This is one of the first questions asked by anyone looking into different types of cloth diapers and researching all the options. I think the main reason this question comes across everyone’s mind is due to the significant cost difference between hemp fiber, organic cotton, and conventional cotton products. The truth is, there are significant differences in the absorbency, durability, overall performance, and of course, environmental impact of hemp fiber products versus conventional and synthetic fibers.
First, and probably foremost, is absorbency. These are diapers after all and they need to hold a lot of “liquid”. Hemp is perfect for diapers because it absorbs at least 3x its weight in liquid. This allows for a trimmer fit without sacrificing absorbency. BabyKicks JoeyBunz are a perfect example of this. When microfiber or cotton inserts are replaced with hemp JoeyBunz, the diaper bag suddenly has a lot more room for changes of clothes, mom’s purse, snacks, goodies, etc. We feel that with less bulk babies are able to move more freely and be comfortable while showing off the cute “fluffy butt” that cloth diapers are known for, all at the same time.
Another great fact about hemp based products is that it wears in rather than wearing out. Hemp fibers are one of the most durable known to man so it will hold its shape and become increasingly more malleable with use. That’s right, the more hemp is used and washed, the softer it gets. The fibers are several times stronger than cotton, so garments (including diapers) will outlast other items made with 100% cotton as well as many synthetic products.
Hemp is also naturally antimicrobial, web definition: capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Which means your baby will be naturally protected from rash causing bacteria, fungus, and mold. No rash means happy baby, and happy baby means happy parents. With so much to worry about with a new addition to the family, at least diaper rash is in check.
Speaking of a new addition, one of the most important things for our little ones is having a healthy earth to thrive in. After all, none of us would be here without it, right? So, to return the favor of taking care of us, we should take care of our planet. Using hemp is a great way to be truly eco friendly. It grows well without any pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, it is drought tolerant which means less water is needed to acquire an adequate crop, it replenishes the soil with nitrogen making it the perfect rotation crop for food farmers, and it grows rapidly, ready for harvest in about 4 months.
Hemp has been known as a “super fiber” for thousands of years and we are finally rediscovering why. Because of its absorbency, durability, mold/mildew resistance, and soft feel it is the perfect material for cloth diapers. Happy baby + Happy planet = Just the way it should be!
With the help of The Cloth Diaper Whisperer we are hosting an Easter Diaper Hunt through the entire month of April! Our general manager, Stephan, is travelling (and hiding) all over Europe with our Bumboo Pocket and Organic Fitted, who we have nicknamed Otto and Maya. They will be sending pictures of landmarks in well known cities as a clue to where they are hiding. If you know where they are you have a chance to win 1 of 6 Easter bags that are guaranteed to include at least one Bumboo Pocket diaper! There will be 5 weeks of giveaways and one GRAND PRIZE at the end. We will also give clues on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday every week throughout the journey on our Facebook page, www.facebook/BabyKicksOrganic. For more information and official rules please visit www.TheClothDiaperWhisperer. Good luck everyone!
Many of us are going green because we know it is good for our children, ourselves, and our environment. We don’t litter, we recycle, we buy organic food, bring our own reusable bags when we go to the grocery store, and, of course, cloth diaper. We are taking all these steps to ensure a healthy, happy planet for the generations to come. But, many of us overlook one of the most earth and health devastating culprits which has saturated our everyday lives. The thing is, we don’t even realize it.
Okay, so most of us know the clothes we wear everyday are made of cotton. Our couch, carpet, curtains, tablecloth, sheets, towels, and stuffed animals… cotton (at least in part). I think many of us also know that cotton is referred to as the ‘king of chemicals’. So, I can’t help but wonder why we continue to buy conventional cotton? We shouldn’t have to wonder if in the end it was worth it. It is cheaper, true. And, it is everywhere. But, don’t we want the best for ourselves and especially our babies?
I came across a very interesting and in depth article that I would like to share with everyone. I also found a shorter version that I am including as well. Both are very informative on the differences between conventional and organic cotton. It truly is amazing that it is the same plant, but they do not in any way compare to each other.
