Opening Act

Time to get down to business so Miss Paisley can rock out in cloth!

Since our 18 month old, Parker, is also in cloth, I have attempted to split our diaper stash and this is what Paisley’s portion consists of:

I have 5 covers and 10 inserts for this little lady. I also have 12 newborn prefolds as well as a good handful of newborn disposable diapers that were given to us that I may use every now and then, we will see!

Diaper pail and pail liner times two? Check!

Two so that when I'm washing one I don't have to wait for it to dry and can instead just put the second one in the pail and we are good to go again.

Rock-A-Bums wet bag? Check!

I absolutely love that this bag has not one but two handles! The wet bag will come in handy when we go out and about so I will post more about that once I am willing to brave leaving my house with the kids. Did I just say kids? It still hasn’t sunk in that I have KIDS (as in plural) Kind of makes me feel a little old! ;-) 

Cloth wipes? Check!

I use baby wash cloths and was very fortunate to have been given so many before Parker was born; so, to be honest, I’m not sure how many wipes I have, because I have WAY more than enough. In fact, I will make it a point to keep track of how many I use before laundry day and update everyone.

Before hitting the stage, you should always have a good rehearsal so I decided to put the first cloth diaper on Paisley OVER a disposable just because I was not sure how long it would take me to figure out sizing and get the right fit with a squirmy newborn that likes to kick and move her legs every time I change her diaper! We got this “rehearsal” on video: click HERE if you can't view the video!

I am so impressed and quite honestly, a bit shocked at just how well this diaper fits a newborn! Paisley was born 8 lbs 11 ounces but lost some weight and at her last weigh in just a few days ago is 8 lbs 2 ounces at 1 week old. I am feeling very confident now about ditching those disposables!

The rest of our first day using cloth on this itty bitty little girl went really well. I have been blessed with a newborn that does not poop a million times a day like her brother did at this age (and like most newborns do) This actually worried me at first but I was reassured that she was just fine when I called my midwife and she said that as long as she was having plenty of wet diapers and gaining weight, which she is, then to not worry unless it has been more than 6 days. In fact, we only had one poopy diaper today which turned out to be the funniest moment of our day. I have been trying to include Parker a lot when it comes to Paisley so I asked him if he wanted to help me get a few wipes and help change her diaper. With a big grin, he grabs the wipes and brings them to me as I am taking her diaper off and suddenly his grin turns into a look of pure concern. He stops dead in his tracks and just stares for a second and then begins to gag over and over again. Brandon and I could NOT stop laughing, but I did try to hurry because I didn’t want to have to clean up throw up next! I don’t think he will be so eager to help next time…

Check back soon as I plan on taking our little band on tour and brave the outside world with not just two kids, but two kids in cloth! Wish me luck!

Want to start your own stash? Enter below!

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Cloth Diapering Journey from the Newborn Stage - Our Little Band

Our Little Band

Cloth Diapering Journey from the Newborn Stage

The Laws Family is ready to rock this first month in Rock-A-Bums cloth diapers for our newborn baby girl, Paisley! I will admit that although this is our second child we are cloth diapering, I am a little nervous because this is the first time I am using cloth on a brand new, itty bitty, teeny tiny, newborn and so I wanted to document our experience this first month.  

Since you will be joining me on this journey through these series of blog posts I figured I should introduce you to my family and our little rock stars! This is my husband, Brandon, and I like to think of him as the lead singer of our rock star family. We have been together for 8 years and married for 4. He is such a hard worker and a wonderful father to our children and the best part, he has been 100% on board with cloth diapering since the day we started with our son. In fact, he not only changes the kids’ diapers  but… get ready… he also knows how, and will occasionally do, the diaper laundry!!!

Our first baby happens to be a fur-baby; our dog, Mia. I am not really sure if we should consider her a groupie to our rock star family or perhaps a backup singer considering she does have great vocals when it comes to dinner time and whining/begging for our son to sneak her some of his food, (which is he all too often does).

Next, we have Parker.  He is 18 months old and is definitely holds the entertainer role. He loves to dance, and his favorite thing to rock out to is the “Hot Dog Dance” from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show.  He is still in diapers and, like I mentioned before, we did not start using cloth with him until he was about 9 or 10 weeks old.  We waited so long because at that time, the brand of diapers we were using just didn’t fit right while he was so small. This was a bit disappointing when I had the expectation that the “one-size” diapers I had bought would fit him from day one considering he was of average size, born at 7 lbs 4 ounces. This is why I am a bit nervous and skeptical about using cloth so soon on Paisley.

