If your currently using nursing pads, reusable or disposable, or you are pregnant and planning to nurse consider making a few of these and let me know what you think. I'm sure you'll be as impressed as I am!
Showing posts with label Nursing Pads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nursing Pads. Show all posts
Sunday, September 23, 2012
ShamWOW Nursing Pads
If your currently using nursing pads, reusable or disposable, or you are pregnant and planning to nurse consider making a few of these and let me know what you think. I'm sure you'll be as impressed as I am!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Udder Covers Nursings Pads: review & fix
Because July was National Breastfeeding Month, Udder Covers had a lot of promotions on their nursing covers and nursing pads. I was given both as a gift when my baby boy was born.
It's been over two months of using these nursing pads and I am not impressed.
What the website says:
Udder Covers™ Reusable Nursing Pads will protect your skin from irritation by absorbing all moisture.
You will LOVE them!
Product Benefits:
Leaking milk and moisture is drawn away from skin by 5 layers of absorbent cotton fabric
Machine-washable and reusable
Soft layers conform to breast shape for a natural look under clothing
Product Features:
100% Cotton
5 Ply
What I say:
I was leaking through these left and right. I went through all ten sets of pads sometimes in one day. I didn't feel protected from leaking through to my shirt. All they did was delay the milk spot on the front of my shirt by a few seconds. It is all cotton but has no wicking material against the nipple so during the first few weeks when the nips are sore and very tender they stick to the pad. I didn't want to rip them off so I actually showered with the nursing pads attached to remove them. I do like that they are 100% cotton but without a waterproofing on the exterior the milk leaks right through. In my opinion 5 layers is a little thick and the outline can easily be seen through a bra and t-shirt.
What I did to fix them:
Every time I would complain about these pads or leak through when we were in public my husband would say it was time to through them all out. I do, after all, make my own nursing pads that are amazing. But I didn't want to trash something someone paid good money for so I fixed them.
I used some scrap PUL to line the exterior and secured it with a simple zigzag stitch around the edge with my sewing machine. You can use any waterproof fabric to line it so nothing leaks through but PUL (1 mil) is the most flexible and forms better to the breast.
I used a poly-suede fabric for the interior (the side against the breast) as a wicking fabric. This is fairly cheap fabric and can be found at any fabric store. This is the same material that is used for BumGenius diapers to wick away from the baby's bottom. Anyway, the fabric is sewn on in the same fashion as the PUL.
I didn't want to take the time to seam rip the nursing pads to remove a layer of cotton in order to compensate for the added fabric. So, the problem of thickness still occurs. I just make sure to wear an undershirt. This helps make the outline less visible.
How are GreenCheeks Nursing Pads made:
My nursing pads are 5 layers as well. The first layer is the poly-suede for wicking, the next 3 layers are flannel for absorbency. I use flannel because it is very flexible and soft. Udder Covers pads are made with a more coarse and stiff cotton. The last layer is PUL for waterproofing. They are all sewn with a zigzag stitch and your done. I usually use a circle with a 3.5 to 4in diameter. I love these nursing pads.
Look for a post soon on how to make GreenCheeks Nursing Pads with pictures and step by step instructions.
It's been over two months of using these nursing pads and I am not impressed.
What the website says:
Udder Covers™ Reusable Nursing Pads will protect your skin from irritation by absorbing all moisture.
You will LOVE them!
Product Benefits:
Leaking milk and moisture is drawn away from skin by 5 layers of absorbent cotton fabric Machine-washable and reusable Soft layers conform to breast shape for a natural look under clothing Product Features:
100% Cotton 5 PlyWhat I say:
I was leaking through these left and right. I went through all ten sets of pads sometimes in one day. I didn't feel protected from leaking through to my shirt. All they did was delay the milk spot on the front of my shirt by a few seconds. It is all cotton but has no wicking material against the nipple so during the first few weeks when the nips are sore and very tender they stick to the pad. I didn't want to rip them off so I actually showered with the nursing pads attached to remove them. I do like that they are 100% cotton but without a waterproofing on the exterior the milk leaks right through. In my opinion 5 layers is a little thick and the outline can easily be seen through a bra and t-shirt.
What I did to fix them:
Every time I would complain about these pads or leak through when we were in public my husband would say it was time to through them all out. I do, after all, make my own nursing pads that are amazing. But I didn't want to trash something someone paid good money for so I fixed them.
I used some scrap PUL to line the exterior and secured it with a simple zigzag stitch around the edge with my sewing machine. You can use any waterproof fabric to line it so nothing leaks through but PUL (1 mil) is the most flexible and forms better to the breast.
I used a poly-suede fabric for the interior (the side against the breast) as a wicking fabric. This is fairly cheap fabric and can be found at any fabric store. This is the same material that is used for BumGenius diapers to wick away from the baby's bottom. Anyway, the fabric is sewn on in the same fashion as the PUL.
