What has this cleanser got to do with diapers?

Your baby’s cloth diapers have been working well for a while but start leaking after 1 to 2 hours. Sounds frustrating, right? If the diapers are repelling pee due to build-up, try doing a strip wash. Causes of build up? Too much detergent, insufficient rinsing, natural oils from fabrics and diaper cream.

Strip Wash Method 1: Use Hot Water

1. Start with clean diapers (i.e. already washed and dried diapers)
2. If you have a washing machine with temperature control, choose the 60 degree Celsius wash cycle
3. Use NO detergent
4. Put the cloth diapers into the washing machine and run the cycle
5. Add extra rinses until no more soap bubbles are present (Soap bubbles stay around longer than agitation bubbles.)

If Method 1 can’t remove the build-up, try Method 2.

Strip Wash Method 2: Use Dishwashing Liquid Detergent

1. Start with clean diapers (i.e. already washed and dried diapers)
2. Fill a pail halfway with warm/hot water (turn the shower tap to the hottest mode). Or add warm/hot water from a flask into the pail. (Recommended water temperature: at least 40 degree Celsius)
3. Add a few squirts of dishwashing detergent (I use Pigeon Bottle Nipple & Vegetable Liquid Cleanser, shown in the picture above). Agitate.
4. Place cloth diaper with build-up issue into the pail
5. Wash the layer which is supposed to touch baby’s bums by rubbing fabric against fabric. Rub REALLY hard. (But DO NOT use a scrub.)
6. For pocket diaper: turn it inside out and rub the inner layer too.
7. Rinse at least 3 times until no more soap bubbles are present
8. Throw the handwashed diapers into the washing machine for 1 more rinse. Spin dry. Hang dry.

Try using the cloth diapers on baby. Hopefully, they start working again.

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Any more questions on cloth diapering? Just fill up the comment box.

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This is a follow-up article of How to Prevent Cloth Diapers From Leaking.

Related posts:

1. How to Prevent Cloth Diapers from Leaking
2. Wahmies Multi-Purpose Cloth Wipes
3. Revealed: Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide

A few days ago, Mummy Regina wrote on her blog that her BumGenius All-in-Ones leaked from the sides for 4 times. Investing hundreds of dollars into cloth diapers to find that they leak is horribly disappointing. I know because I have been through it before. After a little trial and error, Vee’s cloth diapers rarely leak. He even goes through 12-hour nights and wakes up dry EVERY morning. The following are six main ways to overcome cloth diaper leakage (situations before insert / soaker is even wet).

1. Prewash Enough Times Before Use

For new cloth diapers, this is extremely important. Prewashing is needed to “prep” the diaper, especially the insert or soaker.

How to prewash:

• Wash diapering items in warm or hot water by hand or by washing machine, using very little cloth diaper-friendly detergent
• Wash separately from existing diapering items (especially important for fabric containing natural oils)
• Dry
• Repeat prewash as necessary

Number of prewashes needed for different insert / soaker fabrics:

• Microfibre: 1 to 3 prewashes
• Cotton: 1 to 3 prewashes
• Hemp: 1 to 10 prewashes or boil once (if there is no plastic snap). Prewash separately from other diaper items to prevent the fibre’s natural oil from coating them and causing repellent. (Expect some shrinkage.)
• Bamboo: similar to hemp

More tips:

• For hemp or bamboo items, try to get prewashed ones.
• If unsure, check with the manufacturer if the hemp or bamboo items have been prewashed.
• For a new diaper stash, prewash 3 times before first use.
• For a single new diaper, prewash once and try the diaper on baby to see if it absorbs. Place towels or traditional square nappies under baby to catch any leak. If it leaks, then prewash more times.
• For PUL diapers, dry it on HOT using dryer to seal the PUL. (Check laundry label if this is allowed.)

2. Use Appropriate Detergent

Detergent could make or break your cloth diapering journey. Yes, it is THAT critical. Wrong detergent, too much detergent, or insufficient rinsing could lead to buildup the diaper fabric, resulting in leaks. Note these:

• Use detergent without softener to prevent buildup (Also no enzymes to prevent diaper rash and no bleach to preserve the lifespan of the diaper).
• Alternatively, use detergent designed specially to wash MODERN cloth diapers. (Some detergents state that they can be used on cloth diapers, when they are actually referring to traditional cotton nappies.)
• Use 1/4 to 1/2 of the recommended amount for each load. If you have a smaller load, use even less detergent.
• Rinse thoroughly. Consider adding an extra rinse when using the washing machine. If washing by hand, ensure that there are no more soapy bubbles at the final rinse. (Agitation bubbles burst quite fast; soap bubbles stay around longer.)

3. Use Appropriate Diaper Cream

Babies with sensitive skin may need diaper cream even when wearing cloth diapers. Some oily diaper cream would coat the diaper and cause repellent.

• Use a disposable or washable liner (more economical) when using diaper cream.
• Alternatively, use a confirmed cloth diaper-safe diaper cream.

4. Choose Correct Size and Proper Fit

One-size diapers usually start to fit babies from 3 to 5kg. Even then, weight is a very rough guide as 5kg-babies come in a range of shapes — long and slim vs. short and chubby. Usually, the chubbier newborns start “filling” up cloth diapers earlier, especially at the thighs.

• For newborns, consider getting a few XS or S diapers. During prenatal scans, ask your obgyn for a rough gauge of baby’s size and weight. If baby is on the bigger side, you could most likely skip getting XS diapers.
• When putting the diaper on baby, ensure that it fits snugly at the thighs and waist..
• If diaper is too big, wait for baby to grow into it. Newborns grow at an amazing rate!

