FuzziBunz Diaper Review (One Size)

 Just so no one gets confused, this is the old style FuzziBunz.

The new design is similar, with the main difference being that it is larger, so it can fit your little one through potty training.

You can no longer purchase this diaper new, but if you are buying used FuzziBunz, more than likely this is what you are getting.

FuzziBunz come in perfect size or one size, this review is of the one size diaper. 

This was the first company to design a stay dry diaper! All of their diapers have a soft fleece layer which goes against baby's skin and wicks the moisture away.

This pocket diaper has a very unique design when compared to other pocket diapers:

First off, the overall shape is different. Which seems to have no positive or negative impact on the function of the diaper.  It is however narrower in the crotch, which gives a nice trim fit.

Secondly, the diaper is one-size but does not have the typical snap down rise.

This diaper adjusts by pulling the leg elastic tighter.  The leg elastic is attached with buttons. There are numbers along the elastic as well as button holes to get the right fit for you little one. Check out their sizing chart (brown picture). This also allows for easy elastic replacement.

The pocket opening is along the top of the back of the diaper.

FuzziBunz One Size diapers (new and old) come with two microfiber inserts.

The old style came with two inserts, same size. Both 4 layers of microfiber.

The new style comes with two different size inserts, regular and newborn.

Pros and Cons of FuzziBuns One Size (old style):

Pros-

• Trim Fit
• Easy to adjust size
• Easily replace relaxed elastic
• Four layer inserts (my favorite)

Cons-

• I am not a fan of pocket openings at the top of the diaper. I prefer openings further down and with a flap. Even a little flap helps to control blow outs!
• Does not have a tummy panel. Fine for short awake periods. Not good for boys for extended periods, naps, overnights, car rides.
• The diaper, and inserts, are narrower than most other inserts. This means that you have to use the insert it came with, because most other inserts will not fit into the diaper. Just makes for more sorting when doing laundry if you have multiple brands of diapers.

Overall I like the diaper but it is not my go-to diaper. I mainly use it if I have to change Bug's diaper with in an hour of nap or bed time.

Because it does not have a tummy panel I would not recommend this diaper as the choice for an entire stash, but it does make a good addition to a stash like mine (one that includes a variety of styles and brands).

I did not receive monetary or product compensation for this post. I was not asked to write a review. All opinions are my own and are 100% honest.

Spring Finally Came to MN!

Friday was the start of spring! Finally! 

Which was a complete change of weather from last weeks blizzards!

We were beginning to wonder if spring was ever going to show it's face.

Friday we went to the MN Zoo with some friends Squirrel really enjoyed himself. His favorite part was the wolverine, it was racing back and forth, so naturally he raced back and forth with it!

Saturday Squirrel and I got some gardening done and planted some seeds for our veggie garden. It was nice to be back out in the garden.

He got this cute Veggie Tales gardening bag from the Easter Bunny. In the bag were his own gardening tools and carrot and tomato seeds. We also planted some beans, spearmint, basil, cilantro, green onions, green bell peppers and hot peppers.

About 4 hours after planting the seeds he asked if they were done. :)

Assuming we don't get anymore snow storms, we'll plant them outside in a couple weeks.

I have a decent sized perennial garden in the front yard. I also put a couple tomato plants out here because they are easy to grab when I am cooking, and they grow really well in this location.

We started cleaning out the garden. Last year I only kept 1/3 of it weeded, I was just too busy. I am hoping if I can get a good jump start in the next week and clean the whole thing out that we can keep the whole garden looking nice all summer.

We didn't get as far as I would have liked on Saturday, but got part of it cleaned out.

Squirrel got to use his veggie tales tools. Here he is hand cultivating!

He is such a great garden helper!

It was so bright outside and I couldn't see the pictures I was taking. I laughed when I put this on the computer... he looks so angry with shovel in hand.

He enjoyed digging holes in the garden and didn't want to put the shovel down.


It was great to finally have some 70 degree days! Even though it was as warm as it was, I couldn't convince Squirrel to take his sweatshirt off.

Hopefully we can finish the gardens before it goes back down to 40 on Wednesday. I just hope we don't get any more snow!


