We've talked about how choosing to use cloth diapers has some serious economic advantages. We're starting to hear rumblings of challenges in the markets across the globe and that people are looking at ways to make their shopping dollars go farther. We wanted to let parents know a tip that can be overlooked sometimes when cloth diapering - the benefits of reusable cloth wipes and making your own wipes solution.
If you've made the choice to use cloth diapers (and we applaud you for doing so), another part of that commitment may be to choose reusable cloth wipes instead of disposable wipes products. Some people opt for disposable wipes products but they can be very costly and in some cases, contain numerous chemicals that can cause skin irritation for some children. We've used both types of products and if you have a child with sensitive skin, choosing the right wipes can make all the difference. There are some disposable wipes products that will contain alcohol and this can be very drying and irritating on baby's delicate skin. If your child has a diaper rash as well, disposable wipes with alcohol or excessive chemicals can cause a burning, painful sensation when being used.
Reusable wipes are soft, durable and well suited for the job they do. They can be used for baby's bottom as well as wiping little hands and faces. You'll want to designate a specific set for each type of job and not necessarily mix the two for obvious reasons.
Wipes can be made with hemp, cotton, bamboo, flannel or synthetic fabrics and the choice is very much a personal one as to what type to choose. You will want to have approximately 24-36 reusable wipes on hand at one time to ensure you have an adequate supply.
As for wipes solutions, we have a few recipes we can share:
Basic and Popular Solution
2 cups boiling water
2 Tbsp Baby Bath (sodium laureth sulfate free)
2 Tbsp Baby Lotion (paraben free)
Mix all together once water is boiling then let cool and pour onto wipes in container.
Essential Oil Based Solution
2 Cups warm water
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Drops Tea Tree Oil
2 Drops Lavender Oil
Mix all ingredients together and pour over your wipes, or store in a separate container.
Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Solution
1-2 cups water
2 Drops of Tea Tree or Lavender Oil
Mix together and it is ready for use.
Essential Oil & Baby Shampoo Solution
3 Cups water
1/8 Cup Olive Oil
4 Drops Tea Tree Oil
8 Drops Lavender Oil
1 Tbsp Baby Shampoo (sodium laureth sulfate free)
Stir well, ready to use.
The solutions with the essential oils in them will be mildew resistant and have some antibacterial and healing properties. We have even more solution recipes so if there is something else you'd like to see aside from those listed, please contact us - we love to help!
We know that sometimes parents choose to opt for a little bit of convenience by choosing disposable wipes. As with anything, once you get started it's often a very easy change to implement. Going with reusable cloth wipes is a great way to save money and introduce a more natural product into baby's routine all while reducing your carbon footprint. It eliminates one more disposable product from your household.
For more information on reusable wipes and wipes solutions, please contact us by phone: (306)682-5746 Toll Free 1-866-231-5135 or email us: inquire@babyluvboutique.com.
Enjoy the extra green in your pocket knowing you're choosing to go green while doing it!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Mom Motivation: What get's you going?
The title to my post today could be about a lot of things, but today I'm talking about getting off the couch, getting out to DO something, like exercise, you know?
How many times have you said to yourself "I've really got to exercise more." Like me you've got good intentions but there always seems to be something that easily gets in the way. Whether it's when your baby is nursing non-stop or is up frequently throughout the night and you'd trade anything for sleep, including exercise. Or maybe your house has a baby and a toddler and life is flying past you at warp speed. Suddenly you look at yourself in the mirror and wonder what happened to me and how'd I get so out of shape?
I've always respected those Moms who have managed to fit in some time each day for themselves to work out, go for a walk, do some strength training, or head to an exercise class of their choice. I've always tried to walk throughout my pregnancies, with my children in strollers and especially now that they are all old enough to walk along or ride their bikes. They laugh as they go past me on the way home already as I'm still walking to the midway point of our journey.
This summer I've made a conscious effort to get back into shape. Over the past three weeks I've tried to walk or do weights every day, sometimes both if you can believe it! I have to say it feels really good to get back into an exercise routine. The noticeable results of inches coming off those places we'd all like to see shrink and the fact that my husband has a harder time getting me off the tube at the lake means I'm getting stronger.
