The EcoChic

Giveaway Alert! One reader will receive a Softbums Cloth Diaper of their choice.  For details keep reading.  Giveaway has ended and the winner is Khrys! @momof3dolls! ECO-ngratulations! Continue reading to learn more about SoftBums cloth diapers!

As we enter our second year of cloth diapering I’m excited to try new brands.  We recently added a Blazing Orange Softbums to our stash and I wish I would have found this one early on.  I can honestly see why they claim to have the “Perfect Fit.” 

Softbums is an all-in-two cloth diaper with a snap in insert.  The inserts are available in dry touch (a micro-fleece/micro-terry combination) and also in bamboo.  Each diaper also comes with a doubler for those heavy wetters.  One great advantage to an all-in-two is that you can reuse the cover a few times just by snapping in a new insert.  There is no need to wash the cover each time unless it’s soiled.  This will extend the life of your cover and save you time in the laundry room.

Softbums are available in both Velcro and with snaps.  As my regular readers already know; I’m a huge fan of Velcro.  The Softbums tabs are similar to the Happy Heiny’s and fold over on themselves for washing. 

What makes the Softbum such a ‘perfect fit’ is the unique tiny snuggler system that is hidden inside.  This unique toggle system allows you to truly adjust the leg gussets without the use of snaps.  When this diaper arrives it is set to the smallest setting.  My husband actually laughed when he saw it because he didn’t think it would fit Lil’ B.  If only we had found Softbums when she was first born.  Most one sized diapers really don’t fit infants until they are about 11-14 pounds.  The Softbums cloth diapers will honestly fit a baby as small as 6 pounds.  Softbums will also fit the larger baby up to about 35 pounds.  Lil’ B is currently right at 20 pounds and it fits nicely.  The only item I will note is that the Softbums seems more narrow in the middle than most one sized diapers (not a problem for Lil’ B but might be a concern with an overly chunky baby).

Sarah, the owner of Softbums, provided me with 2 extra tips to ensure success with our Softbums.  1) Be sure you wash your Softbum several times to maximize the absorbency.  2) Adjust the leg gusset slightly tighter than you think you need to since the elastic is so stretchy.  I didn’t have a problem with either one.  Our Softbums cloth diaper is not a leaker and I don’t normally add the doubler.  I’ve adjusted the leg gusset one time in 2 months and haven’t needed to readjust yet. 

Buy it now!  A solo Softbums pack sells for $25.95 and includes one cover, 1 insert and one doubler.  The basic pack sells for $36.95 and includes one cover, 3 inserts and 1 doubler.  If you buy a six pack (or larger) of Softbums you can save 10% using coupon code ECOCHIC.  Don’t forget that you can reuse the cover a few times before having to wash it making it a great value. 

Win it!  To register to win your very own Softbums cloth diaper you MUST visit Softbums and tell me which color you would try if you win.  Leave your response in the comments section below and don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner.  (email (at) xxx (dot) com format for your safety)

Extra Entries:  *Be sure to leave an individual comment for each extra entry.

1.  Make a purchase from Softbums during the contest period and earn 5 extra entries.

2.  Follow The Eco Chic on Google Friend Connect by clicking on the Join This Site button in the sidebar.

3.  Subscribe to The Eco Chic by email using the Feedburner button in the sidebar.  You must confirm your subscription for your entry to be valid.

4.  Follow @TheEcoChic on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway.  (Maximum of 5 extra entries for tweeting)

5.  Add my button to your blog.

Contest is open to residents in the United States and Canada over the age of 18 yrs.  All entries must be in by January 25th at midnight (EST).  Good Luck!

ECO-gratulations Khrys @momof3dolls!

For a complete review of my disclosure and privacy policy click here.

Giveaway Alert!  Bamboo Bums is giving away $25 Bum Bucks (e-gift certificate) to one lucky reader! All readers win with a coupon code good until Dec. 15th! Details at the end of post!

I’m quickly learning that in the world of cloth diapers the possibilities are endless!  You can have your prefolds, flat folds, pockets, all in ones, all in twos, one size, sized, velcro, aplix, snaps, loopy doos, microsuede, bamboo, hemp, organic, cotton….well you get the picture!  It can be a little overwhelming for the newbies but it’s actually quite exciting for the seasoned cloth diapering mamma (or pappa!).  I was just reading an article today about using receiving blankets and t-shirts as diapers! 

I have also come to realize that cloth diapering parents can differ in what they prefer.  Some parents are really after the most economical cloth diapers that are out there while others are looking for the easiest options available.  If there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that there is no perfect diaper and no perfect system…you really have to do what’s best for you…and only you know what that is! 

Our newest fluff is a deep red Bamboo Bum!  I decided on red because it was fall, which means football, and that’s our team colors.  When our new fluff arrived I had two initial thoughts…1) OMG this is soft, and 2) what the hell am I suppose to do with all these snaps!  Every Saturday this fall Lil B has been sporting her red Bamboo Bum Utility Diaper under her UGA attire!  During the week I’ve tried it for day and for night.  Laura (the genius behind Bamboo Bums) told me I should also try it as a swim diaper and for a potty trainer too…but I haven’t gotten around to either of those yet!  (Mostly because it’s fall and the water is too cold…and Lil’ B is only 10mo!!)  But rest assured we’ve tried our Bamboo Bum solid for 2 months.

