Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Softbums Winners!!!!!!!!!!!!

161 comments


The GRAND PRIZE Winner of the IPAD is:
Heather Scholten!
Her entry was randomly chosen off of the blog: mommato3blessings.blogspot.com

The First Place Prize of Birth to Potty Package of Softbums is:
Kristin Burr

Second Place prize of a $75 giftcard to www.softbums.com goes to:
knockedupandnursing

Third Place Prize of a $50 Amazon.com giftcard goes to:
what_mama_wants
We also gave away 15 of our new Omni Diaper to:
kohines
sckatz
rasmith0506
jdeemariecgarrett15738500
belljl24
mcbrady13
rasmith0506
livingsimplyNM
chicstyle
barefeetonthedashboard
myelevenreasons
bakergurl02
diaryofmomma00
lesalia17

We also gave away 3 pairs of babylegs leggings to:
c_guf@yahoo.com
tageorge6386
angela_heffner

If you won you should have gotten an email with directions on how to claim your prize, if you have not please email meganschultz@gmail.com and let me know!

This was by FAR the biggest giveaway we have ever done here at Softbums! Thank you all so much for all the hard work you put into your blogs, reviews, tests, and entries! We are so thrilled with the thousands of entries that were posted and all the help everybody gave with making the Omni reveal a HUGE success!

If you didn't win, please don't be discouraged because we are giving away another Omni in our new print! Can you guess the print?! Post your guess in the comments!

Extra entries available for:


Follow This SoftBums "Love Cloth Diapers" Blog

Follow and tweet this giveaway.


Follow SoftBums on twitter. Leave a comment.

Become a fan of SoftBums on Facebook. Leave a comment.



5 Extra Entries for:
Sending in a Pic of your baby in a SoftBums Diaper!
You can upload it on Facebook, or email it to softbums @ gmail . com


5 Extra Entries for:


Purchasing Something at www.softbums.com


Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends for 1 extra entry PER DAY.
Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.
Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.
Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.
Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.


This giveaway is open to US Residents! Past winners of any SoftBums giveaways please give others a chance, thanks! Winner will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends October 31 at 8 pm! 2010 StumbleUpon
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

NEW SoftBums OMNI Diaper is Here

1110 comments



Our new diaper is here!
 

SoftBums Mystery Product Unveiling Blog Event!
(and a chance to win a FREE iPad!)

 
Win a FREE iPAD!!!
Feel free to visit ALL the 100+ bloggers linked to this giveaway for a chance to win!

PRIZES:
Grand Prize: A Brand New iPad
First Prize: Complete Birth to
Potty Package of SoftBums
NEW Mystery Diapers!!
Second Prize: Win a
gift certificate for $75
to www.softbums.com
Third Prize: Amazon Gift Card worth $50
PLUS: 1 SoftBums Mystery Omni! Diaper given out to winners #5-#20 
 
PLUS: Baby Legs to winners #21-#23 
PLUS: the lucky blogger who's blog hosted the iPad winner, gets an Amazon Gift Card too!
You can choose to enter only one Participating Blog, or bounce around and enter on ALL the BLOGS!
Sound like fun?
To get an early start and extra entries:
Post, blog or Tweet about the SoftBums Mystery Event and comment here to enter your entry.
Plus Extra entries available for:
  • Going to other SoftBums Mystery Event Blogs, listed at the bottom of this Post
  • Follow This SoftBums "Love Cloth Diapers" Blog
  • Follow and tweet this giveaway.
  • Follow SoftBums on twitter. Leave a comment.
  • "Liking" SoftBums on Facebook. Leave a comment
  • Tell why you are excited to try the new diaper!
  • share this Mystery Event as your status on Facebook
  • leaving a review on www.softbums.com
  • Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.
  • Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.
  • Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.
Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends
This giveaway is open to US Residents! Past winners of any SoftBums giveaways please give others a chance, thanks! Winners will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends October 18th at 8 pm! 2010 Here is the List of Blogs, comment on all of them to increase your chances to WIN!! Review Bloggers to WIN all Prizes including the iPAD:



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Thursday, August 19, 2010

1 comments
Diaper Party Blow-out! 

#SoftBums Twitter Party tonight 8/19 at 8pm 


Party Link http://dld.bz/szVA 

We need you to come to our Twitter Party to help us spread the word about cloth diapering. And to thank you we are giving away TONS of Free SoftBums Diapers! StumbleUpon
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Monday, August 16, 2010

The Down Low on Pods' Absorbancy

4 comments

So What is the Difference?