Now that fall is on the way and our activities begin to shift inside, can one keep motivated and keep going? I'm sure going to try. If you've got a good summer workout routine going, share your tips for staying focused and on track throughout the colder months ahead. Here's some tips on healthy summer habits to carry over into fall.
I love these crisp sunny mornings when it's not scorching hot and all is quiet except for the sound of your feet crunching on the gravel. In a few months it'll be snow crunching under my feet but that just means I'll walk faster to get back inside! Here's to a healthy you and to staying motivated!
How many times have you said to yourself "I've really got to exercise more." Like me you've got good intentions but there always seems to be something that easily gets in the way. Whether it's when your baby is nursing non-stop or is up frequently throughout the night and you'd trade anything for sleep, including exercise. Or maybe your house has a baby and a toddler and life is flying past you at warp speed. Suddenly you look at yourself in the mirror and wonder what happened to me and how'd I get so out of shape?
I've always respected those Moms who have managed to fit in some time each day for themselves to work out, go for a walk, do some strength training, or head to an exercise class of their choice. I've always tried to walk throughout my pregnancies, with my children in strollers and especially now that they are all old enough to walk along or ride their bikes. They laugh as they go past me on the way home already as I'm still walking to the midway point of our journey.
This summer I've made a conscious effort to get back into shape. Over the past three weeks I've tried to walk or do weights every day, sometimes both if you can believe it! I have to say it feels really good to get back into an exercise routine. The noticeable results of inches coming off those places we'd all like to see shrink and the fact that my husband has a harder time getting me off the tube at the lake means I'm getting stronger.
Now that fall is on the way and our activities begin to shift inside, can one keep motivated and keep going? I'm sure going to try. If you've got a good summer workout routine going, share your tips for staying focused and on track throughout the colder months ahead. Here's some tips on healthy summer habits to carry over into fall.
I love these crisp sunny mornings when it's not scorching hot and all is quiet except for the sound of your feet crunching on the gravel. In a few months it'll be snow crunching under my feet but that just means I'll walk faster to get back inside! Here's to a healthy you and to staying motivated!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Baby Luv Boutique Fabulous Fall Contest
The days are getting shorter (don't like it), the evenings are getting cooler (it IS better for sleeping), so that must mean a change of seasons is on the way. Fall is a few short weeks away and to help you say "Good Bye" to summer, we've got another contest announcement to celebrate.
There are a few ways to enter and all of them are super easy. The first way to enter is to become a fan of Baby Luv Boutique on Facebook and post your comments and tips on how you and your family get prepared for fall, the change in seasons and the cooler weather. If you're already part of our community of fans, post your comments and tips with the start of the post being "FABULOUS"!
Please post your comments from now to the end of our contest date: September 27th.
The second way to enter: All orders placed from August 19th/11 through to September 27th/11 will receive double the entries. So when you purchase product from us you'll get at least two chances to win.
Here's the third way to enter: Simply refer your friends to sign up for our monthly newsletter, join our Facebook community, or follow our blog. If your friends sign up, make sure they tell us you sent them and you will both be entered into the contest draw.
What can you win? Our Fabulous Fall Contest winner will receive a prize package valued over $100! It will include products that will help you stay organized, warm and cozy from Cloud B and Mommy's Touch, skin care products to keep baby's skin soft and protected by Matter Company and Dimpleskins Naturals, and a product that will help dry clothes and cloth diapers in a chemical free and static free manner!
Our tip for fall is to make sure to keep baby's and your skin moisturized. As the weather cools off and the wind picks up, the air begins to get dry. This can lead to dry, flaky skin so regularly applying a great moisturizer or body balm will help relieve that dryness and prevent chapping and the itchiness that can come with it.
We hope you have fun with this one. Be creative and share your best tips and tricks for handling the start of fall and the cooler weather. Summer's been fun but fall's going to be fabulous!
