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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

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A Peak Inside My World of Fluff

Over the past nine months my diaper stash has grown from two twilight BumGenius 3.0 pocket diapers, to over 50 various pocket and fitted diapers and several dozen flats. Up until a few months ago I had two little ones in diapers full time, but thankfully, my oldest is now day trained and only wears cloth at night. My current diaper rotation consists of around 35 or so diapers, which allows me to do diaper laundry just twice a week. I like all of the diapers in my current stash, but there are definitely certain diapers that I grab for at specific times, as well as diapers that I prefer when my son is wearing smaller fitting clothing. Whereas I couldn’t live without my #1 diaper, the BumGenius 3.0’s, they tend to be a bit bulkier than some of my other options. Here’s a peak into my stash, the diapers I can’t live without, and the three I grab first at changing time.

#1 BumGenius 3.0
The diaper that makes up more than 50% of my pocket diaper stash is the BumGenius 3.0. I love this diaper and can’t rave about it enough. It is the perfect diaper for taking on the road with me for quick day trips, as well as leaving home with daddy or the babysitter to change. I’ve even had success packing the BumGenius, along with my Planet Wise Wet Bag, and leaving it at the Church nursery when I drop my kids off on Sunday morning. This diaper is incredibly absorbent, rarely leaks, and contains the biggest blowouts – even with breastfed baby poop. (Can anyone say that about a disposable?) My youngest son, Brendan, began wearing the BumGenius 3.0 at around 3 months old and around 13 lbs. The fit was fantastic then, and now at 1 year old and 24 lbs, the fit is still wonderful.

Of all the diapers in my stash, the BumGenius 3.0 is the only diaper I trust at both naptime and overnight. To increase absorbency at night, I simply add a BabyKicks Hemparoo JoeyBunz insert, and we’re good to go for up to 12 hours. If I could only have one type of diaper in my stash, the BumGenius would be it. This diaper makes cloth diapering just as easy as disposables, and I wouldn’t want to live without it.

#2 Birdseye Flats
Yes, you read that right. I use flats and love them! I only wish I would have discovered how easy they are to use earlier in my cloth diapering days. Last month I was looking for a cheap alternative to using my pocket diapers while I was at home, which is most of the time. I wanted to lessen the wear on my BumGenius diapers, and wanted something that would be simple to care for. I did some research and decided to give flats a try. I was attracted to the low price, as well as the ease in washing and drying them. Being so thin, they dry very quickly, which in turn saves me money when using my electric dryer. Living in WI I just can’t line dry my fluff year round as I would like to - I’d end up with cloth diaper popsicles. In most cases, I use two styles of folds when using my flats – the traditional flat fold and the origami fold.

Traditional Flat Fold

Begin by folding the flat in half.

Fold one side of the diaper just past the center of the cloth.

Fold the other side just past the same center mark on the cloth so that there are now several layers of cloth in the center of the diaper.

I then fold the side of the diaper as shown for tapered fit.

Place diaper in cover, folded side down and you’re ready to go.

Origami Flat Fold

Start by folding the diaper in half, and then in half again to create a square

At the top corner where all four corners meet, grab the top three layers with one hand, and put the other corner away, so that there is a triangle of fabric flat on the folding surface. (This took me a few tries to perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few times to get it right.)

You will notice a square shaped piece of fabric attached to the center of the triangle. Fold this square to around the center of the “square”.

Fold again into the far edge of the square, and adjust to the center of the “triangle” if necessary.

For a trimmer fit around the legs, you can gently fold in the sides of the diaper as shown here.

Place the folded diaper in a cover and you’re ready to go.

I lay my folded diapers in a Thirsties or Bummis diaper cover and we’re good to go. I don’t even bother with pins or snappis, as I’ve found that I really don’t need them when using a proper fitting diaper wrap or cover.

#3 Blueberry Minky One Size
I only own two of these diapers, but if they are clean, I will always grab for them when I want to show off my fluff. The fire opal and cute jaguar prints always catch people’s attention at changing time, or when I am letting my little guy run around the house in just a diaper. I’ve started several conversations on cloth diapering with people after they catch a glimpse of these way too cute diapers. I’m anxious to add a few more of these to my stash in the next few months. Sooner or later the warmer weather will find us in Wisconsin , and my little guy will be able to strut around in just a diaper.