Here at SoftBums we offer several different options for you and your baby when it comes to types of Pods you can use in your Slide2Size shell! I set out to see what the exact difference was when we compare absorbancy and what each Pod can handle compared to others.





First, the Mini Pods. These little guys are a staple in your diaper collection, from newborn inserts on their own, to extra absorbancy where and when you need it! We offer a Organic Mini Pod or a Dry Touch Mini Pod.


The Organic Mini Pod's dry weight was a mere 19.5 grams! Light weight with a mega power to absorb! It is capeable of holding 73.5mL (about 2.5 fluid oz) of water!* That is 3.75 its own weight! One important note is that the Bamboo Pods that I have is not the same as the current ones that SoftBums sells, the ones I have are a previous design and are smaller than the ones SoftBums sell now.


The Dry Touch Mini Pod had a dry weight of 30 grams, and could hold up to 188mL (about 6.35 fluid oz) of water.* That is 6 and 1/3 its own weight! This little guy, when added to your other pod, will almost DOUBLE your absorbancy power! A MUST HAVE in your diaper stash!


Second, the heart of your SoftBums diapers...the Pod. We offer an Organic, Dry Touch, and Dry Touch Super Pod.





The OBV pod had a dry weight of 102 grams and when soaked weighed in at 398 grams! Resulting in an absorbancy of 296 mL (about 10 fl oz) of water (that is almost 3 times its dry weight that it can hold) ! With the extra length to fold the Pod how you need to get the most absorbancy (under for girls, in front for boys), and the super super softness of the Organic Bamboo Velour it is something you have to try to believe!





The dry touch insert with its oh so soft micro flece top had a dry weight of 57 grams. When fully loaded it can hold up to 265 mL of water (about 8.96 fl oz), that is about 4.6 times its dry weight!


The dry touch super insert adds an extra layer of absorbancy for night time, nap time, long car trips, heavy wetters, etc. With a dry weight of only 68 grams, it can hold up to 381 mL (12.88 fl oz) of water! About 5.6 times its own dry weight!


The o-pod dry weight is 59g and wet 257g, so it holds almost 200mL of water which is 4.3 times it's dry weight.  Awesome insert for stuffing into your Omni diapers!


When I sit back and look at my spreadsheet of data, I would assign absorbancy ratings as follows.


Mini Pod-I am not going to assign a rating until I can test out the new Organic Mini Pods...


Pod-Even though the oganic pod has the best absorbancy with the least layers! It had a higher dry weight, but could absorb a higher quantity of water when compared to the Dry Touch Pod (about 30 mL more). Therefore, the Dry Touch Pod will get 4 stars out of 5 and the Organic will get 5 out of 5. The Dry Touch Super Pod also gets 5 out of 5 when looking at absorbancy. Granted there is an extra layer in there to help out, but it is impressive holding an extra 85 mL compared to the Organic, and an extra 116 mL compared to the traditional Dry Touch Pod. A little extra fluff when you need it will pay off big time with the Super Pods!  The o-pod is a wonderful pod, it does not have the flare in the back which makes it perfect for stuffing.  


*All tests were done by soaking the insert fully with water and hanging to drip until they did not drip for 2 minutes. The density of urine is similar to water, not exactally the same. These pods were prepped fully as per SoftBums' instructions (washed at least 7 times, mild and minimal detergent and no softners).


**For more info about inserts see the previous post "Inserts Explained" to get further details! And PLEASE don't hesitate to ask questions. StumbleUpon
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Slide2Size SoftBums Party!!!

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Join us Thursday night (7/29) for #Slide2Size with @SoftBums

Introducing the SoftBums Echo diaper with the patent pending Slide²Size system.  The Echo is a super trim hybrid diaper and has been voted the best one-size diaper for newborns.  It really is the a perfect diaper for EVERY size baby.  Soft Bums has revamped their website and their blog and has more surprises coming soon. 
Date:  Thursday, July 29th, 2010 – 9pm ET
Hosts: @EcoChicParties (and @TheEcoChic), @SoftBums, @SoftBumsMama
Hashtags: #Slide2Size, #clothdiapers
Prizes:
Twelve (12) individual winners will each get to take home a SoftBums Echo Solo Pack (Solo pack includes 1 pod (insert) and 1 Echo shell with Slide²Size).
The Grand Prize winner will get to take home either 1) Trial SoftBums Echo Pack with Slide²Size <6 pods, 2 mini pods, and 2 shells> OR 2) the new SoftBums Echo Newborn Booster Pack <24 mini pods and 4 shells>. 
To RSVP visit http://ecochicparties.theecochic.com./softbums-clothdiapers-party-729/ StumbleUpon
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Monday, July 12, 2010

Exciting News at SoftBums!!

