Chronic Illness
8 months ago
Sunday, October 31, 2010
And the winner is...
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped us celebrate 6 months of cloth diapering in our home. I would also like to thank Diaper Junction for sponsoring the giveaway. The winner of the $25 gift certificate to Diaper Junction is entry #31, Maranda!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
6 Month Celebration & Giveaway!!!
October 30th marks the 6 month anniversary of our family cloth diapering full-time. We have learned so much in the past few months, and a lot of it is due to the amazing network of cloth diapering families on the web. In celebration of this milestone, Diaper Junction is sponsoring a giveaway!!! The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to my favorite cloth diaper retailer, Diaper Junction!
There are 2 mandatory entries and 4 optional entries. You MUST leave separate comments for each entry. How to enter:
There are 2 mandatory entries and 4 optional entries. You MUST leave separate comments for each entry. How to enter:
- Follow this blog (mandatory). Leave a comment letting me know you're a follower.
- "Like" Diaper Junction on Facebook (mandatory). Leave a comment letting me know you're a follower. http://www.facebook.com/DiaperJunction
- Follow me on Twitter @MrsSABOtage. Leave a comment letting me know you're a follower with your Twitter name.
- Follow Diaper Junction on Twitter @Diaper_Junction. Leave a comment letting me know you're a follower with your Twitter name.
- Tweet about this giveaway, be sure to include #clothdiapers, @Diaper_Junction, and the link (http://bit.ly/cVnwjj). Leave a comment letting me know with your Twitter name (one entry per day).
- Answer the following question in a comment: How long have you been cloth diapering?
Friday, October 22, 2010
The honeymoon is over...well, sorta.
In the middle of August I posted and said I would not neglect my blog. Well...things didn't exactly go the way I had planned. In late August we traveled to Ohio to visit my husband's grandmother, but had to come home early due to my mother-in-law being hospitalized. She stayed with us for about a week once she was discharged, but then Hank and I were off to Alabama with my mother to visit my grandparents. The trip went well, but Hank started to act funny. I brushed off his fussiness and increased appetite to the stress of traveling, but it kept up once we got home. A quick check of the scales showed he put on two pounds in three weeks! It was just a growth spurt...well, it WAS just a growth spurt. Then came the cold. The horrific cold that had us both up at all hours of the night, sweaty and feverish. I was so excited when the cold passed--we made it through! We kept up with our cloth diapers through the trips, the added company, the growth spurt (more goes in, more comes out), and even being worn out by a cold. I was so proud of myself for keeping up with the laundry.
As most mom's know, though, many colds are followed by ear infections. Hank was diagnosed about 2 weeks after the onset of his cold, and the doctor mentioned it looked like he had a couple teeth that were trying to poke through. I don't know if y'all know what all that means in relation to cloth diapers, but I will clue you in. The germs that cause ear infections can also wreak havoc on little ones' tummies. The antibiotics used to treat ear infections can also cause a change in stool. All that drool from teething tends to soften things up, too. Okay, yes, add that all up...OH MY POOP! I had 2 weeks of the NASTIEST diapers in ALL of creation. I am not even kidding! We are talking 5-8 stinky diapers a day. It was SO SO SO gross--and this coming from somebody with a "eh, it's just poop" mentality. For the first time in 5 months I felt like cloth diapers were work. Every time somebody has told me they are too busy to try cloth I have said "Oh, it's only 3 loads of laundry a week. Hardly any work at all!" I could not believe I was feeling burdened by my son's bum. But have no fear, I remained diligent. I did not give up--not a single sposie was used. I have a package of Gro Via disposable inserts in our stash in case the power goes out, and I was so tempted...SO tempted.
I am really proud of myself, though. I didn't give in. My love affair with cloth diapers is nowhere near over, but I've come to the point in the relationship where things are predictable. Things got tough, and I stuck with it, but now things are ho-hum. So as far as I see it, there is only one thing I can do to spice up my relationship with cloth diapers and take me back to the honeymoon phase...buy more fluff!
Hank & Mema on her porch in Ohio
Hank & Gigi - first carousel ride in Alabama
Sick Hank passed out on the floor in the middle of his toys
(you can see his Flip cover peeking out!)
