Precaution on washing in Hot!

Please read instruction from manufacturer on how to wash the diaper even it is suggested to wash in hot. Some will suggest initial wash in hot but NOT every subsequent wash in HOT too!

Washing in hot too frequent will cause the diaper to wear off faster, meaning reduce the life span of the diaper. So, be careful and check again and again if you have a few different types of diapers from different manufacturers/brands.

Get to know PUL and its family

PUL is the acronym for Polyurethane laminate. In simple words, derived from polymer family, a synthetic material.

what is it?
Polyster fabric that laminated to a thin film of Polyurethane. Well, I think I got to make some mess to my old stacks of books to look for the chemistry basic learnt in secondary school... LOL!
In short, it is = Polyster + Polyurethanes

Plastics, vinyl, polyster, PUL, nylon, suedeloth, microfleece, polyster fleece... they are all from the same family but appear in different combinations, types and functions. Perhaps someone from chemistry background can give some talks and guides on all these different synthetic that we use in our daily life? I'm longing to know more...

Speaking about recycle, it doesn't stop after you use cloth diapers. Beware that they are alot of cloth-like synthetic around too... we should know how material is created and how they are decomposed even they are not so biodegradable. Afterall, it's knowledge learn, isn't it?

No worry, everyone of us here (who's on cloth) is helping the earth no matter how far you practise about the real frugal living which is the 3R - REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE!

Review: Pocket Diaper - Bumwear

Material
A snap type Onesize PUL (Polyurethane laminate) pocket diaper. I love this PUL pocket diaper for its softness... it's just like wearing clothes. I swear!
Outer layer: PUL for waterproofness with prints and colours
Inner layer: coloured microfleece

Lasting?
Expect it to function like any other PUL pocket diaper. Since it is so soft, the PUL layer is thinner. I had encountered dampness on the pocket diaper itself especially around the inner leg casing if my heavywetter wears it more than 2-3 hours, depending on her fluid output too.

Shape & Fit
It is not a very well-shaped diaper as this is the only pocket diaper than will drop and reveal the buttock when my dd runs and plays! I received feedback from my friend who is using on her 1 months old baby boy (who is more than 5kg now) that the fit is not the best too.
Still haven't figure out the reason why it is so... probably the waist is not well snug even I fasten on tighter snap. But you can't snap too tight as it won't be comfortable on the child.
Another thing that I suspect - the heavy insert? (actually is the insert that is full of urine)... more likely this is another factor and therefore have to change them often. Any yet, I still have dropping diaper until my dd got herself out from it bottomless! LOL!

The room for insert is very spacious and I need to press out the extra air in there otherwise... you will feel like the diaper is so... you name it.

One more thing, the snap is difficult to snap on compare to other snap diaper. It took me longer time to wear this one.
TIPS: Try to snap first before wearing on baby like wearing a pant. It works for wriggle little one but still I don't prefer this method as it won't be in place properly either. I have to adjust and readjust... but you can try this tip on your wriggle baby and update me.

PRO:
1) Onesize diaper
2) Quick drying
3) The softest PUL pocket diaper that I have
4) Very easy to use... stuff, wear and go!

CON:
1) Outer layer will be damp or sometimes wet depends on the wetting
2) The shape and the fit is not that good compare with other pocket diaper
3) No top stitch at the back of the diaper, abit messy (Happy Heiny's pocket diaper is another diaper without top stitch)

It is worth to try for bumwear as the issue on the fit is also because of different built from one baby to the other. Only if they can replace the snap with a better type, I think it will be a very popular pocket diaper too.

Get it from: Nice Cloth Diaper

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Note: This review is based solely on my personal usage

Review: Fitted Diaper - Drybees Bamboo Onesize

Material:
This is a OS fitted diaper. It's made of 2 layers of bamboo velour. Comes with one 2 layers lay in bamboo soaker/doubler for extra absorbency.
This fitted is very roomy and still able to add one piece of boaster.
Unfortunately, as for my case I find the elastic at the leg casing is not that stretchable and strong after many uses and washes. It becomes loose and therefore is not advisable to stuff too many boaster in it.

Lasting?:
Only good for a daytime diaper for heavywetter. It can last for 2 pees on my dd but bamboo draws liquid very fast and more than cotton. But since it only has 4 layers with the lay in doubler... it doesn't really can hold alot.

Wash & Care:
Wash in cold and this diaper retain smell stronger than the bamboo doubler. The diaper itself needs more rinse compare to the doubler. The reason could be bamboo is very good in absorbing fast and once it absorb it keep the urine in the diaper more than the doubler.

This is confirmed that bamboo takes longer to dry than cotton and hemp fitted because of its great and fast absorption of liquid.

PRO:-
1)It is Onesize, can use from young till potty train.
2)100% natural material (I won't say it is soft as the hemp & cotton fitted that I have is much more softer than this one)
3)The snap is great and easy to use

CON:-
1)Drying time longer than pocket diaper.
2)Not absorbent enough for night time use on heavywetter.
3)Lay in soaker/doubler will misplace if you have wriggle baby when putting on... personally I prefer snap-in soaker

All in all, it's a good daytime fitted diaper. Not very impressive for me or perhaps I shall try out other bamboo fitted in future.
Rating: 3 out of 5

Note: This review is based solely on my personal usage

Fitted nappy + wool soaker for daytime & outing

Never tried this combination until recently and all my worries were gone after we went out for almost 3 hours. No leak, no dampness when carrying my heavywetter dd and she looks as happy as before walking around. But the fitted diaper was... phew... soaking wet.

I'm glad that it works plus no compression leakage too. Therefore, instead of PUL diaper cover, right now I have extra option. Believe me, wool is so breathable and I never encounter my dd's butt sweating... which I thought she would... haha... LOL!

Anyway, I think it could be hot if walking under the hot sun. Well... who never sweat under the hot sun? Even we wear cotton shirt will be sweating too. If you think it will be hot just avoid using it at places that you think it's not suitable.

Surprise Freebies!

Received this parcel 2 days ago...


Guess what are they?


It's cloth mentrual pads!



The round one is HagRag with insert. So, this is how it looks like.
Thanks alot to fem choices for giving me this as a free gift! (early christmas present) :)

Help!

Can anyone advise how to sew back the velcro? This is Snuggle Hugz sherpa fitted. I can't imagine how this could happen to me! Hand sewing?


Up close

When NOT to lanolise?

When you see this...



I left the wool soaker to be soaked in the sink and was going to wash it. But 15 minutes later I returned, the soaker is still "floating" on top of the water. Meaning you still have enough lanolin, it's alright not to lanolize for this wash.

Review: Fitted Nappy - Baby Greens Growing Greens hemp

Material:
This is a OS fitted diaper. It's made of 55% hemp and 45% cotton fleece. Comes with one snap in hemp soaker/doubler for extra absorbency.
This fitted is very trim and fit like a glove. My dd is 11kg now and still able to wear in the largest setting. It is a very thirsty fitted diaper and suitable for heavywetter. Believe me or not... hemp dry faster than bamboo.
I find the elastic at the leg casing is very strong as if I just bought it even after so many washes and stretches.

