Cloth diapering: Muttaqins

Evangeline wearing a Muttaqin fitted diaper (size large)

If you asked me which diaper I grab first, I'd say the Muttaqin.  It's been my all time favorite since we switched to fitted diapers.  (Note: fitted diapers require a waterproof cover.)

Not only are they extremely cute, they seem cozy, comfortable, and soft. They are made with top-quality fabrics and any snaps that would be on the inside of the diaper are hidden so they don't press against baby's skin. Not only are they wonderfully absorbent, but they also contain "messes" well.  I've never had a blow out with these babies!

"Mutts", as they are known in cloth diaper circles, come in a variety of designs.  One of their most economical designs is their unique one size diaper, which they call the 3 Step Rise 1 Size (referred to 3SR Mutts in the CD world). Because of their adjustability, they fit from 8-35lbs.

Those anticipating the arrival of a newborn may love their Newborn Sized diapers which come with a snap down umbilical area to avoid covering that fragile little umbilical stump. These diapers typically fit from 5-15lbs because of a special snap down rise which made.  When your baby outgrows these, he or she will fit wonderfully into 3SR Mutts.  Mutt's NB sized diapers are deliciously adorable. These will definitely hold in those newborn would-be-blowouts!  These are newborn diapers you don't have to feel guilty about splurging on since they fit a wider range.  I have a hard time buying diapers that only fit up to 8 or 9lbs, since my last two have been around eight and a half pounds!  Seems like a waste!

Mutt's Front-Snapping diapers are the ones I am most familiar with.  They come in medium and large sizes.  Evie, at the average size for a 16 month old, can easily fit in both medium and large sizes.  She never has red marks on her skin from the gussets or snaps (since the snaps are hidden).  I generally use a Thirsties Duo Wrap (size 2), Bummis Super Brite (Medium) or wool soaker (like EcoPosh) over these diapers.

Muttaqin also carries side-snapping diapers (which I'd love to test out! I'm new to side-snapping!), "Baby-shapped" diapers, and turned and top-stitched sized diapers (their other diapers are serged).

FYI, I am not being paid to post this review. This is just a personal review of some of my favorite cloth diapers!

Our Cloth Diaper Stash

I recently sold most of my pockets and built lil Miss Evangeline a new stash of cloth diapers made mostly of fitted diapers.  And, I've been working on building Molly Jo's cloth diaper stash, this time splurging a bit on a newborn fitted stash.  (With Evangeline, her newborn stash was flats and prefolds with Bummis Super Brite and Thirsties Duo Wrap size 1 covers)

{diapers nicely organized into bins}

Molly Jo:

11 Birds-Eye flats (I must have lost one)
4 Dark Green Edge prefolds
5 Gerber Prefolds

1 Cotton Sherpa Small or Newborn Kissa Contour
2 Small Floral Contours
2 Small Sckoon fitteds
5 Diaper Drive Thru Newborn fitteds
4 Newborn Patooshie Fitteds
1 Gussie Pocket (made by me) fitted
8 Small flannel diapers (7 made by me) [Evie outgrew these around 6 months old]
2 Small Organic Hideaway diapers
3 Medium Stage 2 Drybees (adjustable)
1 Medium Piper's Closet diaper
5 Medium Thirsties Fab Fitteds
8 Tinkle Trap Converted Prefold Fitteds

4 GroBaby/GroVia diapers (I have a 5th.. somewhere...)

1 Black OS Tweedlebug Pocket diaper
2 Small Fuzzibunz pocket diaper (white)
3 Pink OS BumGenius pocket diapers (fit on the small side, IMO)
2 Blueberry OS pocket diapers

1 OS Wool cover
1 small wool cover
2 small pair of fleece longies
4 Thirsties Duo Wraps size 1 [Evie outgrew these around 6 months as well]
1 Weehugger cover size 1

Evangeline:

3 wool soakers (covers)
2 Bummis Super Brite wraps (1 medium, 1 grand. Grand is still a little too big.)
1 Lavender Thirsties Duo Wrap (size 2)
1 Kushies cover
2 Snapless Fleece wraps (made by me)
1 Fleece soaker (made by me)
3 Fleece "capris" (made by me)