18 comments
Exciting new news at SoftBums!!!

Can you guess what it will be??

Guess right and you may win!!!

Stay tuned to http://www.softbums.com/ for more

Have a great day! :))
Sarah StumbleUpon
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Saturday, June 26, 2010

We have a WINNER!!

3 comments
We've got 3 winners for the Chocolate SoftBums Giveaway!

Congratulations:
Melissa, Keith and Aimee, and Rebecca!!  You each won a Chocolate SoftBums Basic Pack!

Thank you so much everyone for participating! StumbleUpon
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Saturday, June 19, 2010

CHOCOLATE COLOR GIVEAWAY AT SOFTBUMS BLOG!!

558 comments
GUESS WHAT?

SOFTBUMS HAS A COOL NEW COLOR.....

CHOCOLATE!!


Isn't little Axel a cutey!  His mama loves pampering his bum in
squishy soft Organic Bamboo SoftBums.  Trim, absorbent, and oh so soft.


And to Celebrate we are giving one away to 
3 lucky winners in a Giveaway!!

Just post your favorite gender neutral color
(color that works well for boys or girls).  
Mine is any shade of BLUE!

You can WIN a SoftBums Dry-touch Basic Pack in 
Chocolate for your little sweety :))
 



Extra entries available for:


Follow This SoftBums "Love Cloth Diapers" Blog

Follow and tweet this giveaway.


Follow SoftBums on twitter. Leave a comment.

Become a fan of SoftBums on Facebook. Leave a comment.


5 Extra Entries for:
Sending in a Pic of your baby in a SoftBums Diaper!  
You can upload it on Facebook, or email it to softbums @ gmail . com

5 Extra Entries for:

Purchasing Something at www.softbums.com
Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends for 1 extra entry PER DAY.
Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.
Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.
Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.
Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

This giveaway is open to US Residents! Past winners of any SoftBums giveaways please give others a chance, thanks! Winner will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends June 18th at 8 pm! 2010
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Friday, April 16, 2010

Inserts Inserts Inserts.....Explained

2 comments
We have recently expanded our selection of inserts with the addition of the super-dry touch inserts, and this has added a common question..."What is the difference between all the inserts?"

I will make an attempt to explain the differences.

Let's start with the Doublers.

These little guys come in either Dry Touch  or Organic Bamboo, but don't let their small size fool you...they are amazingly absorbent and a must have for any cloth diapering system. They are perfect for older babies, heavy wetters, nap time, and bed time. They add that extra boost of absorbency right where you need it without adding bulk.

Although these little guys don't have the snap to keep them in place, they work wonders as a newborn insert. Just place in your SoftBums (or any) cover and they stay in place amazingly well. These Doublers are just as soft as our inserts! Using your Doubler as a Newborn Insert will diaper your baby 4-12 weeks, and then can be used as baby grows as....Doublers!


Now for the inserts...

We offer several types of full size inserts for your SoftBums. Our Dry-Touch microfiber insert, Dry-Touch SUPER Dry-Touch Insert, Bamboo Dry-Touch Insert, and the Organic Bamboo Insert.

All of the SoftBums Inserts are extra long, so they can be doubled over where baby needs the absorbency most (front for boys, middle for girls). And, when washed, it allows the insert to dry quicker, saving valuable time and resources. Every insert has a snap on the back, to keep it in place in the SoftBums cover. Keep in mind, these inserts would be great in any cover too!


Dry-Touch Microfiber Insert:
These have 2 layers of microfiber terry and are topped with a layer of super soft (all fabrics are Optical Brightener FREE) Dry-Touch micro-fleece. The Fleece keeps baby feeling dry, and helps poops roll right off. These inserts are topped with a synthetic fabric, but be assured it breathes very well, keeping baby cool even in the summer. The synthetic fabric resists staining very well, and if a stain occurs, they are easily sun bleached back to their original color (or close). These inserts have 2 layers of micro fiber terry, and are topped with dry-touch micro fiber fleece.

