Cloth Diapers... by Cotton Babies

This Just In: New Zutano Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Brittney) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:53:00 +0000

There is something about Zutano clothes that brings a smile to my face and puts me in awe. From the moment I first laid eyes on this collection of kidswear, which was pretty recent since I've been working for Cotton Babies a little over a month, I fell in love with the brand's bright prints and unique graphics. Part of me wishes I were younger, so I could wear fun, joyful pieces that featured small jungle animals, toy trains and monsters, but I can't. I've - unfortunately - grown past that stage and should dress more "age appropriate." I think it's safe to say I would get a few odd looks on the street if I strutted around in an adorable owl-patterned dress. While I, and most other people in their 20s, may be too old to wear Zutano clothes, your baby is not!

Over the last few weeks, Cotton Babies has been receiving quite a bit of AWESOME Zutano duds, including several pieces that will help keep your little one warm and cozy until spring. With new products like the FashionTights/Legwarmers, Izty Bitzy Caps, Organic Leggings, and Baby Interlock Long Sleeve Shirts and pants, your child will have plenty of colorful cold-weather clothing options. Each piece of Zutano kidswear has an ability to be mixed and matched for countless numbers of looks and is made from super-soft 100 percent Cotton. The Zutano Collection offers unlimited possibilities for originality and helps parents find garments as unique as their baby. To check out Zutano's newest threads, click here. P.S. Some items are on sale, too. *wink*

The Diaper Sprayer - Cloth Diapering’s Best Kept Secret

noreply@blogger.com (Jimmy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:54:00 +0000

Poop. The one thing that stands between most people and cloth diapering. Poop is a formidable enemy. It stinks, it makes a mess, and it’s just plain gross. Moms for some reason aren’t as bothered by this. We dads on the other hand, would rather roll it up and chuck it. But, mom likes the cute prints and pretty colors, so our protests fall on deaf ears and here we are trying the cloth diaper thing.

Babies must have a sense of humor, because as soon as a brand new, clean, super cute bumGenius Genius Series diaper is put on, rip p p p p p, it gets handed right back to us, full of poop. Now it’s us vs. the toilet. Yuck.

Now what? Well, you could go old school and dunk and swish. It gets the job done most of the time, but you end up very intimate with poopy water and a wet poopy diaper. You could use a dedicated spatula that hangs on the back of the toilet. It’s a lot less messy and works really well with the peanut butter poo, but, it’s still gross and you have to clean the spatula off. Thankfully there is a much better option: the bumGenius diaper sprayer. The diaper diaper sprayer is a cloth diaper power washer that literally powers the poo right off the diaper and into the toilet. It’s quick it’s easy, and as long as you get the angle right, no mess! Hallelujah!

And the best part? It’s so easy to install, you’ll impress with your plumbing prowess! All you have to do is turn off the water going to the toilet, flush the pot to drain most of the water out of the tank, unscrew the water supply line at the tank, screw the shut off valve to the tank, screw the water supply line to the other side of the shut off valve, connect the hose and sprayer to the shut off valve, turn the water back on to check for leaks and ta-da! The power washer is all set and ready to go!

It’s a good idea to do a test run with a clean diaper before attacking the poopy menace. That will give you a chance to adjust the water pressure and get the angle right so you don’t end up with poop spray all over your legs. If you have the new bumGenius Freetime cloth diaper and are wondering how to wash off the dual flaps, this video shows you how to hold the Freetime to easily spray both sides off.

Like newborn inserts that can be used as doublers when babies get older, the diaper sprayer is useful past the diaper stage too. It’s great for spraying out potty chairs and it’ll even get the poo off the plastic mold injection point found at the bottom of many potty chairs. Doing that in the sink with a wipe isn’t on my list of favorite things to do. I would much rather spray it out.

What are some other creative ways you’ve used your diaper sprayer? Wash the dog? Clean off shoes/boots? Rinse the bathtub? It’s dad’s best friend in the battle against the poop.

- Jimmy

"Keep smiling, it makes everyone wonder what you're up to."

Real Mom Talk: Finding time for you

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:31:00 +0000

We have been thinking a lot this week about leisure time. With the introduction of the bumGenius Freetime, one of our goals was to give parents back those few extra minutes a week that you might spend stuffing your pocket diapers. It may not be a ton of time, but as you well know, every minute you can save from laundry or housework can be invested in your family or even yourself.

Experienced moms will often shower new moms with the advice, "Don't forget to make time for yourself!" I don't know about you, but I struggled with how to do this without feeling completely selfish and guilty the entire time.

I believed these women, but I just was unsure how to make it work. I began slowly at first. At nap time, I would toss a load of laundry in the wash and sit down with a sudoku or crossword puzzle. Sure, it wasn't completely selfish, but I don't believe it has to be. What I found was that when my time was up I had something that was completely mine and my little ones could not undo. Technically, they could grab my pencil and scribble all over it. Which they did, on more than one occasion, but you get the idea. It wasn't another task like dishes, laundry or diaper changes that would have to be repeated again in a few hours. I didn't do it every day, but I tried to carve out at least two 15 minute sessions a week. It was amazing how that little bit of me time changed my outlook on my dreary, wintery, stuck at home with three under two years days.