As most mom's know, though, many colds are followed by ear infections. Hank was diagnosed about 2 weeks after the onset of his cold, and the doctor mentioned it looked like he had a couple teeth that were trying to poke through. I don't know if y'all know what all that means in relation to cloth diapers, but I will clue you in. The germs that cause ear infections can also wreak havoc on little ones' tummies. The antibiotics used to treat ear infections can also cause a change in stool. All that drool from teething tends to soften things up, too. Okay, yes, add that all up...OH MY POOP! I had 2 weeks of the NASTIEST diapers in ALL of creation. I am not even kidding! We are talking 5-8 stinky diapers a day. It was SO SO SO gross--and this coming from somebody with a "eh, it's just poop" mentality. For the first time in 5 months I felt like cloth diapers were work. Every time somebody has told me they are too busy to try cloth I have said "Oh, it's only 3 loads of laundry a week. Hardly any work at all!" I could not believe I was feeling burdened by my son's bum. But have no fear, I remained diligent. I did not give up--not a single sposie was used. I have a package of Gro Via disposable inserts in our stash in case the power goes out, and I was so tempted...SO tempted.
I am really proud of myself, though. I didn't give in. My love affair with cloth diapers is nowhere near over, but I've come to the point in the relationship where things are predictable. Things got tough, and I stuck with it, but now things are ho-hum. So as far as I see it, there is only one thing I can do to spice up my relationship with cloth diapers and take me back to the honeymoon phase...buy more fluff!
Hank & Mema on her porch in Ohio
Hank & Gigi - first carousel ride in Alabama
Sick Hank passed out on the floor in the middle of his toys(you can see his Flip cover peeking out!)
We're famous...ish.
Back in August Hank and I were featured in a segment on cloth diapers by our local Fox morning show. They also interviewed Bryana from Diaper Junction. I was so excited to be a party of this story...if you couldn't tell! LOL
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
How did that happen?
I have been so busy getting acclimated to life with an infant that I realize I have neglected this blog a bit. The ironic part is that I am constantly coming up with ideas for blog posts, but just haven't had the opportunity to sit down and really put my all into it. Now that Hank is nearing 6 months old (OMG it's next week!), I have found there is a bit of a comfortable routine around the house. I can't wait to start working on some of my ideas--they are good AND I promise to share!
By the way, our local Fox station interviewed Hank & I for a segment to air on the Hampton Roads Show later this week. I can't wait to see the story and to share it with you guys!
By the way, our local Fox station interviewed Hank & I for a segment to air on the Hampton Roads Show later this week. I can't wait to see the story and to share it with you guys!
Monday, May 24, 2010
FLUFF Review: Flip Diaper System
I would like to present my first of many FLUFF Reviews. My FLUFF Review will examine five criteria: function, laundering, user-friendliness, fit, and funds.
The Flip Diaper System is a hybrid AI2 and consists of a one-size waterproof outer shell with an absorbent adjustable insert that is held in place by front and back contour flaps. The Flip System gives the option of a Stay-Dry insert, an organic insert, or a disposable insert. The Flip Diaper is designed to fit babies and toddlers weighing 7-35 pounds. This week's review is on the Flip Diaper System with Stay Dry insert.
Laundering: Manufacturer recommends to wash hot, line dry cover, tumble dry insert, no laundry additives or softeners. These recommendations fall in line with my regular diaper routine, and I find them easy to care for. I sometimes have problems with poo stains around the legs of other covers, but the Flip cover seems resistant thus far.
User-friendly: This is a very easy system and the shell can be used for those who want to save costs with a reusable cover and inserts or prefolds. The snaps can be a little tricky for beginners, but you will get the hang of it quickly. It is simple to adjust the size of the insert--just fold along the sewn in guide-lines. I sent this diaper to the church nursery with my son and they caught on very quickly. Flips are great on the run because you just replace the insert and go--no need to use a fresh shell if there is no solid mess and you don't have to worry about a prefold and separate liner for dryness.
Fit: This system allows for a custom fit through a series of snaps on the rise and waist. My son has thick thighs and he seems to have a snug fit, but I could see newborn or skinny babies requiring something a bit more fitted.
Funds: Retails for $16.95. This is a good value considering the outer-shell should fit your child until potty learning; however you may find yourself needing additional inserts as he or she gets older and wets heavier.
The Low Down Dirty Fluff: I like this diaper and use it regularly (there are 4 in my stash). I would highly recommend the Flip cover for as a one-size option for use with prefolds. The Flip with Stay-Dry insert is my go-to diaper when we are away from home because it is one simple insert that keeps him feeling dry, and it doesn't take up your whole diaper bag.
The Flip Diaper System is a hybrid AI2 and consists of a one-size waterproof outer shell with an absorbent adjustable insert that is held in place by front and back contour flaps. The Flip System gives the option of a Stay-Dry insert, an organic insert, or a disposable insert. The Flip Diaper is designed to fit babies and toddlers weighing 7-35 pounds. This week's review is on the Flip Diaper System with Stay Dry insert.