My opinion: These are what I use for every day use, it is what I have the most of, and love the most. Before SoftBums came out with the SUPER inserts, I would use two of these for overnight. If my inserts are stained, its from butt cream I wiped off my hand onto the liner...oops. These are all I've ever used, I started CDing when Mason was about 6 weeks, and I never used the doublers as inserts.

Dry-Touch Organic Bamboo Insert:
These inserts have 3 layers of organic bamboo fleece, and are topped with the super soft microfiber fleece. The micro fleece is the same as on the dry touch insert, which keeps baby feeling dry, helps poops roll off, and resists staining. While the microfiber terry (as in the dry-touch insert) is VERY absorbent, the bamboo is just a little bit better at absorbing, and when topped with the microfiber fleece to keep baby dry, they make for a happy dry baby.

My opinion: I do not personally own any of these, mainly because they are a pretty new release! I would think that they would be great, the extra absorbency of the bamboo, and the roll off, non staining of the microfiber...perfect!

Dry-Touch Super Insert:
These inserts are truly SUPER! They have 3 layers of micro fiber terry, and are topped with dry-touch micro fiber fleece. They are extra soft, and provide the maximum absorbency for heavy wetters, nap times, and bed times. These are made with the Optical Brighter Free Fabrics, which is healthier and safer for baby and the environment.

My opinion: WHAT A LIFE SAVER! Sarah and Softbums is always thinking, coming up with new ideas! I used to use two regular inserts for bed time, but lately, he hasn't seemed to need THAT much absorbency, but still needed more than the insert and doubler could provide, then WALLAH, along came the supers! This bad boy will hold him throughout the night (full 12 hours), with no leaks, and and absorbency to spare! I LOVE these supers! My son used to be a heavy wetter, and if these were available a while ago, I would have bought them up. They do have that extra layer, so they are a little fluffier, but are still so trim fitting they would work perfect for daytime use under clothing if needed!

Organic Bamboo Insert:
This is the Rolls Royce of inserts! It has 3 layers of organic bamboo fleece, topped with the softest, of soft fabrics called Bamboo Velour, and it too is organic (termed our OBV insert). The extra absorbency that bamboo provides is impossible to over-look in these inserts! They stay feeling dry, and stay soft for a long time! Wash after wash, they seem to keep getting softer...if that is possible!

My opinion: These babies are the best of the best! So absorbent, so soft, and so NATURAL and ORGANIC. When I got my first set, I was confused, they were huge! Don't worry, they shrink down to the size of the standard insert! I was worried the softness would dissipate with each wash, but it hasn't-they have stayed soft and soooo absorbent wash after wash. The only con to these inserts...is the same as any natural fiber insert, is they will stain. However, they are diapers, and if it really is bothersome to you, they will bleach out pretty well in the sun (sun drying). Just like anything line drying will make them feel crunchy when they are done drying outside, toss em in the dryer (I like to throw in a just damp towel ...maybe one I used to shower with that day) and they will loosen right back up. Splurge, and use these, they are so worth it!



Coming soon!
I am going to work on a little science project, and rate the inserts in their absorbency! I have big goals for this...prepped vs. not prepped, each different kind of insert...hopefully even doublers...oooh how exciting! Stay Tuned for that!
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Monday, April 12, 2010

Mason in Softbums

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At Mason's 9 month photoshoot, I had the photographer take a quick couple pics of my lil man in his Softbums. I just love this pic...his little chubby rolls on his tummy and his not so little thighs. Going to show how how this diaper can fit babies of chubby or skinny thighs!

I love my SoftBums! StumbleUpon
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Thank you for visiting us at the Expo!

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The baby expo was a great success for us at Softbums!

Eventhough the Baby and Kid's Expo landed on one of the first GORGEOUS Minnesota weekends, a lot of people ventured inside for a few hours and visited us at the Sofbums booth!

It was great to speak with people who already were using Sofbums' drawstring diapers, and those who were expecting their first or third baby and venturing into the world of cloth diapering! It was great to meet everybody and hear feedback about our diapers! We had great reception from everybody, and want to say a special thank you to all the retailers that took the time to speak with us about possibly carrying our diapers in their stores!

