I Love Cloth Diapers ~ The SoftBums.com Blog

Who I am

2012-01-30T09:47:00.001-06:00

I got this in an email from a good friend, and had my fellow student read the email because I thought he would get a kick out of it. He started laughing...to the point of tears and finally he got out the words "this is so you!"

He was referring to the included picture and phrase. I would have to say I agree.

Who are you?

DIY Diaper Sprayer

2012-01-29T10:15:00.001-06:00

DIY Tutorial: Make Your Own Diaper Sprayer

by GIDGET on AUGUST 25, 2008

in FAMILY,GREEN & NATURAL LIVING,SIMPLE & FRUGAL LIVING

After getting fed up with poopy cloth diapers (even with my awesome flushable liners I use), I decided it was time to look into a diaper sprayer, which is basically a kitchen sink sprayer on a hose which attaches to the toilet’s water line. I wasn’t interested in buying one for $40 from the diaper companies, so we started looking online on how to make one ourselves. Unfortunately I only found a couple of tutorials, with no pictures!

So, Moondoggie will be offering his first guest post here on Gidget Goes Home with a step-by-step tutorial on making your own for about half the cost. These parts came out to around $20 at Home Depot and it took maybe 20 minutes to assemble. So without further adieu, here’s Moondoggie.

So Gidget told me one day that she was sick of sticking her hands in the toilet to get Chiquita’s poop off those cloth diapers. Before we started using cloth diapers, I would have never guessed that a kitchen sprayer next to the toilet would be so useful (when I told the guy at Home Depot what I was doing, he actually asked if I was making a bidet).

Anyways, here’s a list of the parts I bought for this diaper sprayer. We looked at several versions on the web that used barbed connections and hose clamps. You will find that all the connections in this design are threaded and (probably) less likely to leak.

-Kitchen Sink Spray Hose & Head Assembly
-Filter Connector Splicer (I think this is actually designed for a refrigerator water filter; it may also be called an “Ice Maker Supply Line”)
-Ander-Lign Compression Connector (1/4″ OD x 1/4″ MIP w/insert)
-“Adapt-a-Valve” T-fitting (3/8″ x 3/8″ x 1/4″)
-1/4″ Shut-off valve (update: picture now below!)

1) The first thing you need to do is turn off the water that feeds into the toilet supply line.

2) Next, unscrew the toilet supply line from the valve. At this point, I should tell you to make sure that you toilet supply line is flexible. The rest of the procedure won’t be possible if you have a rigid toilet supply line. You can replace your supply line if necessary (or just check all the other toilets in your house until you find a flexible one – that’s what we had to do). It is helpful to have a small dish to catch any excess water that may be left in the toilet supply line.

3) Install the Filter Connector Splicer (fancy name for PVC tube with threaded ends) onto the 1/4″ branch of the T-fitting.

4) Attach the toilet supply line to the upper leg of the T-fitting. For those that haven’t done much plumbing work (which includes me; I am only going off what I have picked up since doing this project), the connection on your toilet supply line is most likely 3/8″ compression threads and that’s what I have assumed as I wrote these instructions.

5) Now you can install the T-fitting onto the valve.

6) To prevent the head of the sprayer from being under constant pressure, install a shut-off valve on the end of the sprayer line. Install the Compression Connector in the other end of the shut-off valve (you will notice that the 1/4″ pipe threads go into the valve and the 1/4″ compression threads will be free for now). This valve goes in between the Compression Connector and the end of the sprayer line shown in this photo (see next step for updated photo).

7) Install the PVC tube onto the 1/4″ compression thread side of the Compression Connector.

8 ) As a general note, I was instructed by the guy at Home Depot (obviously not an Olympian) not to tighten the compression fittings too much. Doing so may shred the washers and leave you with a leaky system. Also, I realized as I was putting the instructions together that it’s possible to install the parts in a different order and still have everything hook up correctly.

9) Once all the connections are properly tightened, turn the water back on to the valve. You will need to play with the pressure to get the right flow out of the sprayer. Also, you may experience some odd behavior from your toilet bowl and tank(running water sounds). I have found that it is just taking the tank longer to fill up (I am not a toilet expert so there may be more to that explanation that I am not equipped to offer).

That’s it. You can now use it to get that poop off without sticking your whole hand in the toilet. And if you are really brave you can start a water fight with your kids (not recommended for bathrooms with carpet).

Disclaimer: The following instructions are for inspirational purposes only, and are not from a plumber, but rather a simple DIY family. Feel free to try out and share this tutorial!

Credit: http://gidgetgoeshome.com/2008/08/25/diy-tutorial-make-your-own-diaper-sprayer/

SoftBums New Snap Colors Giveaway!

2012-01-20T13:07:00.000-06:00

Snap Shell

SoftBums Snap Echo Shell

I know you all want new diapers, so we are having a Giveaway to celebrate that we have 2 new colors being stocked on www.softbums.com this week!

If you haven't tried SoftBums Snap shells, here's a run down on how they work:

They don't look all that special, but trust me when I say the Fit is Amazing! Somehow we were able to make some SoftBums magic happen here at the design team studio and made a super duper easy to use snap configuration that won't intimidate, or confuse, but Fits Amazingly well!
NO Wing Droop! If you don't know what wing droop is, then you can ignore this one because you'll still never know if you buy a SoftBums. If you do know, and hate wingdroop, this is a diaper for you!
EASY! I love, love, love quick diaper changes personally. And, I don't think I'm alone in thinking that most daddies do too. Only one row of snaps, means quick changes. So, if you want a daddy friendly diaper, here ya go ;)
Self adjusting Hip Snap! We designed that second snap on the wings to work as an inline hip snap, that tag teams with our adjustable leg elastic, for the best hip snap on earth.

I am personally a Velcro lover, but I do appreciate a good snap diaper. If you love Snaps, this is certainly one to try on your little bundle :)

Here is an oldie, but goodie video with a daddy using SoftBums Snaps on his twins so you can see how they work http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2iZMhSRr5g

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm a good mother, you're a good mother (blog re-post)

2012-01-18T16:25:00.002-06:00

I came across this blog post a while ago, and thought I would share it with our followers.
I like it, tell me what you think?
Taken from:630 and a glass of wine

I’m a good mother, you’re a good mother.

Oh wait, you don’t breastfeed your baby? You don’t co-sleep with your baby? You don’t swaddle? You do swaddle? You do co-sleep with your baby?! You feed your child non-organic food? You feed your child meat? You have a nanny? You work? You’re a stay-at -home mother? Did you circumcise? You didn’t circumcise? Oh my goodness, no, you don’t…..you don’t vaccinate your children do you?

If you answered yes or no to even one of the above questions, then I’m sorry, but you clearly aren’t a good mother. Not as good as the mothers who either did or didn’t use one or all of the aforementioned parenting tools. You’re like, the Amber from ‘Teen Mom’ of mothers. Jeez. Why don’t you know how wrong your choices are?

Whew! Its exhausting just pretending to judge everyone else’s mothering abilities, I have to hand it to all the women who do it professionally. And by professionally, I mean, clog up their Facebook pages, their conversations, their websites, their blogs, with constant reminders of how much better what they do for their children is, than what you do.

But, you know, I really have to respect their confidence as well. No kidding. I’m a quaking jello mold of crippling guilt and uncertainty concerning my parenting skills. It must feel so good to just know that everything you’re doing is the best thing, and will definitely NOT result in your child’s future as a homeless street musician.

Here’s what I know I’m good at:

Buying baby clothes.

Here’s what I agonize over:

Feeding the baby. Cleaning the baby. Is he warm enough? Is he too warm? How much he sleeps. The quality of his sleep. Do I give him enough affection? Am I smothering him? Is he normal? Is he falling behind? Will he get some girl pregnant in high school? Is that a smear of his poop on the coffee table?

I’ve been blessed with the inability to presume that I’m doing anything correctly as a mother, so you know what I really don’t need? I really don’t need to open my Facebook page and get a nasty slap from a link to an article telling me that the flu shot I just took is going to kill my unborn fetus, or that the vaccination I just authorized for my baby is going to render him developmentally disabIed. It really burned me up to see the suggestion to someone who was offering formula coupons on a trade and barter site that they should, “burn them.” Wow.

Here’s the thing, I don’t want any harm to come my child. No mother does. Here’s the other thing, I can read. We all can. We all see the same news bulletins and essays and articles concerning pregnancy, childbirth, vaccinations, and child rearing. We do our research and make our informed decisions and thank you so much, but we don’t need to be reminded( day after day) that there are other schools of thought. We KNOW. I recently asked a friend on Facebook what she was feeding her baby. Simple question, right? She sent me a private email explaining that she didn’t dare to answer me in the public comment thread because she knew she would be attacked by “Breast is Best” advocates about her use of formula! Holy Hell. I don’t even want to repeat the cliche about how I wasn’t breastfed, and look at me, I’ve never even had a cavity( true!), but oops, I just did repeat it, and for good reason! Breast is best, but formula isn’t toxic. In fact, its pretty damn good.

Do you beat your kids senseless? Do you starve them? Do you withhold all love and affection? Do you tell them they aren’t worthy?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then I think we have an issue. If not, then my guess is you are doing your very best at the hardest, hardest job. And you’re probably doing terrific-ly. I don’t know about ya’ll, but I could reeeeaally use one less sleepless, staring bug-eyed at the ceiling, doubting my every decision night, compliments of a ” helpful” reminder about the irreversible trauma I’ve caused my son by…..[ fill in alarmist rant here.]

Dial it down, ladies, dial it down. If you’ve never had a moment of doubt, never thought you were the worst mother in the world, then continue on as you are. But, for those of us who do have doubts and guilt and worries, and I’m pretty sure we all do, then maybe we need to think the next time we offer another mother unsolicited advice. Is it reallyhelping her? Really preventing disaster? Or is it just slumping her shoulders a little further down?

About the author: Heather Bogolyubova has an un-pronouncable last name. A Maine native, she's returned to the Pine Tree state after several years in New York. Now, she's a newlywed, has a new baby, a new job, and lots of fancy shoes she can never wear in the snow. The job: Stay-at- home mother and wife. Its hard. She's going to tell you all about it.

SoftBums MAD Print Week! Giveaway JuJu Be Bag, Baby Leg warmers, and Planet Wise wetbag, Plus SoftBums diapers!

2011-09-04T10:52:00.001-05:00

SoftBums NEW PRINT #4!

Last Day of the SoftBums MAD Print Week!!

BLOOGA!!

Blooga is a great gender neutral print, and comes in Both Omni and Echo. This print we have more instock, so it should stick around SoftBums for a while!

WIN IT!!!

We're having a Giveaway so you can Win one of these new SoftBums Print Echo Diapers, and we're also giving away some of our favorite Diaper Bags that works perfectly for cloth diapers!

Ju-Ju Be bags are awesome enough already with TONS of pockets and a rock'in "Mama Pocket" in the front with easy access to all your mommy stuff. But, we feel after using about a billion different bags, this style works really well for cloth diapers. It's got a huge inner pocket, and tons of big enough for wetbags, and shells, other pockets too. It is the Lotus Lullaby pattern, in the BeSpicy style.

Ju-Ju Be Bag!

We are also giving away 2 adorable Baby Legwarmers in your choice of boy/girl or gender neutral prints!

Plus win one of these adorable Blooga Shells + O-Pod for your little darlin!

Planet Wise wetbag for your dirties!

SoftBums MAD Print Week! Giveaway CJ's BUTTer + Hot Dog Echo Diaper

2011-09-03T13:03:00.001-05:00

SoftBums NEW PRINT #4!

HOT DOGS!!!!

HOT DIGGITY DOG, this print is cute!!! We love this Limited Edition Print, and we hope you do too!

WIN IT!!!

We're having a Giveaway so you can Win one of these new SoftBums Print Echo Diapers, and we're also giving away some of our favorite cloth friendly Diaper Cream!! CJ's Butter! 4 oz of unscented CJ's butter in a tube. This stuff is such good quality I use it on my dry hands in the MN winters too :)

Plus win one of these adorable Hot Dog Echo Shells + O-Pod for your little darlin!

SoftBums MAD Print Giveaway - HABA Wooden Toys and diapers!

2011-09-02T10:54:00.001-05:00

SoftBums NEW PRINT #3!

Sugar & Spice Giraffes

So adorable for your little girl! We haven't had a new girly print for SoftBums in a long time!

WIN IT!!!

We're having a Giveaway so you can Win one of these new SoftBums Print Echo Diapers, and we're also giving away some of our favorite wooden toys!! So natural and safe for baby. Nothing is better than a premium wooden toy for your precious little one. They are so smooth, and soft and such high quality you'll pass it down to your other baby too!

MOBY

This little wooden toy is soooo cute in person!

Jungle Pacifier Chain.
If your baby takes a binky, this thing is invaluable as it keeps it from falling on the dirty floor, and is also a toy for baby!

Haba Triangle Toy

This toy has been a classic for years! I think I still have the one for my son 12 yrs ago that went thru 3 kids!

Enter to win!!!

1st Prize A HABA Jungle Pacifier Chain ,
PLUS a SoftBums new print Echo diaper + DryTouch Pod!

2nd Prize A HABA Moby toy,
PLUS a SoftBums new print Echo diaper + Dry Touch Pod!

3rd Prize A HABA Triangle toy,
PLUS a SoftBums new print Echo diaper + Dry Touch Pod!

SoftBums MAD Print Week -Giveaway 3 Aden and Anais swaddling blanket!

2011-09-01T09:51:00.001-05:00

SoftBums NEW PRINT #2!

