My kind of Rainbow...part of my diaper stash

No words really... Just wanted to take a photo of part of my stash. Love hanging them out to dry. Have Fuzzi Bunz, GroBaby and Rumparooz. Rumparooz are by far my favorite for around the house. GroBaby are my favorite for out and about (with the disposable insert, do not care very much for the cloth insert)

Can I live without these items?

Have you come across items that you wish you could buy in bulk, or tell everyone you know about? Well, preparing for baby #2 I have found some items I don't know how I got through baby #1 without and some items which I am excited to use again. Here are some of my favorites.

The glorious side of swaddling blankets

Aden + Anais products have got to be the best for parents. So far I have only purchased the Muslim Cotton Swaddling blankets but they have a full line of products which would be ideal for any parent with newborns on up.  What makes these swaddle blankets 5 stars above the rest? They are enormous. You can do so much more than just swaddle. They are great for nursing covers, to put on the floor for baby to have some tummy time, cover your stroller when out and about. The quality is well worth the price of each item. However, if you are looking to pinch some pennies you can purchase these items on Amazon.com for cheaper, click here to go to their selection or the link to the left. Also, become a member of Baby Steals because they have Aden +Anais steals at huge discounts.

Addiction to a thing called Cloth Diapers

As most know or you should know I am now addicted to the very thought of cloth diapers. I love the different brands, styles, types and how there are SO many companies and individuals out there which make them. After cloth diapering for 5 months, there is one brands which I have come to LOVE LOVE LOVE.

 Rumparooz or KangaCare. These cloth diapers are amazing. They are a one size reusable cloth diaper. They have a unique design of two gussets which hold the biggest messes. They wash up nicely and extremely soft. They have 12 great colors and 6 prints. Coming in September they will be adding two more adorable prints to their lineup.

Another great product they have is the Lil Joey, which is a cloth diaper made for newborns or preemies. How many parents out there have had preemies and wanted to cloth diaper but couldn't find a cloth diaper to fit their new little bundle? These diapers are just like their parents and even more adorable because of how small they are. They also have a great feature which is a fold down snap for the very sensitive umbilical cord. They come in packs of two as well, so stock up.

Got any teething babies out there? 

Something else which has made our lives so much easier is teething drops. We have found Gentle Naturals Homeopathic Teething Drops. What I like about them, is they are drops. Easier, at least for us to give our son because it has a dropper. It has a natural calming ingredient, Chamomile which helps sooth baby. You can find Gentle Naturals anywhere but we seem to like to purchase it along with all of our other baby items from Diapers.com. 

Now add Sophie the Giraffe to our teething solutions and we have a great solution to any teething baby. She is made from 100% natural rubber derived from the sap of the Hevea Tree. This giraffe makes a cute sound which is great for older babies. Has a cute and enticing color design and the legs, ears and body can get to those sore gums. You can also get this toy online at Diapers.com. Amazon does carry it as well and you can save a little bit. Link is to the left. 

Start learning early, we did.

Meemaw, as we call her, got our son the Learning Tower when he was just old enough to stand. This great invention is going to be with us a long time. What is great about it is your child can be at counter level and watch whatever you are doing, cooking, cleaning, socializing. It adjusts to fit a toddler to a young child. You can also add an art isle to it and it comes with a small blanket for even more imagining can be done. It is simply a great piece to add to your registry and is well worth the investment. You can purchase this tower and all the other great products at Little Partners. 

I know there are more pieces that we have come to love but the family is calling and so is my stomach. If you need recommendations or have products you have come to love, do contact me and let me know. You can always find me on Facebook, here and on Twitter, here. My inbox is always open as well at helpfulsister@gmail.com.

Back to work...Is cloth going to Daycare?

There are many reasons to move over to cloth diapers too. Economical, the savings are substantial and more and more parents are seeing today's cloth diapers are not like when their moms used them. 

Also, eco-friendly. Did you know disposable diapers take almost 500 years to biodegrade. Yes our kids will not around to see the affects on this but our kids kids will be. That is a lot of waste to rack up to "convenience." But what happens when parents make the decision to go "cloth" and then are faced with another decision....putting your little one in daycare. Now what?

