Category : Made in the USA

Made in the USA Wipes Solution

Lil’ Outlaws Texas Ranger Rump Solution

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I love using my cloth wipes.  Right now I’m just using some burp cloths I cut and zigzagged, but I’d like to buy a nice, fluffy stack of cloth wipes soon!  I had been wanting to try Lil’ Outlaws Rump Solution for a while, and I finally bought some!
There are tons of fragrance options, though every scent isn’t always in stock, so check on the product’s fragrance drop down.  I chose Baby Bee, a guaranteed in stock fragrance described as “a fragrance cocktail of luscious fruits such as peaches, mandarin oranges, coconut pulp, bergamot, grapefruit, tropical guava, and tangy lemons.”
You can choose normal, light or extra light fragrance strength, heavy for .50 extra, or extra heavy for $1.00 extra.  I chose the extra light strength.
Even so, my package smelled great as I carried it from the mailbox.  It came really fast!
You get approximately 48 pieces for $10.50, and shipping is always free.  I got exactly 48.
Here are the instructions from the site:
Simply add one or more stars (to your preference) to one or more cups of water (depending on how strong you like your solution). Microwave approximately 15 seconds to soften, and stir to dissolve!

Then just apply to your wipes in your favorite manner – I dunk mine, wring them out, and place them in a wipes warmer or travel case. You can also put the solution in a spray bottle or peri bottle to wet wipes as you use them, or pour it over the pile of wipes in the tub or warmer.

Any way you choose to use it, Rump Solution is excellent for messy bums (and hands, and faces, and…)! Great for sensitive skin, too!

I prefer to use my solution in a spray bottle.  It takes me nearly 2 weeks to go through a cup of solution, making this very cost effective!  .

I use distilled water and 1 piece of solution per cup.

The star dissolved with just a few seconds of microwaving, so it could be used right away.  The cubes I’ve been using until now take lots of microwaving, stirring and cooling before dissolved and ready to use.

I had enough solution to fill my spray bottle and also my travel bottle.

I have the extra stars in a drawer and the scent is strong enough that I get a whiff when I walk by.  Mixed, the extra light strength is mild, but still pleasant.
The solution cleans well and doesn’t cause any irritation on my son’s hiney.  His skin is fairly sensitive; he gets a rash with angry red welts from disposables.  If your little one is very sensitive, you can get unscented solution.
Want some?  Buy a bag or a sampler pack, which includes a 6 load bag of Detergent, 2 oz of Pail Pardner, a generous sample pouch of Rump Rub, and 5 pieces of Rump Solution.
Want to win it?  Stay tuned for a great giveaway later this week, which includes a full size bag of Texas Ranger Rump Solution!
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Cloth Diapers Fitted Diapers Made in the USA One Size Diapers Review WAHM made