As my children grew older, slept longer and went to bed at a regular time, I began to expand my "me time". I traded my puzzles for projects that took a bit longer like knitting or crochet. I watched online videos to learn the skills. I chose simple projects like washcloths or coffee cozies that would bring me satisfaction quickly and hide my rookie mistakes. Again, I was surprised how finishing a simple project empowered me and changed my attitude. As my skills progressed, so did my courage. I began to knit and crochet while my children were still awake and toddling around. All the while, they watched and asked questions.

It was not the easiest thing, but I began to realize something significant. Not only was I giving myself the gifts of leisure and new skills, I was teaching my children lessons as they watched. They would watch how I taught myself a new skill. They witnessed my frustrations and responses when things didn't go as planned. They would rejoice with the beauty that unfolded before their eyes.

Now, as they grow older, we are beginning to share hobbies. I don't knit and crochet as much as I used to, my new obsession is running. Together, we have engaging conversations about health, exercise, how muscles work and much more. My children ask to join me for runs, and occasionally I oblige. I want them to learn to take care of themselves while taking care of others, but I do occasionally say to them, "Not today, Mommy needs some alone time."

Sometimes I say to my older children, "You seem to be having a rough day today. Do you need some alone time? What would you like to do for yourself for a few minutes?" When they complain, I am able to say to them, "Remember last week when I was having a rough morning? I went for a run and when I was done, I felt much better." They reluctantly nod their heads and walk off with slumped shoulders to their 'fun'. When they are finished, they often return with joy to report how much better they feel. It's powerful to see how they are already learning how to self-correct bad attitudes with these tools I have modeled for them.

I am amazed at the wise women who encouraged me to take time for myself. I wonder if they had these types of experiences with their children. I wonder if the knew about all I would discover about myself and how to lead my family through the simple process of taking a few minutes for myself.

Now, I'm the woman who encourages harried moms to take a few moments for themselves. I rarely get the opportunity to explain why it's so important as our children circle us with taps, cries and tattling. All I can to hope is that they'll catch the wise, knowing look in my eye and take their first steps down that path to discover the same lessons I have. Their journey may look a bit different than mine, as each family has it's own personality and priorities. They may not choose a physical break like I have, but rather a mental break with the children still close by.

How do you carve time out for yourself? What hobbies or passions do you enjoy during those few precious moments to yourself? How has taking care of yourself had a positive impact on your family? Share your stories with us!

Tuesday Giveaway: Raising a genius

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

I recall my delight when my first child spoke his first word. It was exhilarating and exciting. Finally, we had signs of being able to communicate with this new little baby that didn't involve one or both of us crying.

What I didn't realize in those early days was that one day that sweet little voice would learn the magical word "Why?" Any of you who have had a child reach that wonderful toddler stage know exactly what I'm talking about. Toddlers and preschoolers have an amazing way of learning about the world all around them, and it usually involves repeating this magical word more times a day than most of us care to hear.

Eventually, I discovered the more experiences I presented my little genius with, the less likely I was to hear the word "why". The challenge can be to find age appropriate experiences that let your little one explore the world around them safely.

For today's giveaway blog post, we're celebrating and encouraging the little genius(es) that we are all raising. We know that one day, they will have a great impact on the world, so how do you let them safely explore that world? Even more challenging, how can you do it during the winter, especially if you live somewhere the cold weather limits outdoor exploration?

To enter our contest today, share with us your favorite activities for encouraging your little genius. For bonus entries into our contest, be sure to read check out the contest widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Three winners will each receive a Cotton Babies prize pack that includes a new bumGenius Freetime cloth diaper in a Genius print (your choice of Albert or Lovelace) and an "I'm A Genius" cold cup to remind you that you have all the answers your little genius needs.

Eligible entries must be posted no later than midnight Eastern time, Wednesday, January 25, 2011. U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn at random by Friday, January 27, 2011 and notified via e-mail.

Cloth 101: How to spray your bumGenius Freetime

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Many of our customers have been asking the best way to spray your new bumGenius Freetime cloth diapers with your bumGenius Diaper Sprayer. In the video below, Bekah demonstrates how to open your Freetime and clean both sides with a simple twist of your wrist.

If you have further questions about any aspect of cleaning your bumGenius Freetime or any of our other products, give our experienced team a call at 1-888-332-2243. You may also reach us via live chat at www.cottonbabies.com (bottom of left hand column) or by e-mail at contactus@cottonbabies.com.

This Just In: Fridababy NoseFrida Snot Sucker

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:10:00 +0000

It's that time of year when colds and flus start popping up. We just added an item to our "What's New" section that may help with your sniffly troubles.

Earlier this week, we posted on our Facebook Page about the Fridababy Snot Sucker. We know what you're thinking because we, too, asked ourselves the same: "What exactly is a 'snot sucker'?" This remarkable product is a smart, yet strange, nose aspirator that will help you effectively clear out your baby's nose when an inevitable cold happens. It is invented and recommended by doctors. As you can read above, it has also been praised by a number of parents on our Facebook page. The Snot Sucker has been featured in Parenting Magazine and on the Rachel Ray show.

You can get the Fridababy NoseFrida Snot Sucker for $15.99. Cotton Babies also stocks replacement filters and The Windi, to help with gas and colic. For these and other great new products, be sure to check out our "What's New" section every time you shop at Cotton Babies!

