Cloth Diapering On the Go

I was a seasoned mother before I ever tried cloth diapers, so cloth diapering away from home seemed a little bit mysterious to me.  Here are a few thoughts to help you prep your diaper bag for an hour or a day.

1.  Consider a larger bag

I know it's not fun to imagine being weighed down by a gigantic diaper bag when you are already lugging a baby around.  The truth is that cloth diapers take up more space than their disposable counterparts.  If you are only out for an hour, the difference will seem minimal, but if you are gone for an entire afternoon, you will need space for several diapers and an extra cover or two.  Just be sure that you have space for everything else that you need, like wallet, keys, phone, paperwork from a doctor's appointment, baby's favorite blanket, nursing cover, etc.  Juggling anything more than one bag will be difficult, so you will need something to act as purse, brief case, and gym bag all at once.

2.  A wetbag is essential

A wetbag is a waterproof bag, typically made from plastic, that is used to store cloth diapers once they become wet or soiled.  You will need to bring your diaper home to give it a proper washing, but you need to keep the diaper separate from the rest of your diaper bag until then.  Wetbags not only keep moisture in, but they can also restrict bad smells.  You will want to remove a used wetbag from your diaper bag as soon as possible after returning home and wash the bag and the contents in your next load of cloth diaper laundry.

3.  Be prepared

Try to anticipate what kind of changing facilities you will have access to while you are away.  Sometimes, it will be easiest to change your baby on the back seat of your car.  Other times, you may have to use a bench or a shady spot of grass.  Bring a changing pad or blanket to protect your baby and make things more comfortable.  Remember that you will have to change your baby every two hours or less and double-check that you have enough diapers to last the day.  Have some extra pins or snappis ready if you use them.  Don't forget to bring wipes, and any creams or ointments you normally use during a diaper change.

4.  Choose your diapers

If you have only one kind of cloth diaper, you already know what you will be bringing.  For those who have several styles, try to pack diaper options that will make the process easier.  Pocket or All-in-one diapers may be great choices for convenience, and are easier for a care taker to handle if someone else might need to change your baby.  Prefolds are fairly compact and require less covers.  Wool covers are great for sensitive skin and dry quickly enough for reuse.  Flats can be a convenient choice if you have the time to fold them as you pack them.  Remember to stuff pockets, adjust any snaps, and have diapers ready to put on.

5.  Do a dry run

Before your first diaper-bag-laden excursion, you should do a test run to see that things go smoothly.  Take your baby to the couch or the living room floor and do a diaper change.  Make sure your wipes are wet enough, locate the little jar of coconut oil, figure out which tiny pocket is best for your diaper pins, make sure that wetbag zipper is on top, and get the clean diaper on the tiny bum.  I promise, your baby won't think you are weird, and it is amazing how easy it is to forget about the little things until we need them.  You will be less nervous leaving the house with your baby if you know that you are prepared for everything.

6.  Create a launchpad

This may be the most important step of all.  It's easy to become complacent about packing your diaper bag once you've had some success, but diaper bags have a high turnover rate, and you may not have everything packed today that you did last week.  It's important to have a checklist (even if only a mental one), and to open up your bag and physically check for essentials before you leave the house.  My checklist looks something like this:

• Prefolds (will be gone for 4 hours, so I need 3)
• Flats (in case of emergency; I have 2)
• Covers (wool on the bum, one wool and one PUL in the bag)
• Wetbag (the teal one, not my fave, but the flower one is in the wash)
• Changing Pad (wipe down to make sure it's really clean)
• Wipes (6 in a storage bag)
• Spray bottle
• Pins (4 in the little side pocket)
• Homemade Rash Cream (Still a couple uses left; will need to make some more ASAP)
• Extra baby t-shirt (the red one that matches his spare wool cover)
• Extra socks (stripes!)
• Teething Tablets
• Wallet
• Keys
• Cell phone
• Water bottle/sippy cup
• Snack
• Toys
• Books

It might sound like a lot, but it typically only takes me a minute or two to go through my list and replenish the bag as necessary.  I always do this right before I leave to make sure I haven't forgotten anything, but other may prefer to get things packed the night before.