Heartland Dreams Fitted

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I’m really not a huge fan of fitteds because they aren’t waterproof, but the prints are just so cute, they keep sucking me in.  I had heard good things about Heartland Dreams, and I wanted one even more after I got the doll diapers her daughter made.
I saw a few prints I liked in her store, but I wasn’t quick enough to snap them up.  When I saw this fitted, I grabbed it!
Something unique I didn’t even notice until the third or so wash, is that Tina seams her fabric in the middle.  This way, the print is right side up in both the front and the back.  Just another little touch, but it does bug me when the print is upside down!
The shape of the diaper and soakers, as well as the fold down rise, remind me of Goodmamas.  She also sells one size snappiable/pinnable fitteds, All-in-twos and a 2 stage fitted diapers.  I’m currently drooling over this one and this one.  Well, the second one is sold but I’m still drooling over it!  She also stocks on several congos.  She regularly posts when and where she is stocking on the Facebook fan page for Heartland Dreams.  In the past, she has also stocked sized pockets (I’d love to try one of those since pockets are my favorite!), sized fitteds, and other things I’m sure I’m neglecting to mention!
This diaper is the first HD I fell in love with but didn’t pounce on.  I love that print.  *sigh*  Poor me.
I received my order really quickly after buying.  It was packaged really nicely.  I always think it’s a nice touch!
She included a card with care instructions.
And business card…
with a hand written thank you on the reverse.
It’s a small thing, but it’s nice.
She also included a free wipe!
Very cute!
Heartland Dreams diapers are incredibly well made.  They simply don’t look like a diaper that a Mom made on her sewing machine at home.  I didn’t go over it with a magnifying glass or anything, but wow.  The stitching…everything is very professional.
The legs are turned & top stitched to avoid chafing baby’s legs, and the front and wings are serged for less bulk.
The outside of the diaper is cotton knit, there is a hidden layer of OBF (rayon from organic bamboo fleece)and the inner and soakers are topped with OBV (rayon from organic bamboo velour).  They are so soft, and there is a signature heart on the reverse of the soaker that is so cute.
Each of the two petals of the snap in soaker has 2 layers of OBF topped with the OBV.  Also included is a booster made of two layers of OBF.
I think you can see how well made the diaper in in this photo.
She includes a set of hip snap covers for when you no longer need the wing cross over, and the third snap is no longer snapped into the diaper.
The first time I used the diaper, I just pulled the soakers up, I didn’t fold them at all.  All the red spots on my son’s tummy are from the snaps inside our Goodmama One, which he was wearing before this HD.  I really do prefer hidden snaps on the inside.
The rise folds down, my son is in that in between height and weight where he can really wear it either way.
All done!
Right side up on the booty too!
Too cute.
He had it on (coverless) for about an hour and a half before I noticed any dampness on the outside.  On subsequent uses, I folded the soakers and tri-folded the doubler, to get more coverage in the wet zone.  Doing that, I was able to use it coverless for 2+ hours.
I would definitely use a cover for any situation where there might be compression of course!
All in all, I love this diaper.  I am really anxious to try one of her all-in-two diapers, since I really prefer diapers that don’t require a cover.  (I’m lazy, what can I say?)  Heartland Dreams are by far, my favorite WAHM diapers to date.  The diaper has been in my rotation for a month now and I’ve had no issues at all!
Edit August 2010: This diaper is adorable, incredibly absorbent and very well made.  It’s not in my regular daytime rotation anymore just because I  don’t love fitteds in general.  I really want to try a HD AI2!
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Cloth Diapering Inserts Made in the USA Overnight Diapering Solutions Pocket Diapers

Knickernappies Superdo and Loopydo Inserts

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My quest to keep my son dry through the night led me to try several things.  Our Bumgenius 3.0s were working well for a while, but I was having to add so many doublers to the diaper that it was creating a leg gap.  Since my son recently started rolling over on his side at night, this was a problem!

I started reading reviews of inserts on diaperpin as well as many online stores.  The reviews led me to Knickernappies.

The LoopyDo 2G prewashed inserts have 2 layers of hemp french terry as well as 2 layers of microfiber.

Hemp usually requires prepping to remove the natural oils and make it absorbent, but these inserts are prewashed so you an use them right away, though they will continue to become more absorbent with subsequent washings.

Those 4 layers are sewn in a loop so they dry more quickly, saving time and energy costs.

They come in 3 sizes: Small measuring 12″x5.5″, Medium measuring 14″x5.5″ and Large measuring 16×5.5″.  I should have purchased a medium, but I bought a large instead.  I simply folded a portion of it over and stuffed it into the pocket diaper (like a bumgenius one size insert, minus the snap).  It worked wonderfully, though obviously a little bulky.  Not a big deal for me since I was using it at night only. 

It was wide enough to fill the whole pocket as well.  I have a problem with a few of my pocket diapers where the included insert is narrower than the pocket, allowing for gaps and shifting, which always leads to leaks for us.

I used the LoopyDo in a Bumgenius 3.0 pocket diaper on the medium setting, along with the BG insert and a hemp doubler.  I had no leg gap and no leaks, though all of the inserts were saturated in the morning.   I would definitely use a LoopyDo in any pocket diaper for naps, car trips and so forth, but I’d buy the appropriate size.  It’s too bulky for daytime when folded over.

I also bought a SuperDo 2G prewashed insert.  These have SIX layers of hemp terry and two layers of microfiber.  This insert is made for heavy wetters and overnight, and is more absorbent than two microfiber inserts together. 

Other than the # of layers, it is the same as the LoopyDo. 

Here it is in a Drybees Fleece night time diaper.

I bought a large in the SuperDo as well and I definitely should have bought the medium.  I am able to use it in my medium diapers but it is much, much too bulky and creates gaps.  I should buy a medium but with a $12.95 MSRP, it will have to wait.  I’ve spent way too much money on my night time diapering quest over the past month!

