DIY replacing back elastic

So, this is a DIY on how to replace your BACK elastic in your SoftBums.

What you'll need:

Seam ripper/Little Scissors

Sewing machine that can do a simple straight stitch

Replacement kit from SoftBums (check your toggles and tell them if you need new toggles too) OR

1/4" BRAIDED elastic 1-6" piece

Replacement snap for the back

Wire cutter or similar tool for snap removal

Step 1:

Using a seam ripper, take out the back seam.  This can be done without turning the diaper. 

Remove elastic

Step 2:
Remove the snap.  I am pretty sure there is an actual tool made for doing this, but I happen to have a wire clipper laying around so I use that. It works fine for me.

The thing is here, take your time.  These can be a bugger to get off.  What I do is just start clipping away at the cap of the snap.  Being sure to stay away from the PUL or MF.

TIP: throw on your sunglasses and/or keep it pointing away from you as you clip.  The snaps can be brittle and shatter.  I got a projectile to the eye doing this and learned the hard way.  Learn from my mistake.  Be careful!

 If that doesn't work, go for the inside.  Clip this like slicing a pizza and it will come out from around the peg.

Just the post showing, now I just cut the end and pull the post out.  

 Step 3:
Turn diaper inside out.  You can do this thru the big hole in the back that you just made, however, I suggest flipping it through the hole in the front.  And yes it can be done.   Carefully.  If you want you can slit a few stitches on the front to make it easier, but I promise it can be done.  See video below!

If you flip it through the hole in the front, it will be easier to flip it back because you don't need to pull the front elastic through.

Step 4:
Sew on new elastic.  Placing it where the previous one was, start off the elastic about 3-5 stitches and back-stitch, then place elastic under presser foot, sew on the elastic about 4 stitches and back-stitch.  Then stretch the elastic, holding the fabric in front and behind the elastic and you'll need to gently help it through the machine since you're pulling the elastic.

TIP: Do not cut your elastic to length.  Leave it long and cut it after its sewn, it will save you a headache and stitched fingers.

Un-stretched: 

Stretched: 

At the end back stitch, clip your elastic while your needle is down, then stitch off the end 3-5 stitches and back-stitch.  Make sure you sew the back up all the way.

Step 5:
Flip.  

Done!

I have a good video how to flip your diaper, but my computer won't upload it.  I'll post it in a different post as soon as it will let me publish it.  :-/

Details on the Bamboo

SoftBums offers several different types of Pods, I will take some time and explain the differences between them, and then compare absorbency. 

Tell me about Bamboo:

These are a blend of 70% Organic Bamboo and 30% Organic Cotton fibers which is then topped with a super soft Organic Bamboo Velour (OBV).  The top is super soft and provides some stay dry effect.  Being an all natural fiber they will shrink.  Do not worry when you pull them out of the package and they seem HUGE, they shrink up to fit perfectly in your SoftBums' shells.  Another pro is all natural fibers do not expand when wet, thus they have a super trim fit and are very resistant to compression leaks!  Natural fibers are also great for babies who are rash prone, they are sensitive skin friendly. 

A couple things to be aware of.  1) because they shrink, the top may become wrinkled.  This can be helped by stretching the inserts after washing (while wet) and letting them air dry.  After dry throwing them in the dryer to "fluff up" will make them super soft again (try adding tennis balls or wool balls to soften them up more).  2) Natural fibers do not expand when wet, however, they do become almost kinda "stiff" which is how it holds moisture.  3) Natural fibers tend to stain easier, but they also tend to sun out better. 

Details: 

Organic Bamboo One Size Pods.   

Logistics: 
After shrinking the pod is 21.5 inches long, 5 inches wide at the narrow end, and 7.25 inches at the widest part of the flare.  
Color: Cream
Dry weight: 106 grams
Wet weight: 389 grams
Since 1mL of water is just about exactly 1 gram, this pod holds 283mL of water (yes urine has a different specific gravity, density and weight, but for our purposes, it gives us a good idea).  That's 3.7 times its weight!

These pods are extra long so when put on baby, you can fold it where you need the absorbency, in front for boys, under for girls.  These pods will fit baby from birth until potty training.  These are the "Cadillac" of pods.  