Later Gator is back!

This cute print was very popular and makes a great gender neutral option.

WIN IT!!!

We're having a Giveaway so you can Win one of these new SoftBums Print Echo Diapers, and we're also giving away one of our favorite swaddling blankets!! Perfect for all kinds of stuff, not just swaddling. Also makes a great nursing cover, sunshade, play blanket, emergency changing pad and more!

Enter to win!!!

Winner gets a whole set of 4 Alpha Bits Print muslin Aden and Anais swaddling blankets,
PLUS a SoftBums new print Echo diaper + Pod!

SoftBums FaceBook Giveaway to celebrate MAD Print week!

2011-08-31T20:30:00.003-05:00

That's one happy Baby in her SoftBums Diaper!!

Congratulations to everyone who won!

We will have another giveaway tomorrow on the blog so stay tuned!

Winners each get a SoftBums diapers, their choice of color or print + O-pod

Here's the list of winners:

‎Stephanie Michelle Chartier

Angie Jackson

‎Hannah Rodriguez

‎Kelsey Marie Caldwell

‎Frieda Thurman
‎

‎

Please contact me at softbumscs@gmail.com to get your prize
‎

SoftBums MAD Print Week! - SoftBums Diaper Giveaway!

2011-08-31T11:28:00.001-05:00

SoftBums Print #1:

SoftBums Newest Print called "Sunny Side Up"

We know what you've been waiting for!!!

PRINTS!!!!

Get your very own stash of SoftBums Diapers in a rainbow of colors and NEW PRINTS!

Enter to win:

1st Prize - SoftBums Good to Go Package. Includes 8 SoftBums Shells, 24 Pods, and 8 Mini Pods (everything you'll need for diapering but the baby!) In your choice of colors + 1 new print

2nd Prize - SoftBums Trial Package. Includes 2 SoftBums Shells, 6 Pods, and 2 Mini Pods. (perfect for a day's worth of diapers for an older baby, or 1/2 days worth for a tiny one) In your choice of colors + 1 new print

3rd Prize - SoftBums OMNI Solo Pack in your choice of NEW PRINT
PLUS 3 Baby Leg warmers in your choice of prints

4th Prize - SoftBums OMNI Solo Pack in your choice of NEW PRINT
PLUS CJ's Butter, cloth diaper friendly rash cream

5th Prize - SoftBums OMNI Solo Pack in your choice of NEW PRINT
PLUS a set of Cloth Wipes

SoftBums is excited to announce the release of five new limited edition prints! It's all part of the SoftBums Mad Prints Week August 31st - September 4th.

Each day we'll release an exciting new print to the public!

Wednesday August 31st:   Print #1 In OMNI
Thursday September 1st:   Print #2 In ECHO
Friday September 2nd:    Print #3 In ECHO
Saturday September 3rd:   Print #4 In ECHO
Sunday September 4th:    Print #5 In ECHO & OMNI

SoftBums MAD Print Week! Almost time to release the new prints!

2011-08-31T09:11:00.000-05:00

HOORAY!!!

SoftBums MAD Print week is beginning!!

All of us at SoftBums would love to have you join in the fun and excitement as we release five new limited edition prints! It's all part of the SoftBums Mad Prints Week August 31st - September 4th.

Each day we'll release an exciting new print to the public. The first print releases today, August 31st. These are VERY limited prints. Once they're gone, they're gone!

The fun and games are already in full swing on the SoftBums Blog,http://loveclothdiapers.blogspot.com/ We're having awesome giveaways all week in conjunction with the print releases on the SoftBums Blog, Facebook and Twitter. Feel free to enter!

SoftBums is excited to announce the release of five new limited edition prints! It's all part of the SoftBums Mad Prints Week August 31st - September 4th.

Each day we'll release an exciting new print to the public!

SoftBums MAD Print Week - Giveaway Ergo baby carrier!

2011-08-29T12:38:00.000-05:00

SoftBums Mad Print Week -

Giveaway Ergo baby carrier!!

WIN one of your very own Ergo Options baby carrier with optional prints!!

This cool carrier is so versatile. It starts out plain black and you can add one of 3 print options depending on your mood, or what you are wearing! Perfect!

Plus we are giving away 1 SoftBums Echo + Pod in one of our new Prints!!

Please Enter this Giveaway by adding your name/email addy and Tell us what New Print you'd love to see!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents! Past winners of any SoftBums giveaways please give others a chance, thanks! Winner will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends 9/17 at 8 pm! 2011

SoftBums MAD Print Week!

2011-08-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

Here at SoftBums we are Mad as a Hatter for our newest Prints!!

I know a lot of you are Crazy Excited for them too, especially because a few of them are Super Limited Prints!

SoftBums MAD PRINT WEEK

August 29th - September 4th

Let's kick off this week with some fun and games!

August 29th - September 4th is MAD PRINT WEEK. Giveaways all day everyday, so come back and have fun with us! We'll be giving away TONS of FREE SoftBums Diapers, Ergo Baby Carriers, Aden and Anais Blankets, Haba wooden toys, Baby Legs, CJ's Butter and more for your little bundle!!

Out to Dry

2011-08-26T17:18:00.000-05:00

About a year and a half ago, we moved into a new house. I LOVE that my laundry room is now off the kitchen instead of in the basement. What I don't love is that the room is so tiny that I hit my bottom on the wall when I'm getting the laundry out of the dryer!! So, needless to say, we don't have room for a traditional folding drying rack. I know myself too well to keep a folding drying rack up in the living room because it would only ever get put down when company comes over. ;-) My solution then, was to make my own "rack" over the laundry room sink. Ta da:

It actually works great. I just hang my covers up straight from the wash and stick my pods in the dryer. It's a great solution for a small space. My neighbor also has the same floor plan and has a great solution too. Another option is something a friend recommended. She has a drying rack her husband installed onto the door hinge. It's another great solution drying in a small space.

We want to hear your thoughts on drying in small spaces!

Fits Skinny Mini to Chunky Monkey SoftBums Photo Contest Winners Picked!

2011-08-17T17:16:00.000-05:00

Awesome pics were sent in from all over to show off how well SoftBums can fit on Skinny babies, even tiny 6 lb newborns, all the way up to Chunky toddlers. They don't just fit all sizes of babies, but they work great!!

If you don't know the story behind SoftBums diapers, Sarah, the inventor, had 4 babies, 2 of which were skinny minis, and 2 of which were chunky monkeys.... These babies are hard to fit!! If the diaper is too loose, you get bad leaks, and if the diaper is too tight, you get red marks. After making endless custom diapers for customers, SoftBums adjustment system was born to help get a tailor fit for every baby!

Thanks everyone for sending in pics, it was really hard to choose!!!

Traci Lalli Rodkey
Lisa Gayer
LaShawna Sims
Alisha Cudaback
Dana Dirks

Congratulations Everyone!
Please email us at softbumsinfo@gmail.com and let us know your color preferences for your diaper!

SoftBums Giveaway!

2011-08-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

SoftBums Facebook Giveaway!

SoftBums Fits from Skinny Mini, to Chunky Monkey!

We LOVE baby pics! Submit a pic of your newborn in a SoftBums, or your big baby/toddler to enter and win a SoftBums OMNI in your choice of color or print.

If you have a pic of 2 different sized babies together in the same pic that is worth 2 submissions!

We will pick our favorite 4 winners at 8pm 8-14. Send pic to softbumsinfo@gmail.com or upload it onto our Facebook photos album

7mo and 2.5 yr old brothers chill'in in their SoftBums :)

SUPER SALE!

2011-06-27T18:08:00.000-05:00

We are delighted to announce a

SALE on all SUPER DRY TOUCH PODS

and DRY TOUCH MINI PODS!!

Sale will run Monday, June 27th until Saturday, July 2nd or until supply runs out!

Our SUPER Pods came out last year, and are a great diaper for heavy wetters and overnights!

SoftBums DryTouch Mini Pods are the perfect doubler for adding a TON of super trim absorbency, with the softest fleece ever on top to give baby a dry touch, and at a great price!! These work perfectly as Newborn Pods in SoftBums shells, and also work in any other diaper system as newborn inserts or doublers.

At these prices, now is the time to stock up!

SUPER PODS on SALE for $4.76 each

MINI POD on SALE for $2.36 each

And our sale also extends to SUPER DryTouch packages!!

I am also really excited to tell you that we will be releasing new prints soon!!!

Our limited prints in the past have gone very quickly so don't blink, you might miss them!

Games and Prizes on our SoftBums FaceBook page, and Love Cloth Diapers Blog all this week!

Thanks!

Sarah Van Bogart

www.softbums.com

Diaper Cream

2011-06-10T14:35:00.017-05:00

Yikes! I had a screaming meany on my hands the other tonight. My poor little boy (he’s 4 months old) has a sensitive bum and after sleeping in a messy diaper during his nap, he woke up bright red and grouchy. So, what do you do about a diaper rash and cloth diapers? Definitely don’t use diaper cream without protecting your cloth unless you know it's safe for cloth diapers. Diaper creams can affect the absorbency of your diaper over time and will stain it. What’s worked for me is using flushable liners like these Osco Cozy liners which we carry in the Bamboo Baby store.

Just lay the liner down between your babies slathered up bum and the diaper. When it’s time for the next diaper change, just flush the liner down the toilet like toilet paper. Another alternative is getting reusable fleece liners. Various companies make them or you can buy some microfleece from the fabric store and to make your own. The great thing about fleece is that it doesn’t unravel so you don’t have to have any mad sewing skills to make your own liners. You just need to know how to cut a straight line. :-)

If you don’t want to mess with liners and decide to go with a diaper safe cream, we have a couple of options in our store. I’m not really sure what monkey farts smell like, but evidently the makers of CJ’s Butter know because it’s one of the scents they have for their diaper cream and we happen to carry it. :-) I really meant to grab a tube of the unscented version of their product for the blog picture but only realized after I downloaded the picture off my camera that I grabbed the wrong one. :-)

Another cloth diaper safe cream is Angel Bottom Balm by Earth Mama.

One of the best ways, though, to treat diaper rash is just to let your little one go without a diaper whenever possible. This is a picture of my daughter when she was 5 months old and had a horrible diaper rash. I just dressed her in pajamas and let her roll around the floor on a few layers of beach towels and baby blankets to help save the carpet. Probably most mamas know to do this but I thought it would be a great chance to insert a cute baby picture! :-)

Spring Fling Giveaway at SoftBums!

2011-05-05T15:11:00.001-05:00

We want to hear your opinions on SoftBums Diapers, and what you'd like to see from us for the future!

New colors? Snaps? A favorite idea for a print? New Pod styles?
Let us know your thoughts!This Giveaway is for a SoftBums Echo 6-pack, and includes 2 SoftBums Echo Shells in your choice of our 9 awesome solids, or giraffe print. Plus 6 SoftBums Snap-in DryTouch Pods, and 2 Mini Pods!

Please Enter this Giveaway by adding your name/email addy and Tell us what you want to see from SoftBums!
1 Entry per day.

Extra entries available for:

Follow This SoftBums "Love Cloth Diapers" Blog

Follow SoftBums on twitter

Tweet about this Giveaway!

Become a fan of SoftBums on Facebook & Leave a comment.

Or post on your own Facebook Page about this giveaway and leave a link! http://loveclothdiapers.blogspot.com/

Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet, or post on your FB every day until the giveaway ends for 1 extra entry PER DAY.

5 Extra Entries for:

Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.

Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents! Past winners of any SoftBums giveaways please give others a chance, thanks! Winner will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends 5/26 at 8 pm! 2011

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR NEW POSTS LATER. THANKS!

SoftBums on Kare 11 News!

2011-05-01T01:17:00.000-05:00

New SoftBums Print!

2011-03-23T09:13:00.001-05:00

Baby Brown Giraffes!

Super Cute print, that's very gender neutral so perfect for boys, or girls!

We will have this print in BOTH Omni and Echo SoftBums shell styles! They are available NOW! And are shipping immediately!

We will be doing a whole month of prints in April so please join our newsletter for more info and updates.

This print does not fade, or bleed, and is made from the same quality PUL material as our solids, so it's very waterproof. We carried this print before, but had to wait to bring it back until we could make sure it would not fade. Now we've got it back in again, just for your little sweety! Enjoy babyhood, and spoil your darlin, they are only little for so long!!

www.SoftBums.com

UPDATE!!

Winner for the Giveaway has been chosen! Congratulations Kristen! We have emailed you and we hope you enjoy your new SoftBums diaper!

Little 6 week old Morgan in her Giraffes SoftBums! Fits like a glove!

Exciting News!

2011-03-22T16:21:00.002-05:00

Exciting News at SoftBums!!

What will it be???

Guess now and win a FREE SoftBums OMNI
with a New Dry-Touch Pod for your baby!

1 Entry per day.

Extra entries available for:

Follow This Blog

Follow SoftBums on twitter. Leave a comment.

Become a fan of SoftBums on Facebook. Leave a comment.

Tweet This Giveaway!

Leave a review on DiaperPin

Leave a comment with a link to your status.
You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends
for 1 extra entry PER DAY.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents!
Past winners of any SoftBums giveaways please
give others a chance, thanks! Winner will be
drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours
to get back to me after being contacted or a
new winner will be drawn. Ends 4/7 at 8 pm! 2011

SoftBums New T-shirt

2011-03-22T14:20:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the many submissions we got when we posted a T-shirt contest on our Facebook page, we now have a NEW T-shirt!

