New & Improved Diaper Sprayers

New & Improved Diaper Sprayers

Well, I have good news and bad news.  The good news is that our new diaper sprayers are going to be the best on the market.  New features are going to make this investment even more worthwhile.

Here are the new changes:

• 3 Year Warranty
• New, improved packaging
• Made in America with domestic and global components
• StayFlex stainless steel sprayer hose with swivel nut stays completely flexible under pressure
• American made solid brass ball valve and tee connector
• CSA certified to UPC standards for installation in the US and Canada
• Double back flows certified to ASME standards

Rest assured that this diaper sprayer is quality made and you won't have any leaking issues.  The bad news?  With the improvement in the quality of their parts, the sprayer is going up in price.  The new price will be $59.95.  I was bummed to learn this but understand that with quality and warranty assurances, this is better than having leak issues which could cost you a ton in house damage.  Yikes!   

Peace,

Jen Starks,
Owner
www.ecologicalbabies.com 
ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 
574.275.1235

Thirsties-Why they are the Best Investment

If you have been using cloth diapers or reading about them, you have probably noticed that one-size diapers are all the rage.  In theory, it makes sense.  Who wants to keep spending money again and again for cloth diapers (although it can become a little addicting sometimes!)?

Only a couple years ago, it was normal to buy 4 sizes from XS to L for your baby.  Some of you who've been with Ecological Babies that long remember our Thirsties Covers.  Well, the market changed to figure out how to make a diaper that grows with the baby (often in the form of a couple rows of snaps in the front).

Then the one-size diaper was born.  Let's be real though.  Not all babies fit the typical 8-35 lbs birth to potty training that most one-size diapers are designed. And those that are on either end of the spectrum aren't going to find a great fit (too small or too large).

Thirsties took this trend to the next level and created a 2-sized diaper. (One size goes from 6-18lbs and the other goes from 18-40lbs.)  In my opinion, 2 sizes is a much better investment.

Top Reasons Why 2 Sizes Are Superior:


- Less Wear & Tear on your Diapers- Size 1 will last about a year and will stay in great condition if you have future children or want to sell them used. A one-size diaper can be rough if used from 8-35lbs. It typically is worn over 300 times if in regular rotation!
- Two Sizes give a better weight range- Starts at 6lbs and ends at 40lbs.  This way, your baby can truly use them right from birth and all the way to potty training.  Who wants to have to buy more diapers when your toddler is 2 but not ready to potty train?
- Two Sizes give a much better fit- Have you seen a newborn in a one-size diaper?  Big diaper & small baby!

Why Thirsties is Superior:


-All of their products are made in the USA.
-Most of the diapers are sewn by women in their homes!
-If there is a defect (rare as it is, it does happen from time to time), they have superior customer service.
-They are one of the greenest companies in the world (e.g. 100% powered by wind).
-Their diapers/covers have my favorite features:
     -leg gussets in their covers and duo diapers- great for preventing leaks, creates a great fit for    
      skinny or chunky babies, and keeps the diaper in place when baby is on the move
    - Their inner fleece is super soft on their duo diapers
    - The inserts swish out in the laundry on their duo diapers, which keeps you from pulling it out
       yourself
    -The duo diaper inserts are the best- They have 2 different types snapped together (microfiber &
      hemp/cotton  
      blend).  This allows extra absorbency, less bulk, quick drying, and stay cleaner after washing.
    -Finally, I love how it gives you the option of either hook/loop (velcro) or snaps.  That's another
      blog post in itself but great for meeting the needs of all families.
-Pocket Style diapers are convenient, great for night or day, dry quicker, AND can last longer than 
  all-in-one styles.  The pocket part can easily line-dry which is less wear and tear on the diaper.

If you'd like to learn more about Thirsties' sustainable choices or about their mission, check it out. It's very impressive!

Peace,


Jen Starks, Owner
www.ecologicalbabies.com 
ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 
574.275.1235

Diaper Sprayer- Best.Invention.Ever

Ok, so I'm being a bit dramatic.  It is definitely the best invention for cloth diapering accessories, in my opinion.  Everyday, I am so grateful that I have this gadget hooked to my toilet to clean up my 2 year old's diapers.

When I first started out with cloth diapers, I used an old spatula.  My husband dunked his hands in the toilet.  Hands down, the diaper sprayer makes clean up much more desirable. If you haven't purchased one yet, either get one yourself or ask others to purchase one for you.  It is worth it!