Staying with the Organic Bamboo, lets look at the Organic Bamboo Minis.

The main difference, other than size, between the One Size OBV pod is that the mini's are not topped with velour.  The Mini pods are 3 layers of the same 70% Organic Bamboo and 30% Organic Cotton blend fabric.  Even though they do not have the OBV on top, they are still super soft (similar to t-shirt fabric) can be placed next to baby's skin without worry, and are super small to be used with newborns, or great for doublers for heavy wetters or for things like long car rides, trips, outings, naps, or bedtime, etc.  

Logistics:
After shrinking the pod is 10.5 inches by 3 and 7/8 inches.  
Color: Cream
Dry Weight: 29.5 grams
Wet Weight: 108 grams
That's 78.5 mL of water!!!  3.7 times its own weight!!!

One thing I personally love about these pods is there is less repelling issues.  At least from my experience.  Look how nicely they absorb fast flowing water!

Curious about how bamboo is turned into fabric?  Read about it in a previous post here.  Rest assured SoftBums always purchases fabric that was produced as eco-friendly as possible.

Interested in microfiber pod details!  Keep checking, it will be posted soon!

Toddlers and Food

I've done posts on the subject before, but it is something that stands near and dear to my heart:

Healthy food for kids

I know, beleive me I KNOW how hard it is to get kids to eat food, let alone food that is good for them!  So, it is always good to have more ammo in your pocket to pull out when you need ideas. 

Pinterest is a great idea to do just that.  My weekly routine of food is getting pretty boring, so I went on pinterest to look for some new ideas.  

Click on each photo to be taken to their website

Wholesometoddlerfood.com

Nurtured baby breaks foods down into ages, which is handy

These sites have tons of ideas!  

I know some days it is hard to be a mom and be creative all at once, these will help throw new things into routines!  

Did you find anything you are going to try?

DIY Replace your Leg Elastic

So, this is a DIY on how to replace your LEG elastic in your SoftBums.

What you'll need:

Seam ripper/Little Scissors

Sewing machine that can do a simple straight stitch

Replacement kit from SoftBums (check your toggles and tell them if you need new toggles too) or
1/4" BRAIDED elastic 2-15" pieces

Small safety pin

Step 1:

Using your seam ripper cut about every other stitch.  

 Again, whenever possible I recommend you seam rip on the microfleece side to be sure you don't poke holes in your PUL.  Clip the stitches going across (on top in below pic) and down the elastic casing about 1".  Do this on each leg.

Step 2:

Cut your old elastic off, and remove toggles. 

Then

Flip your diaper inside out through the toggle access in the front (yes it USUALLY fits).  Be gentle and go slow.  When you get to the HnL tabs fold them and slide them through individually.  If your diaper has an extra small access hole, you may need to use your seam ripper and cut it just a little bit so you can flip it.  If you do this, just edge stitch it back up when your done, back stitching at the ends (See HnL replacement).

This is what it looks like flipped inside out.  Weird I know. 

Step 3-6

Cloth Wipes Info and GIVEAWAY!!

If you are already using cloth or about to jump on board cloth wipes are an easy add on to your routine.  

