7/25/2012

Cloth Diapers & Babywearing: The 411

The carriers are coming, the carriers are coming!

Boba baby Wrap in Dark Green

Now that our new website has launched (have you visited yet? we'd love to have you by!) we are expanding our assortment. hello Sophie! welcome Jellystone! have you met Driline diapers? And with these small surprises scattered through the store comes one big change - baby carriers! Babywearing is such a natural option for both parents and baby, and we couldn't be more excited to offer this option for IBB families.

Jellystone Owls

There are several brands coming, most of which I'm keeping under wraps (harhar, wraps) until we have confirmed shipping notices. First additions include Ergo and Boba. And stay tuned to Facebook, where we'll announce the latest and greatest.

Ergo in Mystic Purple

Now that you have the skinny - let's turn our attention to the topic at hand - cloth diapers and babywearing! Yes, believe it or not, there are specific types of diapers that work best when babywearing.

Got Compression Leaks? 
If you're baby has ever unexpectedly leaked out of his or her synthetic fiber diaper (typically a Pocket), you've likely experienced a compression leak. Imagine a saturated washcloth sitting beside the sink. Sitting on the counter it is fine, not much excitement. Pick up that washcloth and give it a good wring. Suddenly you've got a decent amount of water in the sink.

This is the same thing that can happen in a synthetic fiber diaper. Microfiber (the usual stuffers in a pocket style diaper) is the most susceptible to compression leaks. The diaper can be decently saturated while your baby plays on the floor and you don't have any issues. Put baby in a jumper seat, car seat or baby carrier, and the direct pressure against the microfiber will squeeze out urine. As the insert is already fairly saturated, there is no where for that urine to go but onwards, upwards and outwards.



Pockets Aren't the Only Culprit
If you are using a synthetic fiber All-in-One or All-in-Two this might also happen. Essentially any time microfiber is at work as the main absorbency material compression leaks will be more common.


So, what now? 
There are a few ways to go -
I haven't purchased my stash yet? Anything specific I should look for when shopping? 
  • Natural fibers - bamboo, cotton and hemp are not susceptible to the same compression tendencies as microfiber
  • Two-piece diaper systems - Fitteds, Contours, Prefolds and Flats - these systems offer two levels of protection - the absorbent piece up closest to baby then the separate waterproof cover. 

Anything else I should look out for? 
Another term for you - wicking. Wicking is what happens when some of the absorbent fabric of the diaper has escaped the confines of the waterproof cover. While baby is at independent play, this bit of errant fabric might not be an issue (though if you ever notice it, use your finger to tuck it back inside). However, if baby is wrapped up snuggly to your chest and there is a 1/4" of fitted sticking out from the cover, this fabric will transmit moisture right up and out, leaving a wet spot on your carrier or shirt.

What about my Wool? The jury (at least, my jury) is still out on wool. I have several customers who report they use wool covers without issue while babywearing. Then I have other customers who report they will only use PUL covers in their carriers. I think the same principles to layering jammies over wool for nighttime applies - if the diaper underneath the wool is adequately absorbent then you can use it without issue. If the diaper's completely saturated in just an hour or two, I suspect there will be some compression leaks. Upgrading to a more absorbent fitted or changing baby more frequently should solve these problems. A sudden issue with compression leaks also can signal the need to relanolize.


So there you have it folks! Feel free to contact me if you'd like any further clarification or help troubleshooting!


7/03/2012

Rockets, Firecrackers, Sparklers, Oh My!


On now through Jul 8th, IBB's version of a 4th of July party! Two ways to party with us - Rocket Pack Savings & Firecracker Freebies! Fine print - scroll all the way down.


Rocket Pack Savings!
If you live somewhere that allows firework stands by the side of the road, you've likely seen these packs….. Twenty bagillion fireworks in a pack for the low price of one million dollars (ok, so maybe the price tag is a bit less).
Bulk up your stash with these rocket-packed savings. Apply code at checkout.
Orders $100 take 10% off code: Rocket10
Orders $150 take 15% off code: Rocket15


Firecracker Freebies!
Nothing like some firecrackers (or sparklers, I've always been a sparklers girl) to liven up your holiday. If your order (totaling $59 or more, before tax) number matches one of the luckies from the following list, you've won! No code necessary, we'll automatically apply the goodies.

order #1212 free Jellystone necklace
order #1216 free chewbeads bangle
order #1219 free CJ's BUTTer – full size
order #1220 free CJ's BUTTer – full size
order #1221 free Kiwi Pie fitted
order #1226 free EcoSprout Bamboo liners
order #1231 free Planet Wise food bags – 3pk
order #1235 free Rockin' Green Detergent (we'll contact you to confirm formula – Soft, Regular or Hard)
order #1239 free Pink Daisy Mama Cloth – 3pk
order #1245 free GroVia Shell + OsoCozy Better Fit Prefolds – 3pk
order #1246 free GroVia Shell + OsoCozy Better Fit Prefolds – 3pk
order #1251 free Sophie the Giraffe
order #1255 free delish body scrub + lotion
order #1256 free One-Size diaper (valued $19.95+)
order #1257 free One-Size diaper (valued $19.95+)
order #1258 free One-Size diaper (valued $24.95+)
order #1264 free $30 Gift Certificate
order #1269 free AppleCheeks diaper shell (we'll contact you to confirm size)
order #1271 free CJ's BUTTer – full size
order #1278 free Swaddlebees Simplex sized diaper (we'll contact you to confirm size)
order #1285 free Planet Wise Medium Wet/Dry Bag
order #1289 free Peachy Green All-in-Two shell
order #1295 free Peachy Green All-in-One (we'll contact you to confirm size)
order #1299 free GroVia Shell + OsoCozy Better Fit Prefolds – 3pk
order #1305 free Planet Wise food bags – 5pk
order #1309 free Party In My Pants Mama Cloth – 2pk
order #1315 free $100 Gift Certificate


Fine Print
  • Both Rocket and Firecracker offers expire Sunday, 7/8, at 23:59ct
  • Note – we are out of town celebrating the holiday, and the store will reopen on 7/9. Orders will begin shipping on 7/9 and continue through the week.
  • Newborn Diaper Rental bookings ineligible for any discounts or freebies.
  • Rocket Pack discount cannot be combined with any volume discounts or sale prices. bumGenius, Econobum, EcoPosh, Flip, GroVia, Rumparooz and Thirsties cannot be discounted per manufacturer rules.
  • Rocket Pack discount CAN be combined with Firecracker Freebies
  • FireCracker Freebies - Order must be over $59 to qualify – orders cannot be amended or canceled once placed!