It's best used after you start introducing solids but using it with breastfeed poop will help reduce any staining on your diaper.  But as you know, breastfed poop is 100% water soluble and therefore unnecessary to put in your toilet before washing.

Happy clean up!

Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 574.275.1235

GroVia's Stay Dry Soaker Pads

Have you snagged a pair of these new stay dry soaker pads yet?  Word on the street is that the worst part about it is that it's difficult to tell when the soaker pad is wet.  That's pretty amazing!

The soaker pad is GroVia's best attempt yet with a super soft fleece on top (and the leg gussets are fleece too!) and is made from a cotton/hemp blend.  This blend means that it is actually more absorbent than ever (hemp is 3x more absorbent than cotton) AND it is a thinner soaker pad (thinner=less bulk).

If you've been dissatisfied with GroVia's earlier soaker pads then you must give these a shot!  If you like your other soaker pads, then these will make a fantastic addition, especially for night time use and longer trips.  They are the same price as the organic cotton ones at $17.95 for 2.

Have you tried these yet?  What's your opinion?

Jen Starks
owner

www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 574.275.1235

Flip Trainers-Our Insight

We've officially been testing out these trainers for about 4 weeks now and have primarily been using them as added fluff to our cloth diaper stash.  Technically, they are designed to assist your toddler in moving out of diapers and using the potty.  I'm confident my son Tyler will get there when he's ready but we're both not ready to take that leap.  SO, I can only give you my input about the technical details and reasons I like them as a diaper and not necessarily as a trainer.

These trainers are by far the best designed trainers I've tested out yet.  They are very trim and adjustable to toddlers 20lbs to 50 lbs.  They can truly be pulled up and down by your toddler.  The kits that are available for purchase right now are offered for a limited time. I think this is a great deal for what it all entails.  I have 5 extra pads (look like a double) that are organic cotton and have used these inside the shell and also inside other pocket diapers for extra absorbency.  These trainers could also be used at night time as a diaper with 2 or 3 pads stacked inside the shell.  So basically you get 5 diaper changes for $25-not bad!!!

The pads attach to the inside of the shell with a hook/loop system and so nothing slides around.  Since the shell is a laminated polyester like most other covers for cloth diapers (e.g. Thirsties covers), it can be reused over and over again in one day.  The pads are also absorbent like a normal cloth diaper but since it is 100%, your toddler will feel wet.

Right now, we just have the "gender neutral" kits in stock which has the vanilla color with a turquoise blue.  It's nothing fancy or super exciting like our other printed diapers.  But it certainly gets the job done and works for boys and girls.

I'll post pictures of Tyler wearing them soon!

Peace,

Jen

Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 574.275.1235

GroBaby as a Hybrid Option

Cloth diapers seem to get easier and easier the longer I'm in this business.  I'd have to say that GroBaby has become a great new alternative that all families (even those unenthusiastic about cloth diapers) can use and love.  GroBaby started out with shells (covers) and an organic cotton snap in soaker.  Basically, it looks like a giant cotton maxipad that snaps inside.  Despite how bulky it may appear on the inside, this diaper is very trim when put on your baby/toddler.  The snaps are great, so that it doesn't move around inside the shell (as opposed to the BumGenius "Flip" diaper). 

GroBaby works as a system.  What that basically means is that it works best when you purchase at least 2 shells and then buy 4 or more soaker pads.  Like prefolds and covers, you'll snap out the soiled soaker pad and then lay that damp shell on the changing table.  Then you'll use another shell with a clean soaker pad.  When that soaker pad is wet or poopy, then you'll snap it out and grab your initial shell laying on the changing table.  If you fully invest in GroBaby's system, you could ultimately spend about $15/diaper and receive ultimate convenience and organic material against the skin.  That's really a great deal compared to other diapers on the market right now.

Now, GroBaby has released biodegradable soaker pads.  The soaker pads stick inside the shell.  Then when it's used, you can either flush, compost, or trash the pads.  This concept is a great option for our busy summer months, day cares, and errands. I've only been testing the biodegradable pads for almost a week now, so I'm still learning and forming opinions.  Here are my first impressions. 

