Traveling with Baby? Cloth Diapering Tips to Help

Are you planning to head out for a short vacation with baby in tow? Worried about diaper changes and whether you’d be able to use your cloth diapers when traveling? Yes, traveling with baby can be quite overwhelming for a new mom and when you add cloth diapers to the mix, it can become tougher still, right?
Well, you can set your fears aside.

Here are some cloth diapering tips and ideas to make travel time easy and stress-free for both baby and you:

1. Use Extra Absorbent Inserts

Firstly, reach for extra absorbent inserts that can keep baby feeling dry for longer than regular cotton inserts. Hemp inserts are great for travel time and we’re thrilled to be introducing them this month to the Smart Baby India family.

2. Pack Cloth Diapers That Suit Baby and YOU

Also, think about your cloth diapering style when choosing diapers to carry along. Would you like the ease and reusability of a Flip? Or would you prefer an All-in-One diaper, like the bumGenius Freetime?

Also, before you travel, track the number of diapers that your baby usually goes through during the day, so that you know how many diapers to carry. Always, add in a few extra to accommodate any diaper disasters.

3. Pack a Travel Diaper Bag 

Your travel diaper bag should consist of diapers, diaper wipes, disinfecting solution , a wet bag to hold the dirty diapers in and a changing pad. Since finding readymade wet bags is so difficult and next to impossible in India, I’d recommend looking at stores like Mother Care or making your own. Here’s an easy tutorial to help you sew your own wet bag or get someone to do it for you.

4. Cloth Diaper Care When Traveling 

Finally, how do you wash and clean cloth diapers when staying in a hotel? Simple. Either use the hotel’s laundering facility and give them your own baby detergent to use or wash them in the bathroom sink. Fill the sink with water, add a squirt of baby detergent and let the diapers soak, agitate the water. Let them soak a while before rinsing them clean. You can dry them under the fan if your hotel room doesn’t have a balcony, using the hangers and racks provided.
There, see, cloth diapering when traveling is not difficult. With the right kind and amount of diapers, it can be just as easy as using disposables, plus your bundle of joy stays rash-free, comfy and cutely diapered all the while!

How do you keep up with cloth diapering when out and about? 

Photo Credit: Mrs.Flinger

Go Green!

Going ‘green’ is a matter of personal choice, and that choice can impact the world. All of us intend to leave legacies for our children, of the material kind but what about the environment they live in?


 Preservation of a healthy, happy atmosphere in the lives of our children is as important as leaving homes and possessions for them. 


Every small step you take to go green at home and at work, helps preserve the universe your kids will grow in!

Hard Facts about Disposable Diapers:

-          200,000 trees each year are lost to the manufacture of disposable diapers for babies in the U.S. alone.

-          It takes 3.4 billion gallons of fuel oil every year to make diapers.

-          Disposable diapers take about 500 years to decompose.

-          Decomposing diapers release methane into the air. High concentrations of the gas can be explosive and flammable. Methane is also dangerous to breathe in because it replaces oxygen.

-          Disposable diapers often contain dyes and dioxin, which is formed as a by-product of the chlorine bleaching process.

Yes your most basic requirement as a parent is causing this kind of damage to the same world your children will become parents in!

Go Green at Home

-          Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out. CFL’s last longer, consume less electricity and don’t create any heat.

-          Wash vegetables in a bucket of water, use the waste water to water your home plants.

-          Pack lunches and sandwiches in baking sheets of butter paper instead of plastic wrap.

-          Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently.

-          Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible; they contribute considerably to hazardous waste.

Choose Cloth Diapers to Go Green 

-          Cloth diapers are reusable

-          Cloth diapers are made with natural materials

-          Cloth diapers do not contain chemicals and derivatives

-          Cloth diapers are bio-degradable

-          Quality cotton diapers will hold up for hundreds of washes, and can be saved for the next child.

-          Although energy is required for washing the diapers, it is a fraction of the energy used for disposables.

-          Cloth diapers are also recyclable, making excellent cotton rags once they are not needed as diapers.

It is all about that one informed choice!

Winter Travel with Baby

Wintertime is usually holiday time! Shorter holidays than summer but reason enough to head out. This is the best season to drive out towards the countryside, enjoy rural bliss, fresh air and pure nature.


