Leslie's Latest

Fluff Stash for iPhone! Have you seen it?

2011-05-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

Fluff Stash
The World’s First Cloth Diaper Addicts iPhone App
Scheduled to hit the App Store today!
Official Press Release

Introducing the very first of its kind, Fluff Stash, an iPhone app just for cloth diaper fanatics! In this easy to use and navigate app you’ll have so much fun snapping pics of all your diapers, categorizing them by brand, color, size, style and more! Sort, organize, and share your stash with the click of a button.

We know just how addicted cloth diapering moms are, not just to their cloth diapers, but to their smartphones and their social networks. That’s why we’re giving you the best of all your favorite things by allowing you to satisfy your craving to talk about cloth, use your phone, and share photos of your entire stash all in one convenient place!

What’s the best part?

It’s totally affordable, just .99 and it’s easy to use! No gimmicks, finally an app that you can use on a daily basis for practical or totally impractical reasons, you decide!

Download Fluff Stash from the App Store today and take your cloth diaper addiction to a whole new level!

Make sure you also “LIKE” Fluff Stash on Facebook where you can connect with other Fluff Stash users, ask questions, participate in promotions and more!

Like what you’re reading?

We need your help spreading the word about this new app! Please copy & paste this press release and post it to your blogs, facebook, twitter, message boards and more! Don’t keep this exciting news to yourself, the more who use it the more fun we all can have!

Listen to Leslie: What are the benefits and/or disadvatages to choosing all AIO diapers?

2011-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our Listen to Leslie post are intended to help cloth diapering families find solutions and answers to some of their most common frequently asked questions regarding cloth diapering. If you have a question you'd like to see covered in future post please share it as a comment below.

Question: I'm new to cloth diapering and considering purchasing a cloth diaper stash of all AIO diapers. I'd like to know your thoughts on the benefits and disadvantages of choosing AIO's?

Answer: Welcome to cloth diapering! There is quite a bit to know about the different types of cloth diapers so first let's discuss what an AIO is. An AIO is the most similar form of cloth diaper to a disposable diaper, in terms of ease of use and functionality. They are exactly as their name describes, an All In One diaper.

Benefits-
All-In-One diapers are waterproof, have built in absorbency and easy to use closure style. Just as easy to use as a disposable.

There's no stuffing required, no extra pieces, and they're great for babysitters, daddies, and daycares. When you take the diaper off the baby you simply wash, dry and it's ready to wear again.

Disadvantages-
The drawbacks to using an AIO or having an all AIO stash are...

Sometimes the built-in absorbency ends up not being enough for your childs needs. You'll either need to purchase doublers to use inside the diapers to make them more absorbent, or purchase Pocket AIO's so that you can stuff the added insert or doubler inside the diaper instead of just laying it in.

AIO diapers also take much longer to dry. Since these diapers are "all-in-one" and do not come apart into separate pieces, they retain moisture and often take longer than just one dryer cycle to dry. They are also not ideal for line drying unless the conditions are just right.

Because they can take longer to dry they are more prone to mildew and stinkies. They will frequently seem dry although inside they are not and when not dried in a sufficient amount of time they can develop odor issues.

AIO diapers are also not as available in Onesize options as their Pocket Diaper relatives. There are some Onesize AIO's, but generally AIO's are sized diapers and you'll need to buy the next size up when your little one outgrows the size they're in.

Overall-
AIO's are great diapers and I do recommend everyone have at least some in their stash for convenience. Each person has different needs so it's important to weigh the benefits and disadvantages before investing in all one kind of diaper.

For a great selection of cloth diapers please visit a Leslie's Boutique Retailer! Thanks for reading.

Have you heard of the Flats and Handwashing Challenge? May 23-30

2011-05-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

The Flats and Handwashing Challenge was created by Kim of Dirty Diaper Laundry, a popular Cloth Diapering blog.

The purpose of the challenge is to prove that cloth diapering doesn't have to be expensive, any one can afford it, and you don't even need electricity to care for your diapers. Many low-income families struggle to put food on the table and keep a roof over their head and the cost of disposable diapers is simply too much for many families. Mothers are admitting to resorting to drastic measures to stretch the use they get from their disposable diapers, this includes attempting to reuse soiled disposables as well as leaving their children in disposables even when they know they're in need of a changing.

These facts are just a way of life for families who think that disposables are their only option. Many do not have on-site laundry washing facilities and do not think that cloth diapering is a possibility.

Through the Flats and Handwashing Challenge moms hope to prove that cloth diapering can be done in the most inexpensive way, effectively, and they can be handwashed without fancy appliances or even electricity.

Kim of Dirty Diaper Laundry has even been making some fabuolous Youtube Video Tutorials, which I will share a few with you below. How to make your own Camp Style Bucket Washer, How to fold Flat Diapers and more.

If you're interested in participating make sure you sign up. If you can't or don't want to participate but do want to see how the different participants fare during the challenge make sure that you follow Kim's blog.

Listen to Leslie: Is it ok to buy used cloth diapers?

2011-05-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

Time for Leslie to answer another great question from a cloth diapering mama!

Question: I've been considering purchasing some used cloth diapers. Is this ok to do and is there anything I need to know before making a purchase?

Answer: Yes! There are a lot of things to consider before purchasing used diapers. I recommend only purchasing excellent used condition diapers and from actual cloth diaper retailers if you can. Let me explain why.