Lasting?:
No changes need for at least 6-8 hours, provided the baby never poo and I'm talking about on a heavywetter toddler. Basically you can't add more boaster as it has no more room to accomodate the extra cloth inside except the slimmest Hemp babies boaster. I folded the hemp boaster and layer it under its original snap in soaker. So, I have additional 1-2 hours before the whole diaper becomes soaking wet. But again, this is optional.

Wash & Care:
Hemp fitted is good to wash in hot but soak in cold. This is the fitted diaper that is hardly to retain smell. The soaker needs more rinse compare to the diaper in order to get rid of the urine smell.
*NOTE: I seldom use baking soda and vinegar on hemp fitted nappy as there's no need for it. I mean I do use but just once or twice a month.



PRO:
1)Onesize diaper that fit from newborn till potty train. The snap-in soaker can be used as contour for newborn.
2)Very good absorbency
3)100% natural material

CON:
1)The Onesize is not really that generous if you can see the comparison with Drybees bamboo fitted on the right of the pic above. So, I have no idea whether it can fit big built baby.
2)Drying time longer than pocket diaper.
3)We still don't have this in Malaysian CD e-store.

Basically, nothing to complain about this diaper except the fit. When I first saw it, I'm doubt whether my dd can wear it since it looks so trim and smaller. It actually can but I think it's going to be the first OS fitted that my dd will outgrown.

You can find Growing Greens Hemp Fitted from tinytush.com and I gave it a rating of 5 in Diaperpin.com. If you wish to buy it let's put some pressure on our local Tiny Tush retailer... yes, we have Tiny Tush locally! :)

Note: The reviews is based solely on my personal usage.

Cloth Diaper Reviews?

I always wish that I can do the review for modern cloth diapers. No, I'm not getting any pay for this and it's merely a sharing and strictly from my own point of view. It maybe differ from other moms on the same item.

I will tell you why I like it and why I don't like it based on my own preferences and lifestyle. You can always gather feedbacks from other CD mommies on the nappy product that interest you. Anyhow, I did post my review on DiaperPin but just a brief one.

So, stay tune and let me know your reviews too if it happens that you are using the same items as mine.

Happy sharing!

Added CD Mama Community BlogLog

Not so good in using those BlogLog but I think it's a great way to get connected. Therefore I create the Blogroll (is it?) for this blog. I'm doubt whether it works or not.

Do leave me comments after you've join this CD Mama Community at the left bar of the blog. Thanks!

Front loaded vs Top loaded washing machine

I'm lucky enough to have different washing machine (WM) for experiment. Front loaded at my house and top loaded at my mum's house... I mean my hometown. DD will be staying here and there from time to time since my parent also keen to take care of her for 1-2 weeks after every 1 or 2 months.

Normally front loaded WM wash throughout and is claimed to be more gentle to the garment and cleaner. Top loaded WM is very common nowadays and it is capable to take in more clothes and powerful too.

I do not know any difference about them until I found out the hemp inserts that I have became so soft after every wash when using top-loaded WM but become hard and stiff when they are wash with front loaded WM. Nothing added to the laundry as I never inform my mum on how to use baking soda or distill vinegar. I guess probably the top loaded WM is such a work-horse and tough in washing or the front loaded is too gentle? Maybe I shall try to wash the CD with top loaded on my own when I'm back to my hometown again with dd.

Oh yes, we do need to wash our WM every now and then. How? Read this post from Miabambina's tips.

Snappi got size??!!

Just read from snappi.co.za that they have size 2 Snappi for toddler. I don't think we have this sell in Malaysia since every Snappi has the same length and size. No wonder I find it so short to fasten on my dd's lampin and it will be too tight if I pull harder.

Snappi looks like a "Y" shape but definitely not those that can be found in TESCO or other hypermarket. They have the look alike hook but not Snappi. I bought before but it's a waste of money since they can't really grip on tightly. If you wish to get it, make sure you see the word "Snappi" printed on. Normally you can get from specialty shop that sell baby's products or online store.

So, back to the topic... if you know any store that carries Snappi size 2 for toddler, do update me. Thanks!

picture courtesy from snappi.co.za

Snappi

This is Snappi, an alternative tool to secure prefold, flats and cloth made nappy. It's a clever invention and it works so well with prefold compare to pin. Snappi is even said to be less danger than the conventional pins that our mother and grandmother were using since you don't have to worry about poking the baby accidentally.

How to use? Just pull or stretch them left, right and down to maximize the flexibility and stretchability. Then on the prefold or flat, hook the left then pull to right to hook on the right. After that, pull down to hook and it is very secure.

Alright, that's the basic instructions I learnt but in reality when I tried to use... I'm new and I can't get a good hook on the cotton flat on my dd. Since I use only cotton muslin which is thin, the sharp edges of the grip in fact cause uncomfortable feel on dd's abdomen. I hooked it on quite firm and the teeth went all the way through the muslin. Then I folded another muslin to be wrapped around her abdomen in order to have thicker area for Snappi to hook on. It looks so messy. Probably Snappi works great with prefold or pre-fitted since they are thicker. Maybe you can share with me your experience with Snappi??



Just look at the gripping teeth, aren't they looks sharp?

Onesize - good or bad?

Many of us think that One-size (OS) diaper is wonderful and it save money. One-size means it can fit from size S, M to L. This is indeed a wonderful creation for cloth diaper and I have to admit I have always opt for OS compare to multiple size.

For example:

OS PUL pocket diaper - Bumgenius, Bumwear, Happy Heiny's

Multiple size pocket diaper - Drybees, GAD, Fuzzi Bunz

As you know I started to use modern cloth diaper when my dd was 12 months old and OS PUL pocket solved her sizing problem as she was then in between size. Meaning M is too small for her and L is too big. Therefore, I have to praise the invention of OS!

Lately, I discover my dd starts to outgrown in OS but still have room to grow in multiple sized diaper. She is in size L or size 2 now. The BG OS that I have looks so worn out even just after a few months of daily usage. We don't have that many to change as I'm not using CD for full time. So, probably I can imagine how worn out it will be when I pass down to my second child in future and probably won't last till my third child (if I have :P). Well, this is just my thought and if anyone of you use it successfully till your 3rd child, don't forget to update me to proof me wrong! Hehe...

With the L size diaper fitted diaper that I have, I still manage to stuff booster in. But never can do this in OS fitted, so this show the sizing of OS really does different in a way than multiple size.


Motherease Sandy's (left) in size 2 looks abit bigger than Drybees OS (right) and in fact Sandy's is much more spacious and roomy than any OS fitted that I have. The same apply to Snuggle Hugz sherpa fitted in size L.

Washing Machine's Faults!

