Pimp Your Stash Winner #12 - Heidi

This week's winner is number #142 and her name is Heidi... She doesnt have a blog, and we hope she sends us a photo of her baby wearing her new diapers! CONGRATULATIONS, Heidi!

Heidi, contact us ASAP so we can get your winnings out to you right away!

The Art of Diaper Spraying

Let’s just say I love my diaper sprayer, but it wasn’t love at first sight. It was a learning process that required a lot of practice to master the art. Fortunately, my daughter swore off solids and was really breastfed-only for about 10 months, so I had lots of time to practice.

I started off with my diaper pail next to the changing table for a quick deposit at changing time. As my daughter finally began eating more solids, I would change her and let her play with her shoes in the closet (which she loves) while I’d run 5 steps to the hall bathroom spray the diaper, flush, and make a mad dash back to the pail desperately trying not to drip on the carpet. Might I add, I almost always got water everywhere including the toilet, shower curtain, and floor. It was a disaster. I’d just hope that she wouldn’t go big potty until my husband was home and he could spray the diaper. I’m sure he had some of the same problems, but at least he didn’t complain.

Now that every diaper, after a big potty, needs sprayed I’ve finally got a handle on it.
So here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Put the diaper pail next to the toilet! We only have 1, so now the wet diapers make the 5 step trip across the hall to the bathroom (they never drip)!
2. Lift the lid and seat.
3. Spray downwards, and put the diaper as close to in-the-toilet as you are willing to risk.
4. Fold the cover over the diaper holding the newspaper fold in place so you don’t have to spray the front and back of the diaper (for prefolds only).
5. Roll the diaper in the cover squeezing out excess water.
6. Quickly dump into pail.
7. Don’t let your child follow you into the bathroom during the process, as she might try to throw her ball in the toilet.

There are certain gadgets to buy that go over the toilet and reduce spraying. I was fairly close to purchasing something like this (google Potty-Pail if interested) or rigging up my own. But I think this system works; for now I’ll do without a bucket. I’m sure everyone has their own special secrets and sprayer tricks, what’s yours?



Reader Submitted Article
by
Andrea, mama to Mary Elise
http://3muirs.blogspot.com/

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Cotton Laminate vs. PUL

Question: I've heard people say that print diapers leak or don't work as well as solid color PUL diapers? I don't really understand why this could be. Is this true, why or why not?

The Geek's Answer: Awesome question! I am so glad you asked. This can be a really confusing issue, especially for those who aren't really familiar with the different types of diaper making fabrics, their content, uses, etc. So I will do my best to explain. :)

Most diapers, solid colored, are made from what is known as PUL. PUL is is a polyester/polyurethane knit fabric that is 100% polyester. It is then laminated to make it waterproof/leak-proof and is considered a non-breathable fabric. PUL usually comes in two thicknesses 1mil & 2 mil. While both are waterproof, the 2 mil is sometimes considered more durable, however it is also known to be harder to work with, as far as sewing diapers is concerned, and therefore not all diapers are made from 2mil.

But what about print diapers? Some print diapers are a polyester print that is then sent off, usually to the same manufacturers of the solid color PUL, so that they may laminate it, rendering it waterproof, the same as the regular PUL they produce.

Other print diapers are a cotton print. 100% Cotton prints that are laminated, known as cotton laminate, are not as effective as polyester prints that are laminated. They are known to wick and/or leak more frequently than their polyester friends. However, there are 50% poly 50% cotton knits that are laminated and in most cases to perform just as well as the 100% poly, so it seems that laminated prints should contain at a minimum 50% poly or more in order to be effective at preventing leaks/wicking.

Then why do some companies still make diapers with the cotton print laminate? Because there are soooo many cute prints of course! The cuteness factor often reigns supreme in the grand scheme of things. Maybe it's not important to everyone to have all the cutest diapers, but try and convince someone they don't want that uber cute "ooga booga' pocket diaper they saw and you'll be fighting a losing battle.

Ultimately, just because a diaper is made from a cotton knit and not poly simply means that you're sacrificing extended wear and some reliability for the joy of being able to put a cute diaper on your babies bum for friends, for photos, or for comfort. You take the good with the bad, you put the diaper on knowing to check it more frequently, or maybe after a thoroughly soaked diaper change because you know she or he will be able to wear it a little longer.

