Monthly Archives: Jul 2011

Eco-Friendly/Green Natural Personal Care Products Review

Buzz Away Extreme Natural Insect Repellent Review (and my Mommy Fail)

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I have been meaning to buy some natural insect repellent for the kids for like, forever. But I didn’t. I’m not completely sure why. Mostly because it’s expensive, and I was afraid to pay $10+ for something that wouldn’t work. So what finally pushed me over the edge? Feeling like a total loser of a Mommy when my son was eaten to bits. He’s apparently extra tasty (or it might just be that he’s a messy eater and usually covered in food of some sort!)

On Wednesday the 29th, we were outside playing before bedtime. As we were coming inside, we noticed an enormous lump on my son’s temple area, along with a tiny bug bite on the corner of his eye. I was about 2 feet from him when he was bitten because I told him not to rub his eyes when he had sand on his hands! 🙁 I didn’t take a picture because I didn’t think much of it, but this is what he looked like Thursday morning (you can see a little remaining redness on his temple and the other bite near his eye):

1 6-30 930a2 630

It got worse as the day went on, and this is what he looked like by the evening (to add fail to fail, he got another bug bite above his eyebrow in the morning, just before we went to buy the bug spray!):

3 630 730p4 630 730p

I actually had two people at swim lessons ask me what happened because he was so swollen! I’m not one to rush off to the doctor, but I did call Thursday afternoon. The nurse told me to expect more swelling, to call if it wasn’t better by Friday, or got better then worse. She also said that I could give him some Benadryl to help with the itching. We had some dye free generic Benadryl from when my daughter had an allergic reaction, so she gave me the dosage and I planned to give it to him before bed in case it made him tired. (It ended up making him crabby, but didn’t make him sleepy, LOL.)

Here was my poor boy before bed:

5 630 9p

Well the nurse wasn’t kidding when she said expect it to be worse in the morning! Look at him on Friday morning. 🙁

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Thankfully by Friday evening he was just about back to normal:

7 71 8p

I chose Buzz Away Extreme because (drumroll please) it was the only bug spray at the organic store! LOL

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It really does have natural ingredients. Active ingredients of the Buzz Away Extreme DEET Free Insect repellent are: Castor Oil (8%), Geranium Oil (6%), Soybean Oil (3%), Cedarwood Oil (1.5%), Citronella Oil (1%), Peppermint Oil (0.5%) and Lemongrass Oil (.25%). Inert ingredients (79.75% total) are Purified Water, Palm Oil, Glycerin, Lecithin, Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda), Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (a preservative that is naturally occurring in some foods and chemically produced and added to foods & cosmetics) and wintergreen oil.

It smells like a citronella candle. Not my favorite, but tolerable (except when you apply it, then drive in a car with closed windows, pee-yew!) A little goes a long way (it was $9.99 for a 4 ounce bottle) and it does seem to work. It even kept gnats away. My son has gotten one more bug bite since we bought it, and that’s because I didn’t put it on him (le sigh, when will I stop with the mommy fails?)

If I come across another natural bug spray, I will definitely try it, but for now, this is just fine!

Have you found a great natural bug spray, or do you have a home remedy that works to keep them away?

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Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Smartipants Little Smarti Newborn Cloth Diaper Winner

Smartipants Newborn Cloth Diaper Winner

201 people entered this giveaway, with 351 entries in all. The winning entry is #207, which is Carrie (just Carrie, no initial!)

Congratulations Carrie, I’m sending you an email so you can claim your prize!


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Cloth Diapers Giveaway Made in Canada Review Swim Diapers Velcro/Aplix Closure

Bummis Swimmi Review Update & Giveaway (CLOSED 7/19) U.S./CAN

Bummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 1

It’s been over a year since I posted my Bummis Swimmi review! I actually bought it the winter before when I thought we were going to do YMCA swim lessons, but we ended up not. I bought the turtle print then since it’s hard to come by a swim diaper in the winter, but I really loved the clownfish print. We call this “the fishy diaper” in our house, but there’s actually another print called fishy!