If you are buying new diapers for baby who has outgrown her existing ones, it is important to take her measurements accurately. Waist, thigh and rise statistics are much better gauge of a diaper’s fit than weight. Some diapers are more suited for slender babies while others have huge cuttings appropriate for chubby ones.

How to measure your baby:

• Get a measuring tape
• Ensure baby is diaper-less or wearing a relatively-thin diaper
• Waist: measure circumference at about 1 inch below the navel (belly button), where the diaper would rest on her tummy.
• Thigh: measure circumference of upper thigh, where it is fullest / meatiest / chunkiest
• Rise: measure from 1 inch below the navel, down between the legs, and up to the back opposite of “1 inch below the navel”.

More tips:

• If the measurements of the diaper are not stated, send a request to the manufacturer or retailer.
• If your friend has the diaper, borrow one for fitting if she does not mind.
• Generally, diapers with wider crotch are better at preventing leaks. For size Medium and above, at least 5.5 inches is preferred.

5. Put It On Correctly

Each diaper design may need a different “trick” to make sure it covers baby nicely. Some common checklist:

• Pocket diaper: Insert is stuffed right in and does not stick out from behind
• Pocket diaper when double-stuffed: microfibre insert (fast-absorbing) is nearer to bum than hemp insert / booster (slow-absorbing)
• Label does not stick out from behind
• Inner-layer fabric is concealed by outer-layer fabric
• Diaper without encased seams at the thigh: Ensure inner-layer fabric is totally rolled into the diaper (i.e. minimal inner-layer fabric seen round baby’s thighs)
• Diaper cover or shell completely covers prefold, fitted diaper or soaker
• Clothings are completely OUTSIDE diaper (That’s why for bedtime, I prefer to dress baby in onesie pyjamas.)
• For baby boy: ensure his p**** is pointing downwards

6. Check Baby’s Position

Sometimes there is nothing wrong with the diaper; it simply does not suit baby’s position. Some situations:

• Pee leaks from the back as newborn tends to pee during diaper changes: Just before fastening diaper, arm yourself with a towel and wait a while (10 seconds) for any pee. Swiftly fasten the diaper snugly. For newborn, consider adding absorbency at the back by folding insert.
• Pee leaks from the side (especially between side snaps) when breastfeeding or sleeping sideways: Use side snaps diaper when baby starts sitting up
• Pee leaks from the front when baby is having tummy-time: Add absorbency in front by folding insert; or use diapers with front elastics
• Pee leaks from the waist or inner thigh when baby moves about actively during sleep: Use fitted diaper with all-round absorbency for bedtime.

Conclusion

For the best value, always choose good quality cloth diapers made of materials that would last through many washes. After some experimentation, cloth diaper leaks should be fairly rare. Happy cloth diapering!

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Any cloth diapering questions? Leave them in the comment box below.

Related posts:

1. How to Strip Wash Cloth Diapers
2. Giveaway #11: Bouncy Baby One Size Cloth Diapers & Wet Bags
3. MEGA Sale: Rumparooz G2 One Size Cloth Diapers

Mums and Dads with water babies, this article is for you!

What is a Swim Diaper?

A swim diaper is a diaper for babies and non-toilet-trained children to wear for swimming. It is less absorbent than normal diapers, so does not sag down heavily when the child is in the pool. It has a waterproof layer and elastics to prevent poo from contaminating the water.

About Bummis SWIMMI Swim Diaper

These are the main features of the diaper:

• Outer layer: Made of cotton printed fabric coated with nylon layer
• Inner lining: Polyester mesh
• Closures: Velcro tabs
• Country of origin: Made in Canada

There are 5 prints in 3 sizes.

How We Use It

Vee is a water baby who LOVES swimming and having long baths. When he was 6 months old, we bought a shallow pool for him to swim at home. Erm… actually, it was more like sunbathing while immersed in 20cm of water.

He is a big baby with chunky elephant thighs and several brands of cloth swim diapers could not fit him. Finally, I found Bummis SWIMMI with adjustable Velcro tabs.

Laundry: After wearing the diaper in chlorinated water, the recommendation is to wash the diaper separately from other clothes. I would handwash it with other swimwear. We hardly swim in public pools, so on other days, Vee uses the SWIMMI as a breathable diaper cover over fitted diapers. The sturdy Velcro tabs have withstood washes over the past 12 months.

Ease of use / Fit: For swimming, no insert or soaker needs to be put inside the SWIMMI. Velcro-style means it is very easy for anyone to put it onto a baby. It is adjustable and fits Vee well — he has been wearing the same SWIMMI in size Large for a year!

Poo: The real test for a swim diaper is if it holds poo in when swimming. Thankfully, Vee has never poo-ed under water, so we can’t conclude for this test. In case of any poo-accident, wear the diaper snugly on the baby, especially at the thighs.

Convenience: For resort holidays, bringing 1 swim diaper is certainly more convenient and compact than buying disposable swim diapers (which are not widely available). Since babies swim for about 20 to 30 minutes, throwing away a diaper after such a short time is not economical too.

The price of a Bummis SWIMMI is SGD25 (~USD18 or RM58). Considering we have been using it for a year and it should still fit Vee (and other babies) for months or years ahead, it is a very worthwhile purchase.

