Loving Some AppleCheeks!

I was introduced to the AppleCheeks cloth diaper brand by my friend Katie. At the time I wasn't even thinking about having kids, but I was intrigued by the cuteness in all of the pictures of her little boy in their diapers on her blog. When it actually came time for me to start researching cloth diapers during my pregnancy, everywhere I read said to buy lots of different brands to see which you like best. So I started collecting a variety of brands and styles to try out on Fox when he got here, and over the course of a few months I experimented with lots of different combinations to see what worked best and what I liked the most. Our AppleCheeks were definitely some of our favorites. It only took me 18 months, but I finally set out on a mission to switch over to having a stash made up of a majority of AppleCheeks. I sold some diapers to fund the switch, and watched the AC buy/sale/trade (B/S/T) group like a hawk and hunted down some awesome deals! I currently have about 25 size 2s, and 8 size 1s that are getting some use by our little Leap Frog puppy Scout :)

A few people have asked me why I love AppleCheeks so much. First of all I love how trim they are. We use the bamboo 2 ply inserts which are very thin yet absorbent, which allow me to add layers without adding bulk. And thanks to the AppleCheeks Anonymous chat group on Facebook, I learned of the perfect combination for night time. Yay for no leaks! Of course I love the look of the diapers. The colors, the ruffles, the snaps. When you put it all together you have an adorable little diaper for both boys and girls. There's no way you can see a little fluffy AppleCheeks bottom and not fall in love! I also adore the brand itself. All the girls who represent the company are so sweet and personable. They come up with fun ways to interact with fans and customers, and they answer any questions people have. Overall it is a well-crafted diaper made by an awesome Canadian company, sold by some of the best retailers. They are worth every penny!

 

Some of my pretties!

Done With Antibiotics!

Our prescription of Amoxicillin said to give it twice a day for 10 days, but tonight we gave Fox the last drops left in the bottle after only a week. So that's it, we're done. Right? Gosh I hope so. He is acting much better, we have no stains in our cloth diapers, and it didn't upset his tummy. Hopefully our first ear infection is under our belt and he doesn't have any more, ever! Fingers crossed...

Surprise! Fox's First Ear Infection

I was always relieved when I'd take Fox to the doctor thinking he had an ear infection and the doctor would assure me it was just teething. He was always tugging his ear, never wanted me to touch them, and hated to lay down except to sleep. After a few false alarms I stopped worrying every time he'd mess with his ear.
Well yesterday he had a runny nose and a productive cough so I decided to take him in to get checked out because he ALWAYS gets sick on a Friday and I hate waiting all weekend not knowing what's up. So while we were in there she was shining the light in his ear and like every other time she has to get her little ear wax tool and remove some junk that's in her way. She checked his right ear and said it was all clear, then checked his left ear and after fighting with some ear wax for a bit, she said "It's his ear." I was so surprised! She told me his other symptoms were an upper respiratory infection caused by the infection. Boo :(
When she told me she was going to put him on an antibiotic a million things went through my head... yucky poop! Ruined cloth diapers! Diaper rash! But luckily I have amazing, knowledgeable friends who helped me with what to do. I got him some yogurt, a probiotic from the pharmacy, and said who cares about stains in my diapers. And my Grandma El's just arrived in the mail. So I am fully prepared for whatever the antibiotics bring my way!

Swim Diapers

I have been trying to plan a mini family vacay to the beach and after going through a little checklist in my head I realized I'm going to need swim diapers. I already knew which ones I wanted -- only the CUTEST reusable swim diapers I've ever seen!

I went to my favorite site for cloth diapers and natural products, Sweetbottoms, and 2 days later my diapers arrived in my mailbox!

 Aren't they just the most adorable diapers?!

Two layers of mesh make it easy for water to move through, yet keeps #2 in.

Now if only I can figure out the dates so we can get this trip planned and get our feet in the sand!

Goodnight, Heavy Wetter

Fox, like a lot of babies in cloth, leak out of his regular diapers at night. He is a heavy wetter and a side sleeper and this combination made for several nights of him waking up in a soaked crib.

I am a member of a cloth diaper group on Facebook and several ladies suggested the Kawaii GNHW (goodnight heavy wetter) for this problem. In fact, they had a co-op open where I could buy them at wholesale prices so I snagged me three and tried them out.

 They come with 2 XL microfiber inserts that are extra fluffy!

 I didn't want to risk it so I used both inserts. Talk about thick! lol

 This blue dotty print is super cute on his little hiney!

All that cushion didn't interfere with him sitting up.

 

Fox approves!

I wished him goodnight and he closed his eyes and rolled over onto his side.

