Well it's DAY 7 of the DDL Flats & Handwashing Challenge. Did you ever think this day would get here? For those of you that have not been following my recent journey... you a bit too late now. Haha! I'm just kidding. You can totally catch up... or just read the end of the book right here. I'm currently taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I have been using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post.
Well here we are at the end of the Flats & Handwashing Challenge. It's been a great experience and has opened my eyes to different possibilities. Am I going to switch over to a full time supply of flats? Probably not. I do like the option of flats while traveling though. They're easy, they're compact, and if one or all go missing or get ruined I won't cry over it. I also know that I have a plan if my washer and/or dryer ever goes out. The biggest thing I've gotten out of this challenge is the knowledge that cloth diapering is a great option for those with little to no money. I can now say I've done it myself and it is possible!
That being said, I am so happy to break out my fluff stash again! Yay for modern cloth diapering. Oh how I've missed you. In honor of Day 7 of the challenge, I've done a cartoon timeline of the emotional changes that one goes through during this challenge. I had hoped to do a 7 day cartoon, but time constraints while camping have left me with a 4 day cartoon. Enjoy! I know I'll be sipping some champaign with my modern cloth diapers at midnight. Will you? Sorry. No flats allowed.
Well, It's Day 6 of the DDL Flats & Handwashing Challenge. I can't believe it's almost over. For those of you that have not been following my recent journey, I'm currently taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!
Well the rest of this challenge I'm camping and writing blog posts isn't that easy. For that reason I thought I'd do a camping photo montage. Yes I know we're in a trailer and this isn't really camping, but it's about as rustic as my husband gets. The girls and I had a lot of fun doing diaper laundry today. This is actually the first time they've helped me do diaper laundry and the best time I've had doing it. It was so nice to be out in nature and doing something together as a family. Even Linc got in on the action for a bit. My husband on the other hand sat in a chair and sulked that we have one day left of the challenge. Mind you he hasn't changed one diaper or done one load of laundry. Doesn't make sense to me. So with the exception of my husband we're having fun on day 6. Check out our pictures below.
It's Day 5 of the DDL Flats & Handwashing Challenge and I thought we'd have some fun today. Ok, I actually had fun last week, but I thought I'd tell you about it. For those of you that have not been following my recent journey, I'm currently taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post.
Last week I decided to get my butt in gear and tie dye some of my flats. With just under three dozen flats I was left feeling bland staring at mounds of white and cream. My flats were screaming for some color. They literally said "I'mtiredoflivingina black and white old school episode of I Love Lucy. Bringmetotheworldofcolor!!!" With that said I marched out to get a tie dye kit and got to work. I'd never tie dyed before, but there's always a first for everything and crafty projects are my deal. This was going to be fun! So pop The Wizard Of OZ into your DVD player, crank up Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon, and get ready to enter the psychedelic world of color. We'reabouttogetalittlefunky!
What You Will Need:
Tie Dye Kit (I used the Tulip kit. It includes 2 sets of gloves, 3 bottles of dye (red, blue, yellow), rubber bands, and a users guide)
Flat Cloth Diapers (I used Target flour sack towels)
Trash Bag
Plastic Wrap
Scissors
Water
Step By Step:
PART 1
- Start with prepped, wet (but not dripping) flat cloth diapers.
- Using rubber bands, configure your wet flat cloth diapers as desired. Click on Part 1 of my video tutorial to see how to configure your flats into a Bullseye, Swirl, Starburst, or Folded pattern. Try your own configurations too and just have fun!
- Lay out the trash bag where you will be dying your flats to protect the surface.
- Put on your plastic gloves.
- Add warm water to the dye bottles up to the fill line. With the cap on, shake the bottles till the powder dye is fully mixed in. Be sure to use your dyes within 45 minutes of mixing them.
PART 2
- Lay a piece of plastic wrap out on your trash bag. Make sure it is slightly larger than the item you are about to dye.
- Place your first configured flat onto the plastic wrap.