Brownies, Birthdays and Pin Boards - Oh my!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:47:00 +0000

This morning, I delivered some amazing brownies to my children's school. Today is the monthly teacher appreciation lunch and it is third grade's turn to host. My son's class was responsible for dessert. The moment I read the e-mail request for food, I knew exactly how I had to express my extreme gratitude to these teachers who bless me with six hours of quiet each day. These amazing brownies are, in my opinion, the ultimate love language.

What does this have to do with Cotton Babies? Let me tell you...

At Cotton Babies, we LOVE to celebrate birthdays. Each team decides how to celebrate their team member's birthday. Sometimes it is with a card passed around the office that everyone signs, sometimes decorating a desk in balloons, but it almost always involves the birthday person's favorite food. It's always fun to see how each team celebrates and shows appreciation for the birthday person. It is also fun to learn a little more about your co-workers in this way.

Annie's birthday was a few months ago. At the time, Annie had only been with at Cotton Babies a few months. We were still in the getting-to-know-you stage. Libby asked me for assistance in planning Annie's birthday festivities. What a daunting request! If you knew Libby, you'd know she's the queen of thoughtful gifts. She remembers the little things you say, comment on or like and just knows how to truly bless you. For instance, on my birthday last year, she went to each staff member and recorded their greetings on her phone. She then texted each video to me, one by one, all morning long. This may not be your thing, but as a former video editor, it was totally mine and Libby knew it.

The question was how to covertly find the perfect way to celebrate Annie's birthday while making Libby proud? I didn't know much about Annie, but what I did know was that she loved Pinterest! I put my best social media stalking skills to work on Annie's Pinterest boards. Wouldn't you know it? Annie had a special recipe board full of yummy dessert treats. Score! I soon discovered these deliciously indulgent brownies. In my opinion, birthdays are made for indulgence! And with a special name like that, there was no way I could pass them up. (Warning: Be careful when you click if you have eyes who can read near you. There are some words you don't want to have to explain to your kids at a young age.)

I didn't realize the bigger challenge would be keeping my kids (and husband) away from the brownies once they were baked. I mean really, what attracts small children better than a package of Oreos? Thankfully, the entire pan made it safely to the office the next day. It's hard to bake something without tasting it first. Especially after reading all that hype on the blog.

I'll be the first to admit, they totally lived up to their reputation. Warm with a little vanilla bean ice cream is definitely the way to enjoy these beauties. If you really want to go for broke, you might consider pairing them with our homemade Peppermint Mocha. Just promise me you won't hold me responsible for any sugar coma that follows.

Since then, this has become my go-to recipe for expressing love and appreciation. I especially love the fact that I was able to find this treasure through my new favorite social media site, Pinterest.

Have you tried Pinterest? Do you have a favorite recipe to share with others? How do you like to express your love to others? Share your story with us! And if you do have a Pinterest account, be sure to follow us as well.

Tuesday Giveaway: Sweet Siblings

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:29:00 +0000

When I first suspected I might be expecting my second child, it was about this time of year, which also happens to be near my husband's birthday. I secretly purchased a pregnancy test and snuck it into the house. I carefully hid it so he would not discover it before it was time. I waited a few days to take the pregnancy test. As many of you know, waiting any amount of time to take a pregnancy test can be excruciating and seem ten times longer than it truly is. Those few days passed so slowly! The morning of his birthday, I waited impatiently until he left for work and then took the test... only for it to immediately turn positive. I carefully gift wrapped the test and presented it to him that evening.

Our oldest child was about ten months old at the time. What we did not discover for another three months was that our expected second child was actually our second and third children. No wonder that test turned positive so quickly! Our lives soon became a whirlwind of preparations. One of the most important was preparing our oldest son for the arrival of not one, but two new baby brothers. Considering Junior's age, one of the best tips we received was to give him a baby doll. With twins, of course, we had to give him a matching pair of dolls.

In the weeks prior to their arrival, I would take a few minutes each day to sit and hold his babies, pretend to nurse them, change their diapers and ask for his assistance when appropriate. While nothing completely prepares a little one for a new arrival, this seemed to help communicate to him what might be coming next. Once they arrived, Junior would grab his babies and copy my actions. One of our favorite moments is when he tried to nurse his babies as well. Of course, we immediately grabbed the camera to capture that moment for posterity and future good natured ribbing. Junior will be pleased to know, I can't find that ancient file on my computer today, so I can't share it with you. But I have a few other things to share with some lucky blog commenters today.

Today's Cotton Babies prize pack will include a Resa Design t-shirt for your older child and a bumGenius newborn cloth diaper for you newest addition. To enter today's contest for your chance to win, tell us how you announced your pregnancy or how you are preparing the older siblings for the new arrival. You can gain additional bonus entries too. See the widget below for details. Share your tips and be sure to read other comments to get a few ideas on how to prepare your little one for their new sibling!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eligible entries must be posted no later than midnight Eastern time, Thursday, January 19, 2011. U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn at random on Friday, January 20, 2011 and notified via e-mail.