What did you do to enjoy the weather this weekend?

BumGenius Freetime - Review

The BumGenius Freetime All-In-One cloth diaper is currently my favorite all-in-one!

This diaper is made by Cottonbabies, who also make the Flip diaper system, which I mentioned in a previous post as being my favorite diaper due to it's versatility.

Freetime is a one size diaper with a snap down rise to adjust from small, medium and large. They come with the option of snap or hook and loop closure.

The inside of this diaper has two soakers which are sewn in on one side at each end of the diaper, creating two 'flaps'.

This design allows for quick dry time as well as the ability to easily adjust the absorption for boys or girls.

Each soaker is two layers with the top layer being micro suede.

The micro suede keeps moisture from being directly on baby's skin, the under layer is a thirsty micro fiber terry.

There is also a layer of absorption in the lining of the diaper.

Like the rest of the BumGenius line, this diaper also has a tummy panel to protect from tummy leaks (especially important if you have a boy).

Here is the diaper with each soaker simply laid across.

For my little man I fold the front soaker in half. This gives us the extra absorption we need up front. 

If you have a girl you could fold the back soaker in half if needed or leave the soakers as shown above.

Being that the soakers fan out, it is quick drying. 

I usually do my wash in the evening and hang dry.  This diaper is always dry by morning!

This specific diaper is hook and loop closure, you can see there are laundry tabs to keep the hook and loop from attaching to anything else in the wash.

It is kind of a bummer that this is the only Freetime I have! I would love to get some more!

I have taken this diaper off Bug not realizing just how wet he was. The inside of the diaper was soaking wet, but it didn't leak at all. 

It has a great fit and is very trim for an all-in-one!

This is a diaper I would recommend everyone add to their stash!

I did not receive product for this review, nor was I compensated in any way. All opinions are my own and are completely honest.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie

We celebrated my Mother-in-laws birthday the other day. About a week before her birthday I asked Squirrel what we should make Grandma for her birthday. His response "A jelly pie... a jelly pie with peanut butter!". My initial thought... not something that sounded appealing to me at all!

I then got on Facebook to share Squirrel's idea of a peanut butter and jelly pie with my friends and Grandma.

One of my friends sent me a recipe.  

Grandma said Squirrel's idea sounded good.

Well, that meant I had no excuse not to help Squirrel make a peanut butter and jelly pie for Grandma's birthday. I remained skeptical.

Ingredients:

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/4 cup warm water

1 (12-ounce) jar seedless strawberry jam

3/4 cup peanut butter

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 pre-baked (9 or 10-inch) pie shell
Roasted peanuts, for garnish

There were only a few ingredients we needed that I don't normally have (or have enough of) in the pantry:

I did have peanut butter and jelly, but what I have is natural which has chunks, the recipe called for seedless jelly and creamy peanut butter. If I make it again, I will stick to the natural jelly and peanut butter. It wouldn't hurt to add some texture to the pie.

I bought a frozen pie crust, a graham crust would work too.  Make sure you bake the crust before you add your pie filling.

1. To begin with you'll want add your packet of gelatin to 1/4 cup of warm water in a small saucepan.

Let that sit while you do the next step.

2. Mix peanut butter, cream cheese, vanilla and milk with mixer until smooth.

3. Go back to the gelatin/water. Place on stove. Set to low. Warm and mix until the gelatin dissolves. Be sure not to let it boil.

4. When fully dissolved, pour into a blender (or food processor) with the jar of jelly and blend.

5. Add powdered sugar to peanut butter mix and blend until smooth.

6. Carefully fold in whipped topping.

7. Begin assembling the pie by adding 1/3 of the jelly mixture to the pie crust.

Then add a layer of peanut butter mixture (you will not use all of the peanut butter mixture for your pie, there will be a lot left, but not quit enough for two pies). Start at the edge then move your way to the middle, otherwise the jelly mixture will push up along side the pie crust. Then add another layer of jelly and top with a layer of peanut butter (starting at the edges again). 

8. Once the final peanut butter layer is on make a few holes/dents and pour on some more jelly mixture. Then swirl with handle of spoon.

