Week 33

The last couple of weeks I have been having horrible pain in my hips and lower back.  One day I was laying down and tried lifting my right leg, it was so painful it brought tears to my eyes.  Not a good sign.  I have had problems with my neck and lower back for almost eight years now.  I do not remember what brought it on, but I started seeing a chiropractor in 2008.  I stopped going after a while because it was getting expensive and I was feeling better.  After I had Owen I started having problems with my hips.  I have read that seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy is beneficial and can actually help with labor and delivery, not to mention ease back pain in the last few weeks.  I asked around a bit and found a chiropractor.  Best part is, they accept my insurance and what I have to pay out of pocket is super cheap!   My first appointment the doctor noticed swelling in my lower back.  My range of motion in my legs were not as much as they should be, my legs were not straight.  I also had almost no reaction from my Achilles tendon when he checked my reflexes.  Things were worse than I thought.  But I have been going for two weeks now and already feel so much better.  In addition, my frank breech baby is now head down!  She also is not hanging out under my ribs.  After the second appointment at the chiropractor I felt a difference in her movements.  I knew she had flipped.  I am wondering if the misalignment of my spine and hips were what caused her to be up so high and head up.  No medical evidence to support this, but hey it is possible.  I am so glad to not be in so much pain and hope going to the chiropractor really will help with labor and delivery.

I had another check-up with the midwife today.  Baby Girl's heartbeat is at 140 and my fundal height is measuring 33 weeks (although I really do not think the measurements are an accurate way to determine growth).   I am still under my pre-pregnancy weight, only gaining two pounds since my last check up.  I have another check up at 36 weeks, at which point I will have my group B strep test done.  After that I will be going weekly.  Some days I am amazed how fast this pregnancy is going, and then others I feel like this pregnancy will never be over.   I am pretty sure my "morning" sickness is back, as the last four days I have been sick.

I am slowly getting Charlotte's room ready for her.  Last week I organized all of her clothes, filled the dresser, and straightened up her closet.  Yesterday I bought bins for her changing table and got all of the cloth diapers and accessories organized.  I still want to paint her room and I need to pull out the car seat, swing, and the pack and play.  In under nine weeks I will have a baby girl!!!   It is so close. 

Thinking about cloth?

     I wish that I had someone that I knew, or more information about cloth diapers while I was pregnant with DS.  I wanted to start a few months after I had DS but DH was a little unsure, and so we stuck with disposables.  I do not even remember how I got information about cloth diapers, or where the idea even came from.  I simply knew I did not want to keep buying disposables.  March of 2012 I learned about "The Great Cloth Diaper Change."  I was not sure the specifics of it, but decided it would probably be a good place to learn about cloth.  At the event I won a gift certificate to Jack Be Natural, and this is how I got started on cloth diapering.  I picked up my first ever cloth diaper.  It was a Gro-Via hybrid.  I had not done any research on cloth diapers yet, I had no clue all the different type of cloth or where to even start.  So, I had to do some research.  I was amazed and overwhelmed by all the information and varieties of diapers, I didn't know what to start with.  So, I want to share what I know and have learned in hopes of helping others who may want to try cloth but are unsure of where to start.

Getting started

How many diapers will I need?
       Depending on the age of the child to be diapered a diaper stash of about 15-20 diapers is needed.  A baby or younger toddler will dirty more diapers in one day than an older toddler.  Diaper stash is dependent on how often you want to do laundry.  I initially bought 15 and was washing every other day.  I currently have a stash of 17 newborn diapers and 50 One size diapers (WOW!). 

What do I clean their bottoms with?
      Cloth wipes, disposable wipes, or flushable wipes are common options.  Cloth wipes can be wet or moistened when changing the diaper.  I like to use baby wash cloths as cloth wipes.  I keep them dry and have a small bottle of water mixed with a small amount of baby wash that I spray when changing the diaper.  I also use flushable wipes.  This is convenient because I just put the dirty wipes in the diaper as I use them and then dump it all into the toilet and flush.  However, it is not recommended to flush more than two at a time.  Disposable wipes are another option.  When we started cloth diapering I still had some disposable wipes left and used those until I ran out.  I do not really like this option because then I have dirty wipes I am throwing away.

