Smarti Pants Newborn Diapers

I'm here today to focus on the other side of Smarti Pants, with their "Little Smarti" diapers. These are newborn cloth diapers that fit from 5-12 lbs, have elastic at the legs and back to contain messes, and is a complete all-in-one with an enclosed microfiber pad offering great absorbency.

Most One Size diapers start at 7lbs and I know that one size may not fit right away for people that have smaller or petite children. 

HOWEVER, these newborn diapers retail for $3 MORE than the One Size diaper Smarti Pants also sells. If you're willing to buy, you can always save for future children or sell after baby outgrows for part of your money back. 

I will add that Smarti Pants offers bundle packages so you can buy one diaper for $17.95 or a three pack for $49.95. They come in pink, blue, or white.

Courtesy of Michelle @ Mama's Baby Cupcakes

Cloth Diapering And Hospitals

While reviewing the Kelly Wels book, I came upon a subject I had never thought about... cloth diapering while in the hospital. I just assumed that it's your baby so you can have them wear whatever you want. I mean, they let you bring in your own clothes as well as your own baby clothes and blankets, so why not cloth diapers?

According to "Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom's Guide to Cloth Diapering" it is necessary to check with your hospital to make sure cloth diapering is even allowed. If they're not allowed, you can always advocate and see if they change their mind.

• Take in samples of cloth diapers, especially AIO (All In Ones) or pockets to your childbirth class and let them see just how simple a cloth diaper can be.
• Let them know you and your family are willing to change ALL DIAPERS!
• Possibly ask a local retailer to help you contact your hospital, and they could even get business out of it, like a cloth diapering class at the hospital. (That would be AMAZING!)
• Contact the Real Diaper Association for helpful tips as well. They also offer advocacy pamphlets on their website that you can print out and take with you. You can visit the advocacy group on their blog, Cloth Diapers In Hospitals, and they even have a Facebook page.

Did you cloth diaper in the hospital?

Did anyone try to tell you it wasn't allowed?

Michelle @ Mama's Baby Cupcakes blog

You Know You're a Cloth Diaper Mom When....

Perhaps the title of this post should be 'You Know You're A Cloth Diapering ADDICT When...' because let's be honest, it's hard to be a cloth diapering mom without also becoming an addict. Sure, we mostly all start with great intentions- save money, save the planet- but for many of us, that love cannot help but grow. Trust me, I get it! So, today I'm sharing this fun list of ways that you truly know you've got the cloth diaper fever!

• You get more excited over a new print/color than you do a new pair of shoes. And believe me, I love me some shoes too!
• You actually look forward to diaper laundry! The rest of the laundry on the other hand can wait!
• Seeing another baby out and about in cloth is like seeing a celebrity. Brad who?
• The word 'unicorn' has taken on a whole new meaning.
• You choose shirts and dresses based on how well it will match your favorite diapers. And in the summer, pants are completely optional.
• You've excitedly shared your fluff mail photos via social media.And don't forget your stash shots! (And you love seeing other peoples too!)
• You've learned a whole new language- AIO, AI2, FST... you know what these mean without a second thought.
• You dread the day your baby potty trains! What will you do with all those diapers!?
• You want to have a new baby so you can continue using cloth...and buy newborn cloth too! (Too extreme?)
• You get super excited every time you discover a new cloth diaper giveaway. Never mind that you don't NEED anymore diapers!
• You have enough diapers to diaper 3 kids... and you just have one!
• You have a sticker on your vehicle celebrating cloth diapering. (No, really, I have this!!)
• You said, 'Just one more diaper'...5 diapers ago! Too many diapers? Never!
• You cannot wait until the next Great Cloth Diaper Change.
• You've read through this list and saw yourself on more than a few!

Are you a cloth diaper addict? How would YOU finish the sentence, "You know you're a cloth diapering mama when..."

Traveling with Cloth: Questions To Consider

'Tis the season for holiday travels- from Thanksgiving to New Years, for many families like my own, this is the time for traveling! Traveling with kids in general can be a bit of a headache, but traveling with a cloth diapered baby? That presents it's own unique set of challenges!

Many find that using disposable during your travels is an ideal solution, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. Still others prefer the use of cloth at all times if possible. Though traveling with cloth does require some forethought, it IS possible! I've done it many times myself! Today, I'm sharing some questions to consider when weighing the decision to cloth or not cloth during your holiday or year round travels!


How long is the trip? How often will I be able to change baby?

