6 Ways To Save $$$ On Cloth Diapers

Yes, we all know that cloth diapering can save us money over disposable diapers (most of the time), but I thought we'd have a little fun and check out some of the ways you can dig in deep to save even more.  Oh yes!  I broke out the crayons and stick figures for this post.  This is one high tech post I have in store for you.  You are sure to laugh ... and hopefully not just at my horrible drawing skills.

#1 Cloth Diaper Giveaways

If you have the time to enter giveaways then they're a great way to get some free fluff (and other stuff).  I've seen moms on here who enter every giveaway out there with every entry possible and they win tons of stuff! If giveaways are the way you want to go then be sure to check out my Current Giveaways.  If you get done with those then check out my Super Sunday Giveaway Linky which has tons of giveaways going on all over the web.  If you get done there ... and aren't too tired yet ... then check out my Great Giveaway Linky List for a list of other sites that will have their own lists of giveaways all over the web.  That's enough to keep you busy for a lifetime, so you can win a couple lifetimes worth of diapers.

#2 Cloth Diaper Sales

Sales are my game.  I always buy my fluff on sale ... ok, most of the time.  There's always a great sale going on.  The best times to find great fluffy sales are holiday weekends.  I bought most of my newborn stash on Labor Day weekend.  Another great one is Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving).  If you don't have time to wait for a holiday then try deal a day sites like Zulily or Totsy.  They always have great sales on cloth diapers.

#3 Reuse Your Diapers With Each New Child

If you have more than one child then passing down your diapers is like cloth diapering each child after the first for FREE!!!  You can get much more of a deal than that.  Too bad Brian and I aren't hurting for a deal enough to have another baby.  We're done at three.  Funny story.  I asked Brian to scan these images for me because the printer won't work with my laptop.  He almost had a heart attack when he came to this image.  He thought it was a sign that I was pregnant.  Haha!

#4  Sew Your Own Cloth Diapers

Ever since I got pregnant with Lincoln I've been a sewing freak, and that includes cloth diapers.  I wasn't the greatest at sewing pocket diapers, fitted diapers, and covers, but I loved sewing all my Upcycled T-Shirt Easy Winged Prefolds!  They were so easy and I could use up all those shirts in our closet that weren't getting used anymore (or so I thought they weren't being used).  I also loved sewing Extended Tabs on Prefolds.  Another easy project if you're looking to vamp up your stash for next to nothing.  If you're the crafty type keep your eyes peeled for my Simplifi Fabric giveaway in June.  OMG!  A double savings with a giveaway and sewing your own diapers.  Bonus!

#5 Buy Used Cloth Diapers

My husband has a phobia of used cloth diapers so I didn't get to take advantage of these great savings, but I did buy one used Ragababe cloth diaper because they're so hard to get (Shhhhhhh!  Don't tell Brian).  There are so many great sites out there to get used diapers.  Diaper Swappers, Spots Corner, Ebay, Craigslist, & Facebook.  I personally like Cloth Diaper Swap on Facebook.  I don't buy used diapers often, but I definitely sell a lot (another great way to save on cloth ... sell and make your $$$ back).

#6 Line Dry Your Cloth Diapers 

*Bonus* - Find Other Uses For Your Cloth Diapers

I always dry my diaper covers and pocket diapers, but if you really want to save some money and the sun is shining outside then feel free to hang all your diapers and inserts outside.  Not only will you save money by not using your dryer, but you'll also get the added benefits of the sun making your diapers whiter and brighter at the same time.  You can hang your diapers using a clothes line, freestanding drying rack, or make up your own system.  How about hanging them on the outside edges of a table umbrella?  Extra bonus?  Cloth diapers look so pretty hanging in the breeze that you might as well use them as party decorations.

Want more information?  Check out my post on Ways To Save $$$ While Building Your Diaper Stash.  This post is a part of the Real Diaper Week 2012 blog hop.  If you would like to read other great posts about cloth diapering then feel free to hop around to these other great blogs.  Better yet, join in on the fun and link up your own post.  Cloth diapers are reusable, eco-friendly, non-toxic, economical, simple, stylish, fun, healthy, and modern.  Basically they are Real Simple. Real Diapers.  Read up and have fun! 

6 Ways To Help Your Baby When They Have A Cold

Most people would say that winter is the time for colds, but I disagree. I think springtime is way worse. First off the weather is wacky. One day it's cold. The next day it's hot. Then it's back to cold. Extreme weather changing is notorious for bringing on colds. Not only that, but springtime brings flowers and pollen which in turn brings allergies. Put both of these together and what do you have? Lots of snot!

Everyone in our house has been sick at least once, if not twice this year already. Oh yes, we've went through tons of tissues and have had our share of snotty sleeves. What about babies though? What do you do then? Good question because there isn't a whole lot you can do when it comes to modern medicine.  Instead we need to rely on natural remedies that are safe for our wee ones.  I've listed below some baby safe remedies you can try the next time your baby gets sick as well as exactly what products we use during those hard times here in our home.

#1 Bring On The Moisture

Adding moisture to the air will help loosen your baby's mucus and sooth irritated nasal and throat passages.  You can do this a few different ways.  One way is through shower steam.  Turn your shower on hot, shut the door to your bathroom to lock in the steam, and sit with your baby in the steamy room for 10-15 minutes (not in the shower).  Repeat a few times a day.  Along the same lines, giving your baby a warm bath or taking a warm bath with them will also help to moisten their nasal passages.  Yet another way to create moist air is with a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.  Run the unit on a table next to them while they sleep.  Make sure to aim the mist away from your baby so they don't wake up drenched.

*What do I use?*  I've tried both a vaporizer and a humidifier and I find that the humidifier creates a much more moist environment.  I also frequently take baths with Lincoln to help moisten the air as well.  I don't generally use the steam shower method though since we have wallpaper on our walls.  I don't want to do anything that might cause it to start peeling.  Otherwise I think the shower sounds like a great option.

