Tag Archives: hemp

Cloth Diapers Made in the USA Natural Fiber Diapers Newborn Diapers Prefolds Review

Babykicks Newborn/Small Hemp Prefold Photo Review

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babykicks hemp prefold

It’s no secret that I’m more of a pocket diaper type Mama than a prefold Mama, but I’ve heard great things about Babykicks hemp prefolds.  I wanted to something to go with a newborn wrap I bought with a gift card (I know, I know…it’s an illness!) so I snagged a newborn/small size from sewcraftybaby for $6.59, less a new customer discount, and got free shipping too!
 

hemp organic cotton blend prefold

Babykicks are hemp and organic cotton, and are 2 layers on the sides and 3 in the middle.
 
Here it is before prepping (washing and drying about 3 times to remove the natural oils and fluff up the fibers.):
 
babykicks prefold width before prepping babykicks prefold length before prepping
 
Here it is after prepping (you can see how much fluffier it got):
 
babykicks newborn prefold width after prepping babykicks small prefold length after prepping

Here it is on my newborn stand in (I know I need some practice with prefolds!):

snappied small babykicks prefold

The prefolds are available in small, medium, large and extra-large and also make great pocket diaper stuffers!

Update after using on baby.

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Mailbox Mondays

Mailbox Mondays 1/17/11 – Wet Bag/Pail Liners and Washing Natural Fibers

wet bags & #clothdiapers pail liners via @chgdiapers

Every Monday (if I receive submissions, that is!) I will answer reader submitted questions in my Mailbox Mondays post. Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject!

Tamara says:

I have a question! I meant to get it in in time for submission today, but alas, life got in the way. So…..Which side of the pail liner do you put toward the diapers? I have a planet wise pail liner, one side is the shiny PUL and the other side is the fabric. I’ve always put it in the pail so that the diapers are touching the shiny side. But, I had a friend of mine ask if that was right and it made me wonder….. I investigated and noticed that the tag is on the fabric side and I know that sometimes manufacturers recommend putting a drop of essential oil on the tag so then I was confused. Does that make sense? What do you do? Does it matter? Have I been doing it wrong this whole time?

Diapers do go on the shiny PUL side, so you are doing it correctly! 

Whamies Pail Liners have a patch of fabric at the seam for essential oils, but as far as I know, Planet Wise’s tags are just for brand identification and laundering instructions.  If you’re having trouble with smell, you might try keeping the pail open a crack.  It seems counterintuitive, but I find that air circulating actually helps with the smell.  Washing every 2-3 days at most helps of course too!

Hope this helps!

Stephanie says:

Hi Maria!

I was wondering if there was any rule of thumb about washing microfiber inserts with natural fibers. If so, do you have any recommendations?

Thanks! 🙂


Stephanie

When you get a new diaper or insert that is made from natural fibers, wash it separately to prep per the manufacturer’s instructions.  For example: a hemp product may say to wash and dry it 2-3 times before use.  This will remove the natural oils and get it ready to use.  It will continue to gain absorbency up to 10 washes.

Once you have prepped it, there’s no issue washing them with your microfiber products!

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Cloth Diapers Diaper Covers Giveaway Made in the USA Natural Fiber Natural Fiber Diapers Newborn Diapers Prefolds PUL Review Two Size/Staged Diapers Velcro/Aplix Closure

Thirsties Size 1 Duo Wrap & Duo Hemp Prefold Review and Giveaway (CLOSED 1/20)

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Thirsties Duo Wrap and Hemp Prefold

I had a gift certificate to an online store that sells cloth diapers.  I don’t really need any more diapers, so in true cloth diaper addict form, I figured I’d buy some eeny teeny diapers for the newborn I don’t have (and no, I’m not pregnant either!)  One of them was the Thirsties Duo Wrap in honeydew (MSRP $12.75) and duo hemp prefold (MSRP $7.00)

Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold

We’re still using the size 2 Thirsties Duo Diaper I reviewed last year, and I was curious about how the size 1 compared.  I’m not really a prefold & cover mama (sometimes I think either you are or you aren’t!) but I think they would really come in handy for diapering a newborn.  I know my kids could go through 15+ diapers per day as a newborn, and it would be way too expensive to buy a newborn stash of pocket diapers (my favorite), especially when you’re not entirely sure how long you’ll be using them.

loop construction for faster drying

The prefold is super soft, and it is sewn such that each portion is only two layers thick, for more thorough washing and faster drying. 
 
