Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Jackson Reece Review *Kinder By Nature*

A few weeks ago I recieved a package from Jackson Reece for review. It contained both their regular wipes and their flushable wipes. I'm going to cheat a little bit and pull the highlights strait from their website....just because they say it so well!

Jackson Reece Wipes are:

•Certified Organic Aloe Vera naturally hydrating, healing & cooling.
•Certified Organic Tea Tree Oil, naturally antibacterial.
•Certified Organic Lavender Essential Oil, soothing and calming.
•Bio-degradable wipes made from wood pulp which is a sustainable resource.
•Compostable wipes which will degrade in twelve weeks in aerobic conditions and are registered by DIN CERTCO in Europe as compostable.
•Cloth is made from nature and will degrade by nature
•Our cloth is not chlorine bleached
•Contains High Purity Water
•Degradable packaging that will degrade in a landfill site more quickly than regular baby wipe packaging.
•Formula uses renewable natural plant resources derived from a unique vegetable based preservative system which is suitable for vegans.
•Wipes are suitable for sensitive skins.
•Wipes are really moist.
•Are manufactured in the UK thereby reducing our carbon footprint.
•Formula is not tested on animals.
•Formula has a balanced ph.
•Dermatologically and hypoallergenic approved.
•We have disclosed the function and use of each ingredient on our packets so that parents can easily understand our formula. This is our open and honest approach to better care for babies & the environment.
•A refreshing scent.
•Do not leave hands sticky.

Best of all Jackson Reece Wipes DO NOT CONTAIN any of the following:
•Alcohol
•Parabens
•SodiumLauryl Sulfate (SLS)
•Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
•Lanolin
•Phthalates
•(MIT) Methylisothiazolinone
•Triclosan
•Propylene glycol
•Petro Chemicals
•Benzoates
•Phenoxyethanol

I really love everything about these wipes! They smell amazing, they are so gentile on my little guys skin, and they are compostable and biodegradable....even the package they come in! The wipes themself are really soft, especially the flushable wipes! The flushable wipes were great since we are doing a little potty learning with the little man. I was amazed to find out that the flushable wipes completely break down in JUST 3 Days in water! The regular wipes can be composted and break down in about 12 weeks.

Buy it: Jackson Reece wipes are now available in the US from Diapers.com

Inspired by Finn Review

I've always been curious about Baltic Amber Teething necklaces. I used to use Highlands teething tablets for my son and was DEVISTATED when they were recalled! When I got the oppertunity to review a Baltic Amber Teething Necklace from Inspired by Finn I was really excited!
It was hard for me to choose which necklace to order because there are so many cute colors and patterns. In the end I decided on the 4 Different round.
I've wondered if Baltic Amber was all it's cracked up to be. I'm open to try just about anything, and since I could no longer use my beloved Highlands, I needed something to ease my sons suffering!
My son has been working on his molars for months. It started back in December, they finally came in 2 or 3 weeks ago. I noticed a difference in how fussy he was within the first day. At night, to avoid a choaking hazard I would take it off his neck and double wrap it around his ankle. When it was wrapped around his ankle I would either have him in footie jammies or put a sock on over the necklace so it couldn't slip off.

I can't say for sure that Baltic Amber helps. Here is what I can say.......My son was crazy fussy due to teething pain before the Baltic Amber. He would wake up screaming in pain at night. Within the first few days my son acted like his teeth hardly bothered him. He would have occasoinal pain and fussiness, but it was few and far between. I believe that Baltic Amber has helped my baby.  A few weeks ago my son had 6 teeth break through within a week. He acted like it didn't bother him one bit. Those were the last 6 teeth he should get for a while. I'll be leaving his Baltic Amber Necklace on anyway!

Don't know much about Baltic Amber? Check out the Benefits of Baltic Amber and Hazelwood


Buy It: You can purchase any of her Baltic Amber Products HERE
 Inspired by Finn offers Flat Rate Shipping within the US

Want a 15% discount? Click HERE for deatails on how to get your discount! It's easy!!!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

One Small Child Review & Giveaway***Closed***

I recently won the One Small Child giveaway hosted by Flutie Patootie. After winning I contacted Audrey at One Small Child, who was kind enough to sponsor a giveaway over here!
First of all I was impressed with the quick shipping! I received the Pima Sleeveless Bodysuit just days after the giveaway ended. When I got the body suit I fell in love with the super soft material. You can tell by looking at the bodysuit that it is made from high quality materials. The first time I put it on my son he sat there rubbing his belly because it was so soft! Though I love the Pima Body Suit, One Small Child has much more to offer! They offer a beautiful selection of Christening Gowns for boys and girls, and of course offer all the accessories that you could need to go with the gown....I was even surprised to see Christening gowns for Premies!  In addition to Christening Gowns they also offer quite a selection of Flower Girl Dresses, Communion Dresses, and many other items. I especially loved some of their little boy shoes and sandals!
One Small Child does offer FREE SHIPPING on orders over $100, which is something I love!