- Squirt your dyes onto the configured flat. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Click on Part 2 of my video tutorial for examples of how to apply dye to a Bullseye, Swirl, Sunburst, or Folded configuration.
*Tie Dye Application Tips*
Squirt two or more colors into the same location to create new colors. Red and yellow make orange. Yellow and blue make green. Blue and red make purple.
Don't be afraid to leave white space.
Dilute your dyes with even more water in your bottles to get lighter colors.
Have fun! You can't go wrong with tie dye.
- When you are finished adding dye to your configured flat then wrap the flat up in the plastic wrap so that it does't dry out.
- Repeat the dying process with each of the configured flats making sure to wrap each one separately in plastic wrap.
Tie Dyed Target Flour Sack Towel (Origami)
- Let your dyed flats sit at least 6-8 hours to let the dye soak in and set. (I let mine sit about 20 hours overnight).
- When they are finished setting put your gloves back on and unwrap each flat on top of your garbage bag.
- Carefully cut off the rubber bands.
- Spread your flats out on the lawn and spray off as much of the excess dye as you can with the hose. Do not do this on concrete or any other porous surface as it can stain. You can optionally rinse each one off separate in the sink. (This step is optional, but I feel safer doing this before putting them in my washing machine so the dye doesn't bleed and ruin the bright colors).
- Throw all the flats in the washer on the highest water level and run a hot wash with a small amount of detergent (about half of what you normally wash diapers with). Run an extra rinse.
- Throw the diapers in the dryer on hot for about 40 minutes to set the dye in. You can also line dry instead and set the dye in afterwards with a hot iron.
Voila! You're done. You've officially pimped your flats with tie dye. No more boring white flats for your baby's bum. I had so much fun with this project and I know you will too. I'm officially addicted and already trying to think of what else I can dye.
DAY 5 NOTES:
- Wow! I am sooooo amazed! I used nothing but a T-Shirt and a Blueberry coverall and I had absolutely no leaks! I totally expected to wake up in a puddle of pee. No the true test. How long does it take for a t-shirt to dry on the line. I have it drying right now. I'll let you know tomorrow.
- I worried all week about Linc pooping in flats and the day finally came. So how was it? Easy Peasy!!! Linc was wearing a Target Flour Sack Towel padfolded in a Blueberry coverall. This was his first actual solid poo! I just rolled it off in the toilet and easily rinsed off the residue. I never thought I'd be so excited about poop, but oh yes, it was quite exciting. : )
- I'm starting to miss my AIO diapers. Is that bad? Don't get me wrong. I really like the flats, but I like variety. I also miss my washing machine and dryer. I don't mind doing the hand washing and drying, I just miss the super fluffy feel of my machine washed and dried fluff.
- Linc is becoming quite the wiggly guy. These flat folds are getting more and more difficult. I'm loving the padfold more and more.
If you want to read more great posts from other bloggers that are taking the same challenge then please feel free to visit the links below.
It's Day 4 of the Flats and Handwashing Challenge! We're officially over the hump. For those of you that have not been following my recent journey, I'm currently taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!
I'm so proud of myself for making it this far. I'll admit I was a bit scared of the hand washing before I got started, but now that I've got the routine down it just seems like a regular part of my day. I'll admit it would be a LOT easier if Linc wasn't so attached right now. It takes me quite awhile to get a load done because I have to take quite a few breaks to entertain Linc (who is not entertained by diaper laundry), but I eventually get it done. Now that I think about it, I actually get diaper laundry done a lot faster than I do when I wash it in the machine. That's a crazy thought.
So what am I doing you ask? Ok, even if you didn't ask I'm still going to tell you. LOL! That's the perk (or problem) with blogging. I'm kind of just talking to myself. Anyways, back to my handwashing routine. It's been quite the evolution through the week and who knows, it might just change again. I'm liking my current routine though, so I feel good about letting you in on my secret. {wink} {wink}
My Cloth Diaper Handwashing Routine:
After each diaper change I rinse all pee and poop off of the diapers and throw it in my 5 gallon washing bucket. I keep the bucket in the bathtub. It's an ideal location since I rinse all my pee diapers in the tub faucet and spray all my poopy diapers in the toilet next to the tub. This way I don't have to carry wet diapers that far.