 Taking the kids is all about a family experience, letting children enjoy the wilderness and feeling a sense of freedom they don’t find in the city. 


Over the last decade the highways have gotten better and so have the getaways.


 So if you are planning a road trip with baby, then all you need is a plan, a place and of course ...packing! 


Keep these few essentials in mind when you pack and keep your baby, happy, healthy and cosy through the trip.

Winter Travel Packing Tips for Moms

1.       An extra set of cap and mittens/gloves: While it's likely that your baby will already have these on, it doesn't hurt to have a second pair with you. The good thing about add-ons is that once the car warms up, you just remove layers like caps and mittens.

2.       Fleece lined boots/booties: While they won't always leave socks on, ankle high boots are there to stay. Body heat escapes from the head and the feet, if you keep the feet warm, baby will be relatively comfortable on the road with you. If your baby is too small for boots, then fur lined baby booties work just as well, they tie around the ankle and stay in place for hours.

3.       A sleeper sack or baby sleeping bag: If your baby is close to nap time, and it's going to be a while before you reach a pit stop, take him out of bulkier clothes or snowsuit and place him in a sleep sack or sleeping bag. Many sleep sacks are made of fleece and are very warm. A sleep sack can also make a feeding go much more smoothly because your baby will be more comfortable. For older children, a child sized sleeping bag works just as well, even while at a pit stop, baby can take a nap anywhere, in the car while you rest or in a restaurant while you eat.

4.       Full sleeve/full leg onesies: This is a great layering piece for under sweat suit or snow suit, depending on the weather. It is a good idea to pack a thinner pair and a fleece pair so you are geared for days and nights. The thin pair can be layered while the fleece can be worn alone. This way when you carry baby and clothes move around, a cold draft never reaches the baby’s skin.

5.       Cloth diapers: Cloth diapers are natural, comfortable and more absorbent. Our FLIP day packs are ideal for travelling. Flip diapers give Moms flexibility because they can reuse the cover.  When travelling you can have a wet bag/diaper bag with you that keep’s the stink in the bag for used inserts until you are at a place to wash them. If you wish to go organic you can choose from bumGenius Elemental and FLIP inserts, apart from these all cloth diapers have exclusive benefits that range from rash free materials to longer dryness.

Enjoy the holidays!!

Cloth Diapers: The Gift of Comfort

Its Christmas season and everyone is pandering around for the ideal gift. Most of us veer towards the toy section when it comes to gifts for babies but the truth is at age 1 or 2, babies don’t know or care about the difference between the lovely toy nana bought or the box it came in. Whichever of the two looks more interesting is the ‘toy’ they like. This year make a conscious decision to send or give gifts that have meaning, utility and a long lasting effect in the lives of your loved one. Another great thing about utility based unique gifts is that they provide your loved ones with a new perspective and allow them to experience something …well, new! This introduction to new products, techniques, services is a mind opener and can lead to many changes in the person’s life and world.

Cloth Diapers: A Gift for Every New Mom

This year we at Smart Baby suggest you give a bumGenius or Flip cloth diaper for the babies in your family and among your friend circle. 


Give your mommy friends and relatives an opportunity to experience something that’s both new and modern, despite the fact that cloth diapering is actually the oldest method of diapering. Except back in the day, no one thought of inserts, all-in-ones, flaps and tabs. The number one reason for a gift like this is the comfort factor! 

Why Cloth Diapers Make Great Gifts

Babies are comfortable if they are changed when they need to be. Good hygiene can go a very long way to prevent diaper rash.  Our bumGenius Elemental Diaper and Flip Organic Insert is made of 100% natural organic soft absorbent cotton and are gentle on baby's skin. Cotton is a breathable material allowing fresh air to freely circulate, cooling and preventing diaper rash.

Cotton is kinder and more comfortable to baby's skin than paper or stiff plastic and contains no irritating perfumes or chemicals. The interior of single use disposable diapers do not breathe well and therefore can be at a much higher temperature. Parents tend to change single use disposable diapers less often than cloth diapers increasing the risk of diaper rash as heat and moisture provide an excellent medium for bacterial growth.


