Etsy Cloth Diaper Team Holiday Giveaway

This amazing giveaway features many of the amazing shops on the Etsy Cloth Diaper Team. Check in tomorrow for all the details!

Cloth Diaper Info—Caring For Your Wool Diaper Covers

 

A Batch of Covers Ready to Wash

Wool diaper covers come in a myriad of styles, which is one of the things that makes them so well loved. There is a style of wool cover for everyone to like, from wraps, to soakers, to shorties, to longies, and with all sorts of personalized embellishments in between.

Whatever style wool cover you like best, if you want it to last and work well, it needs to be properly cared for. Most 100% wool covers will need to be hand washed and laid flat to dry. They will also need to be lanolized in order to properly work as a diaper cover. Depending on the type of wool, you may also need to do some cosmetic maintenance (like pulling off fuzzy pills). If you have a hand knit cover you will want to be very careful when using with pins or Snappies that the cover doesn’t get snagged when quickly pulling on or off. Tears can also occur in repurposed wool covers if the wool is soft and not tightly felted.

When should you wash your wool cover?

There are two ways to know, the smell test and the moisture test. Firstly, does the cover smell after a proper airing out? If it does, it is time to wash it. Is it leaking? If so, it needs to be lanolized. If it does not smell, you could choose a lanolin spray to lanolize in between washings. Otherwise, lanolize it as you are washing.

Dissolve a small amount of lanolin (about a 1/4" bead per soaker, or more for larger sizes or longies) in a cup with some hot water and wool wash or a baby wash of your choice. You may also choose to use a lanolin enriched wool wash.

If you cover has poopy residue on it (which is best wiped off immediately with a damp cloth) gently clean it in warm water and maybe some lanolin soap without rubbing or agitating it too much to prevent felting.

Fill a sink or tub with warm water and submerge your wool cover in the water. Pour your soap and lanolin mixture over the cover and gently stir the water with your hand to disperse the lanolin. Turn your cover in the water to get it coated. Let the cover soak for 15 minutes. Drain the water out of the sink. Gently rinse the cover in warm water.

(NOTE: If your cover is new and made from hand-dyed wool check the water for bleeding of color. If you see a lot of color in the water, repeat the washing and rinsing until the water is fairly clear. If the cover becomes saturated during use and the wool has excess color, the color may bleed onto diapers, clothing, or bedding.) Gently press the water out of the cover without squeezing too much or twisting.

Then lay the cover on a clean dry towel and roll the towel up to squeeze out the extra water. Then lay the cover out to dry on another towel or over a drying rack. Do not hang heavier covers like longies over a single bar to dry because the weight of the damp wool will cause the cover to stretch. If you want the cover to dry more quickly, lay it outside in the shade on warm day or place it in front of a fan.

If you have hand-knit longies or covers embellished with ruffles, this is the time to do what is called blocking. While the cover is damp on the towel, take the time to lay it out nicely and arrange any ruffles. They will dry in the shape that you leave them. For ruffles, use your fingers kind of like you are fluting a pie crust to puff up bell ruffles or to evenly shape more free-flowing ruffles.

It’s hard to know before using a wool cover, but some wool is more likely to get pills and fuzzies during wear. A few can be picked off by hand, but if there are a lot, it will be tedious. I like to use a sweater shaver to de-pill my covers. This can be done before or after washing and drying. A sweater shaver costs around $10, or you could also use a sweater stone as seen here. I prefer the shaver (even though it requires batteries) because the stone tends to drag across some types of wool and pull. Lay the cover flat and gently rub the shaver over the fuzzy areas in a circular motion. Don’t go too fast, just let the shaver do its job, and when you are finished your wool cover will look really revived.

 

It doesn’t take too much effort to keep your wool looking nice and you can feel good about choosing a natural fiber with so many naturally good qualities!

DIY—Cloth Diaper Liners

What are cloth diaper liners? A cloth diaper liner is simply a thin material placed into the diaper to either protect the diaper from build-up that may result from diaper rash creams or to catch flushable solids for easier disposal.