Here you can see how much thickness the extra 4 hemp layers in the SuperDo (bottom) add over the LoopyDo (top).

Here you can see both Knickernappies inserts compared to a Bumgenius insert.

The only thing I don’t like about these is that they are sized.  Well, I like that they are sized, it really reduces the bulk.  My wallet doesn’t like that they are sized!

In short, if you are looking to purchase an insert, buy one of these!  I bought mine from Abby’s Lane.  Good prices and fat and free shipping!

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Cloth Diapers Diaper Covers Made in the USA Review Wool

Kissaluvs Kissa’s Wool LOVER Diaper Cover

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I am, I admit it.  I’m a wool lover!  I can hardly believe it.  I’m having a hard time remembering all of the reasons for my paralyzing fear of wool, but they were definitely there.
Why wool?  Wool is breathable and will keep baby’s hiney warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  Wool is obviously a natural fiber, and has built in anti-bacterial properties.  It absorbs moisture, does not retain odors, and does not have to be washed often.
Seriously, if you use wool covers all day long, you can have a rotation of 3 or 4 going.  Change the cover when you change the diaper, just flip the damp one inside out and set aside to dry and you don’t have to wash every 2 or 3 weeks!  If it is “soiled” you have to wash it of course!
So, on to the Kissaluvs cover I bought.  (or “butt sweater” if you’re my hubby!)
I chose this one in particular because it is made with ultra-fine merino wool.  I wish you could feel this because it is heaven; I would love a sweater made out of this wool!  I chose it also because of the leg gussets, which aren’t as funny looking in person as they looked on their site.
According to the size chart, I should have gotten a medium, which fits 15-25 lbs.  The large says 20-35 lbs.  My son is only around 16 lbs, but I figured it would be better to buy a large, have it be too large, go back and buy the medium (saving the large for later), rather than ending up with one that is too small.  I was worried about fitting it over the overstuffed, fluffy nighttime behind.
It is definitely big!
kissaluvs
It still worked wonderfully though!  The first night with this wool cover was the first night in a while that he woke up with dry jammies, sleep sack and sheet.  I was so anxious to use it that I used it right away and washed and lanolized it the following day.
I’ve been using it for 2 1/2 weeks and aside from the initial wash, I’ve only washed it once.  My biggest hang up about wool (the washing) has turned out to be one of the most awesome things about it; it’s so simple.
When I take the cover off of him and it’s a bit damp inside, it will initially have a slight urine odor.  As it dries, the smell disappears.  If it starts to retain the smell, it’s time to wash.
Washing is ridiculously easy.  I put maybe two or so inches of tepid water in my utility sink, along with a dab of  Eucalan wool wash and swished it around a bit.  I placed the cover in and squeezed it a teeny bit, then let it soak for 15 minutes.  After that, drain the water.  No need to rinse.
Click here to request a free sample of Eucalan (SASE required).

To dry, I had ready two sets of two kitchen towels laid out on the counter (one towel on top of the other).  I gently pressed out as much of the water as I could, then I laid it flat on top of one set of towels.  I rolled the towels and cover up and gently squeezed, unrolled it and repeated in the dry towels.  Then I laid it flat on the counter to dry (out of the sunlight).

Next time I wash, I will take photos of the washing routine.

I’m not sure how often to lanolize, so I went ahead and did it with both the initial and the second wash.  I know it’s one of those “do it when it needs it” kinds of things, but you know how that goes when you’re learning!  Since Eucalan is a lanolin containing wool wash, I shouldn’t need to lanolize too often.

edit: I did quickly find one good tip.  When you’re washing, if the water beads up on the wool, you’re good.  If it forms some “pools” where the water soaks in, you might want to lanolize soon.  If it becomes saturated with water, you definitely need to lanolize.  I mean when you first place it in the water.  Obviously it will eventually become saturated if you are washing it, LOL

I got a bottle of liquid lanolin in the health and beauty section of my local organic market.