Real Mom Talk: Don't be discouraged, keep going!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:01:00 +0000

In yesterday's blog post, we asked what your plans are for 2012. It is inspiring to see the range of goals you each have set for yourself. Whether it is writing a book, going back to school, enjoying the every day moments of life, finding creative ways to make your budget stretch further or making changes to diet and exercise for your whole family, each goal will take hard work to see through to completion.

This morning I woke knowing I had been tasked with writing a rah-rah, 'don't give up', 'you can do it' style blog post. If you are anywhere near St. Louis, you can imagine how difficult that is. Today is rainy, dreary and cold. All I want to do is crawl back into bed underneath my cozy electric blanket.

You see, yesterday, I resumed my healthy eating and exercise regiment that I began in February 2010. After a holiday hiatus, I felt weak, lethargic and even a bit depressed. I knew I had to get back to the routine that improved my health, strength and contributed to my 30 pound weight loss. I had determined that yesterday would be day one.

Wouldn't you know, yesterday was one of those days where everything went wrong? I ran behind my intended schedule most of the day. I realized halfway through checking out at the grocery store (while buying those healthy foods) that I'd left my debit card in my other coat pocket at home. How embarrassing! I spent more than my allotted time for work, which bled into my exercise time. I wanted to give up, start again another day. I chose not to. I pressed on. I squeezed my workout in, even though I hate working out late in the day. I cooked a healthy dinner for my family, all the while wishing I could have Chinese delivered. After my children were in bed, the remnants of the holiday sweets were screaming my name so loudly from the kitchen, I went to bed early to avoid failure. I fell asleep sore and defeated, even though I'd technically checked everything off my list.

This morning I awoke with muscle aches, took one look outside and wanted to cry. This is only a five day intense jump start to help me get back into my old habits, but Saturday seems impossibly far away. Feeling sorry for myself, I went to Facebook to commiserate. You and I both know you can always find someone to "like" a complaining status about a rainy day.

What I found in my news feed were friends conspiring against my bad attitude. One status said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." I thought to myself, "Well, yesterday was one step, right? I'll step again tomorrow." Another wrote, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." I thought, "But I want to give up!" A third, a mom to three, was sharing about how she was excited and scared for her first day of class as she begins a path to a new career. "Well if she can do that, eating a few more vegetables is nothing." Facebook friends, how you failed me today. I wanted a pity party and all you gave me was encouragement to be better. All of this occurred before 8 a.m. on the day I was supposed to write inspiring words to you on this blog!

What I've learned in the past year on my journey to better health is that mistakes will happen. Birthday cakes, travel routines, even just a bad day can throw you off course. This is true for any goal, whether it's physical, financial or something else entirely. The difference between those who succeed in achieving their goals and those who don't is how they deal with the mistakes and setbacks. To succeed you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and step back on the path. One foot in front of the other, one step at a time. You will have days when you want to give up. You may actually give up. Choose to let that be a temporary setback rather than a permanent one.

As parents, we don't want our children to give up their goals easily. We want them to achieve all the amazing things they dream of doing. My children are frequently the driving force to get me back on track with any of my goals. Sometimes, being a role model for my children is the last inspiration I have. I cling to this like a life preserver. I want to model these traits to them, so they will be successful in life. If I don't model the importance of persistence to them, who will?

Today is January 11, how are you doing on your goals for 2012? How do you find inspiration to continue, despite the speed bumps? Share your story with us. Let's encourage one another to achieve all those goals we wrote about yesterday!

Tuesday Giveaway: Genius comes in all sizes!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:01:00 +0000

At Cotton Babies, we believe genius comes in all sizes, from babies to adults. We wanted to make sure parents had a way to express their genius while their little ones sported our new Genius series prints, Albert and Lovelace. We created this t-shirt as a simple reminder of what true genius is.

Three lucky blog commenters today will each receive a Cotton Babies prize pack that will include an "I'm a Genius" t-shirt for you and a bumGenius 4.0 cloth diaper for your little one.

All you have to do is check out the entry form below and tell us how you plan on being a genius in 2012. A new year provides an opportunity to reflect on the past and inspires us to make the most of the days ahead. Maybe you've made a resolution, a goal or you're expecting an exciting addition to your family this year. We want to know what genius things you are looking forward to this year. Be sure to check out the bonus entries you can earn by using your favorite social media sites as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eligible entries must be posted no later than midnight Eastern time, Wednesday, January 11, 2011. U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn at random on Thursday, January 12, 2011 and notified via e-mail.

Cloth 101: How to dry your cloth diapers

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:12:00 +0000

It has been almost a year since we've shared information about how to dry your cloth diapers. In that time, we've retired some products and created some new ones. Today, we are updating this information in case you are new to cloth diapering or just needed a reminder.

We get a lot of questions about how to dry diapers. Many of you want to know more specifics about how to safely dry your diapers, especially during the cold, damp winter months. Our basic instructions are "Line-dry covers and diaper shells. Tumble dry inserts, fitteds and prefolds."

Making sure to dry your diapers completely is the key to avoiding mold and other issues. However, too much time in a dryer or too high of a temperature setting can degrade the elastic, PUL and hook and loop on your cloth diapers. It's a fine line that can sometimes seem tricky. To make it easier for you, we're breaking down the tips according to type of diaper.

bumGenius Freetime all-in-one cloth diapers:

The bumGenius Freetime was specifically designed for faster drying times. We recommend only line drying these diapers. Most of our customers are reporting the bumGenius Freetime dries in a matter of hours. You can even hang them indoors over a shower curtain rod or a clothes hanger, no need to hang diapers outside during the cold winter months.