Just the other day, I was talking to a friend of mine that has a new born and she was starting to look at cloth diapers, after hearing me talk about how I love this brand and that brand. They had already found a daycare for their little tike. After calling their new provider, they were were told the facility does not take cloth. That stinks, in the world of cloth but also just stinks. In case you are in that situation, check out this great write up about what you can do with your daycare or finding one that will use cloth, click HERE. Also here is a great tip sheet you can print/save/re-read from The Real Diaper Association .

While I have never had to deal with a daycare and cloth wipes, my other friend has. She just provides them with a zipped wet bag and that is it. I think more daycare facilities will come around to the idea since really it no extra work. Cloth diapers these days are as easy to use the disposables.

Want more info on cloth diapers? Here are a few more links that are great to just read through. 

Where to start?
How to get 1000K stash for $500

Babies...Check, extra One-Thousand Dollars...not so much

Recently, I did a little contest called the Green Quiz Quest. I had never participated before and I must say I am addicted now. There is info at the bottom, if you want to check it out. One thing I loved about the contest is the knowledge I picked up about all the different and amazing companies out there. It just helped me realized how deeply addicted I am to the cloth diaper industry.  I found so MANY new brands I had never heard of. Mind you, I have only been using cloth diapers for 4 months. Little did I know of how many other talented individuals are out there making their way in the cloth diaper arena.

Another area that makes me realize how much I love cloth diapers is I guess after speaking to my other girlfriends who use cloth, it seems I kept spitting out what I would do with an extra $1000? Most might think I would spend it on a vacation for my husband and I. Maybe drop it into what we call our "savings account", or maybe get some new items for the house. Not this wife,mom, sister, daughter, friend.  No, I would go and find all the cloth diapers I either have not tried or never heard of and put them to the test. I have the babies, our son is a little over a year and we have a new one coming the end of August, so trials will not be an issue. Then I would know what works, what doesn't, which styles are better or not and even offer some as giveaways on here. Unused of course. I have only tried cloth on our son but from what others say, it really depends on the baby, but also the quality of the product.

Oh cloth diapers, where have you been my whole life? I also would love to let everyone know out there that cloth diapers are NOT YOUR MOTHERS CLOTHS DIAPERS!!! I should do a poll to see what people first think when someone says "cloth diapers".

Here are just a few diaper sites, I would love to try. I am loving the diapers called "All-in-one" since they grow with your baby. You don't have to buy S, M, L just one or 50 and done! Check them out yourself. Just remember that these are just a few out there and there are a lot of web site stores that carry these brands which offer specials, even free shipping like: Diaper Junction, Diaper Shops, Kelly's Closet, The Green Nursery and Niki's Diapers. If you want to know of more brands, email me at helpfulsister@gmail.com. I would be happy to send you my list! Some you can even find on YouTube which shows off each of their features. Go to YouTube and enter in the diaper name, and see what shows up

Baby Kangas

BABY KANGA RED LADYBUG- ONE SIZE

Katydid One-Size Cloth Diaper 

Katydid One-Size MELON

Niki's Diapers: Best Bottom One Size- 

New Generation Cloth Diaper

 Rumparooz

Rumparooz All in One- GUMBALL

If you are interested in the Green Quiz Quest, it ends July 31st. Go to the web site to find out more, click here and you can follow them on Facebook, click here. There is also a ton of info out there now adays to help you determine what kind of cloth diaper to use, the cost, how to travel with them. Email me if you want more links but here are few to help. Also, you can find on all these websites links to their Facebook and twitter pages. Sign up with them. Most have sales all the time, or fun contests. Plus you get to keep to date on any changes or new products that are coming out.

http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/the-cloth-diaper-report/

http://www.bumsawaydiapers.com/aboutcloth/


Enjoy and let me know how your stash is growing. I would love to know what diapers you have and how they are working or not. Look for more posts with more info as my itty bitty stash grows into a MOTHERLOAD.

Cloth Diapers are on Trial & A FuzziBunz Giveaway (end 7/21)

Through all my blog/tweet/facebook connections, I came across another great web site. I have not ordered anything from them yet but the inventory is amazing. Do you want to try a cloth diaper because you are new? Do you want to try a new brand? Go to Nicki's Diapers. This web site has a huge inventory for cloth diapers, cloth diaper accessories, nursing, baby wearing and more. Nicki's Diapers also offers a 15-day TRIAL period for any of the cloth diapers, training pants and diaper covers. What a great way to see what diaper works for your little one but also try the enormous selection of cloth diapers.

