Twitter Cloth Diaper Chat

Join parents from around the country (globe?) on Twitter every Monday night from 8-10pm for a Cloth Diaper chat! Discuss your passion (obsession?!) with like-minded folk!

Use #clothdiapers to join in on the chat.

See you there!

Detergents Update

Wow! We have gone a little crazy with detergents since I last wrote about them on the blog (ok, so I havent been that good about keeping up with this blog!).

Here's an overview:

Country Save - I've talked about it before. It's a great powder for a very reasonable price. A huge box will last you for a long time! The box says 80 loads for a top loader and 160 for a front loader. You can probably get 2-4x as much! You only use 1/4 scoop for your diapers and 1/2 scoop for your clothes. It'll last forever!

bumGenius Diaper Detergent - Based on the Country Save formula. That's all they'll say - they wont give out any details! It's a smaller box so not as cumbersome or scary looking as the big Country Save! And it's bumGenius endorsed - what could be better!

Planet - for those that prefer liquid this is a great option. You still only use 1/4 scoop (1 oz) for your diapers so this 100 oz jug will last months! Seasoned CD'ers swear by the powers of Planet! And, like Country Save, if you develop a love affair with Planet, you can buy it by the case on Amazon!

Thirsties Super Wash - Another great, BRAND NEW, liquid option is Thirsties Super Wash system. There are 2 parts - the Pre-Wash uses antimicrobial properties to fight stains from setting and bacteria which is the cause of rash and residual ordors. The Super Wash has a probiotic element which introduces GOOD bacteria to fight odor and rash! They come separately or in a vacuum pack and even have a built in chamber so you always measure the perfect amount of detergent and never end up wasting!

Rockin' Green - New to Soft and Cozy Baby is the hottest detergent on the market! It is a powder that comes in adorable bags in a range of yummy scents. There is an option of Soft Rock (sensitive) or Classic. Soon they will be introducing Hard Rock for those fighting hard water.

Happy Washing!

Thirsties new Duo Diaper - Reviewed!

I love the new Duo Diaper that Thirsties just came out with. It is probably to replace their All-In-One (AIO) which is being discontinued and is currently on clearance.

Well the Duo Diaper is almost as good as the AIO - maybe better! It's based on the Duo Wrap which is a 2 size system. Thirsties said they tried to make a One-Size diaper but it just didnt work. And I totally agree that there are very few babies who are able to wear one diaper from birth to potty training. I never recommend a One-Size for a newborn - they just dont fit well and leak. Plus most One-Sizes say they go up to 35 lb, but for Dovy, my 26 lb - 18 month old, some of these diapers are at their largest setting and will definitely not last until potty training.

So Thirsties came out with this great Duo system. Size 1 is 6-18 lb and size 2 is 18-40 lb. And on my little guy the Size 2 is just on the middle set of snaps so he definitely has plenty of room to grow.

How would the Duo Diaper be just as good or even better than Thirsties AIO? The big benefit of the AIO is it's a one piece system - just as simple as a disposable. A perfect option for babysitters, daycares, CD reluctant relatives, etc. But the Duo Diaper can be just as simple. Like any pocket, you can pre-stuff it straight out of the dryer (or off the line) and it's just as easy as an AIO. Thirsties still makes great velcro closures which are simpler than snaps.

The benefits of a pocket is that it dries quicker and it's more customizable. Most AIO's take FOREVER to dry. I started with AIO for Dovy as a newborn and after 2 dry cycles and hanging overnight sometimes they were still damp! I switched to pockets as I needed the diapers in the morning. Even just hanging overnight most inserts and pockets dry quickly. Thirsties AIO do have a pocket which makes it faster to dry - especially if you turn it inside out - and you can add stuffing, but AIO usually are not as absorbant as pockets. It's fine for a newborn, but not for my baby who sleeps 12-13 hours overnight! I still do use AIO for running out shopping or if I need a quick easy diaper or for the babysitter.

The Duo Diaper is made with a sleeve. This is awesome because you dont have to pull out the insert like you do with most pockets. There's an opening on both ends so it agitates out in the wash! The insert that comes with the diaper is 2 parts - a 2 layer microfiber terry PLUS a 5 layer hemp jersey. The 2 pieces snap together so you can use one or both without the bunching. And there's still more room to add more! There are some other diapers on the market with sleeves but they dont all allow enough room for additional inserts.

What I love about the Duo Diaper inserts is the hemp part - I think it's ingenious and can't believe no one else has come up with it yet (or at least that I know of). I almost always add hemp to my baby's diaper to increase absorbancy, as hemp is one of the most absorbant materials in the CD market. If you put the microfiber closer to the baby, that catches the moisture and then allows it to soak into the hemp which holds a TON! And it's a lot trimmer than adding a bunch more microfiber inserts.