These shirts will be available soon on our site, in Sm, Med, Lg and X-Lg adult sizes in 100% Cotton.

As well as super cuddly soft, 100% cotton baby Lap T-shirts, and Toddler sizes.

Please email us for more details! Thanks!

Exciting NEWS at SoftBums!!

2011-03-06T08:52:00.000-06:00

Stay tuned to hear more of the breaking NEWS at SoftBums!

Giveaways, Prizes, Raffles, and more!!

Introducing the first OMNI Print! Miss Kitty

2011-01-20T23:08:00.000-06:00

Miss Kitty!

Isn't it cute!!

SoftBums OMNI Giveaway!

2011-01-19T15:57:00.004-06:00

Can you guess what's New at SoftBums???

Yes, it has something to do with the OMNI Diaper!!!

Enter today to win your very own OMNI!

SoftBums OMNI

Please Enter this Giveaway by adding your name/email addy and GUESS

1 Entry per day.

Extra entries available for:

Follow This SoftBums "Love Cloth Diapers" Blog

Follow and tweet this giveaway.

Follow SoftBums on twitter. Leave a comment.

Become a fan of SoftBums on Facebook. Leave a comment.

Leave a review on DiaperPin

5 Extra Entries for:

Sending in a Pic of your baby in a SoftBums Diaper!

You can upload it on Facebook, or email it to softbums @ gmail . com

Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends for 1 extra entry PER DAY.

Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.

Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.

Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.

Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents! Past winners of any SoftBums giveaways please give others a chance, thanks! Winner will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends 1/20 at 8 pm! 2011

Softbums Winners!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-20T00:06:00.003-05:00

The GRAND PRIZE Winner of the IPAD is:
Heather Scholten!
Her entry was randomly chosen off of the blog: mommato3blessings.blogspot.com

The First Place Prize of Birth to Potty Package of Softbums is:
Kristin Burr

Second Place prize of a $75 giftcard to www.softbums.com goes to:
knockedupandnursing

Third Place Prize of a $50 Amazon.com giftcard goes to:
what_mama_wants
We also gave away 15 of our new Omni Diaper to:
kohines
sckatz
rasmith0506
jdeemariecgarrett15738500
belljl24
mcbrady13
rasmith0506
livingsimplyNM
chicstyle
barefeetonthedashboard
myelevenreasons
bakergurl02
diaryofmomma00
lesalia17

We also gave away 3 pairs of babylegs leggings to:
c_guf@yahoo.com
tageorge6386
angela_heffner

If you won you should have gotten an email with directions on how to claim your prize, if you have not please email meganschultz@gmail.com and let me know!

This was by FAR the biggest giveaway we have ever done here at Softbums! Thank you all so much for all the hard work you put into your blogs, reviews, tests, and entries! We are so thrilled with the thousands of entries that were posted and all the help everybody gave with making the Omni reveal a HUGE success!

If you didn't win, please don't be discouraged because we are giving away another Omni in our new print! Can you guess the print?! Post your guess in the comments!

Extra entries available for:

Follow This SoftBums "Love Cloth Diapers" Blog

Follow and tweet this giveaway.

Follow SoftBums on twitter. Leave a comment.

Become a fan of SoftBums on Facebook. Leave a comment.

5 Extra Entries for:
Sending in a Pic of your baby in a SoftBums Diaper!
You can upload it on Facebook, or email it to softbums @ gmail . com

5 Extra Entries for:

Purchasing Something at www.softbums.com

Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends for 1 extra entry PER DAY.
Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.
Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.
Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.
Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

This giveaway is open to US Residents! Past winners of any SoftBums giveaways please give others a chance, thanks! Winner will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends October 31 at 8 pm! 2010

NEW SoftBums OMNI Diaper is Here

2010-09-28T14:58:00.029-05:00

OMNI Diaper!!

Our new diaper is here!

SoftBums Mystery Product Unveiling Blog Event!

(and a chance to win a FREE iPad!)

Win a FREE iPAD!!!

Feel free to visit ALL the 100+ bloggers linked to this giveaway for a chance to win!

PRIZES:

Grand Prize: A Brand New iPad

First Prize: Complete Birth to

Potty Package of SoftBums

NEW Mystery Diapers!!

Second Prize: Win a

gift certificate for $75

to www.softbums.com

Third Prize: Amazon Gift Card worth $50

PLUS: 1 SoftBums Mystery Omni! Diaper given out to winners #5-#20

PLUS: Baby Legs to winners #21-#23

PLUS: the lucky blogger who's blog hosted the iPad winner, gets an Amazon Gift Card too!

You can choose to enter only one Participating Blog, or bounce around and enter on ALL the BLOGS!

Sound like fun?

To get an early start and extra entries:

Post, blog or Tweet about the SoftBums Mystery Event and comment here to enter your entry.

Plus Extra entries available for:

Going to other SoftBums Mystery Event Blogs, listed at the bottom of this Post
Follow This SoftBums "Love Cloth Diapers" Blog
Follow and tweet this giveaway.
Follow SoftBums on twitter. Leave a comment.
"Liking" SoftBums on Facebook. Leave a comment
Tell why you are excited to try the new diaper!
share this Mystery Event as your status on Facebook
leaving a review on www.softbums.com
Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.
Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.
Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.
Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends

This giveaway is open to US Residents! Past winners of any SoftBums giveaways please give others a chance, thanks! Winners will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends October 18th at 8 pm! 2010 Here is the List of Blogs, comment on all of them to increase your chances to WIN!! Review Bloggers to WIN all Prizes including the iPAD:

2010-08-19T17:56:00.002-05:00

Diaper Party Blow-out!

#SoftBums Twitter Party tonight 8/19 at 8pm

Party Link http://dld.bz/szVA

We need you to come to our Twitter Party to help us spread the word about cloth diapering. And to thank you we are giving away TONS of Free SoftBums Diapers!

The Down Low on Pods' Absorbancy

2010-08-16T21:17:00.008-05:00

So What is the Difference?

Here at SoftBums we offer several different options for you and your baby when it comes to types of Pods you can use in your Slide2Size shell! I set out to see what the exact difference was when we compare absorbancy and what each Pod can handle compared to others.

First, the Mini Pods. These little guys are a staple in your diaper collection, from newborn inserts on their own, to extra absorbancy where and when you need it! We offer a Organic Mini Pod or a Dry Touch Mini Pod.

The Organic Mini Pod's dry weight was a mere 19.5 grams! Light weight with a mega power to absorb! It is capeable of holding 73.5mL (about 2.5 fluid oz) of water!* That is 3.75 its own weight! One important note is that the Organic Pod that I have is not the same as the new ones that we are selling, the ones I have are a previous design and are smaller than the ones we sell now.

The Dry Touch Mini Pod had a dry weight of 30 grams, and could hold up to 188mL (about 6.35 fluid oz) of water.* That is 6 and 1/3 its own weight! This little guy, when added to your other pod, will almost DOUBLE your absorbancy power! A MUST HAVE in your diaper stash!

Second, the heart of your SoftBums diapers...the Pod. We offer an Organic, Dry Touch, and Dry Touch Super Pod.

The organic pod had a dry weight of 102 grams and when soaked weighed in at 398 grams! Resulting in an absorbancy of 296 mL (about 10 fl oz) of water (that is almost 3 times its dry weight that it can hold) ! With the extra length to fold the Pod how you need to get the most absorbancy (under for girls, in front for boys), and the super super softness of the Organic Bamboo Velour it is something you have to try to believe!

The dry touch insert with its oh so soft micro flece top had a dry weight of 57 grams. When fully loaded it can hold up to 265 mL of water (about 8.96 fl oz), that is about 4.6 times its dry weight!

The dry touch super insert adds an extra layer of absorbancy for night time, nap time, long car trips, heavy wetters, etc. With a dry weight of only 68 grams, it can hold up to 381 mL (12.88 fl oz) of water! About 5.6 times its own dry weight!

When I sit back and look at my spreadsheet of data, I would assign absorbancy ratings as follows.

Mini Pod-I am not going to assign a rating until I can test out the new Organic Mini Pods...

Pod-Eventhought the oganic pod has the best absorbancy with the least layers! It had a higher dry weight, but could absorb a higher quantity of water when compared to the Dry Touch Pod (about 30 mL more). Therefore, the Dry Touch Pod will get 4 stars out of 5 and the Organic will get 5 out of 5. The Dry Touch Super Pod also gets 5 out of 5 when looking at absorbancy. Granted there is an extra layer in there to help out, but it is impressive holding an extra 85 mL compared to the Organic, and an extra 116 mL compared to the traditional Dry Touch Pod. A little extra fluff when you need it will pay off big time with the Super Pods!

*All tests were done by soaking the insert fully with water and hanging to drip until they did not drip for 2 minutes. The density of urine is similar to water, not exactally the same. These pods were prepped fully as per SoftBums' instructions (washed at least 7 times, mild and minimal detergent and no softners).

**For more info about inserts see the previous post "Inserts Explained" to get further details! And PLEASE don't hesitate to ask questions.

Slide2Size SoftBums Party!!!

2010-07-28T16:08:00.000-05:00

Join us Thursday night (7/29) for #Slide2Size with @SoftBums

Introducing the SoftBums Echo diaper with the patent pending Slide²Size system. The Echo is a super trim hybrid diaper and has been voted the best one-size diaper for newborns. It really is the a perfect diaper for EVERY size baby. Soft Bums has revamped their website and their blog and has more surprises coming soon.
Date: Thursday, July 29th, 2010 – 9pm ET
Hosts: @EcoChicParties (and @TheEcoChic), @SoftBums, @SoftBumsMama
Hashtags: #Slide2Size, #clothdiapers
Prizes:
Twelve (12) individual winners will each get to take home a SoftBums Echo Solo Pack (Solo pack includes 1 pod (insert) and 1 Echo shell with Slide²Size).
The Grand Prize winner will get to take home either 1) Trial SoftBums Echo Pack with Slide²Size <6 pods, 2 mini pods, and 2 shells> OR 2) the new SoftBums Echo Newborn Booster Pack <24 mini pods and 4 shells>.
To RSVP visit http://ecochicparties.theecochic.com./softbums-clothdiapers-party-729/

Exciting News at SoftBums!!

2010-07-12T16:54:00.000-05:00

Exciting new news at SoftBums!!!

Can you guess what it will be??

Guess right and you may win!!!

Stay tuned to http://www.softbums.com/ for more

Have a great day! :))
Sarah

We have a WINNER!!

2010-06-26T10:59:00.000-05:00

We've got 3 winners for the Chocolate SoftBums Giveaway!

Congratulations:
Melissa, Keith and Aimee, and Rebecca!! You each won a Chocolate SoftBums Basic Pack!

Thank you so much everyone for participating!

CHOCOLATE COLOR GIVEAWAY AT SOFTBUMS BLOG!!

2010-06-19T22:51:00.000-05:00

GUESS WHAT?

SOFTBUMS HAS A COOL NEW COLOR.....

CHOCOLATE!!

Isn't little Axel a cutey! His mama loves pampering his bum in
squishy soft Organic Bamboo SoftBums. Trim, absorbent, and oh so soft.

And to Celebrate we are giving one away to
3 lucky winners in a Giveaway!!

Just post your favorite gender neutral color
(color that works well for boys or girls).
Mine is any shade of BLUE!

You can WIN a SoftBums Dry-touch Basic Pack in
Chocolate for your little sweety :))

1 Entry per day.

5 Extra Entries for:

Sending in a Pic of your baby in a SoftBums Diaper!

You can upload it on Facebook, or email it to softbums @ gmail . com

5 Extra Entries for:

Purchasing Something at www.softbums.com

Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends for 1 extra entry PER DAY.

Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.

Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.

Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.

Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

This giveaway is open to US Residents! Past winners of any SoftBums giveaways please give others a chance, thanks! Winner will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends June 18th at 8 pm! 2010

Inserts Inserts Inserts.....Explained

2010-04-16T07:51:00.018-05:00

We have recently expanded our selection of inserts with the addition of the super-dry touch inserts, and this has added a common question..."What is the difference between all the inserts?"

I will make an attempt to explain the differences.

Let's start with the Doublers.

These little guys come in either Dry Touch or Organic Bamboo, but don't let their small size fool you...they are amazingly absorbent and a must have for any cloth diapering system. They are perfect for older babies, heavy wetters, nap time, and bed time. They add that extra boost of absorbency right where you need it without adding bulk.

Although these little guys don't have the snap to keep them in place, they work wonders as a newborn insert. Just place in your SoftBums (or any) cover and they stay in place amazingly well. These Doublers are just as soft as our inserts! Using your Doubler as a Newborn Insert will diaper your baby 4-12 weeks, and then can be used as baby grows as....Doublers!

Now for the inserts...

We offer several types of full size inserts for your SoftBums. Our Dry-Touch microfiber insert, Dry-Touch SUPER Dry-Touch Insert, Bamboo Dry-Touch Insert, and the Organic Bamboo Insert.

All of the SoftBums Inserts are extra long, so they can be doubled over where baby needs the absorbency most (front for boys, middle for girls). And, when washed, it allows the insert to dry quicker, saving valuable time and resources. Every insert has a snap on the back, to keep it in place in the SoftBums cover. Keep in mind, these inserts would be great in any cover too!

Dry-Touch Microfiber Insert:
These have 2 layers of microfiber terry and are topped with a layer of super soft (all fabrics are Optical Brightener FREE) Dry-Touch micro-fleece. The Fleece keeps baby feeling dry, and helps poops roll right off. These inserts are topped with a synthetic fabric, but be assured it breathes very well, keeping baby cool even in the summer. The synthetic fabric resists staining very well, and if a stain occurs, they are easily sun bleached back to their original color (or close). These inserts have 2 layers of micro fiber terry, and are topped with dry-touch micro fiber fleece.

