Gro Baby (GroVia) Review

I have been using Gro Baby cloth diapers since day one.  I pain stakingly researched the various most popular diapers before Sagan was born because I did not want to make the wrong decision.  I wanted my money well spent and I wanted to save money.  This meant that I had to buy package deals.  I needed enough CDs that I couldn't buy a few random ones and try them out first.  I watched reviews from moms on YouTube for different types of popular diapers.  I knew that Sagan would be in daycare at some point and that I would have to consider ease of use when picking the perfect diaper. 

I picked Gro Baby (they have re-branded themselves "GroVia" shortly after I purchased my dipes) because I didn't have to buy so many shells (it's an all in two (AI2) so the shells are reusable if there is just pee), they seemed to fit very trim, they are organic, and the prints were not silly.  I ordered a package deal from Squishy Tushy for $275!  I got 8 shells, 24 liners and 16 extra soakers!!!  That is the perfect amount for a newborn.  I received several from my baby shower as well. 
I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the package for like 10 days!  I basically ran the FedEx guy down when he arrived at the door to rip open my package of diapers.  I'm sure I'm not the first 9 mo. pregnant lady to almost tear him down... 

The only drawback to buying cotton is that it has to be pre-washed like 6 times prior to use or the natural oils in the cotton will not allow it to absorb pee.  Organic cotton has to be prepped the most, sometimes up to 10 washes.  I washed them 5 times and called it ready. 

So here is the Gro Baby diaper (I will talk about GroVia at the end):

This is a one size (OS) diaper which means it will fit most babies from around 8 lbs. to 35 lbs.  I found that it didn't fit Sagan until she was 8 lbs.  She was REALLY skinny when she was born.  It has a set of snaps in the front to adjust the rise of the shell for different growth stages.  Sagan is 16 lbs. and on the middle snap setting.  The snaps are very strong and the fabric that holds the snaps on is very strong too.  I never worry about it the snap pulling away from the fabric

The Aplix (think Velcro) is SUPER soft and very sticky.  The flaps cross over so you can really customize the fit for skinnier babies.

The shell itself is made of a soft fabric on the outside.  I'm sure it is PUL, but you would never know it.  It feels great and soft and I don't worry that it will rip like some PUL feels.  It has laundry tabs to fasten while in the wash.  They just fold over like a typical disposable.  This is the diaper shell unsnapped completely. 

The inside of the shell has a mesh liner and snaps to hold the insert in place (see below).  They say the mesh is to help it dry faster, but I don't see how this helps it dry faster...  It is nice though for the mesh to be on the skin instead of the PUL.

 

The soaker snaps in to the shell in the front and the back.  This is nice because you don't have to worry about it sliding around.  I don't think this is a big problem anyway, but you have the added security. 

This is the back of the organic cotton soaker pad that snaps into the shell.  It is wider at the back than in the front to catch more poop.  I have never had a blow out with this diaper.

The pad has six layers of organic cotton and you can see that some of the layers are sewn on top so that it will dry faster.  Cotton does take forever to dry so this is a plus.  You can add another three layers of organic cotton for a booster for naps and nighttime if you need it.  One comes with a shell set.  The soakers have elastic gussets as well to help contain messes.

Fit:  You can see how trim the cover is between the legs.  This is amazing.  I have seen some other brands (and own some) that are very wide between the legs.  It seems like this impedes movement.  The diaper without the extra booster soaker is amazingly trim on the behind.  You do not have to add bulk by folding the soaker over for smaller sizing on the shell.  The same size soaker fits all rise settings.

Here is the fit while on Sagan.  You can see how closely it fits the bum and how well it fits between the legs.  There is no gaping.

Pros:  TRIM!!!, Organic cotton, very absorbent, one size fits most babies, snap in liner, shell can be used more than once, shells can be used for other liners, the Aplix looks great after every wash - never pilling.

Cons: sometimes the diaper is too trim for some babies (they fit Sagan perfectly), take all day to dry in the sun, I have had a few pee leaks around the legs when she lies on her side but I have heard this about many diapers, the Aplix doesn't stick to laundry tabs most of the time in wash, Aplix curls after a few washings and can get caught on clothing

Verdict:  I give this CD a 5 out of 5 stars.  Even though there are some cons I feel like these are the cons of many companies.  Since the re-branding to GroVia many of the things that people didn't like about Gro Baby have been fixed, such as: the seemingly too small for some babies fit, the laundry tabs have been updated to stay put in the wash, and the soakers now have a PUL backing so the shell almost never gets wet.  These diapers can be purchased at The Natural Baby Co. or many other great web resources like from Teresa @ Squishy Tushy.

Have you had any experience with Gro Baby diapers that you can share with us?

