Category: diapering
Posted September 1st, 2008 in diapering, Milagros News |
Families new to the world of cloth diapering often ask one simple question: how do you wash diapers? I must admit that for much of Mila s diapering days we were spoiled by the services of Tidee Didee and we just needed to wash soiled covers.
Shortly before Mila was out of diapers I began laundering on my own and was surprised at how easy it was. Every couple of days I would start a load at bedtime, then dry the next day. Rhythm was definitely the key.
But how to actually wash? It is tricky to decide how to wash diapers and covers when there are so many different recommendations by the various makers, and then the general belief that the natural detergents should be avoided (due to natural oils that may leave residue), yet we want to be friendly to the earth aaaarrrr! So, I ll share what has worked for us.
Before you begin: No need to dunk the diapers of babies who aren t yet eating solids. But once they are eating solid foods, shake those poopy diapers out over the toilet to get the solid poop off, or consider using biodegradable flushable liners (we carry two sizes at Milagros) or attaching a sprayer to your toilet.
Step 1: Cold rinse spin with Bac-Out (about a cup, or two). This will do wonders to prevent stains. The only time I did encounter stains after washing was the time I didn t rinse
Step 2: Warm -warm or hot wash with Bi-O-Kleen Laundry Detergent (tip: use less soap then you think you need) Through two kids I have never had negative results from using this detergent on either the diapers or covers. Occasionally I will do an extra rinse. Too much soap can linger.
Pocket diapers can conceivably get a build up of the natural detergent over time, suddenly making them seem leaky. Now, I haven t had this happen from washing, but did indeed experience a leaky pocket a couple of times after needing to use rash ointment on my son. I followed stripping suggestions on the Happy Heinys website and they worked fine.
To strip I essentially took the cover that was leaking (really I believe it s that the pee sort of glided on the surface of the fleece and out the side ) and did a mini hand wash of the center of the fleece in super warm water, rubbing it against itself. Sometimes with a bit of regular liquid soap (have used both hand and dishwashing). Then washed as usual and things were back to normal.
If you have a front loading washer, remember to really use less soap than you think you need (sort of the general rule for diapers anyway, but especially so with front loaders). Be sure not to overload the washer because the diapers need to move in the water and those washers are so efficient that they are often not giving as much water for the diapers to move in anyway. And if you can do a second rinse you can ensure that any extra detergent is gone.
Step 3: Dry diapers and all in ones in the dryer, or once summer has decided to stay, air dry! The sun really does remove lingering stains! Dry covers per manufacturer s instructions. If it says I can dry them I do, but I also often just air dry the covers since they are generally made with quick drying fabrics. I also have a general feeling that it will prolong the life of the cover.
You may find some more tips at diaperpin.com
Happy diapering!
Posted August 29th, 2008 in diapering, Milagros News |
Are you feeling comfortable cloth diapering and would like to have your own reusable wipes? It s so easy! Here s how we did it!
What you need:
- Sealing water resistant container (we used an old disposable wipe container)
- Wipes (you can buy Kissaluvs terry wipes at Milagros or just use flannel squares, thin infant wash cloths, we ve even used washed disposable wipes!)
- Jug of distilled water (plain tap water doesn t cut it eventually gets moldy trust me)
- Tea tree oil (antibacterial properties nice!)
- Lavender essential oil (mmmm pretty )
Place the wipes in the container you will use for storing. In a separate container or bowl mix the distilled water with the oils (a few drops to each cup of water you will be using). Pour the mixture over your wipes and you are set! You can even take some in a resealable plastic bag for trips away from home. We use about two cups of this solution for a full container of wipes. Go for it, mommas! You can do it!
Posted June 20th, 2008 in diapering, Products |
Safe Mama had a recent post on what’s in disposable baby wipes. It was eye-opening to say the least. We switched to reusable wipes but mainly to lessen our waste stream, the question “what’s in your wipes?” hadn’t crossed our minds.
Anyhoo, thank you Safe Mama for doing the leg work on this. So if you are using disposable wipes, definitely check out Safe Mama’s review.
If you are ready to switch away from disposable wipes, it really isn’t that challenging. You can make your own wipes or pick up some terry wipes at the shop. We have unbleached, undyed terry wipes by Kissaluvs at Milagros.
