The Laughing Place BabyTM

2010-12-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

Our Facebook Fan Box!

2009-10-31T06:06:00.000-07:00

The Laughing Place BabyTM Children's Items on Facebook

Having a Huge Sale!!

2009-10-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

Click Here for SALE Item Listing

Exerpt from our latest review......

2009-07-14T07:23:00.001-07:00

Quoting Mad Madam Em's Bloggity Blog:

I thought I was going to use cloth diapers. Weeks before Jack was born, I got a load of trifolds, pins and plastic pants. I had one box of disposables. I figured after the first few weeks of really gross poo, I would start using my cloth diapers, just like my mom used on me and my sister. Not. so. much.

So, I started to look into AIO (All-In-One) diapers, specifically handcrafted diapers on Etsy. The Laughing Place caught my eye immediately because of their fantastic fabric choices. I fell in LOVE with this "Space Kids" retro fabric.

The Laughing Place is headed by mom/daughter team Kim and Dana. They have been doing business on the web since 2000. Dana has worked side by side with her mom, Kim, since she was 10 years old. Their store includes adorable embroidered items for baby, as well as these fantastic diapers.

The Laughing Place has been cool enough to offer a giveaway to Mad Madam Em readers! Aren’t you happy you're here? Just head on over to The Laughing Place on Etsy ..................

End Quote...

For the rest of the report and information on our giveaway, please visit Mad Madam Em's Bloggity Blog!

Hello Kitty on Pink PUL AIO, Size Large, Seconds!!

2009-07-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

Not really crazy about the final product so here's a rare chance to pick up a *seconds* at a great price! Functionality and overall appearance are not affected, nor is the performance, its just a thing between the creator and the finished product. lol!

Become a Fan!

2009-07-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

The Laughing Place BabyTM Children's Items on Facebook

Subscribe to our Shop Feed

2009-07-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

View and Subscribe

Denim Handbag / Diaper Bag

2009-07-09T06:27:00.001-07:00

Features a bright colored interior with lots of room, totally enough room for mom and baby on the go! Since the straps tie at the top there is some adjustability to suit your tastes. Easily washable and also features a magnetic snap closure!

July Order Status

2009-07-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

All orders are shipped and we do have openings for custom orders.

Linette M. -- 7/9/09
Hannah S. -- 7/9/09
Jan P. -- 7/6/09
Syliva S. -- 7/6/09
Brenda T. -- 7/6/09
Trae O. -- 7/3/09
Marg P. -- 7/2/09
Teri S. -- 7/2/09
Lisa B. -- 7/1/09

Showcase of LPB on Etsy

2009-07-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

New Items Listed @ Our Etsy Shop

2009-07-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

Click Here to see what we have in inventory!

New Items Listed @ our Etsy Shop

2009-05-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Click here to view new items

New Embroidery Designs Available for your Purchases!

2008-12-02T08:39:00.001-08:00

Photobucket Album

Updated Fabric Selections Gallery

2008-04-15T06:11:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

Embroidery Designs Available for Your Custom Order

2008-01-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

Order Status Updates - January 2008

2008-01-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

Shawna G - 1/9/08
Lydia L - 1/7/08
Crystal H - 1/7/08
Greg F - 1/7/08

Specials!!

2007-12-31T10:12:00.000-08:00

I'm offering these up to reduce inventory for the items we have instock for the new year that we haven't posted yet.

These items are all NEW, unwashed, unused, etc... I have posted the links for info & details

Set #1) $40 PPD to the USA, TWO size large embroidered AIOs

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7324931

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7324868

Set #2) $32 PPD to the USA, size large, velour fitted and appliqued cover set

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7158493

Set #3) $25 PPD to the USA, TWO size large fitteds

Set #4) $30 PPD to the USA, TWO size 18 mo to 3T smocks

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7159675

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7159542

Any form of PayPal is acceptable and all items are ready to ship upon receipt of payment. Thank you! Email me!

Any questions, please ask! Happy New Year!