 Innovative cloth diaper designs provide a slim, tailored fit. Washable Stay Dry Liners keep moisture away from a child's skin. 


The fit, natural softness and dryness are all there for baby's cotton comfort so choose from the great colors in our bumGenius Elemental seriese and give the gift of organic cotton to special baby in your family this year. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas this year from the SmartBaby family and the wonderful brands we love bumGenius, Flip and Econonbum cloth Diapers. 

Flipping over FLIP: Learn About this All-in-One Diapering Solution

The Flip™ Diaper System is a flexible, hybrid cloth diapering system that provides options for every occasion. The one-size cover and three choices in absorbent inserts make diapering your baby less expensive, easy and perfect for where-ever, when-ever. 

What is FLIP

This system is fully supported with 100% reusable inserts, which is the real advantage. The One-Size Stay-Dry Insert is perfect for overnights or to keep little bums dry anytime. The 100% Organic Insert is perfect for families who prefer to live more ‘natural’. Whether you are at work, at home or travelling with your baby, the Flip system will be here for you with exactly what you need.

How is the FLIP Used 

A Flip diaper cover used with a Stay-Dry Insert is perfect for overnight & anytime use. Made of 3 ultra-absorbent layers of microfiber and a smooth stay-dry suede cloth that wicks moisture from your baby’s bum the Flip Stay-Dry Inserts work to keep your baby drier, longer. 

And because the insert fits into two flaps at each end of the diaper instead of stuffing inside like a pocket diaper, you can re-use the cover multiple times (which means… less laundry!). The stay-dry insert is a fabulous option when life demands something that will stay ‘dry, especially when you are travelling, at day care, and on-the-go times. 

FLIP Qualities 

They are easy to use, dye free, fragrance free and the only insert that is comfortable and dependable. Without a pocket to stuff, diaper changes are quicker with Flip; just tuck the insert or pre-fold of your choice under the front and back flaps and the diaper is ready to put on your baby! With fitted diapers, you just wrap the flip around it…easy as that!

The elastic wraps gently around Flip's thigh and back waist openings to prevent leaks from occurring. The patent-pending butterfly closure ensures a snug fit without bulk at the waist or reducing baby's mobility. You can also go ‘green’ by choosing the organic inserts, Flip™ Organic Inserts are very soft and ultra-absorbent. 

How to Use FLIP

Simply fold one way for the small setting and fold the other for a medium/large setting. Flip™ Organic Inserts are ideal for a heavy wetting baby overnight. What makes FLIP special is its basic and hugely functional construction. With FLIP baby enjoys comfort, mobility and the completely dry feeling too!

The Economy of Econobum: An Inexpensive Cloth Diapering Solution

The Econobum One-Size Diaper comes in a kit to fit the needs of those families who need to bundle their convictions for eco-friendly diapers with the necessity of an economically friendly price tag!

What is the Econobum

Econobum is designed to be simple and affordable, the Econobum Diaper Kit includes three (3) white, one size diaper covers and twelve (12) unbleached, one size, 100% cotton pre-folds. Intentionally constructed to be simple, yet effective, one of these cloth diaper kits makes the perfect part-time cloth diaper kit. 

Why Choose a One Size Cloth Diaper

The great thing about One Size diaper systems is that they last a long period of time and are budget friendly too. One size diaper systems have steadily grown in popularity since they first hit the market. 


What could be easier on the budget than purchasing a cloth diaper system that will grow as your baby grows? The Econobum One-Size Diaper is constructed to last and doesn't scrimp on features either. Econobum moms are one of the most satisfied mothers who have made the choice to go ‘cloth’!

How is the Econobum a Great Cloth Diapering Solution

In terms of construction the outer waterproof diaper cover shell is constructed of laminated polyester to effectively hold in wetness or messes, while form fitting elastic helps to prevent leaks at both the waist and thighs. This snug ‘hold-in’ system keeps baby comfortable for longer. 

Benefits of a Cheap and Convenient Cloth Diapering Solution 

The real idea behind Econobum diaper cover is for it to be easy-to-use and for it to ensure a fit that will work for most babies from birth to potty training. When baby is smaller you can fold the pre-fold over at the top or bottom - adjusting for baby's size and particular absorption needs accordingly. Since this isn't a pocket diaper - you don't have to stuff it! 


