Changing Diapers Book: Review & Diaper Giveaway

I really wish this book had been written (and I had known about it) 3.5 years ago, when Monkey was an infant.  I wanted to cloth diaper so badly, but had no idea what my options were.  I didn't know how to get the best use out of the diapers I had, and I did not know how to care for cloth!

The result?  Frustration.  My diapers leaked and I did not like them very well.  I ended up ditching cloth very quickly and settling for disposable diapers.  

Changing Diapers is a fantastic resource for families who are interested in using cloth.  Kelly Wels takes the reader by the hand and walks step by step through a wide world of information!  She helps with understanding types of diapers, caring for cloth, figuring out what you prefer, where to find more information, how to use cloth diapers effectively, and so much more in her nicely illustrated book.

Baby #3 in his first cloth diaper

Who is this book for?  Well, I loved it.  I think the people who will benefit from it the most are those who are struggling with using cloth diapers, are just getting started, or are really just starting to consider diapering options.  This book would be an excellent gift for congratulating a family who has just discovered they are pregnant, or a baby shower... or a new baby gift.

Seriously.. it's that good.  I read my copy and have enjoyed some refreshers and some new information.  I plan to pass it on to my sister in law who is considering cloth.  (I hope she reads it and feels encouraged... I also hope she uses cloth.)

Kelly Wels wants to give one of my readers a cloth diaper!  Yep, for real!  (She would also love it if you took some time to check out her book).  The book is $17.95 - less than a package of disposable diapers!  Any book that saves me money and frustration is definitely worth it!  Don't forget to visit the Changing Diapers webpage.

GoGreen Cloth Diaper: Review & Giveaway

BOY PARTY 

POST 1

History
GoGreen was developed to address a problem:  3 children in diapers meant a lot of trash for the founder's family.  A lot of trash meant extra charges from the trash company.  The family went in search of alternatives and discovered name brand cloth diapers for $20 a piece.  Imagine starting to use cloth with 3 children at $20 a diaper.  So the founders began to find ways to make their own diapers at a lower cost and share them with others.

Today
GoGreen offers a great variety of adorable patterned pocket diapers.  Their prices range from $9.99 to $15.95 (plus shipping).  They also sell wet/dry bags, wipes, and diaper inserts!

My Thoughts
I love the great variety of pattern and fabric choices that GoGreen has to offer.  That was definitely the first thing I noticed about their diapers.  I couldn't resist the giraffe print Champ diaper and had visions of a trip to the zoo with this diaper.

I had a great time getting pictures of Crackers in this diaper - Come on, who wouldn't want to feed the giraffes in this diaper?

My first impression when the diaper arrived was skepticism.  I opened the package to find a crinkly bag holding a cheap looking diaper.  I was sure that I would hate it.  The diaper looked stiff and not as soft and fuzzy as I had expected.  I was already trying to figure out how to put a positive spin on my review.

THEN I opened the crinkly packaging and discovered the softest diaper and insert that I have ever felt.  For real.  This thing is incredibly soft even after washing multiple times.  I could hardly wait to put it on my baby's skin.  He was excited too and thought he should wear it right away.  In fact, he took it away from me and tried to put it on himself!

The Fit
I had to find the flaw in this diaper.  When I tried it on my Crackers, I discovered that the fit was not a flaw at all.  With 4 options for rise settings and a variety of sizes for the waist, it fits both of my boys fantastically.  (Monkey does not like wearing diapers, but sometimes I can sneak them on for sizing).  The diaper is tight on his legs without being too tight, and fits around his waist perfectly.  Thus we have no leak problems!

The Pocket
GoGreen has a pocket that opens in the front and the back.  This is wonderful for stuffing diapers, I can slide the insert into one side and pull it through the other.  No worries about wrinkles or funny angles with this diaper.  This design also allows the insert to wash out of the diaper in the laundry easily.  I don't have to mess with pulling the insert out before washing, I love that!

The Quality
I already mentioned my skepticism when I got the package - I thought it was going to be an awful diaper.  The truth is that it is very well made.  The design has been well thought out with the double sided pocket and with leg gussets.  It includes hip snaps to help prevent wing droop too!  The sewing is top quality, this diaper is amazingly built.

Recommendations
If you don't already have a GoGreen diaper or two in your stash, put them at the top of your list for your next diaper to try.  You won't regret this purchase (and you might find some fun photo opportunities).  I honestly cannot find anything I dislike about the GoGreen Giraffe Champ 2.0 diaper.  (Other than I want more).