Order Updates November

2007-11-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Custom and Instock Order Shipments for November:

Paul T. - 11/28
Sheri T. - 11/21
Barbi S. - 11/21
Cindy S. - 11/16
Becca C. - 11/13
Pam D. - 11/13
Cheryl H. 11/13
Cheryl H. - 11/2

Order / Shipping Updates

2007-10-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Victor K - order shipped 10/27/07 USPS First Class to CANADA
Piney F - order shipped 10/27/07 USPS Priority Mail ( 6# weight )
Auddie M - order shipped 10/27/07 USPS Priority Mail ( 3# weight )
Meg S - order shipped 10/27/07 USPS First Class
--------------
Misty B - order cut, mom to embroider
Jennifer F - order cut, mom to embroider
--------------
Dawn S - order pending, TBP

Custom Order Pics

2007-10-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

We just finished this custom, girlie, AIO in size small, front snapping with custom appliques and embroidery work. I hope the momma likes it!

2007-10-09T06:13:00.001-07:00

Baby Gift Ideas / For Your Baby Wishlist by laughingplacebaby

2007-10-07T13:00:00.001-07:00

http://mermaids.wordpress.com/

the domestic diva blog

2007-10-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

http://thedomesticdiva.wordpress.com/

new items stocked today!

2007-10-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

Well, here's the story:

We had TWO semi-customs listed on our main site for quite some time with no sales on them. So what did I do? I sewed them up and listed them on our ETSY SHOP:

the koala embroidered cloth diaper AIO, size large:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7324868

and the cute hedge hog cloth diaper AIO, size large:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7324931

More photos of each:

do you take good digital pictures?

2007-10-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

taking good pictures with my new digital camera has been a nightmare. Mostly I try to use the natural lighting, but taking outside pictures is a hassle and during the rainy season here in FL, is not always an option. I have been asking around and never really found the true solution to my problem. Not only that my daughter and I were wasting tons of time on the computer trying to edit the photos with our photo software to help make the best of what we have.

My new camera is a 10 MP and a good brand, fuji, but it is more tempermental than the last one, which was about 7 MP, also a fuji. That being said, all the pictures have turned out marginal at best. The color of the material on the item I had made and was photographing was never well-represented. Sometimes the shots were blurry.

Anyway, lots of browsing on the web brought me to this tutorial, which once I put these things I learned to use, I should have excellent photos without all the time wasted doctoring them up.

I have bookmarked this site, and you should too!

http://www.theswitchboards.com/articles_professionalphotos.html

Shipping Update

2007-10-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Christina W in CA - your order is shipping today via USPS Priority Flat Rate box! Enjoy and come back again!

Shipping Update

2007-10-03T06:26:00.001-07:00

Victoria D. from MN, your order is shipping today! Thank you, and please come again!

Donna Dewberry Fabrics Quilted Table Runner ...

2007-10-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

just listed for sale on ETSY, please click here!

Here are some photos and specs. Mom finished it yesterday and I think it is just so cheery!!!

Dimensions: 32" long x 16" wide
Self-binding with the vine/greenery fabric for the back.
Quilted for durability. Can be used as a coffee table topper, buffet table runner, dinner table centerpiece, even a wall hanging!

Completely washable. Bright, fun, happy colors!

Overal view:

The first panel:

The second panel:

The third panel:

The backing fabric:

Sweet 16

2007-10-02T05:12:00.000-07:00

My sweet 16 is on the 13th of October. In celebration of that important day for me, I am offering special prices on everything in my HC until the 13th.

http://hyenacart.com/LaughingPlace/

Enjoy!

Sewing Links

2007-09-29T04:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.martingale-pub.com/FreePatterns/default.htm
Brief Description:

http://www.elizabethlee.com/
Brief Description:
"...you will find great nursing fashions and accessories for every nursing mom. You can sew a great nursing wardrobe with our original line of fashion patterns designed especially for the breastfeeding mother, you can buy ready made items or have a wardrobe sewed for you. We have undergarments, pumps, books, and lots more. We have great articles full of tips for creating a great nursing wardrobe and a great nursing relationship. We are always adding new things to our Web Site, so visit us often. We will be glad to help you by answering your questions and we love to hear your ideas."