Where did the diapers come from and how old are they? Diapers, if stored improperly can look great but have rotted or worn out elastic that will essentially fall apart when used. Find out when the selller purchased the diapers, and attempt to verify that they are not an older version. Finding out the brand, style and model and doing a little research will ensure that you're not buying a diaper that was made by a company that went out of business 5 years ago.
Why are they being sold? Make sure you ask why the seller is getting rid of the diapers. If buying from a forum, check the sellers feedback rating and also look at their post history. While I don't think everyone is out to take advantage, there certainly are some who will try. If the seller says they bought XYZ diaper new and just didn't like the fit, but you notice that they themselves purcahsed it used from another seller recently, then you know the seller is dishonest. You will have no clue how old the diaper is or what it's history is.
What were they washed with? As you all know, just because a diaper looks clean doesn't mean it doesn't have stink issues or that it could have been washed with the wrong types of detergent or cared for improperly. Make sure you ask questions and get as much information as you can before committing.
Is the seller the original owner? It is really not a good idea to purchase diapers used unless you know you're purchasing them from the original owner. Only the original owner will know how old they are, where they were purchased, how they were cared for, etc.

These are just a few things you should consider before buying used. Another great option is purchasing gently used diapers from a cloth diaper retailer. They generally come with some sort of a "Certified Pre-Owned Guarantee" and will have been fully inspected and often pre-washed. This is a great, much more safe, alternative if you'd like to save money and buy pre-owned diapers.

Hope this answer helps you some and that next time you're buying used diapers you'll be making a much more informed decision.

How to get started with Cloth Wipes!

2011-04-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

Guest Post by Emily

So you’ve made the decision to cloth diaper, but you’re still stuck using disposable wipes. You’re tired of using two different pails at diaper changes, tired of finding the remnants of wipes that accidentally got thrown in the wash, and tired of throwing away your money. Time to switch to cloth wipes! At first it can seem a little overwhelming. Just like your research on cloth diapers, you find there are many different options. Different fabrics, shapes, brands, prices, etc. Where do you start?

My first concern was price. I knew I wanted to have at least 24 to begin with, and most of the wipes I saw were at least $1 each. The thought of sinking $24+ into something I wasn’t quite sure about didn’t appeal to me. So I looked into using things I had on hand. After all, we were given tons of flannel receiving blankets and burp cloths that weren’t being used. I, however, am not crafty and do not sew. That would mean asking someone else to take the time to sew them and probably paying them to do so. I’d also have to work around their schedule and I wanted to get started right away. So, what to do?

A little more research brought about the idea of using baby washcloths. After all, they’re soft, absorbent, and made to clean a baby’s skin. Why not? I informed Jdaddy of my decision and off to the store we went. I picked up two 12-packs of Gerber Washcloths for about $6 total. Not bad. But then I had to worry about a wipes solution. Being the frugal mom I am, and not crazy about using products on baby’s sensitive skin, I decided to skip the solution and just use water. Some like to wet a few wipes each day and keep them in a container. I was afraid I’d forget about them and they’d get musty, so I chose to wet them as needed. At first I used a peri-bottle to wet the wipes, but it tended to get water everywhere. So I found a spray bottle we already had and began using it. Success!

Since we started using cloth wipes a few months ago, we’ve developed quite a nice routine. The wipes are kept in an old Pampers wipes container, using a folding method found on YouTube for the “pop-up” effect. We picked up another pack of washcloths to total 36. I also added a squirt of baby oil and a drop or two of baby wash to the spray bottle to make the wiping a bit smoother. It’s so much more convenient to just toss the wipes into the pail with the diaper and wash them all together. And even better, no more throwing money away!

About Emily: Emily is a Navy wife and WAHM to a handsome baby boy. Sh has been cloth diapering her son since he was a month old, and is a self-proclaimed fluff addict.

What's a Cloth Diaper? New Animated Video from Dirty Diaper Laundry!

2011-04-05T09:57:00.001-07:00

Great new Cloth Diaper Advocacy Video on Youtube! Check it out and share it with your friends!

Winner of the Leslie's Boutique Wipes Bag Giveaway was....Melanie, Comment #93!

2011-03-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Melanie, lucky entry #93! She's the winner of our Leslie's Boutique Wipes Bag! Perfect for toiletries, cloth wipes, mama pads and more!

Thank you to everyone who entered. If you didn't win, please don't get discouraged, we'll have plenty more giveaways coming up soon!

Melanie, please check your email for a winners notification from us and to claim your prize.

Our Featured Retailer of the week is...Circle Me of Lincoln, Nebraska!

2011-03-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

This week's featured retailer is CircleME! CircleME is owned by husband and wife duo Jennifer and Bo! I got a chance to ask them a few questions and I have shared their answers with you below.

Tell us about yourself and your family, where you live, any hobbies, if you have little ones in cloth diapers, etc.
We are originally from GA. Currently live in Lincoln, NE. Bo is a chiropractor and I take care of the household, and our 2 boys. We love to spend time together with our children and each other. We love our family. Our boys are 4 and 18 months. 1 in cloth diapers. We enjoy each other and close friends.

Tell us about 'Circle Me' and how it came to be that you started a cloth diaper business? We used cloth from the beginning with our first child. Jen had seen 3 other families by now using cloth so thought why not? After realizing that the only place to purchase hybrids was online….we saw the need to open a brick and mortar for our surrounding area and city. We desire to be resource for families in health care and life choices, so felt as if cloth diaper store would enhance that overall vision. We prayed and sought advice and felt very strongly about opening up this retail business.

Do you have a physical store or showroom? Are you online only? Do you offer consultations, demos, deliveries? Any special services? A physical store. We are not online, yet J We offer consultations, demos, and yes we have delivered before! We offer array of classes and other resources such as birth kits and supplies, birth pool rentals, doula kits and traveling baby registries (we’ll take what you put on your registry to a location so your guests can shop for you on the day of your baby shower)

What's your favorite part about being a cloth diaper retailer and being involved with the industry? Seeing all the amazing creativity God has given so many families in this industry. Cloth diapers change every day!! Also the customers. Watching their eyes light up when they realize that cloth diapering is very doable and very affordable. Then watching them get excited about all the fun options and designs and colors and styles, and…….

What's your favorite style of cloth diaper? I prefer and hybrid pocket diaper.

From the Leslie's Boutique line of products what is your favorite product and why? I love her Grab and Go wet bag. It is the perfect size for my diaper bag. All the wet bags are great, and a large is going to be perfect to have this summer while swimming.