Well, that’s a peak into my world of fluff and a little a about my favorite diapers. I have several other brands in my stash that I like including, Fuzzi Bunz, BumWear, Thirsties Fab Fitteds and several made by a work at home mom. I am always anxious to try new diapers, and can’t wait to check out the Kiwi Pie One Size Bamboo Fitteds as well as the new Gro Baby and Fuzzi Bunz One Size diapers. Not that I need any more fluff…but doesn’t it seem we are always wanting more?


- By Katrina W.

43 comments:

K said...

My aunt showed me that AWESOME "Origami Flat Fold" this past weekend! She learned it in Japan, 30 years ago when she lived there while her husband was finishing his Ph.D. there. She said she used it while she cloth diapered both her kids since she didn't need to use pins!

Ashley said...

Great post!

I've been hearing rave reviews about flats lately... and of course, every mom in the cloth diapering world is a follower... I want to try now! Hehe.

Your son is ADORABLE!

Angela said...

I too love my BG's, but always want to try different diapers. I started with flats and covers with two of my children... let just say I love pocket diapers:)

Jenn said...

great post .. i am excited to get my flats from a coop and try them out !! i love bg too ! thanks

Upstatemamma said...

Oh man!!!! Now I totally want to try flat diapers. I loved my prefolds in the infant size but the premium size were too bulky for me. Flats didn't even occur to me. :(

Tani said...

I really enjoyed reading what you like, I know what you mean about not needing but wanting to try the latest and greatest. Its amazing how quickly you can become addicted to cding just for the cuteness of it!

lsnellings said...

I love bumgenius too! I also find myself grabbing the cutest of my diapers when we are going out or having people over. It's a great conversation starter!

Knit Wit said...

Your little guy is so cute!

Thanks for sharing your fluff stash.

Sarah said...

I really need to try one of these minky blueberry diapers.

Anonymous said...

very cute babys!

Minnie said...

I don't have the Blueberry diapers but I have been building a Blueberry Minky Trainer stash and I LOVE them!!! Incredibly soft and highly absorbent...they will definitely be my going out and about training pant for my DD.

For the next baby I will be adding prefolds and/or flats & some covers to my stash for sure.

Kelly said...

I share your sentiments! I certainly don't need more diapers, but I always want more. And I too consider my Bum Genius 3.0 to be my go to diapers. But be sure to get some Gro Baby and Fuzzi Bunz one size. You will love them!!!

hosiewosie said...

love all the pictures, and you're baby is a cutie!

A said...

What a cute little baby in here! I'd love to try some minky soon...

Serena Michelle said...

LOVE flat diapers... (ok, really, is there any diaper I don't love, or at least like? LOL)

I just got some Hemp Babies "prefold" diapers from Kelly's Closet (they're actually the Bigger Weeds "inserts" but work like a prefold too).

I'm really eyeballing the Hemp Babies flat diapers because I know those would be extra thirsty and wash up nice too!

We truly have an addiction to fluff!

MuchAfraid said...

I just tried the oragami fold, that is really neat! It's so trim that I had to get out the smaller sized diaper covers!!

Unknown said...

I would have never even though of using flats. But you just convinced me. Thank you for posting pictures so I could see how simple it is!!

Brittany said...

I haven't ever seen how to use flats, but they do seem easy! This was a great post!

Anonymous said...

Nice diaper folding demo! Thanks for all the great photos.

winterwrens (at) gmail (dot) com

Kacey Batterton said...

I only have Fuzzi Bunz smalls and mediums right now, but those BG 3.0s are so great that I'm just dying to try them. Also I have heard that same thing about flats--once you use them, you love them. Great post!

Melia said...

Thanks for all of the great pics! I am new to cloth diapering and have some fitteds and pockets. But I do have some flats that I now know how to use!!

saygeronimo said...

Thanks for the tips on flat folding! I have to admit I am a little intimidated by flats, but maybe I will give them a shot!

Michele said...

Great post...I was wondering how the flat diapers were folded to be worn! Thanks!

Rebecca said...