#2 Loosen & Suction The Mucus

First thing you want to do is lay your baby on their back.  Tilt their chin back and insert a few saline drops (salt water) into each blocked nostril.  Wait 5 min for the saline to work its magic and loosen the mucus.  At this point you can use a nasal aspirator or bulb syringe to suck the snot from their nose.  If they still have a lot of mucus 15 min later then repeat.  Don't repeat more than a few times a day though or you will just irritate their nose even more.

*What do I use?* I used to use the typical blue bulb syringe that you get at the hospital, but I found it usually didn't work very well, my kids screamed, and one wrong move and my babe got a pointy nub pushed a little too far in their nose. That's when I heard about the NoseFrida Snotsucker. Everyone swore by it, but to tell you the truth I was a bit leery about sucking snot out of my kid's nose with my mouth.  After trying it out though I found it to be totally hygienic, and very easy to use.  Since I'm sure a lot of you have the same concerned and questioning looks that I had when I first heard of this device, I've created a video for you to see just how great these little Snotsuckers are.  On another note, I have not used saline drops on Lincoln. This stems from my own fear of water in my nose.  Stupid I know, but true.

#3 Keep Their Head Elevated

Keeping your baby's head elevated will help your baby's mucus naturally drain and keep those nose passages clear.  This is not only important while sleeping, but also while feeding.  While sleeping try placing a small wedge under the head of their mattress.  Never place pillows in their crib though.  You can also have them sleep in a chair of some sort.  Most swings, bouncy seats, car seats, etc. will keep your baby at a good angle while sleeping.  Just remember to buckle them in so they don't fall out.  When breast or bottle feeding try to keep their head elevated as well.  Try putting an extra pillow under your arm, or if breastfeeding the football hold works great.

*What do I use?*  For sleeping, I put Linc in his Fisher Price Zen Collection Cradle Swing.  The seat comes completely off the swing and I can just set it next to my bed at night.  It has two angle options and when he's congested I usually have him on the more inclined position.  To tell you the truth he sleeps in this thing all the time.  I just change the angle depending on if he's congested or not.  For breastfeeding I do as I said above and either put a larger pillow under my arm to prop him up more, or use the football hold.

#4 Lots Of Fluids

When you're baby is sick you definitely want to make sure that they're getting plenty of liquids.  This might be breast milk, formula, water (after 4 mos), or juice (after 6 mos).  Fluids will help to thin their secretions & prevent dehydration.  If they're really congested they might not be interested in drinking due to their inability to breath well.  To help you can offer shorter feedings throughout the day and/or saline drops and suction before feedings.

#5 Lots Of Rest

As hard as it might be to get your little one to rest when they are miserable, all of the advice above should help.  They're going to need as much rest as they can get to fight the battle of the snot.

#6 Lots Of Love

Lots of hugs and kisses (on the forehead so you don't get sick too) is just what the doctor ordered.  Show that little babe that you will always be there for them through thick and thin ... mucus that is.

**I am not a medical professional.  Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.**

**One of the above products was given to me for the purpose of a review, but this post is comprised completely of my own opinions  and was not influenced by any other outside source.**

Cloth Diapering Q&A (*With Me*)

Recently Hannah, a fellow cloth diapering mama, of Me Oh My! Desserts contacted me about a Q&A on Cloth Diapering.  Of course I jumped at the opportunity.  I love any chance I get to talk about cloth diapering.  Read on below to find out how our interview went and when you're done be sure to head on over to her blog to check out some of the other cloth diapering Q&A's she's done with other mamas.  It's so fun to read about how others got into cloth diapering and what they are using.  You never know, maybe you'll decide to try something new.  Here is a quick link to her Cloth Diaper Q&A's.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Chana Putnam.  I’ve been married for 10 years to my wonderful husband Brian and have three awesome… yet crazy kids.  Riley is 6 years old and my super smart school loving girl.  Reagan is 4 years old and my crazy wild child.  Lincoln is my newest addition at 4 months and is all smiles.  In addition to keeping our house in order I’m also an interior designer running my own business, Shanna Lynn Interiors.  My business is currently on hold right now though while I spend time with my little man and preach to the masses … or anyone that will listen … about my love of cloth diapers on my blog Adventures In Fluff.

What made you decide to use cloth diapers (reasons)? Diaper cover, if using separate cover?

I first heard about cloth diapering on an online pregnancy chat forum.  I used disposables with my girls, but was very intrigued by the idea.  They convinced me that cloth diapers would be more comfortable for my baby (I compare it to my discomfort wearing a sanitary pad), eliminate or lessen diaper rash, cost less money, and look much cuter.  While in the beginning all of these reasons are what got me started on cloth diapering … the cuteness factor is what keeps me going strong.  I mean seriously … cloth diapers are sooooo cute!!!

What type of cloth diaper/cover do you use?

I started out using just about every type of cloth diaper out there.  I had prefolds, covers (wool, fleece, & PUL), fitted diapers, All-In-Twos, All-In-Ones, and Pockets.  I also tried my hand at making my own diapers.  Yes I tried it all.  I still have a little of everything, but I mostly use Pockets, All-In-Ones, and All-In-Twos right now.

Why did you settle on that type of diaper (reasons)?

I settled on pockets, AIO’s, & AI2’s for a few reasons.  Pockets are easy to customize the absorbency (great for nighttime diapers).  AIO’s are sooooo easy to use (great for dads, grandparents, & childcare).  AI2’s give you the most bang for your buck since you can use them more than once.  In the end I’m really leaning towards AI2’s.  So funny because I hated the idea of them at first.  Just goes to show you never know what you’ll end up liking.

What are some positive and/or negative points to cloth diapering that you have found while cloth diapering?