Ever since the day I took over the role from my maid to wash dd's cloth diapers in the morning before I let the washing machine (WM) do its'part, I'm late to work!!! Yes, I hand wash but I can be sure that the CD is clean enough even it's not going into the washing machine. If one day there's something wrong with the washing machine (basically malfunction), I'm able to cover the washing part on my own. LOL! I'm not saying not to use the WM, I will alwasy opt for WM to wash the modern cloth diapers!

I slowly learnt that more rinse with water actually reduce the urine smell and in fact we don't need that much of detergent. You don't even need to soak the cloth diaper for longer than 25 minutes! (for people who loves to soak... ok... who prefers to use wet pail) Of course you have to be very hardworking to do the pre-wash (Note: not new CD, we are talking about soiled CD), so this is very personal decision. I have to because:

1) I can't trust my maid to help me with the CD washing since I'll discover more smelly and leaking problem (not clean enough) - cannot rely on maid!

2) I can't depend on the front loaded washing machine as the clothes sometimes come out dripping with water when it's done??!! Isn't it supposed to be dry? At least that's my expectation. I think the gentler version front loaded is too gentle. It's not even rinse properly! - cannot rely on washing machine!!!

3) Looking at the CD stash, I don't have that many to fill in the washing machine in one load. Therefore, I got to wash separately before I can combine it with my dd's clothes to make it a load in the washing machine.

This washing machine (belongs to MIL) will tumble down if it has too little clothes to wash. Old machine old function eventhough it's still running the operation daily. Therefore cannot complain too much! *Sigh*

I'm so unlucky, isn't it? If I have more cloth diapers or more muslin (lampin) I think I'll collect them all in a wetbag and use the washing machine to do a rinse cycle before the full wash. But right now this is not the case. I only can do the rinse cycle in a big pail of water (haha! what to do this is fact!) since that's the average amount I have with my dd who's on lampin most of the time and MIL said lampin no need to use WM to wash. Good part is the rinse before full wash in washing machine actually reduce the smell and urine up to 80-90% without any detergent(guess I'm too hardworking, anyone wants to follow my method?). If you have full CD stash, like I said, do the rinse cycle in the washing machine and this ease alot of your work!

Sales!

There are sales of cloth diapers going on in Malaysia! Watch out especially year end! *hint... hint* Check it out if you have been drooling over some items... I wish to join the crowd but too bad I do not have budget at the moment. :(

Have fun shopping!

I can't help...

and added another 2 new diapers for my dd's existing diaper stash last week. I've been eyeing them for some times and finally when I decided to purchase a gift for a friend who's just delivered recently, I bought these two!




One hemp fitted and one OS pocket diaper!

Cloth nappies in action!

These are some pictures of my dd with her nappies and some are topless! Not sure whether she will blame me when she see this in the future... :)

Baby Green Hemp fitted

Handknitted wool soaker

Wool soaker


Sherpa fitted

DB Fleece pocket diaper

Diaper cover in action!

BG OS pocket diaper

GAD pocket diaper

Last but not least, the flat! Lampin!!!

Formula Feed Babies = Heavywetters?

I just learned about this last night and wonder how true it is? My dd is on formula and I didn't breastfeed exclusively and she IS a heavywetter... the super one! I had heard from other breastfeeding mums that their children are not heavywetter and thus have no problem using pocket diaper with 1 insert or the most 2 inserts.

I'm wondering whether this is so true? I shall try to breastfeed (bf) exclusively for my future baby and see the difference on their wetting. So, your baby on formula or breast milk? Do you agree on breast feed baby has lesser wetting (I mean in volume...)?

Leaking!

Alright, I'm not complaining about the fitted diaper and pocket diaper. It's about the the lazy mum who forgot and purposely prolong the use of diaper on her dd.

I encountered twice and I already knew these 2 combination won't last more than 3 hours on my dd but I just simply let it on longer to see the consequences. I know... I'm crazy about cloth diapering and I did several tests and experiments with the CD stash I have.

1) Case I:
I put my dd on Snuggle Hugs sherpa fitted and Imse Vimse Organic cotton diaper cover. That was 9.30pm and I know dd will fall asleep anytime but since there's still no pee... I decided to let it on for another 1 hour more.
This fitted diaper only has 2 layers of sherpa sewn in soaker and it is actually a daytime diaper. I knew it won't last my dd for even 2 pees. Half and hour later (after my dd fell asleep) I encountered leak from the front leg casing and her pants was wet.
Well, it's a no no without additional boaster because the fitted crumple up at the front. My dd has small butt so I'm still able to stuff one boaster or one stay dry doubler in the fitted. But that night, I didn't insert any boaster. If I did, I think it won't crumple and leak out, perhaps just soaking wet.

2) Case II:
Never changed my dd in pocket diaper when she slept at 9pm. I think the pocket diaper was put on at 8.30pm (I was away for a wedding dinner, MIL changed my dd) and I never check on her diaper at 11.30pm after I came back. Later I found out the bedsheet was wet. Her pants also wet at a corner. It leaked and I think that was when she slept on one side.
The inserts in the pocket diaper was 2 GAD hemp insert, one in large setting and one in medium setting. The medium setting insert was soaking wet but surprisingly the large setting insert only half wet! That's mean even there's still space to store liquid in the second hemp insert but once the hemp insert gets wet, they will become heavier and again I realized the pocket diaper also crumple up abit.
So, next time should combine microfiber with hemp. I think this should work much more better than 2 hemp inserts.


3) Case III
This is the most hilarious one that I ever encountered. It's a GAD pocket diaper. As you can see the inner fleece of the diaper is in dark blue and outer is light blue as shown in the picture below. The colour is simply delicious, isn't it?
My mum called me one day when my dd was staying with her for 2 weeks. She asked me how come there is only one pocket diaper that always leak when the insert was still dry??!! She is new in using CD back then and my first thought was probably it repells water and instructed my mum to try stripe wash the diaper.
When I went back and she showed me how she put on the diaper... I bursted out laughing loud!!! The diaper was worn inside out! Blame it on my maid who likes to turn this blue GAD fleece out and stacked them in the diaper basket nicely. Yes, the dark blue (microfleece surface) was worn out and the PUL was wrapping around my dd's butt! OF COURSE IT LEAKS!!! LOL

Moral of the story: If you have a caregiver, make sure you train them with full instructions!


~GAD diaper in light blue~ Note: It is common that the brand label sewn outside of the diaper, it is made in that way, NOT INSIDE!

Oh yes, I found out if I still let my dd wear on tighter setting diaper (think about GAD diaper which you have adjustment snap for the thigh and waist), it will leak also. The insert itself is either dry or half wet but the urine was forced out from the diaper. I'm not sure why it is so but I had tested afew times on this. Any similiar issue??

Do you have any leaking problem and did you ever analyse why the diaper leaks besides the diaper repells water?