Let’s start with my first impression…bamboo is SOFT!  It seriously feels like a really nice stuffed animal.  I absolutely love putting the bamboo next to Lil B’s bum.  The material is actually a blend of viscose made from organically grown bamboo, organic cotton, and polyester.  It also has the traditional PUL waterproof outer layer to keep your little bear dry.  Bamboo is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics because it replenishes itself rapidly…growing at a rate of up to 4 feet per day!   

And my second impression…since the majority of my stash is made up of velcro I struggle with snaps.  I have a few other snap diapers and I’ve learned to love them…so I wasn’t too scared….but there are A LOT of snaps!  I’m counting 34 snaps right now and that can be a little intimidating for a velcro mamma!  But I haven’t let this one beat me.  The first time I used it I was ready to send it back to Laura and admit my defeat…but she was very supportive and linked me to her tutorials.  She also gave me some tips on making sure I had the best fit for Lil B.  The first time we had some leaks but that was because I didn’t have the snaps adjusted properly.  I am happy to announce that we have had no more leaks since that first day! 

Unfortunately for me…I tried Bamboo Bums at THE worst time…Lil B is 10 months old and is EXTREMELY WIGGLY!  She never sits still and I can barely put a velcro diaper on her…let alone a snap! 

I like the fact that the soaker pad snaps into the diaper cover.  It saves so much time from having to stuff my pocket diapers.  The Bamboo Bum is said to fit babies from 8-40lbs and with the amount of snaps I can see how this would be possible.  This diaper comes with one infant soaker and one large soaker.  For nighttime I use both soakers for the maximum absorbency!  It may be a little bulky but it works. 

Miscellaneous Facts About Bamboo:
1.  Bamboo is 60% more absorbent than cotton.
2.  Bamboo is naturally anti-microbial.
3.  Bamboo is naturally anti-fungal.
4.  Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial.
5.  Bamboo is biodegradable. 

Buy It Now!  Want to try a Bamboo Bum at a discounted price?  Use the coupon code ecochic for a 15% off savings from now until Dec. 15, 2009.

Win It!  One lucky reader will win $25 Bum Bucks (like an e-gift certificate).  In addition to their Utility Diaper Bamboo Bums also sells bum cloths (bamboo wipes), wet bags, and prefolds.  To enter you must visit Bamboo Bums and tell me one reason why Laura prefers snaps over velcro!  Leave your comments below and then you can enter the bonus entries!

Bonus Entries:
1.  Follow Bamboo Bums and The Eco Chic on Twitter.
2.  Become a Fan of Bamboo Bums and The Eco Chic on Facebook.
3.  Tweet about this giveaway.  Must include @TheEcoChic, @BambooBums, and link back here in your tweet. (Max of 5 tweets per giveaway!)
4.  Subscribe to The Eco Chic via Feedburner, Google Reader, or other feed reader. 
5.  Add my button to your blog.
6.  Blog about this giveaway.
7.  Enter one of my other giveaways.

Leave a seperate comment for each entry (and link if applicable) and be sure to leave your email address in your entry somewhere. 

Contest ends on November 23, 2009 at noon (EST).  I will announce the winner around 8pm EST during the cloth diaper chat on Twitter!

LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS HERE TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY!

Bamboo Bums is also an Extreme Sponsor in the Great Cloth Diaper Hunt!  During the month of November you too can search for little pink owl/diaper icons on sponsor sites for a chance to win some amazing prizes!  I’ve actually enjoyed visiting the sponsor pages and learning about all of the fun products that are available online.  I now know what Hyena Cart is! LOL!

This post is sponsored by Bamboo Bums who sent us a Utility Diaper for review.  Bamboo Bums is providing the giveaway.  The opinions in this post are my own and were not influenced in any way.

I don’t think this award could have come at a better time!  My friend Emi at The Cloth Diaper Report sent me an email today telling me she thought my blog was Over The Top!  I met Emi on Twitter (the coolest #clothdiaper hangout E-V-E-R!) and have been reading her awesome blog for a few months now.  Even if you’re not a cloth diaper momma you should check it out; she runs some cool giveaways.  You can also find her @TheCDReport on Twitter.

Here are the rules for the Over The Top Award: USE ONLY ONE WORD! It’s not as easy as you might think. Copy and change the answers to suit yourself and pass it on. It’s really hard to use only one-word answers so try your best. 1. Where is your cell phone? Nightstand
2.Your hair? Ponytail
3. Your mother? Patient
4. Your father? Loving
5. Your favorite food? Chocolate
6. Your dream last night? Dream?
7. Your favorite drink? Tea
8. Your dream/goal? Balance
9. What room are you in? Bedroom
10. Your hobby? Blogging, duh!
11. Your fear? Death
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Ocean
13. Where were you last night? Home 
14. Something that you aren’t? Boring 
15. Muffins? Banana
16. Wish list item? Remodel
17. Where did you grow up? Georgia
18. Last thing you did? TV
19. What are you wearing? Jammies
20. Your TV? On
21. Your pets? Kitty
22. Friends? Neglected
23. Your life? Routine
24. Your mood? Tired
25. Missing someone? Grandma
26. Vehicle? Accord
27. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
28. Your favorite store? Target
29. Your favorite color? Turquoise
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Movie
32. Your best friend? Husband
33. One place that I go to over and over? Target
34. One person who emails me regularly? Work
35. Favorite place to eat? Taco Bell

I’d like to pass this award along to:
Isn’t TTC Supposed to be Fun?  This is a new blog for me and she’s new to cloth diapers!
The Mommy Blog.  This is a regular reader of mine; she’s pretty swell.
There Are No Snakes in New Zealand.  One of my fav Twitter pals!