One of my latest CD purchases arrived in the mail this week. May I present our Swaddlebees diaper cover in all it’s glory:

So far I like it. It’s a little big, but that’s great because Nicky’s bumGenius diapers are almost too small. I’ve been using a Snappi to hold the pre-folds in place under the cover. I know this isn’t necessary, but I prefer to secure the diaper because they start sagging really bad when ‘accidents’ happen. My only complaint with Swaddlebees so far is that they don’t have gussets. There’s a lot more potential for poo to escape, but so far, we’ve been solid and A-OK. Also, it was pretty expensive so probably won’t buy more covers from this manufacturer.

I have a really hard time using prefolds on Nicky because I can’t keep him on his back long enough to fold the diaper, secure it, and put the cover on. A lot of extra effort goes into using prefolds at my house. I wish I could use them more because I like being able to only replace the prefold and re-use the cover. It makes me feel like I’m not wasting a clean diaper.

This morning, while trying to get the diaper on Nicky, I suffered a Snappi injury. Man, the teeth on those things are vicious. They went right into my thumb and literally removed a chunk of flesh. I almost took a picture for you, but it was pretty gross. You may thank me for sparing you.

Tags: Diaper Covers, prefolds, Snappi, Swaddlebees

Last night we had a grand ‘ole time taking turns wearing Nick’s new “hat.” Nicky put it on himself and couldn’t stop giggling. He thought he was the coolest idea ever, and eventually he decided that Mom and Dad needed to participate, too, so we all wore diapers on our heads for an embarrassing amount of time.

I finally received some feedback from customer service at Cottonbabies regarding bumGenius odor issues. I thought I would share what they told me in case it benefits anyone else. I e-mailed them a few times, and here is what they said:

Q: How do I eliminate odor from my BG inserts?

A: We are sorry to hear that you are having some odor issues with your bumGenius diapers. Usually odor issues are a sign of build-up of some kind on your diapers. It is imperative to make sure that you are using an appropriate detergent and that you are not using any diaper rash creams without a protective layer of material between your baby and the bumGenius diaper. Often times enzymes, perfumes, or diaper creams are the culprits behind stinky diapers.

Britt: I have not used any rash cream, and I have been using Purex Free and Clear which was recommended by Cottonbabies.

Diaper rashes are unusual when using cloth diapers, but not unheard of. If your child should develop a rash and you choose to use a rash cream, you should use a bumGenius Stay-dry Liner or a piece of fleece between your baby’s bottom and the diaper to prevent the cream from transferring onto the diapers. The liner that you choose should be washed separately from your diapers as the oils in the creams can also be transfered through the washing cycles.

If you’ve been using a detergent or rash creams that might be causing buildup, we recommend “stripping” your diapers. Wash your diapers 3 times in hot water. The first wash with approximately one tablespoon of liquid Dawn dish washing detergent in your regular washing machine and 1 teaspoon in a high efficiency machine and 1/4 a cup of chlorine bleach. It must be Dawn - and in it’s original formula. Concentrated Dawn is acceptable, however you should lower the amount you use by half. You should do the next two washes in clear hot water, although not over 150 degrees. You may use bleach once a month on your diapers and inserts without fear of harming them. Dry your diapers in the dryer on medium heat. This procedure effectively removes detergent residue from your diapers and should solve any problems with odor. With tough diaper rash cream stains, you may need to use a toothbrush or nail brush to work the Dawn into the stained fabric area. The brush will help get the Dawn in between all the fibers of the fabric and get out the rash cream stain.

To prevent an odor problem from re-occurring, be sure that you are washing your diapers with an additive free laundry detergent. Approved detergents are free of dyes, enzymes, perfumes, whiteners and brighteners. Using detergents containing these ingredients will cause damage to your diaper including elastic failure and leaking. Do not use extra additives in your wash (like baking soda or vinegar). They are generally unnecessary and can actually cause problems with your diapers and void any applicable warranty.

Unfortunately, I’ve already tried these methods without success, but I asked a few more questions just to see what other options I have.

Q: Can I use Bac-Out with BGs?

A: Do not use Bac-Out on your bumGenius diapers. Bac-Out is a wonderful product for prefolds but on the more advanced products such as bumGenius it will cause leaking and odor problems.

This is good to know, but I’m *this close* to using it anyway because a lot of people have recommended it. I just don’t want to void my warranty, so I’m going to use this option as a last resort.

Q: I have hard water. Is it okay to use Calgon with BGs?

A: Yes you can use Calgon with your bumGenius diapers.