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The Giveaway
GoGreen has generously offered to give one of my readers their choice of a Champ diaper.
This contest will close on Friday, August 19.  This giveaway is open to residents of the United States.

How to Enter

Leave a comment in the form below for each entry you complete, remember to leave your email address in each comment!

Mandatory Entry: Like GoGreen on Facebook.

Additional Entries
Visit the GoGreen website and tell me what you would choose if you won.

Follow GoGreen on Twitter.

Like this blog on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

Follow Crum's This N That via Google Friend Connect (right side bar).

Subscribe to my email newsfeed (top right sidebar).

Bonus Entry 1: Leave a comment on THIS POST.

Bonus Entry 2: If you guessed the baby's gender on THIS POST, remind me by leaving a comment below.

Bonus Entry 3: If you guessed that it is a BOY - give yourself another entry!

**Disclaimer: I received a product free for the purpose of this review.**

Cow Patties Cloth Diapers: Review & Giveaway

Here it is, the much - awaited review for Cow Patties Cloth Diapers!

My first Cow Patties Diaper was a One Size All in 2 diaper.  I was super excited about it and love the minky circle print!  I have to be honest, when it arrived I was somewhat disappointed - there were some flaws that made it difficult to use.  I used it infrequently at first, then I sent a message to Cow Patties about it, and guess what - they fixed the problems.  What I want you to get from this is that Cow Patties Cloth Diapers are willing to fix problems with their diapers.  They have excellent customer service - I just needed to be a better customer from the start.

Overnight - the AI2 works fantastically.  Crackers stayed dry, so did his bed.  He woke up in a good mood!

This diaper has side snaps - 4 sets of them.  I love the side snaps, as I feel like they get tighter on his legs and I have less "wing droop" than with front snap diapers.   As you can see, this diaper is snug on his legs without being too tight.

Another view of the side snaps - again - I love them.

I think my favorite thing about the Cow Patties Diapers might be their inserts.  This one has a snap in insert - it's long and narrow.  The shape makes it easier to customize to my child's wetting needs.  I generally double this over and make the back end wider than the front (better for catching poo), then fold the front down so I have several layers where he's going to wet.

Now - this is the diaper I am officially reviewing, and the style that Cow Patties is giving away!  

This is a One Sized Pocket Diaper, and it's fantastic.  I want to show you the GREAT things about this diaper, and share my one and only concern (which I have already shared with Cow Patties).  

I already shared that the inserts are long and thin - this one is even longer than the other!  Also, it's Bamboo - super absorbent.  AND - the inside of this particular diaper is fleece - which makes it water repellent.  When I use the cover like a wrap instead of a pocket diaper, I can use it again and again.  I've used this at times for an entire day without the cover feeling even a little damp!

Like I said about the inserts earlier - the shape makes them totally customizable.  This is how I fold mine most of the time.

The pocket is big enough to put my hand in when I stuff the inserts inside.  It's easy to make sure my inserts are not wrinkled or bunched up.

I love this print.

Here is the picture of what I don't love - This diaper is on it's largest setting.  Crackers is 18 months old and about 25 pounds.  He's not super chunky, but it's already starting to be tight on his legs.  I can still snap the belly almost to the middle snap - I know, babies are all shaped differently, but I'd like to see a bit more stretch in the legs.

As you can see, Crackers is totally uninhibited in his movement, in spite of my concerns about the tightness on his legs.  He seems to like this diaper as much as any others.  (There are some that he does not like wearing - I will not be doing reviews on those.)

BUY IT

You can buy Cow Patties Cloth Diapers from their online store or through Facebook.  

WIN IT

Residents of US and Canada can enter to win a One Sized Pocket Diaper in your choice of pattern right here, right now!  This giveaway will close on Friday August, 5 at 9pm.  For entry instructions, see below.

How to Enter

Mandatory Entry:  In order to enter this contest your first entry MUST be this:  "Like" Cow Patties Cloth Diapers on Facebook.  Yep, it's that easy!  You don't have to thank them, but it would be polite.  Leave a comment below telling me you have done this - don't forget to include your email address.

Additional Entries: You may complete any or all of these additional tasks for more entries.  Leave a comment below for each entry you complete - remember your email address in EACH comment.

1) Look at Cow Patties fabric inventory - tell me which you think you would choose for a diaper.

2) Share about this giveaway on Facebook (leave a link to the contest and tag Cow Patties Cloth Diapers)

3) "Like" Crum's This N That on Facebook.

4) Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect

Bonus: Make a guess at baby #3's gender before August 1 - guesses go on this post.  Leave a comment here letting me know you did this (you don't even have to be right).

