Posts Tagged ‘cloth wipes’

Cloth Wipes

Monday, January 9th, 2012

I recently re-acquainted myself with an old friend…my cloth wipes! Years ago when I first started using cloth diapers, I used cloth wipes 100% of the time at home and disposable wipes when out and about. Slowly over time mostly due to a poorly organized diapering system, I started using disposable wipes more and more to the point that I was eventually no longer using cloth wipes at all! Then I re-organized my diapering area making it super easy to start using cloth wipes again. Right around the same time my three year old son found our missing box of Baby Bits Wipes Solution (which he hoped was candy and tried to eat…ew!) which was perfect timing! Right now I am feeling the love for my cloth wipes and wanted to spread it around. 😉

One big advantage to cloth wipes is that they are far more effective than disposables. A mess that takes 11 disposable wipes and 2 minutes of active wiping can seriously be done with one or two cloth wipes in half the time. Okay I haven’t actually done the math to calculate that, but you get the idea. Cloth wipes are simply better at getting baby’s bum clean! I also really enjoy the economical and ecological benefits of cloth wipes. Saving money while preserving the earth’s resources always make me happy. 🙂

If you are not sure how to incorporate cloth wipes into your cloth diapering routine there are two basic methods. You could opt to use either a wet or dry system. If you were to use the dry system you would simply store your clean, dry cloth wipes near your diapering station and wet them as needed. You would wet them with a prepared wipe solution and store it in a peri or spray bottle. The other option is the wet system where you prepare your wipes solution and soak your wipes ahead of time so they are ready for use at each diaper change. You could store wet wipes in a wipes warmer, recycled disposable wipes container, or even a large ziplock bag. Basically any type of container that will hold in the moisture will work to store your wet cloth wipes. Currently I use the dry system where I wet the wipes as I go. I have my pre-made wipes solution in a small spray bottle and usually spray baby’s bum directly and wipe accordingly. I definitely prefer this over using disposable wipes as the Baby Bits Wipes Solution has a pleasant, yet mild smell to it. I also feel that it’s more gentle to baby’s skin simply because I am wiping less.

Cloth wipes are easy to clean as well. I throw dirty ones right into my wetbag along with my dirty diapers and wash them all together. It doesn’t really add any extra laundry or work to use cloth wipes, but the advantages are big! I am very glad to be back to using my again.

Do you use cloth wipes? What method do you use? Do you use a cloth solution? Would love to hear your tips on making cloth wipes work for you!

-Sarah

PS. Tomorrow’s Tasty Tuesday recipe is for Garlicky Kale….yum!

 

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Posted in Cloth Diapers, Eco Friendly, Sarah, Washing Cloth Diapers | 4 Comments »

Cloth Diaper Storage

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

I am super excited because I recently (as in today) re-ogranized our cloth diapering area. Yes folks, this is the kind of stuff that excites me. 🙂 Our old system was not very functional and not only made it cumbersome to diaper baby, but it was also rather cumbersome to wash/put clean diapers away. I have been wanting to organize it for a long time to streamline the diapering and laundry process. I finally did it today and my diaper area now looks like this:

Ohhh…ahhhh, right?!? The four metal baskets and the frame were the deal of the day yesterday at Ikea for $9.99! (I love all things Ikea!) They actually hold a surprisingly large amount of diapers and the unit is quite durable. The black metal diaper pail (also from Ikea) is the same one I have used for a long time, it’s just now located in a more convenient spot; next to the diapering area which is so much better than carrying the dirty diapers to the pail like we used to do.

I organized each drawer by type of diaper. My all-in-ones and pre-stuffed pockets are in the top drawer. These are my everyday diapers. The second drawer has my fitteds and covers in it, which are primarily used for overnight diapers. The third drawer is full of random diapering accessories such as wetbags, liners, inserts, changing pad, etc. The bottom drawer is my remaining fitted diapers and of course my Grandma El’s Diaper Rash Remedy.

What I love about this new organization system is that it is in the bathroom! This is highly functional because it’s near running water for using cloth wipes, the toilet for dunking or spraying dirty dipes, and the bathtub for those occasional diaper emergencies when a quick bath would be way more efficient/effective than using a bizillion wipes. I can either change baby on the countertop or on the floor. I have a changing pad I can put out as needed, but I don’t use it every time. The little turquoise basket on the countertop holds our cloth wipes. I can wet them as needed or spray baby’s bum with a water bottle. It feels like everything I need to quickly and neatly cloth diaper is right within hands reach. My son’s clothes are in a dresser right outside the bathroom door so everything to dress baby is nearby too. I love it!!