7.  Bag sharing

One last thought: if you will be sharing diaper bag duty with someone else, you may wish to go with a neutral color or ask the other person to weigh in on your decision before purchase.  Try to keep your personal belongings such as keys and wallet in a separate bag so that you can store them separately from the diaper bag.  This will help you to avoid the unfortunate scenario of having somebody else leave the house with your car keys on a busy day.  Or make it easier on both of you and maintain separate diaper bags.  Keep in mind that a diaper bag can really be anything -- beach tote, backpack, cargo bag, large purse -- so long as it has space for all of your essentials.  The choice is really up to you.

Cloth diapering on the go is easy, so long as you are prepared.  It's also a fun way to start a conversation with other people about cloth diapering.  I hope this article will help you to get started.  

Join the conversation -- drop me a comment below to let me know what you think.

PS:
My Etsy shop is now open!  Browse here for cloth diapering essentials.

*** Earth Stork Etsy Shop ***

Baby Travel Tips

Whether it's flying out of the country or just spending the weekend at grandma's, travelling with a baby in tow can be stressful.  The key is to plan ahead, and then try to be flexible.

Research your destination

You need to know details about your trip so that you can keep yourself and your baby comfortable while you are away from home.  How long will the trip take?  Will you be travelling during feeding times?  Nap times?  How will you handle diaper changes?  Once you arrive, you need to think about sleeping arrangements.  Will you be riding in a car?  If so, you will need a carseat.  Are there laundry facilities?  Is there a place to warm baby food?  Will there be a high chair available?  If breastfeeding, consider privacy for feedings.  If formula feeding, think of where and how you will mix formula.  Babies need a lot of attention, but if you think ahead, you will have a better idea of what to expect, and what you will need to arrange prior to your trip.

Use a checklist when packing

Nothing kills a travel buzz like being stuck in a small space with a screaming infant and realizing that you forgot to bring an extra diaper in your carry-on.  If you make a list while you are planning your trip, you'll be less likely to forget a crucial detail when you are in the midst of a last-minute packing frenzy.  Consider saving a master copy of your list on your computer to refer to on future trips.

Bring appropriate clothing

You may be travelling to an unfamiliar climate, or participating in unusual activities.  Check the weather forecast before you pack so that you will know what kind of weather to expect.  Your baby will need a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and breathable clothing if you will be spending time in the sun.  A swim diaper is important if you will be spending time in the water.  In cool weather, you may need a close-fitting hat and mittens, a jacket, and an extra blanket.

Leave early

Babies can be unpredictable.  Give yourself a little bit of extra time, if you can, to handle any last-minute emergencies that may crop up when you are getting ready to walk out the door.  It would be terrible to have to choose between missing your flight and being able to change into dry clothes after the baby has had an unexpected accident.

Communicate expectations

You need to let your spouse or other travel companions know what to expect while you are travelling together.  Babies can need extra attention when they are in an unfamiliar environment, and it can be helpful to have an extra pair of hands at the ready to give you a break.  It's also easier to deal with the idea of extra pit stops and side trips that may be necessary if you talk about things before you are on the road.

Bring a baby carrier

Do you know how fun it is to juggle a wiggling baby, a suitcase, and a passport?  (Hint: Not fun at all!)  As a seasoned mom, I know that having your hands free around the house is a thing of beauty, but having your hands free while traveling?  That's essential!  Some people manage with strollers, but I really, truly prefer to wear my babies while walking in a crowd.  This may not be a great option for those with chronic back problems, or parents with multiples, so find the option that works best for your family.

