Guerilla Fluff

Apr 2,2010 / By Maria / 22 Comments

I became interested in Guerilla Fluff because of a custom she did. I still have diaper envy. Unfortunately, that customer provided the fabric, so none for me. Wah wah!!

I had been on the hunt for the most absorbent fitted I could find, and while browsing Guerilla Fluff, I discovered The Utilitarian Night Time Diaper (sorry, the website is all flash, so I can’t link).

The Utilitarian has an outer, hidden and inner layer, all of Bamboo Rayon Fleece. The diaper is turned and top-stitched, and has decorative stitching reminiscent of Frankenstein (the buyer chooses the color). Even my hubby thought it was very cool. That’s one of the most awesome things about Guerilla Fluff. They’re not your typical cutesy diapers, though she can make those too if you want them!

What really sold me was that the soakers (two of them) were each made of 3 layers of bamboo fleece, there was an option to add Zorb (I chose this option) and a precision doubler made of 2 layers of bamboo fleece and 1 layer of wool was included as well. This was the most absorbency I’d seen in a fitted!

The washing instructions said I didn’t need to pre-wash, though it would become more absorbent with future washings, so I only washed once.

I do love a handwritten note!

Here’s the back of the business card:

The first time I used the diaper, I folded over all of the soakers.

I huffed and puffed and managed to get pins in.

It was hard to get a good fit with the pins!

I put the wool cover on, followed by a fleece sleep sack.

Naturally, he soaked right through it! I didn’t contact Novia about it because I knew it was operator error and had nothing to do with the diaper. I was in my cloth diaper group, feeling sorry for myself and trying to figure out if my super-soaker son was hiding a garden hose in his crib that he was soaking his diapers with. I had no idea that Novia was a member! She sent me a private message offering to help me troubleshoot.

With everyone’s help, I figured out that I needed to fully prep the diaper (babies who aren’t as heavy wetters would probably do fine using it without prepping) get a tighter fit with a snappi, and lanolize my wool more heavily.

I ordered a snappi from Abby’s Lane, lanolized the heck out of my wool, and figured I could prep the diaper while I waited for the snappi to arrive. The snappi came too quickly, so I had to set it aside while I washed & dried the diaper a total of about 10 times.

This time, I didn’t fold the soakers over.

I got a nice snug fit.

and managed to

get the snappi

on!

Much better!

I topped it with my freshly lanolized wool.

and fleece pants!

In the morning, he was dry! Since all of the materials he was cocooned in are breathable, I did feel ever so slight dampness, but it was the kind of dampness you feel when you ignore your dryer for a while, then can’t tell if your clothes are damp or just cold. No biggie.

I’ve used it several times since then with no leaks, though he has managed to completely saturate all of those layers!!

I love my Guerilla Fluff! Novia also makes a one size diaper with snaps, a one size pinnable, a sized side snapping diaper, and the Utilitarian in original (10-24 lbs) and toddler (25-40 lbs). She can also add snaps to the utilitarian now. She also makes bamboo prefolds and full size and “precision” doublers.

Customs are closed for now, but check out Guerilla Fluff on Facebook, GF on Twitter and GF on Blogspot to keep up with what’s happening!

Edit August 2010: This is still in our regular night time rotation, though we don’t need as much absorbency anymore.

Diaper Cream Diaper Rash Review

Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm

Mar 31,2010 / By Maria / 2 Comments

I had heard of Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics in the past, and when someone suggested that I review their products, I decided to look into it.

I ended up having a phone conversation with Tracey at EMAB. I hate talking on the phone; I get nervous. I think I always sound like a doofus and end up saying something stupid! Despite that, Tracey and I chatted like old friends. We talked about everything from tear-free shampoo to teething babies.

Tracey directed me to EMAB’s reading room, and I ended up spending quite a bit of time there and learned a lot. I highly recommend you take a peek if you’re at all interested in natural and organic products.

To try to keep this post from becoming a novel, I’ll get to the point! I emailed with Julie at EMAB and they so generously sent me a 2 oz jar of Angel Baby Bottom Balm.

Since switching to cloth, we rarely, if ever, see any diaper rash, but my son usually gets red after he has a dirty diaper. It doesn’t matter how quickly I change him, I suppose it’s the acidity that bothers his skin.

He made a dirty diaper while in his exersaucer and wearing the one cheapie diaper we have, which doesn’t do much to contain messes! Between the diaper and the pressure from the exersaucer, we ended up with an explosion ( or a “poo-nami” if you will). Up his back, on his legs, everywhere! It was the perfect chance to try the Angel Baby Bottom Balm.