Thirsties still comes with their great gussets to hold in big messes and make a quality Made In the USA product!

All Nursing Covers 25% off!

Great gift idea!

bumGenius Bamboo Clearance!

Ok, now this makes me sad. I LOVE the Bamboo fitteds put out by bumGenius. It's my #1 recommendation for newborns. I think it makes a great fit for the little tiny baby and is so silky soft and absorbant too.

I'm not 100% sure why they're clearancing them, but it probably has to do with all the new regulations surrouding Bamboo. I havent done the research but I think if a product is not 100% Bamboo, you're not allowed to call it bamboo, or something like that. Plus, to say it's antibacterial you have to actually test it, which is probably very expensive.

So I am trying to stock up on Bamboo fitteds so I dont run out! I am encouraging everyone to buy at this phenomenal price. I am hoping to stock up for my future children as well! I'd hate to not have this diaper for my newborns!

The link for the Bamboo Fitteds is here. I have a bunch on order, but if you want more, I will get them for you. Preorders are encouraged.

Tiny Tush - 15 day guarantee!

Tiny Tush has announced that they are willing to offer a 15 day trial period on their Elite One-Size Pocket Diaper!


These great diapers come in snaps or velcro. They create a nice, trim fit and work very well. Try it! And if you don't love them, you can return one diaper within 15 days! This only applies for one diaper.

So, there's nothing to lose! Give Tiny Tush a try! They are a family-owned company and their products are made in the USA!

Kids' Doll Carriers!

We now have in stock or en-route doll carriers for your little mama or daddy! Perfect for a holiday gift. And the prices can't be beat!

Teach your child about the benefits of babywearing and let him or her mimic you by carrying around a doll, toy or anything really in his or her own carrier!

Ergos in Heartrose or Galaxy!
Mini Mobys in a range of colors! Mini Becos!

The Great Cloth Diaper Hunt

Hunter Registration is open! The Great Cloth Diaper Hunt runs twice a year - and is coming up in November.

There are 174 naturally-minded websites participating. As a hunter, you search for the diaper icon on each site. There are daily, weekly and grand prizes! Plus you get to see a lot of great new innovative products and learn a ton about natural living!

As a bonus, most websites (including ours!), offer a 10% discount for the month of November, and some for December. We are offering a discount for both months for hunters.

Per manufacturer guidelines, bumGenius, Ergo and Natural Baby Co. (GroBaby and Dream Eze) products cannot be included in the discount.

So sign up here: http://www.diaperdecisions.com/pages/greatclothdiaperhunt.php to hunt! Make sure to mention Soft and Cozy Baby as your referrer. See you in the hunt!

I'm Back!

So sorry it's been so long since I've posted! I went to Las Vegas mid September for the ABC expo - it's this humongous event with every single baby manufacturer! It is absolutely amazing! I'm so glad I have a small store so I didnt have to even think about most products! Just the number of stroller manufacturers is overwhelming!

So the reason I havent written in a while is because I had big plans to write all about the ABC expo but never got around to it. And now, a month later, I figure I should just throw in the towel and keep going. As FlyLady (http://www.flylady.net/) says, just keep going - dont try to catch up! So we're going to keep going!

The ABC expo was amazing - I went to Vegas for 3 days by myself - and left Dovy home with hubby! Sounds great, right? =) Actually I was so busy I was absolutely exhausted at the end of every day, not to mention the 3 hour time change. And I kept waking up early - my only chance to sleep in!

I went to see a lot of new products and have added a ton to the store. The ABC expo is when most companies showcase their new products. I'll be describing new products that I have in stock in upcoming posts.

Here's a selection of what's new!

**Ergo has a lot of new patterns and colors - no more boring black as your only choice!
**Hotslings came out with their new AP (Adjustable Pouch) sling! It adjusts between sizes 2-5, which makes it easier to figure out what size you need.
**Moby Wraps are now in stock!
**We now have a full stock of Tinokis colors.
**Coming end of Oct or November - Beco Butterfly 2(yay!), the pikkolo, winter covers for babywearing, Baby KTan.






In the diaper arena:
**We now carry Knickernappies - a One-Size side-snapping diaper. KN also makes the LoopyDo and SuperDo - great heavy duty inserts made of hemp and microfiber, especially for those overnight heavy wetters.
**Gro Baby has new adorable colors coming in November.
**bumGenius introduced their new Econobum (November) and Flip (January) systems!
**We carry Bummis Cloth Diaper Kits (everything you need to CD in a box!) and the silk soft Bamboozle Fitted!