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/
Brief Description:
Over 700 original crafts, free craft projects and easy homemade gift ideas.
All our free crafts include photos and how-to instructions so you learn new crafting skills and enjoy great results. Try our new gardening projects, easy homemade gift ideas, nature craft projects, easy crafts for children and candle making crafts. Find new holiday crafts for Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas, free craft Ebooks, plus recycling crafts, gift in a jar recipes and free knitting, sewing and crochet patterns.

http://www.quiltwoman.com/free.cfm

http://www.sewbaby.com/index.html

http://www.connectingthreads.com/

http://sewing.about.com/

Free Shipping to the USA and Canada - today only!

2007-09-28T04:59:00.000-07:00

Shop for our products here today only and receive free shipping to the USA and Canada! Hurry!

Project #2 -- Bistro Kitchen Curtains

2007-09-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick and easy project to dress up your kitchen. These are easy to make

Bistro Kitchen Curtains

Supply List:

Tea Towels or Flour Sack Dish Towels
One Brass Curtain Rod
Matching Sew-On Rings
Needle and Thread
Sewing Machine

Directions:

1. Attach the curtain rod halfway down your window.
2. Measure and cut the towels so the hem of the towel touches the window seal and the other end measures an inch and a half above the rod.
3. Sew a 2-inch hem at the top of the cut towel.
4. Stitch the rings to the top of the hemmed towel.
5. Repeat the process with a total of 2-4 towels depending on the width of the window.

YOUR DONE!!!

Project Ideas

2007-09-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

Save all your husbands old t-shirts and flannel shirts. They have all kinds of uses. I personally have used pieces of old flannel shirts for interesting appliques for some of the quilting projects I have done. Also, I will be using the shirts I have left for making cloth diapers for my newest arrival. I have included some links this page and on my Baby/Kids pages to access patterns for making diapers and other free patterns.

Another good recycled material for diapers or other sewing projects is those old flannel sheets. Depending on the size of the sheet, you can make approximately 10 really nice sized diapers. Using a rotary cutter and mat, you can cut the sheet into 28" x 40" rectangles, hem the edges and voila! -- diapers. This size of diaper is very good for a young baby, as well as an older child who still wears diapers at night when it is folded correctly. These diapers are soft, thick, inexpensive, and when you make them yourself you will have a sense of accomplishment for being thrifty and crafty at the same time!

Project #1 -- Instructions for Making Baby Blocks

2007-09-27T06:45:00.003-07:00

Materials for three blocks:

-- 1/8 yard each or large scraps of the following fabrics: blue/yellow plaid, green/pink plaid, blue check, blue print, green print, and pink print.

-- 8" square of muslin

-- Blue, yellow, light pink, dark pink, light green, and dark green pearl cotton

-- three 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" foam cubes

-- photo transfer paper for color laser copiers

Cutting:

1. From the blue/yellow plaid, green/pink plaid, and blue check fabrics, cut five 3-1/2" squares each.

2. From the blue, green and pink print fabrics, cut twelve 3" squares each. Cut each square in half diagonally.

Assembly:

1. Following the manufacturer's instructions, transfer three 3" square photo images onton the muslin square. Be sure to leave at least 1/2" between the images. Cut the muslin into 3-1/2" squares.

2. Sew a print triangle to opposite sides of each photo-transfer square; press. Sew triangles to the two remaining sides of each square and press.

3. In the same manner, sew coordinating print triables to each plaid square; press.

4. Sew three pieced squares and a photo square together in a strip. Bring the edges of the first and last squares right sides together and sew, forming a loop.

5. With right sides together, pin matching square to one end of the loop. Stitch the square to the loop, creating the bottom of the block. For best results, stop stitching each seam 1/4" from the corner, lower the needle into the fabric, pivot the fabric, and stitch the next side.

6. In the same manner, pin the remaining square to the opposite end of the block. Stitch two adjacent sides only at this time.

7. Turn the block right side out. Insert the foam cube into the block, and whipstitch the last two sides closed.

8. Thread a needle with two different colors of pearl cotton. Take a single stitch at the midpoint of each edge, at the corners of the plaid squares. Tie a double know and clip the threads, leaving 1/2" tails.