What piece of advice would you give to a mom who's getting ready to make the switch to cloth diapers? Call and ask for advice from a trusted source. Do a trial package of different styles BEFORE you make your large investment. If your best friends diaper fits her baby well, it does not mean it will fit your baby well. Buy a wet bag!

Special Offer: Free Shipping on Orders over $75 and 15% off for local shoppers who shop in the store.

Become a Fan of CircleMe on FaceBook for more details and to stay connected. They're also sponsoring the local Great Cloth Diaper Change so if you're a Lincoln, NE resident make sure you rsvp to attend and help set the World Record for Cloth Diapering!

Also, make sure you check out their Blog, My Natural Family, it's full of tons of great articles and resources!

Listen to Leslie: What's the difference between an insert and a doubler?

2011-03-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

Leslie's answering some more of your cloth diapering related questions!

Question: There are so many types of diapering accessories that it's hard to know what makes one different from the other. What's the difference between inserts and doublers? Are they the same thing?

Answer: Great question and for the most part, cloth diapering accessories are all pretty interchangeable.

Originally doublers were like thinner versions of an insert, depending upon the brand. You could add one to your normal diaper and insert and make it more absorbent by stuffing it into the pocket with the insert.

There are also doublers that are made to lay directly in a prefold or fitted and those generally are topped with a stay dry or soft material so as not to irritate babies sensitive skin.

Recently, manufacturers have begun making their inserts with a stay dry top so that it can be used as either an insert, doubler or even just laid inside a diaper cover in lieu of a fitted diaper. This is convenient and really helps you to make the most of all of your cloth diapers and accessories and makes all the different styles and accessories interchangeable.

So yes, for the most part inserts and doublers are pretty similar. You can determine which you like to use and how you like to use them in order to meet your baby's specific needs.

*If you need to purchase additional inserts or doublers please make sure to visit one of our retailers for all your cloth diapering needs!

Thanks!

Grab that Bag: Enter to win a Leslie's Boutique Wipes Bag! CLOSED

2011-03-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to another "Grab that Bag" Giveaway!

This week we're giving away a Leslie's Boutique Wipes Bag!

This week's prize:

Our Wipes Bags measure 10x6 with a top zipper and snap handle. Perfect for wipes, mama pads, make-up, toiletries, baby food utensils and more! Want to purchase one? Find a retailer at LesliesBoutique.com!

What are the Guidelines for entry?
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first complete the mandatory entry question or task.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....Becoming a Fan of Leslie's on FaceBook is also recommended so that you'll be extra sure to see the winners announcement.

-Each Giveaway will run until Sunday and end at 11:59pm EST.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Mondays and winner's name also posted on Blog and FaceBook.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination and they will not be replaced. A shipping notice will be sent to the winner.

Mandatory Entry:
Use this link to find your nearest Leslie's Boutique Retailer and leave a comment with that stores name and link!

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry that you qualify for.

Extra methods of entry are:
-(1 entry) Follow the Leslie's Boutique Blog
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/leslieswetbags
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/lesliesboutique
-(1 entry) Locate your closest Leslie's Retailer and comment with which retailer it is.
-(3 entries) Tweet this "Win a @Leslieswetbags #clothdiapers Wipes Bag Visit the Blog to enter: http://ow.ly/4iH0m #win" *Limit one tweet per day*
-(3 entries) Blog about the Giveaway or post to FaceBook. Tag our @Leslie's Boutique FB Page in the post and include a link to the giveaway and also use the giveaway graphic at the top of this post. Comment with a link to the post on your blog or facebook. *Limit one per day either blog or facebook.)
-(3 entries) Be a new subscriber to our Youtube Channel.
-(5 entries) Submit an article for use on the Leslie'sBoutique Blog! Email shethinksmedia(at)gmail(dot)com for more details.
-(5 entries) Share our WetBag Demo Youtube Video on FaceBook or embed in a blog post! Come back and make sure to let us know where you shared it.

Listen to Leslie: How do I know how many cloth diapers I need to use cloth full-time?

2011-03-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon and Happy St. Patrick's Day! Welcome to another Listen to Leslie post where Leslie answers some of the most frequently asked cloth diaper related questions.

Question: I'd like to use cloth diapers full time but I'm just not sure how many diapers I will need to have?

Answer: How many diapers you will need depends on a lot of different factors. For example, younger babies tend to go through more diapers per day then older ones. Little ones also tend to need less absorbency but much more frequent diaper changes, that's why prefolds are often a method preferred by moms of newborns.

You also need to decide how often you'd like to be doing your diaper laundry. If you want to wash every night then you need enough to last you longer than 24 hours. While the diapers are washing you'll need diapers that you can use and you also want to take into consideration that baby might get sick or experience more frequent bowel movements than usual and you don't want to run out.

The diaper bag? It's important to plan on keeping 2-3 diapers in your diaper bag at all times. Great for going out and about and as backup in the event that something happens at home and you need a clean diaper fast.

I can't tell you how many times I ran out of clean diapers because my diaper laundry got put into the dryer but I forgot to turn it on!

What about wear and tear? If you keep the exact amount of diapers that you need for each day and no extra, AND you're washing daily. Then you can expect to be washing those same diapers 365 days a year. That's a lot of wear and tear and you may not be able to rely on those diapers for use with future children.

The more diapers you have the larger your rotation which means instead of every day, each diaper would get used every other day. That cuts your wear and tear in HALF!

Styles of Diapers? For prefolds, fitteds and covers you can pretty much count upon the fact that you won't have to change the cover with every diaper change unless it gets smelly, too moist or soiled. So you can get by with 2 dozen prefolds and 4-6 covers just fine. With Pockets and AIO's you know that the entire diaper including the outer shell, pocket, inserts, etc. need to be changed at each diaper change.

