Blog — cloth diaper

You’ve just taken a pregnancy test and saw that little “+” or smiley face or “Pregnant” or whatever symbol happens to correspond with your test of choice, and you are likely now thinking about what the first trimester holds for you. Here are some things you should be preparing for, thinking about, or doing right now::

• Choosing a healthcare provider. There are lots of OBGYNs, Midwives, and PCPs to explore, but ultimately you want to make sure that the caregiver you go with really resonates with your birth plan and beliefs about pregnancy and childbirth. Finding a provider who you really connect with will make all of the difference in your pregnancy and delivery experience since you are not only looking to them for physical care, information and guidance, but for emotional support as well. And since we’re on the subject of choosing a healthcare provider, you will also want to...

• Figure out how you are going to pay your provider. Most of us have health insurance already, but the amount of coverage that each individual has will vary greatly. If you want a midwife instead of an OBGYN, you’ll want to see if your insurance covers midwifery care. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to figure out how much it will cost you out-of-pocket, and whether or not you can afford it. This is something you are not going to want to deal with later on in your pregnancy, so it’s best to get it out of the way first.

• Check in on your health and eating habits. If you have been smoking, drinking in excess, getting too little exercise, and/or eating a poor diet, now is the time to really take a look at these habits and make improvements that will benefit your and your baby’s health.  Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on your developing baby. Poor diet can lead to pregnancy complications, and may also - in more severe cases - prevent your growing baby from receiving all of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed for healthy brain and organ development. See what you can do to make even a few small changes that can have a big effect on your and your baby’s health.

• Take an inventory of your regular daily activities to ensure that they are safe for pregnancy. When I got pregnant in 2009 I was working for a commercial cleaning company. Every day I was surrounded by hazardous chemicals that weren’t really safe for pregnant women to work around. I quit within the first trimester due more to extreme fatigue than chemical exposure, but that was definitely a factor in my decision to leave. If need be, check in with your caregiver if you aren’t sure whether or not a specific activity is safe or not.

• Find ways to relieve early pregnancy symptoms if you are experiencing them. One of the most common complaints is morning sickness. If you are able to build up your magnesium and Vitamin D stores at least 6 months before you get pregnant, your chances of morning sickness will decrease greatly. If you haven’t prepared, however, you may still be able to find relief through the use of various products and/or supplements: Ginger, sea-bands, eating small meals sufficient in protein throughout the day, or - in extreme cases - prescription anti-nausea medication may all help. Be gentle with yourself and if you aren’t feeling well, take time to rest and nurture your body.

• REST. For many pregnant women, exhaustion comes on hard and fast during the first trimester. If you are able you should make it a point to rest as much as you can so you aren’t dragging all day long. I know this can be challenging for those who work full time or have other children to tend to, but even if you have to take a cat-nap at work, or lay down with your other littles during their nap time, this can make a big difference in how you feel in general from day to day. Go to bed early if you can! Your body is doing incredible things, and it’s only natural to feel some exhaustion because of it.

• Try to get adequate exercise. This doesn’t mean that you have to do a bunch of cardio or weight training, but you do want to keep your body supple and your blood and oxygen flowing. When it comes time to deliver your baby, you want to make sure that you are able to meet the physical challenges that the experience may require of you. Having hip and leg flexibility and the ability to exert yourself for long periods of time can be most helpful when the time comes. Not only that, but exercising helps to cut down on fatigue and it just feels good!

• Learn to distinguish between normal pregnancy symptoms and symptoms that may require caregiver notification. Especially if you are pregnant for the first time, it can be hard to tell whether a particular ache, pain, or sensation is normal, or if it requires immediate attention. Talk with your caregiver at your first appointment and do your own research so you’ll be better informed in the event that something doesn’t feel right.

• Do fun pregnancy stuff! Think about names, track your baby’s growth, start looking at baby clothes and nursery items, begin building a registry, etc etc etc.

We all at some point in our lives have dreams. Dreams that have propelled us into exciting and passionate moments. Dreams that have taken us to new
heights. And dreams that have shaped and formed our lives in more ways than
we could have ever imagined.

My dream started when my youngest son was born and we needed an
alternative to disposable diapers. FuzziBunz grew and so did my desire to
provide products to families that would be healthier for their little ones. I took a
huge leap of faith when I went on SharkTank and asked the Sharks to invest in
my company. I learned so much in that moment and was blessed to quickly find
investors that have given me the opportunity to continue to provide each and
every one of you with cloth diapers for your little ones.

Last year, we announced that Infant C Trading company (which I have a stake in) acquired FuzziBunz and has been a driving force behind making this, a brand that provides quality cloth diapers at an affordable rate, a reality.

But, we don’t want to stop there.

I have always been dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs who are looking to
introduce baby products into the industry. And the broad reach of FuzziBunz has given me an even stronger platform to effectively introduce new products that are now a part of our family!