I measured the prefold before prepping:
 
size 1 duo hemp prefold width pre-prepping size 1 thirsties prefold length before prepping

and after prepping (washing and drying 3 times to remove natural oils and fluff up the fibers):

size 1 duo hemp prefold width after prepping thirsties size 1 prefold length after prepping

It shrunk quite a bit in length, and ended up nearly square.

thirsties laundry tabs

The wraps are available in snap or aplix closures, but I chose the aplix.  Our duo diaper is also aplix, and after more than 7 months in our regular rotation, the aplix laundry tabs show no signs of wear and we have no issues at all.

wipeable inner and double leg gussets

The wrap has the same Thirsties double leg gussets as the duo diaper, but instead of a lining and pocket, it just has a wipe-able inner.

3 size settings

The wraps are a “duo” 2-stage system, where each size has three rise snap size adjustments.  Typically, people have to buy newborn size diapers when “one size” diapers don’t fit their newborn.  Then they buy one-size diapers, often followed by large/toddler size diapers when the child outgrows the one size.  With the Thirsties Duo system, the size 1 fits 6-18 pounds, and the size 2 fits 18-40 pounds, making only two sizes necessary.

Note: In the pictures below, I have the prefold tucked under the PUL flap.  This was incorrect and my mistake since I’m used to other diaper covers that have this flap to hold the insert on place.  Thirsties actually puts this flap there to protect the snaps and stitching from touching the wet prefold or insert (it doesn’t have the additional layer over that area like the Flip does.)  Tucking it in can lead to compression leaks, so don’t do what I did!

Here’s the size 1 on the small setting, folded and stretched (as always, my measurements are to give you an idea of how diapers compare, it’s not an exact science!)

size 1 duo wrap small folded size 1 thirsties wrap small stretched
folding hemp prefold to fit cover small setting with trifolded prefold

thirsties duo wrap small

Medium:

cloth diaper wrap medium folded staged diaper cover medium stretched

prefold in cover medium setting size 1 duo wrap medium

Large:

thirsties duo wrap sz 1 large large setting stretched

thirsties size 1 duo wrap large

Here’s the duo wrap size 1 compared to the duo diaper size 2 (both on the small setting):

thirsties size 1 vs size 2Thirsties dup wrap size 1 vs duo diaper size 2

Here is the duo diaper size 2 (small setting) and the duo wrap size 1 large setting) on my 21ish lb son, both taken the same day:

thirsties size 2 duo diaper small setting 21 lb baby thirsties size 1 duo wrap large setting 21 lb baby

Since I don’t have a newborn tester, I had to call in my usual newborn diaper model.

my diaper model

To compare, here he is in a newborn disposable:

newborn frontnewborn back

The wrap is recommended for use over trifolded prefolds or trim fitteds.  For bulkier systems, Thirsties suggests their diaper covers.  I tried the wrap over a Kissaluvs Size 0 Fitted and it fit just fine.

thirsties duo wrap over kissaluvs fitted

Don’t laugh at me, I don’t have much experience with prefolds, but I wanted to try to snappi the prefold in addition to trifolding it.

thirsties dup hemp prefold ize 1 snappied

Here’s my model in the size 1 wrap with trifolded prefold, on the small setting:

thirsties size 1 duo wrap small setting trifolded prefoldthirsties size 1 duo wrap rear

I love Thirsties products and I think the stay dry duo insert would make this an even more fantastic system!  My only complaint is that I have a heck of a time typing “duo.”  I type “dup” nearly every time, LOL! See fit on my newborn.

Giveaway: Thirsties is offering one lucky reader a Duo Wrap and Prefold in his/her choice of size, color and closure!

Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below.  I love your comments, but comments don’t count as entries!  Mandatory entries include name, email address and your favorite Thirsties product, or one you’d love to try.  You can receive a bonus entry if you “like” Thirsties on Facebook

I will accept entries until Thursday, January 20th, 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.