We use the bum genius 3.0 pockets at night too and they are awesome! It was great to get a flat diaper tutorial. I have a few put away. Might get them out and give them a try now.

coconuts said...

Thank You for showing how to fold flats!! I have always wondered. I have had quite a few people tell me they are great and easy. Couple of questions, is there a specific cover you use for them? and do you pin or snappi them?

Serena Michelle said...

Coconuts (cute name btw):

I personally prefer to use diapers pins when using my flat diapers.

I believe Katrina just simply fastens the diaper cover with the flat diaper just laying inside the cover (sans pins or a Snappi).

However, you can utilize any or all three of the methods... when the diapers are fastened they are better able to contain and poo... but they will work if just laid inside a cover too!

-Serena

CariC said...

Those minky diapers also caught my eye when I first started CDing. Unfortunately the top tended to roll down - same as with all side-snapping diapers I've tried - and my DS soaked it almost everytime. :(
Thanks for sharing about the flats you use. They still scare me but a bit less now. :)

Kristin said...

Thanks for the flat fold details...I had never seen that before and was, admittedly, to intimidated by the idea of flat diapers to consider them. Now they don't seem so scary!

AScott said...

Do you have to do all that folding every time you do a diaper?

Shanaka @ Mama Bee Does said...

We have tried BGs, PF's anf flats also but no minkys yet. One day we will reach stash nirvana but for now I just drool over some that other mamas have ;) Cute model too. Thanks for sharing!

Katie said...

I do not think I could get the hang of the flats!! I could not even get the hang of prefolds with a snappi!!

the monkeys' mama said...

wow! I am happy to see flats in use. I was always afraid of even venturing into that world but it seems like they can work really well! Thanks for the peek into your life!

Katrina said...

I'm glad so many of you liked the flat diaper folding instructions. I felt overwhelmed when I first tried flats, but found that it was a pretty easy learning curve for me. Hope it goes well for all of you who give it a shot. If you don't have a flat on hand, you can always use those receiving blankets that you probably have stashed away somewhere...they work great too. Oh, and then you can buy cute covers to put over the flats :)

Serena Michelle said...

CariC: This is the first time I've ever heard anyone having a problem with a diaper rolling down! Were the diapers fastened loosely up top? I can see the fabric folding over if the top isn't fastened "snug" enough... unless your little one had a fluffy round belly that would cause the top to fold over?!?

I'm trying to figure out how/why it would do that!

A Psych Mommy said...

I've been intimidated by flats, but your post makes it look so easy to use! I think I'm going to try them out this summer when I'm home on vacation!

Jackie said...

The Origami Flat Fold looks awesome!! I have never seen that fold before. Thanks for sharing!

Meghan said...

I've never been interested in flats before, but you make it sound easy! Thanks for the tips!
And I have been wanting a Blueberry Minky since before I bought a single diaper. I think I will need to save up for a couple of them!

Talina said...

So many people recommend the BumGenius 3.0! I've got exactly one cloth diaper in my stash right now and that is what it is.

I am looking at other brands too and haven't hear of the others you mentioned. I am brand new to cloth diapering! :-o

Melissa said...

The minky is so cute! They have a camo one that I want :)

Diane said...

I love my flats! I don't feel like I get enough absorbency now that my daughter is older, though. They are definitely a great alternative to tiny prefolds in the early weeks. I use them now to line the changing pad, wipe up spills ... they're so versatile! Way cheaper than paper towels, that's for sure.

Katrina said...

To answer a few of the questions:
*coconuts*
I have several brands of covers in my stash, but I've found that I reach for my Thirsties and Wonder Wraps first. I love the leg gussets in the Thirsties, and the great coverage on the Wonder Wrap. I usually just lay the folded flats in the cover, but if I'm expecting a messy diaper (he's like clock work most days. lol) I will use a snappi.

*Ascott*
When I do use a flat on my son, I try and fold it before placing him on the changing table since he's in the wiggly stage. The past few weeks I've been using the traditional fold the most and adding a second folded flat in the center since he's been a heavier wetter lately.

Heather S said...

I love the BumGenius as well It's my favorite go to diaper. Your son is a CUTIE!!

Gwenn said...

These posts on the BG's are def. lean towards them for my next purchase..maybe some flats too!