Pocket style cloth diapers, like bumGenius 4.0:
Since pocket style diapers have a PUL outer and a thin layer of stay dry material, like suede cloth, we recommend line drying the covers, especially if they have hook and loop closures.
Inserts can be tumbled dry on a medium setting.

AIO style diapers with hook and loop closure, like bumGenius Newborns or 3.0 AIOs:
It's very difficult to get this style of AIO diaper dry without a tumble cycle. At the same time, you don't want to over dry the diapers and risk losing elasticity, delaminatating PUL or ruining hook and loop. For best results, we recommend turning the diaper inside out before placing it in the dryer, to help the absorbent inner layers to dry. Because of the hook and loop closure, you do not want to use a high temperature to dry these diapers. We recommend drying them on a low setting for as long as necessary to avoid issues with the hook and loop. You can also add wool dryer balls to help wick away the moisture and lessen the dry time for this style of diaper.

AIO style diapers with snap closures, like bumGenius Elemental:
Very similar to the bumGenius Newborns, but because these diapers have snaps, you can tumble them on medium setting. Again, adding wool dryer balls may help to lessen your dry time.

Two-piece systems like Flip or Econobum:

Much like the pocket diapers mentioned above, we recommend line drying the covers. Inserts may be tumbled dry on a low or medium heat setting.

If you ever have questions about our laundry recommendations or need assistance with personalized troubleshooting for your laundry routine, please contact us. Our experienced team is available by phone at 1-888-332-2243 or via live chat Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. We are here to help you have a successful cloth diapering experience.

Thanks from Burkina Faso

noreply@blogger.com (Libby Fasnacht) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:07:00 +0000

As many of you know Cotton Babies works hard to give to those less fortunate. Jenn and Jimmy Labit started Cotton Babies out of a need to provide income for their family. They had to cloth diaper because there was no room for disposables in the budget. Because of those unique roots Cotton Babies has been working to give to projects that our near and dear to our hearts. From time to time you may have heard us talk about the Sheltering Wings Orphanage in Burkina Faso, Africa. Cotton Babies regularly supports this organization with cloth diapers and funding for formula. We recently received the note below and a few pictures from the orphanage and wanted to share them with you because without your support as customers we would not be able to help these children. Thank you helping us to share some love around the world into remote places as far as Burkina Faso, Africa.

Hello Cotton Babies!

Wanted to send you a little note to say thank you so much for all the love and support and contributions that you send to Sheltering Wings.

May the Lord richly bless you for your generosity and for all that you have sown into our children here. Our babies' bottoms are clean and dry because of you. Our babies' tummies are full and their bodies are fat. . . . because of you. We are protected and covered by your prayers. We are encouraged by your love.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
From afar. . . . but, close-by in spirit,
Ruth

Cloth 201: Benefits of a Stay Dry Layer

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:43:00 +0000

Most of us started our cloth diapering journey with one basic style of diaper, whether it was a pocket, prefold with cover, or an all-in-one style. As you gain confidence and learn more about the variety of fabrics and styles, you may begin to branch out and try new things.

One of our favorite problem solving solutions at Cotton Babies is stay dry fabric. What is stay dry fabric? If you have a bumGenius 4.0, you have a type of stay dry fabric! The top inside layer of the pocket, the one that touches your baby's skin, is suede cloth, one type of stay dry fabric. You'll find this same fabric on the top layer of a bumGenius Freetime and a Flip Stay Dry Insert.

What makes stay dry so great? Stay dry fabrics wick the moisture away from your little one's bottom, keeping their skin drier. This can help to prevent skin irritation and rash. This is especially helpful for overnight cloth diapering, when your little one may be wearing the diaper for longer periods of time.

Some people prefer to use cloth diapers and inserts made from natural fibers. Don't worry! You can add a stay dry layer to get the benefits of each type of fabric. Two of our favorite ways to add a stay dry layer are the Cotton Babies One-Size Insert Sock and a Stay Dry Liner.

The One-Size Insert Sock can convert a flat or prefold into an easy to use insert with a stay dry layer that can then be used in just about any type of diaper cover.

The Stay Dry Liner is great to layer on top of a cotton prefold, flat or an organic cotton all-in-one like bumGenius Elemental. We highly recommend these for overnight cloth diapering when you are using natural fibers.

Have you tried adding a stay dry layer to your favorite style of cloth diaper? What are your favorite styles of stay dry cloth diapers? Share with us!

Real Mom Talk: Recovering from the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:09:00 +0000

I'm feeling a bit of post-holiday hangover. Not the type of hangover you may have experienced in college, but rather the kind of hangover that happens when you look around and find yourself asking "Now what?"

The holidays can be filled with parties, gatherings, travel, fun, gifts and indulgent foods. But in the days that follow, families often begin to feel the effects that all those changes from the norm bring: bedtimes and nap times get pushed around; well meaning family members feed all types of decadent, sweet treats to your little ones; excitement builds and then crashes. When all the fun ends, mom and dad are left to clean up the messes, both literal and emotional.