About fitted diaper/nappy

From top left (in clockwise): DB Bamboo Onesize, Baby Greens Growing Greens Hemp Onesize, Motherease Sandy's Cotton in size 2, Snuggle Hugz Sherpa in L

Fitted diaper is quite popular as stay-in house diapers. It is not waterproof and I was once thought that once it's wet I have to change it. So, I never wish to give it a try .

Well, I first thought fitted is like lampin (muslin) but design in pant-diaper looks alike and probably more layers than lampin. I don't really tried fitted when I first use modern cloth diaper as it looks so thick and maybe hot??!!

Then, I tried on Snuggle Hugz which has a stay-dry fleece inner and slowly learned that it's very trim and comfy. Later only I realized fitted in fact have more absorbency power than pocket diaper since the whole body of the diaper is absorbent. (See the reason why it needs a cover?) I checked on my dd's bum after I changed her and her bum is not sweating (I thought it was hot!) nor soaking wet and that's proof fitted diaper is breathable. My family members doesn't like to hold a baby with wet diaper/lampin on. So, that's why I will add a diaper cover for my dd once I found out she is putting on with slightly damp fitted diaper and wish to let her wear for a little bit longer.

Next, I realized fitted diaper is a great night time solution for heavywetter! The formula works like this: if you wish to make it through the night, look for

1) layers :

how many layers in the fitted diaper's body + snap in/lay in boaster (some call it soaker). The more the layers the more of the absorbency power.

Example: Baby Beehind - 11 layers with soaker,

Swaddlebee Cotton Velour - 9 layers with soaker

2) material:

as we all know bamboo and hemp are very thirsty. So, go for it if you plan the fitted diaper is to last for long time, especially at night. Day time, cotton fleece fitted would be nice too.

Of course, you will need a cover for night time and I do mentioned wool cover is a nice match with fitted diapers. Other than that you can actually use any diaper cover such as fleece cover from Tot-Bot or Stacinator fleece cover... or PUL cover such as Bummis, Imse Vimse. Oh yes, if you don't mind you can use pocket diaper (exclude the insert) as fitted cover too! The usage of any modern cloth diapers will be the innovation from your mind. That's how we can save money from the mix & match in cloth diapering.

And yes... I love fitted nappy very much! (Because this is the only solution that solve my heavywetter dd's night diapering issue)

My DD's Wool Soaker

These are the wool soaker that I used on my dd only for night diapering at the moment. The violet soaker is a customised wool soaker from USA, and the blue soaker is a handknitted version. Both of them works beautifully with fitted nappy and they are so soft and breathable.

Wool is hot?
Wool cover won't be hot in tropical country as wool will be cold in warm country and warm in cold country. But to be frank, I never use it during daytime and my gal is heat sensitive. I might try one day and will update again in this blog.

Wool, stink?
Wool also doesn't stink after a few usage (provided it is lanolized) and I only wash it after 1 month and that's because I used it alternate day before I got enough fitted nappy for my gal night diapering. Once I started to use every night after almost 1 month of alternate witl fleece poacket diaper, the wool soaker need to be washed every 3 weeks. By 3 weeks, yes you will start to smell urine on the cover.
To determine whether the cover need to be washed: Always air dry the cover after use and it's amazing that it doesn't smell anything after 1 week of use. This works because the lanolin neutralized the ammonia (urine) . You still can use it over many nights before it's time to be wash.

Wool is itchy?
This question brought up by MIL but she was surprised that the wool used for wool cover has no such issue. Just make sure it's 100% pure wool and since I hand knitted one I only go for 100% pure wool with hand wash only. Even the soaker I bought from US is meant for hand washing too. So, I don't have experience in machine washable wool cover.

Wool needs lanolizing
Yes and at the moment I use Lansinoh lanolin which is a nipple cream for nursing mothers. Lanolin is the reason why wool cover is water-resistant (please note: it's not waterproof!) and that is the oil from sheep that prevent the body of the sheep to get wet in rainy days. That's why when you feel the wool soaker is not performing well, encounter leaks then it's the time for lanolizing. I'll have a post later on how I lanolized my soaker.

Wool is expensive
This is true and it is the most expensive diaper cover but it's also an ultimate solution for heavywetter. I don't mind using wool cover or soaker from recycle wool (meaning they cut from wool sweater, wool jacket, and so on) and these are more cheaper alternative and they function exactly the same as brand new wool diaper cover from manufacturer. Or really frugal method, knit your own if you are a knitter as there are so many free patterns from the web.

Go Green Mama

Unbelievable? We have cloth menstrual pad even before the disposable was invented. There are just too messy to use and stink... lots of problem until we have a disposable pad.

You have to trust me, the cloth menstrual pad today is so comfortable to use and stink-no-more! It is even better than disposable because it is good for your health! There are doctors reported that disposable pad somehow contribute to vagina infection and don't you think the increase number of cervical cancer got anything to do with disposable pad? There are minority cases caused by disposable pad and it doesn't mean this is not one of the factors to be left out. Worst if you use tampon which has report of getting toxic shock syndrome. (Google search and read out on this)

from left: Bamboo velour panty liner(orange); Hemp fleece panty liner (darker orange); Bamboo velour regular flow pad (yellow-red till hemp fleece red-white coloured pad); Bamboo velour heavy flow/overnight pad (yellow-red, white & blue colour), Bamboo velour Ultimate II whih is even suitable for postpatrum (pink)

okay, I'm not going lengthy about the benefits... let's concentrate on the usage in our life style.


1) Use it as if you are using your disposable, very simple. Just secure the snap behind the panty and off you go.

2) Change it every 5-8 hours depending on your flow. Surprisingly, it's not stinky like disposable.

3) Rinse and rub them under running water or in a small pail of water.

4) Just soak in water with a bit of detergent. Leave it overnight if you want.

5) Rinse again the next morning before you put them in washing machine.

Simple, isn't it?

Stink and smell?
To be frank, I used for 8 hours before the next change and it didn't smell at all! This is really amazing... even after I wash them and dry under the sun (yes direct sunlight!). They are totally smell fresh when I collected them back from the clothsline.

Leak?
Another amazing feature... none at all! Just make sure you get the pad in correct size and adjust it properly (you need some skills in doing this by practising). So, no worry and I can wear my white skirt confidently. I wear them to sleep too, so comfy and definitely all "locked" in a pad!

Bulky?
Actually none at all and you will feel like you are not wearing one. How's that? Since it is made of new fabric such as bamboo or hemp or even the all time available cotton, they have super great absorbency without adding any bulkiness. Moreover, they are not chemically made, they are all natural fiber!!!

Next to the skin?
As I mentioned just now, it is so soft and you won't be realizing that you are wearing one. Occasionally, the pad will move to sideway when you are walking or sitting (I bet you have this experience with disposable too, isn't it?) but it's not rough or stiff like the paper or plastic you are wearing. Much more comfortable, dear...