Accessories:
We now carry the baby line from Earth Mama Angel Baby. Great natural products! They also have great gift packages.
BumBumBalm - a diaper rash cream, recommended by Bummis
bumGenius Odor Remover - great for spraying on your diapers before throwing them in the wetbag.
Bummis Fabulous Wet Bags - in small and medium with zippers! Made of the same material as the SuperBrites!

For Mom:
We are getting in DivaCups! The tampon alternative - very easy to use, no more tampons to add to landfills, no more odor!
Bebe Au Lait has introduced a gorgeous new line of Hooter Hiders - new patterns with ruffles or pockets! Comes with its own carry bag!

For Baby:
We now have My Little Seat in stock! Just like the Totseat but with shoulder straps!
We will be getting wooden toys in before the holidays!

Whew! So that's a taste of what's here and coming!

Preorders and special requests are being accepted as we expect some of these great new products to move quickly!

bumGenius Display

Here's our submission for the bumGenius contest! Read below for more details about the contest.

We had a lot of fun creating it. The idea was my mother's! (So, Mom, you won 6 diapers!)

Come stop by the store to see our Tree with falling bumGenius leaves -- just in time for fall!

Blue and White diapers make up the sky. Green diapers are the leaves and grass. Golden leaves are falling off the tree. Pink flowers. Even birds made out of diapers!

The Ergo hip carry

Ok, I know I've poo-pooed the Ergo hip carry for those who asked. But actually it's not really that bad at all.

We went to the Maryland State Fair today. My baby needs to see what's going on. I LOVE my Ergo, but the one fault I have with it is the baby can only face you. So he sits in the stroller most of the time and when he gets antsy and wants to get out, I put him in a carrier. But I felt bad that he had to keep turning his head to see what was happening. So I tried the hip carry.

It actually worked pretty well. I was happy with it. It's not as great and supportive as a front and back carry, but no one-shoulder carry is going to be. So I take it back. The Ergo is great for hip-carrying too!

Actually, here's what the Ergo website says about the hip-carry: Parents have expressed a great deal of interest in wearing their baby in the hip position. During the younger stages of your baby's growth, this is a nice alternative position between front and back, before your baby gets too heavy.

So anyway you roll it, a one-shouldered hip carry is still inferior to a fully supported 2-shoulder carry. But for those who need it (like me!) it works!

Happy Anniversary Soft and Cozy Baby!

Wow! Can you believe it?! We've been open a year now!

I'm looking for creative ideas of how we can celebrate with our loyal customers.

Our current promotion is buy any 12 diapers and get a FREE box of BRAND NEW bumGenius detergent!

If you have any ideas of other anniversary specials, please let us know!

New Showroom

Come check out our beautiful new showroom! I love not being in the dining room anymore!

Actually, there was nothing really wrong with the dining room - except for a 15 month old who believes that everything looks much better on the floor... And he still believes that! We just dont spend as much time in the store anymore so that things can stay where they belong!

Designers are still welcome to make comments and adjustments -- it's always a work in progress! (Says the uncreative store owner...)

Hope to see you soon!

BRAND NEW - bumGenius Diaper Detergent!

It's here! bumGenius has developed its own laundry detergent, in conjunction with Country Save. And we have it!

In celebration of our 1 year anniversary (wow!), buy 12 of any combination of diapers and get a FREE box of bumGenius Diaper Detergent!

bumGenius Contest!

bumGenius has announced a retailer contest and we need your help!

There are 2 parts to the contest.

The first is to create a unique, fun display of bumGenius products.

The Second part is to create the coolest bumGenius homepage featuring bumGenius products on our website.

Sooo, for all those creative people out there -- help us with ideas for a creative physical display or an awesome homepage feature.

If your idea is chosen to be used as our entry into the contest, you will win 6 bumGenius 3.0 OS diapers, or a similarly priced alternative if you prefer. If our store is chosen as the winner of the bumGenius contest, you will win 12 bumGenius 3.0 OS diapers!

We look forward to your submissions!!

RULES:
All entries are due by Sept 1.
Soft and Cozy Baby or its designees has the exclusive right to judge and choose a winner based on entries submitted.
By submitting an entry you are allowing Soft and Cozy Baby to use your idea without any compensation, unless you win the contest.
Soft and Cozy Baby reserves the right to not choose a winner if none of the entries are used to enter the bumGenius contest.
Entries to create a homepage feature must include complete HTML to allow it to be uploaded onto the website.
Soft and Cozy Baby will have sole rights to all entries submitted.
The creator, designer or source of the idea gives up all rights to the design upon submission to Soft and Cozy Baby.
Odds of winning are dependent on number of entries submitted and creativity of entries.
Soft and Cozy Baby reserves the right to choose the colors of the diapers included in the prize or to substitute a similarly valued alternative.
Soft and Cozy Baby reserves the right to cancel, modify, or restructure this contest and its details at any time.