I’ll talk more about lanolin, what it does and what else it’s used for, later.  I’ve heard some people say they just use Lansinoh Lanolin to lanolize their wool. 
The routine was pretty much the same as the washing (I didn’t let the cover dry between washing & lanolizing).  However, I did initially add hot water along with the pea size amount of lanolin, in order to “melt” the lanolin.  Then I added tepid water, swished and added the cover.
It took a full day for the cover to dry, I wasn’t able to use it the next night.  I’d really like to have a second one, and this time I think I’ll get a medium!
An interesting tidbit on storage, from Kissaluv’s site:
Before storing away, wash the cover thoroughly without lanolizing. Do not fold and put between clothes. Hang it or spread it on the top of other clothes. If WL is pressed for a long time, it may get a bit stiffer like other finer wools.
I wish I had known this.  I have a sweater that I loved packed away, since it had not fit me since the winter before I got pregnant with my son.  While shuffling clothing around, I handled it, and it felt really strange.  Brittle almost.  I wonder if there is a way to save it?
P.S. Don’t forget to enter this week’s giveaway here!
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Cloth Diapers Diaper Covers Fitted Diapers Inserts Made in the USA Overnight Diapering Solutions Pocket Diapers Retailers Review Sized Diapers Velcro/Aplix Closure Wool

DryBees Fleece Night Diapers

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I’ve been hunting for a night diapering solution that won’t leave clothing and sheet soaked in the morning.

I had been using a Bumgenius 3.0 on the large setting (we use medium during the day) with an insert and 3 doublers.  It was working OK I suppose, though usually my son’s pajamas were wet on the back right above the diaper.

Since it’s winter, he’s also been using a fleece sleep sack.  That has helped somewhat, since it at least keeps the sheet dry.

Lately however, he’s woken up even wetter.  All the stuffing also sometimes causes a gap at his leg.  He often rolls onto his side to sleep, which caused him to pee right out of the leg gap, soaking everything and waking himself up!

I’ve been looking for something else to try.  Enter DryBees.

I bought a DryBees Fleece Night Time diaper from Abby’s Lane.  I found a coupon code for 5% off, got free shipping, had $3 in my Paypal account from a survey, and Abby’s Lane included a free microfiber insert. not bad for $15.52!

I really liked the charcoal color, but they didn’t have the size I needed, so I bought sage.  I chose a medium, which should fit 14-22 lbs.

The outer is heavy weight Malden Mills Windpro fleece and the inner is suede cloth.

The inner is definitely stiffer and rougher than the micro fleece inner most of my other diapers have.

I tried the diaper on Saturday during the day, just to see how it fit.  I used just the microfiber insert it came with, and it was great.  It fit fine and didn’t leak.

I tried it overnight on Sunday.  I stuffed it with the microfiber insert it came with, a Blueberry bamboo doubler and two hemp doublers.  It was a tight squeeze into the pocket, which is tighter than the Bumgenius pockets.

It didn’t seem any bulkier than the BG I usually over-stuff at night.

The next morning, his back was wet, but the inserts weren’t completely soaked.  I thought maybe it was user error?  I quickly washed & dried them to try again Tuesday night.  Wednesday morning, he woke up with EVERYthing soaked.  Pajamas, sleep sack, sheets, everything.  The microfiber insert was not soaking wet but the hemp was.  That made me suspect that it had something to do with the hemp being up against the fleece.

Wednesday (last night), I tried again.  First, I tried to use the microfiber insert it came with, along with 3 microfiber doublers (two from Happy Heiny’s and one from FuzziBunz).

I actually couldn’t fit all that in the pocket, so I ditched one of the HH doublers.

I fit it all in the pocket!
Fluffy and squishy, but no leg gap!

This morning, all the inserts were soaking wet, and so was he.

So, I’m trying other things!  I ordered a Heartland Dreams fitted, a Kissaluvs Wool Soaker and Eucalan Wool Wash (click that link for info on requesting a free sample.  I’ll post about wool when I get that stuff.

I also ordered Knickernappies LoopyDo and SuperDo inserts.  I’ll figure this out yet!  I’m guessing I will end up having to use multiple super inserts along with a wool cover!

November 2010 update: I gave up on this diaper; so many people love it but it just didn’t work for us.  Here’s what worked for us at night, after a lot of trial and error:

Dypes by Dixon Sweet Slumber Fleece Diaper or a Bumgenius pocket, stuffed with a Superdo insert, a loopydo with an added natural fiber doubler, or a regular microfiber insert with a natural fiber doubler.  I always put the microfiber in the pocket on the baby side and the doubler underneath (or in the middle of the loopydo.)  This allows the microfiber to quickly absorb liquid, and the doubler locks it away (yes, I feel like a paper towel commercial.)

What has also worked for us is a super absorbent fitted, like the Guerilla Fluff Utilitarian with a night-time wool interlock soaker over top.

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