This first week of January is always a tough one at our house. We try to find our way back to the normal routines and schedules. My kids often ask multiple times a day, "where's dad?" only to be reminded the adult world has a much shorter break than most schools. We spend this week trying to slowly work our way back to normal meal, bed and wake times. It's my hope that when school and work resume, it's not as harsh on the littlest members of our clan.

Each day we try to add one more piece of our routine back into the mix, while still trying to incorporate fun into our final days of vacation. For instance, if everyone gets dressed by our normal routine time, the reward is a trip to the local children's museum that day. This helps our family get out of our pajamas and back into normal life while still enjoying our days off.

How does your family deal with the transition from the holiday season back to a normal schedule? Do you have any tips that you've learned along the way to make it easier? Share with us!

Tuesday Giveaway: Going, going... gone!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Sometimes good things in life must come to an end. At Cotton Babies, we have a few colors and prints that are now discontinued. This means that we will not manufacture these products any more. Once the current stock is depleted, they are gone forever.

We are saying goodbye to the colors Bubble, Sweet and the bumGenius Artist Series Tiny Socialite Collection. But don't despair, you can get a great deal on these discontinued styles with our Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale going on now.

Or maybe you have a friend who has resolved to give cloth diapers a try in 2012. We have a great prize package for you today! Follow the instructions below for your chance to win a 3 pack of bumGenius 4.0 cloth diapers in the discontinued colors for yourself and a 3 pack for the friend of your choice. All you have to do is tell us below who you would share your prize with, if you win. We even have some opportunities for you to earn bonus entries by telling others about your love of cloth diapers through your favorite social media sites.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday Giveaway: All I Want for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:18:00 +0000

Recently, Jennifer Labit, owner of Cotton Babies and creator of bumGenius, Flip and Econobum, shared her Christmas wish list on her blog:

Christmas is a fun season of the year, but I’m not a big “stuff” person. My idea of Christmas fun would actually be a large dumpster out in front of my house so I can “de-stuff”. I always get people asking about what I want for Christmas though, so this year, I’m taking the proverbial “bull by the horns” and just putting it out there for everyone to read. For Christmas, all I want is your help in raising awareness about cloth diapers.

Sometime between December 26th and January 9th, write a fresh blog post (or public post through some form of social media) about cloth diapers. The theme should be “Cloth Diapers are Easy and Inexpensive”. Include photos, charts, goals, etc. Your post must be at least five paragraphs long, well-written and original content not previously published. Your goal is to show the world how easy it is to cloth diaper a baby.

Click here to read the full blog post, including full details on how to enter and be eligible to win 12 bumGenius one-size cloth diapers for your family and 12 bumGenius cloth diapers for one of your blog commenters. Hurry over to get the details and get started on your own blog post, this opportunity ends January 9, 2012.

Not a blogger? We haven't forgotten you. Be sure to check the right side of Jenn's blog for more details on how to be entered in a drawing each week for a free cloth diaper. Be sure to keep your eyes on this blog as well, we have many great giveaways planned for 2012.

Holiday schedule for Cotton Babies warehouse and stores

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:17:00 +0000

We just wanted to make you aware of our special holiday hours for all our retail stores:

Friday, December 23rd 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 24th, Christmas Eve 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Monday, December 26th 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Wednesday, December 28th 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (St. Louis stores only, Vancouver store open until 8 p.m.)
Thursday and Friday, December 29th and 30th 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 31st 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Monday, January 2nd CLOSED

The Cotton Babies warehouse, including shipping, wholesale and customer service departments will be closed Friday, December 23 through Monday, December 26 in observance of Christmas. The offices will reopen at 9 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2011.

The offices will also be closed Friday, December 30 through Monday, January 2, 2012 in honor of the New Year and for inventory. Offices will reopen Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 9 a.m.

Five minutes with author Anni Shelton

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:38:00 +0000

Many of you have already taken advantage of our free book with purchase offer on www.cottonbabies.com We wanted to take a few minutes to share a little more about the book "You Can Be You and I Can Be Me - Our Differences Are Not A Mistake" with a brief question and answer session with author, Anni Shelton.

Cotton Babies: What inspired you to write "You Can Be You and I Can Be Me - Our Differences Are Not a Mistake"?

Anni Shelton: Two struggles actually. One was chronic, the other acute. This book addressed them both. The chronic struggle was my own. I needed to liberate myself by incorporating this message into my own life. The acute struggle was that my daughter and my granddaughter, being seven months apart, spent all of their time together and the younger one wanted to "copy" absolutely EVERYTHING the older one did, ate, wore etc. It made us all a little nuts! (laughing)

Cotton Babies: What made you choose to self-publish the book instead of going the traditional route? Would you do it again?

Anni Shelton: I self-published because I had a fabulous illustrator, Kelli Green, working with me. She caught my vision for the illustrations 200%. I would probably go with a traditional publishing company for future projects though because they are able to reach far more children than I am on my own.

Cotton Babies: Do you have any other projects in the works?

Anni Shelton: Actually...I just finished the copy for the next project two weeks ago.

Cotton Babies: What is the most exciting part of how your book is taking off?