Phew! That's a lot to take into consideration isn't it? Well I hope this post helps you a little and gives you a better understanding of how many diapers you'd need.

What are your thoughts, suggestions, comments?

Leslie's Featured Retailer: Emily of NoPinsRequired!

2011-03-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

Time to feature another of our Fabulous Leslie's Boutique Retailers!

Today we're interviewing Emily, the owner of No Pins Required!

Please tell us about yourself and your family, where you live, any hobbies, if you have little ones in cloth diapers-
My husband John and I live in Ferndale, Michigan. We have one son, Jack (2.5) and another baby on the way, due in October. We are big Detroit Tiger fans and I am an avid scrapbooker.

Tell us about 'No Pins Required' and how it came to be that you started a cloth diaper business.
A local online cloth diaper store closed right after I had my son, and I didn’t have a local place to buy diapers. We bought her store, and opened online only in August of 2009. In April of 2010, we opened our brick and mortar location in Ferndale, Michigan. We had so many local customers, it made a lot of sense. We started out as only a cloth diaper store, but we are really a natural baby store at this point, with tons of natural products that aren’t diapers. We are moving into a new location soon that is much larger than our current location.

Do you have a physical store or showroom? Do you offer consultations, demos, deliveries? Any special services?
We have a brick and mortar store in Ferndale, Michigan. We offer cloth diaper classes twice a month and Moby demos once every couple of months. We have a gift registry that is really popular and we also offer layaway.

Store hours:

Sunday/Monday - Closed

Tuesday 12-5

Wednesday 10-3

Thursday/Friday 12-5

Saturday 10-2

Our address:

22446 Woodward, Ferndale, Michigan!

What's your favorite part about being a cloth diaper retailer and being involved with the industry?
I love promoting cloth diapers and getting more people using them!

What's your favorite style of cloth diaper?
All in ones, where the absorbency flips out in the wash so they dry quickly!

From the Leslie's Boutique line of products what is your favorite product and why?I love all of the Leslie’s products, but I really love the wet/dry bags and the pleated dry pocket!

What piece of advice would you give to a mom who's getting ready to make the switch to cloth diapers?
Try a variety of diapers! You never know what you will like the best! Try both Velcro and snaps too!

Special Offer: Visit No Pins Required and us Discount Code LESLIES10 for 10% off your order!

Want to stay connected with No Pins Required? You can Become a Fan of theirs on FaceBook!

Tips for those who frequently forget their diaper bags!

2011-03-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you all but I was terrible at remembering to bring my diaper bag along whenever I left the house. Every time I turned around I was having to deal with a poopy diaper, leaking diaper, soiled clothes and overall diaper changing catastrophe.

My forgetfulness was always the topic of converstaion...er discussion with my husband. Never failed, we'd decide to take a drive, run some errands, etc. and next thing I knew the baby would need a changing and I'd realize I left the house with nothing but my breasts for feeding her, thank god they're attached or I'd probably forget them too!

Hindsight is always 20/20 so here I will share with you some tips I've come up with or tips that had been volunteered to me in order to help me prevent those really embarrassing and inconvenient diaper bag dilemmas.

You hear it all the time but having extra diapers, maybe a few you don't use all that often, a change of clothes and some extra wipes in your car for those emergencies really is the way to go. You never know when you might have your diaper bag with you AND still run out of the supplies you need.
Keep two diaper bags packed or handy so that even if you forgot to pack one you can grab the other and run out the door if you're in a hurry.
Always re-pack the diaper bag as soon as you unpack it. A great little habit to get into that will help you save time.
Keep your diaper bag by the door, attach your keys, or keep it by your purse or some other item that you are not likely to forget.
If you want to, make your diaper bag your purse! This is a great excuse to go ahead and purchase one of those super cute and trendy diaper bags that you've always wanted. Temporarily move out of your purse and into the diaper bag and you'll almost never forget it again!

Do you have any tips or suggestions for mamas who frequently forget their diaper bag? We'd love to read them!

Saturday Mom Blog Hop! Add you blog!

2011-03-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

Here's how it works...

In order to join the hop and add your link you have to first

First, follow the first (2) Blogs on the list AND the last (2) Blogs on the list. Why the first and last? Well normally I see blog hops where you must just follow people at the top, but that doesn't seem all that fun when those never change and there's no guarantee anyone else will get new followers. So I decided to play by my own rules and ask that you follow the top two and bottom two.
Second, grab the code for the linky and create a new Blog post on your blog. Please also use the Cloth Diaper Geek Blog Hop graphic and copy/paste these instructions if you can so that others will know the rules and how to play along.
Optional, it is not "required" but if you'd like other bloggers to follow you back through this Hop then it's suggested that you leave them a comment saying so on their blog so that they know you stopped by.

*To grab the code and place this Blog Hop on your blog you must click the link below that says "Get the code here..." or copy/paste the code from the iframe box below.

Listen to Leslie: Sized Diapers vs. Onesize Diapers, What are the pros and cons?

2011-03-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

The onesize vs. sized diaper debate is a good one. There are definite pros and cons for both. So this weeks question is a very good one and I will try to shed a little light on the topic.

Question: Do onesize diapers really fit newborns? Why would it be better to buy onesize over sized diapers or vice versa?

Answer: There are many benefits to both types of cloth diapering options. Many people buy onesize diapers because they want to save money and not have to purchase different sizes of diapers. Or they might buy onesize diapers because they have more than one child in diapers and they like being able to use the same diapers with both children. These are very good and legitimate reasons for choosing onesize over sized and families who choose them for this reason are usually willing and wanting to overlook the drawbacks.

The benefits of using sized diapers are that on a tiny baby, especially a newborn, you'll be able to get a better fit with less bulk. With the onesize diaper on the smallest setting for newborns, it will be really puffy and bulky and and you might find that your newborns clothing may not fit, you might have to buy the next size up, especially in denim or non-stretchy fabrics.

