One More Day!

Day 6 of the Challenge has left me with one thought: I can't wait to break out the washing machine!


I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry (Because life isn't crazy and busy enough without this challenge ;)). For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!

Today each blogger gets to pick the topic which means you get to hear me ramble about whatever I want. :) And the winner is...

LINE DRYING DIAPERS/CLOTHES!!!!!

As I mentioned in my previous post Handwashing Diapers Is Oh So Fun..., I really love line drying Baby C's diapers. I also hang all of our delicate clothes out to dry (or inside if it's raining), as well as any of our clothes that are lightly stained. The power of the sun never ceases to amaze me when it comes to stain removal. While I'm not sure how often I will handwash my diapers once the Challenge has ended, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be line drying those babies in the sun this summer!

I recommend that everyone give line drying a try! It's rather inexpensive to set up a clothesline. And if you aren't able to do that, a drying rack can be an even more affordable, easy option.

Reasons why I think everyone should at least try line drying:
1. Clothes feel and smell wonderfully warm, crunchy and nature-y.
2. The sun can bleach and disinfect (especially useful for diapers - say goodbye to stink!)
3. Uses less energy.
4. Uses more physical energy = exercise during housework!
5. Can do laundry outside in the sun instead of in the dingy basement. :)

And finally, here is a little video on how it can save you $$ and energy - You have the Right To Dry!

Give it a try!

How about you? Do you line dry your diapers or clothes? Why or why not?

Check out how Day 6 is going for the other bloggers!

Oh, The Things That I've Learned...

I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all.  You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post.  This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!


I've not been able to get to the computer to blog about my experience EVERY day, but do not fear! I won't leave you hangin'... ;)


Day 5: What have I learned so far?


This has been an interesting week to say the least. Life has been a little busier than usual but I've still managed to stay true to the Challenge. Here are a few things I've learned so far:


1. Handwashing is easier and faster if I rinse each diaper well (even the ones that aren't soiled) before washing. 
2. It's even easier and faster if I let the dipes soak for an hour or longer (in my tub with door closed - out of the children's reach) after rinsing.
3. It's easier and faster still if I wash 6-8 diapers per load as opposed to 10-12 (and if my parents take my other two children for the weekend! ;)). 
4. I'm still not the biggest fan of handwashing diapers, but I would handwash before switching to disposables. 
5. I've finally mastered the origami fold! Not always the best for holding in blowouts, but it's growing on me... 
6. Cloth diapering is a viable option for families on a shoestring budget. It is doable without a washer/dryer at home, but it would be good to machine wash them a couple times a month to get them super clean. 

Baby C modeling a GMD flat that I successfully folded origami style (held on with Snappi)!

Check out how everyone else is doing with the Challenge!

Are you taking the Challenge? If so, what have you learned so far?

If not, would you ever try out flats and handwashing?

Handwashing Diapers Is Oh So Fun...

I tried to start this entry last night at 11:58 pm so it would post on the ACTUAL Day 4 of the Challenge but I only got as far as the title. Oh well...

I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all.  You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post.  This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!

DAY 4: Thoughts on Handwashing Diapers

Handwashing diapers can go play in traffic for all I care.

Ok, it's not that bad. But I am really, really, REALLY not a fan. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit this. I feel kinda lame. I've read all these other blogs where the parents are like, "Oh, it's not that bad." or "It's going really well." And I'm like, "REALLY?! Really?! I'm the only one?!" I don't know. Maybe I'm too honest. I have washed two loads so far and I have a lovely pile soaking in the diaper pail at this very moment. And I'm basically dreading have to wash them. Monday cannot come soon enough.

It really stinks (no pun intended). I strive to go back in time and do things how they used to during the "good old days" when people didn't rely so much on electricity and technology. And I can't even wash a few loads of diapers by hand without mostly hating it entirely. But, what can you do?