Place the cotton prefold into the Econobum diaper cover, lay baby on top, wrap the wings around your baby, snap and go! It's that fast and that easy!

Another benefit is that there aren't any special washing instructions when you get your Econobum One-Size Diaper Kit; toss them in a hot water wash, line dry the cloth diaper cover and dry the pre-fold like you dry your other clothes. For maximum absorbency, steer clear of fabric softeners and be sure to wash the pre-folds three to five times in hot water before initial use, so that they are soft, absorbent and ready for baby!

Why bumGenius may just be the ONE for your baby?

bumGenius was a product that came out of sheer necessity. 

The Story Behind the Best Cloth Diaper

Founder Jennifer Labit needed natural, comfortable and environmentally conscious solutions for her babies, something that the market didn’t offer and not many people were doing anything about. 


So she went ahead and designed and developed the perfect cloth diaper, all by herself!


 The original bumGenius were all about comfort and absorbency but with time and with the support of mommy’s all over the world, this wonder diaper went on to become the avatar it is today, the super cosy, super comfy, super absorbent, earth friendly cloth diaper that fits all sizes! Yes, you heard right, all sizes!

What Makes bumGenius Best for Babies

The beauty of bumGenius is not in its styling or the fact that it comes in a variety of colours, the true value lies in the fact that a pack will serve you well and serve you through infancy till potty training. 


We offer the bumGenius 4.0 one-size stay dry cloth diaper (this is a pocket diaper that comes with 2 microfiber inserts) and the bumGenius Elemental one-size cloth diaper (this is an all organic diaper that is an all in one piece). 


The simple yet functional design makes cloth diapering as easy as using disposables. The "no-stuff" system with semi-attached inserts is an ideal solution for families with a child in day-care or family members resistant to cloth diapers! By using the snaps on the front of the diaper, the size can be adjusted, all you do is put the diaper on your baby, wash, dry and re-use. No extra steps. No stuffing. No cover required.


 Our one-size diapers are designed to fit most babies weighing between 8 and 35 pounds. Now that’s a perfect solution! Especially if we throw in colours, there is never a dull moment for baby!

bumGenius are made with a soft, waterproof outer fabric keeps the diaper trim on your newborn and toddler. The waterproof material stays on the outside to hold the moisture but it does not touch the baby’s skin at all. 


The soft, suede inner fabric gently wicks moisture away from your baby's skin and into the inserts. These diapers are also super stretchy with a gentle leg and back elastic that have rolled out casings which keep the ‘waste’ in and help to keep moisture, rashes and ickiness away from baby!

This is also an environmentally friendly decision on your part, by using cloth diapers, you are reducing the stress on ecology considerably. That’s the bonus with cloth diapers, you end up doing a good deed, for baby and the planet! 50 million disposable diapers enter landfills each day, where they sit for 500 years. 


And that’s just the beginning. You don’t need to be a part of the problem, you can be a part of the solution, call SmartBaby now for more information!

Diapering Wash Care Made Easy: How to Clean Your Cloth Diapers

We are asked more about wash care than about the advantages of cloth diapering. Probably because over time Moms have realized that natural is definitely a better choice for their baby, the budget and of course our planet.


 Making that one change has caused a ripple effect that these mommies can give themselves credit for! Good job ladies!
 


Managing cloth diapers can be as easy as you want it to be. Powered with information, you can make this decision or transition easier on yourself; baby will love the change anyway!

Washing Cloth Diapers

 Wash care for cloth diapers is not as tedious or complicated as it may seem, it’s easier than managing regular fabric diapers we are all persuaded to stock. If you have good water in your area and you can control the temperature you have half your job done. 


There are lots of great detergents that will keep your diapers clean and fresh with minimal build-up, not all easily available locally yet it is easy to miss chemicals, additives on the labels and still end up introducing agents you may want to avoid when it comes to baby-wear. 


Most detergents contain some levels of 6 offending agents: enzymes, brighteners, dyes, fragrances and softeners. And there are few and far between that don’t!