Speaking of Paisley, here she is. She was born weighing 8 lbs 11 ounces and is the perfect final addition to our rock star family!  At her most recent checkup at 1 week old and  when this picture was taken, she weighed 8 lbs 2 ounces. I was SHOCKED with how well this diaper fit on such a tiny little human being! Also, since the inside is grey rather than white like most diapers it is a huge added bonus considering her newborn poo is so bright and runny.

Finally, there is me. I am Angela, and I think I’d like to consider myself the drummer in our rock star family. Someone has to keep the beat and make sure everything stays on rhythm, which isn’t always an easy task when you are running on just a few hours of broken sleep, caring for a newborn and chasing toddler around all day! I chose to cloth diaper for many of the reasons that a lot of people do; they are better for the environment, they are much cuter than a disposable, better for my babies bottoms, and they are saving us a TON  of money!

Now that you have gotten to know my family, I am so excited to share with you our journey of using Rock-A-Bums for Paisley’s first month of life (as well as for our toddler, Parker!) and share any tips or tricks that I learn along the way. Check back soon for my next post which will include all of the supplies we have to make this successful and how our first few days in cloth are going! 

 

 

 

 

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You DON'T have a washer? Don't worry!

So, you want to cloth diaper, but your being held up by the fact that you don't have a washer, or a hook up for a washer, and you can't fathom giving the laundry mat any more of your quarters (or time).  Sound familiar?  Well, let me tell you about a couple other options you have for cleaning your cloth diapers, that doesn't make you want to bend down and pick up every quarter you see in the subway. 

There are TWO (yes, two) great solutions to this problem. 

1. You can hand wash your diapers. 

That's right...I said it....hand wash.  Now I know that some of you might think there's no WAY you're doing that...well....what if I said it took maybe 40 minutes of your time to actually wash them by hand...and it would only cost you what a bucket and plunger run for....oh, and you don't actually TOUCH the poop.  Ya, that's right.  Read HERE to see how we like to hand wash, and some helpful tips...especially #1....

2. You can use a portable washing machine. 

These AMAZING portable washing machines can be ordered at quite a few big box stores, and many places online!  They can range from $50-$300 depending on what you want in it.  The COOLEST thing about these is that many of them hook up to your faucet or tub AND to a regular 120 volt plug in.  Therefore you don't need special washing machine hook ups to use them!  Here is an example of a portable washing machine. 

Don't have $200 to spare right now?  Well, slowly build your stash, and hand wash (as shown above) until you are able to save that money you would have spent on disposables (shown below) for the portable washer you really want.

Check out how to save HERE



Don't have a dryer to dry everything in? That's ok too! Rock a clothesline, it will save you money AND keep your diapers looking newer for longer! Just a little tip, they DO have portable dryers too, how cool is that?!

So, not having a washer/dryer available without paying per load may seem like a quick no to cloth diapering, but it is completely doable! So do your research, and figure out what is going to work best for your family!

Don't forget to enter below to WIN your free Rock-a-Bums cloth diaper, inserts, and wet bag!











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Between Babes?

Did you cloth diaper your first child and are using them again for your second? Are you cloth diapering your third, fourth, fifth, SIXTH child and storing between? Did you buy a bunch of cloth diapers and still have 8 months to store them (we won't tell)?

It doesn't matter which stage you are at, if you are wanting to store them, or are just thinking about it, read on to see our suggestions! 

If the Diapers are Brand New:

Well, I wish they could all be this easy....you just toss them in a tote and store away!  If you want to give yourself an edge before baby comes, you can prep them all ahead of time: For Rock-a-Bums you wash the cover and dry it on hot for 20 minutes and wash the inserts 5-10 times to reach full absorbency.  Piece o' Cake, Piece o' Pie.