I wash dirty diapers each morning. This gives me the entire day for drying and gets my most potent diaper (the nighttime diaper) in the wash ASAP. I usually have anywhere from 4-7 flat diapers per load plus about 5 wipes and 2-3 covers.
I fill my bucket with room temperature water a little over 3/4 full. I then take my plunger (with holes drilled in it) and agitate the diapers using a full up and down motion. I make sure to bring the plunger up out of the water with each stroke so that the air pressure works the mess out of the diapers. I also make sure to agitate all around the entire bucket and not just in one spot. I do this for about 5 minutes.
I then let the diapers soak for about 30 minutes.
I drain the water while pressing the diapers with my plunger to get out as much water as possible.
I fill my bucket with hot water a little over 3/4 full then add 1tbs of detergent (I've been using Eco Sprout, but I'm going to try Tide today). I then agitate the diapers for another 5 minutes.
I drain the water while pressing the diapers with my plunger to get out as much water as possible.
I fill my bucket with room temperature water a little over 3/4 full. I then agitate the diapers for another 5 minutes. (I'd repeat this step if suds, smell, or mucky water is still present).
I dump out the whole bucket into the tub and run each diaper, wipe, and cover under running water individually. After each item is squeezed out then I throw the item in the bucket.
I then line dry everything outside. Birdseye flats take about 1 hour to dry. Bamboo and hemp flats take about 2 hours to dry. Wipes and covers take about 3 hours to dry (I think because they aren't big enough to be blown around by the wind).
Once the laundry is dry I take each item off the line and shake them out and beat them against my leg. This helps to soften them up a bit. They're not as soft as the dryer, but they aren't crispy anymore.
I fold and put away.
There you have it! That's my current handwashing & drying routine. So far it's working great! Sure, it's not as great as my machine washing routine, but it works. Not to mention I get the extra added bonus of a workout without the gym.
DAY 4 NOTES:
- Last night I used my Orange Diaper Company Toddler size Bamboo Square with a washcloth and a Swaddlebees Capri Cover. No leaks! I did have his wool longies over just in case but took them off halfway through the night. It was too hot.
- I've noticed that my flats are getting off square from hanging them on the clothes line. I hope that they get back to a more regular shape after I dry them in the dryer again. Maybe I should try using a third clothes pin in the center of each flat.
- I'm liking the padfold more and more everyday. It's just so easy. I'm going to continue using it after this challenge.
- Oh how I LOVE Tide! Today was my first day using it in my wash and it works soooooo much better than Eco Sprout. Oh how I never should have doubted you for handwashing Tide. I should have been using you all along.
Well it's Day 3 of the Dirty Diaper Laundry Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge. Did you all think I would make it this long? I know my husband didn't think so... or at least he hoped I wouldn't. For those of you that have not been following my recent journey, I'm currently taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!
Well for the past couple of days ... and a few prep weeks before the challenge started I've been testing out some of the various flat diaper folds. Let me tell you, there are a lot of folding options out there and I haven't tried them all, but I can bet there's a fold out there for everyone. Personally I like the basic easy folds. My reason for this? Well, Linc is going through quite the cranky stage and taking time to do crazy folds is just not an option right now. If I did have the time though I'd be all about doing crazy folds. I actually find folding quite relaxing and fun. I love the perfect order and the crisp lines. I've even been trying to come up with my own folds but have yet to perfect one. That being said, I've been sticking to the basic folds. I've listed them below in the order that I use them the most.
My Favorite Flat Folds:
The Padfold
The padfold is the easiest of all the folds and this is why I use it the most. As soon as the flats come off the clothes line I fold them all into the padfold so that they are ready to lay into a diaper cover. I also get all the layers right where I need them (in the pee zone). Because Linc rarely poops (about twice a week) I don't have to worry about messes getting all over the cover.