SoftBums has released their own wipes

Softbums Wipes will make the perfect addition to your SoftBums collection They are made with a bamboo organic cotton blend One grippy side for the big messes One softer side for a gentle clean on baby's delicate skin Come in 6 bright, fun colors Blue Raspberry - Blue & Green Bombpop - Red & Blue Fudgescicle - Brown & Orange Lemon Lime - Yellow & Green Orange Sherbert - Red & Orange Tutti Frutti - Pink & Purple Available for purchase in packs of 5.  Choose from either: Girly Pack Neutral Pack Use these for different things, not just butt wipes.  They are super soft and thin enough to grab for runny noses, they are an organic bamboo cotton blend you can use them as a liner, and countless other uses!   These wipes are super thin so you can fit a bunch in your wipes warmer and they are super strong.  They holdup to the biggest messes with one side being a little "grippier" than the other to really pull the dirty's away from baby.   These are the perfect size to take with you in your diaper bag too.  Pack a few in a ziplock baggie wet or dry, and wrap them with you dirty diapers and throw them in the wet bag when you're done.  You can also use the little portable disposable wipes cases and travel with them that way.   No need to wash you wipes separately, just throw them in the wet bag with your diapers and wash with everything else.   One review I found so far: I've been using these wipes for a few months now and LOVE them. Normally I go for the thicker ones, but was pleasantly surprised at how well these ones work. One side is grippier so it cleans up messes nicely while the other side is smooth. I can fit several more in a thin plastic travel wipe container than I can with my other wipes.  I can lay them in the diaper too as a barrier when I have to use diaper cream and they work great for runny-nosed toddlers since they are thin and soft. Solution: The easiest is just plain water, which is what we use at our house.  In my opinion, nothing else is needed...if something more is needed that's where I would put my kids in the tub and "hose" 'em off.  We have been rash free at this house.   Disclaimer: I have not personally tried any of these options.  Please note a little goes a long way!   Make sure your solution doesn't contain too much oil to prevent repelling issues with your diapers.  If you like a recipe with more oil, you can always separate your wipes and dipes and wash them separately.    Here are some other options to try making on your own: Basic Wipe Solution This basic recipe can be adapted by changing the type of soap or oil. 1/2 cup baby oil 1/2 cup baby wash 2 cups water Castile Solution Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap comes in several yummy scents! 1 tablespoon almond, apricot, or other oil 1 tablespoon Dr Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap 2 drops tea tree oil 1 drop lavender oil 1 cup water Essential Oil Solution With three different EOs contributing their unique properties... 4 cups water warmed in microwave 2-4 drops Tea Tree Oil 2-4 drops Lavender Essential Oi1 1 Tablespoon Grapeseed Oil 1 Tablespoon Calendula Oil 2 Tablespoon Baby Wash Thanks to Lucinda A. for this recipe. Fruit 'n' Veggie Dr Bronner's soaps can often be found in organic markets. 1 teaspoon fruit or vegetable-based oil (apricot, olive, grapeseed, etc) 1 tablespoon vegetable-based soap (like Dr. Bronner's liquid castile) 1 teaspoon 100% aloe vera gel 1 cup water Just One Just one "something" of each ingredient for this recipe. 1 chamomile tea bag 1 teaspoon oil 1 teaspoon baby bath or shampoo 1 drop lavendar oil 1 cup hot water Lavender 'n' Tea Tree Lavender and Tea Tree are popular EO choices for wipe solutions. 1/8 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon baby shampoo 4 drops tea tree oil 8 drops lavender oil 3 cups water Variation: Use lavender baby oil and lavender baby wash for a heavenly Lavender wash. Thanks to Nicole M. for this variation. Lotion Potion Baby lotion adds more softening power to this solution. 1 tablespoon baby oil 1 tablespoon baby soap 1 tablespoon baby lotion 1 cup water Variation: Replace the baby oil and lotion with 2 tablespoons Baby Magic Creamy Baby Oil for a less oily potion. Thanks to Kimberly A. for this variation. Magic Baby Baby Magic products are usually easy to find in local stores. 1/2 cup Baby Magic oil 1/2 cup Baby Magic wash 2 cups water No Measuring Don't measure for this one, just estimate amounts. 