Positives: So cute!  Less diaper rash.  So cute!  Less blow outs.  So cute!  No midnight diaper runs to the store.  Did I say So cute???

Negatives:  It can become quite an addiction.  I really need to go to Cloth Diaper Freaks Anonymous.

What is your method for rinsing and washing your cloth diapers? (please include information about your diaper pail/liner, sprayer if you use one, detergent, etc. We want the whole shebang!)

Oh wow!  I just wrote a whole post about this.  I feel that a good wash routine is the key to cloth diaper success.  Luckily I’ve found one.  Click here for My Perfect Cloth Diaper Wash Routine.

When you are out and about, how do you handle diaper changes, especially messy ones?

Diaper changes while out and about really aren’t a big deal for me.  It’s not that much different than a disposable diaper.  I have extra diapers in my diaper bag and cloth wipes.  My dirty diapers and wipes go in a wet bag that I empty when I get home.  Done!  Ok, I have had a few “Oh shit!” moments, but it was nothing that a garden hose couldn’t fix.  One thing I will say is that I always pack my cutest diapers in the diaper bag.  If someone is going to see me change a diaper I want it to be so cute that it makes them want to cloth diaper too.

Do you use cloth wipes?  If yes, what made you decide to use them? What type do you use (homemade, bought etc)? What kind of solution do you use? Tell us about your method.

I ALWAYS use cloth wipes and I’d never go back.  It used to take me about 5 disposable wipes to clean a messy diaper, but with cloth wipes I can usually change even the messiest diaper with 1 wipe … 2 at the most.  I do have a few disposable wipes in my diaper bag just in case I’m somewhere that I can’t wet my cloth wipes, but that’s pretty rare.  I have a few different types of cloth wipes.  I have some that are bamboo fleece, cotton fleece, flannel/cotton velour, baby terrycloth, & some that I made myself that are terrycloth/flannel.  My faves are my homemade ones and my cotton fleece ones.  My DIY Cloth Wipes are awesome for heavy “doody” messes, but soft enough for just wet diapers too.  My cotton fleece wipes are soooooo soft.  I want some of those for myself.  As for a wipe solution, I normally just use water.  It’s the easiest solution.  When I do take the time to mix a solution I use LuSa Organics Wipe Solution.  I love the smell of it.  Yum!  I’m not sure why anyone cloth diapering wouldn’t use cloth wipes.  It’s so easy.  I have all my wipes on a shelf above my changing table.  Once or twice a day I will fill my wipes warmer with wet wipes (and maybe some wipe solution).  Every few weeks I will scrub out the wipe warmer to keep it clean.  Dirty wipes go in my diaper wash so no need for another trash can.  Voila!  That’s it.  So easy!

Have you had more than one child in cloth diapers at one time? Was that a ‘trial’ for you or no big deal? How did you handle it? If you only have one child, do you think you could handle two children in cloth diapers at the same time? Why or why not?

Lincoln is my first and only child in cloth diapers but I don’t think two in diapers would be a problem at all. Three might be a bit much. The main problem I see is different sized diapers and keeping them separate. I’d most likely have two stashes so that I could avoid changing the rise at each diaper change. I’d probably steer clear of pockets too. Stuffing diapers for two might be just a bit too time consuming.

What is an item you wish you could have for cloth diapering? More cute diapers? Haha! You can never have enough cute diapers. I want them all!!!

What is your go-to place for cloth diaper items and products?

I LOVE Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique!  Great selection!  Great customer service!  Free shipping!  Plus it’s out of state, so there is no sales tax.  Whoot!

How many Cloth Diapers (and Diaper Wipes) do you own and use?

OMG!  Do you really want to know???  Will my husband see this???  Haha!  I recently wrote a post about My Post Newborn Stash.  At that time I had 80 diapers, 11 covers, & about 50 wipes.  Since then I’ve added about 8-10 more diapers, but Linc has also grown out of quite a few diapers so it’s an ever changing number.

Do you use Disposable Diapers? If so, when and why?

I used disposable diapers for the first week until Lincoln’s poop turned yellow and his circumcision healed a bit.  We also had a medical scare which landed Linc in the hospital during that first week and required disposables.  As soon as we got home I snapped on his first cloth diaper.  It was soooo cute!  I still use disposables when we’re out of town and staying in a hotel, but other than that he’s in cloth exclusively.

Have your kid(s) had diaper rash or other issues? How do you deal with that?

The girls got diaper rashes all the time in disposables.  Linc does get a rash once in awhile, but it’s always due to him pooping a lot that day.  I stick him in the bath, lather on some cloth diaper safe cream (CJ’s Butter or Mum Mum Crafts) and the rash is ALWAYS gone by morning.

What advice could you give to people who are looking into using cloth diapers and/or cloth wipes?

Do it!!!  You won’t regret it.  As for advice … My #1 piece of advice would be to try several different types and brands of cloth diapers before you commit to one.  A great way to do this is through a cloth diaper trial program.  You can find one through several online cloth diaper retailers such as Jillian’s Drawers or Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique.  Second, you’re going to want to research cloth diaper wash routines.  This I feel is the biggest reason people quit cloth diapering.  Wash routines are essentially a trial and error process, but it doesn’t hurt to find out what has already worked for so many others.  This brings me to my third piece of advice.  Find a cloth diapering community to offer you support and help you along the way.  This really should be #1.  What better place to start when starting something new than to talk with those that have already taken the plunge.  Lastly, just have fun!  You can check out my post on my Top 15 Cloth Diaper Must Haves for more great advice to get you on the right track.

Changing Diapers - The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering

If you haven't figured it out already, I think it's pretty obvious that I'm an information junkie. I love to do research and I stay up at all hours of the night looking things up on my computer. I'm sure you've also realized that for the past 7 months or more my obsession has been with cloth diapers. I'd spend hours a day (and night) researching everything from booty balm to cloth wipe solutions. It's amazing that I got any sleep at all. At times I wished that there was one location I could go to get all this information. It would be so much easier.

