Autumn Beck is a 30 year old SAHM to 3 gorgeous children. She has been married for 10 years to a chiropractor and entrepreneur extraordinaire. Autumn began cloth diapering in 2005. Over this time she has made mistakes and learned the secrets and strategies to successful cloth diapering. When asked what her interests and hobbies are; homebirth, breastfeeding, and shopping top her list…shopping for cloth diapers that is! 
My 4 Favorite Cloth Diapers
By Autumn Beck | July 4, 2008
Since it’s the 4th of July, I thought it would be fun to list my 4 favorite diapers of all time. Please include your list!
1) Thirsties Pocket AIO: Thirsties were included in My Top 5 All-In-Ones months ago. Thirsties just released a brand new V2 of the Pocket AIO. The two major changes are no more fleece lined gusset to prevent moisture at the legs and a wider sewn in insert. The V2 also includes a Thirsties Hemp insert equipping this diaper for naps and nighttime. My only dislike of the Thirsties products is the aplix tabs. They are so strong that it can be hard to open it from the laundry tab. The ultra-trimness of the Thirsties Pocket AIOs is what makes it one of my top 4 cloth diapers.
2) Lotus Baby bamboo fitteds: I love them so much I interviewed the maker for one of my blog posts! (An Exclusive Interview with Lotus Baby) Even weeks after using my Lotus Baby bamboo fitteds they remain soft and have become more absorbent. Sandra’s diapers are extremely well made and they are even a tad less expensive than other one-sized bamboo fitteds on the market ($27). Lotus Baby is my favorite cloth diaper because of the excellent fit, soft fabric and absorbency…and they’re cute too!
3) OCV Loveybums: Loveybums have also made one of my past favorite lists: My Top 4 Fitted Diapers. Loveybums are a sized diaper that includes plenty of snaps including hip snaps and cross over snaps. These extra snaps allow for a wider range of fit yet not adding the bulkiness of a one-size. I included Loveybums in my Absorbency Test post and it came out in a close second place. To add to the absorbency of my Loveybums I purchased some of their doublers. The doublers make Loveybums a great extended time diaper. Loveybums are sporadically stocked on their website but can often be purchased on fsot forums.
4) Green Acre Designs (GADs): In My Top 4 Pocket Cloth Diapers I explained why GADs are a favorite diaper of mine. GADs are amazing fitting pockets. I stuff our GADs with a prefold wrapped around a doubler and it is still a fairly trim diaper. Using a thinner insert makes this diaper trim as a disposable and no problem under your little one’s clothes. GADs come in many great color combinations and even offer a few bamboo inners (we have one and it is so so soft). Quickly becoming a favorite as a nighttime diaper is the Windpro Fleece Nighttime GAD.
There are so many other diapers I love! But overall these made it in my top 4. What are your all time favorites?
Topics: Uncategorized, cloth diapers | No Comments »
8 Reasons Why Fuzzi Bunz Are So Popular
By Autumn Beck | July 1, 2008
What is it about Fuzzi Bunz that makes them so popular?
When I talk to owners of bricks and mortar stores and online boutiques, they all unanimously claim that Fuzzi Bunz are the top seller.
The main reason for Fuzzi Bunz wide-spread success is mainstream availability. You are not likely to find a store that doesn’t offer Fuzzi Bunz.
There’s no doubt that creator, Tereson Thomas (Dupuy), hit a home-run with marketing, but the design of Fuzzi Bunz is a grand slam!
People across the WORLD sing the praises of Fuzzi Bunz because of the performance and fit. So why choose Fuzzi Bunz:
*Superior Fastening System. Fuzzi Bunz uses durable snaps–no worries about fuzzy velcro or the monster diaper train that results from drying velcro diapers.
*Original Pocket Design. How cool is that to be able to say you were the first to design something?? I’ve always heard that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and imitators there are!