CDing at Home made simple

I took the liberty of creating my most organized self for the wonderful two day weekend I just had.  They are sooo rare that I thought I better get some cleanin' done.  So I want to share how I have my changing table organized in case it helps any of you out there use your space wisely.  Don't be fooled by the seemingly pretty appearance; chaos looms behind the camera.

Here I have a pretty normal re-purposed piece of furniture for a changing table.  This table happens to be exceptional as it was my grandparents' and has some really cool features like a sliding top to expand and create a larger surface.  Definately not needed for the purpose, but it does create more space.  You can see I have the right side extended.  On it I have my diaper "stuff caddy" and the pad itself.  I only put this whole gig together about two weeks ago so, before, I had no change table (Sagan is 5 mos. old).  I had to wait until my sister's daughter out grew the pad because I am too cheap to buy a new one.

To the right in the floor is a bucket I got at Lowe's to use as a diaper pail. Most of you have one of these old things lying around from other projects.  This one cost me about two dollars with the lid.  You could also use a kitty litter bucket or just about anything.  You don't need a fancy schmancy diaper pail.  This one is nice because when I put dipes in the wash I just sit the bucket out on the porch to air out and no smell!  I also try to prep the dipes for washing before I put them in there so I am not having to handle two day old poopy dipes when I pour them into the wash machine (like pull out liners, unsnap soaker pads, fold over laundry tabs...).  I just put the pail up-side down over the washing machine spinner thing and push all the dipes out without having to touch a single one!  I don't use a diaper pail liner, though I have one for the daycare.  More on that in future posts...

Here is my "stuff caddy":  

It has cloth wipes on the left side.  In the top right pocket are baby ear swabs, a natural bristle brush, a sweet temporal thermometer, and I think that is some enzyme diaper pail spray for when/if the stink happens.  On the bottom right is my homemade diaper spray, homemade CD safe butt balm, and calendula oil for after bath time.  I used to inter-fold the cloth wipes and keep them in a travel wipes case so that they would pop up each time I pulled one out.  This was awesome, but it doesn't fit in my caddy and takes too much time.  I'm back at work and want to spend all my free time with my Little One (LO). 

Now the fun stuff: fluff!!

I am very nerdy when I am at my best and only a little nerdy when I don't have a lot of time.  So, I organized this (from left to right) by purpose.  These are our everyday diapers that we use at home and on the go.  Doublers are on the far left.  I only use these at night as Sagan only needs them then; they add a lot of bulk.  To the right of the doublers are the soaker pads in order of oldest washed to most recently washed so that I get a good rotation and they don't get worn out. I said I was a REAL nerd, not one of those on TV.  Anyhow, the shells are on the far right. 

I keep the dipes for the daycare stored underneath.  I only colour coordinated them for your viewing pleasure; I would not normally do this.  I am a MAJOR nerd, but not that much of one, though I wish I was.  Down here are the easy ones, dad proof ones, baby sitter, you get the idea.

The first three rows are the pocket dipaers or All In Ones (AIO) that the "surrogate parent" of the hour can just toss in a wet bag as is when they are dirty.  I have light weight blankets on the right for putting in daycare backpack.  On the bottom left are the changing pad covers and those little rubber lap pads.  I put them down in case there is an accidental pee while changing; it makes it easier to clean up.  On the bottom right are wet bags, extra covers, and in the basket...

These are the extra liners for the pockets and my AIO diapers.  I have a few prefolds as well.  Now you have it.  I keep everything together so changing, for anyone doing it, is a breeze.  

The baskets are a great thing to help organize, though I don't suggest spending a lot of money on coordinating ones.  Thrift stores have great finds on these type of things.  These were given to me at my baby shower.  My friend Melissa makes her own liners for them.  I am not that nerdy either, but I would be if I didn't work.  It can be done though and your baskets would look great.  You could also just toss a nice piece of fabric in the basket if you didn't want the basket to pick your stuff. 

Some people have a hanging wet bag on the back of the door for dirty dipes...  Do you have any organizing tips that have helped you in the journey to CD or to cut down on time? 

Cloth Diapering on the Go!!

Some people think that cloth diapering (CD) is hard...especially when you are out.  I hope to de-bunk that myth right here.  I have gotten my CD on the go skills down to an art and I will share with you some tips I have picked up so that you can completely eliminate disposables all together!  Woo Hoo!

This is my favourite diaper bag (not completely packed so you can see inside).  It holds EVERYTHING that I need for my trips out of the house.  I keep a smaller bag in the car with a few essentials in case I will just be in and out of some place.

Below is a picture of almost everything I take with me to go out of the house. 

I will list the items from top to bottom: plastic zipper bag, small wet bag, stain wipes, re-purposed travel wipes container for cloth wipes, diaper shell, diaper soakers, socks, burp rag, wash rags that expand when you wet them, CD safe butt balm, plastic bags for wet things or diapers, thermometer, outfit change, electric aspirator (highly recommended!), toy, anti-bacterial wipes, lip balm, pen, bubbles. 