You might also experience leaking diapers if the onesize doesn't fit properly. Most onesize diapers fit from 7 or 8 through 35-40lbs. We all know that not all newborns weigh 7-8 lbs and some are skinny while others are total chunkers.

Another thing to consider is that if you plan on using onesize diapers from birth through potty training in order to save money, then most likely they'll be totally worn out by the time you're done with them and may not be suitable for use on future children.

With sized diapers, since your little one will outgrow them, they will have gotten less use and be in better condition in order to be saved for future babies to come.

There are definite benefits to both, everyone's preferences and priorities are different, so there's not just answer as to which kind would work better for you or your babe.

Winner of our Pail Liner Grab that Bag Giveaway is...Comment 119, Tannis!

2011-03-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the Grab that Bag Giveaway from last week! According to random.org our lucky commenter was Comment #119 which is Tannis!

Tannis we hope you'll enjoy one of our Pail Liners! Please keep an eye on your email for a winning notification from us.

Every one else...if you didn't win please don't fret! There will be plenty more giveaways and I am sure you're persistence will pay off. Thanks for being a Fan of Leslie's Boutique products!

The Great Cloth Diaper Change! One GREAT idea! Will you be there?

2011-03-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

You might remember one of our previous posts about The Great Cloth Diaper Change coming April 23 to a location near you! Visit the Great Cloth Diaper Change website and locate a retailer or advocate host where you can rsvp to attend.

Don't see a location near you? Well then you can sign up to host your own! It's a great way to spread the word about how great cloth diapers are and also a great way to connect and make new friends in your area.

Don't forget to check out The Great Cloth Diaper Change video too and share it with all your friends!

Listen to Leslie: So confused about natural fibers. Why do they have to be washed separately?

2011-03-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered about using natural fibers? Today's question is a really good one!

Question: I've heard that when you have diapers made from natural fibers like Hemp and Bamboo that you need to wash them separate from the rest of your diapers? Is this true? If so, why is this the case?

Answer: This is a really great question and I am sure that many moms wonder this exact same thing. The washing instructions for natural fibers can be really confusing and often contradictory.

Here's the scoop! Natural fibers like Hemp and Bamboo contain naturally occurring oils. Generally you can assume that they've been prewashed before use in the manufacturing of inserts and built in soakers, but in some cases, like with prefolds, they may not have been.

Most manufacturers, in order to be safer than sorry, recommend you prewash your newly purchased inserts, diapers or prefolds that contain natural fibers separately from the rest of your diaper laundry. At least a couple times before beginning to launder them all together.

Washing them with your pockets and other diapers right from the start would run the risk that the natural oils might wash out and coat your other diapers causing repelling and odor issues. If you're concerned about whether or not you need to pre-wash your new items it's a good idea to contact the manufacturer or post to their FaceBook Wall asking their advice.

Now you're probably thinking, Do you really have to prewash one insert or prefold all by itself multiple times? What a waste of water right? Well if it's convenient for you then you can wash them with your towels, linens or other non-diaper laundry, or even wash in the kitchen sink a couple times.

*So what do you all think? Do you prewash your natural fibers separately or forgo all the warnings?

Leslie's Featured Retailer: Rhonda of MonkeyBunz!

2011-03-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

Read about one of our great retailers!

Tell us about yourself and your family, where you live, any hobbies, if you have little ones in cloth diapers, etc.
My name is Rhonda Benson. I live in Southern California, with my husband and daughter. We have just the one little one, in her last year before starting Kindergarten. While we did cloth diaper, we are well past this stage in our lives.

We love the outdoors, and do a lot of camping, hiking, cycling, SCUBA diving (not as much SCUBA diving as we'd like these days, but it's still at the top of the list).

Tell us about 'Monkey Bunz' and how it came to be that you started a cloth diaper business.
Just before our daughter was born, I went from working full-time as a Corporate Travel Agent and part-time SCUBA instructor (right up until I found out I was pregnant). Wanting to go back to work, eventually, we knew that the high-stress and long hours of corporate travel, were definitely not what we wanted for our family. From the desire to be home with my daughter, Monkeybunz.com was born in January 2010.

We did lots of research, searching for niche markets. We weren't really sure what sort of business we wanted to start. What we did know was that it had to fit into the lifestyle we were after. Which meant that whatever we ventured into, had to be based from home (at least for the first few years).

Cloth diapering and eco-friendly baby products kept coming back as a very good market to be in. Having cloth diapered our daughter, we did have some experience on the user side of this business. We decided to give it a go, and the rest is history.

Do you have a physical store or showroom? Are you online only? Do you offer consultations, demos, deliveries? Any special services?
We are an eTailer only. We offer diaper demos and consultations for local customers, and prospective customers. We do them one-on-one and in group settings.

What's your favorite part about being a cloth diaper retailer and being involved with the industry?
I love being able to consult with new parents about cloth diapering. There are so many benefits for baby, financially and the environment. I enjoy interacting with the types of people interested in cloth diapering. Most of all, I love being able to do this in my own business.

What's your favorite style of cloth diaper?
I really love the pocket diaper. While I like the one-size options, my favorite is a line that breaks it down so that there is a size one and a size two. It fits a larger weight range, and cuts down on a bit of the bulk.

From the Leslie's Boutique line of products what is your favorite product and why?
My favorites are the Hanging Wet Bags in the Night Owls and Chocolate Zoo prints. They are vibrant, versatile and extremely well made.

What piece of advice would you give to a mom who's getting ready to make the switch to cloth diapers?
Cloth diapering can seem overwhelming at first. I would suggest that she first make a clear decision, and stick with it. If you purchase a full stash of diapers (18-24), as opposed to "dabbling" and maybe only purchasing 6-12, you are more likely to be overwhelmed by the process, unhappy and give up before you get into a rhythm. With a newborn, 6-12 diapers will barely get you through a day. Secondly, I would strongly suggest purchasing a few different styles of diaper. What works for one, may not work for another.