My opinion: These are what I use for every day use, it is what I have the most of, and love the most. Before SoftBums came out with the SUPER inserts, I would use two of these for overnight. If my inserts are stained, its from butt cream I wiped off my hand onto the liner...oops. These are all I've ever used, I started CDing when Mason was about 6 weeks, and I never used the doublers as inserts.

Dry-Touch Organic Bamboo Insert:
These inserts have 3 layers of organic bamboo fleece, and are topped with the super soft microfiber fleece. The micro fleece is the same as on the dry touch insert, which keeps baby feeling dry, helps poops roll off, and resists staining. While the microfiber terry (as in the dry-touch insert) is VERY absorbent, the bamboo is just a little bit better at absorbing, and when topped with the microfiber fleece to keep baby dry, they make for a happy dry baby.

My opinion: I do not personally own any of these, mainly because they are a pretty new release! I would think that they would be great, the extra absorbency of the bamboo, and the roll off, non staining of the microfiber...perfect!

Dry-Touch Super Insert:
These inserts are truly SUPER! They have 3 layers of micro fiber terry, and are topped with dry-touch micro fiber fleece. They are extra soft, and provide the maximum absorbency for heavy wetters, nap times, and bed times. These are made with the Optical Brighter Free Fabrics, which is healthier and safer for baby and the environment.

My opinion: WHAT A LIFE SAVER! Sarah and Softbums is always thinking, coming up with new ideas! I used to use two regular inserts for bed time, but lately, he hasn't seemed to need THAT much absorbency, but still needed more than the insert and doubler could provide, then WALLAH, along came the supers! This bad boy will hold him throughout the night (full 12 hours), with no leaks, and and absorbency to spare! I LOVE these supers! My son used to be a heavy wetter, and if these were available a while ago, I would have bought them up. They do have that extra layer, so they are a little fluffier, but are still so trim fitting they would work perfect for daytime use under clothing if needed!

Organic Bamboo Insert:
This is the Rolls Royce of inserts! It has 3 layers of organic bamboo fleece, topped with the softest, of soft fabrics called Bamboo Velour, and it too is organic (termed our OBV insert). The extra absorbency that bamboo provides is impossible to over-look in these inserts! They stay feeling dry, and stay soft for a long time! Wash after wash, they seem to keep getting softer...if that is possible!

My opinion: These babies are the best of the best! So absorbent, so soft, and so NATURAL and ORGANIC. When I got my first set, I was confused, they were huge! Don't worry, they shrink down to the size of the standard insert! I was worried the softness would dissipate with each wash, but it hasn't-they have stayed soft and soooo absorbent wash after wash. The only con to these inserts...is the same as any natural fiber insert, is they will stain. However, they are diapers, and if it really is bothersome to you, they will bleach out pretty well in the sun (sun drying). Just like anything line drying will make them feel crunchy when they are done drying outside, toss em in the dryer (I like to throw in a just damp towel ...maybe one I used to shower with that day) and they will loosen right back up. Splurge, and use these, they are so worth it!

Coming soon!
I am going to work on a little science project, and rate the inserts in their absorbency! I have big goals for this...prepped vs. not prepped, each different kind of insert...hopefully even doublers...oooh how exciting! Stay Tuned for that!

Mason in Softbums

2010-04-12T11:32:00.003-05:00

At Mason's 9 month photoshoot, I had the photographer take a quick couple pics of my lil man in his Softbums. I just love this pic...his little chubby rolls on his tummy and his not so little thighs. Going to show how how this diaper can fit babies of chubby or skinny thighs!

I love my SoftBums!

Thank you for visiting us at the Expo!

2010-04-12T10:12:00.003-05:00

The baby expo was a great success for us at Softbums!

Eventhough the Baby and Kid's Expo landed on one of the first GORGEOUS Minnesota weekends, a lot of people ventured inside for a few hours and visited us at the Sofbums booth!

It was great to speak with people who already were using Sofbums' drawstring diapers, and those who were expecting their first or third baby and venturing into the world of cloth diapering! It was great to meet everybody and hear feedback about our diapers! We had great reception from everybody, and want to say a special thank you to all the retailers that took the time to speak with us about possibly carrying our diapers in their stores!

The expo was a great way to see what other baby/kids/mom vendors are out there! It was great to make my way past (I was chasing my 1 year old) all the vendors, and even see some old friends! If you didn't hear about it this year, make sure to mark it on your calendar for next year!

SoftBums at the MN Baby and Kids Expo!

2010-04-10T01:37:00.000-05:00

Come see us at the MN Baby and Kids Expo this weekend!

Email me for a $4 off coupon too!

There will be lots of fun stuff to see and do.

It's at 10 am-5 sat and sun at the Convention Center in Minneapolis.

http://minnesotababyexpo.com/pages/DatesTimesDetails.htm

I will be doing a Class on Modern Diapering on Sun too.

Hope to see ya there!

WE HAVE WINNERS!!!!!!!

2010-04-02T08:00:00.008-05:00

After a long awaited result, the process is over, a month of entries and so many guesses on the new SoftBums prints...we are proud to announce all of our new prints along with our winners for the biggest give away we have ever done! Thank you again for all the entries and support!

Here are all of our new prints that we have in stock (I am sure they will go quick!)

First, Giraffes! Available in both aplix and coordinating (and ooh soo cute snaps). This extra soft cover feels like your t-shirt and like all SoftBums is lined with the softest microfiber you can find, and those one of a kind adjustable legs!

Next is PowderPuffs! Which is also available in both aplix and matching snaps! The sweet print and oh so soft lining is perfect for your little "Oooga booga" PowderPuff, boy or girl!

Last, but not least are the adorable Happy Robots! These, like the others are available in aplix or snaps. It is the perfect little one size fits all diaper, oh so soft, and oh so adjustable!

Make sure you check them all out at SoftBums' website!

Now, who can forget Lator Gator!? This was SoftBums' first ever print and it was a huge hit! So, don't forget to snap some of these bad boys up too! Available in aplix and snaps!

Why the hub-ub over the prints? Because that is what our winners have won!

First place: SoftBums 6 Pack!

Thats 18 snap-ins and 6 doublers. That pack will last all day for a Newborn with 18 changes, or 2 days for an older baby! In the winner's choice of cover designs

And the winner is....
Suzanne Brown! Congratulations!

Second Place: SoftBums basic pack in each (3) of the new prints!!!

That is 3 covers, one of each new print, 9 snap-ins, and 3 doublers!

And the winner is...
Aubrie Williams!!!! Congratulations!

Third place, a SoftBums basic pack, in one of the new prints!

That is one of the famous SoftBums' covers, 3 inserts and one doubler in the so sweet new prints!

The winner is....
Heidi J.
email: chalcedonia@gmail.com

Congrats to all the winners!

SoftBums Spring Giveaway!!

2010-03-31T23:36:00.000-05:00

To Celebrate Spring we are having a CRAZY HUGE Giveaway!

There will be 3 winners for March!

1st Place:

Win a SoftBums 6 Pack!

That's 6 NEW Secret PRINT Covers, 18 Snap-ins and 6 doublers!

2nd Place:

Win a SoftBums Basic Pack in one each of our 3 New Secret prints for March!!

That's 3 NEW Secret PRINT Covers, 9 Snap-ins and 3 doublers!

3rd Place:

Win a SoftBums Basic Pack in one for the NEW Prints! YAY!
That includes One new Print cover, 3 Snap-ins, and 1 doubler!

Stay tuned to what those prints are!

Plus we'll be having a great SALE soon, and more...

Please comment your guess for what the 3 NEW SoftBums PRINTS will be for 1 Entry per day.

5 Extra Entries for:

Sending in a Pic of your baby in a SoftBums Diaper!

You can upload it on Facebook, or email it to softbums @ gmail . com

5 Extra Entries for:

Purchasing Something at www.softbums.com

Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends for 1 extra entry PER DAY.

Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.

Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.

Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.

Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

Down for the count

2010-03-31T22:57:00.004-05:00

I am the elephant on the bottom:

A girl can only take so much before she withers to the ground! It's been a long day, and I knew all day I had so many entries to count after 8pm for the big give-away! So after working for the past few hours...sitting here with my eyes barely open...I have finally tallied all the entries........wow! I know I shouldn't be amazed at the volume, because the product being given away is SOOO wonderful...but it still amazes me. Not only the volume, but the persistence of some of you, without doubt you're entering in every give away!

I have tallied all the entries in an excel sheet (saved several times to different locations) and am now going to work on entering them into "The Hat" a free program I found off the Internet that will randomly choose a winner. However, I do feel like the bottom elephant and will finish doing this in the morning while my little guy is eating breakfast.

It was his 1 year birthday today! And so much celebrating is hard on the pregnant body! So, I am down for the count...keep a look out for the winners tomorrow! You will be getting an email from Sarah...if you do not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn! So keep your eyes peeled!

Have a good night everybody, and we will see you in the morning!

5 Tips for Gaining Support with Cloth Diapering

2010-03-01T15:26:00.001-06:00

As a parent you have probably spent your entire nine months of pregnancy preparing for the arrival of your baby making sure that everything is perfect when they arrive. You’ve researched cloth diapers and decided that you are ready to make the commitment.

Now, how do you convince your partner, spouse, significant other, childcare facility, and others to make this commitment with you? After all, you don’t plan on changing ALL those diapers by yourself do you?

5 Tips for Gaining Support with Cloth Diapering

1. Determine what motivates others. While your spouse might be motivated by the cost savings your childcare provider might be motivated by ease of use. Let that motivator be your focus when explaining to them why you are choosing cloth diapers on your baby.

2. Consider a name change. Call them reusable diapers, modern cloth diapers, or call them by brand name (i.e. Soft Bums) when introducing them to others.

3. Show them off. Having a sample diaper on hand to explain how they work can help ease most people’s fears about cloth diapers. Remember that most people still haven’t seen all the new varieties of cloth diapers that are available.

4. Remember to talk about how easy they are to use. They are just as easy as disposable diapers. Debunk the common myths like having to swish them in the toilet.

5. Ask them to consider a trial period. If you are approaching a childcare facility or caregiver about cloth diapering and you receive any hesitations have them consider a trial period. Chances are that after they see how easy they are to use they won’t object.

Whatever you do, remember to make things easy for everyone involved. If you are going to be putting your baby in day care you probably don’t want to use pre-fold’s with snappis and covers when you can use Soft Bums all-in-two system instead. If your husband is going to be responsible for changing a majority of the diapers (in our dreams right!) you probably don’t want to give him a diaper with 30 snaps on it when you could give him one with Velcro.

My personal story:

When I told my husband I wanted to use cloth diapers he looked at me like I had 6 eyes. He felt a little better once I bought one diaper and showed him how they worked. After a year of cloth diapering he has accepted them as well as can be expected. I have to keep reminding him how much money we've saved this year and that usually brings a smile back to his face.

When we were interviewing caregivers we had a few diapers available with us and explained how they worked. Here is a sample of the conversation with them: “We use modern cloth diapers like this on our baby, are your familiar with them? Let me show you how similar they are to disposable diapers.”

Don’t get frustrated, stay positive and try not to get defensive. People just want their concerns to be heard before they make the commitment with you.

Want additional support? The Real Diaper Association has several pamphlets developed that you can use when introducing cloth diapers to your friends, family and caregivers.

Consider Cloth Pamphlet

Day Care Tip Sheet

This is a guest post by Calley Pate, author and owner of The Eco Chic blog. Calley is an environmental consultant by profession and eco-mommy blogger. She has been cloth diapering her daughter for just over a year.

The Perfect Diapering Accessories

2010-02-22T21:13:00.001-06:00

You have your stash of cloth diapers, now what? What are the perfect diapering accessories that no diaper bag should be without? Here is a peak inside my diaper bag.

1. The Wet bag: Every diaper bag should have at least one wet bag. A medium sized wet bag is perfect for storing wet and soiled diapers while away from home. They typically have either a drawstring or zippered top and can store about 6-12 diapers. Larger bags can be used at home or when traveling and can hold about 12-20 diapers. WahmieBags are available in a wide variety of fabrics on the outside and a coordinating PVC-free waterproof inner layer.

We actually have three small/medium wet bags that we send with our little one each day to her sitters. When the diapers come home the full wet bag goes to the laundry room to wait for laundry day. We also have a large wet bag for the bathroom to store dirties in while at home. An extra bonus, the closed top keeps the smells away between wash days.

2. The Wipes: If you've made the switch to cloth diapers it seems only natural to use cloth wipes. Using a cloth wipe is better for the environment and can reduce rashes up to 70% compared to disposable wipes. Soft Bums premium wipes are made with one layer of super soft cotton flannel and one side of extremely soft cotton sherpa terry.

Not only are these wipes perfect for your babies delicate bum; they can be used as wash clothes, burp rags, and hankies too. Soft Bums wipes are available in space prints for boys and tea time prints for girls. What do I put on my wipes? Water, how much more natural can you get?

3. The Creams: Even the most cared for bum can get diaper rash. Rashes can be caused by diet, teething, detergent residue, and illness. Soft Bums carries only Northern Essence diaper butters and salves and are safe for use on cloth diapers. Most diaper creams available at retail stores can stain your cloth diapers. Northern Essence creams are made from all natural materials and are unscented for a baby’s delicate derriere.