Last May I finally came across exactly what I was looking for, Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom's Guide To Modern Cloth Diapering by Kelly Wels. A modern book with current information and amazing photography (yes, I like to look at the pictures). And who better to rely on for the most comprehensive and accurate information than Kelly Wels? She not only founded both www.DiaperShops.com and www.KellysCloset.com, but she also contributes a wealth of information on the blog "The Cloth Diaper Whisperer" as well as her own personal blog "KellyWels.com" (both of which I read all the time). I can only imagine how many diapers she's tested out and how much trial and error she's been through in her days of cloth diapering. So I ask again, who better to rely on for this information??? The was one catch though. "Changing Diapers" wasn't out on the shelves yet. Boooo! Still, totally excited I pre-ordered my copy and anxiously awaited to receive it. Tick Tock Tick Tock ...

DING!

I Totally Agree!

Yay! September finally rolled around and my long awaited book (personally signed by Kelly Wels) had finally reached my house. Whoo Hoo! The book is 230 pages with large text and lots of pictures so it's definitely a quick fun read. I like that about this book because my intention with the book (besides reading it myself), was to lend it out or create a baby shower gift for friends that might be considering cloth diapers, and you don't want to overwhelm them with too much information.. The book is perfect as an introduction to cloth and how to get started. I love that it makes the whole process seem easy and un-intimidating (the way it should be). I know when I was doing my research in the beginning my head was spinning with all the information that was out there. Luckily I didn't get scared off by all the information, but I'm sure a lot of people do. It's so great that a beginner now has a resource that they can go to that presents all the options and basics in a clear simple way without being biased towards one type of solution over another.

While reading the book I was happy to find such a great span of information. Kelly covers topics for the skeptic such as "Why Choose Cloth Diapers". She covers topics for the beginner such as learning what everything is and what you will need to get started. She also covers topics for those of us that are already cloth diapering such as "Conquering Leaks, Rashes, and the Nightime Wet Mess". I also particularly enjoyed the chapter dedicated to "Daddies and Diapers". This chapter goes into detail on how to get your husband on board with cloth diapering and of all people I know how hard that is since mine still hasn't fully come around (but he's getting closer). There's also some fun forms and checklists in the back of the book to help you get your stash started, keep track of what you have, and figure out what you'll need in your diaper bag (I LOVE checklists).

   

Overall I really love this book and would recommend it to anyone that is just getting started on cloth diapering, thinking of cloth diapering, or knows anyone thinking of cloth diapering.  I wish I had this book to give my sister at her baby shower.  I did get her some diapers to test out though and you can bet that the next baby shower gift I give will include not only a diaper, but also this book.  What a perfect combination!


PURCHASE -  If you would like to purchase Changing Diapers - The Hip Mom's Guide To Modern Cloth Diapering visit www.kellywels.com, www.amazon.com, or support my blog by clicking the affiliate link below.  The book retails for $17.95 and currently she is offering Free Shipping although her specials change quite often so be sure to check out the Changing Diapers Facebook Page for current specials.

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**This review is comprised of my own opinions and was not influenced by any outside source.  The product was purchased by myself and was not given to me, yet it was asked to be reviewed by an outside source.  No advertising was purchased in order to feature this product. ** 

Making My Own Diapers !!! ... with a little help from Babyville Boutique

Before I got pregnant earlier this year my sewing machine just sat in the closet and collected dust.  I used it for a project or two, but nothing extravagant or anything.  I think I lined some curtains I had and then re-vamped a bedding set my friend had.  That's about it.  Then I got pregnant and I realized that I didn't like a fabric on the bedding set I wanted so I sewed over that, then I needed curtains so I sewed those, and then I got into cloth diapering so I started sewing some prefolds, and it all snowballed from there.  I was addicted to my sewing machine.  Sewing my own cloth diapers had been on my list from the beginning, but I really had no idea where to start and nobody around me to show me how to get started.

Enter Babyville Boutique ...

It was like Christmas in August the day I heard that Babyville Boutique was coming out with a line that would have all the cloth diaper making supplies that I needed and the books to help guide me to make them.  They have cute PUL fabrics, snap pliers, snaps, fold over elastic, hook and loop rolls, decorative appliques & labels, super cute buttons, and books with all the directions you need to get started on making your own cloth diapers and accessories.  This is exactly what I needed to get started ! ! !  Now all I had to do was wait till September.  Arh!  I'm not good at waiting.  Finally in September our local Joann's store got the Babyville Boutique products in.  I'll admit, it took me awhile to get in there since Joann's is clear across town but I finally got in there and was so excited to see the display.  I bought one of their three packs of PUL coordinates, the snap pliers, one package of snaps, and a package of their EZ Adjust Tape.  I was totally bummed that they didn't have the books in but I went back a week later and was able to get the "Cloth Diapers Made Easy" book, as well as some Fold Over Elastic.  I was ready to roll!!!!

I'm sure you can guess what I was doing later that night.  Oh yes, I was reading my "Cloth Diapers Made Easy" book.  Just looking at all the pictures got me excited enough, but I loved how in detail the book was written and all the helpful photos that showed how to make each diaper step by step.  I could totally do this!!!  The next day I attempted my first diaper.  I started out with the "Diaper Cover with Fold Over Elastic (FOE)".  I wanted to make newborn diapers though and I don't really like the idea of using a cover that doesn't have interior gussets so I added in the advanced technique of adding gussets to my cover on the first try.  My first gusset was a failure.  I didn't pull the FOE correctly and it wasn't stretchy like it should be.  I chucked the first one and started over.  My next try was a success as well as the entire diaper!  I still can't believe how great  my first diaper came out.  It totally looks like something I would buy!