There are a few ways to enter and all of them are super easy. The first way to enter is to become a fan of Baby Luv Boutique on Facebook and post your comments and tips on how you and your family get prepared for fall, the change in seasons and the cooler weather. If you're already part of our community of fans, post your comments and tips with the start of the post being "FABULOUS"!
Please post your comments from now to the end of our contest date: September 27th.
The second way to enter: All orders placed from August 19th/11 through to September 27th/11 will receive double the entries. So when you purchase product from us you'll get at least two chances to win.
Here's the third way to enter: Simply refer your friends to sign up for our monthly newsletter, join our Facebook community, or follow our blog. If your friends sign up, make sure they tell us you sent them and you will both be entered into the contest draw.
What can you win? Our Fabulous Fall Contest winner will receive a prize package valued over $100! It will include products that will help you stay organized, warm and cozy from Cloud B and Mommy's Touch, skin care products to keep baby's skin soft and protected by Matter Company and Dimpleskins Naturals, and a product that will help dry clothes and cloth diapers in a chemical free and static free manner!
Our tip for fall is to make sure to keep baby's and your skin moisturized. As the weather cools off and the wind picks up, the air begins to get dry. This can lead to dry, flaky skin so regularly applying a great moisturizer or body balm will help relieve that dryness and prevent chapping and the itchiness that can come with it.
We hope you have fun with this one. Be creative and share your best tips and tricks for handling the start of fall and the cooler weather. Summer's been fun but fall's going to be fabulous!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Back to School Soon - Small Pangs of Mommy Guilt...
Well it's the end of August and sadly the end of summer is in sight which, at our house, means back to school. In fact it's only a mere 3 1/2 days until all of my children are back in school again. Does it sound like I'm a little excited about that?
It's this feeling of excitement that we parents joke about this time of year as being "the most wonderful time of the year" (thanks to Staples ads of summer's past). But even when I say it, it still gives me that pang of guilt I know I shouldn't have but still do anyway. How is it that we can never truly allow ourselves to be guilt free as Moms? Even when we know we deserve some "me" time, why do we always let that voice in the back of our head interrupt those glorious thoughts of some much needed time to ourselves? If you've mastered a way to banish those guilty thoughts, please share; I know I'm not the only one who'd like to know the secret to guilt-free parenting.
If you're like me, having three children means you have a busy life whether they are in the baby/toddler stage or in my case, now when they're in the elementary school/tween stage. Fleeting moments of time to yourself are rare in a multi-child household and trips to get groceries can seem like you've spent a day at the spa sometimes. Even then I've found myself sometimes rushing to finish up shopping so I can be home in time to tuck my kids into bed while they're still awake. If I arrive home late and all are asleep, there it is again - guilt...I shouldn't have stopped to browse the magazine section at the drugstore, then I would have been home earlier to say goodnight.
I know for myself that when I've had a bit of a break from my children, whether it's a few hours or even a day (or two if I'm really lucky), I find I am a better parent. My patience and tolerance for noise and sibling squabbles goes up and I genuinely think it's good for my children as well. My husband is great with the kids if I have to be away, in fact he enjoys spending time with them on his own, and it seems as if the kids appreciate you a little more when you return. Those big hugs at the door that come with shouts of "Mom's home, I missed you!" make you feel like a superstar, even if it's only for a moment.
There are those who are part of a single parent family. It can be doubly hard and you may not have the luxury of a partner who can stay with your children while you try to take some time away. If you're in this situation, perhaps getting some help from relatives or close friends is something you could try to arrange. Even if it's only for a few hours to get away and run some errands, get a haircut, or grab a coffee, minus the Mom guilt. It's certainly worth the effort and will help you recharge those parenting batteries. Joining a local parenting group or getting in touch with your community group organization may be a good start to finding some connections to help you establish a plan to work in some Mom "me" time.
So, for all of you parents out there who are happily humming the Staples tune right now, I can relate. Here's an article that will give us all a bit of a chuckle on why you shouldn't feel Mom guilt. Despite the obvious humor, it still makes the point that we all need to take time for ourselves. Do take time to enjoy the read and enjoy those last few days of summer holidays - guilt free!