If you require further diagrams or would like a complete set of instructions with the diagrams to aid in this project, e-mail me using the form below and I will respond to you with the details on how to get them.

Baby Wipes Recipe

2007-09-27T06:44:00.001-07:00

Here is a recipe for Baby Wipes. Easy to make, economical too!

Baby Wipes

3 cups water
1-1/2 Tbsp Baby Shampoo
3 Tbsp. Baby Oil
1/2 roll Big Bounty paper towels
1 - #9 Rubbermaid container

Cut towels in half with electric knife. Add oil and shampoo to container. Add water to container and mix, then add towels. Turn upside down and let soak. After a few minutes remove core. Pull wipes from the center of the roll.

Free Diapers ?!?!

2007-09-27T06:42:00.001-07:00

Too many receiving blankets? Make a couple of dozen of them into great prefold cloth diapers.

Here's how: Cut one receiving blanket down to about 20" x 36"-40". This should give you a second strip about 7" - 10" wide. Fold this narrow strip in half or thirds to about 20" long. Place this down the center of the large piece, as shown: [ [] ]

Fold in the sides of the larger piece about 2/3 of the way across. Overlap them on top of the folded strip down the center, leaving the diaper about 15" across: [ < []>] = [[]]

Zigzag stitch across the top and bottom raw edges of the folded diaper, making sure to catch in all layers. Stitch down the center pad about 1/2" in form the edge of the center pad.

All measurements depend on the original size of the blanket. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Custom Ordering

2007-09-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

We are currently accepting a small number of custom orders through our website here:

Place Custom Order

All info is available directly through the site for these custom orders. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at laughingplacebaby@yahoo.com

Thank you!

Dragonfly Applique AIO Cloth Diaper

2007-09-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

This item is being stocked here this afternoon!!!!

Exterior: Brite Yellow Brushed Chino with a hidden layer of PUL
Applique Back: Dragonfly and two yellow flowers
Applique Front: NONE
Interior: White Microfleece
Soaker:Hemp french terry. Hemp is excellent for absorbing and retaining liquids!
Snaps: Orange, blue and green. Front snapping with lots of snap options for a highly adjustable fit

Size Available: Large, fits 22# to 30# comfortably

Embroidery Designs Gallery 1

2007-09-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Diaper Pattern Used in LPB Products

2007-09-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

***Please Note: Our diapers a made using the pattern from Fern & Faerie under a special cottage industry license. At times, we do alter the design to accommodate the turned & topstitched style, we also alter it to either be front snapping or side snapping to accommodate those diapering preferences. ****

Wash & Care Instructions

2007-09-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

How Do I Wash My Laughing Place BabyTM Items?
How do I wash the items I purchase from LPB?

Covers, to include items with embroidery or appliques:

Please turn inside out prior to washing. Some mommas prefer washing their covers with embellishments on a more gentle cycle. While this is not necessary, it certainly couldn't hurt, especially if you are washing covers separately.

Drying covers in the dryer can be done on medium, but preferably air dry. After 15 years of using cloth diapers in our own home, we found that the best results for longevity were the following:

** no bleach

** no fabric softeners, liquid or sheets

** air dry covers when possible

** dispose of extremely soiled contents of diapers in the toilet prior to adding them to your diaper pail

** for safety issues in our own home, we chose the dry diaper pail method, which worked well for over 15 years!

** use about 1/2 of the recommended amount of laundry detergent, this tends to coat the diapers and the residue adds to an odor in fleece items

** to aid in the prevention of bacteria, a small amount of tea tree oil can be added to the rinse cycle

Sharing Information

2007-09-26T07:57:00.001-07:00

Does Laughing Place BabyTM Share the Information It Receives?

We respect your privacy and appreciate your business. At no time do we ever provide any of your information to a third party unless absolutely neccessary to complete your order.

Privacy Notice

2007-09-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Laughing Place BabyTM knows that you care how information about you is used and shared, and we appreciate your trust and want you to feel confident in our services and security as it relates to your personal information. By visiting our online store, you are accepting the practices described in this Privacy Notice.