I was so excited at how great my first diaper looked that I instantly started working on my second diaper the same day.  This time I attempted the "Pocket Diaper with FOE" using a butter suede cloth for the interior lining and adding gussets like the first diaper.  This was a little trickier, but a total success!!!!  Another awesomely cute diaper to add to my stash.  Ok, I did make one mistake and added one of my EZ Adjust Tape laundry tabs to the wrong location, but it didn't affect the use of the diaper.  I just sewed over it instead of removing it since I didn't want to add more holes to my PUL fabric.

The next day I was at it again.  This time I was going to attempt the "Hidden PUL Turned and Topstitched Pocket Diaper".  I'll admit.  I bombed this one totally.  I didn't get the pocket opening correct and the elastic in the legs was not tight enough.  I think this was part my fault and part the book's fault.  I didn't follow the directions to the T, but then again I still think I would have made a mistake even if I did.  The directions on this particular  diaper were not quite as clear, but I'm sure if I read them all the way through before I started then the pocket opening would have turned out better.  I'm not sure about the elastic though.  I think the designated quantity is just too much.  Overall this diaper is still really cute ... just not sure if it will be usable.  I'll give this one a try again later.

The next day I attempted my fourth diaper from the book.  This time I attempted the "Fitted Prefold Diaper".  This diaper was also a turned and topstitched diaper like my last one and utilized the braided elastic in the legs and back instead of the FOE.  I read the directions carefully this time and decreased the length on the braided elastic from 5" to 4" in the legs.  I also decreased the length on the back elastic, but didn't measure it.  It was a success!!!  This was also my first diaper with snaps too.  I wish the snap pliers would open a bit further, but then again I've never used snap pliers before.  The little rubber thing fell off a couple times too, but it wasn't a big deal and was easy to stick back on.  I was surprised at how easy it was to put the snaps on.  It didn't hurt my hands at all and I only messed up one snap that I had to pry off (totally my fault).  I LOVE my cute little prefold fitted diaper!!!  I also altered this diaper to have a pocket so that it would clean easier and dry faster. If I would have thought about it before hand I would have put on the snaps differently so that I could have used a full insert inside of it.  I'll do that next time.

My last project was an insert.  I just did a standard insert using three layers of microfiber with a layer of suede on top.  I figure I can use it as an insert with the microfiber up, or a doubler with the suede side up depending on the diaper I'm using it in.  I turned and top stitched the insert since I don't have a serger and it was very easy.

So that's as far as I've gotten on my diaper making quest.  I plan on trying all the designs in the book and making lots of cute little diapers for my little guy.  I really want to try an AIO, AI2, and a OS diaper.  I also want to try out some of those cute applique's and labels.  I'll pick them up the next time I'm at Joann's as well as some more PUL.  I do have some leftover PUL from my other projects, but not enough for a diaper.  I think I'll get the other book "Baby Essentials Made Easy", and try a wet bag.  You can bet I'll be sewing up a storm of new diapers and accessories, and when I do you will all be the first to know how they came out.

All I can say is I LOVE the Babyville Boutique line and how much it's helped me to create my own diaper creations.  I don't know that I ever would have attempted such a big project without their easy to use guide and conveniently available products.  I also can't wait for their website to be fully functional.  They're going to have tutorials on how to make other diapers on there as well as a whole community of other diaper crafters that you can talk to.  For now I like to check in on the Babyville Boutique Facebook page where a lot of information is passed around.  For those of you that have or will be trying the Babyville Boutique products, please let me know what you think and any tips you've gained along the way.  Feel free to post pics on my Facebook page too.  I'd love to see them.  Till then keep tuning in for more great products, information, tutorials, reviews, and giveaways.  I've got lots planned as I continue on with my Adventures In Fluff... and other mommy stuff.


If you want to purchase items from the Babyville Boutique line you can check out your local Joann's, Hancock Fabrics, or Hobby Lobby.  For ease of shopping you can also purchase items online at several online retailers such as Amazon or Fabric.com.


**This review is comprised of my own opinions and was not influenced by any outside source.  The products were purchased by myself and were not given to me or asked to be reviewed by any outside source.  No advertising was purchased in order to feature this product. **

Ways To Save $$$ While Building Your Diaper Stash

 For some reason I cringe every time my husband Brian opens up our credit card statement.  He'll go down the line and list off all the diaper purchases that I've made for that month.  Cotton Babies?  Yep.  Diaper Junction?  Yep.  SweetBottoms Baby? Yep.  Fluff Envy?  Yep.  They were all me.  I know I'm saving money by going the cloth diaper route, but I'm also starting to wonder what I can do to save even more money.  In the beginning I had planned on buying everything new off of regular websites and I even created a spreadsheet noting down all the retail prices, fully expecting to pay those prices.  I had certain diapers I wanted and with each diaper type I had a certain color or print that I wanted it in.  Now I'm realizing that with a little compromise and patience I can find a lot of great deals, and who doesn't love to save money???

Here are some of the ways that I've found to save money with cloth diapering.  Some methods require more time than others.  Some require more patience than others till the opportunity comes up.  Some require more compromise than others on the exact product that you will get.  Some require a sacrifice of quality.  It's all up to you on what you are willing to do in order to save some money and get some cute fluff.  

FREE SHIPPING

This was my first effort at saving money without sacrificing time or quality, or compromising on the products I wanted.  Quickly you realize that there are a lot of sites that offer free shipping and there are a lot of sites that do not.  Some will give you free shipping no matter what you buy or how much you spend.  Others will offer free shipping if you surpass a certain dollar amount.  Then there are those companies that only offer free shipping as a special promotion for a limited time.  My favorite sites tend to be those that offer free shipping all the time no matter the dollar amount since I like to buy one or two items here and there.  The only tricky part to this is that at the same time I like to make purchases out of state to avoid the sales tax, so that eliminates a few companies for me unless they're having a great deal that makes it worth it.  Here are a few companies that offer free shipping.  My list keeps growing so always check my Resources page to get the most current list.