Parenting Article via CNN: Mom Guilt
Baby Luv Boutique
http://www.babyluvboutique.com
It's this feeling of excitement that we parents joke about this time of year as being "the most wonderful time of the year" (thanks to Staples ads of summer's past). But even when I say it, it still gives me that pang of guilt I know I shouldn't have but still do anyway. How is it that we can never truly allow ourselves to be guilt free as Moms? Even when we know we deserve some "me" time, why do we always let that voice in the back of our head interrupt those glorious thoughts of some much needed time to ourselves? If you've mastered a way to banish those guilty thoughts, please share; I know I'm not the only one who'd like to know the secret to guilt-free parenting.
If you're like me, having three children means you have a busy life whether they are in the baby/toddler stage or in my case, now when they're in the elementary school/tween stage. Fleeting moments of time to yourself are rare in a multi-child household and trips to get groceries can seem like you've spent a day at the spa sometimes. Even then I've found myself sometimes rushing to finish up shopping so I can be home in time to tuck my kids into bed while they're still awake. If I arrive home late and all are asleep, there it is again - guilt...I shouldn't have stopped to browse the magazine section at the drugstore, then I would have been home earlier to say goodnight.
I know for myself that when I've had a bit of a break from my children, whether it's a few hours or even a day (or two if I'm really lucky), I find I am a better parent. My patience and tolerance for noise and sibling squabbles goes up and I genuinely think it's good for my children as well. My husband is great with the kids if I have to be away, in fact he enjoys spending time with them on his own, and it seems as if the kids appreciate you a little more when you return. Those big hugs at the door that come with shouts of "Mom's home, I missed you!" make you feel like a superstar, even if it's only for a moment.
There are those who are part of a single parent family. It can be doubly hard and you may not have the luxury of a partner who can stay with your children while you try to take some time away. If you're in this situation, perhaps getting some help from relatives or close friends is something you could try to arrange. Even if it's only for a few hours to get away and run some errands, get a haircut, or grab a coffee, minus the Mom guilt. It's certainly worth the effort and will help you recharge those parenting batteries. Joining a local parenting group or getting in touch with your community group organization may be a good start to finding some connections to help you establish a plan to work in some Mom "me" time.
So, for all of you parents out there who are happily humming the Staples tune right now, I can relate. Here's an article that will give us all a bit of a chuckle on why you shouldn't feel Mom guilt. Despite the obvious humor, it still makes the point that we all need to take time for ourselves. Do take time to enjoy the read and enjoy those last few days of summer holidays - guilt free!
Parenting Article via CNN: Mom Guilt
Baby Luv Boutique
http://www.babyluvboutique.com
Friday, July 29, 2011
Inflation hits diaper market
So along with gas and food prices, disposable diapers have increased in price. Click here to read an article on how inflation is affecting the cost of disposable diapers.
I know I've seen the cost of fuel and groceries rise sharply the past year and it has particularly impacted the amount of money we spend on groceries each week. My family goes through a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, which are very costly, and we've definitely noticed a difference at the checkout counter. I can't imagine adding the cost of disposable diapers to that total.
With consumer confidence low and personal debt levels high, perhaps one way to increase the cash in parents' wallet is to consider reusable diaper products. The overall investment is significantly less than the cost of disposables and practices such as line drying clothing and cloth diapers will allow you to save even further on your energy bills.
Inflationary pressures are something we're going to be keeping a close eye on in the coming months. As the start of our workshop season begins once again, we will continue to educate parents on the benefits of using cloth diapers. One of the topics we include is a detailed financial analysis of the cost of cloth versus disposable products. Most parents are shocked at the total cost of disposable products and now that they are increasing in price the gap is widening even further between them and cloth diaper products.
Cloth diaper systems will cost anywhere from $250-$1,000 depending on the type and number of diapers purchased. If properly cared for they can last beyond one child and often multiple children. Disposables will cost anywhere from $1,800-3,500+ per child. As you can see, the potential cost savings are huge.
Some raw material costs will be impacting the cloth diaper manufacturers as well however despite an increase in production costs, cloth diapers are still a very affordable and cost effective choice for families.