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What we like about it:

• Breathable cotton fabric
• Adjustable size to fit growing babies, especially those with chubby thighs
• Thick and sturdy Velcro tabs
• Lovely print to be shown off at the swimming pool

What can be improved:

• Add laundry tabs

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Win Your Own

TWO (2) lucky subscribers with water babies will win a Bummis SWIMMI in your favourite print worth SGD25 (~USD18 or RM58) each!

This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews™ in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)

• Send an email to me (MieVee [at] MummysReviews.com) with the following information:
  • Method of subscription: in a reader or via email
  • Your name
  • Your name in Facebook (to get extra entry mentioned below)
  • Visit Tiny Pants (go to Products –> Get Wet) and tell me (in your email) why you would like to win a Bummis SWIMMI
  • If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
  • Blog / Website URL, if any (to get extra entries mentioned below, indicate URL of your exact post)

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: “Like” Mummy’s Reviews™ Facebook page (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry: “Like” Tiny Pants Facebook page (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook / Twitter / email)
  • 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews™

Other Information

• This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address in ASEAN (Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam).
• It will run until 29 August 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

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Get Your Own (with Discount!)

To get your own Bummis SWIMMI and a wide range of cloth diapering products for baby, visit Tiny Pants.

• Special Treat: 10% discount storewide
• Discount Code: MV10A (Note that “0″ is for the number “zero”, not the alphabet.)
• Validity Period: Until 29 August 2010, 2359hr

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Need help to get started on cloth diapering? Read Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide.

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If you find Mummy’s Reviews™ helpful, please share this link with your friends: Join Me in Reading Mummy’s Reviews™

Related posts:

1. Bummis Super Brite Diaper Cover
2. Giveaway #4: Moms & Tots Cloth Diapers
3. Giveaway #7: Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diapers & Cloth Wipes

Tiny Tapir is having a MEGA clearance sale on Rumparooz G2 One Size Cloth Diapers. Vee, our professional diaper tester, has tested the pocket diaper with fountains of pee. We are impressed by its excellent design and performance, and can’t wait to share the discounted prices with you!

About Rumparooz G2 One Size Cloth Diaper (Snaps)

These are the main features of the pocket diaper:

• Outer layer: Made of waterproof PUL fabric (1000 thread count polyester interlock knit with a urethane laminate)
• Inner lining: Made of hypoallergenic no-pill micro chamois
• Insert (Large, Microfibre): Contains 3 layers of microfibre. When folded: 6 layers of absorbency
• Insert (Small, Microfibre): Contains 2 layers of microfibre. Snapped onto large insert.
• Closures: Vertical front snaps. 2 rows of 10 waist and thigh snaps. 5 possible settings.
• Country of origin: Made in China by a small European-owned company (details of manufacturing standards)

It is available in a wide range of solid colours and prints, which are aimed at winning the hearts of Mama fashionistas.

First Impressions

The “Ladder 6″ print looks as beautiful as its picture online and is among my favourite diaper prints now. Vee’s fair skin looks fabulous against the red and blue combination.

The workmanship is excellent and every component of the diaper speaks of quality — bright colours, luxurious micro chamois fabric, signature label, and even the snap buttons are customised with Rumparooz’ kangaroo logo! The eye to details lifts the diaper-making benchmark way up.

How We Tested It

Prewash: I prewashed the diaper and inserts with warm water once by hand. No colour run, good.

Regular Laundry: To rush this review article out for you, the diaper has only been used and machine-washed at 40 degree Celsius 3 times, so it has yet to withstand the test of time. (Note that I have lowered the washing temperature from 60 to 40 degree Celsius. This saves energy and preserves the life span of PUL fabric.)

Ease of Use / Fit: The 6R soakers (set of 2 microfibre inserts) allow 6 size and absorbency settings. The packaging illustrates the combinations clearly, which is helpful to new cloth diaper users. Personally, I prefer inserts without snaps for more flexibility and to save time.

As for the diaper, there is only one column of 2 snaps to fasten per side, so putting it on the baby is relatively fast. Vee is on the third rise setting and the front of the diaper rests comfortably below his tummy.

I like the thick and gentle elastics that leave no red marks on his chubby thighs.

Trimness: When using the 2 microfibre inserts, the diaper becomes thick, so I would suggest using this for bedtime. For daytime, I prefer to use only the large insert.

Absorbency: After one prewash, the inserts already lasted 3.5 hours. The second time round, I adventurously let Vee wear the Rumparooz for an outing. They were completely soaked at 4.5 hours before leaking a little at the back. Microfibre tends to absorb more with further washes. In the meantime, I am satisfied with its initial performance. (For regular use, please change baby’s diaper every 2 to 3 hours.)

Stay-dry: Micro chamois stays dry and feels very luxurious even after 4 washes. I like it!

Poo: Since Vee is potty-trained for poo, we need the next baby to test this area. I am especially excited over the double inner leg gussets and “poop scoop” which are claimed to be “100% leak proof against the messiest explosions”. Only breastfeeding mums would understand how explosive poop can be.

Parade of Vee’s sexy bums again…

At the clearance sale, the price of a Rumparooz One Size Cloth Diaper with a set of 6R microfibre inserts is RM62.30 for solid colours (~USD20 or SGD27) and RM78.40 for prints (~USD25 or SGD34). The quality and functionality is certainly worth the price.

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What we like about it:

• Unique double inner leg gussets and “poop scoop” to keep messes in
• Micro chamois is a wonderful stay-dry fabric — soft and comfortable for baby
• Thick elastics that are gentle on baby’s skin
• Wide range of attractive colours and prints
• Packaging clearly illustrates diaper and inserts combinations

What can be improved:

• I can do without the snaps on the inserts

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Get Your Own (with HUGE Discounts!)

