Amidst The Peace and Chaos

June 20, 2009

SmartiPants

Filed under: Cloth Diaper, Products — Tags: , — Camille @ 12:40 pm

Allow me to introduce you to SmartiPants. And no, that isn’t a nickname for Daniel! 

SmartiPants is a brand new cloth diaper, made right here in America!

A few months back, during my extensive research (many many many hours) of cloth diapers, I came across a small article stating the need for testers, to try out SmartiPants and give honest feedback.  Being brand new to the world of cloth diapering, I sent in a request to be a tester. 

I received a pale yellow, one size, pocket diaper, including one insert. SmartiPants is a lightweight, super absorbent cloth diaper, made with snaps, not hook and loop (velcro), for longer use.  The instructions state to wash the diaper, once, before use. Many cloth diapers need 3 to 5 washings before they reach maximum absorbancy.

I washed it, just once, line dried it, then used it that night on my new baby girl.  I wanted to use it overnight, all night, to really test it out, and see if it really held up to a long wear.  I let my daughter wear it through the night, then took my time changing her the next morning. After she had it on for about 10 hours (no, I don’t go that long between changings, but this was a test), I changed her, and was happy to find the diaper hadn’t leaked one bit, and my daughter was not soaking. The polyester-nylon insert had held up and absorded perfectly!

When I first received the diaper, Addison (6 weeks at the time) weighed about 10 pounds. The diaper, on the smallest setting, fit her perfectly. I admit, it looked kind of scrunchy to me, but again, no leaks, and she didn’t seem to have any complaints about the diaper.

I washed the diaper, without removing the insert-because I was told it will come out in the wash. The insert did come out in the wash, and once dry, I put it on my 32 pound toddler.  I let her wear it for several hours, and while it does fit her, it’s a bit snug. But she’s a big girl. She’s 18 months old, 30 inches tall, and weighs 32 pounds. She’s quite chunky around the middle and thigh area, so I was surprised the diaper actually fit her at all.  She wore the diaper for several hours, even seemed to enjoy being in it, and we had no leaks!

I have to say, the insert is the perfect size.  I plan to order a pack of their inserts to use with other pocket diapers I own. They are perfect.

I have ordered two additional diaper packages from SmartiPants. At $36.95 for a 3 pack+3 inserts, that’s quite a steal compared to other pocket diapers I own. That comes out to a bargain price of just over $12 per diaper. When I purchased the additional diaper packages, I went with the always safe white for one package, but had a hard time deciding what color choice to make for the 2nd package. I ended up buying the girl colors, but I love all their colors and want more!

When I first tried to order through the website, I came across some bugs. But keep in mind, this is a brand new company, that had just launched it’s product and website. I called customer service, and right away my call was answered. Customer service was incredibly friendly and helpful. I explained the bugs I kept coming across, and the lady on the other end of the phone went through a few steps, and then contacted her web development company about the bugs. The very next day the online order form was working perfectly.  How’s that for service?

If you’re considering cloth diapers, and need to build up your stash, I highly recommend you purchase a package from SmartiPants. It’s a great way to try cloth diapering without breaking the bank.  And I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!

February 4, 2009

Kids Table Project

Filed under: DIY, Decorating, Products — Camille @ 11:26 pm

ikea-kids-table-and-chairs

I have big plans to purchase the Svala Table set from Ikea,

I want to paint the top with chalkboard paint so the kids can scribble on it.

But I’d like to make the rest of it look cute too. Should I paint it all white and add decals? Paint it different (neutral colors)?

January 29, 2009

Bath Storage

Filed under: Baby, Decorating, Products — Camille @ 11:16 am

 

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Now that I have 2 toddlers, I’ve been eyeing the Boon Frog Pod. But to be honest, frogs don’t exactly fit my house decor, and I have a boy AND a girl, and the frog seemed to be more for boys, they do have a lady bug, but of course that screams girl.

Everytime I go to Target, I browse their aisles for some sort of bath toy storage, and never find what I’m looking for. I want something that looks good, but isn’t too adult, but that is convenient, affordable, and still flows with the rest of the house.

Yesterday I opened up my inbox, and had an e-mail about the newest Skip Hop product.  Tubby! A new bath organizer that’s “Soft, stretchy, and stays put!”

It comes in blue and orange. I’m partial to the blue, the kids bathroom (or guest bathroom) is done in beige/neutral colors, and the blue would compliment it nicely!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions…

Filed under: Baby, Everyday, Products, opinions — Camille @ 11:00 am

I’ve been going back and forth with the idea of cloth diapering. It just seems inconvenient, but I know a few moms who cloth diaper, and they love it more than anything. So I’ve been talking with them about it, and I think I’m going to go for it.

It will be cheaper in the long run, but the upfront investment, I just do not have at this time. I like the idea of a one-size/all-in-one cloth diaper, because it works just like a disposable diaper, but you just wash it instead of throw it out. And because it’s one-size (adjustable), I wouldn’t have to worry about buying multiple sizes. There are a few accessories I’d have to buy, but overall, the savings would add up over the course of 2 or so years of a baby in cloth diapers vs. disposable.

After doing some research, I really like the idea of the All in one BumGenius Organic diapers. Now I just need to save up to buy an 18 or 24 pack!

http://www.thanksmama.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=bmg-0015

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