The verdict: Check the fabric content for the diapers you buy and keep the above information in mind. Also, just because you heard that XYZ Company's print diapers leaked, doesn't mean that they might not have now switched to poly print PUL. Some companies sell a little of both due to the fact that not all those adorable prints are available in polyester.

So keep on cloth diapering and enjoy!

New! Thirsties Pre-Wash & Super-Wash!

PRE-WASH Features:

• Completely non-toxic solution

• 100% biodegradable

• Custom formulated by a chemist specifically for use in pre-washing diapers

• Designed to help loosen and rinse away waste and eliminate bacteria

• Antimicrobial ingredient naturally disinfects

• Washes completely clean; will not leave residue

• Highly concentrated to reduce costs and carbon output

• HE Safe

• Made in the USA

PRE-WASH Description:

Thirsties® Pre-Wash is the only solution custom formulated by a chemist to pre-clean your cloth diapers. The active antimicrobial ingredients in Thirsties® Pre-Wash actually eliminate bacteria from your diapers, which are often the culprit of residual odors and diaper rash.

Be sure not to skip this important step in cleaning your cloth diapers! Thirsties® Pre-Wash is specially formulated to loosen and rinse away waste and works to prevent stains from setting. Our pre-wash solution is completely safe against your baby's skin and washes clean from your diaper leaving no residue behind.

Most detergents contain harmful enzymes, artificial fragrances, man-made whiteners, and leave behind harmful residues. Thirsties® Pre-Wash is entirely non-toxic, is safe for your HE washer and is 100% biodegradable.

SUPER WASH Features:

• Completely non-toxic solution

• 100% biodegradable

• Odorless & colorless

• Custom formulated by a chemist specifically for use in washing cloth diapers

• Probiotic solution introduces good bacteria to eliminate odor-causing bacteria

• Helps prevent diaper rash by naturally destroying bad bacteria

• Effectively brightens and whitens without harmful additives

• Washes completely clean; will not leave residue

• Highly concentrated to reduce costs and carbon output

• HE Safe

• Made in the USA

SUPER WASH Description:

Finally a cloth diaper detergent that does it all! A wash that truly lives up to its name: SUPER! The amazing probiotic component of Thirsties® Super Wash actually introduces constructive bacteria to your wash which helps to eliminate the bacteria that are often the culprits of residual odors and diaper rash. It's the only wash of its kind that offers this important ingredient.

Most detergents on the market will 'clean' your diapers, but none of them work to eliminate bacteria. Adding an oxygen bleach booster to your regular detergent will certainly disinfect, but it is very harsh on your baby's delicate skin and will deteriorate your diapers at a much more rapid rate. As well, using a boosteralso adds up the expense to launder each load. Thirsties® Super Wash is completely safe against your baby's skin, yet has everything you need to thoroughly clean your diapers, and is custom formulated specifically to suit the needs of your reusable diaper laundry.

In addition, most detergents contain harmful enzymes, artificial fragrances, man-made whiteners, and leave behind harmful residues. Thirsties® Super Wash is entirely non-toxic and is just as safe as rainwater against your baby's skin.

Use our washes from Day One on your cloth diapers to maintain that 'like-new' appearance. Thirsties® Super Wash effectively brightens and whitens your diapers--you will be amazed! Test it yourself by reserving some of your dingiest used diapers. Wash some of them in Thirsties® Super Wash and watch them brighten more and more with every cycle. After several wash cycles, compare your dingy diapers still on reserve to the diapers washed with Thirsties® Super Wash and you will notice a difference.

Use:

Pre-clean with 1/2 ounce Thirsties® Pre-Wash on COLD (if your machine has a pre-wash cycle, use it; if not, use a short cycle). Follow with 1/2 ounce of Thirsties® Super Wash in heavy cycle on HOT with an extra rinse. DO NOT USE ON HAND-DYED TEXTILES. We recommend testing for color fastness prior to using on dyed textiles.

Also, available in a Value Pack! Save money and grab both the Pre-Wash & Super Wash!

Black Tuesday Sale! Today only!

Black Tuesday? I know, you're thinking "I thought it was Black Friday?" True, Black Friday is usually right after Thanksgiving, but who says we can't have a Black Tuesday too? Heck, we could have Purple Wednesday, Sparkly Saturday or whatever we want! So...Black Tuesday is TODAY! HeeHee!