For more information on the costs of cloth versus disposable diapers, please contact us: inquire@babyluvboutique.com.
Baby Luv Boutique
I know I've seen the cost of fuel and groceries rise sharply the past year and it has particularly impacted the amount of money we spend on groceries each week. My family goes through a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, which are very costly, and we've definitely noticed a difference at the checkout counter. I can't imagine adding the cost of disposable diapers to that total.
With consumer confidence low and personal debt levels high, perhaps one way to increase the cash in parents' wallet is to consider reusable diaper products. The overall investment is significantly less than the cost of disposables and practices such as line drying clothing and cloth diapers will allow you to save even further on your energy bills.
Inflationary pressures are something we're going to be keeping a close eye on in the coming months. As the start of our workshop season begins once again, we will continue to educate parents on the benefits of using cloth diapers. One of the topics we include is a detailed financial analysis of the cost of cloth versus disposable products. Most parents are shocked at the total cost of disposable products and now that they are increasing in price the gap is widening even further between them and cloth diaper products.
Cloth diaper systems will cost anywhere from $250-$1,000 depending on the type and number of diapers purchased. If properly cared for they can last beyond one child and often multiple children. Disposables will cost anywhere from $1,800-3,500+ per child. As you can see, the potential cost savings are huge.
Some raw material costs will be impacting the cloth diaper manufacturers as well however despite an increase in production costs, cloth diapers are still a very affordable and cost effective choice for families.
For more information on the costs of cloth versus disposable diapers, please contact us: inquire@babyluvboutique.com.
Baby Luv Boutique
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Best of Summer - Right in Your Backyard
One of the reasons I love summer is the fact that this time of year I get to enjoy the fruits of my labour - literally - from my garden. When I was growing up I remember my Mom planting a huge garden. We had everything from potatoes, tomatoes, peas, carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, pumpkins, beets, radish, beans, corn, onions and garlic to strawberries, rhubarb and raspberries.
I used to think it was a ton of work to plant, water and weed it. Not to mention I hated shelling bags and bags of peas or cleaning bags and bags of beans to blanch and put in the freezer when I'd rather be doing something else fun outside. But everything sure tasted good when she cooked those vegetables or made jam and desserts with those fruits.
Well now that I'm an adult and have my own family guess what? I've got my own garden and we enjoy potatoes, tomatoes, peas, carrots, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, pumpkins, beets, radish, beans, peppers, corn, onions, garlic, herbs, zucchini, squash, strawberries and rhubarb. My husband wants us to plant raspberry canes and my kids want an apple tree as well. Those are next on the list to add to our yard.
Another treat we will enjoy this year is fresh Saskatoon berries. For those of you not from the Prairies who have never tasted a Saskatoon berry, you are sadly missing out. They are a little smaller than a Blueberry, but a little sweeter and they make wonderful pies, jam and jelly. We are lucky enough to have a stash of Saskatoon berry trees in our yard scattered among the native trees surrounding the property. We went out a few nights ago and picked enough to make a pie and have a few for fresh eating - yum!
I don't do as much canning and storing for winter as my Mom did but that's something I need to be more diligent about. I do make my own tomato sauce and sometimes Salsa as well if the tomato bounty is big enough. I don't think I've eaten a commercial jar of tomato sauce for quite a few years now and if I have to, the taste just doesn't compare to homemade.
Things not only taste out of this world good but I feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment when I can walk outside my house to the garden and pick enough vegetables to make my family a meal. I don't have to worry about how much or how long I'm washing things since they are chemical and pesticide free. I know I'm saving a ton of money this time of year as well since a trip to the store for groceries has tripled over the past couple of years with fruit and produce being most expensive. Don't you hate it how all the things that are good for you cost the most?
If you have the ability to plant a garden, big or small, I encourage you to do it. If you're like me when I was growing up I swore I'd never do all that work but here I am, carrying on the tradition I saw my family take part in. So far my kids like to help plant the garden and they sure like picking (and mostly eating) fresh strawberries, peas and carrots. I can only hope I'm instilling in them the importance of knowing where your food comes from and to take pride in the fact that you can grow it yourself. With numerous communities taking initiatives to begin community gardens, you may just be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour as well!