The next morning my cute little alarm clock woke me up by yelling into the monitor. I went to change his diaper and the sheets were still dry! I am so happy to have finally found a solution to our leaks. I also love that this diaper will grow with him as he gets older.

Cloth Diaper Talk: Necessities

There are sooo many cloth diapering accessories out there and it can get a bit overwhelming. Besides the diapers themselves, you only need a few key items. Everything else is personal preference and an added bonus.

• First, you need detergent. There are a ton of cloth diaper friendly detergents on the market, but you can save a few bucks and just go to the store and find a detergent that is free of fragrance, dyes, enzymes, and brighteners. You can get a complete list of detergents here.

• Next, you need a diaper pail. Any plastic container with a lid that holds one load of diaper laundry will do. I line my pail with a GroVia pail liner so that on laundry day I can take my load straight from the pail to the washing machine without touching dirty diapers. Some people believe in soaking diapers but I think its an unnecessary step (and it seems messy).

• You also need wet bags. These are PERFECT for on-the-go and I keep a clean one in my diaper bag 24/7. When you take off a dirty diaper you toss it in the waterproof wet bag and then empty it in the diaper pail when you get home.
  
  
• Everyone needs cloth diaper friendly diaper rash cream! My absolute favorite is Grandma El's because you only need a teeny tiny bit and it smells so yummy! And if you don't wanna touch baby's bottom you can use the Grovia Magic Stick. Just rub it on and you're done!

That's basically it! If you cloth diaper on a budget there are many DIY methods moms use (for example using a rubbermaid tote or a trash can with lid instead of a diaper pail).


A few items that aren't absolutely necessary but make life easier are:

• Diaper sprayer
• Cloth wipes and solution
• Disposable liners
• Diaper pail deodorizer

Cloth Talk: Types of Diapers

Usually with cloth diapers you have two parts: The waterproof cover and the absorbent diaper. There are several different types of diapers to choose from:

All In One (AIO)

All in one diapers are the most similar to disposable diapers, since there is no prepping involved. You simply put it on the baby and go. The waterproof shell and the absorbent diaper is all one piece and they fasten with snaps or velcro. I have used the bumGenius Elemental AIO and I love it.
Advantages: Easy to use, best for dads and daycare
Disadvantages: Longer drying time, more expensive than other types of diapers



All In Two (AI2)

All in two diapers have a waterproof cover and either a snap-in or lay-in soaker (the absorbent layer). You can continue to reuse the cover and just change out the soaker with each diaper change as long as it does not get dirty. I have used the Flip system, gDiapers, and the Grovia system and loved them all. You use lay-in inserts in the Flip and gDiaper covers, and snap-in soakers in the Grovia covers.
Advantages: Quick drying time, Easy to prepare and put on, Reusable cover
Disadvantages: Not the most cost efficient compared to others



Pocket

 Pocket diapers have a waterproof cover with thin liner sewn in which either has one or two openings to make a pocket. You then stuff absorbent liner(s) in the pocket and place the diaper on the baby. They fasten with snaps or velcro. My favorite pockets are AppleCheeks, bumGenius 4.0, and GoGreen Champs.
Advantages: Adjustable absorbency, easy for dads and daycare (after you do the work of stuffing)
Disadvantages: Requires stuffing, some brands require you to "un-stuff" before washing


Fitted

Fitted diapers are made up of multiple layers of absorbent fabric and look similar to a disposable, but these diapers alone are not waterproof. They require an additional waterproof cover. You reuse the cover and change the fitted diaper with each use until the cover gets dirty. They have either a velcro or snap closure. I have only used a fitted once and didn't like it, so I have no recommendations for any favorites.
Advantages: Very absorbent, perfect for nighttime since it offers great leak protection
Disadvantages: Two step process which can be exhausting if you are diapering a wiggly baby, long drying time


Flat or Prefold

Flat diapers are a rectangular piece of absorbent material. A prefold diaper is a flat with an extra layer of absorbent material in the middle. You fold these diapers so that you can either lay them inside a cover or fasten them on the baby using pins or a snappi. They require an additional waterproof cover. I have never used these, so I don't have any brand recommendations.
Advantages: Most cost efficient, Fast drying time
Disadvantages: Not as convenient as modern diapers, takes time to learn the folds


This is part of a series of cloth diapering basics from my perspective. Follow my blog or check back for more of this series in the future!

Cloth Diapering

I became interested in cloth diapers after an online friend blogged about her love for a certain brand called AppleCheeks. Once I became pregnant I did TONS of research and started building my stash. After trial and error I found diapers I loved and didn't love and I've been happily cloth diapering my little one for 2 months.

I have decided to start an installment of cloth diaper blog posts, so be on the lookout!