Throughout the next couple of weeks, our team will be sharing each and every
one of these new brands with you! Our reach is large and our families are dedicated to providing you with products that are best for your children. All of the brands we represent are unique and sure to peak your interest so make sure to check back periodically to see what items we have to offer!

All of the brands that are part of the INFANTC Brands family will be available on
our FuzziBunz.com site! To learn more about our brands and to see what amazing items will be launched on our website next, check out or social media sites and visit https://fuzzibunz.com/collections/brands-we-love to shop new products!

Cheers to making new dreams come true!

Sincerely,

Tereson Dupuy, CEO
FuzziBunz.com
INFANTC Brands, LLC

There are a lot of cloth diaper brands on the market today that offer One Size diapers. The majority of them are designed to fit children from the time they are born, up until the time they learn to use the toilet. This sounds great, right? I mean, think of how much money you’re going to save if you only have to buy one set of diapers to last your child’s entire diapering career?

But there are downsides to this design. To begin, in order to create a diaper that fits such a wide weight, size, and age range, the diaper’s fabric content has to be such that it will comfortably fit the largest end of the aforementioned spectrum. What does that mean for newborns? BULK.

Many One Size diaper users find that the bulkiness of the diapers is bothersome, not only aesthetically, but practically. A tiny newborn baby wearing a diaper that potentially fits a 40 pound child is not likely going to be able to keep his/her legs together. The excess fabric will create a ‘balloon” effect that could distort the position of the baby’s hips and waist when lying down (which will be much of the time). These factors put together could potentially create a misalignment of the baby’s growing body as well as general discomfort.

Additionally, other One Size diapers are designed with rows of snaps down the front of the diaper which you use to adjust the rise. While this design works, it also creates “folds” that many CD users find to be unattractive.

What is the solution? FuzziBunz First Year and One Size Adjustable diapering system. Two different styles, each designed to fit a specific weight/age range that offers a great fit while still saving you money.

Our Adjustable diapers are the only product with a fully-adjustable, fully-replaceable elastic system. By simply buttoning the waist and leg elastics to the recommended setting provided by our sizing guide, your child will receive a snug, secure fit with minimal bulk.

Our First Year Adjustable diapers are designed to fit children from approximately 6 - 24 pounds, or newborn - 18 months old. These diapers have a narrow crotch and a lower rise to ensure that newborns receive optimal comfort and security, and are great for children who are starting to move and groove!

Our One Size Adjustable diapers are designed to fit children from approximately 10 - 40 pounds, or 3 - 36 months. With a wider crotch and higher rise, children receive more coverage where they need it most, and a great fit that will last them until potty training.

While the idea of only having to buy one set of diapers for life is great in theory, the reality is that if you want a truly secure, comfortable fit for your child as a newborn, a babe, and a toddler, a “one size fits all” diaper is not likely to get the job done.

Check out our First Year and One Size Adjustable bundles for big savings and adorable styles!

Many of our customers have expressed their sadness at the discontinuation of the Perfect Size FuzziBunz diaper. Some say that they truly do offer the “perfect fit:” trim and slim and easy to pop on and off. And we share your sadness, and agree that they were a great product, but there is a reason why the Perfect Size aren’t selling anywhere near as well as our new First Year Adjustable diapers (which are now our best-selling diaper!).

Our First Year Adjustable diapers are designed to fit children from about 6 - 24 pounds, or approximately newborn - 18 months. This means that you are able to size the diapers to the equivalents of our Newborn Perfect Size, Small Perfect Size, and the smaller end of our Medium Perfect Size diapers! This also means that it will save you a lot of money since you don’t have to keep sizing up like you would need to with our Perfect Size diapers.

The First Year Adjustable diapers are nice and trim in the crotch - no more spread-eagle babies who can’t close their legs due to a bulky diaper! This also offers more flexibility to the kiddos who are starting to move and groove. They have the same super soft interior fleece, sturdy PUL, and strong snaps that the Perfect Size diapers do, with the added benefit of fitting your baby perfectly at multiple stages and sizes.

Our Adjustable diapers are the most customizable multi-size diapers in the industry, 3-times more to be exact! This is due to our Fantastic Elastic® system. The waist and leg elastics are fully adjustable to give your child the most perfect fit for his or her individual body type. This means security and protection against leaks. They are also fully removable so that when the elastics finally wear out, you don’t have to throw the whole diaper away or spend frustrating amounts of time ripping seams and sewing new elastics in! Simply take the old elastics out, put fresh ones in, and your diaper comes back to springy, well-fitting life!

Every child is different in many ways, and this includes potty habits! Some kids trickle here and there throughout the day, while others flood their diapers all in one “go.” So when using cloth diapers, it’s important to pay attention to this as you may need to adjust your system accordingly.

When dealing with heavy wetters, especially overnight, absorbency and fit are key to a successful cloth diapering experience. Figuring out which materials to use, in what combination, and when, can make all the difference in whether or not you end up with leaks.