It’s taken me a while to figure out the best cloth diapering storage area for our house and family’s needs, but I am super stoked about this set-up and wanted to share!  And my favorite part is the total cost was $10!

What does your cloth diaper storage area look like? What do you use to store your diapers? Would love to hear what works for you!

-Sarah

 

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Sunday Funday Giveaway | Imse Vimse Wipes & Baby Bits

Monday, November 21st, 2011

Have you been thinking of switching to cloth wipes? If so, I think you will like this week’s giveaway for a 3 oz box of Baby Bits Wipes Solution  AND a 12-pack of Imse Vimse Organic Flannelette Wipes! These two paired together are a great combination to get you started with cloth wipes. You could opt to use either a wet or dry system. If you were to use the dry system you would simply store your clean, dry cloth wipes near your diapering station and wet them as needed. You would wet them with a prepared wipe solution by dissolving one Baby Bit into one cup of water and store it in a peri or spray bottle. The other option is the wet system where you prepare your wipes solution and soak your wipes ahead of time so they are ready for use at each diaper change. You could store wet wipes in a wipes warmer, recycled disposable wipes container, or even a large ziplock bag. Basically any type of container that will hold in the moisture will work to store your wet cloth wipes.

A 3 0z box of Baby Bits Wipes Solution makes 50 cups of antibacterial and fragrant wipes solution. The “bits” are small squares of soap made with all natural ingredients such as olive oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, plantain herb, and chickweed herb.

 

 

If you use cloth wipes not only are you making an environmnetally friendly choice, you will also save money. It is estimated that on average a household spends $800 on disposable wipes from birth to age two. You could invest far less money into a cloth wipe system that would last for many years and could be used with subsequent children! The 12 pack Imse Vimse Organic Flannelette Wipes is a great option. The super soft wipes are made of 100% organic cotton flannelette fabric and come in two cute colors choices: ocean or rose.

Follow the directions below to enter this week’s Sunday Funday Giveaway for your chance to win a Cloth Wipe starter kit!
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Posted in Abbie, Cloth Diapers, Eco Friendly, Giveaways, Sarah | 1 Comment »

Top 5 Cloth Diapering Accessories

Friday, October 14th, 2011

 

If you are new to cloth diapering, the thought of diapering accessories might make you chuckle. I know I wondered “what in the world is a diaper accessory? Like diaper swag or something?” I quickly realized the term encompassed products designed to make using cloth diapers as effective, simple, and convenient as possible.

Cloth Wipes
If you are cloth diapering you might also want to consider using cloth wipes. They are super easy to use and far less expensive than using disposable wipes. You can wet them right at the time of use with a spray bottle or directly from the tap. Another option is to pre-wet them with water or a wipe solution and store in a water proof container. Optimally you would have around 25+ wipes in your rotation to ensure you have clean ones available on wash day.

 

 

Doublers and Inserts
A doubler or an insert is used to provide an extra layer of absorbency for your cloth diapers. Typically a doubler is used with a flat, prefold, or all-in-one while an insert is used to stuff in a pocket diaper, however they can be used interchangeably. They are helpful to use for overnight diapers, a ‘heavy-wetter’, or older children who tend to urinate less frequently but in large amounts.

 

 

Wetbags and Pail Liners
Wetbags and pail liners are used to store dirty diapers containing both the mess and the odor until wash day. A wetbag is smaller and usually holds about 3 diapers. It is used for when you are out and about to hold your dirty cloth diapers. They are an essential item in your diaper bag. You probably want at least 3 wetbags in your rotation so you always have a clean one available. A pail liner is used to store diapers at home and is available in two styles; a hanging pail or a liner for a trash can. A hanging pail can be hung from a hook or a doorknob. A pail liner can be used with a regular 13 gallon trash bin. On wash day you simply dump everything from your pail into your washing machine and then place your dirty pail in too. You will want at least two pails in your rotation so you always have a clean one available.

Cleaning Detergents
You will want to be sure to select a detergent that is ‘safe’ for cloth diapers. Many commonly used household detergents will cause build-up on your diapers and interfere with the absorbency of them. There are many brands well known to be safe for cloth diapers and any of these would be an excellent choice. You may experiment a little before determing what wash routine and detergent works best for your cloth diapers and baby’s skin.

 

 

Diaper Sprayer
A diaper sprayer is a hose and nozzle that attaches directly to your toilet and is used to clean messy (ie-poopy) diapers. You can spray your diapers off right into the toilet and then flush the mess away where it belongs. Diaper sprayers are a great tool for cloth diapering families and really make cleaning cloth a cinch! They are easy to install and come with all necessary parts for installation.

What cloth diaper accessory is a must-have on your list? What detergent have you found works best for your diapers?

-Sarah

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