Let pie chill for several hours in fridge before serving.

Looks pretty, doesn't it?

This turned out way better than I thought it would.

And it was so good!

It totally does taste like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, only sweeter.

I think this is a fun pie to make with kids. Squirrel really enjoys helping out in the kitchen, even though he won't eat (or even try) many things we make. But what kid doesn't like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?

The best part, Grandma liked it too!

Making Lemonade

Okay, so maybe we aren't making lemonade. But since God gave us 8" of snow in the middle of April, rather than a bag of lemons, we are trying to make the best of it!

Those of you in MN, or other snowy areas can relate when I say that we are sick of snow! 

This winter has been long enough and we are truly ready to get seeds sewn for our produce garden! Bring on those home grown tomatoes!

Squirrel and I decided to get out today to play in this snow which won't last long (hopefully). 

The snow was nice and sticky, perfect for snowmen and forts! 

This is actually his first snowman! Not bad, eh?

He posed for this one all on his own, it made me chuckle a little when he crossed his feet.

When we finished the snowman he hugged it and said "I love you, Snowman!".

We then started our fort!

Being the Backyardigans fans that we are Jackson said the snowfort needed a window and stairs. While I wasn't so sure stairs could work, I did make a window for him!

The semi-finished fort is taller than he is. But since Bug was asleep I decided it was time to go in. Squirrel was not too happy, but I told him daddy could come out to help him finish it when he gets home from work.

It was almost the perfect day for snow play, the wind made it a bit chilly.

But we had fun! 

Now Squirrel is enjoying a bowl of warm oatmeal, unfortunately we are out of hot cocoa.

Have you done anything to make the most of our April snow showers?

Squishy Snak Pak Review

 Michelle is a stay at home mom who enjoys making her own baby foods yet wanted her children to have the independence of eating on their own. She eventually created the Squishy Snak Pak, a fill able, reusable feeding pouch.

The Squishy Snak Pack is made from plastic which is free of toxins and BPA.

The Squishy Snak Pak can hold 1/2 cup of your favorite blended food mixes.

Children can eat straight from the Pak.

The paks are also safe to put in the freezer. 

I introduced solids to Bug-A-Boo after 6 months. We did not spoon feed him purees. He was introduced to solid whole foods and fed himself.  After he learned how to chew his food we started offing him some pouch baby foods when we were out of the house. 

I like the convenience of a pouch, but didn't like that I couldn't make the food myself, I was always limited to flavors available at the store.

Squish Snak Paks allow me to make the foods I want. My oldest son is not a veggie fan, so I get to sneak veggies into his applesauce pouches and he doesn't know the difference. Although, he is almost 4 and I think he is catching on, being that he has started to refuse them!

 The pouches open on the bottom. 

They have an orange "fill line" to prevent overflowing. 

Before you fill your pouch, make sure you have the cap on.

Here you can see I filled the pouch just below the orange line. If I had filled it all the way I would have had a mess, as it was I did have a small amount squeeze out as I was trying to close it.

The pouch has a see through window on one side. This is very convenient if you have prepared several pouches in advance or if you are pulling one from the freezer.

There are two ways to thaw the pouch if you store it in the freezer. 

If you know in advance you'll be using the pouch you can put it in the fridge a day ahead of time and it will thaw by the time you are ready to use it.

Another way to thaw would be to put the pouch in a bowl of hot water.

But do not microwave the pouch.

Bug really enjoys his Squishy Snak Pak! Unfortunately Squirrel would not cooperate. He has been in one of those "I'm not doing anything you want me to" phases.

Buying food in bulk saves money and wastes less packaging material. These re-usable pouches will be perfect for taking applesauce (or your other favorite food purees) on day trips or even for packing lunches for school or work.

They are fairly easy to clean as well. I just put a bit of soap on my finger, swiped the inside of the pak then added a bit of water. Everything rinsed cleaned. You probably wouldn't want to let any foods sit in the pak for longer than a day though. Try to rinse/wash as soon as you have the chance. Keep open to air dry.