How do you use them? Either use with warm water right before using them or infuse them beforehand with a homemade wipe mix. Once they are used, just wash’em and use them again. Here is the homemade wipe mix that we use:
- 2 or 3 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 tablespoon of Dr. Bronner s soap
- 3 cups of distilled water (be sure to use distilled water, not tap water)
Just dampen the wipes in the mixture and store in an air tight container. We use an old plastic wipes bin left over from the disposable days. Easy peasy. Enjoy!
Posted June 17th, 2008 in diapering, Products |
There was a thread on UM about natural stain removers. In this debate, we swear by Bac-Out by Bi-O-Kleen.
We use it on diapers, baby clothes, the rug, the drains, really anything…we use by the gallon because life is messy….
We stock Bac-Out in 32 oz and 1 gallon size at Milagros. And we can special order a FIVE gallon bucket of Bac-Out too! …..just in case your life is as messy as ours!
Posted May 28th, 2008 in diapering, Products |
There was a discussion on training pants on UM, so let me highlight one of the brands we have in stock: Blue Penguin.
Blue Penguin Training Pants have a nice trim fit but still are thick enough to absorb most leaks. They are made of multiple layers of absorbent 100% cotton knit. So they can seal leaks in but aren’t completely waterproof training pants – like Bumkins or Bummis.
Posted April 5th, 2008 in diapering, Products |
Looking for the stylish, unique, and functional diaper bag? Look no further! Milagros now carries Chickpea diaper bags – authentic, handmade bags created right here in Portland!
Chickpea Diaper Bags Feature:
- Waterproof vinyl body
- Snap closures on flap
- Roomy main compartment with water resistant silver/grey nylon lining
- Five exterior pockets
- 3 small mesh interior pockets sized for items like sippy cups
- 2 medium mesh interior pockets
- Swivel hook for keys or toy on inside of bag
- Flap lined with soft silver velvet
- Adjustable seat belt webbing strap
- Additional layer of vinyl on bottom of bag for reinforcement
But probably the best feature is that this is a diaper that doesn’t LOOK like a diaper bag. So once your little miracle is beyond the diaper stage, this bag will still be a functional and fashionable accessory.
Posted March 4th, 2008 in diapering, Products |
With trips to the beach and indoor pools there seems to always be a need for swim diapers, so we stock them all year long at Milagros.
We have two brands to choose from – the Swimmi by Bummis (in a fun cow print!) and a variety of choices from Blue Penguin. The primary difference between these brands is that the Swimmi has a velcro closure while the Blue Penguin swim diapers use snaps.
These diapers may be worn underneath another layer if you would like but nothing needs to be put inside them, just put it on and dive on in!
Posted February 26th, 2008 in diapering, Milagros News, Products |
We have a lot of cloth diapers and accessories at Milagros. In addition we have everything you need for caring for cloth diapers and your little ones clothes in general. One product we love for woolens and delicates is Eucalan.
Eucalan is a perfect and easy to use wash for woolens and delicates. The lanolin-rich formula is a natural fabric softener and the no-rinse nature of the Eucalan reduces water use. Plus it is biodegradable, free off petrochemicals, non-toxic, and phosphate-free. Definitely an eco-friendly choice for the wash!
Posted November 29th, 2007 in diapering |
You asked for it, we got it!
We now have high quality, USA-made diaper sprayers at Milagros.
This easy-to-install sprayer makes rinsing your diapers easy. Just spray the cloth diaper off, roll it up and drop it in the diaper pail! Our diaper sprayers come complete with all the attachments needed to connect to most toilets.
Is this the tool you need in your cloth diapering arsenal?
Yes? Well, come on in…
Posted September 6th, 2007 in Classes, diapering, Events, Milagros News |
Join us Saturday, September 15 at Milagros from 3 pm – 4 pm for a Cloth Diaper Circle led by Cynthia Thompson.The Cloth Diaper Circle is a casual, social gathering that provide parents and parents-to-be with the opportunity to learn more about cloth diapering – different products, techniques, etc. It is also a chance to meet other parents who are using cloth diapers or thinking about it.
Cloth diapering has come a long way and is more convenient than ever as well as the most cost effective and environmentally friendly diapering option available.
We will be providing complimentary tea and coffee service for this event. You can find a great variety of cloth diapering products at Milagros.