I was initially worried about it being in a jar; I don’t like having to dig my fingers in stuff, like lip balms or creams in a jar. However, I didn’t have to. I just lightly rubbed my fingers on the surface and it melted onto my skin.

The balm glided easily onto my son’s skin, and covered well without being thick or gloppy. The product I had been using was in a tube, rather waxy, and difficult to spread without using a little too much. Any “cloth safe” diaper cream really isn’t if you glop it on too thick. I was not at all worried about the bottom balm damaging my diapers.

After I applied it, my fingers weren’t all goopy. I just rubbed it into my hands and used a little hand sanitizer as usual. Even after the sanitizer, my hands were soft and smelled wonderful.

Angel Baby Bottom Balm contains organic olive oil, shea butter, candelilla wax, organic jojoba oil, organic calendula extract, tea tree leaf oil, lavender oil, organic St. John’s wort flower extract, organic chickweed extract, organic plantain extract and myrrh oil. It has a pleasant, lavender scent. There’s no zinc and it’s vegan (no beeswax).

I tend to shy away from products with tea tree oil or lavender due to a study linking their use to gynomastica in boys. As far as I know, it was just a single study and I haven’t done much research into the matter. Until now, there really weren’t any products I needed or wanted to use which contained TTO or lavender, so I didn’t worry about it. The ingredients didn’t stop me from using it, but I do wish it had a different oil used for anti-fungal properties, such as grapefruit seed extract.

Back to the subject at hand. At the next diaper change, there was no redness. Zero. Zilch. None. This stuff is great! It was a nice change to open up a wet diaper and get a whiff of lavender!

A 2 oz. jar retails for $14.95. I think that’s quite a good deal considering how little you need to use to get the job done.

The 1.67 oz. bottle of Happy Mama Body Wash they sent along was a nice surprise! While I don’t have a problem investing in natural and organic products and foods for my kids, I tend to put myself last! I use whatever I get for free at CVS (I’m a coupon/bargain shopper).

Like many moms I’m sure, my showers aren’t exactly relaxing. I can’t count on one every day, and the ones I do get are usually hurried and accompanied by an audience and questions of “when are you going to be done” before I manage to get both feet in the shower! So, the ginger grapefruit body wash was quite a treat!

The wash contains organic coconut oil, organic olive oil, organic aloe leaf juice, Kosher vegetable glycerin, organic shea butter, Potassium citrate, organic ginger oil, organic grapefruit peel oil, organic lime oil, organic vanilla bean extract, and organic calendula extract. It smelled fabulous, like ginger and citrus. It did take some getting used to; it smelled more like something tasty from the kitchen, since I’m used to stinky, perfumed, chemical filled body washes!

The foaming bottle dispensed just the right amount, and it lathered nicely. It smelled so fabulous, and rinsed off my skin easily (quite a feat in our soft water!) It left my skin feeling clean and soft.

A 5.3 oz bottle retails for $10.95.

Earth Mama Angel Baby has a wide array of products for pregnancy, labor ease, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, baby and baby loss comfort as well as gifts and teas. I’m highly impressed with the company, as well as the people who run it. I look forward to trying more of their products in the future!

Want it? You can get 20% off your order during April (that’s tomorrow as of the date I’m writing this) by entering coupon code CLOTH20 at checkout! Earth Mama Angel Baby also shares some great specials and discounts on their Facebook fan page.

Lastly, if you twitter, mark your calendar for the April 21 #ecowed Twitter party. If you have questions, contact EMAB. I don’t Twitter, so that’s Greek to me, LOL.

Thank you so much to Earth Mama Angel Baby for sending me these awesome freebies! Though I was given these samples, the freebies did not affect my review in any way. 🙂

Edit August 2010: We don’t often need diaper cream since switching to cloth, but this jar is lasting forever! I think we have nearly half left, and it knocks out redness like nobody’s business!

Cloth Diapers Made in the USA One Size Diapers Overnight Diapering Solutions Pocket Diapers Review WAHM made

DypesByDixon Sweet Slumber Night Time Pocket Diaper

Mar 30,2010 / By Maria / 2 Comments

Finding a night diapering solution seems to be a pretty common dilemma, and I always read and respond to questions about it.

I repeatedly heard people talk about DypesByDixon Sweet Slumber pocket diapers. Since one size pocket diapers are my diaper of choice, I was intrigued. Especially since they are fleece. My son is not sensitive to PUL (knock wood!!) but I’ve heard of children developing a sensitivity, so I’m always interested in non-PUL options.