Want to stay connected with MonkeyBunz? Become a Fan of theirs on FaceBook!

Special Offer: Use Coupon Code LES10 for 10% off your purchase!

Grab that Bag: Enter to win a Leslie's Pail Liner! CLOSED

2011-02-28T07:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to our weekly giveaways! We took a week off from the blog but we're back and ready to pick up where we left off!

This week we're giving away a another Pail Liner in the winners choice of either Boy, Girl or Gender Neutral!

This week's prize:
Our gorgeous pail liners are a must have diapering accessory, you can locate your nearest pail liner retailer at LesliesBoutique.com!

What are the Guidelines for entry?
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first complete the mandatory entry question or task.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....Becoming a Fan of Leslie's on FaceBook is also recommended so that you'll be extra sure to see the winners announcement.

-Each Giveaway will run until Sunday and end at 11:59pm EST.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Mondays and winner's name also posted on Blog and FaceBook.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination and they will not be replaced. A shipping notice will be sent to the winner.

Mandatory Entry:
Check out our past blog posts and comment on another non-giveaway post. Come back here and comment that you completed this entry.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry that you qualify for.

Extra methods of entry are:
-(1 entry) Follow the Leslie's Boutique Blog
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/leslieswetbags
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/lesliesboutique
-(1 entry) Locate your closest Leslie's Retailer and comment with which retailer it is.
-(3 entries) Tweet about the Giveaway, include a link to the giveaway and tag us in the tweet using @leslieswetbags. *Limit one tweet per day*
-(3 entries) Blog about the Giveaway or post to FaceBook. Tag our @Leslie's Boutique FB Page in the post and include a link to the giveaway and also use the giveaway graphic at the top of this post. Comment with a link to the post on your blog or facebook. *Limit one per day either blog or facebook.)
-(3 entries) Be a new subscriber to our Youtube Channel and comment on our WetBag Demonstration Video.
-(5 entries) Share our WetBag Demo Youtube Video on FaceBook or embed in a blog post! Come back and make sure to let us know where you shared it.

Winner of the Medium Wetbag 'Grab that Bag' Giveaway was....Comment #87, Rosie!

2011-02-21T11:36:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Rosie, lucky comment #87! She won last weeks 'Grab that Bag' giveaway and will be receiving a Medium Leslie's Boutique wetbag!

Thank you to everyone who entered and please stay tuned for our next 'Grab that Bag!' giveaway coming up real soon. Please continue to follow our Blog and Fan us on FaceBook so that you'll be the first to know about exciting Leslie's Boutique Announcements and future giveaways.

Thanks!

The Great Cloth Diaper Change! Will you be there?

2011-02-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about The Great Cloth Diaper Change?

This event is super exciting and I can't wait to see how it turns out! The Great Cloth Diaper Change is being organized among the North American and International cloth diapering communities on April 23, 2011. Their aim is to organize the most simultaneous cloth diaper changes at one time!

The Great Cloth Diaper Change is sure to bring some great, much needed, publicity to the cloth diapering community and help spread the word that "These aren't your grandmas cloth diapers anymore!" (I love that saying!)

You can help by spreading the word about the Great Cloth Diaper Change, becoming their Fan on FaceBook and even hosting a location if you have one or if your area is in need of one.

Remember every cloth diaper counts!

Here's what The Great Cloth Diaper Change has to say about this event:

"Cloth diapers have come a long way in past 10 years, and it’s time to stand up and be noticed. Celebrate Earth Day, by joining the North American and International cloth diaper community on April 23rd, 2011 at 9AM PDT to set the Guinness world record for the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously.

There are many ways to participate so please take a few minutes to explore the site to find a location near you host a location of your own. The more babies participating the better, so every cloth diapered bum counts. Can’t attend an event near you? Consider getting involved in your local cloth diaper community by learning more about organizations like the RDIA and RDA. or offer to

We can’t wait to put cloth diapers into the record books!"

You can Find Great Cloth Diaper Change on FaceBook >HERE< Stop by today and tell them that Leslie's Boutique sent you!

Listen to Leslie: What exactly are diaper liners and how do you use them?

2011-02-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

Today's Listen to Leslie question is a great one! Diaper terminology can be so confusing. Inserts and doublers, liners, micrfiber vs/ microfleece, hybrids, pockets, aio's...yeesh! If you're new to diapering there are surely a lot of interchangeable terms and phrases that can confuse even the most educated consumer.

Question: I've heard of liners, flushable, washable, and built in liners. I don't really understand the difference and how they work or whether or not I really need them? Can you help?

Answer: Liners can be totally confusing and I definitely understand how their different applications and styles could overwhelm you. Lets address the different types of liners and frequent issues that arise.

Bidegradable/Flushable Liners are similar in feel to a soft tissue paper. They are often sold in rolls or sheets and you lay them inside your babies diaper in order to help catch some of the soiling and make diaper washing easier. At the changing you'll take the diaper to the toilet and best case scenario, the poo is mostly stuck to the liner which you can peel off and flush down the toilet. The diaper will still need washing as usual but may not require as much effort as it would if you hadn't used the liner.
Microfleece Liners are similar to the flushable liners but made out of a stay-dry microfleece fabric which will keep baby feeling dry as well as catch the majority of the poo. The difference is that they do need to be washed. Since they're heavily soiled many moms wash liners separately, especially if they used a diaper ointment or cream with them.
Built in liners are specifically designed to keep baby feeling dry. In a pocket diaper such as BumGenius or Knickernappies the inside of the diaper IS the liner. The interior of diapers, especially pocket diapers and AIO's, are usually microsuede or microfleece which are synthetic and keep baby feeling dry which helps prevent rashes.
No liners? Some diapers like fitteds or prefolds are simply cotton or bamboo, hemp, etc. They have no liner and this is where it becomes your choice if you'd like to use one. You can try diapering without liners but keep a close eye, liners help keep the moisture off the skin and if you see a rash developing then most likely you'll need to invest in some.
Does microfiber need a liner? Since all babies are different this is a tough question. A lot of moms are able to use diaper covers with microfiber inserts inside and no barrier or liner between the baby and the microfiber, with no problems at all. However many complain of severe rash or irritation occurring when using microfiber without a stay dry liner. I suggest that you try this with caution and watch for irritation. If you already know that your baby has sensitive skin then I would definitely suggest sticking to diapers or inserts that have a stay-dry liner or buy them individually to use as needed.