*Adjustable Waist and Leg settings. This is perfect for babies that have skinny legs/chubby waist or chubby thighs/skinny waist. Fuzzi Bunz fit where they’re supposed to.
*Reinforced Leg Casings. An extra sewn line helps prevent any leaks at the legs.
*Bouncier and Stretchier Elastic. This ensures maximum comfort without leaving red marks.
*Easy to Stuff and Unstuff. The pocket is wide enough for mom or dad to stuff the pocket and to easily shake out the insert when doing laundry. No touching yuckiness!
*Trimmest Fitting Diaper. I have to agree that it is a trim pocket. Of course this is completely dependant on what you stuff it with. A Fuzzi Bunz diaper prepared for nighttime is more comparable to the Michelin man but hey it gets the job done!
*More Than 20 Colors and 4 Adorable Prints. Everyone offers periwinkle, butter, sage…boring! Fuzzi Bunz gives you bold, bright, playful color choices. When I first began cloth diapering finding the rare black Fuzzi Bunz was the challenge everyone wanted to win.
I didn’t use Fuzzi Bunz when Paisley was born because I didn’t like the look of the pointy tabs. This year, however, Fuzzi Bunz released their brand new design with squared off tabs. I love the new look!
Another great thing about Fuzzi Bunz is their resale value. You can usually get $12-15 for a Fuzzi Bunz in great condition.
Leslie’s Boutique and Nurtured Family are just 2 of the hundreds of Fuzzi Bunz retailers on the net. Both of these stores offer volume discounts or packages for all your diapering needs.
Topics: cloth diapers, pockets | 3 Comments »
Cloth Diaper Sales You Don’t Want To Miss!
By Autumn Beck | June 27, 2008
My favorite online boutique is having some amazing sales right now! Leslies Boutique features wetbags, cloth diapers, accessories, clothing, shoes, shopping cart covers and many more items perfect for your little one. I personally love her selection of cloth diapers and her stylish wet bags. Babylegs are a popular baby shower gift along with the very fashionable changing pads!
Leslie also offers “seconds” that come from the sampler packages. Most buyers find it difficult to see why they are listed as seconds.
Seconds: Thirsties AIO and Wetbags, 15×30 Hanging Pail (very limited quantities, may be gone when you click)
Sales: Thirsties Pocket AIO for $12.00!!
Super Soft Clean Shopper — this one is a big sale! $34.99 on sale for $19.99!
Squeaker Sneakers — I saw a few boy and girl styles marked down to $18.99
I happened upon these sales while browsing her site. I love being able to purchase new/like new items at a great price! Not only is price an incentive, but knowing I’m supporting a WAHM makes it even more enjoyable.
Topics: cloth diapers, wetbags | 3 Comments »
Why You Should Use Wool In The Summer
By Autumn Beck | June 25, 2008
Wool, like bamboo, is a natural fiber that has a tremendous amount of positive qualities especially when used as a diaper cover.
However, if you are not familiar with wool you are probably saying, “Isn’t wool scratchy?” or “There’s no way I could use wool in the Texas summer.”
But, you would be wrong.
Prior to being properly washed and prepped, wool can be a bit scratchy. Washing and prepping wool is a fairly simple task. The only tools you’ll need are mild liquid soap (preferably a natural baby wash without any chemicals or fragrances) and a tube of Lansinoh Lanolin.
To briefly summarize: fill sink with room temp water, add soap, add melted lanolin, mix well. Place wool items in water, gently agitate, let sit 15 minutes. Carefully rinse items and place on a towel. Roll up wool in towel to remove excess water. Lay flat to dry. I have a much more detailed instruction in my book The Ultimate Guide To Cloth Diapers.
It is only necessary to wash and lanolize your wool every couple of weeks (I go a month). The same cover can be reused over and over. When it gets wet, lay it flat to dry. If it gets soiled, wash that one spot off with a sprayer or under the faucet and let dry.