If the Diapers are Used:

If the diapers were purchased used OR used by one of your other babes,  you will want to strip the diapers before storing them.  Please use the following stripping guidelines for your style of washing machine:

How to Strip Using a Front Loading Washer:

1. Load washer with dirty diapers, shells, pods, wipes and wet bag.
2. Do a quick , cold rinse with low spin (this will make your diapers
    heavier, and will trick your machine into adding more water for
    the wash).
3. Wash on Hot and Water Level HIGH  (Usually 
    a "Heavy Duty" cycle, do NOT use the sanitize
    cycle) with 1/2 of the recommended amount
    of cloth safe detergent.  (Some Front loaders
    will have an extra button where you can add
    more water to your cycles.  Check out your
    manual to see if you can do that with your
    machine)
4. Wash on hot and water level HIGH with NO
    detergent
5. Wash on hot with water level HIGH with NO
    detergent
6. Pull wet diapers from washer, and sniff
    them.  They should smell fresh and clean.  If
    they still smell a bit fishy, repeat steps 1-3,
    but only use 1/4 of the recommended
    amount of detergent. 
7. Remove the covers and wet bag
8. Put washer on heavy duty wash cycle again and add 1/2 cup
    bleach (if you do not want to use bleach, use 1/2 to 1
    Tablespoon of baking soda).
9. Wash on hot and heavy duty 1-2 times.

The trick with front loading washing machines is to make sure you have enough water running through your diapers.



 

                                                                                     How to Strip Using a

                                                                                     Top Loading Washer:

                                                                                   1. Load washer with dirty diapers, shells, pods,
                                                                                                wipes, and wet bag.
                                                                                            2. Wash on hot and water level HIGH with 3/4
     the recommended amount of cloth safe 
     detergent
3. Wash on hot and water level HIGH with NO
     detergent
4. Wash on hot and water level HIGH with NO
     detergent
5. Pull wet diapers from washer, and sniff them. 
    They should smell fresh and clean.  If they still
    smell a bit fishy, repeat #1 - #3, but only use
    1/4 the recommended amount of Detergent.
6. Remove the covers and wet bag
7. Fill washer with Hot and 1 cup of bleach (if you
    do not want to use bleach, use 1-2
    Tablespoons of baking soda), let agitate to mix
    and then stop for 2-4 hours and let soak
8. Wash on Hot and Large 1-2 times


 

You need to make sure you completely dry the diapers prior to storing them.  If they are wet at all, they will come out of storage smelling and....growing....and nobody wants that!

Want to win your own Rock-a-Bums??  Of course you do....the attitude is in the name...THEY ROCK! :) Enter below!

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Bang for your Buck - How to rock Long Lasting Diapers

Want to get the most out of your cloth diapers and have them last for multiple children?! I thought so....keep reading to see our suggestions for rockin' long lasting cloth. 

1.  Don't Soak Your Covers!!!

Regularly soaking your covers will break down the elastic and PUL fabric faster than you can say, ROCK STAR.  The elastic is an important part to making sure your diaper stays leak free!!

 

2.  Amp Up Your Stash!!

The more covers and inserts you have, the less you have to wash them.  If you are washing every cover and every insert EVERY time, then they will break down considerably faster!  Build up your stash slowly! See how you can save money and build up your stash here.

 
 

3.  Rock a Clothes Line!

 If you line dry your covers and inserts, you are taking away the beating they receive in the dryer.  If a clothes line isn't doable, then make sure to dry on low, (unless you are doing the initial 15 minute sealing recommendation when you first get your covers), for as LITTLE time as possible.  We aren't always able to dry outside due to weather, so we like to be creative inside, too!

4.  Use the Right Detergent

           Make sure you use a detergent that is cloth diaper safe!  Some of our FAVORITES are:

             Tide Free and Gentle, Rockin' Green, Country Save, Purex Free and Clear, Kirkland's Free and Clear, Eco Nuts, Lulu's in the Fluff, Eco Sprout, Laundry Tarts and Ruby Moon.    Hand making your detergent can be risky, so we don't suggest using hand made detergent on cloth diapers!

 

 

 

 

 

Follow these simple steps and you will find yourself with nice, soft, fluffy diapers that will last longer!  You can start jumping for joy at any point, I won't judge!

Want a free way to do #2.....I mean the number above....get your minds out of the diapers......enter our giveaway!!!! 


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Just SUN it

Let me tell you a little story......
We were having company over last summer, and I was all dressed up in my favorite white capri pants, and a cute pink, ruffle shirt.  I was making enchiladas and I was running all around the kitchen cooking, cleaning and organizing.  I whipped open the refrigerator door when all of a sudden, my entire bowl of enchilada sauce fell onto me, my white pants, my pink ruffled shirt and all over the floor.  It was a mess.  I could do nothing but laugh at my misfortune.