I have dirty diapers, now what?
    Dirty diapers can be kept in a laundry basket or trash can lined with a pail liner or wet bag.  There are several different kinds of pail liners and wet bags to choose from.  I have a pail liner that is actually just wrapped around a cardboard box.  I plan on getting a pail eventually just forget every time I am out.  After changing the diaper separate the inserts from the shell and toss it into the bag.  On wash day I grab the bag and dump all the dirty stuff into the wash and then turn the bag inside out and toss it in as well. For on the go a small wet bag is beneficial.  I keep one in my diaper bag when I am out and about.

Can I use regular laundry detergent?
     Most manufacturers have a laundry detergent that they recommend to clean the diapers.  Researching on the internet I have found mixed reviews on what commercial brands are safe and what is not.  When I started using cloth I read that Tide original was safe and I used that for a little while, until I found Rockin Green detergent.  It comes highly recommended by many crunchy moms and by several cloth diaper manufacturers.  However, there are other options for detergent.  Many places that sell cloth diapers will also sell cloth diaper safe detergent.


Cloth Diapering Accessories

A few things to help make the diapering easier but is not required to cloth diaper.

• Diaper sprayer- A sprayer that attaches to the toilet.  Used to spray poop off the diaper to prevent poop from going in the wash.  (Also helps prevent staining as the poop will not be in the diaper until it is time to wash)
• SprayPal-  HIGHLY recommended if using a diaper sprayer.  I have one and LOVE it!  Prevents poop or water splatter when using a diaper sprayer. 
• Fasteners- Fasteners such as snappi, boingo, or pins to fasten flats or prefold diapers.
• Extra Inserts- Extra inserts are good to have for overnights, car rides, or for days that your child may wet more than usual.  Hemp inserts are good to keep on hand because they are super absorbent and trim. 
• Liners- Liners are typically flushable and are used to protect the diaper from poop messes and makes dumping poop into the toilet easier. 

Click here for basic cloth diaper terms and abbreviations.  

Cloth diaper review II

It has been a while since I have written a review on the types of cloth diapers, and I have since acquired more varieties, so here goes.

My current stash includes
2- AIO One Size GroVia
1- AIO One-size BumGenius
20- Pocket One-Size SunBaby
14- Pocket One-Size Happy Flute
6- Pocket One-Size BumGenius 4.0
4- Pocket One-Size Kawaii
1- Pocket One-Size Coolababy
1- Pocket One-Size Fuzzibunz Elite
1- AI2 Perfectbum
4- AIO NB Lil Joeys
3- AIO NB BumGenius
2- AIO NB Swaddlebees
2- AIO NB Kissaluvs
2- Pocket NB FuzziBunz
1- AIO NB Grovia
1- AI2 NB Perfectbum

In addition I have seven WAHM made diapers.




 BumGenius Freetime All-In-One One-Size Cloth Diaper


This is probably one of my favorite diapers in my stash.  It is super easy!  

Super stretchy tabs make for a perfect fit.

Long stretch of elastic around back and legs. 

waterproof lining around the stomach to prevent leaks at the belly.  Especially wonderful for overnight use.

The "inserts" are sewn in and also have little pockets.  This style allows for a cleaner wash and faster dry time.  The pockets allow for a booster or hemp insert to be added to make the perfect over night diaper. 

The BumGenius AIO is definitely my most favorite diaper in my stash so far.  I love the convenience of it being all in one.  I also love that the inserts are sewn in on opposite ends.  The way it opens up makes it easier to clean and takes less time to dry.  The  waterproof waist band prevents leaks at the tummy, which is perfect for my belly sleeper.  It has the right amount of absorbancy for during the day.  At night I simply tuck a hemp booster into the pocket and put it on.  This is the best overnight diaper we have.  I want to add more of these to my stash eventually. 

These diapers cost about $20 each.  I think they are definitely worth the cost and will buy more eventually.







GroVia® One-Size All-In-One Cloth Diaper

Rather than having the options of snaps on the stomach, the extra snaps are on the wings.

Insert sewn in with snaps to add boosters. 

This diaper has excellent absorbancy, it is nice and trim.  Booster pads can be added for extra absorbancy.  I do not really care for this diaper.  I do not like the way it snaps.  Having the extra fabric from the wings around the diaper bothers Owen and he constantly fiddles with it.  This is not a diaper he will volunteer to wear.  This is more of a last resort diaper for him.

