Reusable Bag offers

Here in Seattle there are a couple deals going on for reusable bags.

www.chicobags.com 30% off total ChicoBag purchase when you use the code "SEATTLE" when checking out.

www.tuckerbags.com buy one get one free limit 2 free bags per order. And free shipping when you use the code "SEATTLE" when checking out.

Super cute hoodie contest

Check out these hoodies! Super cute and they have a contest going on right now you can enter for a free one hurry contest ends 6/19.

tout-est-des-roses: KayaNow: Review and Giveaway!

KayaNow
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5887725

Dispelling the cloth diaper rumors

As many of us know diapering babies is a lot of work! Who woulda thought little ones would make such big messes?? Let alone the amount of garbage just in 1 week diapering a baby in disposable diapers, wipes, garbage bags, etc. I want to let you all in on a little secret we've been doing for over 12 years, using cloth diaper!! Yes, you heard it correctly, we use and LOVE using cloth diapers. Not only are cloth diapers better for your baby, they're way cuter than disposables, but also better for the environment.

Did you know petroleum products are used to make disposable diapers? And that doesn't include the plastic packaging for the diapers, the plastic bags your purchases are put into, and the gas it takes to get to where ever you buy your diapers.

Some people claim that using cloth diapers uses up a bunch of water, did you know the making of disposable diapers uses quite a bit of water? Disposable diapers use water in order to make the paper pulp for the inner part of the diaper, much more than it takes to wash your diapers. Water is a renewable resource unlike petroleum and other non renewable resources used for making disposable diapers.

There are many different types of cloth diapers, you can go the less expensive route or buy the Cadillac of them all, this all depends on your budget and what you prefer.

This week I am going to focus on Prefold and Flat diapers. What are Prefold and Flat diapers?


Prefold and flat diapers are very similar to what was used back in the day (when I was a baby). These diapers need a diaper cover or wrap and can be used with or without pins, depending on the type of diaper and cover.

Prefold diapers and Flat diapers are the most economical choice of diapers. Diaper services mostly use prefold diapers, these are what are called Diaper Service Quality Prefolds or (DSQ). DSQ Prefolds need to be bought at a reputable cloth diapering store such as www.BabysBottomLine.com, prefold diapers bought a chain stores are not DSQ and therefore are not as absorbent and do not come in various sizes.

There are also Hemp prefolds which are great as well! And NO, this is not the kind of hemp you would smoke so your baby won't get high-LOL! Hemp is a high yield natural resource that is stronger, more absorbent, and has antifungal and antibacterial properties, it can also help block harmful UV rays. One thing to remember about hemp is it absorbs slower than cotton or microfibers, if you find your cloth diapers are leaking and you are only using hemp you might need to add a microfiber/cotton doubler to help quickly absorb the hemp will then wick the moisture from the cotton/microfiber. Hemp is also trimmer than cotton or microfiber, it's the perfect product for doubling up and at nighttime.

DSQ Prefold diapers will literally last FOREVER!!!!! Talk about getting your money's worth, you could diaper probably 12 kids in the infant and premium size, maybe 3 dozen in each size, and still be able to use the diapers as cleaning rags once your kids are potty trained. These really are the workhorse of diapers.

There are many ways to fold prefold and flat diapers, I have always done the tri-fold method for both my boy and girls and never had any issues. Fold the diaper into thirds lengthwise and then I fold down in front to fit in the cover. Some of the other ways to fold are the newspaper folds, twist folds, angel wing fold, and others. Some folds you need to use pins, some you can use snappi's, the trifold I use you don't need pins or snappi's as long as your cover fits closely without a lot of room.

There are lots of uses for prefold and flat diapers too, use them for burp cloths, I have some in my car for an instant changing pad, spit up cleaners, use them in the booster seat for a potty training toddler, use them for cleaning, dish towels, the list just keeps going and going and going.

As for covers I recommend hanging any kind of cover to dry, hanging will make the covers last longer. You don't necessarily need to wash your covers with each change, if they haven't been pooped on just let it air out and wash when it gets a little stinky. I use my covers in rotation, the one I just used gets aired out and then to the bottom of the pile. If you choose to use a wool cover please note that wool will need to be treated, or lanolized, for it to be waterproof, and then wool needs to be hand washed in either special wool wash or some people use baby shampoo, and hung to dry. Wool should be treated monthly to retain it's effectiveness.



Until next time, Happy Cloth diapering:-)

Mama's got a brand new bag

Hi! I'm Susie, SAHM to 5 wonderful kids ages 8 months - 12. We live in Seattle, WA and I thought I would share some tips with you about living a greener lifestyle. It's actually pretty easy to do, just start taking some baby steps so you and your children will grow up appreciating and helping out our planet.

I hope to make updates when I have time to post, as I have a lot of info to pass on. If you have any tips, please add them in the comment section. If you have any suggestions as well for products please let me know, I'm only one person and I'm sure there are a lot more out there that I don't know about.

For my first entry I'll make an easy one, use reusable bags for shopping, outings, etc. Not only will using a reusable bag cut down on our urban tumbleweeds, you may even get a few cents back on your next trip to the grocery store. What I've been doing with my bags is keep them in the car where I will see them when I go do my grocery shopping. Another plus is the reusable bags are much more comfortable to carry, usually they have 2 handles, one for your hands and one for your shoulders, and you can pack your items in there neater than a plastic bag that ends up rolling all over the trunk. Here are some that we use. If you're in the market for some bags with designs these are good too, and they've got some kid designs as well!

What should I do with my old plastic bags?? For starters I know preschools, churches, daycares, etc can use them for sending home kids wet clothing, I reuse them for packing my orders when locals pick up, I used a couple for my outside faucets this winter (I wrapped some towels around the faucet and then covered it up with the plastic bags). Bring them to your local farmers market, they can always use them for the produce you purchase. One use I do not recommend is using them to store used cloth diapers in, the plastic will sweat and you'll get some majorly stinky diapers, and no one wants that!

Don't forget Earth Day is coming up on April 22, please do your part in helping protect our mother earth.