To get your own Rumparooz G2 One Size Cloth Diapers at slashed prices, visit Tiny Tapir.
(There is an Aplix version too.)

• Solid colours: 30% off
• Prints: 20% off
• Validity Period: While stocks last

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Disclosure: I received a Rumparooz G2 One Size Cloth Diaper for review.

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Need help to get started on cloth diapering? Read Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide.

Related posts:

1. Giveaway #11: Bouncy Baby One Size Cloth Diapers & Wet Bags
2. Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diapers
3. Giveaway #4: Moms & Tots Cloth Diapers

Yesterday, a friend asked me some questions on how to start cloth diapering her 4 months old baby. These are questions that many of you may have in mind:

Question 1. Which cloth diaper should I start off first?

There is no straightforward answer as factors to consider include:

• Baby’s shape and build: Different diaper cuttings suit different babies. Weight is only a very rough gauge. Take into account baby’s waist, thigh and rise measurements.
• Baby’s pee and poo patterns: If baby produces runny poo frequently, choose diapers that are able to contain poo well.
• Baby’s preference: For instance, some babies like to remove Velcro / Aplix tabs; some are sensitive to suedecloth or wool.
• Caregiver (Mummy, Daddy, Granny or babysitter?): Typically, Mums are more experimental with cloth diapers. Other caregivers usually prefer diapers with Velcro / Aplix tabs.
• Budget: If budget is limited, consider economical diapering options such as prefolds/flats with diaper covers and one-size diapers. If budget is UNlimited, the world is the limit!

Question 2: Do I need to buy inserts or other accessories?

The diapering accessories to buy depend on your preferred diapering system. Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide has been specially prepared for you. Download it here.

Question 3: What are the other things I need to take note, including how to wash the diapers?

Cloth diapers can be washed together with baby’s clothes and even your home clothes. I have been doing that since Vee was born. The Easy Laundry Guide is at the bottom of this page.

Question 4: How often to change the cloth diaper?

During the day, cloth diapers should be changed every 2 to 4 hours, when soaked or when soiled.

During the night, if breathable cloth diapers (e.g. fleece or wool) are used, they can keep baby’s skin healthy even after 12-hour nights.

Hope you find the above information useful. Happy cloth diapering!

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Get your special download: Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide (pdf)

Related posts:

1. Save Money and Mother Earth by Cloth Diapering
2. Successfully Cloth-Diapering a Newborn
3. Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diapers

After bouncing back from a MEGA flu with fever hitting 38.5 degree Celsius, I am finally able to publish this Review & Giveaway article on Bouncy Baby One Size Cloth Diaper and Wet Bag– designed by the team at Tiny Tapir. Vee and I have tested the diaper over almost 2 months and we like that it is made of high quality materials, good workmanship and the introductory prices are jaw-droppingly LOW!

What is a One-Size Diaper?

(This short section is for mums new to cloth-diapering.) A one-size  diaper means it comes in only one size (i.e. no XS, S, M, L or XL). It usually fits babies well from 3 to 5kg onwards (depending on the brand) to an average-sized toddler. It is a suitable choice if:

1. your newborn/toddler is nether too petite nor too huge, or
2. you plan to have one or two children, or
3. you are on a tight budget.

About Bouncy Baby One Size HEMP Pocket Diaper

These are the main features of the diaper:

• Outer layer: Made of soft and thick breathable polyurethane laminated (PUL) fabric (Up to 300 washes at 40 degree Celsius or below.)
• Inner lining: Made of Alova suedecloth
• Insert (Large, Hemp): Contains 2 layers of 55% hemp & 45% cotton. When folded: 6 layers of absorbency
• Insert (Small, Microfibre): Contains 2 layers of microfibre. Snapped onto hemp insert.
• Closures: Diagonal front snaps. 2 rows of 10 waist and thigh snaps. 5 to 6 possible settings.
• Country of origin: Made in Malaysia, in a small dedicated sewing studio

The introductory colours are blue and pink, with more to be launched.

First Impressions

I received the review sample during the Mom & Baby Expo at MidValley in May, on the first day of Bouncy Baby’s soft launch. Li from Tiny Tapir described her new diaper with conviction, while coming across as socially responsible and passionate about cloth diapering. I appreciate that she chooses to manufacture the diapers in Malaysia to ensure close supervision and humane treatment of workers.

Both the workmanship of the diaper and the quality of materials used are indeed excellent. It is the first time that I felt Alova suedecloth (the stay-dry layer)– extremely soft and comfortable! This is the most unique point that drew me to test Bouncy Baby out. (Most cloth diapers use suedecloth, microfleece and bamboo. Alova suedecloth is really outstanding!)

The pocket opening has a flap that keeps inserts in place without using elastics.

Pocket opening with flap (keeps inserts in without elastics)

My review sample comes with an extra set of snaps at the thigh, intended to prevent wing droop for newborns. This feature would probably be removed for newer batches.

Thigh snaps originally intended to prevent wing droop for newborns

Bouncy Baby HEMP Pocket comes with a large prefold size hemp insert and a small microfibre insert. Hemp is known for its superb absorbency, while microfibre soaks up liquid very fast. By combining the two (with microfibre layer closer to baby’s bums), the diaper technically becomes a super-soaker.

How We Tested It

Prewash: I prewashed the diaper and inserts with warm water once by hand . The hemp insert is uniquely designed with a large base opening that allows quick drying. Otherwise, hemp inserts could take a few days to dry since they are very absorbent.