These diapers are a bit more expensive running about $24 each.  I was given two of these free from Kelly's Closet.  These are not diapers I would voluntarily buy because of the cost and style. 


BumGenius 4.0 One-Size Stay-Dry Cloth diaper

Generous sizing makes for a good fit for a range of babies and toddlers.

Pocket diaper with the waterproof waistband.

 The BumGenius is definitely my favorite brand of diaper.  I love the stretchy tabs.  Two rows of tabs helps prevent wing droop.  The elastic around the legs fits perfectly without leaving any marks on Owen's legs.  The waterproof waistband prevents leaks around the tummy.  These diapers run about $18 each.  There is currently an offer to buy 5 get one free, making the diapers cost about $14.50 each.  This is a very affordable option for such a great diaper.  This deal is available through Kelly's Closet.   I currently have 6 of these diapers in my stash. 



 Kawaii Ultra Soft Square Tab One Size Snap Closure Cloth Diaper

The kawaii are a one-size diaper and the largest diaper in my stash.  This would be a great diaper for bigger babies and perfect for toddlers.  These diapers also have a second snap to prevent wing droop.  As with the BumGenius, the Kawaii also have a waterproof waistband that prevent leaks at the belly.  These diapers are great for overnight and during the day.  At only $10 each they are very affordable and a great addition to your stash.  I currently have 4 of these in my stash.


FuzziBunz(R) One Size ELITE Cloth Diaper

Easily adjustable elastic around legs and back.

I love the idea of this diaper.  Having the ability to adjust the elastic is a great concept allowing for a perfect fit for any baby or toddler.  However, finding the perfect fit takes some trial and error.  Owen doesn't really care for this diaper and I haven't really tried too hard to find the proper adjustment to make it work with Owen.  I received this diaper for free from Kelly's Closet, but was a diaper I had planned on buying eventually.  This diaper is generally $20.  Love the idea, and perhaps I will use it more with baby #2, but for now it sits at the bottom of our diaper bin and does not get used.


Happy Flute One Size
 

I bought these diapers on Ebay when I first started using cloth diapers.  They were about $4 each.  I love these diapers.  They fit Owen well and come in some cute prints.  These originally only had two snaps on the tabs but I had problems with wing droop and decided to add a third snap on the tabs.  I also wish that these diapers had the waterproof lining around the stomach.  These diapers are generally what Owen goes for first (probably because of the patterns on them)  We currently have 13 of these diapers in our stash.


 SunBaby One Size

















These diapers are similar to the BumGenius.  They have two snaps on the tabs, waterproof waistband, and stretchy elastic providing for a great fit around the waist and legs.  The diaper is the smallest one-size diaper in our stash.  It fits perfectly for Owen and I am hoping since it is smaller, it will fit the baby right away. 

I currently have 20 of these diapers in my stash.  They were all given to me from an acquaintance, but generally run about $10 each, making them a great affordable diaper to add to any stash. 

Cloth diaper survey

Children

Owen-34months

Charlotte-coming end of July!!! 

How long have you been cloth diapering?

A little over a year.

Why did you choose to cloth diaper?

We started when we were expecting twins.  We didn't want to spend a fortune on disposable diapers.

What diapers are in your stash? 

BumGenius, FuzziBunz, SunBaby, Happy Flute, Perfect Bum, GroVia, KissaLuvs, Lil Joey's, Kawaii, cool-a-baby, Swaddlebees

Favorite diaper in your stash?
bumGenius 4.0 pocket

Biggest cloth diapering challenge?
Getting rid of the ammonia smell.  Just tried Funk Rock detergent...and I think it finally worked!!

Favorite thing about cloth diapering?
I am not constantly buying disposable diapers, once I have my stash I am good, no more buying diapers. 

Least favorite thing about cloth diapering? 

Traveling, they are bulky and take up a bit of space.

What kind of wipes do you use?

At the moment, flushable, but plan to use cloth wipes with the baby.

 
What is your overnight system?
Hemp inserts and a microfiber inside of a sunbaby, kawaii, or bumgenius (because they have the PUL strip across the belly)

Do you/how do you rinse off your CD before pailing them?

I rinse the diapers in the toilet with a diaper sprayer and a spray pal. 

(HIGHLY recommend the spray pal if you plan to use a diaper sprayer!) 