Better Bottom One Size in Mint Choco Chip

 I personally can not wait to try Nicki's Diapers very own invention, Better Bottom One Size. Looks the perfect solution to my current issue! They have some pretty cute colors too. Head on over and get signed up for the blog. They do some great giveaways!

The current giveaway which ends July 21st is for FuzziBunz Perfect One Size Diaper. I have personally used this diaper and love them because they wick away moisture so great. This style of FuzziBunz will grow with your baby from birth to potty training. It has a "stuff and go" design as well. Great brand and a great giveaway! Head on over here and get signed up. Don't forget to tell all your friends who cloth diaper and those who have always wanted to try.

Can you REALLY afford Cloth Diapers?

What a great write up. 

Take a look and make the decision yourself. 

The Daisy Blog did a great write up to help answer this very question. Click here to read on.

4th of July Weekend= Free and huge discounts....

Everyone, well most everyone, loves when they get something free or at a nice discount. Have fun with all these giveaways and sites that are offering great discounts over the 4th of July weekend! 

Sip some lemonade, take in some sun and save a little!! The sites I have put up are some of MY personal favorites. Feel free to pass along all these great offers to your friends, family and anyone else who might take part in some great savings.

Happy searching, shopping and saving.

With a $10 purchase, depending on your order number, you get a freebie. These are going fast. Take a look at the site, you can find anything you need. Great place to know about! Click here.

Zulily.com is offering some great discounts on their sales right now. Haba toys, Feather Baby, Bumkins and a ton more. Find disounts which make your bank account smile!

Plus, starting Monday July 5th they are having a huge sale that starts at 9AM Pacific/12 PM Eastern.  Lots of great items to choose from *very* limited quantities- up to 75% off! AND, a special "Just for Girls" event featuring 60% off a few of our favorite brands including Little Mass, Baby Lulu, Young Colors & Greggy Girl. Click here to go to site!!! 

Tropical Traditions has some amazing products, with everything from just coconut oil, household, pet and skin care products. They are offering a great discount to use until Wednesday day July 7th. Click here to get the code and to shop.

Do YOU or a friend Love Fuzzi Bunz? Well The Cloth Diaper Whisper Blog is offering a few cute colors, in honor of this 4th of July weekend, their current giveaway for Fluff Friday (button to the right,too). So many ways to enter this fun giveaway and they do it every WEEK! Add to your stash or win a brand you always wanted to try out. Click here to go to details. 


Want even more discounts? Head to The Cloth Diaper Whisper Blog the discount code at a cute shop online called Kellys Closet. You receive 15% off any order of 99$ or more. Huge savings and you will be amazed at the selection at Kellys Closet.  Get the code here!

This is another great site for your cloth diaper needs and much more Diaper Junction Starting today,  Saturday, July 3, 2010 to Monday, July 5, 2010, you will receive FREE SHIPPING on orders of $25.00 or more! Be sure to use COUPON CODE: HAPPY4TH at check-out!

PLEASE NOTE: The FREE SHIPPING will not be honored for previous or pending orders; orders must be placed between July 3-5, 2010, excludes full size detergents and diaper pails

Also, on Diaper Junction site you can get 10% on Rumparooz until August 31, 2010. I have not tried this style but they are supposively suppose to be 100% leak proof.  Click here to get code.  

 Giveaway- click here to enter the Cloth Diaper Blog, Feed Your Stash Fridays (button to the right too). This week you are going FLIP! Win 2 Organic Flip diapers, you choose the colors. Entering is easy and also fun. FEED YOUR STASH. Click here to enter.

Father's Day Grill Deal & Cloth Diaper Accessory discount

Got a grill master in your house? Then update his current set or get him these accessories at a 20% discount. Click link here to get code and find out where you might be able to get these.

Just a few more hours to save 10% off cloth diapers accessories. Use code SAVEDA when you check out. Diaper Junction has a sale until Midnight tonight (6/6/10). Get your accessories for your little one and save a little doing it. Click here to go to site.

New Affiliate: Diapers.com Free Shipping on any order over $49 ALWAYS

If you know me or you are my delivery truck driver, you know I love love love Diapers.com. This is why I have added them to "sister approved" affiliates. You can know click on the banner (to the left) and it will take you directly to Diapers.com. Plus, this mom gets a cool % on anything that is purchased. Try it out and you will be hooked. 