The only thing I normally have in there that was not shown is my wipe spray bottle (4 oz.) and whatever carrier for Sagan that I choose for the activity.  The diaper bag holds all this plus my carrier.  I also stick my wallet, keys, and sunglasses in here when we leave the car. Then there is only one bag.  If I am only going to run in to some place I take a smaller bag with one shell and soaker, a few wipes, a small wet bag, and throw my wallet, keys, and phone in that bag.  I keep this small bag in the car just in case I forget to pack the diaper bag too.

So, you definately don't need everything I put in my bag, but the wet bag and/or plastic bags are what is really essential for CD changes on the go.  I simply put the wet/soiled diaper in my wet bag after a changing and leave the shell out in the bag to dry.  We primarily use Gro Baby (now GroVia) diapers that are an all-in-two diaper, but the same concept applies to pockets or prefolds.

I've been out before and forgotten my wet bag.  No big deal.  Just wrap the dirty dipe in the shell and put in any bag you can get.  I put the dirty cloth wipes in with the diaper and empty them into the diaper pail when we get home.  Couldn't be easier.

What funny scenarios have you gotten into on the run with cloth diapers? 

"It's Never Too Late to Start Exactly Where You Are"

I remember when I heard that saying from a dear friend for the first time.  I was concerned that I had messed up a dietary cleanse that I had started.  She reminded me that I had not failed at my endeavor with this simple quote.  It has stayed with me since that day and I have shared the wisdom in this idea with many since.  I decided to name my blog after this quote so that it may sum up what my posts will be about. 

Being a new mom I am doing things for the first time.  I often hear from other people (relatives and otherwise) that I should do things the way they did it.  Sometimes that's true, but not very often.  How are we as mothers or people supposed to find our way in this world without making our own mistakes?  We learn to trust our intuition by making a choice and living with the outcome.  Whatever the outcome... 

So, this blog is written in the spirit of making decisions to do something and whatever outcomes it may bring.  It is not too late to start that project, to go back to school, to learn to be a plumber, to learn how to replace your own brakes, to change your outlook, or to create a better life for yourself.  This blog is my journey into starting new things in life and loving the outcome, whether it is what I expected or something else that I can learn from.  I had many people before me to rely on for help and I hope I can be of help to someone else.

Thanks for starting life with fresh steps everyday with me.  We all deserve to see the world with experienced eyes.

Best Diaper Bag Ever!!!!

Here is my diaper bag.  I love my diaper bag.  It's made of recycled materials.  I didn't know this when I bought it, but I love that it is.  It is made by sherpani and I bought it for like $69 at The Natural Baby Company.  It is perfect for the cloth diapering parent for the following reasons:

  1.) It has a REALLY wide opening!  It, therefore, holds a gazillion cloth diapers.  I have not counted how many, but I take this bag to Sagan's Mimi's house with enough shells and soakers for the whole day when I am at work (9 hours).  It will also hold all her supplies for the day!  (see future post for what I keep inside her CD bag on a daily basis)

2.) It has generously sized "stuff" pockets on both of the outside corners.  These are stretchy so it will hold a camera (point and shoot type or smaller), a water bottle (even holds my pint jars of herbal infusions when I think to bring it along), or bubbles (which is currently in there).  You could put just about anything in there, including bottles for baby.  I love the "stuff" pockets because I love to have too much stuff with me and have it organized and easy to get to.

3.) Back slim pocket for other easy to reach items such as empty wet bag or anything else you need to get to easily.  It has a Velcro closure on this pocket. 

4.) The front flap has a zipper entry at the top for grabbing things while you are wearing the bag on your shoulder and a cell phone zipper pocket.  I use this pocket for cell or lip balm or other small things.  The flap comes all the way down the front of the bag to decrease the chances of things falling out.  It has a snap closure with male and female parts for extra security (no Velcro or zipper noises that might wake up baby!)

5.) Under the flap is another slim pocket that has a coordinating change pad and yet another zipper pocket.  I LOVE, love, love, all the storage potential for this bag!

6.) The best part of all: the inside storage!  There are three cushioned and lined pockets on the back "wall" of the bag, two insulated and lined pockets on either side, and a "wet" zippered pocket on the front "wall" of the bag, and nothing but open space in between.  There is a crazy zipper on the bottom that offers access through the bottom of the bag but I have never used this, nor do I know why you would need to (comment if you can help me with this one, I want to utilize all possible features here). 

The whole bag is made of recycled materials that are extremely easy to wipe clean, so spills are not a fear anymore.

I recommend this bag to any mama, but especially those that put their babies in cloth.  It has so much room and organization I feel it is my must have bag.  It is stylish and can be used for other purposes when baby is not a baby anymore!