*Disclaimer: I received a product free for review.  All opinions are my own.

BubuBibi Cloth Diapers & Supplies: Review & $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

To the best of my knowledge I have 5 family members (other than myself) who are expecting babies before the end of the year. All of the babies are due between June 9 and November 30. Yep, 6 babies, WOW! I've been talking with some of these ladies about cloth diapers and looking for economical solutions to help them meet their needs.

Playing the piano in his BubuBibi Denim (Fun Prints) Diaper

I found BubuBibi on my search for a great and economical diaper. My qualifications for the perfect diaper to recommend to these women include:

1. One Size Fits all
2. Pocket Diaper or wrap with an insert for easier drying or multiple use
3. Snaps for continued use with toddlers
4. $12 or less per diaper
5. Good quality handwork, easy use, high absorbency
   

   

   Crackers used the BubuBibi Galaxy (Original Print) as a swim diaper on  Memorial Day Weekend

BubuBibi diapers meet all of these criteria. They are also cute with a variety of patterns to choose from. We tested the “denim” print and the “galaxy” print. Monkey fell in love with the galaxy print from the moment he saw it, so he tested it overnight first. He's a light wetter overnight and did not soak through it. It fit him perfectly. Crackers tested the galaxy diaper next, it fit him very well also and we had no trouble with leaks. Galaxy is purple and white, I think it is a little girly, but my boys don't mind, and like I said – Monkey loves it.

Pocket on the denim (fun print) diaper

The "denim" print is a one size pocket diaper and comes with 2 inserts for only $10.50!  If you're new to cloth diapering this sounds like a lot of money, but trust me - this is a fantastic price.  The inserts are made of bamboo which is super absorbent and great at preventing leaks.  I am absolutely recommending this diaper to my friends and family members who are expecting.  Because it is a one size diaper, it can be used from infancy through potty training!  I will be using this diaper on our new baby when it arrives this fall!

The pocket on the galaxy (original print) diaper

BubuBibi's galaxy print is also a one size pocket diaper.  It only comes with one insert (which is bamboo).  This diaper is only $9.25 plus shipping.  I like the style of this diaper slightly better than the style of the denim diaper.  What's the difference?  Where the pocket sits.  The pocket on the denim diaper is at the seam between the lining and the outer shell of the diaper.  This is very convenient for stuffing the insert into just right.  The pocket on the galaxy diaper is at the back of the diaper as well, but inside the lining.  I like this because it's more hidden, and for some reason I feel more comfortable choosing whether I want to stuff the liner into the diaper, or put it on top of the shell to use it like a diaper wrap instead of a pocket.

I am also honored to review BubuBibi's new wet/dry bag. I love this bag for so many reasons – It's LARGE, I can fit 3 days worth of diapers in it easily (keeping in mind that Crackers is almost 1 ½, realize that's approximately 15 diapers). I can also carry a spare diaper and wipes in the front pouch. It's got an elastic loop for hanging it. I love how easy it is to hang and take down. It washes easily with my diapers and is fantastic for traveling on long trips!  These bags are amazingly priced at $8.99 - $9.99 (depending on the fabric) and shipping is only $1.45!

Disposable Viscose Liners

Another great product from BubuBibi is their roll of disposable viscose liners. I had never used disposable liners before and was a little uncertain about trying them. I admit that it is still sometimes difficult for me to remember to stick the little liner in the diaper – but oh how much I appreciate it when it comes time to clean poo! (Especially during the flat diapers & handwashing challenge.) I was concerned that the liner might stick to the diaper and be difficult to remove after it had been soiled. I've found that it's quite easy to remove and dump in the pot. I love how easy it is to dump the messy diapers and then to clean them without worry!  At $5.50 (plus $2 for shipping) per 100 sheets, these are a great deal!

WIN IT:

BubuBibi has offered to give one of my readers a $25 gift card for their shop!  (That's an amazing prize - 2 diapers and some liners... or a diaper and a wetbag and some liners, or.. well, you figure out what you want)!

This contest is open to residents of the US.  It will close on Friday, June 8 at 8pm.

How to enter:

You may use any or all of the following methods to enter.  Leave 1 comment for each entry completed.  Remember to leave your email address in each comment.

* Like BubuBibi on Facebook.

* Visit the BubuBibi website and tell me what product you would most like to try.

* Follow the BubuBibi blog.

* Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post (tell me where you commented).

* Follow Crum's This N That via GFC.

*Like Crum's This N That on Facebook.

*Post about this giveaway anywhere and leave ma a link to your post.