Flip Diaper System w/ Stay-Dry insert
(shown in Ribbit)
Laundering: Manufacturer recommends to wash hot, line dry cover, tumble dry insert, no laundry additives or softeners. These recommendations fall in line with my regular diaper routine, and I find them easy to care for. I sometimes have problems with poo stains around the legs of other covers, but the Flip cover seems resistant thus far.
User-friendly: This is a very easy system and the shell can be used for those who want to save costs with a reusable cover and inserts or prefolds. The snaps can be a little tricky for beginners, but you will get the hang of it quickly. It is simple to adjust the size of the insert--just fold along the sewn in guide-lines. I sent this diaper to the church nursery with my son and they caught on very quickly. Flips are great on the run because you just replace the insert and go--no need to use a fresh shell if there is no solid mess and you don't have to worry about a prefold and separate liner for dryness.
Fit: This system allows for a custom fit through a series of snaps on the rise and waist. My son has thick thighs and he seems to have a snug fit, but I could see newborn or skinny babies requiring something a bit more fitted.
Funds: Retails for $16.95. This is a good value considering the outer-shell should fit your child until potty learning; however you may find yourself needing additional inserts as he or she gets older and wets heavier.
The Low Down Dirty Fluff: I like this diaper and use it regularly (there are 4 in my stash). I would highly recommend the Flip cover for as a one-size option for use with prefolds. The Flip with Stay-Dry insert is my go-to diaper when we are away from home because it is one simple insert that keeps him feeling dry, and it doesn't take up your whole diaper bag.
Inner and outer views of Flip Shell
(shown in Moonbeam)
Shells & inserts shown in 3 rise sizes
Stay-Dry insert held inside Flip shell by contour flaps
Friday, May 21, 2010
Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies: Pampers vs Modern Cloth Diapers
This post is part of the Real Diaper Facts carnival hosted by Real Diaper Events, the official blog of the Real Diaper Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to cloth diaper education. Participants were asked to write about diaper lies and real diaper facts. See the link at the bottom of this post to read the rest of the carnival entries.
I can't seem to get the Fleetwood Mac classic "Little Lies" out of my head. You see, recently the folks at Pampers posted a "Myths and Facts" page comparing sustainable cloth diapers to single-use disposable diapers. I would like to believe they just got their myths and facts backwards, but after my recent dealings with them, I know it's just lies.
So, why do I care? My sweet son was one of the poor babies that had a negative reaction to Pampers' new DryMax "technology." At first I just thought we just needed to find another diaper--I mean, not every product will work for every consumer--but their treatment of my complaint, as well as the way they have treated other parents, has really irritated me. Now they are telling lies...and I'm going to tell you the truths!
Myth: Disposable diapers are harmful to the environment.
Fact: All of the component materials in Pampers diapers are gentle to consumers and safe for the environment. Pampers diapers are made of materials that are also frequently used in a wide range of other consumer products. We are committed to continuing to reduce our environmental impact. For example, Pampers has decreased its diaper weight by one-third and packaging weight by two-thirds. And innovative technologies, raw materials, and product design improvements have led to significant reductions in energy, water use, emissions, and waste at our plants. We are working so that our diapers in the future will have less impact on the environment than even today’s diapers.
Truth: Waste is waste, and waste is not good for the environment. Single-use disposable diapers make up 1/3 of American landfills. Disposable diapers also take 250-500 years to decompose. Pampers may have reduced its diaper weight, but the SAP (super absorbent polymers) swells and turns into gel upon getting wet, thus increasing the overall size of the diaper. Also, describing the materials as "gentle to consumers and safe for the environment" is not entirely accurate. Sodium polyacrylate, a common SAP, is known to increase the likelihood of developing toxic shock syndrome. The chlorine bleaching process used in disposable diaper production causes dioxins, which are known to cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive disorders. I don't know how either of these items are gentle or could possibly be safe for our environment when they are dumped into landfills. Right now we are in the middle of an oil spill crisis in the Gulf of Mexico--I think it is important to point out that it takes 2/3 cup of oil to create one disposable diaper. Americans use 18 billion disposable diapers each year, requiring over 3.5 billion gallons of oil to produce--that's more oil than the U.S. imports from Kuwait annually.
Pampers Myth: Cloth diapers are better for my baby.
Pampers Fact: Disposable diapers like Pampers were developed to offer babies benefits that cloth diapers could not meet. That goes beyond convenience to helping keep babies’ skin dryer and more comfortable by reducing leaks and locking wetness inside the diaper in a way that cloth doesn’t. As a result, doctors and parents simply don’t see the same level of diaper rash that used to exist before disposable diapers.