Overall, I really enjoy having them to turn to compared to another disposable diaper.  It has save ingredients and is a lot less harmful on the environment.  I've had some really messy diapers and not a single blow out yet. The material is soft to the touch and easy to put in the diaper.  I hand washed the covers and was able to just use 2 in a single day's worth of diapering.  The pads are the smallest option for a diaper bag I've ever seen (smaller than disposables).

Here are the not so great parts I've found.  First of all, I almost want to not like it because it feels like a slippery slope to disposable diapers.  Secondly, they need to improve the sticky part on the pads.  The sticky part likes to cling on to the snaps and can leave part of the stick behind.  With a little bit of effort, the sticky part does come off but it was annoying to mess with it.  Thirdly, I wasn't able to go 12 hours at nighttime without a leak.  I can go that long with our other cloth diapering options, so I was a bit bummed by that.  My 12 wk son seems to wet A LOT though at night and I've only tried it once.  But who likes to wake up wet and change all the sheets?  Not me! Next time I try it at night, I'm going to stick in a booster that the GroBaby shell set comes with. Maybe in combination, I can find success at nighttime.  Finally, I'd like the pads to come in a one-size fits all like the GroBaby is meant to be.  It would be nice to be able to use the box for both my newborn AND my toddler.

We've tried the GDiapers too, which is a direct competitor of the GroBaby diaper.  We've had an awful time with leaks in the legs, since they are cotton legs.  Plus, the velcro on the GDiapers take getting used to as well.  The GDiapers are also more expensive option, especially when factoring shipping costs too.

I've now had a few customers give the GroBaby Hybrid Test Drive Kit a try so far.  I'd love to hear other people's opinion and definitely think it is a great summer option, despite some drawbacks.  PLUS, I hear they are improving the pads and will be releasing new ones in the near future months.  I have not been able to find out when it is going to be released yet but will keep you posted. 

Cloth Diaper Review: Smartipants

Here's another diaper I've heard some chatter about, so I decided to test it out. Unlike the Happy Heiny's, I'd use this diaper more often.  But to me, it feels like a "cheap" diaper.

Pros:
-Cute colors
-Snaps for a one-size
-Insert swishes out in the wash

Cons:
-The overall design and fit of the diaper is awkward.  I think they need to improve it to fit on a baby better
-The inner lining, like a suede cloth, is rather rough against the skin.  It feels like a generic material and RC doesn't really like it (my daughter)
-The insert that it comes with doesn't really fit correctly in the pouch.  It's a bit too big and some of the microfiber always pokes out.  This is a material you don't want against your baby/toddler's skin!
-We've had multiple leaks in this diaper.  I use it around the house but cannot rely upon it while out and about.
-The diaper is made in China and at this point, I have no idea what the factory conditions are like there.

Cloth Diaper Review: Happy Heiny's One-Size

I've been testing out the Happy Heiny's One-Size diaper and I've been disappointed.  I wanted to like this brand, since it is made in the USA and it is a well-known brand.  However, it just isn't comparable to other diapers.  This is a diaper I use as a last resort.



Pros:
Cute colors/patterns
Not bad price for a one-size
Made in USA

Cons:
Bulky
Sags when stuffed for nighttime causing leaks around waist
Inner fleece loses its softness quickly
Front snaps pop out easily, losing its custom fit
Velcro isn't strong

Product Review: bumGenius Diaper Sprayer

I've officially be using the diaper sprayer for about 5 months now and can honestly say this accessory is worth purchasing. The economical aspect of cloth diapers was our family's top priority when we first invested and I'm usually not an accessory person, so I was actually hoping now to like it. I was without the diaper sprayer for 19 months using cloth diapers and probably wouldn't have tried it, if I wasn't "testing" for business purposes....but I'll never go back! The #1 fear and reason families tell me they never tried or gave up on cloth diapers is the poop/mess factor.

Here are my top reasons I'm crazy about the sprayer:

1. Taking care of poopy diapers (no matter what consistency) is mess-free.

2. I don't dread poopy diapers and kinda look forward to using the sprayer.

3. I actually use LESS water with the sprayer, since it takes everything off so quickly. Without the sprayer, I admittedly had to flush the toilet a few times on those really messy diapers.

4. I have found many uses for the sprayer, besides diapers (e.g. cleaning the bathroom, cleaning our portable potty chair, spraying off my daughter after playing outside in the dirt, filling up buckets) Two others I've not tried but anticipate it working for: replacing a peri bottle postpartum and using it like a bidet spray.