Cost?
Initial buying will be higher but when you can see it in using disposable pads for 10 or 20 years versus one time buying for approximately RM600... you make the choice. I dare not say cloth menstrual pad will last for 20 or 30 years but to be able to perform for 5 years already worth it!


A little story of mine:
I always have discharge after I delivered my dd one year ago and doctors couldn't find out what's the actual cause of it and I always have it back quite often after threated with medicine either to be taken orally, or applied or inserting. I used disposable panty liner very heavily back then and it seems quite bothering as I think it's not 100% cure yet.

When I first discovered about modern cloth diaper for my dd, I also discovered the cloth mama pad. So, I give it a try and since then I realise I don't need panty liner everyday and my condition improves. Reason? I'm using natural fiber and not chemically plastic pad! That's only when I use bamboo panty liner, not even going on full set. Therefore, I told myself I'm waiting for a day to have a set of cloth menstrul pad and voila! I'm lucky to receive them as my birthday gift.

I can't wait to spread this new findings to everyone, my mum was delighted that I found cloth mentrual pad with ease of use. She's been looking for this all the while because she believes the chemical in disposable pad is the culprit to alot of women illness. Right now even my younger sisters also converted to cloth with my mum together!

Updates:

1) This set shown above... I got from miabambina, it's an AIO.

2) Local stores that carry cloth menstrual pad:

i) femchoices

- carries HagRag - review from Diaperpin.com &

- carries Sckoon (the expensive cloth mama pad) - review from Diaperpin.com

* femchoices has AIO and insert type (e.g: just like CD with insert type)

ii) babyznmom

- carries MT's (Mother's Touch) cloth mama pad

- carries HH's (Happy Heiny's) cloth mama pad

- carries Pleasure Puss from Australia

Solution for Heavywetter (Night Diapering)?

Came across a few mamas with doubts or headache about using cloth diaper on their heavywetter baby / toddler. Well, I'm also one of them. So, I'm going to share a few possible solutions that I'd gone through here and you may find some your own solution that works for you and the little one too. So, keep on exploring and don't stop after you read my blog.

First of all, let's clarify about some terms used in cloth diapering. I'm not expert but I understand the term in my own word, so what I'm writing here is from a layman explanation. If you have doubts, feel free to ask me or any cloth diapering mama or guru you know.

Insert - normally refers to insert that used in stuffing the pocket diaper. It comes in a few material:
- microfiber
- hemp (very absorbent)
- bamboo (very absorbent)
- wool
- cotton

Boaster - additional insert that added to the pocket diaper or fitted diaper to boast its absorbency. It can be another smaller insert. Made of same material as Insert.

Clock wise from top is cotton babies sock, GAD hemp insert, microfiber insert and normal towel (yes, you can use it as boaster too!)

Note: I like to use cotton babies sock with hemp insert and regular microfiber as boaster and place it in Bummis cover. Alternative of using pocket diaper. This is only suitable for day time if you have heavywetter.

Ok, let's see how...

If you prefer pocket diaper:

1) hemp insert as addition to microfiber insert
-Microfiber absorb liquid fast but hemp store much more liquid than microfiber. So, if you combine them you have better absorbency than microfiber alone.
- My experience with my DD who is a heavy wetter found out this combination can last for max 5 hours. Different baby have different results, so test on your own for confirmation.

2) use 2 hemp insert
- this can be quite bulky and if you don't mind and you can add one small boaster (made of cotton or mirofiber) on top of the hemp which will be the first layer underneath the suedecloth/microfleece of the diaper. Remember microfiber draw the liquid faster. It is also not a problem if you don't add the small boaster.

3) use fleece pocket diaper
- I have one Drybees fleece pocket diaper for night time use. Fleece pocket is a better solution for heavy wetter as fleece is more breathable than PUL. Again I find it's bulky especially if I use No.2 as insert. (Somehow I still use this solution alternate day for my dd)
- the reason is fleece is able to allow the wetness in the insert to evaporate and therefore baby won't soak in wetness for the whole night sleep. I experienced that and when I checked on the hemp insert inside the fleece pocket, it became dry even it was like soaking wet before.

I found out this accidentally as I was about to change DD at one midnight since the hemp were all soaking wet but somehow due to too tired I slept back. By the time I woke up again and checked on her, my finger came out dry from the fleece pocket. How amazing! Therefore, I believe fleece pocket diaper is breathable otherwise the insert will still remain wet inside.

This solution works fine on my DD for 6-7 hours, so you got a good night sleep without checking all the time. Imagine I woke up at 3am every night for 2 months just to change my DD's cloth diaper, I nearly give up!

if you prefer fitted diaper

I would consider this as ultimate solution but you will need a cover for fitted. This is where I ended up now. Fitted diaper is more absorbent that any pocket diaper as the whole body of the diaper is absorbent.

1) Look for absorbent fitted diaper... we have quite a number of choices locally now! Happy Hempy is one good solution for heavywetter, it has opening to stuff insert, it's fitted pocket diaper.
Try to get the sewn in / internal soaker which is made of hemp/bamboo or consists of many layers such as Swaddlebees One Size Organic Velour Fitted or BabyBeehind. You definitely will need snap in / lay in boaster to add the absorbency. BTW, you can always use the hemp insert or little weeds in trifold as boaster in fitted diaper. As for stay dry feeling, use stay-dry doubler.

Example of snap in soaker - this is the Baby Greens Growing Green Hemp fitted

2) Use fleece or wool cover if possible. You still can use PUL cover such as bummis or imse vimse but I found that wool cover or fleece works wonder with fitted diaper. We also have fleece diaper cover locally, wool cover soon to be available.

Some good fitted that we have locally now is BabyBeehind, HappyHempy, Tot Bots and Cute Tooshies! I'm drooling over all of them becuase I'm a lover for fitted diapers! (wish to know more, feel free to browse through the list of online e-store on the left of the blog!!)

Anyhow, fitted diaper may stink if you don't wash well since it's more absorbent meaning it absorb alot more liquid but so far I try they hardly stink at all provided that you rinse once before the actual wash. So, let me know which one is your solution??

Contributors: Dewi, Sandra & Rebecca (thanks ladies, I learn alot from you all)

PUL Pocket Diaper

Alright, I wanted to start talking about diapers and nappies. Especially the type and material. I'll start with PUL pocket diaper.

I only have 5 PUL pocket diapers - 2 One size BumGenius (BG) , 1 medium long GAD and 2 large GAD. I was first introduced using Drybees (DB) but that time dd was having some fit issues with the diaper. Then later found out dd was in between size. M is too small for her and L is too big! I started to cloth diapering when dd was 12 months old. So, from that experience I never trust diaper with estimated baby weight as measurement. I always ask for the actual measurement of the diaper before I purchase.

So, BG has the greatest fit so I'm happy of having BG as it's great for outing as don't have to worry about the diaper gets wet. Then, I tried on GAD, this is another great fit pocket diaper but it's multi-size, not one size. To be frank, I never have any DB pocket diaper regardless of how cute the print is ,... except one fleece pocket diaper.