Truth: Much like single-use disposable diapers have changed over the years, so have sustainable cloth diapers. It is no longer fair or accurate to advertise disposable diapers as having "benefits that cloth diapers could not meet." Modern advancements in textiles and detergents have eliminated the cloth diaper problems of the past. Absorbent hemps and bamboos and moisture-wicking microfibers have become the norm in today's modern cloth diaper, virtually eliminating leaks and excess wetness. Rubber pants are a thing of the past, and have been replaced with breathable, natural fibers, which have reduced the instance of diaper rash. There are detergents on the market today that prevent build-up and are free of irritants. Detergent build-up is responsible for absorbency and leakage issues, while irritants such as dyes, perfumes, and enzymes are known to cause discomfort and rashes.
Pampers Myth: Developing countries prove that cloth diapers are better than disposable diapers.
Pampers “Fact”: Our product provides key benefits in terms of skin health, dryness, and even sleep. In China, for example, we've learned that babies and parents are frequently awakened during the night each time the baby soaks the bed, because the baby has no diaper or a very thin piece of cloth. As a result, studies have shown that a disposable diaper can help a baby there get a better night's sleep. In another test, we have also seen less fecal contamination spread around the home using disposables versus cloth or nothing.
Truth: You can not compare cloth diapers in developing countries to the cloth diapers available in the United States. Pampers even states "the baby has no diaper or a very thin piece of cloth," which is not symbolic of the plush layers of bamboo and organic cotton found in modern cloth diapers available in the U.S. In my personal experience, my son sleeps better in cloth diapers than disposable. My son never slept more than 6 hours in a disposable, but quickly began sleeping to 10-11 hours a night once he was in a cloth diaper--and I should note this increase happened in a period of 2 weeks in a 2 month old baby. Yes, you read that correctly, my son started sleeping 10-11 hours at night while wearing a cloth diaper when he was only 10 weeks old. I can not comment on the fecal contamination statement except to say poop gets flushed down the toilet in my house.
Pampers Myth: The materials that make up Pampers diapers are depleting our forests.
Pampers "Fact": The pulp used in our diapers comes from well-managed forests in North America. In some cases, we source our pulp from scrap wood chips from lumber and saw mills. Our pulp suppliers are required to be certified by an independent third party as practicing sustainable forestry. Certification includes standards and criteria for replanting trees, protecting biodiversity, water, air and soil, and for obtaining broad stakeholder input into the forest management plan.
Truth: Pampers has reduced the amount of wood pulp in their DryMax diaper to nearly non-existant quantities. Boasting of "well-managed" forests and "certification" is not relative to their current diaper design, rather they are just environmentally-friendly words an unknowing consumer might be impressed by.
What it really boils down to is this: as parents, we are responsible for everything we put on or in our child. Take the time to really learn what is in the consumer products you are purchasing, and don't just take the manufacturers word for it. Use your best judgement in choosing the items that will leave your family healthy, happy, and green. It just so happens that sustainable cloth diapers are the best choice for my family.
For further reading, I recommend the Z Recommends 4-Part series on Pampers DryMax.
I researched this blog topic using the following articles and websites:
Real Diaper Association - Diaper Facts
What a Waste
Eco Etiquette: How Can I Convince My Husband to Use Cloth Diapers? by Jennifer Grayson
Please visit the Real Diaper Association to learn more about this blog carnival and read other posts.
I can't seem to get the Fleetwood Mac classic "Little Lies" out of my head. You see, recently the folks at Pampers posted a "Myths and Facts" page comparing sustainable cloth diapers to single-use disposable diapers. I would like to believe they just got their myths and facts backwards, but after my recent dealings with them, I know it's just lies.
So, why do I care? My sweet son was one of the poor babies that had a negative reaction to Pampers' new DryMax "technology." At first I just thought we just needed to find another diaper--I mean, not every product will work for every consumer--but their treatment of my complaint, as well as the way they have treated other parents, has really irritated me. Now they are telling lies...and I'm going to tell you the truths!
Myth: Disposable diapers are harmful to the environment.
Fact: All of the component materials in Pampers diapers are gentle to consumers and safe for the environment. Pampers diapers are made of materials that are also frequently used in a wide range of other consumer products. We are committed to continuing to reduce our environmental impact. For example, Pampers has decreased its diaper weight by one-third and packaging weight by two-thirds. And innovative technologies, raw materials, and product design improvements have led to significant reductions in energy, water use, emissions, and waste at our plants. We are working so that our diapers in the future will have less impact on the environment than even today’s diapers.