Recipes: Most of what we make involves apple sauce for a base. It is easy to work with and we can buy in bulk.

Apple Cinnamon

Just mix some cinnamon into your unsweetened/natural apple sauce for a nice flavor kick!

Apple Cinnamon Sqush

Mix 60/40 apple sauce to squash puree, then shake in some cinnamon and stir!

Apple Blueberry

Mix 60/40 apple sauce to steamed pureed blueberries (frozen works great too)

Tropical Apple

Mix 60/40 apple sauce to a steamed pureed tropical fruit blend (we like mango-pineapple frozen).

Squishy Snak Paks can be purchased in a two-pack on their web site. 

Disclosure: I was provided the above product to help facilitate my review, I was not compensated in any other way. All opinion are my own and are 100% honest.

My favorite diaper rash product! All natural and cloth diaper safe!

Cloth diapering has really opened my eyes to new products and opened my mind to reasons I should avoid others! If your child gets a diaper rash while using cloth diapers, products such as Desitin should not be used. Using Desitin or most other traditional, box store diaper rash creams will negatively affect the absorbancy of your cloth diapers, resulting in leaks.

But this also had me wondering why I was using it to begin with. If it isn't good for fabrics, how can it be good for my baby's bottom? Sure, Desitin clears up diaper rash, but why use it when there are natural product that work just as well?

I started cloth diapering without a cloth safe diaper rash cream, which was fine because baby boy wasn't susceptible to diaper rash. Shortly after we started cloth diapering I won a giveaway from Earth Mama Angel Baby.  I won the 'A Little Something For Baby' care package. This package included Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash, Angel Baby Bottom Balm, Angel Baby Lotion, and Angel Baby oil.

After winning the giveaway I have switched to using mainly Earth Mama Angel Baby products in my home, but Angel Baby Bottom Balm has quickly become my favorite!

Angel Baby Bottom Balm is:

• Cruelty Free
• Vegan
• Toxin Free
• Certified Organic

Bottom Balm contains natural antibacterial and anti-fungal herbs.

Not only can it be used for baby's bottom but it can also be used as a general first aid treatment for rashes, bug bites, thrush, minor burns, you name it!

The organic olive oil gives it a smooth, silky texture that melts upon application.

This product has a nice light feeling. It doesn't require a heavy application and is barely noticeable when applied. Below I have it applied to my hand. It is light and silky.

You can get it in a one or two ounce container. I have the smaller container in my diaper bag and the larger one on the changing table. These containers last a while since you do not have to 'apply liberally' like other diaper rash creams direct.

If I notice my son is a bit red, I'll apply Bottom Balm, then I'll apply it again at the next diaper change and his skin usually clears up in only two applications.

This is definitely a diaper bag must! It is so versatile and completely safe.

Not for use on baby's face or hands (unless covered with bandage).

You can purchase this product directly from Earth Mama Angel Baby, or you can check with your favorite cloth diaper retailer for availability.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this review. I was not asked to write a review nor did I recieve any product.

Breastfeeding and the Low Supply Myth

I have been so disappointed and saddened lately by all the stories I have been hearing from friends and acquaintances regarding their lack of (or plain wrong) support and breastfeeding advice coming form health care professionals. So many women are being told (or are assuming) they don't produce enough milk. It is estimated that there is only 1% of the breastfeeding population that actually has a physical inability to produce enough milk to feed a baby.

Getting off on the right foot with breastfeeding starts immediately after your baby is born.  Get baby to the breast as soon as possible. This is much more difficult with a c-section. Talk to your Dr. before baby's birth to see if they'll let you nurse your baby in recovery after a c-section. If not, you may want to do some shopping for a new Dr. Also ask if they'll do a VBAC for future pregnancies if you have a c-section, if they don't, find a new Dr., but I digress...

Babies are born with very small stomachs.  It doesn't take but a small amount of colostrum to fill your baby's tummy. The first day is mostly about getting baby to properly latch and practice. Baby's have the urge to suck, your breast is the perfect place to do this which helps establish your milk supply, so do not introduce a pacifier until well after nursing is established.