From top: Large white GAD with pink suedecloth; Medium long Aqua GAD with light blue sudecloth; Butternut BG and Light Blue DB fleece pocket diaper.

PUL cover is not meant for every baby. At least I know it’s not suitable for my gal especially wearing for long hours such as overnight. Yes, PUL is hot if the baby got heat sensitive. So, when I got BG and GAD, I found out they are not the solution for my heavy wetter and she keeps on having rashes if I use PUL overnight/ long hour. Plus pocket diaper will never enough for heavywetter as the inserts won't be enough to stuff in limited space opening. If you stuff 1 microfiber and 1 GAD hemp, both in large setting, probably can last for 3-5 hours on a toddler.

And again, find the best solution for your baby and your own lifestyle. Some baby is alright with PUL but some are not. I only use PUL when going out with dd and also for her nap time. Never and swear not to use it for night diapering since then.

There are other types of inserts which claimed to be very absorbent such as Hemp Stuffins from Happy Heinys and KND SuperDo Prewashed Inserts for Heavy Wetters and Overnight. I never try them but I hope one day I'll get enough budget to buy and test. Oh yes, I can't help trying so many types of inserts out there...

What is Dioxin?

My mum threw me this question early in the morning. I know it's something harmful to human but nothing much about it. Oh yes, my mum ordered and received her cloth menstrual pad and told me she found out a note that talk about dioxin together with her parcel. I guess it's the same note we all received from Sandra.

I goggled search in wikipedia, and anyone studied Chemistry? I did but forgot all by now. OK, this is taken from wikipedia:

Dioxin is the common name for the group of compounds classified as polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs). ( I also don't know what's that)- are members of the family of halogenated organic compounds, have been shown to bioaccumulate (accumulate over years) in humans and wildlife due to their lipophilic (fat-liking, refers to the ability of a chemical compunds to dissolve in fats, oils, lipids) properties, and are known teratogens, mutagens, and suspected human carcinogens.

Some interesting facts about dioxin:
- Dioxin enters the general population almost exclusively from ingestion of food, specifically through the consumption of fish, meat, and dairy products since dioxins are fat-soluble and readily climb the food chain. Thus create body burden.

- Children are passed substantial body burdens by their mothers, and breastfeeding increases the child's body burden[citation needed]. Children's body burdens are often many times above the amount implied by tolerable intakes which are based on body weight. Breast fed children usually have substantially higher dioxin body burdens than non breast fed children until they are about 8 to 10 years old. The WHO still recommends breast feeding for its other benefits.

- Dioxins are produced in small concentrations when organic material is burned in the presence of chlorine

- Dioxins are also generated in reactions that do not involve burning — such as bleaching fibers for paper or textiles, and in the manufacture of chlorinated phenols, particularly when reaction temperature is not well controlled.

Think about the disposable menstrual pad and diaper we use, which one doesn't go through bleaching??? And we are/were using it since ... the first day we got our period 15 or 20 years ago??!!

- Dioxins are present in minuscule amounts in a wide range of materials used by humans — including practically all substances manufactured using plastics, resins, or bleaches.[citation needed] Such materials include tampons, and a wide variety of food packaging substances.

However, it is disputed whether such exceptionally tiny exposures have any clinical relevance[citation needed]. It is even controversially discussed whether dioxins might have a non-linear dose-response curve with beneficial health effects in a certain lower dose range, a phenomenon called hormesis[citation needed].
Dietary sources of dioxin in the United States have been analyzed by the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and scientists from other organizations.

**********************************************************************************
Effects on Human?

Exposure to high levels of dioxin in humans causes a severe form of persistent acne, known as chlorance. Other effects in humans may include:
-Developmental abnormalities in the enamel of children's teeth
-Central and Peripheral Nervous System pathology
-Thyroid disorders
-Damage to the Immune systems
-Endometriosis
-Diabetes
Recent studies have shown that exposure to dioxin changes the ratio of male to female births among a population such that more females are born than males.


My conclusion - there is no firm evidence showing that Dioxin is extremely harmful to human in small quantity. But bear in mind that it will accumulate in human body from 7 -132 years! If you can avoid it, try to avoid. Read up more on the update from time to time as I think scientists & researchers also will take up a long time to do research on getting good evidene on effects of Dioxin on human body and the ecological system in our planet.

Misleading information on Motherhood magazine!

I feel bad after reading the article because there are lots of misleading information about using cloth diaper. I was in a newspaper stall during lunch time to browse about latest magazines and was attracked by the title on this month Motherhood cover page (Singapore mag). The reading displayed as "Cloth vs Disposable". I can't wait to flipped through the page right away, hoping to see some new information reveal about modern cloth diaper.

It compares between a few factors on Cloth vs Disposable, namely, Convenient, Cost, Hygience, Diaper Rash,... and others but I forgot. I was hoping to see some report on modern cloth diaper or maybe some pictures of lampin/muslin or modern cloth nappies. To my surprise only picture of a baby with disposable diaper.

The article mentioned about nowadays cloth diaper comes with velcro or diaper cover with velro which make changing cloth diaper more easy and convenient. I believe it refers to the modern cloth diaper but when comes to the factors of Hygiene and Diaper Rash, the way the information conveyed as if disposable is better if compare to using cloth. This is because cloth diaper may have washing issues whereby if not clean enough baby will develope rashes and if prolong never wash the diaper, it will have germs growing on the cloth diaper. This is true but how come it never mention using disposable too long also can cause baby develope rashes due to lack of breathability? Even disposable accumulate more germs in the gel as it cannot be wash away and worst part is it's chemically made which will cause landfill to our earth?? And yes disposable is use then throw method but disposable is toxic! Why it never mention??

Oh yes, just remember another factor on drying. It stated cloth won't dry fast if it's raining and as for the cost it pulled out the cost of water and electricity that use to wash cloth diaper. Comparatively, using cloth is not really save big bucks. Well, I would say you can always dry the cloth diaper in an air-con room or worst case under ceiling fan, that's how we dry our clothing if rain, isn't it? Better still you can always add more cloth diaper to your stash. There are debates on costing between using cloth diaper & disposable online. I think the cost used to produce disposable diaper is far way too high than the water and electricity used to wash the reusable diaper.

I read quickly just now as it already passed my lunch hour. I hope to read more but overall I think the information still lead people to think disposable is better and more convenient. No doubt disposable wins for its conveniency. Before I return the magazine to the shelf then I only saw on top of the article stated "brought to you by Pampers"! No wonder...

Wool Soaker for Younger Babies?

I've been wondering whether wool diaper cover is suitable for young babies who is still not yet able to turn?

As we all know wool is very breathable and it's a great solution for heavywetter as it can evaporate moisture. I think this is refer to babies who is able to turn while sleeping. Otherwise, how to overcome the compression issue?? Hmm... newborn or younger babies they sleep or sit in the same place for longer time such as in the car seat. Isn't this will cause compression and the seat will be wet?