The Origami Fold
The origami fold is my second favorite fold. I do it just about as much as I do the padfold. I love that I can get lots of layers in the pee zone, yet also get a full booty fit so that if Linc does decide to poo, it will be contained. I also love the art of folding and putting on the origami fold. It feels like true flat folding to me. I will say though that if your little one is cranky then they might not wait for you to put on one of these more complicated folds. It's also very difficult to do this on a changing table. It can be done, but I usually assemble it on the floor and then put it on him on the table.
The Kite Fold
I've only recently started using this fold, but it's growing on me pretty quick. I don't get quite as many layers in the pee zone as the origami fold, but I can definitely see how it will fit longer than the origami fold will since I can adjust the rise a lot higher. Of course Linc is pretty chunky around the waist and legs though so if he keeps getting bigger this fold might not work anymore either. I do a slightly modified version of the original kite fold so I get another layer in the pee zone.
The Triangle Fold
This fold is great for my Orange Diaper Company Infant Flat. The flat is really too small to do any of the other folds except the padfold. So if I want a full booty fold then I do the Triangle Fold. It doesn't give many layers in the pee zone, but since the Orange Diaper Company Bamboo Flats are so thick it doesn't matter. This fold is also extremely easy to do so I can do it on the changing table and put it on in seconds.
The Airplane Fold
This is the newest fold I've been using but I find it very comparable to the Kite Fold. If you've ever made paper airplanes before then you can easily do this fold. I love how adjustable this fold is. It's easy to adjust both the rise of this diaper as well as the wing span. You also get a tremendous amount of absorbency up in the front so it's a great fold for boys.
DAY 3 NOTES: - Last night's diaper was a success. I used a receiving blanket origami folded with an Ikea kitchen towel padfolded in. No leaks at all. For this fold I used a Thirsties Duo Wrap on top. I'm really excited because this fold wasn't that bulky at all and it costs way less than my other night diapering options. - My girls have started complaining that the nursery stinks. I've been just placing the dirty flats (all pee) in my wash pail in there, but now I'm putting the lid (with a hole in the top) on the bucket to keep away some of the stink. Hopefully this will solve the stink issue. - I tried out several different diaper folds yesterday and I had a lot of fun! If I get some time I'm going to test out a few more folds today. - I'm so thankful I live in California. The weather here is perfect for drying diapers outside! On the other hand I was quite freaked out when I went to fold up a washcloth and saw a bee sitting on it. Ack!!!! - I've noticed that the Hemp Babies flats do not keep their square shape. They also get quite small so I find that they only way that you can use these is to padfold them.
Yay! It's Day 2 of the DDL Flats and Handwashing Challenge! I've got my diaper laundry going and I'm still having fun. For those of you that have not been following my recent journey, I'm currently taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challengehosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!
Today I've decided to share with you all what I'm using for this challenge. I've got way more than I need since I wanted to test several options, but better too much than too little. Here's a list of what we're using.
Accessories:
2 - Snappis
4 - Pins
Various Cloth Wipes
Cleaning Supplies:
Diaper Sprayer
5 Gallon Bucket
Lid For Bucket (broke after first wash)
Plunger w/ Holes Drilled In
Various Detergents (Tide, Eco Sprout, Rockin' Green)
Clothes Line
Clothes Pins
DAY 2 NOTES:
- Last night went really well. I used two of the Hemp Babies Flat Weeds folded up into an origami fold. They were soaked in the morning, but absolutely no leaks! Oh, and I used a Blueberry Coverall on top.
- Washing yesterday went well. I washed 5 flats, 2 washcloths, and 3 diaper covers (some of these were from the weekend). They all washed up very nicely. The birdseye flats dried the fastest (1hr). The hemp and bamboo terry flats took 2 hours. The covers and wipes (double sided wipes) took three hours. Just for reference I live in CA with a dry temp of about 95 degrees.