The expo was a great way to see what other baby/kids/mom vendors are out there! It was great to make my way past (I was chasing my 1 year old) all the vendors, and even see some old friends! If you didn't hear about it this year, make sure to mark it on your calendar for next year! StumbleUpon
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Saturday, April 10, 2010

SoftBums at the MN Baby and Kids Expo!

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Come see us at the MN Baby and Kids Expo this weekend!

Email me for a $4 off coupon too!

There will be lots of fun stuff to see and do.

It's at 10 am-5 sat and sun at the Convention Center in Minneapolis.

http://minnesotababyexpo.com/pages/DatesTimesDetails.htm

I will be doing a Class on Modern Diapering on Sun too.

Hope to see ya there! StumbleUpon
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Friday, April 2, 2010

WE HAVE WINNERS!!!!!!!

7 comments
After a long awaited result, the process is over, a month of entries and so many guesses on the new SoftBums prints...we are proud to announce all of our new prints along with our winners for the biggest give away we have ever done! Thank you again for all the entries and support!

Here are all of our new prints that we have in stock (I am sure they will go quick!)

First, Giraffes! Available in both aplix and coordinating (and ooh soo cute snaps). This extra soft cover feels like your t-shirt and like all SoftBums is lined with the softest microfiber you can find, and those one of a kind adjustable legs!




Next is PowderPuffs! Which is also available in both aplix and matching snaps! The sweet print and oh so soft lining is perfect for your little "Oooga booga" PowderPuff, boy or girl!


Last, but not least are the adorable Happy Robots! These, like the others are available in aplix or snaps. It is the perfect little one size fits all diaper, oh so soft, and oh so adjustable!

Make sure you check them all out at SoftBums' website!



Now, who can forget Lator Gator!? This was SoftBums' first ever print and it was a huge hit! So, don't forget to snap some of these bad boys up too! Available in aplix and snaps!


Why the hub-ub over the prints? Because that is what our winners have won!




First place: SoftBums 6 Pack!
 
Thats 18 snap-ins and 6 doublers.  That pack will last all day for a Newborn with 18 changes, or 2 days for an older baby! In the winner's choice of cover designs


And the winner is....
Suzanne Brown! Congratulations!



Second Place: SoftBums basic pack in each (3) of the new prints!!!

That is 3 covers, one of each new print, 9 snap-ins, and 3 doublers!

And the winner is...
Aubrie Williams!!!! Congratulations!



Third place, a SoftBums basic pack, in one of the new prints!


That is one of the famous SoftBums' covers, 3 inserts and one doubler in the so sweet new prints!

The winner is....
Heidi J.
email: chalcedonia@gmail.com

Congrats to all the winners! StumbleUpon
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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

SoftBums Spring Giveaway!!

1327 comments
To Celebrate Spring we are having a CRAZY HUGE Giveaway!



There will be 3 winners for March!

1st Place:
Win a SoftBums 6 Pack!
That's 6 NEW Secret PRINT Covers, 18 Snap-ins and 6 doublers!

2nd Place:
Win a SoftBums Basic Pack in one each of our 3 New Secret prints for March!!
That's 3 NEW Secret PRINT Covers, 9 Snap-ins and 3 doublers!

3rd Place:
Win a SoftBums Basic Pack in one for the NEW Prints! YAY!
That includes One new Print cover, 3 Snap-ins, and 1 doubler!


Stay tuned to what those prints are!

Plus we'll be having a great SALE soon, and more...

Please comment your guess for what the 3 NEW SoftBums PRINTS will be for 1 Entry per day.
Extra entries available for:


Follow This SoftBums "Love Cloth Diapers" Blog

Follow and tweet this giveaway.


Follow SoftBums on twitter. Leave a comment.

Become a fan of SoftBums on Facebook. Leave a comment.



5 Extra Entries for:
Sending in a Pic of your baby in a SoftBums Diaper!  
You can upload it on Facebook, or email it to softbums @ gmail . com

5 Extra Entries for:

Purchasing Something at www.softbums.com
Leave a comment with a link to your status. You can tweet every day until the giveaway ends for 1 extra entry PER DAY.
Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.
Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.
Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.
Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

This giveaway is open to US Residents! Past winners of any SoftBums giveaways please give others a chance, thanks! Winner will be drawn using random.org. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends March 31st at 8 pm! 2010
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Down for the count

4 comments
I am the elephant on the bottom:


A girl can only take so much before she withers to the ground! It's been a long day, and I knew all day I had so many entries to count after 8pm for the big give-away! So after working for the past few hours...sitting here with my eyes barely open...I have finally tallied all the entries........wow! I know I shouldn't be amazed at the volume, because the product being given away is SOOO wonderful...but it still amazes me. Not only the volume, but the persistence of some of you, without doubt you're entering in every give away!