I don't totally despise handwashing diapers and I recognize that not everyone has access to a washer. So I will say it is doable but not preferable in my book. There are a few possible reasons why this may not be going as well for me as it could be:
1. Our tub drains REALLY slowly making it impossible to rinse the diapers in it. Instead I resort to rinsing each one individually in the bathroom sink and sloshing water everywhere (time consuming and messy).
2. I was too lazy to make a camp-style washer for the Challenge, but rather am using the plunger-in-my-diaper-pail-with-no-lid method. In two wash cycles I've only splashed poo water all over myself about 4 times. Fun stuff.
3. I don't exactly carve out time to wash diapers. Therefore, I am typically running around frantically trying to wash, rinse, wring out and hang up the diapers as quickly as possible before it's time to A. pass out for the night or B. leave for Bingo with the ladies.
4. I have three crazy children and one adoring husband who need my TLC. :)

Now that I have totally bashed handwashing dipes with all that I have, I will say that it has some redeeming qualities. I like that I get a mini-workout from plunging and wringing everything out. I felt pretty refreshed after each round - no wonder our ancestors didn't have overweight/out-of-shape issues... ;) Also, I have been only using the diapers I handwashed on Baby C and he hasn't had any rashes or irritation which means I actually got them clean! It's pretty cool knowing that I CAN hand wash diapers effectively if need be.

Here are some fun pictures of my first handwashing experience:

Washing (Notice the awesome tub drainage...)

Clean diapers waiting to be hung (Yuengling does help a little.)

I dried the diapers inside (since it was 12:30 AM) but I put this
rack outside in the morning so they'd finish drying. 

Big Sissy distracting Baby C during the change
(Diaperbag folded GMD flat with snappi)

And finally, I really love drying diapers outside. I can't wait 'til my hubby makes me a really nice clothesline in the backyard. ;) There's nothing like holding a warm, crunchy diaper in your hand that smells like nature. Don't judge me.

Are you taking the challenge? Have you ever washed diapers by hand? What are your thoughts on the matter? Any and all tips appreciated! ;)

Also, check out how others are doing with the Challenge!

Oh Flats, How I Love Thee...

If you haven't been following along, I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry (Because life isn't crazy and busy enough without this challenge ;)). For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!

Yesterday was Day 3 of the Challenge! Things were pretty hectic, so I didn't get a chance to post until now! (What? Life gets crazy with three kids? Why yes, yes it does.) The Challenge is going pretty well.  I really like flats so no problems there. They do take a little longer to prep than prefolds so I'm usually frantically trying to fold them while holding onto Baby C's leg, but other than that.... it's been pretty swell. 

Two Gerber flats folded
diaper bag style held in place with a snappi

How Do I Fold These Things?

I LOVE flat diapers. I feel a pretty sweet sense of accomplishment after turning a big flat square of cloth into a diaper for Baby C. It's fun - although can be time-consuming (so I also love prefolds that I don't have to fold :)). But back to flats: they rock. They're a great way to get a good fit on baby and minimize blowouts. For about a two month period before Baby C was eating solids, these were the only diapers I could get to hold everything in and not ruin the covers. So, now that I've talked them up, here is how I fold my flats:

My all-time favorite is the diaper bag fold. I use this most of the day with a snappi or pins to hold it in place. It really contains the poop, especially for breastfed babies like our little dude. I also like that it puts some extra fabric up front where little boys really need it. 

At night I've been using a GMD flat (the thickest one I have) pad folded with a Gerber flat folded into a rectangle to bulk it up. This has worked really well with no leaks! The pad fold is also good for pre-stuffing my covers for the hubby or grandma. 

Another option is the origami fold. I really enjoy folding the flat to get this cool-looking shape, but let me tell you this does NOT work at all for Baby C! I don't know if it's the chunky thighs or my folding skills (or lack thereof) or what! But the last time I used this fold, we had some major blowout issues... Never again. It might work well on skinnier babies though or little girlies, or more talented folders... give it a try! If nothing else, you'll feel pretty cool after turning a flat piece of cloth into this nifty nappy. ;)

WASHING UPDATE: I finally washed diapers Tuesday night. It was an unforgettable experience, let me tell ya. Stay tuned for all the nitty gritty details in my next post! 


Check out how others are using their flats for the Challenge!

Flats and Pins and Snappis - oh my!

I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all.  You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post.  This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!

DAY 2!
So, today we are supposed to talk about our supplies for the challenge...