- Today I plan on trying some different folds. I need to try more than just the padfold and the Origami fold.
A LITTLE DIAPER HUMOR FOR THE DAY:
And the winning diaper is...
Created with a bib, scarf, & napkins.
Want to read more great posts from other bloggers taking the same challenge. Check out the links below.
It's officially started!!! Today is Day 1 of the Dirty Diaper Laundry Second Annual Flats & Handwashing Challenge and I'm pretty psyched. So what is the Flats and Handwashing Challenge? Well I (along with several other cloth diapering parents) have vowed to used only flat cloth diapers and forgo my use of the washer and dryer so that I can hand wash all of Linc's dirty diaper laundry. Ok, you can ask the question now. I'm sure you're all dying to ask. My husband's asked me a million times already. "Why on earth would you want to do that?!?!" Well I'll tell you why.
I've been cloth diapering for over six months now and have known I wanted to cloth diaper for over a year. Being a part of the middle-upper class I've gone crazy with my cloth diaper purchases and have made cloth diapering more of a collection hobby than a bare bones necessity. Yes, I know I could save a lot of money cloth diapering, but I choose not to. Now at the same time I blog about cloth diapering. I talk about how great it is and how much money you can save over disposables. There in lies the problem though. I don't practice what I preach and how can I really influence those that are striving to save money if I'm telling you all that the best cloth diapers will cost you around $35 each??? The simple answer is that I can't. That being said, I found this challenge to be just what I needed to get back to the basics and practice what I preach ... saving money!
My goals with this challenge are the following:
Show that with a limited supply of money (as little as $50), you can cloth diaper your child till potty training.
Research several different flat cloth diaper options and see which ones work the best.
Test out several different flat folds and see which ones work the best.
Show that even bare bones cloth diapering can be fun (Whoot! Love tie-dye!).
Build up some awesomely toned arms.
Open my eyes to a whole different world of cloth diapering that I didn't think I'd ever try.
The Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge is coming up soon May 21-27th. Are you up for the challenge??? I am!!! I've been waiting all year for this. Last year I was pregnant with Lincoln and still clicking away on all my cloth diaper research when the first challenge took place, but I just knew that in a years time I too would be joining the masses in this wonderful tribute to the days of old and your most economical choice when it comes to diapering your child. So are you ready to pack away those All In Ones, brush up on (or in my case learn for the first time) your flat folds, and get to washing? Great! Well roll up your sleeves, give your arm muscles a pep talk, and let's get started!
The Flats & Handwashing Challenge is an event put on by Dirty Diaper Laundry that challenges families to use flat diapers exclusively (some exceptions apply) for a whole week. In addition to using flats, you also must refrain from using your washer or dryer. All diaper laundry must be done by hand. Sounds simple enough right? Haha! Maybe not, but then if it was simple it wouldn't be called a challenge.
So what's the point of this you ask? Well there are lots to speak of. The main point is to show families in need that there are other options out there when it comes to diapering that can cost you as little as $50 to diaper your child over the course of their diapering years. The second point is to raise money for various cloth diaper charities. Kim Rosas of Dirty Diaper Laundry is personally pledging $1 per participant (up to $200) who completes the challenge, to Giving Diapers, Giving Hope. She's also asking that other businesses do the same to help raise money for other cloth diaper charities. If you're not a business or can't afford to pledge, then you can also help by signing one or both of the following petitions. The first petition is to get WIC to cover cloth diapers or cloth diaper education. The second petition supports the DIAPER ACT (H.R.3134) and helps to get more babies access to cloth diapers. So much good is coming out of this event!
So if you're pumped and ready to dive in diapers first, then head on over to Dirty Diaper Laundry to sign up for the Flats & Handwashing Challenge and to read the official rules. I'll be there along with several other moms and dads across the world to show my support. Leading up to the challenge I'll be discussing various topics on flats and hand washing. In addition I'll be blogging & vlogging (on YouTube) my experience each day of the challenge. It's going to be a great event. Hope to see you there!!!