This is super important to consider. Will you be able to stop as needed to change baby or will there be periods during which this isn't possible? Generally speaking, cloth is going to need to be changed more often, so if there is a chance that won't be possible, disposables (at least during the travel itself) may be a better option for you.

How long will I be gone? How big is my stash? Will I have access to a washer?

Thankfully in all of my holiday travels, we stay with family and are able to wash as needed. We also have an unnecessarily large stash, so should I be unable to wash right away, we still have plenty. Some do find washing by hand to be an option when staying in hotels, etc, but this is something you'd have to decide if you are comfortable doing. Also, consider how much time you will have to wash. Even having access to a washer doesn't help much if you've got a million holiday festivities filling every minute. Again, if you have a large stash, this won't be much of a problem but if you have a smaller stash that requires more frequent washing make sure you will actually have the time!

How much room do I have?

I don't know about you, but when we travel for the holidays we are often pretty packed down with luggage and gifts- coming and going. Cloth diapers do tend to take up more room, so be mindful of this in your decision and your packing! (I personally find all in twos to be ideal for traveling because they do tend to take up less space! There are also disposable insert options that can be rather convenient as well!)

If after asking yourself these few questions, you've decided cloth is still the better option for you, these tips will make your travels even easier:

• It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Want to try using cloth on the road, but concerned it might end badly? Use both! Go with disposables for the actual travel and have them on hand once you've arrived but use cloth once there!
• Keep them easily accessible. When packing your vehicle for the road, make sure to leave your diapers where you can get to them easily when you stop!
• Bring several wet bags. We tend to have a lot of visits to make when we're home for the holidays so multiple wet bags are a must. I have my large wet bags which stays where we are staying, and several small bags so that I can have empty/clean bags wherever else we go.
• Don't be afraid to over pack. It's better to have too many diapers than not enough.
• Always ASK about washers beforehand. Some people aren't comfortable with having diapers washed in their machines, unfortunately. So, even if you know that there IS a washer where you are going, make sure they are okay with you washing diapers. Know what type of washer they have as well, and pack your own detergent!

Do you travel with cloth? What other tips do you have?

Cloth Diapering Stages: How Many Diapers You'll Need

When we make the decision to cloth diaper, one of the most important questions each of asks is simply, 'How many diapers do I need?'

If only the answer to this question were as simple to answer! The truth is the answer varies depending on a few factors- how often do you plan to wash? what type of diapers do you plan to use? how often does your little one go? will you be using cloth full time? All of these factors will weigh into the exact number that is right for you and your baby. But another important factor to consider is baby's age!

Today I'm sharing about how many diapers your little one may need for each stage of their diapering days!

Newborn
24-32 Diapers

During the early stages, your little one will go through more diapers than any other stage! For my oldest, he pooped after each and every nursing- at LEAST once every two hours! That's 12-15 diapers a DAY. For a bare minimum washing every day, I would suggest going no less than 18- remember babies have a great tendency to go JUST after you change them, right? But let's be realistic... who has time for laundry daily with a brand new baby? Chances are, washing every other day is going to make more sense! So, 24-32 is a much safer idea!

Infant
18-30 Diapers

As your little one grows, MOST babies will start needing less frequent diaper changes, so you could get away with starting with fewer. Personally, I do tend to err on the side of caution and suggest more than necessary because babies are rather unpredictable! My daughter definitely slowed down on diapers past the newborn stage, while my son continued to need them more frequently, so it really does vary! If you're starting cloth diapering at this stage, consider how many disposable diapers your little one goes through a day and add a few to that to find the right number for you!

Toddler
12-24 Diapers
Since my daughter was about 18 months to now (she's 2 years, 2 months), I have found we need increasingly less diapers day to day! Again, I still like keeping those numbers a little high for those unforeseen accidents or sicknesses that may pop up- its better to have more and not need them than to run out! Still at this stage, more than 24 diapers is usually not all that necessary!

Potty Training
6-12 Diapers

For the little one learning to use the potty, don't toss out those diapers just yet. Even if you switch to training pants during the day, you're probably going to want to have some diapers on hand for longer trips and bedtime! And one of the advantages of cloth is that they typically allow baby to feel more when they are wet, making them ideal for those early potty training days!


Again, these numbers are just a rough estimate to give you an idea (and many leaning towards the higher end)... you may find that you need more or you may find that you need less. It truly depends on your baby's habits, wash preference and more. Still, this guide can give you a great place to start!