I already had about a dozen flats on hand, but half of them are super tiny on my 22 lb. chunky monkey, so I bought a dozen large flats from GMD. They are HUGE and made me and the girlies giggle when we first opened them, but anyway... I'm hoping that will be the last of my diaper purchases until Baby C is potty trained!

STUFF I WILL BE USING THIS WEEK TO DIAPER BABY C:

• Gerber (the tiny ones), Swaddlebees (the pretty ones) and GMD (the huge ones) flats
• 4 Thirsties covers and 1 Econobum (all fairly lightweight and quick to dry)
• Snappis and pins
• Diaper pail, ECOS detergent, water, and my hands (for washing)
• Drying rack that I got about ten years ago probably from Target for like $10

And wouldn't you believe that my diapers are always this nicely prepped for changing time? ;)

Oh wait, this might be a little more accurate...

... Anyone else? ;)

If nothing else, I may come out of this challenge learning how to have the diapers better organized!

Did I mention how fun it is to pin a nicely folded flat on a squirmy baby
who just wants to get up and walk away? 

I have yet to wash my first load - the diapers are currently soaking in my diaper pail in my tub. I admit I'm a little afraid to actually wash these things by hand...

How about you? Are you joining in on all the Challenge fun? What are you using? Excited? Scared? Share your thoughts!

Check this out to read others' thoughts on Day 2 of the Challenge!

UPDATE: 11:15 PM- Just finished washing my covers which was no sweat as I occasionally wash those by hand anyway. Not sure why, but I'm really not looking forward to washing the flats. I guess I'm just afraid I'll do it wrong! They are currently soaking so here I go...

Flat Diapers and Handwashing - Here we go!

Baby C rockin' out his third flat of the day

DAY 1


I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all.  You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post.  This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!




So, Why Am I Taking the Challenge?


With three little ones and one income we are used to watching our budget, but we have been fortunate enough to have the bulk of our diapers gifted by my in-laws. I know that many struggling parents out there may not have the same support from relatives or close friends. Also, we have a washer and dryer in our basement that I thank the Lord for every time I load them with diapers! 



I have decided to participate in this challenge to see how difficult (or hopefully easy :)) it would be to cloth diaper a baby on a true budget without the convenience of a washer and dryer. I hope to educate people based on my experience and prove that it is possible to cloth diaper a  baby on a shoestring without all the bells and whistles while keeping all of your hair. 


Here goes nothin'!

Striving for Sustainability

At the end of June, my husband and I celebrated our fifth anniversary as homeowners - which is hard as ever to believe!

Over the past five years, I have slowly acquired a passion for learning to take care of the Earth (and I daresay my husband has, as well ;)). It sounds silly, I know. But if you would have asked me about anything eco-friendly five years ago, I probably would have laughed. At that point in time I really didn't see the point in trying to live in harmony with this wonderful world God has blessed us with. There were just too many other more important things to worry about, and I figured we could always move to Mars or something once we had used up Earth. Today, I could probably talk your ear off about recycling, growing (at least some of) your own food, my upcoming cloth-diapering adventure, or (of course) our chickens!

And so, caring about the environment has become an important part of my life and something that my husband and I strive to pass on to our kids, as well. 

In our attempt to be more self-sustainable (and because it's fun to eat the food you've grown!) we planted three separate veggie gardens in the backyard this year, and they are all doing pretty well! I just snapped some pics of each one this past week as we were harvesting some of our first baby beets, broccoli, radishes and lettuce. It is so fun to see our daughters get so excited about veggies!

Here are a few pics...

Madeline holding spring mix lettuce and radishes, and Savannah holding baby lettuce
in front of Little Garden #1 (tomatoes, lettuce, spinach and basil)

The Big Garden - beets, broccoli, watermelon, peppers,
carrots (that have since been trampled by chickens),
and tomato plant forest!

Little Garden #2 - tomatoes, cukes, radishes, and lettuce (which
has mostly been eaten by chickens!)

About three days' worth of eggs from the ladies!

Do you have a story to share about your own journey to green living?

What do you have growing in your garden this year?

I'd love to hear from you!