I hope this post has been informative and has helped clear up any questions you may have had. Please leave a comment with any future questions you'd like to see addressed in upcoming Listen to Leslie posts.

Support the Cloth Diaper Foundation!

2011-02-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

What is the Cloth Diaper Foundation?

The Cloth Diaper Foundation, formerly known as Miracle Diapers is a fabulous not-for-profit organization run by volunteer cloth diaper advocates and their families.

Their Mission Statement:
Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping qualifying families all over the continental United States get a jump start on cloth diapering. Cloth diapers are a more natural, healthy alternative to disposables that reduce overall waste, thereby helping the environment. As a supplementary program, it is not our wish to be a family’s sole source for cloth diapers; rather, we assist families while they build their own supply of diapers. We accept donations given by caring individuals and redistribute them to families in need.

How can you help?

You can donate diapers-

The Cloth Diaper Foundation accepts donations! You can donate your gently used cloth diapers to them. Please visit this link to learn about what they do and do not accept.

If you can't afford to send in your donations you can see if there's a drop-off location near you. If there is you can arrange to get your diapers to them and when they have enough to send in they will send your donated items to TCDF.

You can donate new and handmade items for their auction and in-stock store-
TCDF has an in-stock store and auction site where you sell and auction off donated items to help raise money. You can contact them if you have something you'd like to send in.

You can contribute financially-
TCDF accepts donations of cash, checks and/or paypal. You can help pay the cost of shipping for a recipient or just contribute a little to help cover the cost of their overhead. Click here for more details.

You can become a supporter of TCDF-
TCDF has various levels of sponsor memberships. Whether you want to sponsor as a family or a business they've got quite a few different options for you to choose from.

The Cloth Diaper Foundation has come really close to having to close their doors many times for lack of funding. They need all the help they can get. Please share this post wherever you can and help spread the word about this cloth diaper friendly non-profit.

Also, make sure to become a Fan of The Cloth Diaper Foundation on FaceBook! Tell them that Leslie's Boutique sent you!

Grab that Bag: Enter to win a Medium Wetbag! CLOSED

2011-02-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines week! Time for another great giveaway!

This week we're giving away another Leslie's Boutique Medium WetBag!

This week's prize:
You can check out our WetBag prints and sizes here, they're available for purchase at some of our fine retailers! Click HERE to locate a retailer.

What are the Guidelines for entry?

-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first complete the mandatory entry question or task.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....Becoming a Fan of Leslie's on FaceBook is also recommended so that you'll be extra sure to see the winners announcement.

-Each Giveaway will run until Friday and end at 11:59pm EST. (This one has been extended through Sunday at midnight)

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Mondays and winner's name also posted on Blog and FaceBook.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination and they will not be replaced. A shipping notice will be sent to the winner.

Mandatory Entry:
Comment on our FaceBook Page with why you NEED a Leslie's Boutique Wetbag!

*Please leave a separate comment to this giveaway post for each entry that you qualify for.

Extra methods of entry are:
-*NEW*(3 entries) Place the Leslie's Boutique Blog Banner on your site or blog and comment back here with the URL to where you placed it.
-*NEW*(1 entry) Subscribe to the Leslie's Boutique Youtube Channel
-(1 entry) Follow the Leslie's Boutique Blog
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/leslieswetbags
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/lesliesboutique
-(3 entries) Tweet about the Giveaway, include a link to the giveaway and tag us in the tweet using @leslieswetbags. *Limit one tweet per day*
-(5 entries) Blog about the Giveaway or post to FaceBook. Include a link to the giveaway and also use the giveaway graphic at the top of this post. Comment with a link to the post on your blog or facebook. *Limit one post per person)
-(5 entries) Submit an article for publication on the Leslie's Boutique Blog! Articles can be about you and why you use cloth diapers or mama pads, a review of a product of ours that you've tried, cloth diaper related tutorial or story, etc. Please email shethinksmedia(at)gmail.com with your contributions or questions.

Winner of the Leslie's Boutique Mama Pad Giveaway is...erinb80 of Lucky Mom Blog!

2011-02-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

Congrats to lucky commenter number #15, erinb80 whose blog just happens to be named LuckyMom! Erin is going to be the new owner of a fluffy new cloth mama pad from Leslie's Boutique.

Thank you to everyone who entered! Erin, please check your email for a notification from us and to claim your prize.

Everyone else, please stay tuned for our next 'Grab that Bag' Giveaway will be announced today!

Free Cloth Diaper Advocacy Kit for Childbirth Educators!

2011-02-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

Are you a Childbirth Educator interested in helping to promote cloth diapering to your clients? The Real Diaper Industry Association has started a program where they offer totally FREE "Consider Cloth" kits to qualified childbirth educators!

The kit includes an example of each:

AIO, Pocket, Fitted, Flat, Contour, Wool Cover, PUL Cover and Wetbag (all generously donated by manufacturers)
50 Brochures full of cloth diapering information and resources
A "Where to buy?" list
A reusable RDIA Bag

The Consider Cloth Kit is an awesome resource and will help you demonstrate the differences between all the types of cloth diapers available today. Your clients will love being able to touch and feel all the different options.

In addition to promoting cloth diapers with the Consider Cloth Kit, you can also support the RDIA by becoming a member! For a detailed list of all the Membership Opportunities available to you please visit their Membership link.