How to Wash Cloth Diapers

 Well, depending on the habits of the babies using them - it may or may not be important to do an initial cold rinse. If your child is a big pooper, you might want to, if not you can probably skip it – it’s totally up to you.


 To keep your diapers build-up free as much as possible is to make sure you do your main wash in very hot water, some people prefer to do a double wash, with no soap the second time around, it totally depends on you.

Best Way to Wash A Cloth Diaper

-          Wash a full cold wash/cold rinse cycle with recommended amount of detergent.

-          Wash a full hot wash/cold rinse cycle with recommended amount of detergent.

-          Run a second cold rinse cycle.           

More Cloth Diaper Wash Care Tips

Here are a few more tips that will help keep your cloth diapers stink free and fresh –

1. Wipe out the inside of both the washer and the dryer with a 50/50 bleach/water solution.

2. Wash twice in a row on hot - the first with detergent and the second with a quarter cup of bleach only to help rinse out any remaining detergent.

3. Strip once a month and do 3-4 hot washes in a row using no detergent.

It may take several months to decide on a detergent that is going to work for your cloth diapers, water type and family preference. Softeners are the biggest culprits when it comes to absorbency issues and once the softener gets in the diapers it’s a big pain to get them out! If you can, it is better to dry your diapers outdoors on sunny days - it helps them to last longer as well as look cleaner and newer due to the natural bleaching effect of the sun.

If you are a bumGenius fan then we have an FAQS section that can help you keep those babies clean.. here it is for a quick review!

# 1: How do I wash my new diapers?

If the diaper has hook & loop closures, secure the laundry tabs.
- Pre-wash cold to remove waste and fight stains.
- Wash hot (100F/40C) with bumGenius detergent to cleanse your diapers.
- Follow with a second rinse.
- Line-dry covers and diaper shells. Tumble dry inserts, fitteds and prefolds.

# 2: Do you have any other washing tips?

- Wash dirty diapers every other day.
- If your diapers still stink, wash again.
- Remove solid waste before storing in pail. (A bumGenius diaper sprayer is wonderful!
- Use only detergent and water. Do not use other additives like vinegar or baking soda.
- Once per month, use up to 1/4 cup bleach in the hot wash cycle (step 3) to sanitize diapers and fight odours.
- To remove stains, lay clean, wet diapers in the sun.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To preserve your hook and loop closures, we suggest washing bumGenius products separately from heavy cotton or hemp diapers (like prefolds or cotton fitteds).

#3: What detergent can I use?

Ingredients in certain detergents may ruin your cloth diapers or cause your baby to have a diaper rash. When washing cloth diapers, always use a detergent free of perfumes, dyes, whiteners, brighteners, softeners, enzymes, or other fabric enhancers. Using too much detergent may cause cloth diapers to leak. When using detergents not made for cloth diapers, use 1/2 the amount of detergent suggested by the detergent manufacturer for a load of 18-24 diapers. We recommend bumGenius™ Detergent. A list of alternative detergents can be found at www.cottonbabies.com/clothdiaperdetergents.pdf Free shipping is available on cloth diaper safe detergents here.

# 4: What should I avoid?

- Do not use extra additives in your wash (like baking soda or vinegar). These ingredients are unnecessary and will cause problems in your diapers.
- Do not use fabric softeners.
- Do not boil your diapers.
- Do not use rash creams without a barrier between your baby's bottom and the diaper.
- If your cloth diapers are made with hook and loop closures, do not wash them with natural fibers. Natural fibers produce lint that will build up in the diaper's closures. This will shorten the lifespan of your closures.

# 5: Should I prewash?

First of all, make sure that you washed everything at least once before using. There can be residue left on the fabric from the production process that can cause leakage. If you have organic or hemp diapers, they must be prewashed in hot water with a small amount of detergent 3-5 times before they become absorbent. They reach their full absorbency after 10 washes.

# 6: I think my diapers have detergent build-up. What should I do?

Wash once in hot water with one teaspoon (for high efficiency machines) to one tablespoon (for regular washing machines) with original liquid Dawn (blue formula) and up to 1/2 cup bleach in the wash cycle. Do two additional hot water washes with no detergent to completely rinse the diapers clean. If you still see suds, keep rinsing until the diapers are rinsed clean.