I have tallied all the entries in an excel sheet (saved several times to different locations) and am now going to work on entering them into "The Hat" a free program I found off the Internet that will randomly choose a winner. However, I do feel like the bottom elephant and will finish doing this in the morning while my little guy is eating breakfast.

It was his 1 year birthday today! And so much celebrating is hard on the pregnant body! So, I am down for the count...keep a look out for the winners tomorrow! You will be getting an email from Sarah...if you do not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn! So keep your eyes peeled!

Have a good night everybody, and we will see you in the morning! StumbleUpon
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Monday, March 1, 2010

5 Tips for Gaining Support with Cloth Diapering

19 comments
As a parent you have probably spent your entire nine months of pregnancy preparing for the arrival of your baby making sure that everything is perfect when they arrive. You’ve researched cloth diapers and decided that you are ready to make the commitment.

Now, how do you convince your partner, spouse, significant other, childcare facility, and others to make this commitment with you? After all, you don’t plan on changing ALL those diapers by yourself do you?

5 Tips for Gaining Support with Cloth Diapering

1. Determine what motivates others. While your spouse might be motivated by the cost savings your childcare provider might be motivated by ease of use. Let that motivator be your focus when explaining to them why you are choosing cloth diapers on your baby.

2. Consider a name change. Call them reusable diapers, modern cloth diapers, or call them by brand name (i.e. Soft Bums) when introducing them to others.

3. Show them off. Having a sample diaper on hand to explain how they work can help ease most people’s fears about cloth diapers. Remember that most people still haven’t seen all the new varieties of cloth diapers that are available.

4. Remember to talk about how easy they are to use. They are just as easy as disposable diapers.  Debunk the common myths like having to swish them in the toilet.

5. Ask them to consider a trial period. If you are approaching a childcare facility or caregiver about cloth diapering and you receive any hesitations have them consider a trial period. Chances are that after they see how easy they are to use they won’t object.

Whatever you do, remember to make things easy for everyone involved. If you are going to be putting your baby in day care you probably don’t want to use pre-fold’s with snappis and covers when you can use Soft Bums all-in-two system instead. If your husband is going to be responsible for changing a majority of the diapers (in our dreams right!) you probably don’t want to give him a diaper with 30 snaps on it when you could give him one with Velcro.

My personal story:

When I told my husband I wanted to use cloth diapers he looked at me like I had 6 eyes. He felt a little better once I bought one diaper and showed him how they worked.  After a year of cloth diapering he has accepted them as well as can be expected.  I have to keep reminding him how much money we've saved this year and that usually brings a smile back to his face. 

When we were interviewing caregivers we had a few diapers available with us and explained how they worked. Here is a sample of the conversation with them: “We use modern cloth diapers like this on our baby, are your familiar with them? Let me show you how similar they are to disposable diapers.”

Don’t get frustrated, stay positive and try not to get defensive.  People just want their concerns to be heard before they make the commitment with you.

Want additional support? The Real Diaper Association has several pamphlets developed that you can use when introducing cloth diapers to your friends, family and caregivers.

Consider Cloth Pamphlet

Day Care Tip Sheet

This is a guest post by Calley Pate, author and owner of The Eco Chic blog. Calley is an environmental consultant by profession and eco-mommy blogger. She has been cloth diapering her daughter for just over a year. StumbleUpon
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Monday, February 22, 2010

The Perfect Diapering Accessories

2 comments
You have your stash of cloth diapers, now what? What are the perfect diapering accessories that no diaper bag should be without? Here is a peak inside my diaper bag.

1. The Wet bag: Every diaper bag should have at least one wet bag. A medium sized wet bag is perfect for storing wet and soiled diapers while away from home. They typically have either a drawstring or zippered top and can store about 6-12 diapers. Larger bags can be used at home or when traveling and can hold about 12-20 diapers. WahmieBags are available in a wide variety of fabrics on the outside and a coordinating PVC-free waterproof inner layer.