I didn't want to take the time to seam rip the nursing pads to remove a layer of cotton in order to compensate for the added fabric. So, the problem of thickness still occurs. I just make sure to wear an undershirt. This helps make the outline less visible.
How are GreenCheeks Nursing Pads made:
My nursing pads are 5 layers as well. The first layer is the poly-suede for wicking, the next 3 layers are flannel for absorbency. I use flannel because it is very flexible and soft. Udder Covers pads are made with a more coarse and stiff cotton. The last layer is PUL for waterproofing. They are all sewn with a zigzag stitch and your done. I usually use a circle with a 3.5 to 4in diameter. I love these nursing pads.
Look for a post soon on how to make GreenCheeks Nursing Pads with pictures and step by step instructions.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Getting Started: What you need to be a cloth diapering parent
It's no lie, getting started cloth diapering is the most difficult (and expensive) part especially when you are not familiar with the cloth diapering world. Below I made a list of what I think a parent needs to start their baby on cloth diapers. Below the list are explanations regarding some of the items in the list.
How many cloth diapers you need depends on how often you want to wash them and how long it takes for them to wash and dry. A newborn baby goes through about 8-12 diapers a day and toddlers use around 5-6 a day. Diapers must be washed at least every other day. When I wash my diapers I usually am a bit leisurely about it. I put them in the washer to soak first thing in the morning on the third day. Then after they wash and double rinse I put them on the line to dry. Often I leave them on the line sometime longer than they need to dry so they can sun bleach. In the evening I take them off the line and stuff them with inserts before putting them away. I need at least 3 days worth of diapers to compensate for washing every other day and my long wash/dry cycle. The same goes for wipes.
There are a lot of different types of diapers out there. To save time I'm only going to talk about the two main types of cloth diapers: One Size and Fitted. It doesn't really matter if you choose to do prefolds, pocket or no pocket inserts (I really prefer the pocket diapers though) the outside shell will tend to be One Size or Fitted note . The great thing about Fitted diapers is that it tends to be a much better fit for small babies which means less bulk in the behind and, with some brands, less leaks. Another positive note is that because these diapers are worn less they can usually be saved for another baby or exchanged for a different size at a used diaper swap. They usually come with inserts already so there is no additional cost there. (I do recommend buying a few extra inserts for double stuffing at night or when your inserts aren't dry yet but the diapers are and you need a diaper.) The down side to the Fitted diapers is you will need to buy a whole new set when the baby out grows the size.
The One Size (my absolute favorite is the Rumparooz One Size with double gussets) diapers can be adjusted from small to med or large (or even extra large). You can have the same set of diapers from birth (8lbs) to potty training (less than 40lbs). They come with inserts as well and have good leak protection no matter the size of the baby (8-40lbs). They do tend to be a bit bulky on babies 0-3 months. Their lifespan is about 2 years of daily use so this would not be a diaper you could save for other babies down the road. They run a few dollars more than the Fitted diaper.
What Essential Oils Do I Need for My Wipe Solution?
Why Do I Need a Diaper Sprayer?
A diaper sprayer is basically a kitchen sink sprayer hooked to your toilet. You can put one together yourself with a kitchen sprayer or buy one preassembled. You need one because sometimes you can't get all of that poop into the toilet before washing without getting down and dirty. There are a lot of people that do cloth diapers without a sprayer and have no complaints. I am not one of those people. A diaper sprayer is very convenient and I'm all about making cloth diapering as easy as possible. Babies that are strictly breast fed do not need their messy diapers sprayed. Breast milk poop dissolves and can go through the washer. As babies get older their "messes" tend to have more form and can be dropped into the toilet. (Am I really blogging about this?) It is the times that it is not formed that you will be so thankful for a diaper sprayer.
The Cloth Diaper Getting Started List
- 12-24 Cloth diapers per child
- 20-30 Cloth wipes
- 2-6 extra inserts
- 1-2 Med or Large Wet bag(s)
- 1-2 Pail liner(s)
- Pail (I just use a trash can with no lid)
- Items for wipe solution (baby soap, sweet oil, and essential oils)
- Spray bottle for wipe solution
- Baby Booty Balm or the Magic Stick if you don't want to make your own 2oz stick for the changing table and a 1oz stick for the diaper bag
- Laundry detergent that is cloth diaper safe. My personal favorite is Norwex Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent.
- Diaper Sprayer (This link will take you to how to make one yourself. Click here for one to purchase.
- Laundry drying rack (optional)
- I also recommend 5-10 set of nursing pads for breast feeding moms.
How Many Cloth Diapers and Wipes do I Need?