I hadn’t actually tried the medium diaper from last year on my son, but I assumed he’d need a new one since he’s over 23 pounds now and the medium is supposed to fit 15-22 pounds. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have a spare anyway!

Bummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 2 inner

Like most swim diapers, the swimmi isn’t absorbent, it’s just intended to catch, ahem, messes before they make it into the pool. Unlike an unstuffed pocket, the swimmi will allow the water to flow through, so your child won’t be waterlogged with a gallon of water in their diaper! The mesh inner is quite soft, and the Velcro closures are really easy to use. There are no laundry tabs, but I just close the diaper up to wash it and it works just fine.

Bummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 3 med vs lgBummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 8 med vs large front

No surprise, the large is a bit bigger than the medium! The small is estimated to fit 9-15 lbs, medium 15-22 lbs, large 22-30 lbs and x-large 30+.

Here is the medium (turtle print) and large (clownfish print) measured folded and stretched:

Bummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 4 med foldedBummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 5 med stretched

Bummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 6 large foldedBummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 7 large stretched

Here’s my son at around 23 1/2-ish pounds and 25 months old in the medium. This is what it looks like at more than a year old, just some pilling. Sorry, my guy is not exactly a willing model anymore so the photos are pretty so-so!

Bummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 9 med on 23 lb 2 yr oldBummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 10 med on toddler
Bummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 11 med swimmi after a yr useBummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 12 med back

It still fits him really well, and he’ll get a lot of use out of it! Of course, if your child is close to the top of the weight range (or over, like mine is!) it makes sense to buy the next size up to get more use out of it. Even with a little extra “junk” (fabric) “in the trunk” it’s quite trim under a bathing suit.

Here is is (same day) in the large:

Bummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 13 largeBummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 14 large side
Bummis Swimmi Swim Diaper 15 large back

Using a Velcro closure swim diaper with no swimsuit (on a baby who has discovered the joys of riiipppping Velcro) might lead to some streaking, but it’s really easy to use and works great under a swimsuit, or on a smaller baby alone.

Giveaway: I am offering one Bummis Swimmi to a reader in his/her choice of size and print (subject to availability, I reserve the right to make substitutions.) ARV $14.50.

Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below. I love comments (great way to remind yourself you entered) but comments do not count as entries. One entry per person please (not per day.) If other members of your household enter, I ask that they enter for themselves and that you do not enter on anyone else’s behalf.

Mandatory entries include your name and email address.

You may receive a bonus entry if you “like” The Change-Diapers Fan Page.

I will accept entries until Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 at 9:00 P.M. Eastern. I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is chosen. View my giveaway rules page for complete details. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.

# of entries received as of giveaway close: 229

FTC compliance: I paid normal retail prices for the above items. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or approved by any cloth diaper company or retailer.

Disclosure: This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, nor associated with Facebook. By entering, you release Facebook from any responsibility and understand that the information entered on this form will not be disclosed to Facebook.


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Cloth Diapering Cloth Diapers Diaper Covers Fitted Diapers Mailbox Mondays PUL Wool

Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays 7/11/11 – Black Spots on Diapers & Cover for Fitteds

black spots on #clothdiapers via @chgdiapers

Do you have cloth diaper issues? On Mondays, I answer reader submitted questions, and ask my readers to weigh in as well.

Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.

Sarah says:

I am puzzled at what this is and why I started getting them. Little black dots in some of the diapers. Not like a stain, but just little black dots. What is this and how can I get rid of it?! It just started in the past month or so. My diapers are in such good condition besides this. I would send a picture but I am not sure how using this form. Thanks!

Sarah

Hi Sarah. It’s hard to say without seeing them, but the first thing that comes to mind is mildew.

Is it all of your diapers or just some? Is it on the inserts and diapers, or just the inserts? How often are you washing? What is your wash routine? How are you drying the diapers?