When the weather turns cold and snowy here as it always does later in the year, I'm going to try some indoor container gardening with fresh herbs and lettuce. Maybe that will keep me inspired as I wait for spring next year!
Off to make some new potatoes with dill, butter and onions for supper - yum again! We hope you are enjoying the fruits of summer too - whether in your own garden or someone else'. Another great way to reduce your carbon footprint by growing food close to home. Gotta love summer!
Baby Luv Boutique
I used to think it was a ton of work to plant, water and weed it. Not to mention I hated shelling bags and bags of peas or cleaning bags and bags of beans to blanch and put in the freezer when I'd rather be doing something else fun outside. But everything sure tasted good when she cooked those vegetables or made jam and desserts with those fruits.
Well now that I'm an adult and have my own family guess what? I've got my own garden and we enjoy potatoes, tomatoes, peas, carrots, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, pumpkins, beets, radish, beans, peppers, corn, onions, garlic, herbs, zucchini, squash, strawberries and rhubarb. My husband wants us to plant raspberry canes and my kids want an apple tree as well. Those are next on the list to add to our yard.
Another treat we will enjoy this year is fresh Saskatoon berries. For those of you not from the Prairies who have never tasted a Saskatoon berry, you are sadly missing out. They are a little smaller than a Blueberry, but a little sweeter and they make wonderful pies, jam and jelly. We are lucky enough to have a stash of Saskatoon berry trees in our yard scattered among the native trees surrounding the property. We went out a few nights ago and picked enough to make a pie and have a few for fresh eating - yum!
I don't do as much canning and storing for winter as my Mom did but that's something I need to be more diligent about. I do make my own tomato sauce and sometimes Salsa as well if the tomato bounty is big enough. I don't think I've eaten a commercial jar of tomato sauce for quite a few years now and if I have to, the taste just doesn't compare to homemade.
Things not only taste out of this world good but I feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment when I can walk outside my house to the garden and pick enough vegetables to make my family a meal. I don't have to worry about how much or how long I'm washing things since they are chemical and pesticide free. I know I'm saving a ton of money this time of year as well since a trip to the store for groceries has tripled over the past couple of years with fruit and produce being most expensive. Don't you hate it how all the things that are good for you cost the most?
If you have the ability to plant a garden, big or small, I encourage you to do it. If you're like me when I was growing up I swore I'd never do all that work but here I am, carrying on the tradition I saw my family take part in. So far my kids like to help plant the garden and they sure like picking (and mostly eating) fresh strawberries, peas and carrots. I can only hope I'm instilling in them the importance of knowing where your food comes from and to take pride in the fact that you can grow it yourself. With numerous communities taking initiatives to begin community gardens, you may just be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour as well!
When the weather turns cold and snowy here as it always does later in the year, I'm going to try some indoor container gardening with fresh herbs and lettuce. Maybe that will keep me inspired as I wait for spring next year!
Off to make some new potatoes with dill, butter and onions for supper - yum again! We hope you are enjoying the fruits of summer too - whether in your own garden or someone else'. Another great way to reduce your carbon footprint by growing food close to home. Gotta love summer!
Baby Luv Boutique
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Preparing Cloth Diapers for Use
You've made the choice to use cloth diapers and you have your stash purchased. Now what? What do you have to do to get them ready for baby to wear?
Whenever you purchase cloth diapers you will want to wash them before baby wears them just to ensure they are clean for the first use. Some types of cloth diapers and the corresponding fabric used in them will require different levels of preparation. We'll cover them all so you know where to start no matter what type and style you have.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, microterry and microfleece often comprise the components of pocket diapers and/or All In One diapers. These materials should be washed and dried once prior to first use to clean the diapers. A wash cycle on hot with the recommended amount of cloth diaper friendly detergent with a cold rinse cycle and an extra rinse will be sufficient preparation. Dry them in the dryer or on the line, especially in the summer, and they are ready to go. Even in the colder months you can line dry diapers (and other laundry) inside on a drying rack. Line drying is a great way to save energy and reduce your costs all while helping to lessen your carbon footprint.