Abby's Lane - *Free Shipping*
Cotton Babies - *Free Shipping*
Diaper Junction - *Free Shipping on orders over $49*
Fluff Envy - *Free Shipping on orders over $35*
Kelly's Closet - *Free Shipping on orders over $49*
Mom's Milk Boutique - *Free Shipping on orders over $25
Nells Natural Baby - *Free Shipping on orders over $39*
Sew Crafty Baby - *Free Shipping*
Sweetbottoms Baby - *Free Shipping*

COUPONS / SALES
Another great way to save money is to look out for coupon codes and sales.  This requires a little more patience on your end to get the deal.  Some sites list these codes right on their sites.  Others you need to look a little harder for.  A great place to find coupon codes and sales is on Diaper Pin.  They always have an up to date list of companies that are having specials and what codes you need enter in order to get each deal.  Another great place to look for sales is on each company's Facebook page, Twitter page, blog, or newsletter.  These specials are sometimes way better than what you would find on their website or Diaper Pin, because they want to reward their followers.  You could also just Google "Coupon Codes for ...", but I don't always have a lot of luck with this method.  Sales and Coupons can happen at any time, but a sure bet time to look for specials is around any holiday.  I always scour every site around the holidays.  Here are a few specials that are going on right now.  I just took advantage of the Diaper Junction sale this weekend and I can't wait to find out what diaper they give me for free!

Diaper Junction - Free OS AIO w/ each order over $59 (Codes GIRLAIO or BOYAIO)
Kelly's Closet - Free OS diaper w/ each order over $59 (Code BARBQUE)
Fluffy Cheeks - 15% Off All Orders (Code MOVING15) 20% Off Orders over $100 (MOVING20)
Blueberry Diapers - 25% Off (Code BABYSTEALS811) or $10 off + Free Shipping on orders over $49 (Code 10OFF)

DEAL A DAY SITES

I LOVE "Deal A Day" sites!  They're actually quite addicting.  These are sites that feature one or a few great deals each day that last anywhere from one to three days usually.  On these sites you can get products 40-90% off of retail price.  I usually see them about 50-60%  off though.  There are a couple sacrifices with this method of saving money though.  You have to stalk these sites daily.  Each site has their own time they  post their deals and some deals sell out FAST!  Product choices are very limited.  Each product may have only one or two colors to choose from.  These sites also normally charge shipping.  You have to calculate your savings carefully because you might be able to save more going to a site with free shipping and a percent off coupon code.  Totsy actually gives you free shipping on your first order (*as long as you make it within 30 days of registering).  A lot of these sites also give you credit for your account when you get a friend to sign up and make a purchase.  I've already got $30 racked up on my Totsy and Zulily accounts.  Now I just need to wait for the perfect deal.  Here are a few of the Deal A Day sites.

Baby Earth GaGa Deals - A new deal every hour.  This is a timing game so it's kind of a rush.
Baby Half Off
Baby Steals
Diaper Junction - Daily Diaper Deal (Located at Top Right Corner of Page)
Eco Baby Buys
Green Baby Bargains
HauteLook
Hippo Bargains
Kids.Woot
Mama Bargains
Totsy - Use the Coupon Code: VIPMOM for $15 off your order of $60 or more
Zulily

GIVEAWAYS

You can find giveaways everywhere for just about anything.  I didn't do that many giveaways in the beginning, but now I do them all the time.  You can find them on blogs or you can Google them.  There are websites out there that just list millions of giveaways and you can search for what products you're wanting.  Sometimes I just Google a diaper I want and the word "Giveaway".  Chances are someone is giving one away right now.  I still have yet to win one, but I know if I enter enough I'm bound to win one or two ... right???  They do take a bit of time if you try and enter as many times as you can.  Don't forget to check out my Giveaways.  I'll try and have one at least once a month.  Here are some great blogs to check out for Diaper Giveaways, but there are millions more.

Adventures In Fluff - That's a Given Of Course!
Change-Diapers.com - She also does a list of giveaways on other sites as well on Fridays
Cloth Diaper Blog
Kelly Wels Blog
The Cloth Diaper Report - Also does a list of giveaways on other sites as well on Fridays
The Cloth Diaper Whisperer - A giveaway every Friday!

PACKAGE DEALS

Package deals are a great way to save money if you want a few (or a lot) of the same diaper.  You get them for less money this way and in some cases you also get a free gift for ordering in bulk.  I've received a free diaper cover for ordering my Kissaluvs fitted diapers in bulk on Thanks Mama.  They have tons of Package deals.  Just Google the diaper brand or style you're looking for along with "Package Deal".  Most online stores will have them.

SECONDS

I'll admit that the thought of seconds was a little scary to me at first.  Seconds are essentually products that the manufacturer can not sell for full retail value because there is some cosmetic flaw to the product.  With cloth diapers it's usually uneven seams, a dirt mark on the fabric, or some other defect that should not affect the performance of the diaper.  In most cases you can't even tell what the defect is.  I did receive one diaper that I was unsatisfied with from Cotton Babies, but they quickly remedied the problem by sending me out a new seconds diaper and paying to ship the other one back.  Also note that pocket diapers that are seconds don't usually come with the inserts.  Factor this in to your money savings before you decide to buy.  The trick to gettinging seconds is to check websites often for them.  Usually these diapers go up fast and are sold really fast.  In some cases you can sign up for their newsletter so that you hear about the sales as soon as they go up.  Here are a few links where you can find cloth diaper seconds.