What’s in your diaper bag? What is your favorite accessory?

This is a guest post by Calley Pate, author and owner of The Eco Chic blog. Calley is an environmental consultant by profession and eco-mommy blogger. She has been cloth diapering her daughter for one year.

Valentine's Winner Announced!

2010-02-17T09:41:00.001-06:00

Congratulations Kayla! You have been randomly selected (using http://www.random.org/) as the Soft Bums winner for our Valentine's Day photo contest. Please check your email for notification on claiming your pink Soft Bums cloth diaper.

Thank you to each entrant. You all have some adorable babies. Continue to visit Soft Bums on our blog and Facebook page as we will be having more great giveaways and contests soon.

Have a great day!!!

Cloth Diapers, Water Conservation, and You

2010-02-15T03:00:00.010-06:00

There are so many arguments for whether cloth diapers are really better for the environment than disposables. One of the topics of argument is water usage. It’s no secret that cloth diapers require water usage to launder them. The amount of water used depends on you.

Chances are that if you are considering using cloth diapers (or already use cloth diapers) you are also concerned about the environment. You are probably the type of person who has installed a low-flow showerhead and replaced your toilet with a more water efficient model. You probably don’t soak in a nice hot bath every night or run your sprinklers during the local water ban. So when people argue with you over the amount of water you use to wash your diapers keep that in mind.

Have there been studies that show the actual water usage of both cloth diapers and disposables? Yes and no. The research is very limited and some would say that it is flawed (funded by the disposable diaper companies). Regardless of what the research shows with respect to water usage, water is not the only resource in question.

Disposable diapers use wood and oil in manufacturing and distribution alone. Did you know that to manufacture enough diapers for one baby for a year that over 300 lbs. of wood, 50 lbs. of petroleum, and 20 lbs. of chlorine are used? Forests of trees are being destroyed and our nation’s oil resources are being depleted at a greater rate because of disposable diapers. Keep in mind that oil is not a renewable resource and that while it is a natural resource we are consuming it at a faster rate than nature can reproduce it. Water on the other hand is a renewable resource and makes up 70% of the Earths surface. That’s a lot of water. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t conserve water.

5 simple ways to conserve water while using cloth diapers:

If you are exclusively breastfeeding there is no need to rinse the poop before you wash.
Using a flushable liner will make it easier to remove most solids without rinsing.
Use the correct type and amount of detergent to avoid soap buildup on your diapers.
Wash only a full load of diapers (and a full load is only about 20 diapers). Don’t overstuff the washer or the diapers won’t get as clean.
Use Soft Bums brand cloth diapers with the snap in inserts. Since you can reuse the outer cover 2-3 times you will have fewer diapers to wash on laundry day.

So how do you conserve water at home? What do you say when a naysayer tells you that cloth diapers waste water?

This is a guest post by Calley Pate, author and owner of The Eco Chic blog. Calley is an environmental consultant by profession and eco-blogger by hobby. She has been cloth diapering her daughter for one year.

Soft Bums Valentines Contest

2010-02-08T15:26:00.002-06:00

If real babies wear cloth diapers then real babies can wear pink! Yes, even the boys!

Show off your baby in a pink (or red) cloth diaper and enter for a chance to win a pink (or yellow if your boy doesn't wear pink) Soft Bums cloth diaper in honor of Valentines Day!

Mandatory entry: Visit our Facebook fan page and upload a picture of your baby sporting a pink (or red) cloth diaper. Leave a comment below with your Facebook name and a valid email address.

Extra entries:
1. Subscribe to have I Love Cloth Diapers, the Soft Bums blog delivered to your email inbox.
2. Follow @softbumsmama on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Must include @softbumsmama and a link to this post in your tweet.
3. Make a purchase in the Soft Bums store.

Leave a seperate comment for each entry; with a maximum of 4 entries per family per contest. Please leave a valid email address so that you may be contact if you are the winner.

Contest is open to residents of US and Canada over the age of 18 yrs old. Contest begins on Monday, February 8th and continues until Monday, February 15th (midnight EST). Winner will be selected at random.

Good luck and Happy Valentines Day!

CONTEST ENDED! Congratulations Kayla!!

How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?

2010-02-08T04:00:00.003-06:00

My father use to call me Imelda Marcos…you know the former First Lady of the Philippines’ who had over 3,000 pairs of shoes in her collection…because I was always buying shoes as a teenager. It’s rather amusing that I now get just as excited over cloth diapers as I do over new shoes. I find myself convincing my husband that I need “just one more to match her new outfit!”

It’s not surprising that one of the most common questions for parents is HOW MANY CLOTH DIAPERS DO I NEED?

Facts:

1. The average infant will need to be changed every two hours for the first few months; at least until they begin sleeping through the night. That’s about 12 diaper changes each day.

2. Older babies need to be changed about 8-10 times per day.

3. Toddlers only need to be changed about 4-8 times per day.

Remembering that every baby has different needs at different ages you will want to start with enough diapers for about 24 diaper changes. This will allow you to wash every 2-3 days.

With AI2s like Soft Bums you don’t need 24 different diapers in your stash because you can reuse the cover 1-3 times by simply replacing the snap-in insert. A stash of 24 one-sized pocket diapers would run $406.80 (based on a popular one sized cloth diaper) whereas the Soft Bums Good Set (includes 8 covers, 24 inserts, and 8 doublers) would only run $282.95. In fact, you could get the Soft Bums Complete Pack (includes 10 covers, 36 inserts, and 10 doublers…enough for 36 diaper changes) for less than 24 of the one-sized pocket diapers…and still have money leftover!

I asked my friends on Twitter last week how many diapers are currently in their stash. Here are some of the responses.

@Kaylynbuckner I have a small stash for now but when I get the ones in the mail I will have 25
@mbvisor right now I have 29
@growingyourbaby I always keep 10 on hand
@amongthemess We’ve got apx 25 diapers in our stash. Been doing it almost 2 years now!! Realized I didn’t need that many, but I’m addicted!!
@graciekate 23! Newbie
@MotherhoodnMe about 25 and I’m an intermediate
@FamilyCrunch 2 months in and we have 30 dipes in rotation atm.
@rbrinner 26. DD is 20 months and I’ve been CD since ~2mo
@Waddlebug Currently, 16. Been diapering for 5 months and I STILL am learning!!
@oobinsnaffa I have about 50-60 CDs of various sizes and types…maybe more. CD for 2.5 years.
@Morgoonaroonie I have 28 in circulation right now…37 total. I have been doing this for about 8 months

As for me, I currently have a stash of about 30 cloth diapers. My daughter just turned one and the majority of our stash is made up of pocket diapers (bummer I didn’t learn about Soft Bums before she was born). Can I have too many cloth diapers?

Just like shoes, you can’t ever have too many cloth diapers. Just ask Imelda Marcos.

This is a guest post by Calley Pate, author and owner of The Eco Chic blog. Calley is an environmental consultant by profession and eco-blogger by hobby. She has been cloth diapering her daughter for one year.

SoftBums Diapers in the News!

2010-01-09T10:30:00.001-06:00

FOX News had a short story on reusable diapers, and focused on our friends Little Neechers retail business in Duluth! Hi guys, great job!
SoftBums was one of the reusable diapers featured on the show! Cool eh?

If you love SoftBums, you can contact your local paper, or news channel about us, and we'd be happy to give them a great story!

Another Short story about our friend Peter at Do Good Diapers!

Giveaway Winners!!

2009-11-30T09:25:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Christina's Cookies for winning one of SoftBums FIRST Print Diapers ever!!

Also...

Congratulations to Sarah J. for winning a whole Trial Pack of SoftBums!!

What a fun week, I love giving Diapers away! If you can think of any games to play to win more diapers, I'd love to hear your ideas!!

Maybe a Photo Contest????

A guessing game perhaps? Who can guess how many patterns SoftBums mama has made before we came out with this current design of diaper?

CyberMonday 40% off SoftBums Solo Packs!

2009-11-30T09:08:00.000-06:00

To introduce our new Solo Packs, what better way than to have a great CyberMonday Sale!!

Please let everyone know that now they can try SoftBums Adjustable Leg Diapers for only $15 today, until supplies run out!!

Solo Packs include a single cover and 1 Snap-in DryTouch Insert. This amazing design is so Ultra Trim it fits all babies 5-35lbs like a glove. Perfect for hard to fit babies, EBF babies, newborns, Preemies, and well, just any baby!

SoftBums is a AI2 style diaper with a reusable OS cover, and a super trim contoured OS Snap-in Insert. This means you can get that great fit, and no bulk, plus easy to use all-in-one style without paying through the roof for it. SoftBums covers can be reused on average about 3 times, but up to 6 times on our test babies! You can order more of the affordable Snap-in Inserts, and fewer of the Deluxe Covers.

LAST DAY FOR SALE ON SOFTBUMS PACKAGES!!!

2009-11-29T12:10:00.004-06:00

Hurry while you still can get the SoftBums Packages 20% OFF!!

Sunday November 29th, last day for this amazing sale!

Let your friends know, let your neighbors know, let your dog and cat know....Best time to stock up on diapers is NOW!!!

Ok, the Secret is OUT! And a Giveaway!!

2009-11-27T21:01:00.006-06:00

Later Gator
in Aplix
and....
SNAPS!!

Go crazy, but get um quick before they are
all gone!

This is a perfect print for newborns, because it can totally be for a boy or a girl.

The colors are awesome, and toddlers like it too. My little one calls the gators "Moo" LOL!

Giveaway for 1 Free Print SoftBums ends on Dec 6th, 2009, in your choice of SNAPS or Aplix!!

Please comment your ideas for what our next Print should be for 1 Entry per day.

Extra entries available for:

Follow SoftBums Blog

Follow SoftBums on twitter. Leave a comment.
Become a fan of SoftBums on Facebook. Leave a comment.

Follow and tweet this giveaway.

5 Extra Entries for:

Purchasing Something at www.softbums.com

Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends for 1 extra entry PER DAY.

Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.

Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.

Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.

Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

This giveaway is open to US and Canada Residents! Winner will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends Dec 6th 2009

SoftBums First Print Diaper Plus Giveaway!

2009-11-26T14:24:00.010-06:00

Can You Guess the NEW SoftBums Print Diaper????

Take a stab at guessing the new SoftBums Print Diaper and WIN it!!!

That's right folks, SoftBums is SUPER Excited to come out with our first print diaper ever! Limited numbers of this adorable print will be available November 27th, 2009, with more prints coming soon! Check out the release of our new Print on our site, and get in on some great savings too.

Also a big surprise about our new prints!!!

Shhhhhhhh, it's a secret you won't want to miss, I promise you!!!

Please comment your guess for what the new SoftBums Print will look like for 1 Entry per day.

Extra entries available for:

Follow SoftBums Blog

Follow SoftBums on twitter. Leave a comment.
Become a fan of SoftBums on Facebook. Leave a comment.

Follow and tweet this giveaway.

5 Extra Entries for:

Purchasing Something at www.softbums.com

Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends for 1 extra entry PER DAY.

Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.

Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.

Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.

Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

Softbums Giveaway for our new Sprout Color!

2009-11-24T13:03:00.009-06:00

Enter Softbums Giveaway for a Trial Kit!!!

Announcing a new color is so much more fun with a Giveaway too!!!

Softbums has a new color....SPROUT!!

Giveaway for a SoftBums Trial Kit!

That's 2 Softbums Premium one-size covers and 6 Dry-Touch Snap-in inserts, plus 2 Dry-Touch Doublers!

Enough diapers to cloth diaper your baby for a 1/2 to a whole day, depending on how many diapers your baby goes through.

This package with 2 covers is also THE best way to really try the SoftBums system because you can reuse the covers. To get the most out of your SoftBums, just air out and rotate the 2 covers all day, replacing the wet Snap-in Insert with a Dry one!

Please enter the giveaway by posting

For Extra Entries you can:
Follow SoftBums on twitter. Leave a comment.
Become a fan of SoftBums on Facebook. Leave a comment.

Follow and tweet this giveaway.

Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends for 1 extra entry PER DAY.

Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.

Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.

Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.

Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

This giveaway is open to US Residents only. Anyone who has either won a SoftBums giveaway before or who has received a sample to review is not eligible to enter this contest. Winner will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends November 27th

Traveling with Cloth Part Deux

2009-11-23T07:50:00.003-06:00

So, after that post, it seems that there are many of us CDers that travel with our cloth. So, I thought it would make a great discussion to see how you all travel with your cloth. Include how you travel (drive, train, plane, etc), where you pack your bulk clean diapers (checked baggage, carryon), and anything else you think may help traveling moms?

I am traveling to FL this January with my little guy...he will be almost 10 months then. I am planning on bringing cloth diapers with, and am considering packing them in his carseat that I will check at the gate....I have a big car seat cover that I am using that has extra room in it...I will probably only carry on the diaper bag, and a large purse, and baby of course. Makes me nervous already!

Traveling with Cloth

2009-11-19T19:27:00.002-06:00

So, I've been at a loss, what to say. I've also been so busy I don't even know where to start. Working I have so little time with my baby I just want to spend my time at home with him. But anyways...diapers.

Oh how I love my cloth...or...?

So lately, I've been wondering. Why do more people not use cloth, are disposables that much more convenient, better, easy? Am I wasting my time on cloth diapers?

I recently took the Amtrak out to visit my girlfriend..who just had a little girl on 10/3. Mason and I traveled out there alone. I was packing my cloth diapers...then I realized, I was going to have to bring back dirty diapers on the train...and now since we have started solids, the poops are bigger and stinkier... I made the decision to just buy a small pack of disposables to use on our trip. We left Thursday morning and returned late Sunday night.