We actually have three small/medium wet bags that we send with our little one each day to her sitters. When the diapers come home the full wet bag goes to the laundry room to wait for laundry day. We also have a large wet bag for the bathroom to store dirties in while at home. An extra bonus, the closed top keeps the smells away between wash days.

2. The Wipes: If you've made the switch to cloth diapers it seems only natural to use cloth wipes. Using a cloth wipe is better for the environment and can reduce rashes up to 70% compared to disposable wipes. Soft Bums premium wipes are made with one layer of super soft cotton flannel and one side of extremely soft cotton sherpa terry.

Not only are these wipes perfect for your babies delicate bum; they can be used as wash clothes, burp rags, and hankies too. Soft Bums wipes are available in space prints for boys and tea time prints for girls. What do I put on my wipes? Water, how much more natural can you get?

3. The Creams: Even the most cared for bum can get diaper rash. Rashes can be caused by diet, teething, detergent residue, and illness. Soft Bums carries only Northern Essence diaper butters and salves and are safe for use on cloth diapers. Most diaper creams available at retail stores can stain your cloth diapers. Northern Essence creams are made from all natural materials and are unscented for a baby’s delicate derriere.


What’s in your diaper bag? What is your favorite accessory?

This is a guest post by Calley Pate, author and owner of The Eco Chic blog. Calley is an environmental consultant by profession and eco-mommy blogger. She has been cloth diapering her daughter for one year. StumbleUpon
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Valentine's Winner Announced!

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Congratulations Kayla!  You have been randomly selected (using http://www.random.org/) as the Soft Bums winner for our Valentine's Day photo contest.  Please check your email for notification on claiming your pink Soft Bums cloth diaper.

Thank you to each entrant.  You all have some adorable babies.  Continue to visit Soft Bums on our blog and Facebook page as we will be having more great giveaways and contests soon.

Have a great day!!!
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Monday, February 15, 2010

Cloth Diapers, Water Conservation, and You

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There are so many arguments for whether cloth diapers are really better for the environment than disposables. One of the topics of argument is water usage. It’s no secret that cloth diapers require water usage to launder them. The amount of water used depends on you.

Chances are that if you are considering using cloth diapers (or already use cloth diapers) you are also concerned about the environment. You are probably the type of person who has installed a low-flow showerhead and replaced your toilet with a more water efficient model. You probably don’t soak in a nice hot bath every night or run your sprinklers during the local water ban. So when people argue with you over the amount of water you use to wash your diapers keep that in mind.

Have there been studies that show the actual water usage of both cloth diapers and disposables? Yes and no. The research is very limited and some would say that it is flawed (funded by the disposable diaper companies). Regardless of what the research shows with respect to water usage, water is not the only resource in question.

Disposable diapers use wood and oil in manufacturing and distribution alone. Did you know that to manufacture enough diapers for one baby for a year that over 300 lbs. of wood, 50 lbs. of petroleum, and 20 lbs. of chlorine are used? Forests of trees are being destroyed and our nation’s oil resources are being depleted at a greater rate because of disposable diapers. Keep in mind that oil is not a renewable resource and that while it is a natural resource we are consuming it at a faster rate than nature can reproduce it. Water on the other hand is a renewable resource and makes up 70% of the Earths surface. That’s a lot of water. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t conserve water.

 5 simple ways to conserve water while using cloth diapers:
  1. If you are exclusively breastfeeding there is no need to rinse the poop before you wash.
  2. Using a flushable liner will make it easier to remove most solids without rinsing.
  3. Use the correct type and amount of detergent to avoid soap buildup on your diapers.
  4. Wash only a full load of diapers (and a full load is only about 20 diapers). Don’t overstuff the washer or the diapers won’t get as clean.
  5. Use Soft Bums brand cloth diapers with the snap in inserts. Since you can reuse the outer cover 2-3 times you will have fewer diapers to wash on laundry day.
So how do you conserve water at home? What do you say when a naysayer tells you that cloth diapers waste water?

This is a guest post by Calley Pate, author and owner of The Eco Chic blog. Calley is an environmental consultant by profession and eco-blogger by hobby. She has been cloth diapering her daughter for one year. StumbleUpon
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Monday, February 8, 2010

Soft Bums Valentines Contest

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If real babies wear cloth diapers then real babies can wear pink!  Yes, even the boys! 