I’d suggest washing no more than every 2-3 days, consider keeping your pail or wet bag open, use hot water to wash (I’m sure you already do!) and make sure the diapers get dry fairly quickly. Hang (or lay) them in the sun if you can. If you have a bathroom that won’t get steamy while you’re drying the diapers, consider hanging them in there so you can turn the exhaust fan on to remove humidity from the air.

Has anyone else experienced back dots on their diapers? What was it? How did you get rid of it?

Laurie says:

Maria,

I have recently started using fitteds with covers as the overnight diapering solution for my one year old daughter. I bought two Mother-Ease one size fitteds with an air-flow cover and they work great. I also bought a Kissaluvs size 2 fitted which I love. However, I didn’t buy a Marvels diaper cover–I assumed the Mother-Ease cover would work over the Kissaluv fitted. It really doesn’t. Neither does an unstuffed Bum Genius or Econobum cover. The Kissaluv fitted is awesome for absorbancy and softness, so I don’t want to give up on it. Any thoughts on what cover (or unstuffed pocket) has the widest dimensions to cover any potential fitteds I might use?

It seems like the trend in cloth diaper covers is to make them trim, for use as an all-in-two system with inserts or trifolded prefolds (like the Econobum.) However, this means they don’t really work well over fluffier fitted diapers.

The most generously sized PUL cover I’ve used is definitely the Smartipants Smart-Fit Cover. I was able to fit it over my fluffiest fitted diaper with ease (see the last three pictures in that review!) The Thirsties Duo Wraps and Thirsties Covers as well as the Bummis Super Whisper Wrap seem to have a more generous cut to fit over fitted diapers.

For night time, I highly recommend a wool cover. They are breathable, have some stretch and give to them, and fit very well over fitted diapers!

I know there are fitted mamas out there, what is your favorite cover to use over a fitted diaper?


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Friday Giveaway Linky Giveaways Linky

Cloth Diaper Giveaway Roundup – 7/8/11 (Plus Linky for All Giveaways)

Cloth Diaper Giveaway Roundup

Who doesn’t like to win cloth diapers? Every Friday, I list cloth diaper, accessory and baby wearing giveaways for you to find in one place!

If you’d like me to list your cloth diaper, accessory, baby wearing (etc.) giveaway next week, send a link and description to maria at change-diapers.com, or Fill out my contact form for readers.

Smartipants Newborn Cloth Diaper

The Cloth Diaper Whisperer

*Babykicks Diaper from Measuring Flower (ends 7/8)

*Bum Covered Diaper from Sweet T Makes Three (ends 7/8)

*Greenchild Creations Diaper from Sugar Pop Ribbons (ends 7/8)

Monkey Doodlez Swim Diapers from Kelly Wels (ends 7/8)

*Planet Wise Sport Bag from Closer to Lucy Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/9)

*Blueberry Diaper from Real Mom Reviews (ends 7/9) Open to the U.S. and Canada

*Zookies Diaper Cover from Smiley Boy Knows Best Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/10)

*$15 Abby’s Lane GC from Sophie and Momma (ends 7/10)

*Dinkledooz Diaper from Go Go Natural and My Life as Married Girl and Mommy (ends 7/10)

Green Bumkin Wet Bag from Times for Keeping (ends 7/10) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Applecheeks Diaper from Bum Covered Diapers and So Easy Being Green (ends 7/10) Open to the U.S. and Canada

*Thirsties Duo Wrap & Prefold from One Smiley Monkey Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 7/11) Open Worldwide

*Itti Bitti d’Lish Diaper from Sugar Pop Ribbons Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/11)

*Blueberry Diaper & Laundry Bag from Time Out for Mom (ends 7/11)

Planet Wise Pail Liner from I Love Cloth Diapers (ends 7/11) Open to the U.S. and Canada

*Best Bottom Diaper from Love You Always and Forever Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/12) open to the U.S. and Canada

*Itti Bitti Tutto from Marni’s Organized Mess Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/12)