What Personal Information About Customers Do We Gather?

The information we learn from customers helps us personalize and continually improve your shopping experience.

We receive and store any information you enter on our web site. You can choose not to provide certain information, but then you might not be able to take advantage of many of our features. We use the information that you provide for such purposes as responding to your requests, filling orders, and emails.

Diaper Gallery

2007-09-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Shipping

2007-09-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

For fitteds and AIOs, shipping is an additional $2.50 for USPS First Class Mail or $4.60 for USPS Priority Mail for ONE ITEM. For orders of multiple items, weight, postal code, etc., will be calculated through the shopping cart and charged according to standard USPS rates.

This shipping covers items shipped to the USA only. All other destinations pay actual shipping costs based on the postal destination and weight of the package. All taxes and duties are the responsibility of the customer outside of the USA.

Our Experience...

2007-09-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Q: What is the experience in sewing for you ladies?

A: Well, this is going to show Kim's age, but here goes!

Dana:
Age 16, has been sewing with Kim since she was about 9, working side-by-side throughout the years since 2000 (the first year Kim began sewing and selling on the web).

Dana's Interests:
knitting, sewing, computers, graphic arts, web design, piano (both playing and teaching lessons).

Dana's Duties:
Dana is solely responsible for most of the aspects with The Laughing Place BabyTM business online. Sewing, customer service, snapping the diapers, purchasing supplies, etc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kim:
Age (not given, lol!) has been sewing since 1979 with the years 2000 through present day being highly concentrated in the baby clothing, baby cloth diapering, items here on the web. Kim has been featured in the local newspaper for her abilities and business. ( link here )

Kim's Interests:
"I homeschool all four of my children, I enjoy scrapbooking with them, I enjoy digital photography, web design, computers in general, sewing, and machine embroidery."

Kim's Duties:
Mostly administrative, paying the bills and all embroidery work, while consulting on an as-needed basis for Dana.

Recent Feedback for LPB Products

2007-09-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

When and where purchased: http://hyenacart.com/LaughingPlace/ Aug 2007
Specific item: John Lennon Emu Friend Knit Print Fitted, T&T, Size Medium
Customer service: Great. Shipping was very fast.
Product review: This diaper is very soft, it fits great and it is cute.

----------------------------------
When and where purchased: HC- http://hyenacart.com/LaughingPlace/ July 2007
Specific item: Custom order- 1 embroidered AIO & 2 fitted diapers
Customer service: Fantastic! She allowed me to use $10 HC for my $10 off my order total & was very easy to talk to. Great communication!
Product review: The diapers are perfect, exactly to my specifications! Will be back for more.
when and where: hc, hc$ deal july 25
specific item: dino fitted
customer service: good. lots of communication.fast shipping
product review: super cute and super soft diaper. havent tried it yet, but looks very absorbant without being bulky.

---------------------------------
When and where purchased: http://hyenacart.com/LaughingPlace/ July 14th, 07
Specific item: Blue Velour fitted with the cutest little zebra applique
Customer service: Great. I offered her HC for this dipe. She pm'd me back saying that if it doesn't sell by the end of the week it was mine. Communication was great.
Product review: This diaper is so very soft, it fits great and it is absolutely adorable.

Purchasing Our Products

2007-09-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

You may find The Laughing Place BabyTM products at the following locations:

Hyena Cart

Etsy

The Laughing Place BabyTM

Ecrater - The Laughing Place BabyTM

more coming soon! Bookmark these shops for ready-to-ship items, semi-custom items, or custom ordering.

2007-08-31T07:04:00.001-07:00

Smocks: $17.95 ea
Pants: $15.95 ea
Fitteds: $18.95 ea
PUL AIOs: $24.95 ea
Windpro AIOs: $34.95
Embroidered AIOs: $34.95 ea
Embroidered Covers: $22.95 ea

** all prices are subject to change without notice. Pricing does not include shipping charges. Embellishments or additional embroidery can increase the base prices shown above.
At this time, only USA and Canada orders are accepted. Thank you!