# of entries received as of January 20th at giveaway close: 220

https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dDIwdVZUY2FQRENvSGxhdUItOVBHUGc6MQ

FTC compliance: While Thirsties is sending a product to the giveaway winner, I was not given products or other compensation for this post and all opinions are my own.

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Mailbox Mondays

Mailbox Mondays 11/8/10

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email me

Every Monday I will answer user submitted questions. They don’t have to be about cloth diapering! I’ll always answer questions via email, but if you would like your question to be answered in a Mailbox Mondays post, send an email with the subject “Mailbox Mondays” to Maria at change-diapers dot com.

Naomi says:

Hey Maria,

Talk to me(us) about hemp vs. bamboo. Any recommendations of brands for a hemp or bamboo insert?

Overnight diapers for my 3 year old are getting pretty bulky. I usually sandwich a terry hemp doubler between two microfiber inserts in a generic pocket. That usually does the trick, but I’ve only got two of the hemp guys and when I’m out, I stuff the poor pockets to the gills with microfiber (3 inserts or 2 inserts with a mf towel). While dd doesn’t seem to care about the bulk, it gets hard to stuff and when family sees her overnight diaper it is pretty comical.

I don’t mind bulk, but am wondering which material to try and get inserts of. I’ve heard a lot about wool covers, but right now can only afford to stay with my pockets for overnight and just get a couple used inserts.

Great question!  I’ve been fortunate in that several of the diapers I’ve purchased/reviewed came with natural fiber inserts, and they are definitely top notch for nighttime diapering.

natural fiber inserts

babykicks hemp insert babykicks

In no particular order, first is the insert that came with my Babykicks Bumboo Pocket Diaper.  This is 55% hemp and 45% cotton.  Babykicks also sells Joey Bunz, Joey Bunz Premium (both sized) and doublers separately.  (There should be some in the CSN giveaway in the Merry Fluffy Christmas event!)  

amp insert

My Amp Duo Diaper came with a 2-layer hemp insert, as well as a bamboo insert.  The inserts look like a smallish prefold that you trifold, and they also come in 3-layer hemp, as well as organic cotton.
 

blueberry hemp microfiber insert

My Blueberry Minky was one I bought after only cloth diapering for about a month, and it was my first experience with a microfiber/hemp combo.  It’s a one size insert that snaps down to different sizes, and a 3-pack retails separately for $19.95.
 

cotton hemp doublers

 
These doublers were kind of random.  They were loose in the package with the Blueberry diapers I bought last year.  I believe they are organic cotton and bamboo doublers but I’m not entirely sure.  I use both of them at night.  I have 4 night time diapers in my rotation right now.  My Guerilla Fluff Utilitarian with a Mobums Wool Interlock Night Night Soaker, a Dypes by Dixon Sweet Slumber fleece pocket stuffed with the superdo, and two Bumgenius 3.0 pockets, one stuffed with a microfiber insert and one of the random hemp/cotton doublers, the other stuffed with the loopydo with the second random doubler in between.
 

loopydo insert

 
Speaking of which, I wholeheartedly recommend the Knickernappies Superdo and Loopydo inserts.  I purchased these out of utter desperation when my son was soaking every insert I had, and I was creating a monster leg gap by putting 3 inserts in a pocket.  They really are rather pricey at $7.50 for a loopydo and $12.95 for a superdo, but I think they are worth it.  I tried to be cheap and buy the large size for my son’s medium diapers, but they are quite bulky folded over.  I love the microfiber/hemp combo because the microfiber whisks the moisture away from my son’s skin, and the hemp locks it away. 

OK, I feel like a paper towel commercial.  Really though, if you are looking for a solution for a heavy wetter, I highly recommend them.  The only problem I have with them is that they can become quite stinky.  When I notice that, I wash (inserts only) with about 1/4 cup of bleach, then rinse rinse rinse until the water is clean and the inserts don’t smell like bleach anymore!
 
If I had the money to spend, I’d love to have more superdo/loopydo inserts.  I’ve been wanting to buy some mediums for a while but I’ve been trying to stick to the budget!