You can get ANYTHING for baby there. I have checked and most of their prices are right on with Baby R Us, Target or cheaper. I have found  Amazon sometimes beats their price but you also have to wait longer for shipping with Amazon. I love Diapers.com. Forward onto any Mom or Dad. Once you have placed a few orders, it automatically generates you past products so you do not have to search the next time. I get my order placed within seconds.

FYI: Sometimes I even get delivery NEXT DAY! It is so great. No driving to get stuff and they have great sales. Check back often, because I will be posting when they happen!

Cheers to easy and fast shopping!! 

The Helpful Sister

The Green Nursery Website and Store! Recommended

There are so many baby, kid, family etc. sites out there who are getting in on the movement to lesson the waste put on this earth while providing items for babies and families that are great quality, cute and affordable at the same time. Here is a website you should check out. The Green Nursery Why?  

• Organic Materials are used
• Products are fair-trade or USA made
• Products are CPSIA certified to be lead-free
• All Feeding products are BPA Free
• All Toys are non-toxic 

All great reasons. They also have a store called Barefoot-Eco & Barefoot Kids 615 W. Kirkwood Ave. Bloomington, IN 4740, so forward onto any of your friends who live near by.

They are also giving away $50 on Facebook, The Green Nursery. You enter by becoming a Fan and then recommending your friends. Simple for a chance to win $50. You can also find them as one of my favorites pages on The Helpful Sister, on Facebook. Good luck.

Diaper Junction: Feed Your Stash Fridays Giveaway! Win GroVia Diapers

You can enter 12 different ways at here. 

Check out what GroVia is all about here

I use the Hybrid style diapers from GroVia and I love them. The All-in-Ones are pretty neat as well. 

Company is based out of Montana!!  

Winner is announced on Thursday May 27th!  

Cloth vs. Disposable

What to do? When you think of "cloth" diapers do you think folding up rectangle pieces of cotton and pinning our baby in the middle of night? Do you think $$$$ and lots of it? Do you think I would rather just use disposable and once you put them in the trash never think of them again? 

I have put some thought into this. So much so that my 10 month old just starting using "cloth" diapers. My thoughts were of the money I had to invest to get the diapers I wanted but also I guess I was OK with the fact that the current disposables diapers take 100's of years to biodegrade. I guess I was OK with that since once I put them in the diaper bin, I did not have to think about what they were doing to the environment.

Well now I am thinking. Why? Because these days "cloth" diapers have come a long way! There are many sources for you to look at to make up your own mind. I just read a great article out of Mothering Magazine (May/June) issue which goes through the different kinds of cloth diapers. The diapers I have come to love are called "hybrid" cloth diapers and the maker is GroVia (http://www.gro-via.com). These diapers are so great because they grow with the baby. You buy their cute little shells and you can do 3 things. Purchase their soaker pad (snaps in shells), biosoaker (diaper like, sticks in shells) or get both. I have found so far I like the biosoakers since I just peal and stick in the shell. They are easy to use and cute to show off. Plus, I have found I wash my shells about every 3 days. Not because a blow out or they got peed on but just to keep them clean. Not much laundry for these cloth diapers.

What about leaks? What about the cost? What about the landfills? 

Well my 10 month old boy has been using these diapers for 2 weeks with a total of 2 leaks. I personally think it was because we, the parents,  put it on wrong.  This little man is a mover when changing!!!

As for the cost, I have spent very little, about $100. How? Because GroVia used to be named GroBaby and the GroBaby brand is on sale, so I have got some amazing deals from other online stores like http://www.thenaturalbabyco.com, http://www.nopinsrequired.com, http://www.thegreennursery.com and http://www.amazon.com. Plus since our baby was born we have invested over $700 in diapers which are made with gels which could cause rashes plus stay in landfills for 100's of years!!!

The investment is well worth it. The diapers are well made and the quality is just perfect for little buns. Don't forget that that the biosoakers take around 90-100 days to decompose!!! DAYS!!!! You can even flush them or use them as part of your compost. What a great way to do your part and help make sure this Earth is going to be around for your kids or the kids you know. Check out GroVia and learn for yourself. 

Also, I will be posting other reviews on other diapers later on. 

So to cloth or not to cloth?

The Helpful Sister,

Linda