How long have you been cloth diapering? What have you found to be the perfect number of cloth diapers for your little ones?

Cloth Drying Alternatives for Cool Weather

No matter how simple or complicated our wash routines may be, there is one thing that most cloth diapering parents can agree on when it comes to laundry--- line drying is the best way to dry! For starters, it covers both primary reasons most of us choose to use cloth...it uses less energy making it eco-friendly AND better on the budget. Beyond that, the sun is also a great natural stain remover and line drying is gentler which keeps our diapers in better shape longer. It seems like a no brainer, doesn't it?

But then comes the cool weather!

The good news is that there are many great solutions that allow us to hang dry inside, no matter the weather outside! Take a look:

• Clothes Drying Rack. Perhaps the easiest, most classic solution at all. These can be found for anywhere from $10-$15+ and can come in handy for drying needs long beyond the cloth years. Place in front of fan or fireplace/heat for faster drying.
• Ikea Octopus Hanger. A clothes drying rack might seem like the ideal for most, but if you're limited on space may not be the best solution. We personally use a wonderful hanging rack from Ikea that is perfect for diapers! It will hang anywhere, takes up little space and quite honestly, is absolutely adorable! We even take this along when we travel! Once the diapering days are over, this would still come in handy for hanging delicates...or for drying kids crafts!
• Repurpose Pants Hangers. Do you know those store clothes hangers that pants come on? I have found that these work great to hand diapers to dry. Depending on your diapers (how thick they are and how long it takes to try), you can hang two together on each side! 
• Use What You Have. Are drying racks and fancy hangers not in your budget? No need to worry, just toss them over your shower curtain rod...no need to buy anything additional, use what you already have. Other options could be hanging in your laundry room, curtain rod...whatever works. (I don't suggest this method when expecting company, but hey...what a conversation starter!)
• When all else fails, use the dryer! Honestly, yes, hang drying may be better for your diapers, but drying in the machine isn't going to kill them. Use the lowest heat setting/most delicate cycle and they'll be just fine! (We actually always dry our inserts and just hang the covers. If you use pockets or all in twos this is a great time saving option as well!)

Do you continue to hang dry diapers in the colder months? What tricks have you found?

Repurposing Cloth after Potty Training

You've built up your cloth diaper stash through the years, put them to good use...and now your little one has potty trained! So, what do you do with your diapers NOW? Perhaps the most common answers are to either a) sell them or b) save them for future babies. But what if you're done having babies and don't want to/cannot sell (due to wear or personal preference)?

Cloth diapers are all about being green and preventing waste, so rather than throwing out your worn out cloth diapers, today I'm sharing some practical and fun ways that you can recycle your cloth diapers to give them an all new life- post potty training!

• Keep Your Wet Bags. First and foremost, let's talk wet bags! The great thing about these is that they serve so many purposes well beyond cloth diapering days have passed. Take them to the beach for wet clothes! Going somewhere where the kids will get messy? Keep the mess contained! Even potty training can have its share of accidents so don't toss them out just yet!
• Night Time Protection. Speaking of accidents, overnight accidents are not uncommon for young kids. If your child is prone to accidents overnight, you may consider keeping them in cloth-inserts and all. If it's just an occasional trickle, the waterproof diaper cover can provide a little extra protection!
• Clean It Up. Microfiber inserts are most often used in cloth diapers because they are super absorbent... this doesn't just make them ideal for diapers, but for cleaning up too! Have a spill? Soak it up! Super crafty? Attach elastic and create reusable pads for your Swiffer-type mops!! Prefolds and flour sack towels make great cleaning rags! From home to cars to pets, old cloth diapers can keep your home sparkling clean!
• Cloth Pads. Looking for reusable feminine hygiene options? You can reuse the materials in cloth diapers (PUL, etc) to make your own cloth feminine pads! 
• Baby Doll Diapers. Perhaps our favorite way to reuse old diapers is to turn them into baby doll diapers!! This is especially great for newborn diapers, but can work with one size, depending in the doll as well. My daughter loves putting her pretty diapers on her baby dolls!
• Get Crafty! Most of us cloth diapering mamas have a print or color we absolutely love, right? So again, reuse those materials to create fun works of art. Make a key chain, create a shadow box of baby memories, decoupage a Christmas ornament... the possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Just because your cloth diapering days are ending or over, doesn't mean the fun has to end! What other ways can you reuse your cloth diapers?