Don't be concerned if your milk takes a few days to come in. You'll know when it happens because your breasts will become uncomfortably engorged. As baby continues to nurse your body will start to regulate your milk production based on how much your baby is eating. As long as you continue to put baby to breast whenever s/he act hungry, and allow baby to feed as long as s/he wants, your milk supply will adjust to baby's needs.

While in the hospital:

• Don't allow nurses, Dr.'s, or staff give your baby a pacifier.
• Keep your baby in your room with you rather than in the nursery.
• Nurse, nurse, nurse.
• If baby seems to have a latch problem, ask to have a Lactation Consultant visit you as soon as possible. They'll help you get a proper latch and make sure there aren't any oral issues with the baby.
• Definitely do not allow anyone to supplement formula, unless recommended after a visit with the Lactation Consultant.

 Don't be surprised if your baby has jaundice upon leaving the hospital. Jaundice is fairly common. As long as you continue to nurse your baby on demand (or at least every 2-3 hours) the jaundice will pass. Jaundice leaves the body through output, so just make sure baby is having enough wet diapers.

Common reasons people think they don't produce enough:

• Baby wants to eat all the time! Well, newborns do. Your baby should eat 8-12 times a day and if they're anything like my baby, they'll take an hour to eat. So baby is eating all day long. This is very normal. Don't be discouraged, it does pass. Your baby won't always nurse 24 hours a day. If you are feeling exhausted try the side laying nursing position. This is the easiest way to get some rest while baby is nursing.
• Breasts no longer feel full. After a few weeks your breast milk supply will adjust to baby's intake. You will no longer feel engorged or full between feedings.
• Breasts no longer leak. After your milk supply has adjusted to baby's needs and you no longer have an over abundance of milk, your breasts may no longer leak. 
• I don't feel my milk 'let down' anymore. Let down sensation is different for all women. As time goes by you may not notice or feel it as much. Instead of waiting for the sensation of let down, pay attention to baby's swallowing. When your milk lets down your baby is swallowing after every one or two sucks.
• I don't get anything when I pump. Pumping is no where near as effective as a baby when it comes to extracting milk. Never let your pumping output determine your milk supply. Some women have great success while using a breast pump, other women, like myself, do not.
• My baby has had a fairly regular nursing schedule, but now nurses all the time again! Babies have growth spurts. During a growth spurt your baby will nurse more often. The growth spurt will usually last a few days and your milk supply will increase with your baby's demand.
• My baby was sleeping through the night, but is now waking to nurse multiple times a night. After a few months babies become more distracted by what is going on around them. They may nurse less during the day or latch-on, latch-off all day. This results in less eating during the day, so when will they make up for it... at night! For some this phase lasts a month, for others it may last longer. For us it lasted about 3 or 4 months before he slept through the night again, and not every night, just once-in-a-while.

Don't supplement with formula unless you are directed to by a lactation consultant. If you do supplement with formula (or even expressed breast milk), your milk supply will decrease. Your body produces milk based on supply and demand. If baby is eating off the breast, there is less demand for breast milk. If there is less demand, your body will produce less. See how this becomes a downward spiral?

Not all pediatricians are fully supportive of breastfeeding and will recommend supplementing. I fortunately had a very supportive ped. My newborn was not gaining weight in the beginning. His ped. said he would only recommend supplementing if my baby lost weight, as long as he was maintaining we would just monitor him. My pediatrician also said that if I had to supplement he suggested finding a friend who was nursing that could donate some breast milk to us rather than giving my baby formula.

When you should be concerned you aren't producing enough:

• Your baby doesn't have enough wet/dirty diapers.
• Your baby isn't gaining enough weight.
• You don't hear your baby changing swallowing patterns. During a milk let down your baby will go from infrequent swallowing to rapid swallowing.

Before you start breastfeeding read as much as you can. Some of my favorite breastfeeding resources include kellymom.com, The Leaky Boob, and The Leaky Boob on Facebook. A great quick reference guide is The Alpha Parent: Timeline of the Breastfed Baby.

The sources above can also give you information on boosting a low milk supply and re-lactation.  