Tip #1: Prewash new hemp inserts SEPARATELY from other diaper items to remove its natural oils.

Tip #2: To help hemp achieve its full absorbency faster (i.e. prep it), wash it in WARM/HOT water or boil it once. However, do not boil if it has snaps on it.

Regular Laundry: The diaper has been machine-washed at 60 degree Celsius and still stays as good as new after almost two months. The Alova suedecloth and hemp insert are still soft after many washes.

A significant amount of lint was found inside the hemp insert though. I could not tell if the lint was originally present or caught up from the laundry. Anyway, I removed them and wash the hemp insert in a laundry net subsequently. No more lint has been found in the insert since.

Update on 13 Jul 2010: Part of the PUL has separated after about 30 washes at 60 degree Celsius. The PUL manufacturer just confirmed with Bouncy Baby that the PUL fabric needs to be washed on cold. Bouncy Baby is sourcing for new PUL fabric. Therefore, if you get Bouncy Baby, please note that it is for cold wash (maximum 40 degree Celsius).

Ease of Use / Fit: It took a while to figure out how to use the inserts since the hemp insert is really one-of-a-kind. There are 6 snaps on it, and no instructions provided on the packaging. It is possible to snap it in various combinations to meet the child’s needs (boy / girl / small / medium / large). Hence, I created the step-by-step pictures below to help you understand better how the inserts work.

This is the first time I try putting on a diaper with diagonal front snaps on Vee. There are only 2 snaps per side, which take up little time. He is using the third rise setting and the front of the diaper rests nicely below his tummy. The back elastic is relatively thin, so if the snap settings are tight, there could be red marks on baby. Thicker and gentler elastics would be more ideal.

Trimness: The inserts combination above, with the extra layers of hemp placed in front (for a boy), resulted in a thick bulk below his tummy. Therefore, I would suggest reserving this configuration for naps or night-time only. During the day, I prefer to skip Step 1 for a trimmer diaper.

The diaper with its hemp plus microfibre inserts are designed for night-time cloth-diapering, therefore it is not trim. We use it only at home, so this is acceptable. (Bouncy Baby is also sold with microfibre inserts only, which would be trimmer for day-time use.)

Absorbency: The hemp insert was absorbent for at least 2 hours even after one prewash. We have tried it for up to 4 hours without any leak. When Vee is changed, the inserts are at most 3/4 full, which means they can last even longer. The absorbency is very high, considering Vee is about the heaviest-wetter in town.

Stay-dry: Alova suedecloth stays dry and comfy against baby’s bums, so if your baby is fussy over wet diapers, this is very suitable.

Poo: No ‘luck’ with poo accidents in the diaper as Vee is potty-trained for poo.

I know you’ve been waiting for this… View photos of Vee’s sexy bums below:

The price of a Bouncy Baby One Size Pocket Diaper with hemp and microfibre inserts is RM69.90 (~USD22 or SGD30); introductory prices are at only RM52 (~USD16 or SGD22)! For such quality and functionality, it is absolutely value-for-money.

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What we like about it:

• Alova suedecloth has won my hearts over! Stay-dry, soft and comfortable for baby
• Hemp insert is soft and very absorbent, perfect for night-time use
• Hemp insert dries fast, thanks to its unique design
• Large cutting fits chubby babies well

What can be improved:

• Use PUL fabric that can be washed on hot
• Provide instructions on how to combine inserts
• Thicker and gentler back elastics to prevent red marks
• Introduce printed fabrics for fashionista Mums

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Win Your Own

TWO (2) lucky subscribers will win a Bouncy Baby Value Set & 1 hemp insert worth at least RM159.90 (~USD50 or SGD69) each! This means each winner gets:

• Three x One Size Pocket Diapers (Pink or Blue)
• Six x Microfiber inserts (3 large + 3 small)
• One x Hemp insert
• One x matching colour zippered wet bag with handle, fits up to 5 cloth diapers (Read the review here or click on the thumbnail below for a larger image.)
  

  Stretchy wet bag that holds loads of stuff!

This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews™ in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)

• Send an email to me with the following information:
  • Your name
  • Facebook nickname, if any
  • Visit here and tell me one reason why you would like to win a Bouncy Baby Value Set
  • If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
  • Blog / Website URL, if any

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: “Like” Mummy’s Reviews™ Facebook page (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook)
  • 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews™

Other Information

• This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address worldwide.
• It will run until 30 July 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

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Get Your Own

To get your own Bouncy Baby One Size Pocket Diapers, visit Tiny Tapir.

Limited Period Offer: Introductory discounts of 25% to 30% (until the full range of colours are out)

There is also a large range of other items for Mummy and baby. (Warning: It is hard to stop shopping once you are in the store!!!)

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Disclosure: I received a Bouncy Baby One Size Cloth Diaper for review.

Related posts:

1. Giveaway #4: Moms & Tots Cloth Diapers
2. Drybees Fleece Pocket Diapers (Night-Time Diapering Solution)
3. Bouncy Baby Wet Bag

This Review & Giveaway article is sponsored by Bottombumpers and baby-mel.com (Malaysia’s sole distributor).

As I type this article, Vee is sleeping soundly wearing his Bottombumpers Side Snapping All-in-One Cloth Diaper, with my full confidence that it would hold all his pee through the nap. After all, we have tested it over nearly two months. This is the first All-in-One (AIO) cloth diaper that toddler Vee has tried and we are absolutely pleased with it — trim, absorbent, well-made, fits well and contains certified organic materials.

What is an All-in-One (AIO) Cloth Diaper?