FREE bumGenius Diaper!

Now through the end of August...

BUY 6 bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Diapers and get 1 FREE!

Simply specify the color you would prefer for your free diaper in the comments box, if ordering online. If that color is not available or a color is not specified, a color similar to your order will be added!

While supplies last.

Real Diaper Association photo CONTEST!

Do you have a great, enticing, creative and well-shot photograph of your baby in a cloth diaper? The Real Diaper Association is launching the Real Diapers, Real Babies Photo Contest this week. Winning photos, as selected by RDA members*, will grace the pages of our first annual RDA Calendar, with the top three winners to receive special prizes.

Keep up-to-date with the contest status on the RDA blog. Contest ends August 24, 2009 so get your photos in soon.

For more information, visit the Real Diaper Association at www.realdiaperassociation.org

Support the Cloth Diapering industry by becoming a member of the RDA!

Swap Success!

We had an amazing Cloth Diaper Swap yesterday. There were about 12 women there, some with their men and kids. People traded and bought/sold their used diapers. The best part was the networking and discussing different diapers and diapering strategies.

I think we all had a nice time and can't wait for the next CD Swap!

Cloth Diaper Swap

Save the date for a CD swap next Sunday Aug 2! Bring your outgrown diapers to sell or trade.
It'll be so much fun to network with other CD mamas!


CD and Babywearing workshops this Monday July 27 at Mothering Mommies in Towson at 7 pm. Contact them for more info!

The Miracle Blanket

The Miracle Blanket has arrived at Soft and Cozy Baby!

This is for those moms who keep trying to get that "burrito-wrap" right and their active newborn overpowers the blanket! For those of you who wrap and rewrap and end up with an arm or toe sticking out of the swaddle, this blanket is for you! It is made with special flaps and pockets to tuck in arms and legs. Then it has an extra long tail to wrap around the baby and holds tight!

Newborns are used to being enclosed in a dark, warm, tightly confining womb. Being out in the bright light without boundaries can be scary. Wrapping a newborn up in a swaddle gives them something to push against and the tight confines provides a sense of comfort and security. Newborns have no control over their arms and legs and therefore are usually flailing wildly. Wrapping them help to calm the baby and allows her to fall asleep and not wake herself up!
Try one of these great colors today! Best suited for newborns to 14 weeks.

Open House Today!

I love having customers come back and watching their babies grow up! And Dovy has fun playing with (or knocking over) other kids! (Don't worry - I try to keep him away from the babies...)

Come by and see the new diapers and fun products we have! I dont know why I get so excited about new diapers that aren't even for me... :)

bumGenius Organic

bumGenius Organic One-Size with Snaps are here!

Let us know what you think about this great ORGANIC cotton diaper.

Sick of velcro pulling and not sticking? Try out the Snaps!

Thirsties Duo Wrap

Thirsties has done it again! They've come out with a superior, makes-sense product. I love Thirsties products, as you can see in a previous post.

Thirsties tried to make a One-Size diaper cover, but as many of you know from my soapbox, One-Size is really a misnomer. I don't believe that a One-Size diaper will really fit any child well from 8-35 pounds. It will be too big on a newborn and getting snug on an older toddler.

Well, Thirsties realized this and instead came up with a two-size diaper system. It's still much more economical than their original 4-size diaper covers that are available.

Thirsties says the Duo Wraps are more trim than their original cover - great for a trifolded prefold or over the Fab Fitted.

What is really nice about the Duo Wrap is for those babies that are no longer fit in one size but the next size is too big. The Duo Wrap is great because it has a higher rise with it's snap down system. So you get a snug fit for babies of various shapes and proportions.

And Thirsties has introduced a whole new line of adorable colors with the new Duo Wrap!

The Tinokis is Back!

It took me a while but I finally found a way to bring back the Tinokis. They were going to charge me $300 just for shipping! The Tinokis is a beautiful, great wrap that is very versatile. It is made of a thin jersey material and has a great pocket in the front that I store my cell phone or keys in when I'm moving around.

I lived in it for the first 3-4 months of my baby's life. I wore it one evening when I did a boutique show. He nursed in it and then fell asleep. I wore him for probably 3-4 hours and no back pain! The new colors we just got in are perfect for summer - light and breezy.

You can do things with a wrap that you can't do with other carriers. The main one I love is the front carry facing out. Even the Mei Tai and Ergo don't allow for the baby to face out due to the way the baby's hips are positioned. And my baby needs to see what's going on!

You can use the cradle hold for an infant and then a back or hip carry for a toddler. In between, there's the upright position either facing in or out.