Cotton Babies - Bumgenius Discontinued and Seconds
Thirsties Outlet - Thirsties Seconds
The Cloth Diaper Outlet Store - Seconds, Discontinued, Overstocks, & Gently Used
Baby Eco Mart
FuzziBunz Seconds Factory - Fuzzibunz Seconds
Cloth Diaper Clearance - Seconds, Discontinued, & Overstock
Tiny Tush - Tiny Tush Discontinued and Seconds
Green Mountain Diapers - Seconds and Sales
Heiny King - Seconds and Like New
Kissaluvs - Kissaluvs Seconds are mixed in with their regular store
AppleCheeks - AppleCheeks Seconds
Gen-Y - Gen-Y Seconds

TESTERS

I've only been a tester for one diaper company and that's RearZ.  I just received the diaper and can't wait to test it out on our little guy this fall.  Being a tester just means that after you've received the diaper and used it for a reasonable amount of time (about 2 weeks), then you fill out a questionnaire describing how the product worked for you.  I found out about the RearZ testers slot on their Facebook Page, but you can also Google "Cloth Diaper Testers".  I've found a lot come up that way as well.  Don't be afraid to contact a company to ask if they need testers too.  Some might send you the diaper for free.  Others might charge shipping.  Others yet might charge a nominal fee plus shipping to test their diaper, but it's still usually a great deal.  You never know.  You might just find the next best diaper before it hits the shelves.

DISCONTINUED

These are prefect diapers, only they are in a discontinued color/print or style.  I have some discontinued RearZ diapers that I think will work out great!  You can find links to a lot of discontinued diapers above along with "Seconds".

USED

Last, but certainly not least is that you can get a lot of your stash used.  This was another area where I was a little hesitant... and my husband was a LOT hesitant.  Don't get me wrong.  I've shopped at thrift stores many times (not sure if my husband has).  It's just that this is my little baby and I want something new to put on his bum.  I've since then changed my thinking though and will be looking for great used diaper deals as well.  Most of the time the diapers are still in great condition and work just as well as a brand new diaper.  One extra perk of a used diaper ... You don't have to prep them!!!!  The thought of that is awesome.  Especially when it comes to prefolds or natural fiber diapers that you have to wash a million times.  Before buying check to see if you're getting the inserts.  If not then you need to factor that into your cost savings to see if it's really a deal or not.  There are lots of places you can get used diapers.  Here are just a few.

Craigslist - Not Diaper Exclusive
eBay - Not Diaper Exclusive
Freecycle - Not Diaper Exclusive
Diaper Swappers
Re-Diaper
Spots Corner
Diaper Junction - Under "Preowned Diapers"
The Cloth Diaper Outlet Store - Seconds, Discontinued, Overstocks, & Gently Used
Kelly's Closet - Look under the "On Sale" heading
Jillian's Drawers

I hope all of this information helps you out on your search for great ways to save money with cloth diapering.  I know I have and will continue to use of lot of these methods and I already see the dollars melting off of my cloth diaper spreadsheet that I've made up.  It makes me happy every time I can enter a number that is less than retail.  Oh, yes!  Just another happy moment in my Adventures In Fluff.

*Some links on this page are affiliate links.  If you would like to support my blog feel free to visit my Affiliates Page for a full list.*

Changing Diapers - The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering

In early May I decided that I would be using cloth diapers on our newest addition.  Since then I've been scouring the internet for any bit of information I can find about cloth diapering I can get my hands on.  I've read the blogs, went through all the websites, and watched all the reviews on YouTube.  There is just a wealth of information on the internet.  I'm an old fashioned girl sometimes though and I love a good book.  One I can touch and make notes in.  I love something I can put on my bookshelf and refer to anytime I want to.  I also love that I can lend a book out to any of my friends that are also considering cloth diapering.  There's just something about a good book that makes me smile.

With that said I was ecstatic when I saw that Kelly Wels was coming out with a book all about cloth diapering.  I'd seen other books on the internet, but they all seemed a bit outdated and just like technology, it seems like cloth diapering changes at the blink of an eye.  There's always a new company that just got discovered, or a company comes out with a new style.  Maybe there are new fabrics that are being used.  You just never know, so I'd like to get the latest and greatest advice from the newest source.

Kelly Wels new book is titled Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering.  It's a 215 page book that claims to be the definitive guide to everything you need to know (and forgot to ask) about cloth diapering.  It's not out on the bookshelves yet, but it'll be out Sept/Oct of 2011.  I've already pre-ordered mine and can't wait for it to get here so I can read it and let you all know what I think.  Here is a sneak peak at what you will find in the book.

    Product Description

Why join the cloth diapering movement?
- Baby loves a soft, fluffy butt.
- You save big bucks and the planet.
- Eco-friendly cloth diapers are fashionable too.
- Despite what you think, cloth diapers are convenient.
- Yes, cloth diapering is fun for moms (and dads).


Contents
Acknowledgments
The Poop on Modern Cloth Diapering: An Introduction
- Don't Poo-poo It Until You Know More
- Why Listen to Me?
- Diaper Overload
- Who in the World Cloth Diapers Their Babies These Days?
- Join the Movement
1. Why Choose Cloth Diapers?
- Reason #1: It's Best for Baby
- Reason #2: You Can Save Big Bucks
- Reason #3: You Can Be Eco-Friendly
- Reason #4: Despite What You Think, Cloth Is Convenient
- Reason #5: Yes, Cloth Diapering Is Fun for Many Moms
2. Snappis, Doublers, AIOs, and Pockets: Understanding Basic Cloth Diaper Talk
- Cloth Diapering 101
- What You Need to Know about Cloth Diaper Fabrics

    About the Author

Kelly Wels' mission is to share her love for cloth diapers and advocate for diapering change. She believes that through education and knowledge, parents can be empowered to make more positive & eco-friendly diapering choices.


Another great note about Kelly Wels new book Diaper Changes ... A portion of the proceeds of the book will be donated to the Real Diaper Association to help advocate for cloth diapers.