Anni Shelton: That's easy. I have a vision that is greater than I. It's "Validating EVERY child, everywhere..." I'm an absolute kid freak! If I could personally talk to every child in the world, look into their beautiful eyes and speak words of value and worth into them until they believed me, I would. I can't even come close, but my hope is that the books I write would come close. They are like a great big hug from me, in writing.

Cotton Babies: How did the folks at Cotton Babies originally find out about your book?

Anni Shelton: The owners Jenn and Jimmy Labit purchased a copy for their children, and things progressed from there. I love the way Cotton Babies honestly cares about every detail that affects their customers. That's how I am...I really, really care about these kids!

It's not too late to get your FREE copy of Anni Shelton's book with any $50 Cotton Babies purchase. Just add this product to your cart and use code FREEBOOK at checkout. Offer valid while supplies last.

Cloth 201: Learn more about new Flip Trainers!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:37:00 +0000

Flip Potty Trainers are a unique pull-up, pull-down, snap-off, one-size potty training system made with replaceable one-size pads. The outer shell is made of PUL and has detachable tabs made of the same stretchy material we use for the tabs on all Flip and bumGenius products. The tabs attach with snaps. The replaceable one-size soakers are made of six layers of organic cotton jersey (the same fabric used to make Flip organic cotton inserts). The soakers attach to the shell using ultra-soft loop fabric.

Design by experienced potty training parents means usable, cost-effective products for you!

Flip Features:

A waterproof shell, so no extra cover is needed.
Wipe the inside of the cover out and use it over and over again!
Form fitting elastic to prevent leaks.
Stay put, feel wet pad for easier learning.
Disposable inserts are also available for use while traveling.
Patent pending 3x3 adjustable snap system to fit most 18months-4T (approximately20-50lbs)
Colorful interchangeable tabs allow for almost 200 potential looks.

Absorbency
The replaceable, removable Flip inner pad made with ultra-absorbent organic cotton allows wet accidents to be changed without a whole new trainer, this feature is unique to Flip Trainers and translates into significant savings.

Overnight
We recommend using a Flip disposable insert with the Flip organic cotton potty training pad for overnight. Disposable inserts sold separately.

See more about how the Flip Trainers work in this video:

Cotton Babies Holiday Shipping Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:34:00 +0000

Make sure your gifts arrive before Christmas!

ECONOMY shipping is ALWAYS FREE at cottonbabies.com. We wanted to make sure we passed on the holiday shipping schedule so you have enough time to take advantage of great deals like our GOODGIFT coupon for 20% off all toys or maybe a FREE GIFT for under your tree before time runs out.

FREE Economy Shipping - place your order by Wednesday, December 14th.
Expedited* shipping - place your order by Friday, December 16th.
Express* shipping - place your order by Wednesday, December 21st.
Overnight* shipping - place your order by Thursday, December 22nd.

*Prices vary for expedited, express, and overnight shipping.

For more details on our shipping policies and options, please visit our shipping page.

Tuesday Giveaway: bumGenius Freetime!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:54:00 +0000

We're pleased to announce that the new bumGenius Freetime all-in-one style cloth diaper has arrived at the Cotton Babies warehouse! Preorders are beginning to ship as they arrive to us. The Cotton Babies staff are beginning to look like children waiting for Santa each time a new truck arrives. We just can't wait to open the boxes to see what new products have arrived!

Today, we want to share that excitement with you by giving you the chance to win a bumGenius Freetime cloth diaper! We know how busy life becomes once you are a parent, so we designed Freetime to save you a few extra moments with the simple, all-in-one, no stuffing required design. Learn more about the Freetime in our video here.

To enter today's blog giveaway for your chance to win one of the new bumGenius Freetime cloth diapers, share your favorite time saving tip! It can be about cloth diapering, laundry, organization or anything in between. We all could use a little more free time, so share your tip and maybe pick up a new one from someone else by reading the comments below.

Five winners will be selected at random from all eligible comments to receive a bumGenius Freetime cloth diaper in the color and closure of their choice from Cotton Babies.

Eligible entries must be posted no later than midnight Central time, Wednesday, December 14, 2011. U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn at random on Thursday, December 15, 2011 and notified via e-mail. (Please make sure Cotton Babies staff can see your e-mail in your comment or through your Blogger profile page.) Please note, prize may not arrive before the holidays.

Support Diaper Action Week

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:10:00 +0000

This week, November 14-18, is Diaper Action Week. Our friends at Help A Mother Out are coordinating this grassroots effort to raise awareness and gather petition signatures in support of the "DIAPER" Act. As part of a broader coalition, HAMO is supporting this legislative effort spearheaded and sponsored by Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut. The DIAPER act will amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. With no new appropriations required, the DIAPER Act is simply a change in the wording of the Grant Act that will allow subsidized childcare facilities to use some of their funds for diapering supplies (disposable or cloth), should they choose to serve their clients that way.

Recently, Jenn Labit shared why she feels The DIAPER Act (HR 3134) is so important for families in need:

The DIAPER Act (HR 3134) would provide diapers to families using subsidized childcare, enabling both parents to work and bring home income that would improve their family’s standard of living. Food is expensive. Diapers are expensive. Childcare providers require that you provide diapers for your baby. It’s difficult to work, even when childcare is free, if you can’t afford to buy diapers for your baby to use during the day.

