies.com.

Real Mom Talk: Baby Proofing for a New Crawler

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:30:00 +0000

My almost 6-month old is crawling already. Yeah, I know... I didn’t get much of a chance to get ready for that one.

Now that he’s suddenly very mobile, I’ve had to remember what it’s like to have a baby crawling around the house. My older kids are somewhat reckless but at least I can tell them not to do something because it is dangerous and I know that they will have at least understood me, if not listen to me. The baby, unfortunately, will neither understand nor heed my words.

So baby proofing...

Electrical Cords
I didn’t realize how many cords we had at baby level (although, really, aren’t they all?) until Spike started crawling all over. Just the other day he almost got himself caught up in the iPad charger. Eek! So now I’ve looked for all the cords that might cause a problem and have moved them, hidden them, or anchored them so the baby can’t get tangled in one.

Other Toys
If you have older kids, this is the time that you start to realize how many toys they have that are either teeny-tiny (I’m looking at you Legos) or have teeny-tiny parts. While I can’t take all of the older kids’ toys away, there are some that have either gotten news rules or now come with a lot of warnings for the older boys. Legos now can only be used on the table. “Is this a choking hazard?” has become my almost-3 year old’s favorite question. Because I want them to help me keep the floor free of dangerous toys. We all keep an eye out now.

Outlets
Some people use outlet covers, and they’re a good option. I tend towards the less-is-more approach with baby proofing, so I usually just move furniture to cover the outlets up. While Spike is very mobile, he can’t yet move a couch on his own so I’m happy to use my couches and other furniture as make-do covers.

Heavy Furniture
Speaking of heavy furniture, mobile babies = time to anchor furniture. Bookcases, dressers, media consoles... anything the baby might pull himself up on (or, in the not too distant future, try to climb on) should be anchored to the wall. Luckily, this step is already done in my house because of my older boys. But it’s a good thing, because my kids have tried to climb on every piece of furniture we own and I’m glad that it’s all securely anchored to studs in the wall.

Pet Food/Water
If you have pets, they probably have bowls of food and water out. On the floor. Right where your newly mobile baby will find them enticing and available for exploration. Believe me when I say that your baby will eat dog food if you don’t move it out of the way. Water bowls are also a drowning hazard. Please find a way to make them inaccessible to your child!

Stairs
We live in a one-story ranch right now but with my other kids we have had stairs along with a crawling baby. A gate at the top of the stairs is great but keep in mind that if you spend most of your time on your ground floor, you may need a gate at the bottom of your staircase. Babies can sometimes pull themselves up the stairs and not know how to get down... except to tumble. Be mindful of where you spend your time and how to use gates on your stairs.

There are other things that can be done to baby-proof, like toilet locks, appliance locks, cabinet locks, exterior door locks, moving chemicals up high, and sometimes removing things entirely. This list is just what I have noticed as I try to make the house a little safer for my youngest.

What’s the first thing that you find yourself changing once your baby starts to crawl?
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Claire is an Army wife that may not have been cut out for homemaking. Follow her adventures as she, her husband (Sergeant Handsome), their three sons and two dogs try to keep it together over on her personal blog, The Half-Hearted Housewife, where love means never having to do the dishes.

Real Diaper Week Scavenger Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:30:00 +0000

Since Real Diaper Week is in full force, we're having a scavenger hunt so you can learn a bit more about the different types and brands of cloth diapers.

Throughout the week, will announce multiple clues each day on Facebook and Twitter. It's your job to scour the Cotton Babies website and pin what you think the answer is to your "Cotton Babies Real Diaper Week" board on Pinterest. This contest runs through Friday, April 26. Each day, we'll select a few random winners to receive a prize. At the end of the week, we'll select one random grand prize winner from those who had correct answers all week long.

To join our scavenger hunt:

1. Create a new public Pinterest board titled "Cotton Babies Real Diaper Week".

2. Pin this blog post to your board. Use this "Pin it" button to make it easy:

3. Each day check your favorite social media venue for clues. Search CottonBabies.com for the answer to our clue. Pin that product to your board using the "Pin it" button on every product page once you are logged into Pinterest.* Select your Cotton Babies Real Diaper week board and click the red "Pin It" button to finish.

Each day we'll select a few random winners that will each receive a prize, and at the end of the week, we'll select one random grand prize winner from those that had correct answers all week long. Grand prize is a 12 pack of cloth diapers in your choice of bumGenius, Flip or Econobum and a bumGenius accessory pack to help you get started cloth diapering.