Wool is also a natural body temperature regulator, which means no matter where you live your little one can use wool year-round.
Wool is the only fiber that can absorb 1/3 of its weight in liquid, and do so without feeling wet on the outside. The moisture immediately starts evaporating into the air. This function operates similar to an air conditioner, keeping the skin cool.
Wool has other benefits as well. It is very easy to care for…that is as long as you don’t throw it in the dryer! And it retains its shape virtually forever.
These advantages apply to all types of wool covers you may find. Interloak soakers, shorties, or longies; knit or crocheted items; or recycled wool sweaters you repurpose into diaper covers. All have the same function.
Many moms turn away from wool because of the cost. However, I have spent less on my 2 wool covers than other moms have spent on their collection of “cheaper” PUL covers. I only need 2 covers in our rotation and that is enough for us. I use a Luxe interlock wool soaker and a side snap Sugar Peas wool cover.
By using wool I know my baby’s skin is breathing (as opposed to PUL where the moisture is trapped) and I have maintained my goal to only use natural fibers on my little one.
For other posts on the benefits and uses of wool check out these: Cloth Diapers at Night, Dry Sheets in the Morning and How To Cloth Diaper A Newborn.
Topics: wool | 5 Comments »
An Exclusive Interview with Lotus Baby!
By Autumn Beck | June 20, 2008
Recently I had the opportunity to interview Sandra, designer and creator of Lotus Baby. Lotus Baby is one of the hot, up and coming fitted cloth diapers on the market today. With bamboo as the main fabric used and a one-size pattern it’s no wonder Sandra is quickly seeing the fruits of her labor. I am honored that she took a few moments from her busy sewing schedule to give us insight into how a mother of 2 began her journey.
Sandra has generously offered one of her diapers up for a lottery. After reading the interview post a comment letting us know what your “must have” aspect is to your favorite diapers. If you don’t yet have much or any cloth diapering experience, let us know what you diaper you would love to own. I will randomly choose a winner using a number generator on Monday morning.
Autumn: When did you start cloth diapering?
Sandra: When my son was 3 months old. August 2004.
Autumn: At what point in your cloth diapering did you decide to make your own?
Sandra: Almost right away as I found it so hard to find cloth diapers. I knew nothing about them or where to get them!!!
Autumn: How did you decide on a pattern? Did you buy one or design your own?
Sandra: At first I used a basic print off from the net, similar to the Kushies. They were ok but there were lots of things I didn’t like about them. So I started to alter it. Then after trying Motherease, I loved the flip down front and worked that into my pattern. I have been altering it to suit me ever since!
Autumn: What materials have you found to be the easiest to work with? Most absorbent? Worst?
Sandra: Flannel was great to sew with and comes in so many great prints but I dont find it to be super absorbent, so many layers were needed. Just over a year ago I started sewing with bamboo and love it!!!! It’s so soft and amazingly absorbent!
Autumn: When did you open your Hyena Cart? Lotus Baby Diapers
Sandra: I opened my cart in April 2008.
Autumn: What is your motivation for making cloth diapers for the public? Especially with all the frustrations and competition there is in the cloth diapering world?
Sandra: Well honestly I had a lot of friends like my diapers so I started to make them for friends. But then I realized, why dont I open up a site on the net to sell them to make some extra money.
It’s important for my hubby and I that I be home with our kids and we also would like to adopt in the near future so this helps us along that path. Plus I also enjoy sewing so it feels like easy work sometimes!
There is alot of competition, but I have learned that some people are not going to love your diapers and some will and I will market them for those that do. And when things get crazy i just try and let it roll off and focus on why I’m doing this.
Autumn: Do you make cloth diapers in order to help support your family or just for the extra spending money and satisfaction of making a mama smile?
Sandra: In the big scheme of things, yes Lotus Baby is to help my family pay for the costs of adoption. But I cannot leave out how good I feel when I get those emails from mama’s that love their Lotus Baby diapers! I’m happy, they’re happy so it’s a great feeling!!!