3 Nifty Nappies fitteds
6 Large Muttaqin fitteds
4 Large Sandy's ME fitteds
2 MEOS (Mother Ease One-Size) fitteds

To share (but mostly for Evie):

3 OS Muttaqin fitteds
2 Bumpkie Bottoms Snapless OS fitteds
2 OS Cheeky Cloth fitteds
2 Bugga Bugga Boutique fitteds (OS)
1 snapless zebra/floral BSRB
1 Egg & Bacon Soothe Baby OS fitted
1 Tinkle Trap side snap fitted
3 Good Mamas

and a bunch of inserts, mostly bamboo or hemp. I'm sure I have more diapers here and there I forgot to mention, but this is what was among the things I was organizing (or was waiting to arrive in the mail). I purchased the majority of my diapers in excellent used condition from other cloth diapering mamas. Therefore, I have some really great high-quality diapers without paying a high-quality price! :)

A lot of my friends have exclaimed that I have a large stash- if only they knew how big the average cloth diaper stash is! I know many women who have far more than I have... and for only one child!

I'd really like to get a dozen more diaper for Evangeline so I don't have to wash as often.  Since Evie has not been interested in using the potty at all lately (there's your Elimination Communication update!), we've gone through a lot more diapers, so I usually have to wash every other day. It's not a big deal, but it'd be really nice to wash every three days instead.  However, since for years I had a tiny stash and was accustomed to washing every day, I am thankful that I can nearly squeeze in three days out of Evangeline's stash.

Our current stash- this photo is missing a little over 2 dozen diapers from our stash.

I'm going to start reviewing some my favorite diapers, so you'll know what I love about my new stash! Check back for that if you're curious about cloth!

Gluten-Free yummies!

I'm thinking I may need to go gluten-free.  Gluten issues run in my family (Hi Dad!) and when I mean run, I mean.. um, well anyway.

My mom has a wheat allergy, most of us (including my parents, sibling, husband, 3 out of 4 of my kiddos, and myself) have problems with dairy, my husband's jaw locks up when he has agave (so, no tequila babe), and my stomach cannot handle lots of meat. My sons go ADHD-crazy when food-dye gets into their systems (but M&Ms are so tasty!) and too much black pepper causes problems for my husband (I'll spare you the details).

So, needless to say, we're no stranger to food allergies and sensitivities. That being said, we often indulge in the things that irritate our bodies the most because we're ridiculous like that.  Time after time, with my stomach in knots and guts gurgling, I tell myself, "You've got to stop eating that junk," but it's difficult, isn't it?

We go through phases.  We will eat super-duper healthy (even raw vegan) for a time, and then something will happen that knocks us out of the routine and we're allowing more and more "cheats" and indulgences. I personally like to blame the pregnancy for the extreme chocolate cravings, but before long, I'm going to have to blame post partum, and then what?

Anyway, my husband and I are headed to Louisiana later in the week where the term "health food" is fairly non-existent.  I tell you, I am never more motivated to change my diet than when I leave my mother-in-laws.  I love her Cajun cooking, but poo-yi* it slays me.  (*Cajun slang, which is all the more appropriate because it contains the word POO.)

The other day I confessed to my friend (who is also my midwife) and my husband, "I'm pretty sure I need to go gluten-free."  My friend has been GF for a couple months now, and my husband has been on and off the GF boat over the years (usually just as a cleanse, though).  My husband agreed, "When we get back from my Mom's, we definitely need to get back to eating healthy."

*Nod*

So, here's a few recipes I wanted to share (mostly so I have a record to return to when I need some inspiration) of GF recipes around the web.


Cinnamon baked apples are one of my favorite desserts, but I haven't had them in ages. It's one of those desserts you can feel good about. (Thanks Wheatless and Meatless for the reminder!)

These Cornmeal Dinner Rolls from Gluten Free on a Shoestring would be perfect as buns for burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches. (Mmmmmmmm....)

One of our family's favorite meals is Eggplant Parmesan. GF on a Shoestring has a great recipe for GF baked Eggplant Parm!

This recipe for Chili Almond Asparagus from Vegan Yum Yum sounds delicious, although I would replace the powdered soup "seasoning" she uses with real (GF) seasonings.