How does it work?
For one day only November 3rd until 11pm EST you will earn great rewards for purchasing Wahmies, DryBees & Rocky Mountain Diaper Products!

Purchase $10.00-$24.99 in any combination of RMD, Wahmies or DryBees and you'll receive a FREE DryBees Micro Insert
or
Purchase $25.00-$49.99 in any combination of RMD, Wahmies or DryBees
and you'll receive a FREE Small Wahmies WetBag
or
Purchase $50.00-$99.00 in any combination of RMD, Wahmies or DryBees
and you will receive a FREE Regular Size Wahmies WetBag
or
Purchase $100.00-$149.99 in any combination of RMD, Wahmies or DryBees and you will receive a FREE Large Wahmies WetBag
or
Purchase $150.00+ in any combination of RMD, Wahmies or DryBees
and you will receive a FREE Wahmies DSQ Pail Liner

*Sale valid November 3, 2009 unitl 11pm EST only. Please contact me with any questions.

Fluff in the Spotlight: Ecobumz Diapers

It is my pleasure to introduce Ecobumz Diapers as this week's Fluff in Spotlight! Haven't heard of Ecobumz? They're a Canadian based company located in Calgary and they are completely mom-owned!

What types of diapers are Ecobumz? Well Ecobumz produces two styles of AIO's.

Ecobumz Basic Fleece All-In-One Features

• 100% Organic Cotton Soaker Pad for optimum absorbency
• Secure hook and loop closure for easy changes and fastening
• Coated Polyester outer stops leaks and wicking
• Inner stay-dry fleece liner keeps baby dry and rash free
• Extra long waist section helps prevent wing droop
• Available in Size 1 & Size 2

Ecobumz Supreme Organic Velour Stuffable All-In-One Features

• Available in Snaps or Aplix
  
• Coated Polyester outer stops leaks and wicking
• Pocket Opening for customized absorbtion
• Organic Bamboo Velour eliminates eliminates your babies exposure to synthetic fibers and is 60% more absorbent than cotton.
• Organic Cotton soaker sewn in for superior protection. In fact, raw organic cotton retains up to 2 cups of fluid!
• Available in Size 1 & Size 2

Ecobumz are known for their superior absorbency, quality construction and comfort. They are by far some of the most soft and plush diapers on the market today! You're baby's sure to love the feel of their fuzzy soft fleece or lush bamboo velour up against their skin!

Check them out and try one today!

Pimp Your Stash #12 - Ends Friday 11-06 (Ecobumz Trial Pack)

In honor of the start of the Great Cloth Diaper Hunt we're offering a great new GiveAway! This week's Pimp Your Stash Winner will receive a Ecobumz Trial Pack! This includes 1 Ecobumz Basic Fleece AIO, 1 Ecobumz Supreme w/ Snaps & 1 Stuffer! Ecobumz is a fabulous new company run by a Canadian mom and Ecobumz are proudly made in Canada!

This weeks mandatory question for your first entry is "What's your favorite feature of either the Basic or Supreme diaper?"

Guidelines for Entry
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first answer the weekly question.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....

-Each contest runs from Sunday 12am to Friday 9pm.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Saturdays and winners name also posted on Blog.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination will not be replaced.

-How to earn extra entries:
* Tell us whether you'd prefer the Ecobumz Basic or the Supreme AIO?
* Become a FAN of Earth Angels Diaper Co. on FaceBook
* Join our Yahoo/Newsletter Group
* Join DD on Flickr & add photos! 1 entry for each photo, up to 5 per week.
* Follow Us on Twitter
* Follow Diaper Discussions Blog
* Place the Diaper Discussions Animated Banner on your site or Blog
* Tweet About the Giveaway (use #clothdiapers in the tweet) comment with a url to the tweet.
* Advertise our Giveaway in your blog, forums or site (post with your comment the direct link where you posted about it).
* Contribute an Article, Product Review or relevant story regarding Cloth Diapering. 10 extra entries are given for contributions submitted during the week of the contest. (Please do not contribute articles that were already published elsewhere.)
* Comment to any post on the Diaper Discussions Blog (one entry per each comment)
* Register (or being already registered) in our Affiliate Program (please specify where you placed your affiliate banner).

--- Please post a separate comment for each extra entry and let us know which you've chosen to do in that comment ---

Good Luck!!