I brought with 1 cloth diaper cover, just for fun. OMG I am so glad I did. We had blow out after blow out after blow out. I brought 4 sleepers and 6 outfits and I had to wash clothes there because of all the leaks! ICK! I am so thankful I brought that cover, I used it over the disposables to keep leaks in. I even bought the most expensive disposable diapers...the brand name...the "good ones".

By the end of the weekend, I was so happy to return to my cloth! I wish people could realize that the life of icky disposables doesn't have to be! I happily handed off my left over disposables to daycare to use...

Never again will I question my cloth. Never again will I travel without my cloth!

I also tried out the classic rock cloth diaper detergent by Rock n' Green with the baby powder scent. I have to say it worked very well. The "de-funking" that she recommended on the card that comes with your detergent works great! I did not notice any scent to my diapers...which is good, but they also didn't smell like baby powder...and I wasn't sure if I wanted them too. The Rock n' Green was sensitive to my little guy's skin...he had no reaction to it.

I did not notice better absorbency...at least compared to my Purex free and clear... All in all it is a great soap, but I don't know if I am sold on it. To me I am happy with my Purex, it is easier to get and I don't have to pay for shipping. If I could buy the Rock n' Green at a local store, it would be a difficult choice for me which to buy.

Rock N' Green, I do have to say has GREAT customer service. Willing to answer questions quickly.

In the end...great product...I am curious how the diaper pail deodorizers would work.

Detergents...

2009-10-13T08:04:00.002-05:00

Thank you for asking the question about detergents...

I don't know what your majority of fluff is...Softbums or others, so that will probably make a difference in my answer.

For Softbums, like you can read in the post below, I use Purex free and clear and I use no softners (beware of detergents that have softeners...like Dreft) because they inhibit absorption. I use Purex because that is what Sarah recommended to me, and it works great. I think that as long as your baby doesn't have a reaction to something, that you can use that. Purex is only soap, nothing else, which is in theory, less likely to cause a reaction with your baby...but all babies are different. You just want the best next to baby's skin. Watch for rashes, they can occur at anytime, an allergy can develop at anytime.

I have heard of babies reacting to All Free and Clear, my lil guy didn't, that is what we use for his cloths, and i have used it on his diapers by accident, and it works fine. I also found Oxyclean free and clear, and use that once in a while, but I never notice anything "cleaner" than it was before. I've been using my softbums since Mason was a month old (now 6.5 months) and only have 1-2 inserts that are stained...and that is because daycare was rinsing them and then they'd sit wet...

If you are using white prefolds, I would say bleach away, and then rinse to get the bleach out of the diapers, but as you know...bleach is for cottons...don't bleach anything other than cottons. (this is what my mom did when I was a baby, I was in bleached prefolds)

I'd also say, if I could, don't use regular detergents like Tide or Era...or anything of the like...way to harsh of soaps for bub's skin. Remember, your baby's poops aren't hard to remove, they will come right out...they aren't a grass stain or a grease stain...it's a baby poop... :)

I think the biggest thing to remember whatever you use will be next to your little guy/gal's butt all day, you want it to be as sensitive as possible. Even if your lo doesn't have a reaction, sitting in soap all day isn't going to be the best for their skin.

If you're following Softbums' directions, wash once in cold on large then once in hot, and using only 1/4 of the detergent that is recommended by the manufacturer, you will be removing a majority of the soap, but not all...you can never remove everything.

Look into all natural soaps, like "Charlies Soap" and "Allens Naturally Laundry Soap"

I am not endorsing this site nor approving everything they say but just googling keywords "Cloth diaper detergent" I found this website: http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoices.htm
Notice everything they recommend is free and clear/delicate, etc.

Remember you will end up with stains...it is a fact of life and cloth diapering...the best way to remove stains is by line drying diapers in the sun.

Bottom line: Use what works best for you, start out with something and change if you like something different. Purex Free and Clear works best for me, it is cheap, and I have no reason to look to try something different. Wash once and rinse once (wash w/o detergent...read my posts below if you haven't yet) That is my recommendation.

Basic Pack Winner

2009-10-05T15:30:00.003-05:00

Ruth Gray

You have won the softbums basic pack!

Thank you all so much for all your entries!

Sorry for the delay in posting the winner! We just closed on our house September 24th and have been busy getting all settled in! So far so good, we love our neighbors, and neighborhood! Now if it would just get nice for a few days so I can get out and hang up Mason's swing and then head off to the park that would be so wonderful! :)

Any ideas/questions on cloth diapers you would like me to blog about?

We will be setting up another give away soon! Stay posted!

The Six Pack Winner

2009-09-18T22:17:00.012-05:00

After all the entries...(and by all I mean holy cow you kept me busy!)

The winner of the SoftBums 6 Pack (6 covers of your choice of color and 18 microfiber inserts) is

Amy Scott

Here is a picture of her little one in some blue Softbums

Such a sweetie!

I will email you what information you need to e-mail Sarah to recieve your six pack!

Congrats!

If you didn't win this contest, please be sure to enter the currently running contest which will end at the end of this month for a SoftBums basic pack!

Give aways will be happening much more regularly now so stick around, and keep up the twittering!

Do the Diaper Dance!!!

2009-09-15T18:06:00.026-05:00

I have laundry photos...they are very exciting! :)

I had a question after the previous laundry post about when I do laundry and how many inserts/covers I have left when I do laundry. I am kind of a fluff horde, so I have the luxury to do laundry when it starts to smell in the dirty bucket/when it gets full. But, when I first started and I only had 6 covers/18 inserts, I would do laundry when I had 2 covers left (the one on him, and one clean) or when I had 5 inserts left, 4 clean, and one on him. This worked for me, but you have to plan ahead a little more if you want to do laundry at leasure (aka not being right at the washer to restart or switch).

Baking Soda=awesome! I use about 1-2 Tbsp to my diapers, either the first or second cycle. Usually I add it during the first, unless I forget, then I add it the second time. I find it really helps the diapers deodorize, and stay fresh. Completely optional, just my personal preference. You can find a big box like this at your local grocery store for only a couple bucks.

It doesn't take much detergent. I use Purex free and clear--a reccomendation from Sarah (photo of detergent is below). If you look at this picture closely you can see the marks that the manufacturer puts in the cup. This is all you need, this is even a little heavier than you generally need (I was washing about 12 covers and 25 inserts...just got back from vaca). One really doesn't need a lot of detergent, I too was doubtful of this fact when I started cding...but it is true!!!!!!!!! If you add more than this...you'll probably end up having to do an extra rinse because you will get lots of bubbles.

Here you can see how big the load was (hopefully nothing to icky is showing :)). On the one side you can see all the diapers, the other, I threw my dirty bag in right with the diapers. Also, my cloth wipes go right in with my diapers too. The diaper bag works great too when you're done with the laundry...its like a built in laundry basket. :) Throw them in the bag and take them out to the clothes line, or take them up to put away.

I always wash cold first, then hot. I always do large for the cold wash, then if the load is smaller, I will do medium for the hot wash...to save hot water and energy. If I have a really dirty load, I will double up on the cold washes and then do one hot wash at the end.
--note the OLD washer, my diapers still come out white--if my washer can do it, yours can do it blindfolded--

Clean diapers!!!!!! I like to grab one and diaper with it right away...Mason thinks its hillarious to have on a warm diaper--he giggles so hard...I end up in tears laughing so hard! Funny babies!

This is how I store my covers. I stuff mine, fold the insert into thirds and fold the cover over the top. There are many ways to store your fluff, this is just how I like to do it. It took me a while to come up with my system.

These are the inserts, I fold these guys in thirds and stack into my bins.

My bins sit nice in the changing table. I got these at Target a few months ago. Just to the right of the insert bins, I have my doublers sitting on the shelf, and just below is the cloth wipes warmer. Prince lion heart has a cloth warmer out and it is awesome (you can see the warmer in 2nd pic in the bottom left...its white)! However, don't buy their wipes, they fall apart! I have a bunch from Sarah at Softbums, and you can easily make your own. Make sure you either serge or turn over your edges though otherwise your fabric will unravel and get stuck in your hook and loop (just the hook)....which stinks to pull out! I found out the hard way. You can always wash them separate...I just thought that was not necessary.

I like the blue monster towel...he is so cute!

This is a pic showing how I air dry my covers between uses. It may seem obvious, but recently I realized I could velcro them on here so they don't fall off! Which is awesome! I hang them here to air dry when they are just wet, then use another insert when they are dry. This is why I LOVE our SoftBums! They are multi-use! I can sometimes get 2 covers to last a full day! Then the next day, I use those 'dirty' diapers (they aren't dirty, but have been wet a few times) to diaper when I expect #2 to arrive. That is how I rotate.

OOOH, and at night, I double. Mason is a heavy wetter, so we do two inserts at night. Works like a charm.

This is my lil man. I took this the other day when I was at my moms. We were just hanging out outside, so I decided to let his lil butt air out (You can see a little dimpling from the texture on the insert)! I thought it was a cute pic, and it also shows how nice his skin is on his behind! Thank you SoftBums for keeping my baby's bum, soft!

Ok, ladies (and gents) I need your help! We are buying a new house and moving around the 24th of Sept. I have a blank canvas to paint in Mason's new room! Any ideas/tips that you have for me would be great! All I know I want to do is paint a small area with that chalkboard paint! Dad is pushing for Viking's colors, but that isn't going to happen!

ANOTHER GIVE AWAY!!!

2009-09-15T17:37:00.004-05:00

We are doing another give away, this time for a SoftBums Basic Pack. This includes one cover (choose one of our 6 colors) and 3 microfiber snap in inserts. These all-in-one diapers are a perfect fit for newborn babies up to potty training toddlers!

This is the perfect opportunity to try out our diapers, or add to your stash!!!

Entry rules:
1. Make sure you put contact information (email) with your first post, so we can contact you when you win.
2. If you have a common name, distinguish yourself in each post so I can keep the entries straight!
3. Your entries will be counted through the comments on the blog, so keep us updated on how you're entering! (You must include any links to posts/refferals ...eg a review on a blog, send us that website...just like before)

Ways to enter
***for 1 entry***
1. Become a fan on facebook (link at top of page)
2. Follow us on twitter (link at top of page)
3. Send pictures of your little one in Softbums to MeganSchultz@gmail.com
4. Post in the comments of this blog about you, if you're cd ing already, or why youre interested, how long you've been cding...etc.
5. Comment on other posts (send us the link)/ forums or blogs
6. Once for each time you reply to us on twitter or facebook (make sure you tell us what time and date that you replied)
7. NEW!!!--refer a friend, if your friend starts entering, have them refer to you in their first post, you will get one entry and they will get one entry! If, they place a new order, you also get 5 points!!!

***two entries***
1. Post a review (if you add pictures it will be 1 more entry) on your blog/website, or if you don't have your own, post a review on a website that carries Softbums.

***five entries****
1. Place a new order!

This contest will run to the end of the month! Enter away!

Good Luck!

Megan

SOFTBUMS 6 Pack Give Away!!!!

2009-08-28T10:33:00.005-05:00

SOFTBUMS 6 Pack Giveaway!

Win 6 Softbums Perfect Fit Covers in your choice of colors(aren't they pretty!), and 18 Microfiber SNAP-IN INSERTS!! That's enough diapers to cloth diaper your older baby full-time, and your younger baby part-time!!

1. Make sure you put contact information (email) with your first post, so we can contact you when you win.

2. If you have a common name, distinguish yourself in each post so I can keep the entries straight!

3. Your entries will be counted through the comments on the blog, so keep us updated on how you're entering! (You must include any links to posts/refferals ...eg a review on a blog, send us that website...just like before)

Ways to enter

***for 1 entry***

1. Become a fan on facebook (link at top of page)

2. Follow us on twitter (link at top of page)

3. Send pictures of your little one in Softbums to MeganSchultz@gmail.com

4. Post in the comments of this blog about you, if you're cd ing already, or why youre interested, how long you've been cding...etc.

5. Comment on other posts (send us the link)/ forums or blogs

6. Once for each time you reply to us on twitter or facebook (make sure you tell us what time and date that you replied)

***two entries***

1. Post a review (if you add pictures it will be 1 more entry) on your blog/website, or if you don't have your own, post a review on a website that carries Softbums.

***five entries****

1. Place a new order!

2. Send a narrated video (meganschultz@gmail.com) about how you cloth diaper, a video review of your SoftBums, tips for other parent's that are or are thinking about cloth diapering, etc. 2 Video's max per person. The video will possibly be used on the website/blog. If you have a video please let me know and I will tell you how to get it to me!

So remember the biggest thing is to post everything you do on the comment section of this blog post! I will count your entries that way.

Stay updated, I may add a couple more ways to enter!

The contest will run until September 18th

Megan

Good luck!

Cloth Diapering Twins with Softbums!