Colour me Comfy: Coloured Cloth Diapers to Brighten Up Baby's Wardrobe

It’s not always complexion that determines what colours suit us and the same applies to babies as well. 


Babies are lucky enough to have a big cuteness factor which allows them to look lovely in whatever they wear yet every parent and even baby has a preference. 


Gone are the days of blues for boys and pinks for girls, it’s all about hues, patterns and prints and babies are having a lot of fun in what they wear now. 


While it is true that young infants don't distinguish colours as well as older ones but by two months of age, most babies can tell the difference between most colours and white. But the question is do they prefer particular colours?

Studies show that babies can see colours at birth though often they will have trouble distinguishing similar tones. For this reason many babies prefer to look at black and white patterns or objects with similarly highly contrasting motifs in the early days. 


The ability to distinguish colours develops rapidly, and as early as 3-4 months old some babies begin to show a preference for certain colours. In the beginning a baby’s brain works hard to learn and tell colours apart. 


So it’s important for parents to notice a baby’s particular fondness for a colour and present them with an opportunity to make self decisions this early in life. Have fun and let baby experiment, lay out an array of coloured toys (for smaller infants, just 2 will do) and note if baby gravitates to similar tones again and again!

Once you are aware of your babies colour preferences it is easier to give them opportunities to pacify themselves with colours they enjoy and have developed a fondness and familiarity with. What a wonderful way to watch your baby become a complete and thinking person?! 


Patterns come in a bit later though it’s never too early to pick a theme for baby’s nursery and watch how they relate to objects and designs, yet you will always see your baby notice colour, first! It is these interesting developments that make parenting so enriching as an experience. 


Now when you step into baby stores you are overwhelmed with styles, colours, comfort and more, so why not extend the same to diapering ...it’s time to see that cute little ‘bum’ crawling across the hallway jazzed up with some colour!


 What do you think?

Diaper Rash: The Why and How of Nappy Rashes

Babies don’t get cranky for nothing, not even the seemingly bothersome ones. Babies actually love to be happy, occupied and talked to. So if you’re doing all those things and you still have a cranky infant in your arms, just have a quick peek at the diaper area and rule out the devilish ‘diaper’ rash.

Diaper rash doesn't always look the same but if your baby's diaper area looks irritated and red, chances are baby has it. The skin may also be a little puffy and warm when you touch it, which could be indicative of an infection. The level of discomfort it puts the child in, can be very disturbing.

Why Does Diaper Rash Occur

The most common cause for diaper rash is leaving your baby in a soiled diaper for too long. If you are using a disposable diaper there could be friction from the diaper combined with bacteria laden moisture, never a good combination!

The plastic that prevents diapers from leaking also prevents air circulation, thus creating a warm, moist environment where rashes and fungi can thrive actively.

This environment is ideal for a rash to develop and it happens pretty quickly. Sadly for baby, it takes time to ease as well, since like all babies do, the process of poop and pee continue through the day.

A few other reasons for Diaper rash include a change in diet, which causes a change in the chemical composition of what the baby expels during the day. The detergent used to wash the diapers (in the case of cloth) can cause irritation and in sick babies, if they are on antibiotics, that will disturb the stomach flora and encourage the breeding of infectious bacteria.

How to Prevent Nappy or Diaper Rash

The best way to prevent diaper rash is by keeping your baby's skin as dry and clean as possible and changing diapers often so that faeces and urine don’t irritate the skin.

Few handy tips for rash avoidance:

- Check your baby’s diaper hourly and look for signs of discomfort.
- Change soiled or wet diapers as soon as possible and clean the area thoroughly with unscented wipes or water.
- Gently wash your baby’s bottom with warm water between diaper changes.
- Let your baby's skin dry completely before you put on a new diaper.
- Pat the skin dry, do not rub as that can lead to irritation
- If you use cloth diapers, rinse them several times after washing to remove any traces of soap or detergent that can irritate your baby's skin.
- Follow the washing instructions that come with your cloth diapers. Don’t use fabric softeners or detergents with chemical additives.