The Laughing Place BabyTM All-in-Ones (AIOs)

2007-08-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

Product Description:

Generally speaking, our All-In-Ones (AIOs) are constructed using the following format:

– PUL outer / Windpro Outer or a combination of fabric (knit or woven) with a backing of PUL

– a hidden layer of a knit material (something lightweight, can be power dry or something similar)

– soaker of hemp fleece or hemp french terry, sherpa or birdseye (instock items will have this specifically listed for you) — soakers are generally sewn in, but you may also request or see them instock with snap-in or lay-in types of soakers for ease in drying

– next to baby’s skin would be either a microfleece, power dry, suedecloth, or velour

Slight variances from this description may occur from time-to-time, especially in our items listed instock; however, if you are placing a custom order, you may request the items be built to your specifications using any of the above materials.

The Laughing Place BabyTM Fitted Cloth Diapers

2007-08-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

Product Description:

Generally speaking, our fitted cloth diapers are constructed using the following format:

– knit or cotton woven fabric in a wide variety of colors and prints, please see our GALLERY

– a hidden layer of a knit material (something lightweight, can be power dry or something similar)

– soaker of hemp fleece or hemp french terry, sherpa or birdseye (instock items will have this specifically listed for you) — soakers are generally sewn in, but you may also request or see them instock with snap-in or lay-in types of soakers for ease in drying

– next to baby’s skin would be either a microfleece, power dry, suedecloth, or velour

Slight variances from this description may occur from time-to-time, especially in our items listed instock; however, if you are placing a custom order, you may request the items be built to your specifications using any of the above materials

2007-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our diapers a made using the pattern from Fern & Faerie under a special cottage industry license. At times, we do alter the design to accommodate the turned & topstitched style, we also alter it to either be front snapping or side snapping to accommodate those diapering preferences.

Embroidery Designs

2007-07-21T10:49:00.001-07:00

Example of a Cover

2007-06-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

2007-06-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

NEW fitteds are done!

2007-06-20T05:36:00.003-07:00

What do you think? Please let me know what you think. Two of them are front snapping and the other two are side snapping. Both styles offer a wide variety of snapping options and comfort for your baby.

These are available on ebay by clicking here.

Notions - Foldover Elastic per yard

2007-06-06T08:15:00.001-07:00

White, dyeable, 1" foldover elastic to bind covers or fitteds for cloth diaper use. Can also provide a binding for many other items.

Inexpensive Form-Fitted Diapers

2007-03-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

If you find that your prefolds or shaped diapers are leaking, but you don't want to invest in more expensive form-fitted diapers, try this!

Get some bathing suit elastic, which will last longer than the regular elastic, and cut two strips about 9" long per diaper (1" less for small diapers, 1"-2" more for larger diapers). Center one piece of elastic on each side of your shaped diaper along the leg, or along each side of the center panel on your prefold. Stretch out the elastic and zigzag-stitch into place.

Now you have form-fitted diapers to help stop the leaking problem. When using these diapers, always place the elastic side of the diaper away from your baby's skin to prevent irritation.

Wash & Care Tips

2007-03-02T06:41:00.000-08:00

HOW TO WASH CLOTH DIAPERS:

1. Shake any excess soil into toilet. This is not necessary with babies who are breastfed, until they begin eating solid foods.

2. Place diaper in diaper pail until ready to wash. Soaking is not necessary.

3. Machine wash diapers in hot water with the detergent of your choice.

4. To deodorize and freshen the diapers, add 1/2 cup of white vinegarto the rinse cycle. This will balance the ph level of the daipers, and help remove detergent residues.

5. You can rinse twice to further remove residues, if necessary.

6. Dry on high heat or hang dry.

TIPS:

Using bleach will shorten the life of your diapers.

For maximum absorbency, wash and dry new diapers 2 - 3 times before first use. Most new diapers look thin and flat, but will quilt up after washing.

Natural fiber diaper covers usually need to be wash separately from diapers. There are some covers that can be washed together with your diapers. If you notice redness in your baby's diaper area, it is likely that she/he is having a reaction to detergent residues in your diapers. Try a mild soap instead, or try double rinsing the diapers.