Can anyone share on issues encountered when using wool diaper cover on newborn or young infant?

Outdoor Dryer

I was surprised that I found out I have an outdoor dryer! Well, it's not really a dryer, it's an air-conditioner. This is the older version, it is a window through units, not the one that mount on the wall. Yeah... a very old machine that still work today.

This is the look of the traditional air-con from inside the house. Quite old, isn't it? My room has a balcony and that's the place where I line dry the cloth diapers and dd's clothes since the balcony is not big. So, it's mainly reserve for dd's clothes and diaper. The bonus point is the morning sun shines in front of balcony, making it a great place to get direct sunlight too!

Whenever the air-con is switched on, I got hot air at the balcony. So, indirectly, the hot air might help in drying the cloth diapers that I wash at night and I tried to line dry some of them outside the balcony even at night since we switch on air-con for the whole night. Guess what... although it's not 100% dry in the next morning but it's almost 50%-70% dry plus direct sunlight right after that... don't you think it's a nice match??

More wash for greater absorbency

This is very true for fitted diaper. Since fitted diaper is made up of only fabric, (some may have some polyster mix) mostly the fabric is either cotton terry, hemp or bamboo. It need to be pre-wash at least 3-5 times before the diaper can reach its maximum absorbency.

I have sherpa fitted diaper, cotton fitted, bamboo fitted and newly added a hemp fitted. Hemp is supposed to be the most absorbent material and I had washed it for 4 times but I think that's not the peak of its absorbency yet. I read somewhere some fittef diaper need at least 10 times wash before you get what is expected. Oh yes... that 10x is refer to Tot Bots Bamboozle. Will be having Tot Bots in Malaysia soon!

As I have a heavy wetter dd, sherpa and cotton only can be used as daytime diaper unless I add boaster. I noticed my bamboo, which is Drybees Onesize Bamboo fitted perform better than the first month I newly use. It's much more absorbent now and if I don't add any additional boaster, using only the bamboo soaker that comes with it, can last for 6-7 hours at night.

The additional two that I addded to my stash is Baby Greens hemp fitted and Motherease(ME) Sandy's. Baby Greens is a one size (OS) fitted which can be used from birth till potty train while ME Sandy's that I have is a size 2. Sandy's is much more bigger than Baby Greens and claimed to hold 15oz of liquid. Sounds good to a heavywetter yeah... Since Baby Greens is made of hemp material, it shrink abit after wash and make it looks even smaller.

Washed Sandy's 3 times and still monitoring its absorbency. Sandy's is roomy enough for me to add boster for night time use. I think it still need a few more wash to get to its max. I used Baby Greens on dd for 2 hours plus after I go back from work coz I know it still unable to be used at night. Hemp material needs even more washing. Right now it only can hold 2 pee before the whole diaper was wet. Last night I encountered it was wet even with just 1 pee and dd was wearing with its hemp snap in soaker. Still got lots of washing to do...

NOTE:
While waiting for several wash before the diaper can reach its max absorbency, use them as day time diaper.

Care for Diaper Covers

Let's face it... I believe every cloth diaper user mums will invest on diaper covers. But actually how to extend the life span of a diaper cover? I've been wondering for some times and I accidentally found the suggestions and referenece online and wish to share it here.

These are the facts:
1. "How long a cover will last will depend on the type of material the cover is made of." - (think of PUL, wool, cotton,...)

2. "Also what type of soap or detergent you use, your washing method, if you use bleach or bleach alternatives, if you line-dry or use a dryer." - (in Malaysia, we hardly have a dryer, most are line dry...)

3. "How many covers you have to use in rotation, and how often you change them." - (well, I seldom rotate, normally between 2 only, change them at the end of the day)

Advise no.1:
If you are machine washing, don't wash your covers with the diapers, but with the baby's clothing, on a gentle setting. Use only warm water, and a gentle soap.

Advise no.2:
Dry your covers in the machine for only 10-20 minutes, and hang to dry the rest of the way, if they are still damp. Don't use bleach, as it can ruin the elastic, and damage the water-proofing of your covers.

Advise no.3:
Avoid rubbing detergent directly on the diaper cover. All these products can destroy the water-proofness of your covers.

Advise no.4:
Covers generally don't have to be washed as often as the diaper. It will depend on the material of the cover. If the cover is not soiled, you could just run tap water down the inside of the cover to rinse off any urine residue. Pat dry, or hang to dry and re-use.

Nylon/Vinyl - can be air-dried between changes.
* we have PUL in m'sia but nylon...??*

With cotton blend - need to be washed after every use.
*such as imse vimse organic cotton*

Wool - every 2 weeks or when necessary
*ask me, I'm using this :) *

Advise no.5:
If you can afford it, have at least 5-6 covers in each size to rotate. The less often you have to wash your covers, the longer they will last.

Still want to buy...

I really wish... and really long... to buy more cloth diapers. Even I told myself this will be my last purchase each time I placed an order but seems like the buying will be never ending. DH has been not happy with my spending lately as I seems like I want everything I saw!

Well, this is simply not healthy but this is the proof of any cloth diapers addict mama, true or not Sandra & Christene?














My next plan purchase will be Happy Hempy, Tot Bots & Baby Beehind. Yes, they are fitted diaper as I really in love with them now. But I have no idea when actually I will buy since I'm on tight budget too. Hehehe... I wish to get DH to carry back from US, so that I can save on shipping cost. The Happy Hempy & Heiny Huggers fitted diaper are on sale at US online store. The timing is not right as I don't think it will delivered on time because DH will be back in a few days time. So, I never place any order. Perhaps, next time. *Sigh*



Picture courtesy of Happy Heiny ~ http://www.happyheinys.com/

Dead Fish Smell

We all know cloth diaper smell and that's one reason why people prefer disposable. Come on, cloth diaper has no additive on eliminating odour, we smell too on sweating clothes, isn't it? Moreover, urine smell is natural compare to chemical smell from disposable. This is very common.

I first encounter this horrible smell last weekend when I asked my maid to help me rinse the soiled diaper & inserts and gather together so that I could wash them all at once. I have a few pocket diapers and I have lots of inserts... made of hemp, microfiber & cotton. The reason I need to wash in hot because I found out my maid been using lots of detergent to wash especially the insert even I informed her not to.

The next morning, I got the dead fish smell from the microfiber insert, very bad one and I think I nearly vomit! Then I realized my maid never squeeze out the exess water after she rinse for the first time and dump them all in the pail even it's not soaking. I have no choicec but to handwashed again in clean water 2-3 times before I wash everything in hot. It's not that bad anymore but they just don't smell fresh.

The culprit could probably due to using too much detergent before this and soaking too long before wash. I notice it's not neessary to soak so long before wash even the diaper was changed half a day before wash. So, most probably the detergent from previous wash still stay in the insert and it accumulated over time. No wonder I felt weird as how come the insert is getting even more smelly than before?

