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

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!

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.