Autumn: Has it been more difficult, in your opinion, being a WAHM in Canada? (shipping, prices, distance…)
Sandra: Yes, I say it has been a bit more difficult. I don’t want to charge so much for shipping but I need to charge what it costs me. Also, shipping into the states can take a bit longer but through playing around I have found out that for $6.45 I can ship air mail(3-5 days) to the U.S.!! Thats great!!!! Plus, your diapers get there pretty quick!
Autumn: How would you describe your success goals for Lotus Baby diapers?
Sandra: I want Lotus Baby to continually be a business run from home, hand-made by Sandra and not mass produced. I want my customers to see the love that goes into these diapers and feel good about wrapping all the squishy goodness around their precious baby’s bottom!!
Autumn: What is your favorite cloth diaper and why?
Sandra: Oh this is a hard one!! My favorite diapers are wahm diapers. It is so hard to make a diaper perfect and it’s those tiny imperfections(if there are any) that I love. Maybe it’s a tiny snag in the fabric, or just an extra thread that didn’t get snipped. It’s a reminder to me that I supported a mama and her family and I think of all the hard work that went into making that one diaper. It makes me proud to put a WAHM diaper on my baby’s bottom.
If you would like to contact Sandra of Lotus Baby with further questions or information on custom diapers, you can email her at lotusbaby1 (at) yahoo.ca (that’s .ca not .com!)
***UPDATE: THE WINNER IS #5! CONGRATULATIONS, COURTNEY! EITHER SEND ME AN EMAIL WITH YOUR MAILING ADDRESS OR CONTACT SANDRA DIRECTLY!
Topics: Uncategorized, cloth diapers | 10 Comments »
How To Remove Buildup From Your Cloth Diapers
By Autumn Beck | June 18, 2008
Build-up in diapers can manifest in a number of ways, all of them unpleasant. If your diapers are leaking, stink of ammonia every morning or your baby has rashes then you have a build-up problem.
Here are a few products available that will remove the build-up in your diapers and restore them to their original functioning capacity. Follow the directions on the bottle as to when and how to add the additive.
RLR by Cadie: Not a bleach, blueing, or detergent. Removes dried-in mineral deposits and detergent residue from clothing. RLR can be purchased in some Walmart stores and online.
Bac-Out by BioKleen
Laundry Ball (Water Deionizer): I love writing this blog! Every time I write I find a great product to try out. The Laundry Ball is my next purchase. To sum up the websites description, the Laundry Ball deionizes the water. Ionized water allows for dirt (poop) to be attracted and stay in the fabric. By deionizing the water and changing the charge of the water the dirt becomes attracted to the water therefore being released from the fabric. My favorite part of this product is that it will clean my washer. I have read a horror story or two about the buildup in our machines!
Sport-Wash
Vinegar: In addition to being a great natural fabric softener, vinegar facilitates the release of build-up in your diapers. If you have hard water, the vinegar can combine with trace minerals in your water supply. This will cause your diapers to stink (um, that’s what we’re trying to fix!) to high heaven once peed on. In the case of hard water the other additives would be more advantageous. If you have normal to soft water use no more than 1/2 (I stick to 1/4) cup in your rinse cycle. The downy ball works great for this.
Since I have started using Crunchy Clean detergent my diapers have not had stink issues. In my case it is because of the soft water mixed with heavy detergents. This was a recipe for buildup.
If you are thinking that cloth diapering isn’t for you because of rashes, stink issues or leaks try these first. You’ll be surprised at how clean your diapers will feel and smell. I know I was.
Topics: washing | 7 Comments »
Do You Have The Cloth Diaper Basics Down?
By Autumn Beck | June 14, 2008
Getting started with cloth diapers doesn’t have to be difficult. You just need a few very important items, in addition to cloth diapers of course.