After getting advise from the guru and referring to websites, I decided to try a few attempts to wash again. From that day onwards, I swear to wash all the cloth diaper stash on my own!

OK, these are what I had done:

First attempt - wash in hot. Pocket diaper and some inserts smell fresh after this wash but those with dead fish smell still remain but reduced than before.

Second attempt - soak 15-30 minutes with baking soda and abit of dettol. I never use vinegar for this round but rinse with clean water. By this time, almost 90% of the smell gone.

Third attempt - only comes in when the smell is still not totally gone or the insert I used from the second attempt (washed, dried, then used on dd, got new pee on it) still reveal the weird odour, then I will repeat again with second attempt but this time add in vinegar rinse after the baking soda & dettol soak. After that, rinse again with clean water before transfer into washing machine.

Quite a lot of work, but that's how the trial and error apply for cloth diapering. Right now I wake up earlier to wash diapers and I also wash them when I'm back from work in the evening for the day. I just don't like to leave the soiled diaper till next morning especially with the smell. Even I'll put them into washing machine the next morning but I'll make sure I rinse out the urine or feces by evening.

Maybe you have better solutions to share? Do share with me how did you overcome the smell issue.

Rouen able to pull out the velcro!

Oh dear.... my nightmare is here! Finally my dd is able to pull the velcro of her diaper and purposely allow the diaper to drop on the floor! She did that at home and in the mall while we were shopping.

I wear her in a short dress with a BumGenius OS diaper. I have a pink one so it matched her pink dress. I noticed when she's watching others kid running around while she stood still, her hand was reaching to her diaper and pull, pull, pull... out the velcro! So embarassing when her diaper dropped!

Right now, I got to wear her another pants outside the diaper to prevent her from simply pulling the velcro.

Washing with Hot Water

Always thought that washing in hot goes with hemp items. Hemp needs to wash in hot before use in order to get rid of the natural oil that cover the insert or fitted diaper. Lately I realized wash in hot an be carried out if the insert or diaper doesn't smell good.

So, when to use hot water to wash? I personally use it when:

1. The insert seems not clean and stink abit after many wash
2. When you realise baby's bum starting to turn red or develope rashes
3. and of course for hemp pre-wash / prior to first use

From No.1 above, I try not to add any baking soda or do any strip wash first. I'll handwash them in hot water (not boiling hot, OK?). After a few rinse with clean water the insert should smell clean. the rinse part you still can use hot or cold water but preferably in hot.

NOTE:
Remember to check with the manufacturere label to see whether the diaper can wash in hot first. Some is not advisable. Bamboo fabric not advisable but I did it this morning since the smell is so strong and it turn out to be soft after washing in hot. Wiill update on the impact if there's any.

Here start the journey...

I have always wanted to post something about modern cloth diaper. I'm addicted like other mums but I'm not so fancy about the cute prints or "Oh! Looks how cute the nappy on baby's bum!" statement. I'm interested on how to use, how to care, how to adjust for our tropical lifestyle and most importantly how to include this in my very own life style. I'm sharing this out as a story, my experiences and my views on cloth diapers. I don't want to mislead people nor advertising for the nappy company. No, I created this blog simply because I just want to share and i want to tell you how much I'm in love with modern cloth diapers. It begins with my dear daughter who is going to be 17 months old soon.

In my society, we are all brought up using lampin, which is similar to muslin. A loosely woven cotton square/flat which normally needs at least 3 dozens for a new born. Everyone here is doing the same thing and lampin is the most economical solution. A lot of washing and changing work involced. Baby will cry as soon as he or she pee or poo. The more easier way out is no other than disposable diaper. The hot topic about dispo is which brand is the best, which one is more value for the money and etc.

I thought after my dd grows older, she will require less changing of lampin and I was right for half... yes, less changing but she has more volume when getting older and lampin seems like not enough to hold the volume as it always wet the floor. I also fpund out DD was playing her "water" with her hands! Secondly, dd is wringle much more compare to her younger age and when she is able to crawl, putting her on lampin seems like an impossible work. Pins cannot be used as it's too dangerous on baby always on the move... my mother invented the aplix rubber belt to hold the lampin but it's just a temporarily solution for a few months. Since dd output volume increase with age, once she pee the lampin also drop as it's too heavy to stay in place.

Ok... let's change to disposable, it can hold up nicely in the diaper without leak. True enough but she developed diaper rash. Well, this can be treated by changing back to lampin & diaper rash cream. So, back to square one. At night, dd definitely must be on dispo as this will make life easier for mummy and baby. Baby will sleeps soundly and mummy can get more rest at night. As for conveniency, yes dispo wins. Lampin at night? Will even make the hectic life horrible.

Potty train... yes, that comes in my mind when dd was 9 months old. We are still struggling with this even today. DD knows when she wants to pee but she seldom show us signal that she wants to loo. At the end, she did! But after she finished her "business"... her poo time is even terrible. She send signals that she's goiong to poo from her facial expression but when given a potty or bring her to restroom, she will quickly run away screaming like hell! Is it so scary to sit on the potty or go to the restroom? Maybe it's just not the right time yet. There were countless times, dd poo abit on each new and clean dispo that I just wear on her every night!!! Feel so wasted on the money because there is no pee.

At one time, I was so tired and stick to using dispo for quite a while until I notice a strong chemical smell from the dispo after changed it from dd. I don't like the smell as it's just too chemical (probably toxic) to baby's health. There was one suppose to be a very good brand of dispo but to my surprise, the gel in the diaper melted and attached to dd's belly like glue, sticky and yucks!! It's already proven the chemical contain in the diaper make nothing good to human but what choice do we have except changing brands from time to time? We are using it on newborn baby and toddler probably at least 1-2 years? I can't wait to potty train my dd sooner but I guess I'm not the lucky one.

Then, I came to know a cloth diaper e-store in Malaysia. I was wondering how this all can work (especially cloth diapering at night!) and I don't mind trying as long as it can help to solve my dd's problem. Yes, this is the answer to most of my diapering problems. I wish I know this earlier. But in Malaysia, this is yet a new trend and not many will consider as it is an expensive investment at the initial stage. My intention is very simple, I wish to get rid of all dispo that I'm using at night and outing on my dd. I can consider already a half cloth diaper user as I still maintain to use lampin before I got to know the modern cloth diaper. Right now, I have modern cloth diaper specially for dd's night time, naps and outing. Yes, I mix them and use everyday now. I personally think it's good to use it full time but not really necessary as I already have lampin too. Moreover, I'm interested in exploring the many choices and usage of each and other modern diapers available. So, buying in smaller quantity seems alright on tighter budget. Well, this is just my way.

Oh... I never give up on potty train my dd. I hope that she will learn to understand it sooner and I can't wait to get her cloth training pants instead of cloth diaper. And yet, I'm still going strong with cloth diapering choices... perhaps for the preparation of my future little one...