5. My diapers seem to come out cleaner in the wash, since I'm able to rinse off so much of the diaper in the toilet.

6. It is super easy to install on your toilet. I installed it myself in under 20 minutes and it works great (no leaks, no calling the plumber from ruining the toilet).

7. The spray intensity can be adjusted, based on how strong or weak you want the flow.

If you've purchased a bumGenius diaper sprayer, how do you like it? Are you as obsessed as I am?

Two thumbs up from Ecological Babies!

REVIEW: Fitted Diapers we've tested!

It's often difficult for me to explain why I love fitted diapers as much as I do and struggle to highlight their great value in a diaper stash. I usually turn to my fitted diapers first and find them great at every age, especially 6 months and up. I'll be honest though, there are a lot of fitted diapers we've tried and don't like. Thirsties fitteds are my favorite and that's why we carry them. I will only carry products I truly believe are good quality and function well.

Thirsties Fitteds are superior (in my humble opinion) for the following reasons:
-They stay super soft on the inside and out (fleece inside, cotton velour on outside
-They have a very comfortable, trim fit and gentle around the waist
-Baby stays dry to the skin, since they are lined with fleece
-Absorbent yet fast drying
-Great quality aplix (velcro)
-Can be put on easily while baby is standing up (very important to me)
-Holds potential blow outs inside the diaper great

Next, I want to share all the fitted diapers I've tested, didn't like, and why I don't like them. I'd love it for others to share the ones they've tried and either liked or didn't like. Why?

Kissaluv's
- soft when you buy them and then a rough towel after you've washed them once
- baby's bottom stays wet against the diaper
-not very absorbent
- the elastic in the legs are poor quality
-bulky
-long drying time (2 cycles)

Happy Heiny's Happy Hempy's (designed like a pocket fitted)
- so much extra fabric
- the aplix (velcro) around the waist is huge and digs into stomach
- baby feels wet against the skin

Happy Heiny's Sherpa Fitted
-This is just like Kissaluvs in the way they are designed and fit
-rough towel material
-baby stays wet against the skin
-long drying time
-very bulky but absorbs a lot

Bumwear Fitteds
-The fit on these are awkward as though baby's dimensions weren't measured well.
-aplix (velcro) not great

Babykicks Fitteds
-Not very absorbent
-Way too many snaps, even for me
- Our snaps broke very early but could have been a defective one
-Baby feels wet against the skin

Swaddlebee's bamboo Fitteds
-After first washing, the fitted felt rough...although, it has soften after a year
-short elastic life span

Bumgenius Bamboo Fitteds
-I actually like these but their biggest con is that they take a long time to dry.

REVIEW: bumGenius Organic One-Size All-in-one

Well, the title of the diaper is much more complicated than the diaper! This diaper is completely different than bumGenius' one-size 3.0 diaper for a number of reasons. It is made with organic cotton layers on the inside of the diaper. No pocket to stuff, and straight up organic cotton against the skin. What that also means is that baby's bottom feels wet to the skin.

I like the diaper because it actually is pretty trim for a one-size diaper, absorbent, is nice to have natural fiber against the skin, dries in one cycle, and is available in snaps or aplix (velcro).

My only complaint is that the layers of cotton can sometimes bunch up awkwardly and I have to be careful that they stay tucked inside the elastic legs. I also have become spoiled with Rita Clare's skin staying dry with fleece against her, so that is an adjustment too. Finally, it's also significantly more in price, than the one-size 3.0 style ($24.95 vs. $18.95). However, I think it's worth the price different.

REVIEW:Thirsties Duo Cover 1st Impression

I've officially started testing out Thirsties new covers, which is designed to be trimmer and only have 2 different sizes for purchase. My daughter, Rita Clare, is 24 lbs (21 months) and falls into the size 2 category. First of all, the color choices available are super cute. Second, the medium Thirsties covers tend to be a bit bulky in the back waist area, since it covers a big weight range (18-28 lbs). I'm hoping this will prove to be a trimmer fit, even though the weight range is 18-40 lbs. Third, the Duo covers also have the wonderful leg gussets the others have-hooray!

She's wearing it now and it fits just like the other Thirsties covers but has a lot more fabric in the front, which folds in with snaps. I tried the first snap on RC but it is pretty clear that she's in the second snap. In the first, the front of her fitted diapers shows some, which could cause some leaking. We're trying it a naptime for a good test...will post more with more uses.