Despite the many wonderful attributes of cloth diapers, some babies will still get diaper rash. My own child has very sensitive skin and there are times when we have to resort to non-cloth diaper safe creams or salves. If this is the case for you, or if you just want to avoid having to rinse your entire diaper after a stinky, diaper liners are a good solution.

There are many options to buy, both flushable and reusable. The benefits of a flushable are obvious, you flush it and its gone, no more mess. But you do have to keep buying them, and you will probably have to try many brands before you find one you like. Cloth liners also come in a variety of materials to choose from.

Do you want to see if diaper liners will make your life easier? Just make some yourself. All you need is some polyester fleece and a pair of scissors—no sewing!

Start with some thinner fleece so as not to add too much bulk to your diaper. What I am using today is just some fabric store fleece I bought out of the remnants bin. You could also cut up a pair of old fleece pajama pants if you had some lying around.

You will begin by measuring the rise and width of your diapers.

Then the easiest thing to do is to cut a rectangle that size (mine was 13 X 5”). Cutting rectangles is also the most efficient use of your fabric.

 

 

If you want even better coverage than what a rectangle gives, mark on your rectangle with pins where the diaper gets wider on each end and draw a pattern with contoured ends.

Fold the pattern in half to cut it out if you want a nice symmetrical shape.

Then simply cut your shape out of your fleece and lay it in the diaper to use as a liner.

 

REMEMBER: Always wash liners that have been used with diaper balm separately from your diapers. Even having them in the same wash load will cause repelling build-up on your diapers. I found this out by accident! So you will probably want a small wetbag or bin for your dirty liners.

Out of Diapers? Try a Receiving Blanket!

When I started to use cloth I heard a lot about being able to use a receiving blanket as a diaper. I had never tried this and soon forgot all about it. Well for the first time ever Little Pumpkin ran out of diapers. I had put them to wash but before bed I had forgotten to put them to dry, so while diapers were drying I had nothing to put LP in. Then I remembered the receiving blankets! I looked up how to fold a flat diaper and gave it a try, and I have to say using the receiving blanket as a diaper is great! I may try some flat diapers now.

 

I decided to share with you how to use a receiving blanket as a diaper.

 

I hope that your find this helpful! Happy cloth diapering :)

DIY—Delicious Healthier Chocolate Milk

 

If any of you are on the whole foods journey like my family is, I am sure that finding healthy substitutes for your kids’ favorite snacks are at the top of your priority list too. As our journey progresses, non-whole foods items get used up and suddenly we are wondering what to replace them with. Good quality whole milk (raw, pastured, or organic—whatever your family prefers or can get a hold of) by itself makes a healthy and filling snack, but let’s face it—for some reason it’s better with chocolate. Well, what isn’t!

So we ran out of the chocolate syrup we would normally use and I was scouring the grocery store shelves for an acceptable whole foods alternative. I found one organic brand, but I wasn’t willing to pay the price when it still contained ingredients I wasn’t crazy about. A few weeks later I saw a blog post about making chocolate milk with cocoa powder. Why hadn’t I thought of that? Cocoa powder is a staple in my pantry, so it’s nothing extra to buy. I use it to make hot chocolate, so why not chocolate milk? I tried their method of shaking the raw cocoa powder up with the milk in a sealed mason jar, and it was okay. I could never get the cocoa powder to completely mix and there were always little bubbles of raw cocoa floating around that don’t taste great and look unappetizing, not to mention the hideous milk mustache they gave my toddler. It also had a tendency to separate quickly.

So here is my method:

I like to use an old Tupperware salad dressing shaker that has a spinney thing that fits inside the lid. It does a great job of getting a good mix and the added benefit of a small opening to pour the milk out of. This helps if you want to add a few ice cubes for ice cold milk, but want to strain them out after mixing.

 

I put the cocoa powder and sugar in the bottom of the dressing container. Then I add just enough hot water to dissolve the cocoa powder and sugar. A VERY small amount will do, just enough to make a paste. Make sure the cocoa is completely dissolved in the water. Use a mini-whisk to mix this if you have one.