Stock your carry-on

Make sure that you have a bag of baby essentials that you can keep with you at all times.  Try to think beyond diapers and wipes.  Bring an extra pacifier (if your baby uses one).  Pack some snacks and toys to keep the baby entertained.  Have an extra change of clothes on hand.  Bring emergency supplies like an aspirator, first aid kit, baby pain medicine, teething relief, thermometer, rash cream.  Also bring important phone numbers like your child's pediatrician, phone and address of the place or places that you will be staying, and any businesses you plan to be visiting.  Keep important documents, travel papers, itinerary, and tickets all together in a place you can access quickly.  Don't forget to bring your camera, charging cables, and any other electronic devices that you may need.

Go with the flow

When traveling with a bay, every day is a new adventure.  Things may not always go exactly the way that you had planned.  Try to relax and enjoy your time, even if it's not quite what you envisioned.  I hope that sharing your adventures with your little one will be a wonderful experience for you.

Have you ever gone on a trip with your baby?  Share your experience in the comments below!

Caring For Diaper Fabrics

In order to wash your cloth diapers, you first must identify what kinds of fabrics your diapers are made from.  Here are a few common fabric types, and how to wash them.

Cotton, Bamboo, Hemp:

These are all natural plant fibers.  They are primarily absorbent.  They may be found in flats, prefolds, fitteds, and doublers.  These diapers should be pre-washed several times before use to insure maximum absorbency.  These fabrics are all machine washable and may be dried using a clothes dryer on high heat.

Microfiber:

This type of fiber is made from plastic.  It is primarily absorbent.  It is used in doublers and the inner layers of some all-in-one style diapers.  It should not be used directly next to baby's skin.  It is machine washable and dryable.

PUL, Nylon:

These fibers are made with plastic.  They are primarily waterproof.  They are used in most diaper covers, and as the waterproof outer layer in pocket diapers and all-in-one style diapers.  If they come in contact with urine, they may be wiped clean and air dried before reuse.  If they come in contact with poop, they must be washed with detergent before reuse.  These fabrics are machine washable.  They may be machine dryable; check your manufacturers instructions.  Air drying may extend the life of the fabric.

Polar Fleece:

This type of fiber is also made with plastic.  It is water-resistant, but some moisture may leak through when the fabric is compressed.  It can be used as a diaper cover, or as a moisture-resistant layer in pockets and all-in one style diapers.  This fabric should be washed with detergent after every use.  It is machine washable and may be dried using a clothes dryer.

Wool, Cashmere, Angora:

These are all natural animal fibers.  They are water-resistant, and can absorb some moisture.  They should be hand washed and relanolized after 2-4 weeks of use, and air dried flat.  Machine washing and drying are not recommended, and may ruin the garment.

See My Article On Washing Wool Diaper Covers.

To Machine Wash:

1.  Scrape/dunk solid wastes into toilet prior to storage.  Place diaper in laundry bucket.

2.  Add diapers to washing machine.

3.  Run a Cold Rinse cycle.  Drain wash water.

4.  Add a small amount of detergent.  Use more for hard water.

5.  Run a Hot Wash cycle.

6.  Run a second Rinse cycle.  Be sure that there are no bubbles.  Drain water completely.

Machine drying can vary depending on the size and efficiency of your machine.  Cloth diaper fabrics dry at different rates, and some should be dried only on low heat or air dried.  Do Not Use Fabric Softener!  This can affect absorbency and cause leaks.  Remember: when in doubt, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Washing diapers doesn't have to be difficult or complicated.  Most diaper fabrics can be washed together without problems.  If you have any cloth diapers with special care instructions, such as wool, you may wish to wash and store them separately.

I hope you enjoyed my article.  Please leave a comment below if you have any further questions.

PS:
For my latest cloth diaper creations, check out my Etsy Store!

***Earth Stork Etsy Shop***

Why Is Wool So Wonderful?

Those who know me best know about my love affair with natural fibers, particularly wool.  I LOVE NATURAL FIBERS!!!!!

"But why?" 

Well, for 1 thing:
Natural fibers have no plastic in them!  You may not think much about the fiber content of your shirts, but if you are walking around wearing a cotton/polyester blend, you are wearing plastic.  Your socks may have nylon in them -- that is plastic, too.  In fact, you would be surprised at how many places you can find plastic once you start looking for it.