... We have been writing for several years now about how low income families simply don’t have reasonable access to diapers. We know how badly the babies in these communities need diapers. As a single company though, Cotton Babies can’t possibly “fix” all of the needs the babies have in those areas. Laws governing WIC don’t allow the support of anything but nutrition services. Food stamps work in grocery stores and don’t work on diapers.

We support the DIAPER Act because it includes financing for the purchase of and laundering of cloth diapers. It also helps with the purchase of disposable diapers, enabling families without washing facilities to have access to clean, safe diapers for their baby.

Learn more about the DIAPER Act on the Help A Mother Out website. On this page you can show your support for the DIAPER Act by signing the online petition.

After you sign the petition, share the links with your friends via e-mail or social media. If you tweet, please use the #DiaperAct hashtag to call attention to this social campaign.

You can also read more of Jenn's thoughts on the DIAPER Act in the full post on www.jennlabit.com

Have Baby? Will Travel!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:41:00 +0000

With the holidays right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about how to keep your baby clean, happy and cozy while away from home. Whether you are going over the river and through the woods or just enjoying an evening party away from home, Cotton Babies has just what you need.

Make sure your cloth diapers are at their best wherever you are with bumGenius Detergent Sample packs. Pre-measured for convenience, these packets fit into a diaper bag so you are always prepared. Don't forget to have a wet bag or two in the right size for your time away from home. Want to diaper while away from home without thinking about the laundry? Consider Flip Disposable Inserts. If you've never tried the Flip Diapering System, the Travel Pack is a great way to start with 2 covers and a pack of 18 disposable inserts.

Your little one will always have a safe little nook for naps with a Pea Pod. Add a Lamby Lambskin Cuddle Rug to make it cozy and help your little one sleep in any environment.

Going on a road trip or traveling by plane? Keep your little one occupied in their seat with a new toy or two. Sophie the Giraffe is a classic, loved by little ones of any age. Haba Clutching Toys are colorful, wooden toys to keep your little one busy. Enhance your story and capture your toddler's imagination with Käthe Kruse finger puppets. Don't forget to add some Dapple Toy Wipes for a quick clean up when your darling throws the toy on the restaurant floor.

Save some stress and luggage space with Cotton Babies free shipping. Ship items you need ahead to your family! For more great products to make your home away from home comfortable, check out our Traveling Baby category.

What is your favorite, must-have item for traveling with a baby or toddler? Share your tips and tricks with us!

This Just In: New Safe Starter and Safe Sippy2

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:05:00 +0000

New at Cotton Babies! The Kidbasix Safe line of cups designed specifically for the kids in your life. All Kidsbasix products are BPA and phthalate free, made of 304 food-grade stainless steel and dishwasher safe.

Start your baby off with the Safe Starter. It’s been called “the world’s coolest baby bottle.” The Safe Starter is the ultimate alternative to plastic and glass bottles. It features a silicone skin to protect bottle and provide insulation. The travel cap prevents spills and doubles as a measuring cup to help determine feeding amounts. The Safe Starter is available in both 5 and 9 ounce sizes.

When you are ready for the next step, the Safe Sippy2 cup is the first sippy cup to combine all of the features parents want most: a no-spill spout, removable handles, an insulating easy-grip outer sleeve and a straw adaptor that converts your sippy cup to a straw bottle in seconds. The Safe Sippy2 also features a travel cap for keeping the spout clean and a travel plug to prevent leaks when the cup is carried in a purse or diaper bag. The Safe Sippy2 comes in an 11 oz size.

For older children and adults, try the Safe Sporter 12 oz. bottle. In a world awash in plastic bottles, the Safe Sporter is a leap forward with a well thought out sustainable and utilitarian design. It features a single-wall design to make it light weight, maximize capacity and lower carbon footprint. It has an easy pull sports spout, wide mouth for easy cleaning and a hinged mud cap, to keep the spout clean.

Check out the entire range on our KidBasix page. Our What's New section is quickly filling with these and other great new products we discovered at the ABC Kids Expo. New items are arriving each week, so check back often.

Cloth 101: Do not use a sanitize cycle on bumGenius

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:56:00 +0000

We do not recommend using a sanitize setting for your bumGenius, Flip and Econobum brand cloth diapers.

Although your washing machine manufacturer may suggest the sanitize cycle for cloth diapers, they make this recommendation based on an older style of cloth diaper, such as a prefold, rather than modern cloth diapers.

Sanitize cycles on newer washing machines super heat the water within the machine, raising it above our suggested washing temperature. These high temperatures can cause your bumGenius, Flip and many other modern cloth diapers to lose elasticity or cause elements of the diaper to break down. Even with a cotton prefold like a Flip Organic or Econobum prefold, repeated high temperatures can cause shrinkage; leaving your cloth diapers smaller than intended. This can lead to fit issues.

We suggest washing your bumGenius, Flip and Econobum diapers on a regular cycle setting for best results. If you have other brands of modern cloth diapers, we suggest you check with the manufacturer for their best laundry practices.

If you ever have any questions about your laundry routine, contact us by phone at 1-888-332-2243, by e-mail at contactus@cottonbabies.com or via live chat at www.cottonbabies.com We're always glad to assist you.