These are just the inserts I own, there are of course lots of other natural fiber inserts/prefolds out there!

So how about the rest of you?  Do you have a favorite natural fiber insert?

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A Year of Fluff Cloth Diapers Giveaway Inserts Made in the USA Natural Fiber Natural Fiber Diapers Review Sized Diapers WAHM made

Rumpsack Pocket Diaper Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 10/13)

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rumpsack

I’ve asked readers to make suggestions for diapers they’d like to see me review/give away, and Rumpsack has been mentioned several times!  WAHMs don’t have deep pockets for advertising or reviews/giveaways, so it meant a lot to me when Rumpsack agreed to participate in my “Year of Fluff” event!

Rumpsack diapers are made by work-at-home-mom Janelle. Right now, she makes sized pocket diapers and inserts, though she is branching out!  When I took the diaper out of the package, I noticed not only how soft it was, but how well made it was.  The stitching was neat and even!

rumpsack pocket diaper rumpsack diaper back

I received a size medium pocket diaper, with a minky outer and microchamois inner.

rumpsack diaper snap closure

Rumpsack diapers are front snap diapers, but the diaper closes closer to the hip to prevent wing droop.  Janelle is a La-Di-Da approved seamstress, and Rumpsacks are designed to scoop below the belly.  Size Newborn fits 6-12 pounds, Small 10-20 pounds, Medium 15-30 pounds, and Large 25-40 pounds.  Prices vary between $14.50 and $17.00 depending on the materials used.

rumpsack pocket opening

The pocket is easy to stuff.  Inserts are not included with Rumpsacks, but Janelle makes a great insert that’s available as an optional purchase.

rumpsack pocket diaper insert

The insert is 2 layers of organic hemp fleece, which makes 6 layers of absorbency when tri-folded.  The inserts are available in 4 sizes to match the diaper sizes, and retail for $5.00 each.  Janelle included one with my diaper, and I’m grateful!  I much prefer to use a diaper with an insert that has been designed for and tested with the diaper, and this was far easier to fold than a microfiber towel!

A nifty feature of the Rumpsack is that the snaps on the front panel are female on one side and male on the other. 

rumpsack diaper

This means the tabs actually snap to each other.  If you find yourself with a dirty diaper and no wetbag, simply roll the diaper up into a neat little package, and snap the tabs together!

rumpsack diaper tabs diaper tabs
rumpsack diaper roll uprumpsack diaper

The Rumpsack medium seemed a smidge smaller than some of the other mediums I have, but I think it may be partly because of the below the belly design.

rumpsack measured folded
Measured Folded
rumpspack measured stretched
Measured Stretched

rumpsack medium vs rumparooz medium
Compared to O/S on Medium Setting

The diaper fit my son really well, and he has plenty of room to grow into it (he’s about 18.5 lbs in these photos.)  We had no leaks, and the insert made the diaper nice and trim, as well as super absorbent (I love hemp!)  Thank you Janelle for allowing me to review a Rumpsack, I love this diaper!

rumpsack diaper back on babyrumpsack diaper side
rumpsack pocket diaper rumpsack diaper front

Giveaway: Janelle is offering one winner a Rumpsack Pocket Diaper in pink or blue, in the winner’s choice of size.


Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below.  Feel free to leave a comment about the post, or simply to remind yourself that you entered however, comments will not be counted as entries.  Mandatory entries include name, email address and visiting Rumpsack Diapers on Hyenacart and/or in the Cuties with Cloth Booties Congo on Hyenacart, and telling me which of her previous diapers you like best.  You may “like” Rumpsack on Facebook for a bonus entry.  This post will be updated daily (or so) with the # of entries received, for those of you who like to know your odds.


I will accept entries until Wednesday, October 13th 2010 at 9 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 U.S. residents only.





Entries as of October 13th, 2010 at 9:00 P.M.: 432

https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dF93am84bmMtV3g1X0xFN0FLZkVxcWc6MQ

FTC Compliance: I received the above diaper and insert at no cost in order to write my review.  I was not compensated for this post; I was not required or requested to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

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