Giveaway: One Small Child is offering 1 lucky reader their choice of either the Pima Sleeveless Bodysuit (boy) or Pima Cotton Camisole Bodysuit (girl)

Mandatory Entry: Follow this blog via GFC and Visit One Small Child and comment on one item you would like to have

Extra entries:
Like One Small Child on Facebook (1 entry)
Like Feelin Kinda Crunchy on Facebook (1 entry)
Follow @feelincrunchy on Twitter (1 entry)
Follow @OneSmallChild on Twitter
Follow Flutie Patootie via GFC (1 entry)
Subscribe to Feelin Kinda Crunchy via Email (1 entry) **must confirm Feedburner subscription**
Grab my button (3 entries) *Leave a comment telling me where I can find the button, it must be on the main page of your blog*
Blog about this giveaway (3 entries) make sure to link back to this page!
Vote for me on Picket Fence (link on right side of page) (1 entry)
Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry) *can be tweeted daily for 1 extra entry each day
Sample tweet: "I entered to win a @OneSmallChild Bodysuit from @FeelinCrunchy, you can too! Ends 4/3 http://tinyurl.com/4whpjqh"

Giveaway will close on April 3rd, 2011 at 10PM EST. Winner will be drawn using random.org and announced on 4/4. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email. If the winner does not respond to email within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn. Good luck to everyone! OPEN TO US ONLY

The product I reviewed was won from another blog giveaway. No other compensation was received.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Bummas Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to kmogilevski

Comment # 192

kmogilevski said...
Your button is on my blog (http://allnaturalkatie.blogspot.com) - 1

The Winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to contact me! Thanks to everyone who entered. Look for another giveaway to be posted in the next couple days!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

GroBaby Review

 Since I really liked the Flip System I thought I would love these diapers! I love the color options because they are so vibrant. I also really liked the fact that the insert snaps in so it can't slide around if you have a wiggly baby!
These diapers have a very trim fit and a low rise. I like the rise to come up a little higher since I have a boy but I think if I had a girl it would have worked well. I have known many people that like these diapers but they were not the right option for us. My son is chubby and it seemed like I could never get a good leak free fit. As you know by now I'm not crazy about the Aplix closure. When I bought these diapers I don't think they were available in a snap closure. It has been quite some time since I used them. They changed the name to GroVia. The GroVia diapers have an option for snap closure and color/print options have expanded. I would really like to give GroVia a try to see what the differences are.
The aplix closure seemed to be pretty good. It was soft, so if it ever did rub up against baby's skin it wouldn't hurt them. It seemed to wear well, but I did have problems with the laundry tabs staying closed. Since the tabs would open in the washer and dryer it did cause pilling on the diapers. Over time the tabs did curl a bit but it wasn't too bad.
Inserts:
The only insert I ever used with my GroBaby Diapers was the organic cotton insert. It was absorbant, but not as absorbant as some of organic cotton inserts I have used. GroBaby also offered a disposable insert option.

Sizing:
GroBaby diapers were a one size diaper that adjusted with a snap down rise. They were a bit smaller than most one size diapers I have used. I have heard they work well on babies that are not too chunky!


I really liked the idea of these diapers and was really sad that they did not work out for us. I would definately be willing to give GroVia a try in hopes that I could get a better fit. I ended up selling all of my GroBaby diapers on DiaperSwappers. The mommy that purchased the diapers loved them! It just shows that different diapers work better for some people than others!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