In simple terms, an AIO cloth diaper means the absorbent fabric (or soaker) and waterproof cover are connected in one piece. This means neither stuffing of inserts nor covers are needed. During each change, the entire diaper is replaced. An AIO diaper with hook and loop closures (e.g. Velcro or Aplix tabs) would be very suitable for daycare centres, babysitters, Dads, Grannies or super-busy Mums.

About Bottombumpers Side Snapping All-in-One Diaper

The ultimate convenience - just snap and go!

These are the main features of the diaper:

• Outer layer: Made of waterproof 2mil polyurethane laminated (PUL) knitted fabric
• Inner lining: Made of absorbent certified organic cotton
• Absorber / Soaker: Contains 4 layers of organic cotton and topped with bamboo velour (total: 6 layers of absorbency); attached to the diaper by 2 snaps at the top
• Closures: Hidden side snaps, 5 waist and thigh snap settings that can be independently adjusted
• Country of origin: Made in the U.S.A. by a small family and select few contracted seamstresses in smoke- and pet-free sewing studios.

It comes in 15 solid colours and custom orders (with embroidery designs) are available at selected retailers.

Bifold and unsnappable soaker for quick drying

First Impressions

The workmanship of the diaper is excellent and the bamboo velour top feels luxurious. As Vee is wearing Large for his usual diapers, I wondered initially if the Medium Bottombumpers would fit him. The diaper is relatively narrow at the crotch; elastics are thick and gentle. The label stating the size is sewn outside the diaper, enabling quick identification.

How We Tested It

Prewash: Since the diaper is in a dark solid colour, I prewashed it once by hand with warm water. No colour run, great! The smartly designed snap-on AND bifold soaker means quick drying time, which makes it unique among AIO cloth diapers.

Regular Laundry: The diaper has been machine-washed in 60 degrees Celsius and still stays as good as new after two months. Tip #1: Put the diaper in a laundry net before washing, to prevent the cotton lining from picking up lint.

Ease of Use / Fit: Being used to side-snapping diapers, I find it easy to get the correct fit. I can even put it onto Vee while he is standing and busy playing. The soaker is slightly long in the front, so I had to make sure it is tucked in. Medium fits Vee beautifully and he is currently on the third waist setting and largest thigh setting. No red marks appeared on him. Tip #2: Side-snapping diapers allow independent adjustments for waist and thigh settings, which is suitable for babies / toddlers with chunky thighs.

The diaper is very trim and fits well under pants. The elastics at the thighs are not sewn in with a second row of stitches. Tip #3: To prevent wicking, always ensure that the cotton lining at the crotch area is rolled in.

Absorbency: Excellent day-time diaper for active play, outings and naps. We have not faced a single leak. Even after only one prewash, the Bottombumpers lasted through 2 hours of active play, with the soaker being 2/3 full. Most of the time, I change Vee (a super-heavywetter) after 3 hours and the soaker would be 2/3 to completely full. The cotton lining helps to absorb pee too, which ups the absorbency a notch. Tip #4: To further boost the absorbency, add a cotton / hemp / bamboo doubler below the soaker.

Both the cotton lining and bamboo soaker feel damp when wet. In the early months when Vee was a fussy newborn, I would have preferred cloth diapers with a stay-dry layer. Now, I actually like feel-wet fabrics, which would help him potty-train faster. To protect his sensitive skin, I simply change him every 2 to 3 hours.

Poo: Vee poo-ed on the diaper once. The solid is easily dunked into the toilet and a little spraying cleaned the rest off the bamboo velour.

I love the pretty ruffled hem at the back!

Fits Vee's chubby thighs and feels comfortable in various positions

Overall, we love the Bottombumpers Side Snapping AIO Diaper!

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What we like about it:

• Easy to use
• Absorbent
• Trim
• Dries fast
• Fits chubby thighs well
• Gentle elastics leave no red marks
• New snap-on soaker can be purchased if the original is worn out or stained
• Contains certified organic cotton and bamboo materials

What can be improved:

• Shorten soaker a little so that it does not tend to stick out in front, or shift the back snaps higher

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Win Your Own

THREE (3) lucky subscribers will win a Bottombumpers Side Snapping All-in-One Cloth Diaper worth RM89 each, sponsored by Bottombumpers and baby-mel.com. This is how to participate:

• Subscribe to Mummy’s Reviews™ in a reader or via email (existing subscribers counted)

• Send an email to me with the following information:
  • Your name
  • Facebook nickname, if any
  • Visit here and tell me one reason why you would like to win a Bottombumpers Side Snapping All-in-One Cloth Diaper
  • If you are a new reader, mention how you got to know of this Giveaway
  • Blog / Website URL, if any

• To get EXTRA entries:
  • 1 extra entry: “Like” Mummy’s Reviews™ Facebook page (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry: “Like” Bottombumpers AND baby-mel.com Facebook pages here & here (existing fans counted)
  • 1 extra entry: Register here to become a member of baby-mel.com
  • 1 extra entry (unlimited total): For each participant referred by you (e.g. through sharing the Giveaway on Facebook)
  • 3 extra entries: Share this Giveaway on your blog / website and link it back to Mummy’s Reviews™

Other Information

• If you are one of the winners of this Giveaway:
  • The colour of your Bottombumpers diaper will depend on the stock available.
  • You would need to send in three (3) photos of your baby in the Bottombumpers diaper won. The photos may be used in marketing materials.
• This Giveaway is open to subscribers with a mailing address in Malaysia.
• It will run until 14 July 2010.
• The usual Giveaway Terms apply.