How many cloth diapers you need depends on how often you want to wash them and how long it takes for them to wash and dry. A newborn baby goes through about 8-12 diapers a day and toddlers use around 5-6 a day. Diapers must be washed at least every other day. When I wash my diapers I usually am a bit leisurely about it. I put them in the washer to soak first thing in the morning on the third day. Then after they wash and double rinse I put them on the line to dry. Often I leave them on the line sometime longer than they need to dry so they can sun bleach. In the evening I take them off the line and stuff them with inserts before putting them away. I need at least 3 days worth of diapers to compensate for washing every other day and my long wash/dry cycle. The same goes for wipes.
What Kind of Cloth Diapers Should I Get?
There are a lot of different types of diapers out there. To save time I'm only going to talk about the two main types of cloth diapers: One Size and Fitted. It doesn't really matter if you choose to do prefolds, pocket or no pocket inserts (I really prefer the pocket diapers though) the outside shell will tend to be One Size or Fitted note . The great thing about Fitted diapers is that it tends to be a much better fit for small babies which means less bulk in the behind and, with some brands, less leaks. Another positive note is that because these diapers are worn less they can usually be saved for another baby or exchanged for a different size at a used diaper swap. They usually come with inserts already so there is no additional cost there. (I do recommend buying a few extra inserts for double stuffing at night or when your inserts aren't dry yet but the diapers are and you need a diaper.) The down side to the Fitted diapers is you will need to buy a whole new set when the baby out grows the size.
The One Size (my absolute favorite is the Rumparooz One Size with double gussets) diapers can be adjusted from small to med or large (or even extra large). You can have the same set of diapers from birth (8lbs) to potty training (less than 40lbs). They come with inserts as well and have good leak protection no matter the size of the baby (8-40lbs). They do tend to be a bit bulky on babies 0-3 months. Their lifespan is about 2 years of daily use so this would not be a diaper you could save for other babies down the road. They run a few dollars more than the Fitted diaper.
Note: Fitted Diaper Covers and One-Size Diaper Covers are meant to be used with prefolds or inserts that can be directly against the babies bottom (i.e. the gdiaper). The difference between the pocket diaper and the cover-prefold/insert method is you will need to buy your prefolds/insert separately. I am not a fan of prefolds and only use them if it is my last option. Putting on a prefold doubles changing time. It is nice to be able to switch out the prefold/insert a few times without changing the cover. Diaper Covers run a few dollars cheaper than other diapers and overall is the cheaper, but less convenient, option.
If you are new to cloth diapering and you don't know your favorite I recommend getting a few of each kind of diaper so you'll have experience with each and know if the future which you prefer. The number of diapers you get is based on your wash cycle preference.
Why Do I Need 2 Pail Liners and Wet Bags?
They will need to be washed and when they are being washed what are you going to use? Going somewhere without a wet bag can result in a very messy situation. And no one wants to scrub poo out of the bottom of a pail every other day. You really only need 1 of each but it is so much more convenient to have 2.
I personally recommend Lavender, Tea Tree (Melalueca), Rosemary and Geranium. This specific blend of essential oils are meant to help with diaper rash and sooth the skin. At the very least I recommend lavender. Visit www.everythingessential.me for more information on essential oils.
Why Do I Need a Diaper Sprayer?
A diaper sprayer is basically a kitchen sink sprayer hooked to your toilet. You can put one together yourself with a kitchen sprayer or buy one preassembled. You need one because sometimes you can't get all of that poop into the toilet before washing without getting down and dirty. There are a lot of people that do cloth diapers without a sprayer and have no complaints. I am not one of those people. A diaper sprayer is very convenient and I'm all about making cloth diapering as easy as possible. Babies that are strictly breast fed do not need their messy diapers sprayed. Breast milk poop dissolves and can go through the washer. As babies get older their "messes" tend to have more form and can be dropped into the toilet. (Am I really blogging about this?) It is the times that it is not formed that you will be so thankful for a diaper sprayer.
If you have any questions about Getting Started or anything in the post please send me an e-mail or leave a comment. You can also follow the links above to other posts about the products.
Monday, October 4, 2010
GreenCheeks No Leak Nursing Pads
A whole new way to prevent leaks. These reusable/washable nursing pads are lined on the outside (the side against your bra) with PUL fabric, padded in the middle with two layers of 100% cotton terry cloth for maximum absorbency, and lined on the inside with an ultra soft polyester/cotton blend. The breast pads are machine washable and can be lined dried or tumble dried on NO heat. GreenCheeks No Leak Nursing Pads come in four convenient sizes depending on cup size.
Sizing Guideline
X-Small (3in): A cup
Small (3.5in): A or B cup
Medium (4in): C cup
Large (4.5in): D or DD cup
X-Large (5in): DD or Larger
Sizing Guideline
X-Small (3in): A cup
Small (3.5in): A or B cup
Medium (4in): C cup
Large (4.5in): D or DD cup
X-Large (5in): DD or Larger
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