Let’s be clear on one thing: Leaks can happen anywhere, and at any time. They are the number one complaint among cloth diaper users of any brand and any type, but just about any chronic leaking issue can be remedied with a few adjustments.

So let’s talk absorbency. This is one of the most important aspects of leak-free cloth diapering, and one that is often overlooked when dealing with it. Just because a particular cloth diaper comes with one particular insert, that doesn’t always mean that it’s going to work for your child. Let’s take a look at the most common materials used for absorbency, and how each one functions:

Microfiber - This is perhaps the most popular material making up a good majority of cloth diaper inserts. A synthetic fiber, microfiber is very “thirsty” and is also known to absorb quickly. It is known to last longer than natural fibers like hemp or bamboo, which is a plus because aside from potentially being able to use the same inserts through multiple children, it is also non-biodegradable so the longer you can use it, the better. The downsides of microfiber is that it is prone to compression leaking, and can also hang on to odors and build-up, often resulting in repelling and leaking issues.

Cotton - Fairly inexpensive and very absorbent. You can find cotton absorbency in the form of cheap prefolds and flats, and also with flour sack towels which have become a popular insert option. Cotton is much less prone to compression leaks than microfiber (which is honestly probably the worst offender). Cons include a slower drying time, and - if not organic - is usually grown in pesticides and/or fertilizers.

Hemp - Probably absorbs the most liquid out of all natural fibers. It is highly sustainable due to how fast it grows, and without the need of pesticides or other chemicals. Cons are that even though it is highly absorbent, it is slow to absorb so hemp tends to work best when combined with other fibers or with another insert (also known as “doubling”). It also has the potential to hang on to odors similar to microfiber. Unprocessed hemp is usually very crunchy when dried on the line so if this irks you, you may want to dry in the dryer.

Bamboo - This is another very absorbent material that can be grown quickly without chemicals, but must be highly processed in order to turn bamboo fibers into usable fabric so in the end, it isn’t a truly “natural” material (though still more natural than microfiber). Bamboo is also less likely to hold on to odors the way hemp and microfiber can, and stays softer than hemp when dried. Bamboo makes a great overnight solution, especially when using a bamboo flannel or fleece insert.

When trying to figure out what inserts are best to use for your child, pay attention to their “potty language.” How long can you usually leave the diaper on before it needs to be changed? If you can go for a few hours, then your child most likely has fewer bowel movements throughout the day and tends to pee in trickles instead of gushes. For daytime use, one insert is probably enough, and any of the above materials can likely be used.

If you only get an hour (or less) out of a diaper before it is soaked, then you’ve probably got a heavy wetter on your hands and will need to adjust the absorbency accordingly. For daytime use, bamboo would be a great choice, especially in the form of bamboo velour or fleece, or blended with another material such as hemp or cotton. I have heard that bamboo charcoal inserts work very well, but I do not have personal experience with these so I can’t give my recommendation. It would be something to check out though if you have a heavy wetter!

You may want to consider doubling up your inserts for super soakers. For instance, placing a fast-absorbing insert such as bamboo over a slower-absorbing insert such as hemp can be a great combo for heavy wetters as the initial gush of urine will become mostly absorbed by the bamboo, and then the excess can roll off the bamboo and get captured by the hemp underneath. This is also a great option for overnights when diaper changes may be fewer and farther-between.

*TIP: If you are regularly getting wicking through the waist or leg seams in your diaper, try drying them on high heat one time (do not do this regularly) and/or use a little waterproof sealant (a.k.a. Seam sealer) such as Atsko Permanent Water Guard. If you use the water guard, we recommend spraying some into a cup or bowl and then “painting” it on with a small paintbrush for a cleaner, more precise application.

Let’s also look at the placement of the absorbency. While you can usually get away with simply laying an insert flat inside of your diaper and being done with it, sometimes you may actually need to place more absorbency in a specific spot (known as the “wet zone”) if you’re seeing a pattern in where your child tends to soak their diaper the most. For boys, it’s important to always point the penis down when putting a diaper on so that they don’t end up leaking out of the top front of the diaper. Boys usually need more absorbency in the front of the diaper, while girls tend to need more absorbency in the middle of the insert. So for a boy, for instance, you may find that folding the front part of the insert over once to give extra layers will work better than a flat insert.

Lastly, always make sure that the diaper fits well. You want a good, snug fit with no gapping or sagging. Check the leg openings and waist area to make sure that these areas are tight, but not so tight that they are leaving painful-looking marks on your child’s body. Light red marks are normal, just like the markings you get on your legs when you remove your socks, or around your waist when you remove your jeans. Check with your diaper brand’s sizing guide to ensure you are adjusting according to their recommended settings, and then you can readjust if necessary.

Hopefully these tips help make your cloth diapering experience a bit easier! Do you have a heavy wetter? If you’ve found your perfect absorbency match, what is it?