Send in your entries now and good luck!

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Get Your Own

To get your own Bottombumpers cloth diapers, visit these retailers based in Malaysia:

• baby-mel.com
• thegreenpocket.biz
• MyCheekyBoo.com
• Baby, Tots, and Mom
• Klick-A-Gift

The entire list of retailers is available here.

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Disclosure: I received a Bottombompers cloth diaper for review.

Related posts:

1. Giveaway #7: Moo Moo Kow™ One-Size Cloth Diapers & Cloth Wipes
2. Giveaway #4: Moms & Tots Cloth Diapers
3. Giveaway #11: Bouncy Baby One Size Cloth Diapers & Wet Bags

A Mummy is facing 10 problems cloth-diapering her newborn (read about it here), so I thought of helping address her obstacles:

1) None of my bought cloth diapers seem to fit my small newborn!

Apparently I was too cautious, not wanting to buy Extra Small sizes because I thought “they wouldn’t last too long.”

MieVee says: During the last trimester of pregnancy, I knew Vee was going to be a big baby, so I bought Small diaper covers and skipped the Extra-Smalls. At 3.5kg at birth, he fitted into Small Bummis covers (reviewed here) nicely. For an average-sized or preemie baby, Extra-Small covers would be needed.

2) My prefolds and diaper cover plan to cloth diaper my newborn was a failure.

How silly of me, I have a stash of prefold diapers that were Regulars (again, I thought buying Infant size would be a waste) which did not fit my newborn at all, NOR did they even fit in ANY of the XS or S sized diaper covers that I had.

MieVee says: I used traditional cloth diapers (lampin) instead of prefolds in the first month. They could be easily folded to fit a newborn.

3) Leaking problems!

Again, this was a sizing issue, even with a small sized Fitted Diaper. I was breastfeeding and my boy leaked all over my lap, grr!!

MieVee says: Similar to Problem #1, Extra-Small covers over traditional cloth diapers or Infant-prefolds may be a better fit.

4) My little boy LOVES pooping on freshly changed diapers.

Happened so many times after I put on a clean diaper, to find out that minutes later he “felt” like the diapers were just too nice not to poop on immediately!

MieVee says: Breastfed newborn poo-poos very regularly, as breastmilk has a laxative effect. Vee poo-ed up to 11 times a day! Therefore, traditional cloth diapers with covers is a very cost-effective way of cloth-diapering a newborn.

5) My social support system wasn’t really so “supportive”.

My husband was joking with me that I put so much effort in wanting to Cloth Diaper, but apparently so many things tend to go wrong! And I don’t think my mother in law was into the idea of Cloth Diapers too much either!

MieVee says: Support is very important in the first month because Mummy is supposed to be resting during confinement. Let your family understand the benefits of cloth-diapering. (Read “Why I Love Cloth Diapers” here.)

My confinement lady was responsible for changing Vee’s cloth diapers, and washing (using washing machine) / sunning / folding them throughout the month.

After the first month, Vee was on a mixture of Small Drybees Pocket Diapers (reviewed here) and traditional cloth diapers during the day. At night, he used Drybees Fleece Pocket Diapers (reviewed here). Daddy has been supportive since the beginning (saves him $$$) and helps with diaper changes.

6) The cloth diapers were so bulky!

On a tiny newborn, almost everything I put on makes my baby an awkward sumo wrestler on his crotch (which didn’t look too comfortable). I was critcized again about this by my social support system, heh.

MieVee says: Similar to Problem #1, Extra-Small covers over traditional cloth diapers or Infant-prefolds may be a better fit.

7) Could I even be bothered with laundry right now??

Cloth Diapering requires ULTIMATE care, but seriously, with a million other things to do with the baby the first month, should I really put so much effort in it?

MieVee says: Similar to Problem #5, Mummy should be resting while someone helps with the laundry matters. Baby clothes, handkerchiefs and other accessories need to be washed too. Cloth diapers can be washed with the other baby items. Just need someone to spend 5-10 minutes a day spraying poo-poo into the toilet bowl.

8 ) I couldn’t figure out how to Snappi lampins (or prefold for that matter) properly.

In the end I gave up. Needs more practice. Sigh.

MieVee says: Vee was on lampin and a diaper cover, without the need to use Snappi or pins. The diaper cover was the correct fit, so the lampin could stay in place. Try it out.

9) My “one sized” pocket diapers were not really “one sized fits all”.

It certainly did not fit on too well on my newborn. Even at the smallest setting, it was still huge and left gaps at the legs. 

MieVee says: “One-size” diapers usually fit babies from about 5kg. For this reason, I prefer sized-diapers in the early months.

10) My apartment laundry area had no direct contact with the sun.

So the stains on the diapers couldn’t benefit from the sunlight. Also, they take ages to dry. Sigh….

MieVee says: Sunning is important to get rid of the stains naturally. During a sunny day, Vee’s diapers are dry and stain-free after about 4 hours. Try looking out for another spot in the house that gets the sunshine?

It takes a bit of trial and error in the early stage to get baby cloth-diapered full-time. Rest well and experiment during your free time until you get your system right. The benefits are well worth the initial efforts. Happy cloth-diapering!

By the way, remember to take part in Giveaway #4 (two Moms & Tots Cloth Diapers to be won) here.

Related posts:

1. Revealed: Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide
2. Save Money and Mother Earth by Cloth Diapering
3. Bummis Super Brite Diaper Cover

It is cloth diaper Review & Giveaway time again! Moms & Tots Store offered me a sample of its cloth diaper (listed price: RM75 / S$32 / US$23) to review and even hand-delivered it. I was keen to try it out on Vee because of the unique back-fastening designed for active babies and toddlers who would rather crawl or run away than lay still for a diaper change.

