I tried out SMARTI PANTS and now I am a Smarti Mama

The first time I ever used cloth diapers was when my 9 1/2 y/o was a baby. She broke out in a terrible rash from sposies so I thought I better do something to save my poor baby's behind! Even back then, it was a lot different then what our grandmas used....but boy has it come a whole lot further now!

Back in 2002 (hahaha that sounds so funny, like I'm writing with this wealth of knowledge) I ordered some DSQ (diaper service quality) CPF (chinese prefolds) and some bummis covers! No longer was the days of pins and plastic pants! All I had to do was fold a CPF into thirds, place it in a cover and velcro it around her tushie!

Now I have a 2 y/o and a 1 y/o and I love to CD (cloth diaper)! But in these "modern ages" it is so easy to CD and you have so so so many options. I will have to save all the options and lingo for another post...that will take forever!

For the past 2 years I've used pockets for the most part! A pocket is a diaper that has a PUL outer and some sort of inner that is safe to be against baby's bum, usually suede cloth or micro fleece. Then there is an opening that you "stuff" the diaper with. Many options to stuff with also. Anyways...My hubby and I were pretty partial to a specific diaper and I loved them. But, recently, one of my wonderful Diaper Swappers mamas told me about SMARTI PANTS. They have been in production for a little over a year now AND they are made right here in the USA!!! (WOOT WOOT) I ordered a "special edition" 3 pack of green apple and was so excited for them to come.

When my "fluff mail" (CD) arrived I immediately tried them on my babies. Now let me tell you an important piece of info...my 2 y/o is a total chunky meat head~big all around with a bubba belly (similar to a mans beer belly) and my 1 y/o is long and slender with very tiny pixi like features! Smarti Pants are a ONE SIZE diaper that fits from 7 lbs-35 lbs (birth -potty training)and are similar to a pocket, but it is considered a "sleeve" diaper because the pocket you stuff is open on both ends which allows you to make sure the insert is in perfectly! I was very impressed that I was able to get a great fit on both babies! These diapers are snap closures, so no worries about pilling or washing machine snakes. There are 2 columns of snaps in the front to adjust the rise and the closures allow you to overlap snap for even the tiniest of waists! Each diaper comes with a MF (micro fiber) insert that was able to hold my super soaker son through his nap with no leaks! I also loved the bright color! Smarti Pants is doing a special edition 3 pack colors that started in August! The first release was Hot Chocolate for August and Green Apple for September! We Smarti Parents are so anxiously awaiting the release for OCTOBER!!! We are hoping it is a 3 color pack!

When I washed these, it was the simplest CD I have EVER washed! There is no need to pull out the insert (like every other pocket diaper)! All you do is unsnap the rise settings and toss it in the wash. The insert works itself out during the wash cycle and both the diapers and inserts came out nice and clean! I have a front loader and had no problems! I prefer to dry my inserts in the dryer, but line dry my diapers! They dried very quickly!

I have to give Smarti Pants an overall A...in style, performance, ease of use, quality, value and fit! I'm so glad I was encouraged to try this diaper! You can not beat the price or quality of this diaper! All my mamas out there....give CDs a try and be sure to try Smarti Pants!!! I would love to be able to encourage all the teenage moms, moms out of work, single moms, every mom to use cloth diapers. I really wish I could donate some diaper stashes to mamas in need to help them out, spread the word of CDs and save some waste that is destroying our Earth!

Stop by http://WWW.smartipants.com to check out their complete line!


Keeley 1 & Landon 2 September 2010

MOMSMILKBOTIQUE.COM - ERGObaby GIVEAWAY

I told you before....I love giveaway. Here's another chance to win am Ergo! Head over to momsmilkboutique.com and follow their five simple steps to be entered into the drawing! Good luck everyone!
http://www.breastfeedbabywearclothdiaper.com/

WHO LOVES A GIVEAWAY? I DO! GO CHECK THIS OUT....

I Love to babywear, I've gone through a ton of different types. My fav so far are Babyhawk, BUT I really really want to try an Ergo! Go check out Life with the Stevens and tell them I sent you. PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT ON MY BLOG THAT YOU BECAME A FAN! We both will be entered to win!
http://www.lifewiththestevens.com/2010/09/organic-ergo-baby-carrier-giveaway.html

CLOTH DIAPER GIVE AWAY!!!

Hey Mamas (or friends of Mamas),

Enter here
http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/cloth-diaper-blog-super-stash-giveaway/
for a chance to win some great Cloth Diapers from DIAPER JUNCTION!

The  MAM twister!
I was able to participate in a test group for a new teether by MAM. It is called Twister. It is very unique and offers multi-sensory areas for your little one to teeth on or play with. Each part attached to the white base can twist and turn. My daughter did like it and played with it when I interacted with her using it. I did find that it would be a bit bulky for a younger/smaller baby. It was very easy to clean and even captured the attention of my 19 month old son. Colors are gender friendly  and it can easily attach to your carseat or bouncy seat with some links! Overall I liked the product and would buy for my children or as a gift.

http://www.mambaby.com/index.php?StoryID=11195&RefStoryID=11159&ProductID=166

Far and Few

Ok, Ok...It has been a long time since I added a new post, but there has been a lot going on. I want to let everyone know about
kidsbowlfree.com
go there and sign your kids up for 2 free games of bowling everyday until August 31, 2010. This does not include shoe rental. There are also a limited number of Adult passes available for less then $25.00 you can sign two adults up for 2 games everyday until August 31, 2010. Once again, shoe rental not included! This makes for a cheap fun day, so go check it out and take advantage of this deal!
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

BEST BRICK & MORTAR KID STORE

I recently stumbled upon a fabulous brick & mortar store in Ann Arbor, MI. Elephant Ears in located at 407 N. Fifth Ave. located in the Kerrytown Market. I am so excited to have found this store as they carry all the products that I want, need or desire for my kids. They just recently moved into a very large space inside the Kerrytown Market and sport 2 levels of high end, top quality products. Elephant Ears carry baby gear, furniture, clothing, accessories.... you name it they got it from baby to childhood! The owners, Matt and Jenna are amazing and pride themselves on having products that are either organic, natural fiber, and sustainable products! In a time that the internet is such a popular way to buy products, its nice to walk into a store and see the items that you are interested in and test them out. I had an opportunity to walk through their new space and was impressed with what I saw. Matt has a plan to allow moms to come in and try out the strollers through the streets of Ann Arbor. How nice would it be to make sure a stroller will fit in your trunk, its easy to fold, lift and maneuver before you buy it? This is not your local BabiesRUs! They have the best selection of strollers, carseats, cribs, shoes, clothing, diaper bags, baby carriers, feeding essentials, toys. I purchased a BUMBLERIDE TWIN INDIE, SNACK PACK and a KLEAN KANTEEN on my second visit. They have very knowledgeable staff and excellent customer service. They put my Twin Indie together for me in less then 15 minutes. This store is about a 45 minute drive for me, but worth every minute. You can also checkout their website at http://www.elephantearsonline.com/  BUT you will have a far better experience and see a greater selection of products if you go visit them in person! If you are expecting a baby, have a child, or need to buy a gift ~ you will find what you need at Elephant Ears! So go check them out and tell them that MYKAL YORK sent you!