 

Before Mixing

After Mixing

Add your milk. Put the spinner and the top on the shaker and shake away! You will end up with a delicious chocolate milk, maybe even a little frothy if you shake hard enough. Let your kids do the shaking—just make sure the lid is on tight!

To Make 1 ½ cups Chocolate Milk (enough to fill my toddler’s cup and a small drink for me):

1-2 heaping teaspoons cocoa powder (1tsp dark cocoa, 2 for regular, or to taste)

3 teaspoons unrefined sugar (maple syrup or honey are good too)

1 ½ cups milk

Optional: add a dash of vanilla or other flavor extract, or maybe even a dash of cinnamon

Another thing my boys loved was “pink milk”. They mostly got it at grandparents’ houses. It was the only way I could get my youngest to drink milk after he weaned from nursing. I gradually decreased the amount of pink stuff until he was drinking straight milk—now he likes milk any way I give it to him. The other day I thought it might be a treat to give him “pink milk” so I used my stick blender to puree some fresh strawberries in his milk. It was a little tart, but he drank it. It will depend on the strawberries of course, but you could add a little unrefined sweetener to taste. The stick blender makes it really frothy and you can throw in other things like flax oil and hide it pretty well. Just some ideas…I hope I’ve inspired you to create a yummy drink for yourself. I’m tempted to go and make myself one now, but I’ve already had a smoothie this afternoon!

NOTE: Remember not to feed strawberries to little ones until you are aware of allergies!

Meet the Team - Laila of TipuTap

Today we're chatting with Laila from TipuTap, so settle down in your favorite chair with something yummy to drink and join us!


What's your name and where do you live?

My name is Laila and I live in Latvia, it is the small but very nice country in the Northern Europe. There are only about 2 millions people in my country.   I live in Riga, it is capital of my country. It is nice and very old city. In my country people live very touches with nature. I know many countries it is lost now, but in my country many peoples goes pick up Christmas tree in  the forest not in the shop :). In autumn we goes pick up berries and mushrooms  by self ( I like this process, it is real meditation), many of us have gardens. And in the same time we have computers, moderns flats and all things what is in other countries.

Where did you get the name for your shop?

In my language people says Tipu Tap  when baby start to go and do their first steps.  This words is easy pronounced for little children in my language. 

How long have you been in business?

My business I started one year ago, when my little doughtier was 4 months. In additional I have also older doughtier, she is 10 years old. My etsy shop I opened in this year April. 1 . I hope this date helps me :) but it is only toss-up. 

How did you get the idea for your products/business?

I left many hours to my computer and find, read and see so much models if to understand what is better for me.  Usually this is USA sites, where I found many information. There is some sites : www.Zany-Zebra.com, www.diaperjungle.com . Very nice site : http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/. In Europe we have a  more little information about cloth diapers. Europe is old and conservative :) and she do not love changes so fast  :) . Also I delve many diapers of industrial producers. My favorites is Gro Via and Flip by Cottonbabies system, from organic producers  I like Disana tie diapers. 

Please share what is unique about your products.

My product is different from others similar products as I do not use kam snaps. Reason is very simple, I do not have snap press only snap pliers. My one size diapers have size adjustment system with buttonhole elastic and small buttons ( It is like Funzz Bunz diapers system, but my is a little better :) I think). Also  all my inserts have stay dray layer and I recommend to use them not only in pocket but also as all in two system. Also I offer personalized diapers where customer can order diapers with their babies name or other text.   And I have much ideas for future. I hope I will have enough time for realize them.  And yet I offer preemies size all in one diapers and  mini uni size diaper - it means newborn diaper with buttonhole adjustment system for the best fit.
Also I offer potty training pants with changeable inserts, this system is very economical and easy to use. It is vary important in my country, where after economical crises life level decrease. 

What are your most popular products, and why are they so appealing?

At the moment I can not says what is the most popular product, because my business is in start. Peoples very like my diapers with hidden PUL, where I hide PUL under cotton fabric in the nice prints. This cotton fabrics are made in Latvia and is unique so as you do not find them in another places. 