Start your Pinterest board now and watch Facebook and Twitter for the first clues in our scavenger hunt!

*Only original pins from www.cottonbabies.com are eligible entries. Re-pins or pins from other websites are not valid.

Cloth Diaper 201: Reusable Cloth Wipes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny Bradford) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Just the other day I was thinking back on my cloth diapering journey of almost 4 years continuously and simultaneously diapering two babies. I thought to myself: what part of reusing diapers has made the most difference in my day-to-day life? The answer might surprise you. It's actually cloth wipes!

My washing routine for cloth diapers has changed slightly over the years by moving houses and going from top-loading machine to high efficiency front-loader. My preferences in cloth diapers has changed too -- at first I was a hook-and-loop girl, and now I'm definitely a fan of snaps.

But I have always, always loved my cloth wipes.

Using cloth wipes is SO EASY. I keep my pre-moistened wipes in a Prince Lionheart wipes warmer next to the changing table, so they're always nearby. Tip: have enough wipes to fill up that warmer! You can moisten with just water or use a premade mix like Kissaluvs Diaper Lotion Potion.

Cloth wipes save money. You can buy wipes very cheaply, or even get them for free by cutting up old t-shirts, towels, or large washcloths. My cloth wipes stash is a combination of both sources, and I actually prefer the diversity. The thicker, more scrubby wipes are great for toddler poo. The thinner wipes are perfect for just pee. And since they are reusable, if you run out, just run a load of laundry. No running to the store in the middle of the night. Just as convenient and available as your cloth diaper stash.

Cloth wipes keep everyone cleaner. I've seen a lot of crazy blow-ups inside diapers, but I have honestly never used more than 5 cloth wipes to clean up even the messiest diaper. And my hands rarely ever touch poop because even the thinnest cloth wipes are sufficiently thick and will never rip. Unlike flimsy disposable wipes, cloth wipes are hefty and generously sized. One wipe can be re-folded and survive multiple swipes across a dirty bum before throwing into the spray pail or the wet bag.

When I'm out and about with a poopy baby and don't have my cloth wipes, I admit that I cringe. I know that I'm in for some dirty hands and a sad baby when I have to scrub with disposable wipes! At home, when a crazy poopy blow-up happens, I reach for the cloth wipes even with my potty trained preschooler. Knowing that clean-up can be a little more simple makes those little potty training slip-ups a little easier to handle.

Have you tried cloth wipes? What has been your experience? We'd love to hear!
---------------------
Jenny Bradford is a mom to two cotton babies, Little Sir born Oct. 2009, and Little Lady, born Feb. 2011. She lives in the Dallas, TX area with her husband, Christian, and can be found at Conscientious Confusion - a blog about living consciously, which often encompasses: green living, natural health, conscientious consumerism, cloth diapering, and living frugally.

Real Diaper Week sponsored by Cotton Babies

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Today is the start of Real Diaper Week here at Cotton Babies. We know many of you are participating in the Great Cloth Diaper Change and other great local activities this weekend to celebrate Earth Day.

To get your weekend started off right, you can Buy 1 Econobum cover and Get 1 Free!* This offer is only good through Sunday, April 21, 2013.

Grab a few extra Econobum covers to toss in your car in case of emergency. With warm weather and outdoor play, you never know when your little one will need a fresh change of clothes at an unexpected time.

If diaper covers aren't your style, don't worry, we still have the Buy 5, Get 1 Free bumGenius 4.0 sale going and this weekend only, you can get a free pair of bumGenius BabyLegs with any $100 purchase.* Just choose your favorite style of bumGenius BabyLegs, place it in your cart and use code STYLIN at checkout to get the discount.

We have a lot of fun activities planned for you during Real Diaper Week here at Cotton Babies, so keep an eye on this blog, on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our email newsletter so you don't miss any of the fun.

*Offers good through 11:59 p.m. Central time Sunday, April 21, 2013. Offers valid while supplies last.

Tuesday Giveaway: Econobum for Earth Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:04:00 +0000

Monday, April 22 is Earth Day, a time to celebrate things that encourage environmental responsibility. Cloth diapers are a great way to reduce your environmental impact every day, on Earth Day and beyond!

That's why we began Change 3 Things. We hope you will join us and pledge to change (at least) three cloth diapers each day. We chose three diapers because we feel it's an attainable goal. Even if your daycare doesn't accept cloth diapers, you can change three cloth diapers each day. Even three cloth diapers a day can have significant impact.