Thirsties Duo Diaper from ELF Family Blog Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/12)

*Bummis Swimmi from Outnumbered 3 to 1 (ends 7/13)

Mother-Ease Diaper from Heart n Butterfly Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/13)

Lovely Pocket Diaper from The Nurse Mommy (ends 7/13) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Tiny Tush Diaper from Cloth Diaper Geek (ends 7/13)

Thirsties Duo Fab Fitteds (ends 7/13)

*Cutesy Tushies Cloth Diaper from Thrifty Nifty Mommy Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 7/14) Open to the U.S. and Canada

*Oh Katy Diapers from Happily Domestic (ends 7/14)

Knickernappies One Size Diaper from Squishy Tushy (ends 7/14) Open to the U.S. and Canada

GoGreen Pocket Diaper from Boulder Moms Connect Mandatory registration (ends 7/14) Open to the U.S. and Canada

*Oh Katy Diaper from Padded Tush Stats Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/15)

*$10 Ella Bella Bums GC from The Mommy Times Mandatory GFC Follow and Facebook “like” (ends 7/15)

*Babykicks 3G Pocket Diaper from Sweet T Makes 3 (ends 7/15)

*Ergo Baby Carrier from Uniquely Normal Mom (ends 7/15) Open to the U.S. and Canada

$15 Little Boppers GC from Padded Tush Stats (ends 7/15)

Monkey Doodlez Swim Diaper from West Coast Mama (ends 7/15) Open to Canadians Only

Knickernappies Diaper from Diaper Discussions (ends 7/15) Open worldwide

*Best Bottom Diaper from Mimi Loves All 8 Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/16)

$15 Thanks Mama GC from Mommy and Me Giveaways (ends 7/16) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Envibum Diaper from Tales From the Nursery (ends 7/16) Open to the U.S. and Canada

GoGreen Champ 2.0 from Sugar Pop Ribbons Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/17)

Mother-Ease Wizard from Tales from the Nursery (ends 7/18) Open to the U.S. and Canada

My Little Hipster Diaper from Crazy 4 Fluff (ends 7/18)

Blissful Booty Cloth Diaper & Wipes Solution Concentrate from Sugar Pop Ribbons Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/19)

Bummis Beautiful Basic Prefold & Cover Set from Mama on a Green Mission (ends 7/20) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Water Wrap Carrier from Crunchy Beach Mama (ends 7/20) Open worldwide

Comfybuns Cloth Wipes from Sophie and Mama (ends 7/21)

Oh Katy Diaper from Sugar Pop Ribbons Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 7/21)

Magic Bum Diaper Rash Treatment from Green Mama Jama Two Mandatory Facebook “likes” and comment (ends 7/22)

AppleCheeks Little Bundle from Padded Tush Stats Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/22)

Bumgenius 4.0s from Snappy Diapers (ends 7/23)

Charlie Banana Diaper from Marnie’s Organized Mess Mandatory GFC follow-winner has to contact blog owner, blog owner does not contact winner (ends 7/26)

Boba Baby Carrier from Simple City Life Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/27) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Best Bottom Diaper from Everything Mom & Baby Mandatory GFC follow (ends 7/28) Open to the U.S. and Canada

GoGreen Champ 2.0 from Obsessions of the Trophy Wife Mandatory GFC follow (ends 8/1)

Two Hip Peas in a Pod Pocket Diaper from Natural Parents Network (ends 8/4)

*Cloth Diaper Variety Pack from Kelly Wels Entry is on Facebook (ends 8/5 or when 20k entries are reached)

Linah Sora Diaper from The New Mommy Files Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 8/5)

Eca-Pants EC Trainer from The New Mommy Files (ends 8/9)

*giveaways that have been listed in a prior week’s roundup

You may enter any “family friendly” giveaway in the linky below. The form Blog name – Giveaway Item – Ending date works well. Please at least include the item and end date, and link directly to the giveaway.

View my where I list my giveaways post, to find more places to link up your giveaways!



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