I like rice dishes, and this recipe for Vegan Paella sounds delish.  Who's with me?

Oh hi yum, I would love to eat this Spring Potato Salad with a big ol' bowl of GF gumbo.

Speaking of potatoes, I could totally get my sweet potato with this great Sweet Potato Pone recipe from The Gluten-Free Homemaker.  Oh man, I've got to do that ASAP!

8 Green Gifts that $ave money!

Here are eight great gifts that are actually useful.... and "green"! All of these items come from various Etsy shops, so you are not only being green, but your money is staying in the US! Buy for yourself or someone else!

Produce bags from generationMe. ($2.75)

We all know grocery store produce bags are such a waste. They're flimsy to begin with!
The other day I plopped a bag of sweet potatoes on the check out, and the bag ripped, sending the potatoes rumbling and rolling all over the place. Bleh.

Cloth wipes from Lover of Life Designs

16 2-ply flannel wipes for $15

or 30 1-play flannel wipes for $20

These wipes are great for those who are cloth diapering, but also for wiping dirty faces and runny noses and could be used as bath rags as well! So soft!

"Unpaper Towels" from LittleWondersDesign
$25 for 24 towels made from Birds Eye Cotton

Remember the days when people didn't use paper towels? Maybe you don't! Check out these towels. They are slim and can tuck into a drawer or fold into a pretty little basket on the countertop. You could use them as napkins, kitchen towels, or even use them on your Swiffer Mop!

The Flower Farm crocheted coffee sleeve $9.95

I wish I could crochet, but I can't. Well, I could... if I tried, but... then I'd have to steer my patience from one area to another, so....  hey, look.. aren't these cute? The Flower Farm has a variety of crocheted coffee sleeves that will make you want to pick up the java-habit if you haven't already. Great gift for a friend who can't go without her morning cup of joe. (I know, this doesn't save you money, but... can we pretend it does? It does save you from wasting those little cardboard sleeves!)

Reusable To-Go Tumbler from Poppy & Pearl Co , prices vary upon size & quantity.

I love mason jars, so I definitely love these cute tumblers that have a nifty little lid and come with a reusable, BPA-free straw!  These make perfect kiddo cups as well!

Upcycled Wool diaper covers by Laura Blossom $12.50 - $24.00

Not too long ago, I ditched pocket diapers, PUL, and microfiber for a more natural diapering system. The first wool cover I bought was from this little Etsy store!  You see, wool covers can be extremely expensive, and when you are on a budget, well.... the idea of spending $40 on one wool cover seems a little *eek*, especially when you aren't sure whether you'll really love using wool or not!  I am so grateful that Ms. Laura sells these inexpensive, upcycled covers in her little Baa Baa Baby Etsy shop! I have to give her extra credit because she sends them out already lanolized so you can begin using them right away! These would make the perfect gift for a cloth-diapering mama!  This one wool cover has replaced the 5-8 PUL covers I would normally use in one day! See, money saving and cute!

Wool Knit Play Fruit from clothdiapermommy $15.00

Okay, so this isn't actually going to save you money either, but it's a super cute handmade gift that any child should love! (I know mine would!) They are soft, safe, and perfect for toddlers and "big girls" alike, in my opinion!

Waterproof Labels by stickaroundlabels $19.95-24.95

Now this is a smart idea! These waterproof labels not only work on sippy cups, lunchboxes, books, and shoes, but can also be put on cloth diapers, jackets, and other wearable items! (Read directions on placement.) Choose from a variety of designs.  Child have an allergy? Purchase a special sticker stating your kiddo's allergy for their backpack or lunchbox. Great for children in daycare or school.... or adults whose stuff seems to disappear from the office!

Cloth diapering: Inexpensive wool covers

Our family is in the process of switching over to wool cloth diaper covers and natural fiber fitted diapers since we have been having a lot of trouble with microfiber, PUL, and the like (and, quite frankly, doing all that diaper stripping and such is tiring).

When I started cloth diapering Evie, I had a stash of one-size pocket diapers leftover from Keagan, but I wanted to look at all my options. We started out with flatfolds and Bummis covers because I didn't think I could afford wool (and I wasn't sure I was up for caring for wool- I didn't know how easy it was!).