"What's wrong with plastic?"

Aside from the fact that plastic can be uncomfortable, it's also bad for the environment.  Conventional plastics are produced using non-renewable resources like petroleum and natural gas.  This is not very sustainable.  But even worse than this is the fact that plastics take a loooooong time to break down.  Even after they have decayed beyond their usable life, they are going to be cluttering up a landfill for much, much longer that their natural fiber counterparts.

Here's the problem:

Most cloth diapers use plastic!

I was actually quite shocked to learn that most modern cloth diapers are dependent on plastic's waterproofing abilities to avoid leaks.  When I began to research cloth diapering for my own children, I was looking for a more sustainable solution, but settled for plastic when I realized that everybody I could find was using it.  I honestly didn't think that there were any other options out there.

There are times when you have to look backwards to move forward.

Reason 1:

While it's true that most modern cloth diaper styles are dependent on plastic, some very clever people have begun to imitate the cloth diapering of our great-grandparents' day.  It turns out that wool has natural waterproofing abilities.  In fact, I have never had a single leak while using a wool cover.  But eliminating leaks is just the beginning.

Reason 2:

Wool doesn't let moisture out, but it does allow airflow.  Plastic, on the other hand, traps both moisture and air, creating a prime breeding ground for bacteria.  Oh, which reminds me:

Reason 3:

Wool is naturally antimicrobial.  This means that it inhibits the growth of tiny microorganisms.  Plastic covers can be disinfected, but bacteria can still be trapped in the folds between seams, or in between fabric layers in diapers that include both plastic and permeable fabrics sewn to one another.  This can be especially troublesome while trying to clear up a yeast infection, because a contaminated cover can spread the yeast to other diapers and back to baby's skin.

Reason 4:

Wool is also incredibly soft!  Does this surprise you?  I grew up in California, where winters are mild and snow is nearly unheard of.  Wool isn't the most common fiber around here, so I knew only that in books and stories, the words "wool sweater" were almost always accompanied by the word "itchy".  It's true that some low-grade wool can be itchy, scratchy, and uncomfortable.  But I discovered that there are just as many sources of wool that are luxuriously soft and touchable, perfect for use next to a baby's sensitive skin.

Reason 5:

Wool also makes a wonderful insulator.  Not only does it keep you warm in the winter, but it can keep you comfortably cool in the summer.  This is especially helpful for babies, who can be sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Reason 6:

Wool can also go a long time between washes.  Apparently, this is because lanolized wool can saponify liquids.  All I know is that wool covers don't smell bad when they've come in contact with urine.  In fact, once you've given them a chance to dry, they smell just as clean as before.  This trick works with wool socks as well; I can wear a pair all day, and they don't smell like sweat at all.  Because of this chemical process, lanolized wool is somewhat self-cleaning, which means that a wool diaper cover can typically go several weeks between washing.

Reason 7:

One last note about wool -- it makes a great pair of pants.  You don't need to cover a wool diaper cover with a pair of pants at all.  Some wool covers even look like pants, shorts, or skirts.  This reduces your baby's wardrobe requirement, great for minimalist parenting enthusiasts.  I think that it is the perfect blend of fashion and function.

What are the reasons that you love wool?  Drop me a comment!

PS:
I have some Wonderful Wool diaper covers for sale in my Etsy shop right now!  Check them out and let me know what you think!
*** Earth Stork Etsy Shop ***

Are Newborn Cloth Diapers Worth It?

The first days and weeks of caring for a new baby are both sweet and stressful.  Most parents want to give their brand new baby the very best care right from the start, and for many of us, that includes cloth diapers.  But many experienced cloth diapering parents have noticed that newborn cloth diapers are relatively expensive given the short amount of time that they are in use.  In fact, many parents have contended that

They spent more money on newborn-sized cloth diapers than they would have on disposables!