Show off your baby in a pink (or red) cloth diaper and enter for a chance to win a pink (or yellow if your boy doesn't wear pink) Soft Bums cloth diaper in honor of Valentines Day!

Mandatory entry:  Visit our Facebook fan page and upload a picture of your baby sporting a pink (or red) cloth diaper.  Leave a comment below with your Facebook name and a valid email address. 

Extra entries:
1.  Subscribe to have I Love Cloth Diapers, the Soft Bums blog delivered to your email inbox.
2.  Follow @softbumsmama on Twitter and tweet about this contest.  Must include @softbumsmama and a link to this post in your tweet.
3.  Make a purchase in the Soft Bums store.

Leave a seperate comment for each entry; with a maximum of 4 entries per family per contest.  Please leave a valid email address so that you may be contact if you are the winner.

Contest is open to residents of US and Canada over the age of 18 yrs old.  Contest begins on Monday, February 8th and continues until Monday, February 15th (midnight EST).  Winner will be selected at random.

Good luck and Happy Valentines Day!       

CONTEST ENDED! Congratulations Kayla!!
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How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?

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My father use to call me Imelda Marcos…you know the former First Lady of the Philippines’ who had over 3,000 pairs of shoes in her collection…because I was always buying shoes as a teenager. It’s rather amusing that I now get just as excited over cloth diapers as I do over new shoes. I find myself convincing my husband that I need “just one more to match her new outfit!”


It’s not surprising that one of the most common questions for parents is HOW MANY CLOTH DIAPERS DO I NEED?

Facts:

1. The average infant will need to be changed every two hours for the first few months; at least until they begin sleeping through the night. That’s about 12 diaper changes each day.

2. Older babies need to be changed about 8-10 times per day.

3. Toddlers only need to be changed about 4-8 times per day.

Remembering that every baby has different needs at different ages you will want to start with enough diapers for about 24 diaper changes. This will allow you to wash every 2-3 days.

With AI2s like Soft Bums you don’t need 24 different diapers in your stash because you can reuse the cover 1-3 times by simply replacing the snap-in insert. A stash of 24 one-sized pocket diapers would run $406.80 (based on a popular one sized cloth diaper) whereas the Soft Bums Good Set (includes 8 covers, 24 inserts, and 8 doublers) would only run $282.95. In fact, you could get the Soft Bums Complete Pack (includes 10 covers, 36 inserts, and 10 doublers…enough for 36 diaper changes) for less than 24 of the one-sized pocket diapers…and still have money leftover!

I asked my friends on Twitter last week how many diapers are currently in their stash. Here are some of the responses.

@Kaylynbuckner I have a small stash for now but when I get the ones in the mail I will have 25
@mbvisor right now I have 29
@growingyourbaby I always keep 10 on hand
@amongthemess We’ve got apx 25 diapers in our stash. Been doing it almost 2 years now!! Realized I didn’t need that many, but I’m addicted!!
@graciekate 23! Newbie
@MotherhoodnMe about 25 and I’m an intermediate
@FamilyCrunch 2 months in and we have 30 dipes in rotation atm.
@rbrinner 26. DD is 20 months and I’ve been CD since ~2mo
@Waddlebug Currently, 16. Been diapering for 5 months and I STILL am learning!!
@oobinsnaffa I have about 50-60 CDs of various sizes and types…maybe more. CD for 2.5 years.
@Morgoonaroonie I have 28 in circulation right now…37 total. I have been doing this for about 8 months

As for me, I currently have a stash of about 30 cloth diapers. My daughter just turned one and the majority of our stash is made up of pocket diapers (bummer I didn’t learn about Soft Bums before she was born). Can I have too many cloth diapers?

Just like shoes, you can’t ever have too many cloth diapers. Just ask Imelda Marcos.

This is a guest post by Calley Pate, author and owner of The Eco Chic blog. Calley is an environmental consultant by profession and eco-blogger by hobby. She has been cloth diapering her daughter for one year. StumbleUpon
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Saturday, January 9, 2010

SoftBums Diapers in the News!

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FOX News had a short story on reusable diapers, and focused on our friends Little Neechers retail business in Duluth!  Hi guys, great job!
SoftBums was one of the reusable diapers featured on the show!  Cool eh?

If you love SoftBums, you can contact your local paper, or news channel about us, and we'd be happy to give them a great story!




Another Short story about our friend Peter at Do Good Diapers!

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