 After the initial shock was over, I realized that my clothes were ruined.  Bright red enchilada sauce all down the front of my WHITE capris! 

I immediately started soaking them and putting stain remover on them, and then ran them through a wash cycle.  I desperately wanted them to come out white, but I knew the chances of that were slim.....  Boy was I right.  The stain had turned from a deep red (before the wash) to a pink, but still completely noticeable, stain.  I was so sad.  I let them hang dry and thought, I'll get back to them later. 

A few days passed and I had washed them three more times in hopes of lightening the stain.  Nothing had worked....and then...came diaper laundry day....

I was washing my diapers and then it struck me, if the sun takes stains out of the diapers, why not my pants?!?!  (yes, it took me that long to realize that).  So, I soaked my pants in water, and then laid them out under the sun, and sure enough, every millimeter of that stain was gone within two hours.  Not.  Even.  Kidding.  What my washer and stain remover couldn't do in four washes, the sun did in less than two hours.  I was BLOWN away. 

Thankfully, the Rock-a-Bums have the amazing gray fleece feature and gray inserts, so you don't have to worry about stains as much, but if you ever do get one (even on the outside of your white cover) the sun will be your best friend!  Just wash it and sun it! 

So, the sun not only dries your clothes and diapers without using any of your electricity, but it will also remove your stains DOUBLE BONUS.

Want to WIN your own Rock-a-Bums cloth diaper, insert AND wet bag?!?!  Enter our Rafflecopter below!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rock-a-Bum's Response

Many of you have seen this article all over the news about families not being able to buy diapers, so they go to such lengths as leaving the diapers on the child for longer, and even "cleaning out" and reusing their disposable diapers.  If you haven't read the article, I truly suggest you do.  It broke my heart, and made me sick to my stomach to think of all the health complications that can arise from these situations.  The article continued on to discuss the emotional toll that this can take on the parents and how there aren't any government funded programs to help families who need diapers.  The one MAJOR thing the article was lacking was a solution....so that is where we come in. 


Welcome to

Where you can see how simple it is to build a cloth diaper stash with ONLY enough money for disposables. 


Check out our visual that demonstrates just how simple it is to convert to cloth:

Now, let's go over some figures on how you can purchase cloth while you are 100% disposable diapering.  If you only had JUST enough money to buy disposable diapers, I will break down how it would work to switch over to cloth. 

Let's say you do 10 diaper changes a day, on average, (this would be for a child who was maybe 9 months or up) and you usually buy a package of Huggies with 160 diapers (example above).  This package would allow you to go just over two weeks (16 days) worth of diapering for your baby.  If you purchase two packs of Rock-a-Bums (2 covers and 4 inserts) and a two packs of flour sack towels (10 towels total) you will have enough diapers for 14 changes (if you use it as an All-in-Two system, which is the most cost effective way).  14 (cloth) changes does not equal 160 (disposable) changes, HOWEVER, you can then WASH and REUSE your system every day until the 16 days (how long you would have had disposables) is up.  Once you would regularly buy disposables again, you put that money into investing in MORE cloth (even the same as above: two covers, four inserts and 10 flour sack towels) and crazy enough, you have enough diapers to wash every other day.  Are you down with washing every other day? If so, guess what, no more money is needed to invest in cloth diapers....you can take the rest of your money (if you disposable diapered until your 9 month old was 2 1/2 that would equal $1,883.12) and use it elsewhere because you don't need more diapers!

This doesn't even include the savings of starting at the newborn stage, or what you will be saving using these as swim diapers!!

So, the question remains, can you jump on the cloth wagon without having to invest a ton in the beginning, and the answer is YES, you can! You might be washing a lot in the beginning but you can do it.  Also, I think washing diapers is totally worth the $1,883.12, don't you?

Now, if only the major news outlets would use THIS kind of an article to teach EVERYONE about using cloth.  So, let's get the word out, and share, share share this information! You could be keeping a child out of a REUSED DISPOSABLE diaper!

So, in keeping with our weekly giveaways, we would like to give away not one, but TWO Rock-a-Bums covers and FOUR Rock-a-Bums inserts! This should give anyone the ability to amp up their stash, or start building a stash!

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