Truth: Waste is waste, and waste is not good for the environment. Single-use disposable diapers make up 1/3 of American landfills. Disposable diapers also take 250-500 years to decompose. Pampers may have reduced its diaper weight, but the SAP (super absorbent polymers) swells and turns into gel upon getting wet, thus increasing the overall size of the diaper. Also, describing the materials as "gentle to consumers and safe for the environment" is not entirely accurate. Sodium polyacrylate, a common SAP, is known to increase the likelihood of developing toxic shock syndrome. The chlorine bleaching process used in disposable diaper production causes dioxins, which are known to cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive disorders. I don't know how either of these items are gentle or could possibly be safe for our environment when they are dumped into landfills. Right now we are in the middle of an oil spill crisis in the Gulf of Mexico--I think it is important to point out that it takes 2/3 cup of oil to create one disposable diaper. Americans use 18 billion disposable diapers each year, requiring over 3.5 billion gallons of oil to produce--that's more oil than the U.S. imports from Kuwait annually.
Pampers Myth: Cloth diapers are better for my baby.
Pampers Fact: Disposable diapers like Pampers were developed to offer babies benefits that cloth diapers could not meet. That goes beyond convenience to helping keep babies’ skin dryer and more comfortable by reducing leaks and locking wetness inside the diaper in a way that cloth doesn’t. As a result, doctors and parents simply don’t see the same level of diaper rash that used to exist before disposable diapers.
Truth: Much like single-use disposable diapers have changed over the years, so have sustainable cloth diapers. It is no longer fair or accurate to advertise disposable diapers as having "benefits that cloth diapers could not meet." Modern advancements in textiles and detergents have eliminated the cloth diaper problems of the past. Absorbent hemps and bamboos and moisture-wicking microfibers have become the norm in today's modern cloth diaper, virtually eliminating leaks and excess wetness. Rubber pants are a thing of the past, and have been replaced with breathable, natural fibers, which have reduced the instance of diaper rash. There are detergents on the market today that prevent build-up and are free of irritants. Detergent build-up is responsible for absorbency and leakage issues, while irritants such as dyes, perfumes, and enzymes are known to cause discomfort and rashes.
Pampers Myth: Developing countries prove that cloth diapers are better than disposable diapers.
Pampers “Fact”: Our product provides key benefits in terms of skin health, dryness, and even sleep. In China, for example, we've learned that babies and parents are frequently awakened during the night each time the baby soaks the bed, because the baby has no diaper or a very thin piece of cloth. As a result, studies have shown that a disposable diaper can help a baby there get a better night's sleep. In another test, we have also seen less fecal contamination spread around the home using disposables versus cloth or nothing.
Truth: You can not compare cloth diapers in developing countries to the cloth diapers available in the United States. Pampers even states "the baby has no diaper or a very thin piece of cloth," which is not symbolic of the plush layers of bamboo and organic cotton found in modern cloth diapers available in the U.S. In my personal experience, my son sleeps better in cloth diapers than disposable. My son never slept more than 6 hours in a disposable, but quickly began sleeping to 10-11 hours a night once he was in a cloth diaper--and I should note this increase happened in a period of 2 weeks in a 2 month old baby. Yes, you read that correctly, my son started sleeping 10-11 hours at night while wearing a cloth diaper when he was only 10 weeks old. I can not comment on the fecal contamination statement except to say poop gets flushed down the toilet in my house.
Pampers Myth: The materials that make up Pampers diapers are depleting our forests.
Pampers "Fact": The pulp used in our diapers comes from well-managed forests in North America. In some cases, we source our pulp from scrap wood chips from lumber and saw mills. Our pulp suppliers are required to be certified by an independent third party as practicing sustainable forestry. Certification includes standards and criteria for replanting trees, protecting biodiversity, water, air and soil, and for obtaining broad stakeholder input into the forest management plan.
Truth: Pampers has reduced the amount of wood pulp in their DryMax diaper to nearly non-existant quantities. Boasting of "well-managed" forests and "certification" is not relative to their current diaper design, rather they are just environmentally-friendly words an unknowing consumer might be impressed by.
What it really boils down to is this: as parents, we are responsible for everything we put on or in our child. Take the time to really learn what is in the consumer products you are purchasing, and don't just take the manufacturers word for it. Use your best judgement in choosing the items that will leave your family healthy, happy, and green. It just so happens that sustainable cloth diapers are the best choice for my family.
For further reading, I recommend the Z Recommends 4-Part series on Pampers DryMax.
I researched this blog topic using the following articles and websites:
Real Diaper Association - Diaper Facts
What a Waste
Eco Etiquette: How Can I Convince My Husband to Use Cloth Diapers? by Jennifer Grayson
Please visit the Real Diaper Association to learn more about this blog carnival and read other posts.
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