Inexpensive "Pinless" Diapers

2007-03-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

Do you wish you could afford pinless diapers, but all you can afford is prefolds? Add some Velcro to your diapers for a great pinless fit!

If your baby is already born, just fold your diapers to fit your baby and try one on for the velro placement. Pin a 4"-6" strip of loop velcro across the front of the diaper, and 1"-2" strip of the hook velcro on the top-inside of the diaper, coming around from baby's back -- one strip on each side of the waist. Make sure this will hold the diaper on your baby snugly and securely, remove diaper from baby and then sew the velcro in place. Use this diaper as a sample to mark the rest of your diapers.

If your baby isn't born yet, fold your diapers down about 1/3 and place your loop velcro across there. When baby outgrows this, you can simply unstitch and move the velcro about 1"-2" above or, for longer use, add another strip of loop velcro that is 2"-4" longer above the first strip.

A little cloth diaper history for ya!

2007-03-01T06:37:00.000-08:00

The History of the Diaper:

American Indian mothers once collected the soft insides of milkweed to pack around their babies before strapping them into a papoose board. Eskimo moms gathered moss during the short summer months and placed it inside the animal skins in which they carried their babies.

Over the years, mothers have relied on a variety of methods to diaper their babies. From prairie plants to plastic-covered paper to all-natural cotton, busy moms have tried to balance what's best for their baby with what's convenient for them.

When Babies Wore Diapers For Days:

It's hard to believe, but in Elizabethan times, babies were treated to a fresh diaper every four days! Little sons and daughters of royalty were more fortunate - and changed once a day. The diapers themselves were squares of cloth held on with string tied around the baby's stomach.

When the pioneers pushed westward in covered wagons, mothers made all their children's diapers, carefully rolling and hand-stitching the edges. Wet diapers were seldom washed, just hung by the fireplace to dry.

The first all-cotton diapers were made in America. A 21- by 40-inch rectangle was folded and tucked and pinned. Mothers might buy 6 to 7 dozen diapers to keep up with their baby.

Mothers Declare War on Diaper Washing:

Diaper services grew all over the country during World War II. Many mothers were working in defense plants making airplanes, tanks and submarines instead of washing diapers at home.

Back in the 1940's, fresh cotton diapers were delivered wrapped in blue paper. In the evening, the family gathered around the radio to listen to the news and Fibber McGee - and fold diapers.

Diapers Shrink and Grow

During the Eisenhower era (1950's), there was another big change in the diaper. Mrs. Hellerman, owner of a diaper service in Milwaukee, went to the Kendall Company, which made Curity TM brand diapers, with a new invention. It was a fold that put extra cotton layers in the centre of the diaper and made it about the right size for most babies. The fold was sown shut, and the prefolded diaper was born. No more family folding parties!

A few years later, Kendall Company began making the prefolded diaper in a smaller size especially for diaper services. They fit newborns from a "premie" to a baby 10 pounds.

The Plastic Generation

In the 60's, "use it and toss it" and "heat and eat" sold a lot of new products. Plastic was "pop" and "mod". Plastic-covered paper diapers were a big hit. As the years went on, reusable tab closures and gathered legs were added to the diapers. One of the most recent technologies is the addition of acrylic acid polymer salts, a chemical that turns to gel when wet, to absorb moisture.

Hospitals Put Babies Back in Cotton

Environmental issues are one reason why hospitals are taking another look at all-natural cotton diapers. But what's really convincing hospitals to switch back to cotton is its softness and ability of accredited diaper services to surpass hospital standards of cleanliness.

No More Rinsing, Pins Disappear

And today's diaper services offer convenience to parents too.

Clean cotton diapers are delivered to the home every week. At the same time, soiled diapers, which have been placed in a special deodorizing hamper after use, are whisked away to be washed with environmentally friendly products, including a bacteriostat that helps prevent odour. Most diaper services offer waterproof diaper covers which simply wrap over diapers and close with tabs, no pins needed. The convenience of diaper services has created a viable alternative to the disposable.

(Reprinted with permission from Diapers Unlimited, Cotton Diaper Service, Kalamazoo, MI)