Are you up for the challenge? You can report how many cloth diapers you pledge to change each day here. If you don't have any cloth diapers currently, Econobum Trial Packs are a budget friendly way to get started. For about the same price as a pack of disposables, you'll get a reusable one-size cover and three cotton prefolds that can be washed and used over and over until your child potty trains!

We're making it even easier for you to Change 3 Things with this week's giveaway. Three winners will each receive a Cotton Babies prize pack with TWO Econobum Trial Packs, a pair of bumGenius BabyLegs and a Change 3 Things t-shirt. To enter, tell us in the box below how you plan to celebrate Earth Day.

Whether you choose to celebrate Earth Day with Change 3 Things, the Great Cloth Diaper Change, a local community event or just by changing cloth diapers instead of disposables on Monday, remember that every little change adds up to big change for our environment!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On a mobile device? Click here to enter the giveaway.

Eligible entries must be posted no later than midnight Eastern time, Monday, April 22, 2013. U.S. residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn after the close of the contest and notified via e-mail. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Cloth 201: Cloth Diaper Stink

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Let's face it, at some point in time or another, your cloth diapers will stink. It's the nature of the game; cloth diapers serve, well, one real purpose. The good news is that cloth diaper stink can be avoided and sometimes odor is a sign you may need to change your wash routine a bit.

If your cloth diapers stink a little after being soiled, this is normal. Washing your cloth diapers every other day prevents many stink issues before they can even start.

If your overnight cloth diapers stink a bit more than the rest, this is also relatively normal. The quick fix for overnight cloth diapers with an overpowering stench is to rinse them immediately in the morning. This will prevent one diaper from stinking up your entire diaper pail.

However, if your cloth diapers smell at other times, you may need to troubleshoot a bit to resolve the issue. The first thing to do if your cloth diapers start to smell at unusual times is to give them a little sniff after you finish your wash cycles, before drying them. Your diapers should smell like nothing when they come out of the wash. If they don't, then you should wash them again.

Sometimes, when your little one adds new food to their diets, it changes the output, sometimes dramatically for a few days. You may find you need to give your cloth diapers a little extra attention for a few weeks when your little one is trying new foods. Rinsing your diapers immediately after the change or adding an extra wash cycle when needed often correct these issues during these tricky transitions. A bumGenius Diaper Sprayer makes rinsing quick and easy.

If you are experiencing stinky cloth diapers that are not one of these reasons, give our customer service team a call at 1-888-332-2243. There are several variables involved in getting your cloth diapers clean such as laundry detergent, water hardness, type of machine and more. Our experienced team knows the right questions to ask to assist you in finding a solution fit for your family and laundry routine. No question is too ridiculous to ask! We want your cloth diapering journey to be successful and are glad to help with a few tricks we've learned along in the way in our own cloth diapering adventures.

In Store: Cotton Babies Fashion Show

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Celebrate Earth Day in style with Cotton Babies!

Have you marked your calendars? The Cotton Babies Fashion Show is Saturday, April 20!

In honor of Earth Day, we're showcasing the latest spring trends for mom and baby on our runway! And, what's an Earth Day celebration without special in-store sales?!

Don't miss it! Take a fashion-forward step toward greener future and save some green on your favorite products!

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: West County St. Louis, MO and Vancouver, WA Cotton Babies stores

For more information, please call your local store.

This Just In: Tegu Magnetic Wooden Cars

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000

We recently added fun new products from Tegu to our Cotton Babies shelves. If you aren't familiar with Tegu toys, they are ideal for young builders. Tegu blocks are created built with hardwoods from Honduras and have magnets inside. These create smooth wooden blocks with rounded edges that are easy for young hands to build. The magnets prevent their masterpieces from toppling while building.

New to our Tegu product line are four toy cars. Dart and Hatch are created with 10 classic Tegu blocks, four wheels and a signature style top to create the car silhouette. Riley Roadster and Maddy Micro are four wheels and a complete car silhouette, which make an ideal diaper bag toy for busy toddlers. Already own some Tegu sets? Add a set of wheels to turn your classic Tegu blocks into your own car design.

Check out these cars and other great Tegu sets in our Toddler Toys section.

Tegu toys contains small magnets. Swallowed magnets can cause complications leading to serious infections and death. Seek immediate medical attention if a magnet is swallowed or inhaled. Recommended for ages 3+. Made in Honduras.

SALE: bumGenius Buy 5, Get 1 Free!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000

We know you've been waiting, watching and asking. Your favorite sale on bumGenius 4.0 cloth diapers is back!

For a limited time only, bumGenius 4.0 cloth diapers are Buy 5, Get 1 Free!