BumGenius 3.0

 BumGeniuse 3.0s were my next step in my intro to cloth diapers. I had a coupon for buy one get one free so I was all about getting them! Overall I do like these diapers. I found them very easy to use and experienced very few leaks. In the beginning these were my night time diapers. I purchased them in Aplix closure because the only store that sells them locally did not have a snap option available. Being new to cloth diapers I initally liked the aplix closure. It was really easy to get a good fit, even in the middle of the night when I was half awake! Also, since I was used to sposies, the aplix closure made for an easy transition. Though I liked the aplix in the beginning I did notice that it wears quickly. Also the laundry tabs don't always hold when the diaper is in the washer or dryer, so the diaper has become a little pilly over time. I don't use this diaper often because snaps work best for us. From the time my son was about 7 months old he has been able to pull apart the aplix, so if I do put him in this diaper he must be fully dressed! Aside from the closure I do like this diaper. I have often thought of sending it in to have a snap conversion but...I'm just too lazy! I really do think I will send it in since I plan on using it for baby number 2 in the future. I love that this diaper never causes red marks on my son's skin and he always seems to be comfortable in it. If I would have purchased these diapers in a snap closure I would use them a lot more....maybe someday I will be motivated enough to send them in for the conversion!

Color Options:
Here is the BumGenius Color chart....all the same colors as the Flip System since both diapers are made by Cottonbabies.
Diaper Insert:
This diaper comes with a microfiber insert and a booser (aka newborn insert). I really like that the insert snaps down to adjust to the size depending on which rise setting you have the diaper on. The insert is as absorbant as any microfiber insert I have used and my sons skin always stays dry. I have also used hemp and organic cotton inserts in this diaper. It makes the diaper very trim and leak free!
Rise:
These diapers have 3 rise options. They get pretty small on the smallest setting. My son is still on the medium rise and he is 24lbs and 16 months old. The diapers are designed to fit from 8-35ish pounds. I have no doubt that these will fit my little guy until he is potty trained!


Since BumGenius introduced their newest diaper "The 4.0" its hard to find these diapers. The 4.0 is similar to the 3.0 but has some improved features and more color options. I'll be reviewing that one very soon since I just purchased my first 4.0!


Friday, March 4, 2011

Flip System Review

Flip System

The first diapers I purchased. These diapers came highly recommended by both moms that were new to Cloth Diapers and moms that had been CDing for some time.

What I Love: 
These diapers are a GREAT way to get your stash started! You can purchase 2 covers and with six inserts for $49.95 for the Stay Dry or $59.95 for the Organic. (If you watch diapers.com they will also offer $10 off your first diaper purchase every so often!)
These diapers are also easy to use. The cover can be reused several times before being washed. You just take out the wet insert, wipe out the cover and place a new insert in it! If the cover gets dirty (i.e. poop on it!) just toss it in the washer. The Manufacturer recommends line drying, which I normally do. I have thrown them in the dryer many times though and they seem to stand up just fine on medium heat. 

These covers also work well with prefold diapers. Prefolds are relatively inexpensive and can really help bulk up your stash in the beginning. Another great option the Flip System offers is a disposable insert. I personally never used them but could see how they would be a good option if you were traveling or are new to using cloth diapers. 

The Flip Cover is a one size cover that will grow with your baby. They fit from 7-35lbs. They are easy to use, like many One Size diaper they adjust with a snap rise. My son was 
Options:
Closure: Flip covers come in your choice of Snap or Aplix closure. I AM NOT A FAN OF APLIX!!! It has nothing to do with brands....just my preference. Aplix works great for some people, but not for us! That being said I would recommend these diapers in a Snap Closure

Color: Here is a link to the CottonBabies page that has the color chart

Inserts: 


Stay Dry (Right) VS Organic (Left)- I like both of these inserts. The Stay Dry insert truly does keep babies bottoms dry! That is something I noticed the very first time I changed a Flip diaper. The Stay Dry Suede does a great job of wicking water through it into the Microfiber layers. 
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Organic insert! It is more absorbent than I ever could have imagined. It is perfect for night time. My son is a heavy wetter, but this insert will last him through the night. Since I normally use pocket diapers now I will stuff it in the pocket instead of a regular insert. This insert looks more like a Trifold or a prefold diaper. I was surprised at how soft this insert was. I have found some organic cotton inserts can be rough, but this one is still soft after being used for almost a year.

Where to buy: Most online cloth diaper retailers carry these diapers. Here are a couple of my fav retailers 
Abbys Lane (Free Shipping! Join their Yahoo Group to get monthly discount codes!)
Kelly's Closet (Free Shipping on orders over $49 and Monthly specials!)

Through time I have become a pocket diaper user, but I do still occasionally use my Flips. They are great for travel because they are not bulky. They have a very trim fit on baby....most cloth diapers are a little bulky. The color options are great because they have a lot of colors that won't be seen through clothes.....unless you want them to be!