Before you let someone tell you that your body isn't producing enough milk, talk to a Lactation Consultant in your area, talk to a friend who has been there, or send me a message and I'll help get you in the right direction.

Woolzies Giveaway (4/9-4/22)

Welcome to the Honor the Earth Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering and Brittleby's Corner. Members of the Green Moms Network are excited to bring you great prizes to celebrate Earth Day, all valued at $25+ . After entering my giveaway, be sure to visit the other blogs listed under the Rafflecopter form to enter more great Honor the Earth giveaways.

What will you do to Honor The Earth?

Enter to win a 6 pack of Woolzies Dryer Balls (Retail Value $34.95)!

Woolzies Dryer Balls are an Eco-friendly, chemical free alternative to dryer sheets that can even reduce the dry time of your laundry by 25%!

Check out my review of Woolzies Dryer Balls here.

Be sure to hop around to the other blogs on the linky below the Rafflecopter to win other great prizes!

Disclaimer: This contest will run through April 22, 2013 at 9:00 pm PST (April 23, 2013 at 12:00 am EST). The winner will be chosen the following day and announced on Just Me and the Boys. No purchase necessary. US entries only. Must be 18 years or older to win.The sponsors provided me with free samples of these products to review, and I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Just Me and the Boys and not to Facebook. Please note that Just Me and the Boys, Happy Mothering, Brittleby's Corner, the Green Moms Network and the Honor the Earth event bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

 

Greening My Laundry Routine- Part 2 **Woolzies Review**

Disclosure: I received the product below to help facilitate my review. I was not compensated in any other way. All comments are my own and reflect my honest opinion. 

It takes a few 30 minute cycles on tumble dry low to fully dry my cloth diapers, which takes forever, especially when I don't remember to go back downstairs and re-start the machine! So I was really excited when Woolzies sent me a package of their dryer balls to review! 

How does this relate to the drying of cloth diapers? Well using Woolzies Dryer Balls can reduce your laundry's drying time by 25%! How great is that?!

Woolzies Dryer Balls are an all natural, chemical free, hypoallergenic, and Eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets. They are hand made from 100% pure wool.

What else can Woolzies Dryer Balls do for you?

• Naturally Soften Clothes
• Reduce Static
• Help Eliminate Wrinkles
• Save Time 
• Save Energy 
• Lasts 1000 Loads

You know a product is safe and chemical free when you'll allow your children to play with it! Squirrel did not want me to bring them to the dryer, he insisted on letting him throw them around a bit.

I was happy that I had a full bucket of dirty diapers to wash and dry the evening Woolzies showed up on my door step! 

I tossed my cloth diaper soakers into the dryer with all six Woolzies Dryer Balls. I checked the dryer after the first 30 minute cycle, they were still very damp. I then checked the dryer after the second cycle and was pleased to see that most of my cloth diaper soakers were completely dry! I only had a few prefolds that were slightly damp in the middle. So instead of setting the dryer for another 30 minutes I hung the prefolds that needed a bit of extra drying and put away the rest of the soakers.

This means I have been able to reduce the machine drying time of my cloth diapers by 30%!

My next test was how they compared to dryer sheets using a regular load of laundry.

I can honestly say I will not be going back to dryer sheets! Woolzies are just as effective, but don't have the chemicals:

• My clothes are just as soft as they were with dryer sheets.
• Static levels seem to be the same with dryer sheets and wool dryer balls
• I don't have problems with my clothes being wrinkly

I continue to use the energy preferred setting on the dryer without adjusting drying time.

There is only one claim I disagree with on the Woolzies box. It states the dryer balls are "Noise Free". I have not used any other style of dryer balls too compare the noise levels, but there is a noise. Although it isn't loud enough to deter me from using them. I would say the noise level is very low.

Overall I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking to reduce dry time for cloth diapers or looking to eliminate the use of chemical dryer sheets on all laundry loads.

You can purchase Woolzies online directly from Woolzies. They come in a package of six, which is perfect for a small, medium, or large load. Woolzies recommends 8 dryer balls for extra large loads.

Woolzies has generously offered to give a six pack of their dryer balls to one of my readers.
Look for the giveaway April 9th!