Now, for parents who are using cloth diapers for health or environmental reasons, this might not be a very important factor.  However, for parents on a limited budget, and for those who are cloth diapering mainly to save money, this can be a frustrating prospect.

Fortunately, there are many different cloth diapering strategies.  Not all cloth diapers are created equal, and some newborn diapering strategies are certainly more economical than others.  Here are a few tips to help you to decide what strategy might be best for your own situation.

1.  Size does matter

When it comes to newborns, some are much bigger than others.  I know women have six-pound babies, and others that have babies closer to ten or eleven pounds.  Most newborn diapers are designed for the 6-12 lb. range, so if you have a family history of babies on the large end of this spectrum, your baby may be able to go straight into the next size diaper.

2.  Look for reusable covers

Newborn babies typically need to be changed 10-12 times a day.  If you are using all-in-one or pocket style diapers, you will probably need to purchase 2 days' worth of diapers, around 2 dozen.  If, on the other hand, you use reusable covers, you won't need to throw the covers into the wash at every diaper change, and you can probably get by with just 5-6 covers.  You will still need a couple dozen diapers, but this can be a significant savings for you.

3.  Look for wool covers

If you don't mind washing a few pieces by hand, wool covers can save you even more money.  With the proper care, you can easily get by using only 3 wool covers.  Wool covers that have been lanolized have the ability to neutralize any urine that they come in contact with.  With this quality, you may be able to use a wool cover for 2-4 weeks before needing to wash them.  Keep in mind that they will need a good-fitting diaper underneath to protect the cover from poop.  Soiled wool covers should be washed right away.

Check out the wool covers that I am selling in my Etsy shop!
*** Earth Stork Etsy Shop ***

4.  Consider flats

Flat cloth diapers are like a gigantic handkerchief, and must be folded to fit your baby.  This makes them a great option for many parents because you can have a customized fit every single time.  Many parents have used the same size flats from birth until the baby has potty-trained.  Since you can fold them down, you will not need to buy separate diapers for the newborn stage.

5.  Think about upcycling

Upcycling is making something new and useful out of something old.  When it comes to cloth diapers, upcycled diapers and covers are the ultimate in environmental responsibility.  And the great part is that you are usually saving money, too.  You may choose to upcycle your own cloth diapers from clothes around your house or found at thrift stores.  Even if you don't have the skills or the time to make your own diapers, buying an upcycled diaper from an online seller or WAHM is still usually cheaper than buying the same diaper made from new materials.

Some parents may still wish to keep their newborns in disposables for convenience reasons, especially if they are anticipating a surgical-assisted birth (which requires more time to heal), are expecting multiples, or if they are single parents with a limited support system.  I believe that any time spent cloth diapering your baby is a benefit to your family and the planet, but always do what is best for your own family.  For those who wish to cloth diaper right from the start, but feel the financial burden to be daunting, I hope these ideas will help you to find a cloth diapering solution that fits your family and your budget.  Good luck in your search!

How to Lanolize your Wool Covers

Lanolin is a sticky, oily substance naturally secreted by sheep, and typically present in unwashed wool.  Think of it as a kind of natural hair conditioner.  Soaps and detergents are designed to remove both dirt and oils, so when you wash your wool, you remove some of the lanolin present in the fibers.  In order for your wool diaper cover to retain its water-resistant properties, you need to add some lanolin back into the wool fibers during your washing process.  But don't worry -- it's really not as scary or mysterious as you might think.  If you can wash your hair, you should be able to wash your wool, too.

Step 0: Boil Water                                                                                                                    
You'll need some hot water at Step 3.  Get it heating now.

Step 1:  Wash (Shampoo)                                                                                                         
Fill your clean sink with warm water.  Test your water temperature at the base of your wrist, just as you would for a baby's bath.  While it's filling up, add a squirt of gentle wool wash.  I have used ordinary baby shampoo in a pinch.  If your wool is soiled, apply some wool wash directly to the soiled area and massage it in.  Gently submerge your wool in the soapy water and swish it around.  After a minute or so, drain the dirty water.

