Preparing for Baby: Easy Newborn Cloth Diapers

I always see people ask the seasoned cloth veterans what advice would you give a newbie just starting out? I am sure there are things we all would do differently, some things we would do again and products we learned about too late.

I began my cloth journey with a newborn starter kit from Bummies and a stack of Kushies all-in-ones. My husband had reservations, but kindly kept them to himself. I remember lugging my pre-folds up and down the stairs to our communal laundry room as I was prepping the diapers - determined that I could keep it up. The plastic Kushies with scratchy aplix all but did me in. They never fit right and broke down quickly. My son ended up being cloth diapered on and off, mainly when money was tight or he developed a diaper rash on his sensitive skin.

This time around I have a combined 5 years of diapering under my belt and have found some great new products to even help my intimidated husband. Okay, he has been an awesome sport, but in my quest to find the perfect diapering solution I accumulated quite a varied stash. I have to admit that knowing what to do with which diapers can be overwhelming. Fitted, pocked, AIO, hybrid, covers and flats, oh my! So, for his sake I invested in some great Cloth-eez Workhorse Diapers, a simple snap fitted diapers made out of pre folds and some great covers. I found these through Green Mountain Diapers (not an affiliate, nor is this a sponsored post!) and love how easy they are to use.

Above you can see part of my stash being prepped for it's first use. Elliot won't be here for another 7 weeks, but I don't want to leave all my diapers till the last minute.

Prepping is easy! These diapers come with natural oils in the fiber and won't absorb as well till they are washed and dried a few times. Most diapers suggest 3 times or more for a good wash and then dry. It goes something like this:

1. Cold Water Wash
2. Dry
3. Hot Water Wash
4. Dry
5. Hot Water Wash
6. Dry

I fluffed mine once in the dryer, but on a gorgeous day I can't help but sun them. The more you wash them the softer the fabric becomes and  unbleached fabric will start to lighten in the sun.

These fitted diapers are very cost effective. Newborn size starts at just $5.50 and $9.95 for the rest. They do cost more than a flat diaper and pre folds, but will be easy for my husband to put on and take off without any extra steps, pins or headache. I am really excited to use these for my newborn since they are soft, simple and dry quickly.

I will also be using some pre folds and pocket diapers for later on. I can't wait to share more of my new stash with you and how I am planning to overcome my past cloth diapering problems.

Did you cloth diaper your children? What was or would be your biggest obstacle?

A Day in the Life of Diaper Rash - My Experience + #Giveaway

This post is sponsored by Boudreaux's Butt Paste®, the effective diaper rash cream that treats and prevents diaper rash with every change. Let's kick some rash!

Babies!! Gotta love 'em! They arrive in this world helpless, smelling so good, and feeling amazingly soft.

But of course there is a darker side to caring for a baby. With that irresistibly soft skin comes....

...the dreaded Diaper Rash!!!

Just the name can strike fear into the hearts of parents everywhere. (Mine included!) From chapped bottoms to screams and tears, I found it could go from bad to worse if I wasn't prepared.

My son was the worst. He has very sensitive skin and from the start we learned that if I didn't catch diaper rash quickly, he would develop horrible sores in the diaper area. Through trial and error, here are my tips to help combat red and angry diaper rash:

• Change diapers frequently. I  kept my son as dry as I could with frequent diaper changes. Have you heard the joke about the newborn diapers? 7-10 lbs? No, that is not how much you can fill the diapers with. 
• Dab dry. After changing diapers and using baby wipes I started dabbing my kids dry with cloth wipes. This ensured there was no more moisture left to irritate the skin and made diaper rash more infrequent.
• Be prepared & prevent. Keep a handy tube of Boudreaux's Butt Paste in multiple places. I kept a tube in my purse, in my diaper bag, at the changing station and with my emergency diaper changing stash in the car. Have it handy and use it right away if you notice irritation.
• Seal to heal. If you need to use diaper rash cream, use it to cover the entire affected area. I like to smear it on thick for a nice comfortable barrier from friction and moisture.

In full disclosure, we don't use Boudreaux's Butt Paste for only diaper changes. It has been very handy anytime we have chaffing, rubbing or moisture. Yes, even mamas need rash relief after a 5K. Whether you are running, cycling or sporting that diaper, it can be a real help to kick some rash! 

I was sent a fabulous rash kicking kit to get me started. I love all the goodies that were included. From a diaper and wipes to a pacifier and rattle to keep baby busy while changing. Of course, there was also the essential tube of Boudreaux's Butt Paste.

I love how thick the paste is. Water repellent and even soothing on angry skin, this is my favorite brand to buy. And the scent? Not overpowering or medicinal, it is light and subtle. Not everyone has to know your baby has diaper rash.

After two children in diapers I can say that diaper rash comes and goes with stages. For my daughter the rash didn't start until after she began eating more solid foods. Depending on what she ate, some days I couldn't change her diaper fast enough to keep her skin from becoming irritated. We found citrus especially irritating. Along with all those diaper changes I used a healthy amount of diaper rash cream to keep her from having rash-induced melt-downs. She was definitely angry when her bottom was sore, but it didn't have to ruin our day.

My daughter is still in diapers and recently has been going through a new stage of being shy about it. Instead of proudly letting me know when she needs her pants changed, she will run off and play or hide so I find she sitting in wet pants more often. Thank goodness for Boudreaux's!

Here is a great video of  the scourge "Rashadon" from Boudreaux's Butt Paste

Have a great diaper rash tale? Be sure to share it over on the Boudreaux's Butt Paste Facebook Page and read the stories and comments from other parents facing their own "Rashadon". While you are on the Facebook page be sure to share this cute video with your friends, everyone needs a little humor in their day, right?

Giveaway Time!!!

Win a prize package of gift cards (Target, Babies 'R Us & Walmart ($150 value)!

One lucky reader will win a gift card prize package for their baby with a $50 Target gift card, $50 Babies 'R Us gift card, and $50 Walmart gift card ($150 total value). 

• (1) Entry: Comment on this post with your own diaper rash story, tip or trick. 

• For one (1) additional entry share the video above and leave me a link where I can find it (Pinterest link, tweet URL, or Google+ link.)

Giveaway runs 10/8/2012 - 10/18/2012 midnight PST. Comment below with your entry and leave your email address so I can contact you if it isn't public in your blogger profile. Winner will be selected via Random.org., contacted via email and the winner will be posted on this post. Click here for official rules. Good luck!

Want to increase your chances to win? Check out the giveaway over at The Shopping Mama, Mama Loves Her Bargains, Lilac City Momma, Momaroo and A Life to Brag About.  Once winner will be chosen from each of these great sites!

*Disclaimer - As part of the DailyBuzz Moms Featured Publisher Program, I received a stipend and a Boudreaux’s Butt Paste® Mom Toolkit in exchange for my participation in this program.  All opinions and experiences are my own.