Cloth Diapers

We recently switched to cloth diapers for Sam. It wasn't a hasty decision. We (I) did tons of research online, went to a cloth diapering class, and considered all of the different options. Cloth diapering sure is different nowadays!

The cloth diaper switch has been fun. After attending a class a few weeks ago, we received a bunch of great information. Nick and I discussed which route we wanted to take (there are so many options -pre-folds, all-in-ones (AIOs), pocket, etc.) and we decided to go with fuzzibunzs (FBs), which are a specific type of pocket diaper. I was ok with the pre-folds (kind of what you imagine them to be like back in the day - a folded cloth with a cover) - they were cheaper - but Nick really liked the ease of the FBs. They are most similar to disposable diapers, and I really liked the snaps. They were a little price-y, but we consider it an investment. We bought 16 diapers, and I do a load every other day.

http://www.fuzzibunz.com/why_choose_fuzzibunz.php

Taking care of them is so easy. We bought a diaper sprayer that attaches directly to our bathroom toilet. After we change Sam's poop diaper, we just bring it to the toilet and spray it with the water, flushing the water down when we finish.There is also an insert in the diaper that goes in the tupperware tub that we keep in the bathroom where we store the diapers until it is time for laundry. Oh, we also spray the poo diapers with bac-out, an environmentally friendly
cleaner that deodorizes and treats the dirty diaper.

http://www.diapers.com/Shop/ProductDetail.aspx?productid=6098&&cm_mmc=cse-_-googlebase-_-null-_-null&cvsfa=912&cvsfe=2&cvsfp=BU-009

http://www.bi-o-kleen.com/general.htm

On laundry day I just throw the diapers in the wash and run a cold water cycle with out any detergent. I then run a hot water cycle using Allen's detergent (safe for cloth diapers). I pop the diapers in the dryer and run it on low. When they come out, I re-stuff the diapers with the insert. It is really easy! Oh, you only use around a tablespoon of the powdered detergent, so it lasts a long time.

http://www.babycottonbottoms.com/allens_naturally.htm

We also bought an extra pkg of inserts. At night time we double up on the inserts, increasing the absorbency of the diapers. The diapers themselves are amazing. They are so soft (the inside is micro-fleece) and we are both impressed with the absorbency. They really keep the bum dry, even when the diaper is full! That is because the fleece wicks the moisture away, filling up the insert.

When we first started this journey, Nick was not completely sold on the idea but supportive. Now he is totally converted. We originally decided to use disposable diapers for errands and church. Yesterday Sam had a blowout diaper after church, and the disposable could not contain it. We have never had that issue with the cloth diaper, even though Sam has been gassy lately (I need to avoid nuts!). Nick now wants us to use cloth all the time. I understand his sentiments.

There are so many different cloth diapers out there, and I really believe that they address all different needs. We love this brand, and really enjoy using it. The staff at the store we bought them at were incredibly helpful, and they are available for any questions we may have.

http://www.austinbabyonline.com/ClothDiapering101.html

I am so glad we made the switch, and I can't believe how easy it was! I only wish I had done it with Jacob, but I am glad to be doing it now. We are now preparing to make the switch to cloth wipes!

Jacob's Preschool

Jacob started preschool this year! We found a great preschool run by the Presbyterian Church that we absolutely adore. The school has a board certified teacher, Ms. Pat, and two parents who volunteer every day. If your child is enrolled in the preschool, you are required to volunteer two days/month. It is a great opportunity to participate in Jacob's education, and I love meeting all of his classmates.

Jacob goes to school Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-12. He plays at the playground, makes beautiful art, learns new songs, and practices social skills. It is an incredibly loving environment, and Ms. Pat is the perfect teacher. Before school even started she came to our house and played with Jacob for two hours! What a great preschool.