The diaper maker stocks in her own Hyena Cart store, as well as the Whimsical Fluff Congo and the Cuties With Cloth Booties Congo.

Her diapers are pretty popular and sell out quickly, but I contacted her and she agreed to make me a custom!

I was really pleased with the charcoal fleece/black snap combo I chose, and the diaper came really quickly.

I think it’s a nice touch when diapers are packaged professionally. I know the packaging has nothing to do with the diaper, but to me, the maker taking care to package it like this shows me they probably took the same care when making the diaper.

I always appreciate care instructions. I don’t like having to hunt them down, and not every diaper has the same instructions. I never thought about waiting until the diapers had cooled before stuffing them, but it makes sense.

The sleeve also had weight guidelines. There are 4 size settings, similar to the Happy Heiny’s, they seem to be about a small, medium, large and extra-large/toddler. My 16ish pound son fits well into the medium. I definitely think this diaper will fit for a long time!

In the interest of full disclosure, when I scrutinized the diaper, I did notice that the snaps are not perfectly straight. They’re not totally out of whack and don’t affect the function or closure of the diaper in any way at all, and I am not saying this as a dig at the maker. Just that they don’t look as though they were factory applied like a mass produced diaper. The snaps only look weird in this picture because it’s not completely flat. You have to look pretty closely to see that the snaps aren’t in line like little snap soldiers.

I don’t know if anyone else has ever watched How It’s Made, but I’ve been surprised by how much is done by hand. For example, in an episode about rain boots, a seamstress sewed the same part of the boot over and over, and over again. She did it so quickly, it was practically in the blink of an eye. I would have guessed that was done by a machine. That said, she sews the same part day in and day out, hundreds of times. What she did so precisely in just seconds, would take even an experienced seamstress several minutes to accomplish. In any case, this digression was just to say that I’m not picking on the maker since she has probably applied snaps hundreds of times, ever, not per day. I think the longer a diaper maker has been in business, the more precise she becomes.

The inside is super soft suede cloth. One thing I love about pocket diapers is their stay dry inner. This one is particularly soft!

DypesByDixon come with a microfiber towel to use as an insert. I chose to pay an extra $1.50 for an additional towel. Even with that, I think this diaper was an absolute bargain at $19.50 shipped.

Ideally, I prefer to buy a diaper that comes with a sewn insert. Not only so I can use the diaper without making an additional purchase, but because the insert is usually sized just right to fit in the diaper, and has usually been tested for function in the diaper as well. However, I’m glad it came with something!

We got a great fit!

The two microfiber towels got us through the whole night with no leaks, but they did add a bit of extra bulk between the legs. It didn’t cause any problem at night, but I did end up with a leg gap while I was holding him on my hip before bed one night, leading to a wet Mommy! I also don’t love having to fold them (the feeling on my hands bugs me for some reason); I could probably get a trimmer fit if I folded them differently, but I also had to make sure the end wasn’t too close to the top of the pocket. If the inserts sticks out, you can end up with wicking.

Since then, I’ve tried the diaper with a superdo insert, two microfiber inserts + a hemp doubler, and a loopydo insert + microfiber insert + hemp doubler. All got us through the night with no leaks!

DypesByDixon minky pocket diapers are also very popular. Right now you can win one for the cost of shipping ($3.50). You have to have an account on Hyena Cart to enter. Become a fan of DypesByDixon on Facebook, then enter the giveaway on Hyena Cart. Do it quickly, the Drawing ends April 1, 2010, 12:00 pm EDT.

All in all, this is a great diaper and a great value. The 4 sizes along with the ability to overlap the snaps means that the diaper will fit a huge range of sizes and last a long time!

Edit August 2010: This is still in our regular night-time rotation, stuffed with a Knickernappies Superdo!

Cloth Diapers Fitted Diapers Made in the USA One Size Diapers Review WAHM made

Heartland Dreams Fitted

Mar 27,2010 / By Maria / 11 Comments

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!

Cloth Diapers Diaper Covers Made in the USA Review Wool

Kissaluvs Kissa’s Wool LOVER Diaper Cover

Mar 17,2010 / By Maria / 6 Comments

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!

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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Category : Review

Guerilla Fluff

Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm

DypesByDixon Sweet Slumber Night Time Pocket Diaper

Heartland Dreams Fitted

Kissaluvs Kissa’s Wool LOVER Diaper Cover

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