What have you found most challenging about running your own business?

You can be the master himself, you can to response fully by self and you need not to deducted to any , Oh, maybe sometimes you need deducted to tax inspection:). And it is very interesting, I make nice things, I meet so much and so different peoples. 

Has anything been easier than you expected? More difficult?
I would like if the process in all grows faster, but it is real hard to join full time job ( I have), family and this business. I would like to spend more time with my daughters, but now I can not to be with them as I want. I hope my business grows  up and I can left my full time job.

More difficult? I do not know, maybe to write in English, after I start my business my English is more better and it is not so difficult as I think before. 

Why do you like selling on Etsy?

First I like to meet many peoples from many countries around of the world,  now I know the world is  so small. There is the place where I can sell my products outside my country and I can find more customers as  in my country ( only 2 millions as you see before). 

How long have you been sewing? Do you knit or crochet also?

In my country each women learned to crafts very early, about 7-8 years. All women can knit and crocheting, sewing is a little bit less, because there is needed sewing machine. My mother teaches me about in 8 years. I start with crocheting and sewing, after I learned to knit. I real like to knit but I have not time for this.  I like to feel natural yarns in my arms. I always use natural yarns, my favorite is Latvian sheep wool, it is no so soft but it is real warm and very suitable for our cold climate. 

What is your favorite thing to make at the moment?

I sew cloth diapers :), is all my free time. 

Why is cloth diapering important to you?

First I like the process, I like to use them in my daughter, I tried so much designs.  I like wash them, exeperments with laundry detergents, with stripping.   I like sew them. My motto is  - cloth diapers it is art, it is real art , I like make this art and give them to others. In additional it is important for each of us - left waste after self so little as it is possible. 

What is the kind of diaper you like the best at home?

Now I use potty training pants with PUL outer and changeable inserts. But before I start with fitted diapers and PUL cover, after I use the similar all in two systems, one was with simple PUL covers, one was with PUL cover with microfleece lining, also I have large amount of pocket diapers and I tries also fully natural system from wool cover and cotton inserts. All my diaper was made by me, and before I offer them to my customers I tried them to my daughter. My favorite system stays all in two system with simple PUL cover, like Flip diapers. 

What is your favorite cloth diapering memory?
I made two full completes from 20 pieces fitted diapers for peoples by charity. In our popular social site this people ask for help with other goods, I also offer to make them cloth diapers and save their money (before they use disposable diapers) and they was very glad and start cloth diapering. 

Who or what is your inspiration?

My mind :) and my customers. 

Do you have anything new coming up, such as new products or promotions?

I hope I can start new line - prefold diapers and wool soakers, longgies and covers from upcycled materials. It is very good idea what I got on etsy  - to give new life for old and used things. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Happy cloth diapering! 

Where can we find your products?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TipuTap

DIY—Cloth Wipes on the Cheap

Okay, so you’ve made the leap to cloth diapers and you are loving it, or at least you are delighting in the cost savings. But are you still hanging on to those disposable wipes? They add up too you know, and it’s SOOO easy to kick the habit! So many things can be turned into cloth wipes with very little effort.

Simple Zig-Zagged edge...

Two layers of flannel...

Do you (or your parents) have any of those transparently thin bath towels still lurking in the linen closet? They are old, but soft, and could still be put to great use. Simply decide what size you want your wipes and cut the towels into squares. Cut off any thick edges or decorative stitching that may be scratchy on baby’s bottom. The edges will fray because of the fabric, so you will need to run a zig-zag stitch around them or serge the edges. Wah-Lah, a set of cloth wipes!

 

Do you have any holey cotton velour leisure suits lying around? Cotton velour makes a lovely cloth wipe. Simply cut the cloth into squares or rectangles the size you want and layer them together or with another material to keep the edges from rolling. Finish them the same as described above.

 

Check out these velour wipes from Etsy Cloth Diaper Team members: Northern Mom and Bundles of Joy and Sweet Bobbins!



What about old flannel sheets or pillowcases? Simply cut into squares and use two layers per wipe and finish as suggested. 