Cottonbabies has been great to answer all of my questions, and they have a very nice return policy, so if it comes down to it, I will return my BGs, but that, again, is a last resort. For now I’m going to try using some Calgon to see if softening my water will help. I’m also going to try a different detergent; a natural one rather than a free and clear variety, and see if that helps.

I’m feeling a lot better about things today. I really think the Calgon might help, but I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

I’ve been happily using cloth diapers for almost two months now, but I’ve suddenly found myself in a dilemma. Over the past week, I’ve noticed a terrible odor coming from my son. I denied it for a while because I don’t want to have that problem. I pretended that it wasn’t the diapers and that my son just had a really stinky butt, but now I need to face the facts… it’s the diapers.

I use bumGenius diapers, and I have strictly followed the manufacturer’s washing recommendations throughout my entire journey. I’ve done the once-a-month non-chlorine bleach wash, and I’ve even line-dried when I can so they get that extra kiss from the sun that helps prevent stains and odors. I’ve searched for advice and tips online, and I’ve read up on detergent build-up and other issues that might be causing the odor but all of the recommended techniques are either a) not approved by Cottonbabies or b) haven’t worked.

There’s also one more issue I’ve been avoiding, the diapers are giving my son sores on his thighs. I don’t know if it’s from the velcro or if it’s from the pinching that occurs where the tabs fasten to the front of the diaper. They don’t seem to be bothering him, but I feel horrible knowing that the sores are there because of my choice to use these diapers.

I feel like a cloth diapering failure, and I’m not sure what to do. I can’t give up because I’ve put too much heart and money toward cloth diapering. I’ve contacted Cottonbabies for help, but their response made it clear to me that they didn’t even read my e-mail. I’ve spent the last two days trying to rid the diapers of the smell, and I feel like it shouldn’t be this hard.

One of my options is to return all of my BGs and switch to prefolds and diaper covers. I would hate to do that because I really love BGs, but if they are going to stink, I can’t use them because odor is not a sacrifice I’m willing to make. In my research I’ve found that a lot of mom’s are having this problem with microfiber inserts from various brands of diapers, not just BGs, and they are all having a hard time fixing it. I’ve tried using prefolds as inserts, and they don’t seem to smell as bad, but I haven’t been doing it long enough for an adequate evaluation of the process. If it comes down to using prefolds as inserts, I think I’m best off returning the BGs and re-investing my money in diaper covers. Why pay for a BG when I have to makeshift my own inserts?

Mommies, what should I do?

Last week I stepped out of my cloth diapering shell a little bit and decided to try a few different brands. I purchased three new cloth diapers of various brands, and the first of the lot arrived in my mailbox today: a one-size Happy Heinys pocket diaper in orange…. bright orange.

I could tell a difference immediately upon opening it. It felt a lot different than the bumGenius diapers I’ve been using, almost cheaper. The fleece on the inside feels like it would be really uncomfortable against a child’s nether regions. The inserts are contoured, but not adjustable with snaps like bumGenius. Luckily it came with two sizes of inserts.

Nicky only had the diaper on for about ten minutes before he peed in it, took it off, and handed it to me. To my surprise, the fleece felt completely dry (a pro). I didn’t even know he had peed until I felt the lumpy pile of insert in the bottom of the diaper (a con: the inserts don’t stay put in these diapers. Once they are wet, they sag pretty bad).

I don’t regret buying a Happy Heinys diaper, but I don’t think I will invest in any in the future. I definitely like bumGenius better considering the price. Happy Heinys are about a dollar more than bumGenius. If HH were less expensive, I’d be all over them, but BG has my heart since they are higher quality for a lower price.

One thing I liked about using disposable diapers was that I always had enough diapers to stash a few here and there. I could put two or three diapers in every room of my house, and I always had easy access for diaper changes. Now that I’m a Cloth Mama, that’s a little harder to do because I no longer have 118 diapers on hand at one time.

My house is four levels, and my little boy’s changing table is on the top level. We spend most of our time on the third level, so to change a diaper, I’ve been having to haul Nicky up two flights of stairs. I’m way too lazy for that, so it’s time to try something new.

I think I might be to the point where I have enough diapers that I can start storing a few on the third level of my house. I put together this little basket when Nicky was born and used it all the time with disposable diapers.

I just did a little upgrading so it’s now compatible with cloth diapering. I put two bumGenius diapers in it with a few prefolds, some terry cloth wipes, and a bottle of solution. I keep the basket tucked away under my end table where no one really sees it. Each time I do a load of diapers, I’ll just replenish my stash.