The BabyKicks team would like to invite you to join us at the 7th Annual ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas, Sept. 13-16. Not only will we be featuring our signature Hemp products, but we are very excited to introduce some new ones! Here’s a hint: we are adding some different fabrics. You will have to stop by our booth #5333 at the show to see the ‘goodies’ and get all the details. Hope to see you there!
I made a critical miscalculation yesterday. I’ve been treating myself to one cup of half-caf Starbucks Breakfast Blend, but I was so tired and saw so much work on my horizon that in a moment of weakness, I broke into one of the valentine gift baskets I had bought for Panorama’s teachers and teethed the can of Verona.
By noon, I realized that I hadn’t eaten a stitch of food, but I had managed to drink 4 cups of liquid speed. I am surprised that Prospector wasn’t running around in full freak out mode along with me, bless his heart.
So I spent the day muttering to myself and trying to do deep breathing exercises. But I did manage to use a heap of pre-folded cloth diapers and I also experimented with different ways to make my All In One Kushies work better, including using Joey Bunz and Doublers.
So today I am washing. I’ve found some interesting resources on the web for washing aside from the BabyKicks Care Instructions. The Pin has some interesting information that I need to digest- such as soaking vs. not soaking, wet bucket vs. dry bucket and more…. Who knew there was such a body of knowledge? Today’s load will be Hot Wash with two Rinses.
We had lots of wet diapers yesterday and a few dirty ones- and not a single blow out. I’m impressed. Even when wet, the diaper still feels pretty dry. I am going to do some experiments with different quantities of water in different types of diapers (BabyKicks pre-folds, regular pre-folds, Cotton-All-In-One, and a Pampers) I’ll post the results here soon.
So far, so good. It’s a lazy day here at our house, so we haven’t totally challenged my folding and snapping skills. So far, I haven’t used any inserts and there have been no big blow-outs. I am not really concerned about it, though, because Prospector destroys any kind of disposable diaper when he does Number 2. He has ruined heaps of pajamas and onesies. I figure that anything has to be an improvement! We shall see.
So, I finished washing the diapers. As expected, they came out of the wash smaller and with a different texture than before. The BabyKicks folks had told me about that.
Here is a photo of a diaper I haven’t washed yet (left) and one that has been washed (right):
I managed to follow the directions on folding the diaper and I’ve got one on Prospector’s bum right now.
I think I need more practice before I take a picture of it on him. I’m not confident I did it securely enough!
I’m a big idiot when it comes to some pretty basic life skills. We’ve been too coddled the past few decades! Nobody knows how to dance, make waffles or sew a button anymore. When I wanted to use cloth diapers, one of the biggest things I was afraid of was folding the dang thing!
Until I get organized enough to make a little video and some more information, here is a great flickr photoset on the subject. This procedure and the Snappi will work for folding ANY kind of cloth diaper, not just BabyKicks!
This Hemp Diaper does it all and when we designed it we had your baby’s comfort in mind. That is, for example, why we developed a special new hemp/cotton/polyester blend giving you a one of a kind hemp diaper. This fabric is very very soft and ‘comfortable’, super-stretchy and best of all it does not stiffen over time!
Bunz are a perfect example of this. When.jpg)
microfiber or cotton inserts are replaced with hemp JoeyBunz, the diaper bag suddenly has a lot more room for changes of clothes, mom’s purse, snacks, goodies, etc. We feel that with less bulk babies are able to move more freely and be comfortable while showing off the cute “fluffy butt” that cloth diapers are known for, all at the same time..jpg)
is also naturally antimicrobial, web definition: capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Which means your baby will be naturally protected from rash causing bacteria, fungus, and mold. No rash means happy baby, and happy baby means happy parents. With so much to worry about with a new addition to the family, at least diaper rash is in check..jpg)
finally rediscovering why. Because of its absorbency, durability, mold/mildew resistance, and soft feel it is the perfect material for cloth diapers. Happy baby + Happy planet = Just the way it should be!v2.jpg)
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