I recommend you get a flip top trash can for a pail, pail liner and a couple of plastic baskets for storage. I purchased my Sterilite pail from Walmart for less than $10.
My pail liner is a camping bag from Walmart but it is not waterproof. It works fine for me but if you desire a dry pail you should purchase a pail liner from Leslie’s Boutique. On the Diaperswappers forum Leslie gets raves daily for her superb craftsmanship and high performance of her wetbags and pail liners. I have a wetbag from her so I know it is top-notch.
The plastic baskets/bins I use are from the Dollar General. They are so not fancy and don’t even hold all my diapers/inserts/covers/wipes. But they create a “diaper zone” for me and that is better than the pile-in-every-room I did have!
Many moms use an old dresser or cute bins in their changing table. Whatever you choose it doesn’t have to cost much or be extravagant. Keeping it simple and organized is the important point.
Topics: cloth diapers, wetbags | 10 Comments »
How We Cured a Yeast Diaper Rash
By Autumn Beck | June 11, 2008
I have dealt with rashes on Paisley for pretty much her whole life (18 months). I’ve gone from thinking it was an allergy to serged diapers, then to a wool allergy, then eczema, and even food allergies.
During this process I sold all the serged diapers and switched to turned and topstiched. When it persisted I sold all our gorgeous wool and switched to Pockets and AIOs. When that didn’t fix it I accepted that my poor baby most likely had eczema.
After taking her to a friend of ours (a fellow chiropractor) for allergy testing, I discovered Paisley had multiple food and chemical allergies. Once these items were cleared the “eczema like” rash began to clear up.
That allowed, in my opinion, the real problem to surface. What emerged on my baby’s thighs was gross. A yeast rash in the diaper area looks like open chicken pox. Multiple vesicles covering the region alarmed even this unreactive mom.
I did some internet research (there should be a warning before viewing dermatology pictures) and found an exact picture of what Paisley’s rash looked like. Yeast. Yuck.
I knew about Gentian Violet but didn’t have any. So my husband suggested Apple Cider Vinegar. Our chiropractic friend has told us it was good for skin issues.
I started applying it with a cotton ball on Saturday and today it is almost gone.
I’m a big fan of home remedies and I am super relieved that this one worked so well! Paisley still has a few “eczema-like” patches but the polka-dot pattern is gone.
You can buy Apple Cider Vinegar at any grocery store.
Topics: Diaper Rash, how to | 9 Comments »
Cloth Diapers for a Newborn
By Autumn Beck | June 6, 2008
The most common question I get asked is in regards to cloth diapering a newborn.
How many will I need? What size do I buy? What works best?
For a more detailed answer refer to the section on Newborns in The Ultimate Guide to Cloth Diapers.
All systems can work for a newborn. All-In-Ones like the Thirsties Pocket AIO offer an umbilical notch in the x-small size. Thirsties also provides extra protection in the form of double gussets. This helps keep in those famous newborn poops.
Pockets seem to be a favorite with new cloth diapering parents. My friend Leslie of Leslie’s Boutique tells me that Fuzzi Bunz are and have always been the top seller in her store.
Fuzzi Bunz are a front snapping pocket diaper with a soft microfleece inner. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes to ensure a great fit. I have heard many stories of moms using the same Fuzzi Bunz on multiple children of a span of years. That makes the investment truly economical!
Because of the popularity of Fuzzi Bunz, Leslie offers great starter packages that include: diapers, sprayer, Charlies Soap and a wetbag! Sweet deal!
Besides AIOs and Pockets, there are fitteds and prefolds. I prefer these systems because of the breathable natural fibers.
Prefolds are so versatile and have a long life. Prefolds can be stuffed in a pocket, snappied or pinned on, or trifolded in a cover. The cover can be made of Polyurethane Laminate (PUL), fleece or wool. Wool is a champion cover. Abby’s Lane has a great selection of covers in each of these materials.