2009-08-19T13:47:00.007-05:00

Softbums and Twins
I interviewed a mother of twins for the scoop on cloth diapering with twins :)

The skinny: 2- 8 month old boys, 4 Softbum shells each, 25 bamboo inserts total, 5 bamboo doublers, Laundry every 2 days

The twin factor: Since my boys are different sizes (there is usually about a 6 pound difference), their softbums are adjusted to different sizes. I get blue snaps and green snaps, one color for each child. This way, they can each have a variety of diaper colors so I don't get bored! Every couple of weeks, the leg snuggers need a little adjustment due to growth. The Softbums are super-fast to change which is essential with two. Grab a shell (either a fresh one or a clean used one that has aired out) and snap 1 snap then put the diaper on, adding doublers for naps and long car rides)

When I use Softbums: I use them at home and on the road. When we travel, I put one extra shell and 2-4 inserts (depending on the length of the trip) in the diaper bag. With twins, diaper bag space in in short supply and 4 changes of Softbums take up the space just 2 stuffed pockets used to. My husband and my mother both use the Softbums and have no trouble. I have tried them at night with 2 inserts and with 1 insert and 2 doublers. Both set-ups were enough to keep everything dry during my boys' 11 hour nights.

Why I use Softbums: I started using Softbums when my twin boys were 6 months old. I had tried many other brands of one size pocket and All in Two diapers (BumGenius 3.0, Rocky Mountain Diapers, EcoNappies, Haute Pocket, Wahmies, GroBaby). I did not care for the snaps on the front of the diaper as they came unsnapped when diapering the boys and they were ugly (showed through onesies and some shorts). I started looking for a diaper that wouldn't take up much room since my twins have to share diaper holding space on the changing table and one with natural fibers against the babies' tender skin. I found Softbums with bamboo inserts and tried one. I loved it and ordered more, with snap closures as my son's skin and aplix do not get along. I have since increased my Softbums stash to a total of 8 covers, 25 inserts, and 5 doublers.

Laundry: I wash diapers every 2 days. I usually have covers and inserts left over at that point (when I had 6 covers and 18 inserts the wash time coincided with having just enough left to diaper them through the laundry time). I have a diaper sprayer so I put the pee soaked and formerly rinsed poo diapers in the laundry, covers and inserts. I have a front loader and I do a cold rinse, a heavy cold wash with 1 scoop of Allen's Naturally, and a hot wash with extra rinse with no soap. Then I put everything in the dryer on Medium, I pull out the covers after about 10 minutes (or when I remember!!) and let everything else finish drying.

Laundry

2009-08-12T09:34:00.006-05:00

So. Other big questions people ask when they hear about cloth diapers...

"Doesn't that take a lot of time?"
"Ick! You have to rinse diapers!?"
"Don't they stink?"

After I dislodge those old ideals, people ask:
"How to you wash them so they stay so white!?"
"When do you do your laundry?"
"How many do you have and where can I get them?"

We all know how to do laundry. Sometimes it can be a pain, but generally laundry=easy! Load washer, add detergent, turn knob, start. Then we wait 45 minutes, put in dryer and an hour later we have clean clothes! It's not like the 'good 'ol days' with a wash board, lye, a lake, then a ringer (my mom had an antique one when I was a kid...I can't tell you how many times I got my finger rolled over).

Diapers are just as easy, they take an extra 45 minutes to wash, but no big deal.

Rotate diapers:

(Now...Mason is 5 months now and still only breastfed, so we are still at the very runny wet stool period in his life, so keep that in mind as I write.)

If every time a cover gets wet it HAD to be washed, diapers would be a lot more work. But, the great thing about SoftBums is that the cover can be re-used several times before washing. There is a rotation to diapers that makes life a lot easier. When I change Mason, if the cover is only wet, no stool on it, I hang it over the end of the changing table to dry. I use a new cover and insert. By the time he needs his next diaper change, that cover is usually dry and ready to go. Just plop a new insert in and away you go. Sometimes that diaper isn't always dry when you come back to do your next diaper change, in that case, just grab a new cover and insert and hang that one over the changing table and away you go. By the next time you come back your other cover(s) will be dry. This rotation can be kept up until a diaper gets "dirty".

When a cover gets dirty, simply unsnap the insert, open the diaper and fold the velcro tabs over on themselves. This way they don't stick to the other diapers or cloth wipes in the laundry, and you don't have to sort through the dirties while putting them in the washer. Toss into your dirty bucket and wait for laundry day. I NEVER rinse my diapers. Rinsing is gross and in my experience so far, leads to staining. If I just toss them in the dirty bucket and wash they get so clean and no staining. However, make sure if your baby is producing solid poos dump those off in the toilet then proceed to washing.

Doing this rotation I can USUALLY use a cover 2-3 times before it gets dirty. My baby is very regular so I try to put a already used cover on him so then that will get dirty, not a new one. Sometimes I have a lucky cover get on baby 3-5 times before it gets dirty, and they sometimes get stinky. If this happens it just gets tossed into the dirty bucket, even though it isn't 'dirty'.

The washing process:
When I bought my diapers I was quizzing Sarah on what to use to wash the diapers. I have an OLD SCHOOL washer. It is a pile! The center thing comes out and bangs against the top while spinning. :) So if my washer can get stuff clean, so can yours! I use Purex Free and Clear. From what Sarah was saying it is only soap, no softeners, fragrance, and no dyes. One important thing is that you should NEVER USE SOFTENER! It will not make your diapers any softer, it will make them less absorbent! It will almost put a film on your diapers.

I do laundry when I have about 3 covers left, or about 8 inserts. Generally I run low on covers before inserts. This way I don't have to hurry doing laundry. I can take my time and know I have enough for 4-5 hours. So, on laundry day, I bring my bag of dirties down the stairs (usually with Mason in tow). Toss them in the washer. Start the washer on LARGE and COLD. I add about a quarter of a cap of Purex and about 1.5 tablespoons of baking soda. I love using baking soda, it really helps completely deodorize them, but is completely optional. Close the cover and wait.

When I come back, I usually don't bring Mason because the washer has usually jumped a foot from where it was (like I said my washer is junk!)! I push it back, then restart it on HOT (do not use warm, warm may lead to color bleeding) and LARGE and wait. If for some reason I only have a small load of diapers, I will wash the first cycle in cold and large but the second in hot and small/medium. Just to save energy and hot water. I usually do this if I am only washing about 5 covers and 10-15 inserts.

After this second wash cycle, I toss them in the dryer, on Hot/Normal and wait. I have a gas dryer, which generally dries clothes a lot faster. I think gas dryers get hotter. But here is where you can bring them out an line dry them. After you line dry, I suggest tossing them back in the dryer to soften up...10 minutes on hot. Throwing in a damp towel (one you may have used after your shower), really helps them soften up.

After they are dry, I bring them up to fold. I put inserts in each cover, and fold my inserts how I like them, put them in their crates and I'm done. A lot of times lately I fold after Mason is asleep and Jon and I are watching TV in bed.

That's it. Done. If I pushed myself and did it all straight it would take about 2.5 hours start to finish. While it takes that long to wash, it only takes about 20 minutes MAX of our time.

I keep forgetting to take pictures when I do laundry. I will do it next time, and take pictures of my rotation system.

If you have comments or questions, please either leave a comment after the posting or on the blog there is a spot to ask questions. Right now it is on the left hand side, but I may move it...

Long Video

2009-08-11T13:47:00.003-05:00

Here is the long version of the previous video:

.

Where did my diapers go!?

2009-07-21T14:00:00.004-05:00

I have found that there is a magical place, like the place where those missing socks go, but this place is for cloth diapers.

I wash my diapers and while folding I do a mental count...8 here, one in the dirty bag, two in the diaper bag, one on the butt...12...got em all... Well...that's how it was going until a few days ago. Sunday night, I washed a load of diapers. Mason had just fell asleep, so I lay him down in his bed and run down to grab the clean diapers...to fold, and put away. I toss the clean diapers onto Mason's floor, in the dark, to start stuffing and folding. I sit down, and generally toss inserts to the left and covers to the right. One cover, one insert, fold, stack...repeat. I get to the end and fold my cloth wipes and load the diapers and inserts into their respective totes on the changing table. I count as I put them away...

I have 12 covers, and 36 inserts total
6 covers in the laundry...missing 6
1 on Mason (still sleeping soundly)
1 in the diaper bag
2 in the dirty bucket...missing 2....?

I search my daycare diaper bag...none...
I call daycare....none...
I ask dad (Pretending he actually changes a dirty diaper...lol)...none

I start to panic....

I search high and low, check the washer/dryer, my car, dads car...nothing
On a whim I search my laundry, dads laundry (why does their laundry stink so bad?), Mason's laundry...nothing...where are my (Mason's) diapers!

I give up...I figure they'd turn up...like that lost sock...

A few days later they still haven't turned up...two bright green diapers, my favorite! I start to wonder if the dog drug them off someplace...eew...

That night, we get a phone call from Jon's brother. He says something to the effect "those diapers you use are pretty neat!" (he has 2 boys ages 4&8) "We never had disposables like that when our boys were little"

My jaw dropped...What!? He threw 2 of my diapers away while watching Mason!

With out thinking I knew I needed to go dumpster diving to find my diaper! I get all geared up (rubber gloves, boots, jacket...it was raining...it was going to be messy), I walk out the door looking like I am ready for a mud fight. I begin to wish I had a gas mask of some sort when I open the garbage can. It's empty! It's Wednesday! It's garbage day! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I may have yelled a profanity here) I missed it, my perfect diaper, gone!

I admit I may have welled up over my missing diapers.

I can just picture them, neon yellow, laying on a pile of garbage...waiting to be used, and used, and used, lying there...right next to my white Nike sock.

There is no magical place...no magical place for my cloth diaper to be found again...

Moral of the story: TELL ALL THE UNOBSERVANT PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOUR DIAPERS ARE NOT DISPOSABLE! MEN.... ugh....

Tips for Using Softbums

2009-07-15T14:24:00.020-05:00

I thought, as my first 'cloth diapering' post I would post some pictures on how to use Softbums, tricks that I have found very helpful.

First of all...SoftBums are so easy to use. Like any new item, there is a small learning curve with them, but don't worry, in about two diaper changes, you will have it under your belt.

There are a few important steps to prevent leaks.

1. Tuck in the insert. After putting the diaper on baby, check the edges around the legs to make sure the insert is tucked inside the cover.

Here you can see the insert peeking out behind the leg. This will cause wicking from the insert to baby's clothes.

The insert is easily tucked back into the cover and wicking is no more!

2. Tighten legs...but not too much. I'd say that this is the hardest part to get right the first couple times. My rule of thumb is if I can see into the cover its too loose. I have found the easiest way to get the legs perfect is to put the diaper on baby, pull the elastic out of the opening, and while the toggle is in the cover, grab it and either squeeze and pull on the leg to loosen, or pull on the elastic to tighten. Doing it this way allows you to adjust it while on baby and not having to pull the toggles out of the diaper each time to adjust.

3. Velcro/Snap diaper tight enough. You can pull on the tabs on cloth diapers and they won't rip off...I find that folding the insert so the fold is half way up the velcro works best, then I tighten around that. This is easy to judge and you will learn after a few times of diapering. This keeps the insert in place and helps prevent it from slipping down and bulging up while keeping wetness in.

Personal Tricks:

For the best fit: I have found, that if I pull the majority of the gathers to the front of the diaper it fits him a little better and even a little trimmer!

Gathers Pulled to Back--the diaper doesn't lay flat:

Gathers Pulled To the front--The diaper lays flat...

If you watch the video below--First I place the diaper under baby...and then fold the insert. When I am ready to pull the cover over the insert I stretch it out and wiggle it back and forth to get the insert inside the legs (I actually had to pull the insert out of the leg in the above pics). After it is stretched out, I roll it up over baby and velcro in place. ...Again, this is what works for me, you will develop your own method.

How I rotate covers:

If my covers only get wet, I place them, fleece side out, on the end of the changing table to dry. By my next diaper change the cover is usually dry so I place a new insert in it and away we go. I usualy try to keep a mental note on diapers that have been through this rotation a few times and then try to diaper with those when I expect a BM. I highly reccomend a cloth diaper pail liner. Sarah sells some awesome ones on her website. I just throw mine in with the diapers, and when they are out of the dryer I open the bag, throw them in and carry them up to Mason's room. It's like a built in laundry basket!

**New Blog Features**

The SoftBums Cloth Diapering Booklet is available in the left hand column.

Below, there is a place to enter comments, ask questions, etc.

And, there are links to some wonderful reviews of SoftBums in the left hand column as well!

Video of SoftBums diapering

Enjoy

Megan Schultz

Welcome to the new blog!

2009-07-15T11:12:00.005-05:00

Good morning everybody!

Quick intro: My name is Megan Schultz, I met Sarah a couple months ago when I bought my first set of Softbums. Since she is a fellow mom and Minnesotan, I offered her help if she needed any. She asked for some help with her blog, keeping it updated, etc. So here I am, doing my best...

If you've been visiting the blog lately, you've probably noticed it has changed a few times, things haven't worked smoothly, etc. Well, I think I got it up and running! If you notice any problems please email me at: MeganSchultz@gmail.com.

Check out the new menu bar, with links to follow Softbums on Twitter and Facebook. There is also a nice link to Softbums and different areas of the Softbums website. From the menu bar you can jump to Softbums' home page, category, or to a specific package! On the end, under 'Retailers' is a list of retailers carrying Softbums. Under this category also I stashed the RSS Feeds for both comments and posts.

I have put together a little slide show of babies wearing Softbums on the top left corner (my little boy -Mason-is pictured in his orange Softbums). If you have any photos of babies in Softbums that I can add to that slide show please email them to me (Meganschultz@gmail.com)! Just for fun I have put a poll up about cloth diapering. On the right side you can see all the 'logistics', followers (Join us!), archive, profile and welcome message! On the way bottom of the page, you can see any recent Tweets!

If you haven't already, join us on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to check out the Softbums home page at http://www.softbums.com/!

Thank you for your patience!