What kind of pail system do you have?
I simply have a large wet bag inside of a hamper.

What is your wash routine? (how you wash, what detergent/additives, how often, how do you dry?)
I rinse all the diapers as I change them, then they go in the wet bag.  Once I have about 15-20 dirty diapers I throw them in the wash.   I wash in warm water with Rockin Green Soap.  I toss in the dryer on low heat.  

And what one CD item would you purchase if money were no object? 

I would recommend the diaper sprayer and spray pal, as well as having about 30-40 diapers in a stash.   A larger stash means more rotation which means diapers wont wear as quickly and can be used for a longer period of time.  Also means don't have to do laundry daily, (which is nice for unexpected power outages, washing machine malfunctions, and so on.) 

Favorite cloth diaper advice?
Try a couple of different diapers before stocking up on one particular type/brand.  Never know which one you will like best, or which will fit your child best.

 

Another week down

I am another week closer to seeing my precious little girl!  This past Monday I had an appointment with the midwife.  I am finally gaining weight, up 4 lbs from last week.  Still below my pre-pregnancy weight but the midwife was happy to see I am gaining.  She also stated that because everything is going so well in the pregnancy I can go every three weeks rather than every two.  This means that I will have an appointment on the 4th, and then another three weeks after that.  That will put me at the 36 week mark at which point I will start going weekly.  I cannot believe how quickly this pregnancy is going!

Fingers on her forehead, toes touching her eye, and umbilical cord in her mouth. 

Sweet baby girl is still frank breech and hiding behind the anterior placenta.  She still has time to flip around, and I really hope she does!   She is getting big and I cannot believe we are at 30 weeks! 

Owen update

I realized I have not posted any updates on Owen in a while! About a month ago I set up a bedroom for Owen.  It is Cars themed and has a huge McQueen decal by his bed, as well as the other characters around the room. He LOVES sleeping in there.  He calls it the McQueen room.  He brought some tracks into his room and plays trains before bed.  He now goes to bed at around 9-9:15 every night.

In addition I must say how smart he is becoming.  I mean let's face it, he always was smart, but I am amazed daily at the things he says and does.   Today he was playing trains and singing the alphabet song over and over.  When we go out in public I get complimented on how well behaved he is and how well he uses his manners.  And I must agree, he is very well mannered.  It makes me one proud momma!

For Mother's day we went to the pond and went fishing.  This involved fishing, chasing ducks, swinging, slides, the works.

He also loves to be "momma's big helper."  And loves to help do dishes and other chores.

He spends a great deal of time outside now that it is spring.  Splashing in the water is one of his favorite things to do.

With all the excitement of baby girl's arrival approaching Owen cannot help but want to do things for her.  This includes throwing things into the shopping cart and insisting we need to buy it for her.  He also likes to go in her room and look at her clothes.   My MiL asked him the other day where his sister was and he pulled up his shirt and pointed to his belly!  Pretty sure he is just as excited.  He is obsessed with babies and is going to make a great big brother.   And Charlotte is very fortunate to have such a smart big brother to help her learn and develop along the way. 

Mother's Day

2009, my first mother's day.  I was pregnant, but on my way to being a mom.  I was working three jobs and "mom" to two wonderful dogs.  With hubby out of town every week I did not want to sit at home alone, so I worked, all the time. 

 Then Owen came along.  My whole world changed.  I became a stay at home mom and stopped working.  My life revolved around Owen.  And while I miss the social interaction I had while working, I would not change it for the world.

In 2011 I went to Pennsylvania to see my Mom and Gram for mother's day.

Last year I was 15 weeks along with my Mo-Mo twins.  I had no idea that two days later I would lose them. :( 

 The past few years as a mom  has taken me on a ride that I never would have predicted.  I would never have thought that I would be here pregnant with my sixth baby!  I loved everything about being a mom and would not trade it for the world. Every day I look at Owen and think how fortunate I am to have him.  There are many women who are unable to even carry one child, and here I am with one and one on the way.  I love when I go out in public and receive compliments on how well mannered my son is.  And when interacting with him I see all the ways he has grown and how intelligent he is becoming.  It makes me one proud momma. 

To all the moms, and soon to be moms, Happy Mother's Day.  Spend the day with those that made this day possible, I know I will be!