Fitteds are my favorite choice for a newborn (or any age for that matter). I love the fabric, print, softness, and absorbency choices when choosing a fitted cloth diaper. Kissaluvs size 0 are a phenomenal newborn choice. They are on the lower price end for fitted diapers and they hold everything in - where it should be!
One-size fitteds are where I see the best deal in cloth diapering. Most One-size diapers have an approximate weight range of 8-32lbs. They offer an extra snap to snap down an umbilical notch. Although bulky on a newborn and more expensive than sized diapers, the advantage of lasting through most of your child’s diaper life makes it well worth it.
The number of diapers you need will vary depending on system you use. All-In-Ones and Pockets may be changed less by the parent because they aren’t as easy to tell if they are wet. A fitted and prefolds become wet very quickly therefore needing to be changed more often.
Approximately 10 AIOs or pockets are needed if washing daily. 12-15 fitteds and 2 dozen prefolds will get you through a day. As far as covers, with prefolds there is more of a chance the cover will be soiled so you will need more than if using fitteds. 6-8 covers for prefolds, 4-5 covers for fitteds. If you are using just wool then 2 or 3 wool pieces will suffice.
That was a quick, highly abbreviated rundown but it will get you on the right track to cloth diapering your newborn.
In March I wrote about cloth diapering a newborn as well in “How To Cloth Diaper A Newborn“.
Topics: Newborn diapering, cloth diapers | 8 Comments »
The Best Fabric for Cloth Diapers
By Autumn Beck | June 4, 2008
The in-demand, “it” fabric in the diaper world is Bamboo.
Bamboo is naturally anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. This porous fiber absorbs moisture and wicks it away from the skin, leaving baby cooler and drier than cotton or synthetic materials.
The bamboo plant is a quickly renewable resource that, unlike cotton, requires no pesticides or replanting and releases over 30% more oxygen than a typical tree. It is an amazing material that suits both your senses and your environmental sensibilities.
Types of bamboo used in diapers:
Fleece: most absorbent, can lose it’s softness quickly, thin fabric makes for a trim diaper
Terry: snappi-able (which means you can use a snappi with a bamboo terry prefold or flat)
Velour: softest fabric I have ever felt and remains soft especially when using a green fabric softener. Bamboo velour is silky and shiny when you first receive it, qualities unmatched by any other natural fiber.
Why choose bamboo for your baby’s diapers? Here are a few reasons:
*Amazingly soft.
*Absorbs quickly like microfiber. this video on youtube demonstrates the speed at which bamboo absorbs compared to cotton. click here
*Natural fiber.
*Naturally organic. when you see OBV (organic bamboo velour) the organic refers to the organic cotton that provides stability to the base of the
fabric. OBV is an ~80/20 combination of bamboo to cotton.
*Highly absorbent. only hemp challenges bamboo for most absorbent fiber.
Almost every up and coming WAHM that gains popularity uses bamboo. There is almost an assumption that if you make a fitted diaper you will offer bamboo as a fabric choice.
Personally, I only have bamboo diapers. I love everything about this fiber and I am willing to pay the price for the advantages. Fortunately, bamboo diapers have great resell value due to the high demand.
I couldn’t possibly list every WAHM that offers bamboo, but here are some links to the diapers I have or have used and highly recommend:
GAD w/ bamboo inner: pocket diaper, super trim, side snapping
Little Luxe Organic: One-size, bamboo fleece inner, best fitting diaper on Paisley
Piddle Poodles: OBV inner, one-size
Bamboo Velour Wipes trash those disposable wipes and get some yummy soft bamboo wipes. I love mine! I think I use them just as often as nose wipers.
Goodmama: OBV, one-size. I linked to the website but if you want to buy one I would encourage you to try diaperswappers. There are always Goodmamas on the FSOT forum.
Purple Violets: OBV items
Topics: cloth diapers | 4 Comments »