Megan Schultz

Congrats Moonjunio

2009-07-14T08:21:00.013-05:00

Moonjunio has claimed her free basic pack she won! Your beautiful daughter will love her new set of red Organic Bamboo SoftBums!

The contest sparked over 150 entries! Thank you everybody for entering!

Pictured here in her yellow SoftBums diaper, sooooo pretty!

And the Winner is....

2009-07-11T11:17:00.003-05:00

The winner of the Soft Bums basic pack is.....MOONJUNIO!!!!

Thank you everybody for all your posts and entrys! There were over 150 entries for the basic pack! It is great to read all the posts and see how long everybody has been CD!

MOONJUNIO: Please email svanbogart@gmail.com with the following information:
Full Name:
Colors you want:

Insert: either Microfiber/Bamboo

Mailing address:

Phone Number:

Congrats to the winner, and stay posted for more giveaways!

Giveaway for 6 NEW Colors!

2009-06-30T23:47:00.004-05:00

6 NEW colors have been added to the SoftBums website!

Help us announce our new colors by entering in the GIVEAWAY, and win a FREE SoftBums Basic Pack in your choice of Bamboo or Microfiber, and your choice of one of our NEW colors!

In addition to Nuclear pumpkin, Lime, and Ocean, we now have Buttercup, Sage, Firecracker, Snowcone, Bubblegum, and Coconut!

Still our same signature great fit, with our Patent Pending Snugger hidden adjustable leg elastics to fit any baby perfectly. The Perfect Fit SoftBums diapers are now the best one-size diapers to order BEFORE baby is born. Because no matter what size or shape your baby is, you will be assured a great fit!

To enter the GIVEAWAY just enter an answer to the following question:

How long have you been cloth diapering, or if you are new to cloth diapers just say "I'm new!!".

You can post once a day, and if you tweet about the Giveaway in twitter, or mention us in a blog or forum thread, you can get additional submission.

Here are the rules: (please post one time for each so we can keep track)
*1 entry for telling us how long you've been cloth diapering.
*1 additional entry for becoming or being a Twitter Follower
*1 additional entry for posting a comment on other posts
*1 additional entry for every time you reply to us on Twitter on July 1st thru 9th {please post the time you reply}
*1 additional entry for becoming or being a Facebook Fan
*5 entries if you place a new order
*1 additional entry for becoming an affiliate
*1 additional entry for everytime you mention SoftBums on any forum or blog (post the direct link of the post on forum or blog where you mention it).

Softbums has new Colors!!!

2009-05-21T13:34:00.000-05:00

Who's ready for New SoftBums Colors???!!!

We'll be hosting a giveaway for a SoftBums Basic Pack! Just guess which 4 new colors will be available and you can be entered for a chance to win!

SoftBums has been a huge success since announcing our newest diaper the PerfectFit in September 2008, and we've got some great retailers carrying our diapers too!
www.Kellyscloset.com , www.snootybootydiapers.com , www.greenbabyshoppe.com , www.mysweetpickes.com , www.greengoober.com , www.twolittlewhales.com , www.peapods.com , and more coming soon

Softbums are trim in the diaper bag too!

2009-05-05T11:26:00.001-05:00

I found a great review of Softbums on Kelly's closet's blog The cloth diaper whisperer. Elisabeth took a great pic of all 3 of her gorgeous girls, and on her youngest you can see a pink softbums!

Softbums review on Kelly's blog

She also took an awesome size comparison of the Softbums diaper with 3 inserts(enough for 3 diaper changes), and 3 pocket diapers next to it. Softbums look almost 1/2 the size! This is a great idea of how much room you save in your diaper bag as well. They really do take up WAY less space in the diaper bag, changing table or drawers, and washing machine. Use less water and take less time to dry!

Softbums at the Living Green Expo!

2009-05-05T01:41:00.000-05:00

Softbums was pleased to be at the Living Green Expo at the Fair Grounds in St. Paul, MN this weekend! http://www.livinggreen.org/index-expo.cfm
It was so fun to meet some of our existing customers in person, and put faces to names, hear all the stories about their diapering experiences and mostly see all the babies!! My favorite part!
We talked to hundreds of super nice people, and even converted a couple people to cloth while at the show! Yay, cloth diapers!
I was surprised at how many fathers, and even older men who were not only interested in hearing about diapering alternatives, but also extremely impressed with our PerfectFit One-size Diaper system. I was so happy to have my husband Brian there with me to talk to the men. He absolutely loves using our diapers, and loves talking about our diapers too. I think it's really important to get the guys behind this stuff. They are a big part of parenting, and often I find when a guy is really educated on the importance of using cloth, and how it all works, he really gets behind it and can be a great help in educating others later on.
One of the demonstrations we had set up at the booth, was a plastic disposable diaper bag that was emptied, and filled with cloth diapers instead. It was a big "mega" pack of disposables, and we showed that a bag that size would last your baby about a week if filled with disposables. That same bag filled with cloth diapers would last your baby 3 1/2 years, or until potty training! That was a big eye opener to see it visually laid out there like that. Babies go through about 10,000 diapers on average per child. Disposables use crude oil, paper pulp, tons of chemicals, and endless amounts of wastewater in just their manufacturing alone! Then on top of that, add up all the transportation costs and oil used to deliver all these diapers to stores, for parents to go run to the store once a week or so to get more diapers, and it's about 4,000 lbs of solid waste going straight into the landfills that we have to live next door to. There can be all kinds of nasty things seeping from these disposables into our groundwater, and these diapers can take 500 years or more to decompose. They really don't have a number of years it will take, and any programs for recycling the diapers into anything usable has proven to be too costly, and polluting to make any sense. They are currently the #3 single product in the landfills.
There is one very simple and logical answer. Wash your diapers. The cloth alternatives are easy, inexpensive(about 10th of the cost) and make a huge, huge difference in our carbon footprint! Plus they are fun!

Colors, colors, glorious PUL colors

2009-03-11T14:08:00.000-05:00

I have the hardest time deciding on what colors of PUL to use for Softbums! There are so many great colors, it's really hard to choose just a few. I started off with a handful of basic colors; red, blue, light blue, sage, yellow, periwinkle, pink, lavender...um, I think that is it, oh, and white. Then after we started getting more orders I had to stock up on PUL and order in bigger quantities, and could only afford a few colors to start with. SO we decided on Nuclear Pumpkin, Ocean Blue, and Lime Green!

Now, I get to expand the horizons a bit and add some other colors to our list.

I need to add back in white, we get so many requests for white, I guess white = diapers to a lot of people still. We also need to get at least 1 or 2 pastels. Pastel, you know, lighter baby colors. Think Easter.

I have always liked the light blue color, so we may get that in. And Sage Green, and Butter Yellow are always Extremely popular because so many people don't learn the sex of their bump but want to buy diapers before baby is born.

There really aren't any "great" greens that I can choose from. There is sage, celery(similar to sage, but with a weird tint to it), kelly green(just the greenest green you can think of like a green M&M), and forest green(a darker almost racing green, green, lol). None of those are the best, but sage is a fairly basic color that most would agree is nice.

The colors I "want" to have are; light blue, chocolate, sage, butter yellow, white, bubblegum, saturn, red, and then out current colors orange, lime and ocean. Possibly lilac too.

If I could put a poll on my front page I totally would!! LOL!

Apricot	Aqua	Black	Blaze Orange	Brown
Burgandy	Butter	Candy Pink	Citron Yellow	Dark Purple
Gray	Ivy	Kelly Green	Lavendar	Light Blue
Light Lavendar	Magenta	Melon	Navy Blue	Neon Lime
Neon Orange	Neon Pink	Olive	Play Pink	Raspberry
Red	Rose	Sage	Saturn Blue	Seaspray
White	Peacock Blue	New Pink	Grass Green	Lime Green

Babies from around the world love Softbums!

2009-02-05T15:13:00.001-06:00

Meet Siri. She lives in Norway. Her mommy has her all ready for bed-time in a Nuclear Pumpkin Softbums Perfect Fit diaper with 2 Snap-in Inserts inside.

She LOVES her Perfect Fit diapers because they hug her legs ever so gently, don't pinch, but also don't leak, and will fit her for another 2 years until she is ready for potty training.

I love to get emails with pictures from parents around the world who buy and love these wonderful diapers! It is the best feeling ever to know that I am helping keep babies swaddled gently in healthy, breathable, organic cloth diapers.
I love sending out packages, and responding to emails from customers all over the globe. We even get customers from undisclosed Military locations because a Military mom or dad heard from someone else about our great diapers! Whenever I send a package to someplace like Hawaii, I kinda wish I was going too though. Oh, well, there will always be time for travelling when I'm retired. Right?

Feel the Cloth Diaper Love!

2009-02-03T13:18:00.000-06:00

Have you thought about using cloth diapers for cost, environment or health reasons on your baby, but never got around to it? Or perhaps a friend of loved one, maybe even your own husband, doesn't seem to be as interested in cloth diapers as you are? Do they seem like too much work? Too much laundry? Too confusing with all the different brands, or styles? Maybe you have visions of diapers soaking in the toilet, or pails of bleach water, saggy ill fitting plain white vinyl diaper covers, or stinky messy poopy diapers having to be washed out by hand. Honestly modern cloth diapering has changed so much from our mother's day, they are so much different.

First off, diapers today are CUTE!!!! They can be so much fun, even for families on a super tight budget(are there any families that aren't on a tight budget anymore?).

Don't even look at the price tag of cloth diapers. We'll get to that later.

Just look at the pictures to begin with. Pictures say a lot, especially on the bums of happy little babies!

You can see lots of pictures of babies in cloth diapers if you just google images cloth diapers.

Start with just looking at colors, and patterns that you like best. There are so many fun things out there for babies, and cloth diapers can be one of them. Just like a new outfit, or a pair of tiny little baby shoes. These are a justifiable buy for your infant because you have to put something on their butt!!! Why not make some of the diapers cute!!

Okay, see lots of pictures, now what's next?

Buy a diaper or 2. If you don't have a store near you that stocks more than Flats, Prefolds or pull-on cover, and you probably won't because there aren't that many, just do what we all do, and order one from the internet!! There are literally thousands of brands of diapers out there. It's a good idea to buy most of your diapers from a reliable, well known or well reviewed diaper company. Unless you are just buying 1 or 2 to play with that is. If you just see a hand-dyed bamboo velour fitted diaper that you know nothing about the company or diapers, but you are in love with the look of the diaper, go ahead and get it! You never know it might be a tiny WAHM (Work at Home Mother) diaper that is not well known yet, but makes fabulous diapers! Start with just 1 or 2 to play with, even if you don't have your baby yet.

Don't go overboard with this experimenting, you're not really ready to be a great judge of a good quality diaper yet, and you don't want to spend tons of money finding this out the hard way.

Now that you have your little fluffy treasure in-hand, it's time to do some research.

First you need to be informed of the benefits of cloth diapering. Mostly so you can defend yourself against every do-gooder who decides to inform you on the how hard, messy, leaky, waste of time they will be. Once you have a few lines like: "Well, it's not like I'll be at the side of the river beating them clean against a rock, we DO have a washer", you'll be set!

Cloth diapers are clean, safe, and healthy for you, your baby, your washing machine, family, and especially the EARTH. There are plenty of facts and figures out there to prove this, but not that many really good studies. That's because there is a lot more money behind disposable diapers than cloth. There have been some studies though by independent sources. http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/ is a great place to start for facts and figures on this.

Cloth diapers are super super easy. No lie! We are so busy at our household, I wouldn't be able to handle them if they weren't! Waterproof washable diapers have totally changed the way we can cloth diaper our babies. And it keeps getting cooler all the time with new innovations, and new high tech fabrics!

Cloth Diapers are WAY cheaper than disposable diapers. The numbers for disposable diapers really really range depending on how many you use each day, what brand you use, and when you'll potty train your baby. Disposable diapers are supposed to be changed every 2-3 hours(unless sleeping), but many parents leave baby in a dirty diaper for 4 hours or more regularly. That's not very sanitary, or safe. Babies can get such bad rashes from this practice that can get raw and even bleed. Plus we don't yet know of the long term effects leaving chemical laden disposable diapers on a developing infant for 24 hours a day, for 3-5 years of it's life.

The average number of diapers a baby goes through in their lifetime is 10,000. Multiply that by however much you spend per diaper(luvs are .25 ea, huggies supreme are .37 ea, Seventh Generation are .47 ea). Make sure you add the cost for an extra trashcan, tax and driving to and from the store to buy all these diapers.

That's about $4000.00 average cost. No cloth diapering system, no matter how complex will ever come close to that figure. And many cloth diapers can be re-used on a second baby, saving even more money.

For Cloth diaper costs from birth to potty training it's pretty easy to figure out the cost. You just have to know how many diapers you'll need, sizes needed, how often you want to do laundry. Prefolds, one-size-fits-all All-in-2's are about $500, one-size fitteds or pocket diapers are about $700, Sized(when you have to buy 3 sizes, sm, med and lg, it's called sized) all-in-ones, pockets or fitteds are about $1400-$2200, and more custom made, fancy diapers are about $1200 per size. This is all variable of course, and you can add laudry costs in too for about .37 cents per load. Most people wash about every 2-3 days depending on how many diapers they own. And detergent lasts forever with cloth diapers because you only use about 1/4 the recommended amount per load. So one bottle will last about 6 mo or more.

For all the "What do you do with the poop?" questions, check out the FREE Diapering Book online at www.softbums.com

It's also got lists of pros and cons of different styles of diapers available now, and how to use them all, with bright colored pictures!