2 squirts baby oil 2 squirts baby wash 1 drop EO 1 cup water (about) Shampoo Style Baby shampoo works as well as baby wash. 1 tablespoon baby oil 2 teaspoons baby shampoo 2 1/2 cups water Zany Apricot Solution 1 tablespoon apricot oil 1 tablespoon unscented baby wash 3 cups water Zany Lavender Solution 1 tablespoon baby oil 1 tablespoon lavender scented baby wash 2-3 drops lavender oil 3 cups water SOLUTIONS YOU CAN BUY: SHEEPISH GRINS WASHY WAFER DIAPER WIPE SOLUTION-UNSCENTED  Washy Wafers cloth diaper wipes solution is back, and this time it is even better! We took the original Washy Wafers solution and added vitamin E, healing aloe vera, soothing calendula and real silk protein. Silk protein has gotten a lot of attention recently in the cloth diapering world due to claims that it can heal diaper rash. We've seen no studies to prove this, but we do know silk protein makes your skin feel nice! Soothing aloe vera extract and gently cleansing glycerine soap combine to make an easy to use and very portable diaper wipes solution. Added silk protein makes this silk-rich solution perfect for baby's delicate skin. We add an extra helping of shea butter to make this rich diaper wipes solution an excellent "mess" remover. Simple to use, just add 1 or 2 cubes to 1 cup of very hot water. Allow to cool and pour over cloth wipes. You can also use a spray bottle or squirt bottle to wet wipes as you need them. Be careful not to contaminate the solution. Replace with fresh solution every 1-2 days as it does not contain preservatives. A wonderful concoction that smells like baby and honey - very similar to Burt's Bees "Baby Bee Buttermilk." Contains hints of vanilla, peach, violet and honey. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ New this summer! Lots of natural soap bit goodness, packed into a large phtalate-free jar. I can fit approximately 35 bits in this medium-sized jar. The first picture depicts the approximate coloring of these soap bits (color may vary due to differences in monitors and also in my hand-made batches.) A jar would make a great gift for anyone looking for a multi-purpose soap that's free from harsh detergents. An easy way to be eco friendly! Use your soap bits for: *cloth wipe solution *a gentle pre-wash solution for cloth menstrual pads *one-use guest soap *foaming cleanser *travel wash *kids' bath soap - no more melted, wasted bars! *Avoid smelly chemical-laden public restroom soaps - take one or two cubes in a small pillbox and wash your hands with a refreshing, natural soap instead! I use an all natural high-glycerin soap as a base for these yummy cubes so they'll dissolve easily and moisturize well. Shea butter is added for even more moisturizing. Finally, for this scent, I added a gentle fragrance oil and FDA-approved dye. (If you prefer soap bits that are undyed or scented with all-natural essential oils, check out my other listings!)  All undyed Essential Oil soap bits are 100% natural. All other fragrances are made with high quality phtalate-free fragrance oils, but since they are synthetic, the final product is only 99% natural. Adding dyes to the product reduces this percentage one additional percent. All my soaps are made without harmful chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulfate - so you know you're putting the best on your family's skin!  Features: ~100% all natural ingredients ~Safe to use with cloth diapers ~Helps prevent and soothe diaper rash ~Great for sensitive skin ~Multiple uses: wipe messy faces, great for travelling and camping! ~Made in the USA by WAHM    Details: A lightly scented baby wipes solution can be made by dissolving Booty Cubes in water. Booty Cubes contain 100% all natural ingredients which help prevent and soothe diaper rash. I use these by dropping 1-2 cubes in a squirt bottle and mix them with about 8 oz. of hot water until they are dissolved, please remember to let solution cool before using. Then I just put some of the mixture on my reusable wipes and Voila! The job is done! These are safe to use with cloth diapers! Booty Cubes do NOT contain: chemicals, detergents, dyes, sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, Cocomide DEA, surfactants, alcohol, propylene glycol, and has not been tested on animals. All of our products are made from vegetable oils, are completely vegan (except milk in goat's milk cubes or soap), and are biodegradable. Essential oils OR Fragrance oils in Booty Cubes are used in small amounts; only enough to "get the job done"! THIRSTIES BOOTY LUSTER WIPE SOLUTION SPRAY, 4 OZ Product Description Features: A completely non-toxic, non-irritating solution 100% biodegradable Custom formulated especially for use in cleaning your baby's diaper area Loosen waste, thoroughly cleanses, and gently moisturizes your baby's skin Restores skin's natural barrier against bacteria Soothes skin and helps prevent diaper rash Dries completely clean; will not leave residue Made in the USA Details: Thirsties Booty Luster is blended by hand in small batches, using flowers, plants, resins, and high quality organic ingredients. Each component of our wipes solution has been carefully selected to not only clean your baby's diaper area, but to soothe and moisturize, as well. And perhaps most importantly, the properties of Thirsties Booty Luster actually help to restore the natural barrier your baby needs to protect him/herself from harmful, rash-inducing bacteria. Use Thirsties Booty Luster at every diaper change to clean thoroughly-yet gently, to moisturize, and to help protect your baby from diaper rash. Enter to win a pack of wipes and one winner will also win a SoftBums' shell of their choice!

a Rafflecopter giveaway