Natural fabrics like cotton and hemp will require some additional steps in the preparation process. Natural fabrics contain oils and wax in the case of unbleached cotton. These oils and wax are released from the fabric during the initial wash and dry cycles. These fabrics will also shrink and fluff up so washing cotton and hemp products in hot water, rinsing and drying in the dryer multiple times will remove the natural oils and prep the fabric. Each time these fabrics are washed and dried it helps to prime the fabric or make it more absorbent. Hemp will require 8-12 wash and dry cycles to allow it to reach it's maximum absorbency. It can be used after the first wash and dry cycle however after each washing it will gain more absorbency each time.
If you are using hemp or cotton inserts/prefolds inside of pocket diapers you will want to wash these fabrics separately from your pocket diapers and microfleece products for the first 4-6 wash and dry cycles in order to prevent the natural oils and wax from coating the interior fabric of your pocket diapers potentially causing them to repel liquid and leak. Once these initial wash and dry cycles are complete, then all your diaper products can be washed together without concern of the natural oils/wax coating your diapers.
When line drying hemp it can get a bit hard and stiff but you can always put the hemp in the dryer on the fluff or wrinkle release setting to soften them up. You can also take them off the line while just slightly damp and place them in the dryer for a few minutes to soften them as well. The addition of PVC free or wool dryer balls in your dryer will help to soften clothes and reduce drying time as well.
Once you've got those diapers washed and dried you are ready to begin using them. I can see baby's smiling face already - so comfortable in their new cloth diapers!
Be sure to contact us if you ever have questions regarding preparation and care - we luv to help!
Baby Luv Boutique
Whenever you purchase cloth diapers you will want to wash them before baby wears them just to ensure they are clean for the first use. Some types of cloth diapers and the corresponding fabric used in them will require different levels of preparation. We'll cover them all so you know where to start no matter what type and style you have.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, microterry and microfleece often comprise the components of pocket diapers and/or All In One diapers. These materials should be washed and dried once prior to first use to clean the diapers. A wash cycle on hot with the recommended amount of cloth diaper friendly detergent with a cold rinse cycle and an extra rinse will be sufficient preparation. Dry them in the dryer or on the line, especially in the summer, and they are ready to go. Even in the colder months you can line dry diapers (and other laundry) inside on a drying rack. Line drying is a great way to save energy and reduce your costs all while helping to lessen your carbon footprint.
Natural fabrics like cotton and hemp will require some additional steps in the preparation process. Natural fabrics contain oils and wax in the case of unbleached cotton. These oils and wax are released from the fabric during the initial wash and dry cycles. These fabrics will also shrink and fluff up so washing cotton and hemp products in hot water, rinsing and drying in the dryer multiple times will remove the natural oils and prep the fabric. Each time these fabrics are washed and dried it helps to prime the fabric or make it more absorbent. Hemp will require 8-12 wash and dry cycles to allow it to reach it's maximum absorbency. It can be used after the first wash and dry cycle however after each washing it will gain more absorbency each time.
If you are using hemp or cotton inserts/prefolds inside of pocket diapers you will want to wash these fabrics separately from your pocket diapers and microfleece products for the first 4-6 wash and dry cycles in order to prevent the natural oils and wax from coating the interior fabric of your pocket diapers potentially causing them to repel liquid and leak. Once these initial wash and dry cycles are complete, then all your diaper products can be washed together without concern of the natural oils/wax coating your diapers.
When line drying hemp it can get a bit hard and stiff but you can always put the hemp in the dryer on the fluff or wrinkle release setting to soften them up. You can also take them off the line while just slightly damp and place them in the dryer for a few minutes to soften them as well. The addition of PVC free or wool dryer balls in your dryer will help to soften clothes and reduce drying time as well.
Once you've got those diapers washed and dried you are ready to begin using them. I can see baby's smiling face already - so comfortable in their new cloth diapers!
Be sure to contact us if you ever have questions regarding preparation and care - we luv to help!
Baby Luv Boutique
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