This sale includes both snap and hook and loop closures and is valid only on solid colors (Blossom, Butternut, Clementine, Dazzle, Grasshopper, Mirror, Moonbeam, Noodle, Oops, Ribbit, Sassy, Twilight, White and Zinnia). Genius Series prints, including Albert, Lovelace, Irwin and Maathai, are not included.

Thinking about adding a few extra diapers to your cloth diaper stash? There are plenty of great reasons to consider, especially when our best-selling bumGenius diapers are on sale:

Build a cloth diaper stash for your first baby
New baby is on the way, but your older child is still in diapers
Brighten your collection with new colors
Pre-stuffed pockets are ideal for daycare
Washing every day? Add some more to lessen your laundry load before summer!

This is a limited time offer, so stock up while you can.

Cloth 101: Here Comes the Sun!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:30:00 +0000

Spring is here and that means one thing – it's time to freshen your cloth diapers with a little sun.

Has your little one been trying new foods this winter and spring? Blueberries and other foods can often leave a mark on your cloth diapers. In winter, it can be difficult to remove stains inside your cloth diapers. Sunning cloth diapers not only removes stains, but is a natural way to sanitize your laundry. With spring upon us and more sunshine in most of our forecasts, now is the perfect time for your cloth diapers to catch some rays.

To sun your cloth diapers, simply hang your clean, wet cloth diapers on the clothesline. No clothesline? No problem! You can lay your clean, wet cloth diapers with the inside facing up on an outdoor table or chair, over the deck rail or on a drying rack placed in the sun. Just be sure to secure your diapers if it is a windy day.

Don't forget to bring your cloth diapers in once they are fully dry. During summer or extreme heat, leaving diapers too long in the sun could cause as much damage as drying your diapers on a high heat setting in the dryer.

If your stains aren't fully removed after one sun session, don't worry. Some stains may take a few sunning sessions to be fully removed. Just repeat the process on the next sunny laundry day available.

Read more about other ways to sanitize your cloth diapers and remove stains our previous blog post. If you have further questions about how to wash or care for your bumGenius, Flip or Econobum cloth diapers, give us a call at 1-888-332-2243 or email contactus@cottonbabies.com.

This Just In: Playtime with P'kolino

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Cotton Babies now carries select P'kolino products. P'kolino was founded by two fathers with a passion for creating great products and a desire to improve play at home. You can find some of P'kolino's unique toys and art supplies now at your local Cotton Babies store and online.

The Geared Shape Sorter is a fun twist on a classic toy. Rotate the gears to line up the shapes so you can slide the blocks through. It teaches both color and shape recognition while practicing fine motor skills through play. Best of all, the blocks slide out of the toy, so no adult has to open and dump the shapes out.

The Puzzle Stacker is another creative twist on a classic toddler toy. Each level consists of two interlocking pieces. All pieces interlock so there is no wrong answer with this colorful stacking store. As your little one grows, they can learn color and size recognition as they solve the puzzle.

We also have some great art supplies from P'kolino to encourage the young artist in your life. All crayons, markers, pencils, and finger paints by P'kolino are made in Europe with non-toxic, roprietary materials that color beautifully.

Make it a gift with the P'kolino Artist Journal which is the perfect size to stow in your diaper bag or purse to keep your little Picasso entertained while on the go. Artist journals are available in monkey, robot, bug or frog styles. Each artist journal includes 10 hexagon colored pencils, a pad of bright white paper & a playful, easy-to-clean canvas travel case.

Check out all the other new P'kolino products and lots of other great new toys and other great products from brands we love in the What's New section of CottonBabies.com

Thursday Giveaway: Show Your Spirit!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

One of the great things about cloth diapers is that they are so easy to incorporate into your little one's outfit, especially during warmer months. The beautiful colors and prints make it especially fun to show your spirit or dress up for a special day. Holidays, sporting events, showing support for your favorite cause or just celebrating a new season are fun ways to incorporate cloth diapers into your little one's outfit.

If you haven't already heard, we recently added three fun new cloth diapers to the bumGenius lineup – Irwin, Maathai and Oops. These limited edition diapers are available in bumGenius 4.0 cloth diapers and Oops is also available in bumGenius Freetime.

For today's giveaway, you can enter to win your choice of one of these new bumGenius cloth diapers and a pair of bumGenius BabyLegs. To enter today's contest, simply tell us when you like to dress your little one up? Is it for a sporting event, to support a cause, just for fun or some other reason?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eligible entries must be posted no later than midnight Eastern time, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. U.S. residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn after the close of the contest and notified via e-mail. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.