**Please note that I've signed up for the affiliate program on this item and a portion of the proceeds from all sales made through this page go to me.  With that said, I would not endorse any product that I did not feel confident in and if my opinion of this product changes I will post an update immediately.**

Fluff Obsession - The High Tech Way

In this age of technology it seems that everyone has the latest phone, the latest apps, and talks with people on the most popular social networking sites.  Cloth diaperers are definitely not the exception.  We aren't the hippi moms that you might think of.  I can't live without my iPhone or laptop, I'm addicted to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and of course I have to have the latest apps for my phone like Angry Birds, and ... Fluff Stash.

Yes, I said Fluff Stash.  It's the new iPhone app made just for us cloth diaperers that love their technology as well as their diapers and want to share that love with everyone in an organized, high tech way.  I downloaded the application just a couple days ago and I've already got my first diapers entered in and labeled so I never forget when I got them, what they are, or what they looked like if I decide to sell them in the future.

*Stash Library Page*

When you first open the application it will say that your stash is empty.  How sad is that?  Time to add your first diaper.  Click the little camera on the lower left side of the screen and snap a picture of your diaper.  I like to put mine on a white piece of paper so that the background doesn't distract from the diaper and all the pictures look uniform.  If your picture looks good then click "Use".  It'll now be in your library.

*Info/Properties Page*

The next thing to do is add some information to your picture.  Just click on the double arrow icon at the bottom of the screen.  This will bring up four options (Import, Share, Image Info, and Delete).  Click on "Image Info" then select your diaper photo.  This will bring up the information sheet.  Here you can record the color of the diaper, the size of the diaper, the brand of the diaper, and the type of diaper that it is.  You can also add a caption to your picture.  I like to re-write the details of the diaper here as well as where I bought the diaper and how much it cost (ex: Weehuggers/Cover/Snap/Size-1/Purchased-Fluff Envy $16.99).  Now click "Done".

*View of Single Entry*

Voila!  You have finished your first diaper entry and now you can start on the next one.  After you've finished entering your stash of diapers you can now start sharing your pictures with others.  Just click the double arrow icon at the bottom of the screen again and then click the "Share" button.  You can share via E-mail, Facebook, Twitter, or send the photo to your iPhone library.  Another thing you can do after you've entered all your stash is search your stash.  At the top of the main stash library screen that shows all your diapers is a search bar.  Just type in the color of the diaper, the size, the type, or the brand, and it will bring up all the diapers with that search word.  Lastly, if you need to delete one of your photo entries, you can do that by clicking on the double arrows at the bottom of the main screen, selecting "Delete", and then selecting the entries that you want to delete.


Although I love this application, there are some things that I would hope to see in future versions of this application.  First off, when entering colors into the info page, it would be nice if you could select multiple colors for a diaper and have the option to search each of these multiple colors.  Most of my diapers have more than one color on them.  Second, it would be nice if it had a pull down menu for where you purchased the diaper from, how much it cost, when you sold it, and how much you sold it for.  For now I just put all this information in my caption box which is ok.  Third, it would be great if instead of having to type in my selections in the search menu, it would just have an advanced search screen with pull down menus for each of the search options.  That way I wouldn't have to remember exactly how it was typed into the pull down screen and I could search multiple criteria at once.  Fourth, when I share my pictures via e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter, it would be nice if it included all the information with the picture.  As of now it just sends the picture.  I'm sure as time goes on Fluff Stash will make a lot of these changes, but until then I'm having a lot of fun entering in my stash and sharing it with others as it grows and grows.

Overall I would give this application 3 out of 4 Stars.  With a few improvements it could be a 4 star application.  Definitely worth the money you spend for it though and a great addition to my Adventures In Fluff ! ! !

The Official Fluff Stash Press Release:

On May25, 2011 Fluff Stash hit the AppStore!  Now Cloth Diaper loving mamas can take their cloth diaper addiction to a whole new level!

Introducing the very first of its kind, Fluff Stash, an iPhone app just for cloth diaper fanatics!  In this easy to use and navigate app you’ll have so much fun snapping pics of all your diapers, categorizing them by brand, color, size, style and more!  Sort, organize, and share your stash with the click of a button.

We know just how addicted cloth diapering moms are, not just to their cloth diapers, but to their smartphones and their social networks.  That’s why we’re giving you the best of all your favorite things by allowing you to satisfy your craving to talk about cloth, use your phone, and share photos of your entire stash all in one convenient place!

What’s the best part?

It’s totally affordable, just .99 and it’s easy to use!  No gimmicks, finally an app that you can use on a daily basis for practical or totally impractical reasons, you decide!

Download Fluff Stash from the App Store today and take your cloth diaper addiction to a whole new level!

Make sure you also “LIKE” Fluff Stash on Facebook where you can connect with other Fluff Stash users, ask questions, participate in promotions and more!

Introducing the very first of its kind, Fluff Stash, an iPhone app just for cloth diaper fanatics!  In this easy to use and navigate app you’ll have so much fun snapping pics of all your diapers, categorizing them by brand, color, size, style and more!  Sort, organize, and share your stash with the click of a button.

We know just how addicted cloth diapering moms are, not just to their cloth diapers, but to their smartphones and their social networks.  That’s why we’re giving you the best of all your favorite things by allowing you to satisfy your craving to talk about cloth, use your phone, and share photos of your entire stash all in one convenient place!

What’s the best part?

It’s totally affordable, just .99 and it’s easy to use!  No gimmicks, finally an app that you can use on a daily basis for practical or totally impractical reasons, you decide!

Download Fluff Stash from the App Store today and take your cloth diaper addiction to a whole new level!

Make sure you also “LIKE” Fluff Stash on Facebook where you can connect with other Fluff Stash users, ask questions, participate in promotions and more!