Maybe some of you are interested in easy, care-free cloth diapering and would really like to try out wool covers but are stunned by the pricing.   Many hand-knit wool soakers are between $30-50 which seems like a huge price to pay for a cover.

However, it's important to understand that you can get by with just a few wool soakers since they do not have to be washed after each use unless they have poo on them. If they haven't been soiled, you can continue to reuse them for a week or two (I have some friends who wash them every 3-4 weeks!), doing a simple lanolizing soak. You can read more about that here in my post on MandyMom.com titled: Fleece tips, Wool, & How to make your own wool wash.

Therefore, one wool soaker (cover) can outdo and outlast fleece and PUL covers (including pocket diapers), as they do not have to be washed nearly as often, and therefore you can have fewer wool covers than you would of fleece or PUL.  Wool also is a great "back-up", as it can hold up to 40% of it's weight in liquid, so if your diaper leaks, the wool soaker will save the day.

So, in the grand scheme of things, $30-50 for one wool cover really isn't a huge cost, since it will replace at least 3-5 of your other covers. BUT, for those of us who are frugal minded, seeing such a huge price tag attached to such a small booty cover, it can be difficult to make such a purchase.

Which is where sites like Esty come in handy.  You see, I do have sewing talent and have sewn some of my own wool covers, but I still have to shell out at least $5 for a wool sweater from the thrift store.  So, when I see a beautiful upcycled wool cover for only $10-12, I think it's a pretty darn good deal.

When you're just testing the waters of cloth diapering, you probably don't feel it's wise to invest a huge chunk of money in a cover you aren't sure you'll even like! Take my advice and look into these Etsy sellers who have a beautiful array of wool covers for a great price.

I just bought my first not-made-by-me wool shorties from LauraBlossom.  I'm waiting for them to come in.... and am very eager to put them to use! She seems like a very sweet person.  She had a great sale going on CyberMonday, but when I checked out, the code didn't work.  However, the shorties were so cute (and still a great price), I decided to go ahead and purchase them anyway. I left her a note that the sale code didn't work, and she refunded the 20% discount to me!  She also has other deals and discounts, which is a great way to catch this gal's eye and consumership! I'll keep you posted on the quality of her products. She has positive feedback, so I'm pretty sure I'll like what I purchased!

Gramma Tuck has a beautiful assortment of wool shorties, longies, and even skirties.
Celia Screams makes lovely hand-knitted (crocheted?) soakers... and they are incredibly priced. Her small soakers go for $10!
JoyfulGirlDesign makes upcycled wool longies and more- and even sells "Seconds" at a great price. (Seconds are products that have slight imperfections but are still functional.)
Nana's Knickers knickers are wonderfully priced and absolutely adorable! Her soakers remind me of the old vintage style I've seen in photos from long ago!

So, now you need a cloth diaper to cover up!  One of my favorite Esty gals is Tiffany.  When Evangeline was a baby, she sent me one of her beautiful creations to test out and review. You can bet I'll be using it when little Molly Jo makes her entrance!  Check out Tiffany's shop, True Baby Designs.  (You will need to pin her fitted diapers, or use a Snappi.)



Aw, look how small my Evangeline Rose was!

If you're handy with a sewing machine, you could even make your own fitted cloth diapers.  I prefer cotton flannel, and usually sew in at least 6 layers for a newborn and 8-10 for an older baby. (Helps to make a set-in soaker, or one that is only sewn on in the back so that it dries quicker after washing.)  Here are a few of my own early creations:




Oh, and I wanted to add- if you are looking for a great insert to give you more absorbency, try out my friend's awesome bamboo soakers over at Cotton Cheeks!  It may seem pricy at $6, but these are my favorite, favorite inserts/soakers.  I promise, I use these regularly! (I actually should buy more!)

Waking up to yum...

Know what I like? Waking up the day after we load up on fruits and veggies to see all of this!

Make Your Own: Greek Seasoning

• 1 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic
  
  
  I like to toss mine in a grinder so it's granulated.  I bought a $10 coffee grinder which is perfect for this.  Add salt to taste if you prefer to have a salted seasoning.  Start with 1/2 teaspoon and taste before you add anymore. Store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.