 

 Here are some flannel wipes from Etsy Cloth Diaper Team members: Rumpeez and CheekyBunz and Just2CuteAccessories and Lil Stuff and TheCraftEGalDiapers !

 

Flannel and t-shirt wipes.



Everyone has some soft, old, stained, cotton t-shirts lying around. Simply cut into squares and use. These don’t even need to be finished off in most cases! Just don’t use stiff crusty t-shirts with painted or vinyl decorations on them because they won’t be soft for baby.

Basically, anything soft and cotton can be turned into cloth wipes. Because wipes are small you can cut around holes or other issues and still repurpose your item for good! Just don’t get carried away and cut up something your loved ones will miss!!

If you really just want cute wipes, wait until the fabric store runs their flannel on sale and buy a few yards of flannel that coordinates with your baby’s décor.

“What if I don’t even know how to turn on a sewing machine?” Well, cut some out and take them to someone who does (maybe you can do something for them while they stitch your wipes up), or at least buy mama-made wipes!

“Great, you say, now how do I use them?”

However you want! Some people like to create a wipes solution and keep the wipes soaking in the solution. While this is handy for immediate use, if the wipes aren’t used in a timely manner, the solution can go bad and the wipes turn moldy. Others keep a container of solution and dunk the wipes individually as needed. Many like to keep solution in a squirt or spray bottle and dampen the wipes that way. You may need to experiment and see what works for your family. I prefer a stack of dry wipes next to a container of solution. When I know I’m changing a dirty, I dunk and squeeze a couple before getting started so I don’t have to stick my hands back in the solution and contaminate it.

See some ECDT member wipes solution bits: Rumpeez or WeeEssentials. Some recipes to make your own solutions from Zany Zebra.

“Should I use them for going out as well?” Why not? They go right in the wet bag (Check these out from ECDT) with the dirties, so there’s nothing to throw away. There are many ways to store pre-moistened wipes in your diaper bag. A common Ziplock will do, a travel wipes bag (from ECDT), or (as my friend does) a mason jar.

“What about the poopy? Do the wipes need to be rinsed?” As I said before, everyone has their own methods. I like to get most of it with the diaper since it will likely be rinsed anyway, and then I don’t worry about the little bit that gets on the wipes, they just go in the dry pail with the dirty diapers.

The point is, you do what works for you, but cloth wipes are a win-win for everyone—especially considering you can likely make them for free with stuff you have around the house. Maybe you’re not a pack-rat, and maybe you really don’t have any of these unused items lying about. Just hit a few yard sales or thrift stores, or better yet, plunder the closets or your friends and relatives. They’ll probably be happy for you to relieve them of some of your clutter!

FYI—This same method can be used for repurposing  soft cotton cast-offs into handkerchiefs (a big money saver during cold/flu season).

New August Treasury Geometric!

'Geometry AYONE???' by 3monkeysclothdiapers

Etsy Cloth Diaper Teams geometric items.

Snap or Velcro Geometric One... GreenBeansDiap... $22.00	Pure Bebe Super Stars - Clot... aliANDswan $5.75
Winged Bamboo Prefold - Size... WeeEssentials $11.00	Cloth Diaper Small (Big Newb... LittleBoppers $21.00
Party Monsters- One Size(OS) CutesyTushies $15.00	Cupcake Dots Road Trip Wetba... TheEliMonster $32.00
ONE SIZE Pocket Diaper, PUL,... BrightRoseCrea... $20.00	Large Bamboo Fitted Cloth Di... bananabottoms $25.95
X-Large Hanging Wet Bag for ... LilStuff $26.00	Snap or Velcro Modern Floral... GreenBeansDiap... $22.00
Circles on green KissingBunnies $8.00	Wet bag Green Polka Dot for ... LilStuff $15.50
Interlocking Circle Anti-pil... londonware $7.50	Large Jar of Goat's Milk... WeeEssentials $12.00
Upcycled Wool Soaker Cover D... Myecobaby $20.00	Geometry Class Fleece Diape... londonware $7.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house