Step 2:  Rinse                                                                                                                           
Hold your wool cover under clean running water.  Be sure to turn it and check that there are no soiled or discolored spots remaining.

Step 3:  Lanolize (Condition)                                                                                                   
Fill your sink with warm water a second time.  Add 1/2 tsp (or a pea-sized drop) to about 1/2 cup of just-boiled water in a lidded container.  Put the lid onto the container and shake until the lanolin has completely dissolved into the water, and let cool slightly.  Add your wool cover back to the sink and slowly pour the lanolin mixture over the wool.  Massage it in a bit, and then let the wool soak in the sink for an hour or two.

Step 4:  Dry                                                                                                                               
Take your wool cover out of the sink.  It should be very wet and slightly sticky.  Gently squeeze as much moisture as you can from your wool, but don't wring or rub it too much.  Wrap it in a towel and step on it to take up more of the moisture.  Then lay it down in a dry, warm place with good airflow and wait for a day or two.  Avoid direct heat, which can lead to shrinkage.

Step 5:  Enjoy!                                                                                                                          
Now go use your new-again diaper cover!  It should be good for a couple of weeks, or until soiled.

Questions?  Drop me a comment below.

PS:  I have new Wool Diaper Covers in my Etsy shop.  Snatch them up quick before they're gone!

*** Earth Stork Etsy Shop ***

Thoughts on Nursing Pads

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your baby.  This is what everyone says to new mothers, from doctors to bloggers to mother-in-laws.  What they often don't mention is that it can also be a teeth-grinding, lip-biting, try-not-to-scream-and-scare-the-baby experience if you develop a breast infection.

Keeping your breasts dry in between feedings is essential for avoiding infections.  In addition, it can be embarrassing to have wet spots and milk stains on your shirt drawing attention when you're in public places, and it can be uncomfortable trying to sleep when your shirt is soaked through.

What are Nursing Pads?

Nursing pads are small devices made from several layers of absorbent material.  They are worn beneath a nursing bra, and are used to collect excess moisture and act as a barrier, keeping surrounding fabrics comfortably dry.  All nursing pads do have a saturation point, and so must be changed out for fresh pads before they are full to avoid leaks.  Disposable pads may be placed in your regular garbage container.  Cloth nursing pads should be washed thoroughly between uses.  Most are machine washable, but some products may need to be washed by hand.

What about disposables?

Having a good fitting nursing bra and absorbent nursing pads can make life much easier for a nursing mother. Of course, you could buy disposable pads from the store.  They get the job done.  However, I find them to be uncomfortable, and they have a tendency to stick to already sore nipples -- not an enjoyable prospect!

No-budget Solution

One solution for moms in tight financial straights is to simply use a cotton washcloth folded into quarters.  Washcloths are cheap and plentiful, and most households already have a few extras that can be used.  They work reasonably well, but often look a bit lumpy.

Do-it-yourself

Another idea is to make your own nursing pads.  Receiving blankets and flannel pajamas or sheets are good candidates if you want to upcycle your fabric, or you can buy fabric from a craft store or online.  Even if you don't have access to a sewing machine, it is possible to sew a few pairs of nursing pads by hand if necessary. This makes a nice project because you can use choose fabrics to customize the look and feel to your own preferences, and since they are small, each pad only takes a small amount of fabric.

Support an online WAHM

If none of these options appeals to you, there are many cloth nursing pads for sale online.  This is a convenient option for many mothers short on time and those with limited sewing experience.  And if you choose to buy from an online community like Etsy, chances are that you can find a work-at-home mom selling just what you were looking for, and for less money than the item might cost from a big commercial establishment.

So stay dry, stay comfortable, and keep on nourishing your baby just the way nature intended.

PS:Be sure to check out my Etsy shop for the latest in adorable, eco-friendly fashions like handmade wool diaper covers!

 *** Earth Stork Etsy Shop ***