Background: I found out a bit more about Moms & Tots Store via email with one of the owners:

1. Moms & Tots Store was started in September 2009 by 3 mothers with babies in cloth diapers. They found a product gap in the cloth diaper market and decided to design their own diaper.
2. The outer PUL layer is 2 mil breathable.
3. The cloth diapers are manufactured in China. Moms & Tots Store requested its manufacturer to make samples accordingly to its design. Three samples were tested before production began.

First impressions: A snap button is mis-aligned and some threads are a little too near the edge. Then I touched the two uber-soft bamboo-lined microfibre inserts which almost tempted me to rub them on my face!

Bamboo-lined insert: Soft, trim & absorbent

Prewash: I hand-washed the new Moms & Tots Cloth Diaper on its own once and then machine-washed it with the usual laundry twice. (Laundry tip: Wash new garments separately for hygiene purpose and in case of colour-run and lint problems.)

Putting it on: It took a bit of learning to fasten the Velcro tabs at the back instead of front. Subsequently, it became easy to put the diaper on Vee since he could roll to his side or onto his tummy during diaper changes. This is a welcomed change because he does not like lying still on his back, even when asleep. With the Velcro tabs at the back, Vee cannot undo his diapers. Yeah!

Fit: Vee is on the maximum rise, so we did not need to use the snap buttons. Anyway, I tried snapping the buttons on and off, and they seemed fine. I LOVE the high-cut design at the thighs (now I understand the benefit of the narrow waist tabs) because they accommodate Vee’s chunky thighs very well and leave absolutely no red marks. The diaper with the bamboo-lined insert provides a very trim fit and even Vee’s Daddy complimented his “tight bums”.

Functionality: The insert is very absorbent and one was enough to last Vee four hours in the morning. Even though the insert was soaked when I changed him, there was no leak. (We tested the sample several times over the week and there was not a single leak.) Personally, I would prefer the pocket opening to be at the back instead of front, so that I can check if the insert is saturated.

What we like about it:

• bamboo-lined microfibre insert is soft, trim & absorbent
• high-cut design accommodates chubby thighs, leaving no red marks
• diaper provides a trim-fit
• no leaks even when insert is soaked
• child cannot undo Velcro tabs at the back
• diaper washes well

What can be improved:

• sewing skills — one snap button mis-aligned and some sewing too near the edge (from the perspective of a sewing-perfectionist!)
• offer more colours and prints (to fulfil Mummy’s vanity)
• use more sturdy Aplix tabs (so that they can last through multiple babies)
• use PUL fabric that can be washed on warm/hot instead of only cold (I washed the diaper on warm a few times and damaged the PUL. What a pity!)

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Related posts:

1. Winners of Giveaway #4: Moms & Tots Cloth Diapers
2. Giveaway #11: Bouncy Baby One Size Cloth Diapers & Wet Bags
3. Giveaway #9: Bottombumpers Side Snapping AIO Cloth Diapers

My first guest article to Today’s Motherhood has been published in the December issue and it is also available at the Resources section here. I feel honoured to share the joy of cloth diapering with other parents, helping them (or you) save money and the environment.

Thank you very much for reading Mummy’s Reviews!

Cheers,
MieVee

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Introduction
Cloth diapering is back with the introduction of modern cloth diapers in recent years. These cloth diapers are as easy to use as disposables, machine-washable and attractively-designed. It is now possible to conveniently diaper babies and toddlers in cloth full-time – that includes night-time, when shopping and even travelling abroad. Since a child will be in diapers for a few years, using cloth diapers can bring about significant cost savings and is also environmentally-friendly.

Benefits
1. Save Money
Building a stash of modern cloth diapers is an investment that will save you money in the many months of diapering ahead. Here is an example:

Modern Cloth Diapers: 15 one-size diapers to rotate x S$30 each = S$450 (total)
Disposables: 6 per day x S$0.30 per diaper x 365 days = S$657 (per year!)

If your child is toilet-trained at 3 years old, that means S$1,971 in total or S$1,521 down the rubbish bin, which could have been contributed to his/her education fund instead.

Cloth diapers are gentle on babies’ sensitive skin, which means no more rashes and expensive diaper cream. Good quality cloth diapers can also be handed down to the next one to two children, further lowering the costs. Many mothers also use cloth wipes which complement cloth diapers perfectly for even more savings.

2. Save Mother Earth
Having a child on disposables for three years means adding about 6,5701 diapers to the landfill! Compare that with about 15 one-size diapers and the difference is obvious.

For an especially green diapering method, modern cloth diapers can be washed together with the family’s clothes in a full load every one to two days in an energy-efficient washing machine and line-dried. There are also cloth diapers made from natural fibres such as wool, bamboo, unbleached hemp and organic unbleached cotton.

When your children are potty-trained, well-maintained cloth diapers can be sold in the second-hand market (for instance, Diaperswap Forum), given away to relatives and friends or donated to charity.

How to Start
I started with cloth diapering after learning from other mothers who generously shared their experiences in cloth diaper review websites and blogs. You may also seek out relatives or friends who are using modern cloth diapers on their children. It is amazing how enjoyable and addictive modern cloth diapering can be.

Related posts:

1. Revealed: Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide
2. Successfully Cloth-Diapering a Newborn
3. Semi-Cloth Diapering During Travel (Flip One-Size Disposable Inserts)