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. 

Diapering Overnight

One concern a lot of moms have is dealing with a heavy wetter. Your baby’s wetting habits change every month, as does their diet. Seasons and weather affect your baby’s wetting patterns too. 


Keeping all this in mind, how do you find a natural, sustainable solution for your baby?  

Overnight Diapering Solutions

You switch to one of SmartBaby’s best loved brands bumGenius, Flip or Econonbum!  And for those of you who are already SmartBaby users, you can always explore the options given below. The good news is that cloth diapering is effective for heavy wetter’s as it is for regular wetter’s and of course it is also safe, healthy and comfortable too!

One way is to use two pre-folds inside your favorite cover or you can use one pre-fold in a modified triangle fold and a second folded in thirds and laid in as a doubler. If babies sleep on their back then keep the extra length over in the front or use a wrap cover. 


Many moms mentioned using cloth diapers made specifically for night time. Typically these diapers will be a bit more absorbent, and perhaps a bit bulkier than your average daytime diaper and probably not as comfortable due to the sheer size. 


We recommend the illustrious bumGenius 4.0 cloth diapers. These All-in-One stay-dry diapers are ideal for all kinds of wetter’s, since you have the option of adding another insert as and when you need to.  bumGenius Elementals are made of all organic cotton and is another great, affordable option for absorbency overnight.


 Cotton prefolds can be used inside a cover like Econobum or Flip, or even as an insert inside your favorite bumGenius 4.0 pocket diaper.

Apart from bumGenius, we also suggest a Flip diaper cover used with a Stay-Dry Insert which for a lot of moms is perfect for overnight diapering. This diaper is made of 3 ultra-absorbent layers of microfiber and a smooth stay-dry suede cloth that wicks moisture from your baby’s bum. Flip Stay-Dry Inserts work to keep your baby drier, longer. 


So if baby is sleeping up to 3 hours a time, then this may just be the solution for you.


 If you feel that the same diapers you used overnight earlier are not as effective now then it could be your washing techniques - laundry products can build up in the fabric and waterproof them. Only use a tiny amount of baby laundry detergent. Put diapers through a water-only wash sometimes and remember to never use fabric softener. If you use diaper cream, use a liner with it because if it gets on your diapers, the oil in it will waterproof them.

Here's to dry baby bums at night and easier overnight diapering. 

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!

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.