Know a childbirth educator? Please help spread the word about the Consider Cloth Kit whenever and wherever you can!

Listen to Leslie: What do I need to know about reusable baby wipes?

2011-02-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

Question: Since using cloth diapers it has become more and more inconvenient to use disposable wipes. What do I need to know about using cloth wipes and where do I start?

Leslie's Answer: Great question! Using disposables is a definite inconvenience when you're using cloth diapers. Faced with having to take your soiled diapers home to wash or storing them until wash day means that at the end of each diaper change you're left with a handful of soiled disposable wipes and there isn't always a place to dispose of them.

First thing to know about cloth wipes is that they're pretty versatile. You can use two-ply flannel, single ply, cotton terry, velour, washcloths and more. You can make your own or check with your favorite cloth diaper retailer for some of the popular brands.

You can use them as diaper wipes, wet wipes at feeding time, family cloth, reusable napkins and more!

Second, you need to know that without all those preservatives used in pre-moistened disposables you're not going to be able to store your moist cloth wipes for very long without mildew setting in.

Try either keeping a spray bottle to moisten them as needed or only moisten enough for one day at a time.

Third, you can use something as simple and as inexpensive as tap water, or you can use your favorite cloth wipe solution or bum spray. Some popular brands include, Baby Bum Drops, BumGenius Bottom Cleaner, Kissaluvs Diaper Potion Lotion, and Thirsties Booty Luster.

Wipe solutions can already come in a spray form or in a glycerine form which you can dissolve in warm water before use.

Fourth, you'll need to get more than a few. My opinion is that two dozen is a good amount to start. You'll be pleasantly surprised that when you used to use 2,3,4 disposable wipes per diaper change, with cloth wipes you'll probably only need one!

Lastly, cloth wipes are convenient because they reduce the amount of waste produced and they can just be tossed into your wetbag with your soiled cloth diapers and washed all together!

They're that easy to use so there's no excuse for you not to make the switch today!

*Do you have a question for Leslie? Comment on this blog post or leave us a question on our FaceBook Page and we'll feature your question in one of our upcoming Listen to Leslie posts!

Ever wondered what's with that darn fleece patch?

2011-02-08T05:16:00.000-08:00

Reader Contributed Article

I love my Leslie’s Boutique Wet Bags. I’ve tried other bags and I don’t know if I have a little stink monster or what, but these bags are the only ones that hold in her stink. I marvel at how well made they are. The inside fabric is durable and doesn’t leak or anything. It does it’s job: it holds in pee and stink.

But for the past year, I couldn’t quite get past what I considered to be the one flaw of my Leslie’s bags: the darn fleece tag. On the inside of the zipper there is this small square of white fleece fabric that has no words or print on it. It’s just…..there.

I didn’t get it, for a company that was so smart to make such a high quality product, why would they chose to have their company tag be a random piece of fleece without their company name or anything on it? What good would it serve them?

I thought about this literally EVERY time I opened the wet bag, completely perplexed by my random fleece square.

Then, when it came time for me to purchase my THIRD product from Leslie’s Boutique (a pail liner), I saw this neat little comment about a fleece swatch that you can dot essential oils on to make the pail liner smell good. Then it hit me. “Aaaaah so THAT’S what that little patch was for!”

Now I am obsessed. I get excited every time I get to pick out a new “fragrance” for my pail and wet bags. One day it is orange and tea tree, another day it is lavender, another day mint. I love the combinations now. My husband takes his baths right next to our diaper pail and doesn’t notice any of our stink monster’s funk.
I guess I have Leslie’s Boutique to thank for that…and that darn white patch.

All right, has anyone else had this embarrassing realization? Come on, make me feel better here, maybe you didn’t spend a year obsessing over it, but did you at least scratch your head for a second?

About Tara: Tara is a mommy blogger at http://paddedtushstats.blogspot.com where she shares diaper reviews and stats with her readers. You can also find her on FaceBook at Padded Tush Stats.

Enter to win a Leslie's Boutique Light Mama Cloth Pad! CLOSED

2011-02-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another Leslie's Weekly Giveaway, Grab that Bag!

This week we're giving away a Leslie's Boutique Light Cloth Mama Pad!

This week's prize:
Our luxurious and soft cloth mama pads come in (3) sizes and are available at some of our fine retailers! Click HERE to locate a retailer.

What are the Guidelines for entry?
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first complete the mandatory entry question or task.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....Becoming a Fan of Leslie's on FaceBook is also recommended so that you'll be extra sure to see the winners announcement.

-Each Giveaway will run until Friday and end at 11:59pm EST.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Saturdays and winner's name also posted on Blog and FaceBook.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination and they will not be replaced. A shipping notice will be sent to the winner.

Mandatory Entry:
Comment on this giveaway post with whether or not you've used cloth mama pads and why you'd like to win our giveaway.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry that you qualify for.

Extra methods of entry are:
-*NEW*(3 entries) Place the Leslie's Boutique Blog Banner on your site or blog and comment back here with the URL to where you placed it.
-*NEW*(1 entry) Subscribe to the Leslie's Boutique Youtube Channel
-(1 entry) Follow the Leslie's Boutique Blog
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/leslieswetbags
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/lesliesboutique
-(3 entries) Tweet about the Giveaway, include a link to the giveaway and tag us in the tweet using @leslieswetbags. *Limit one tweet per day*
-(5 entries) Blog about the Giveaway or post to FaceBook. Include a link to the giveaway and also use the giveaway graphic at the top of this post. Comment with a link to the post on your blog or facebook. *Limit one post per person)
-(5 entries) Submit an article for publication on the Leslie's Boutique Blog! Articles can be about you and why you use cloth diapers or mama pads, a review of a product of ours that you've tried, cloth diaper related tutorial or story, etc. Please email shethinksmedia(at)gmail.com with your contributions or questions.

Winner of the Medium Night Owl Wet/Dry Bag is....Anne Perry of Modern Hippy!

2011-02-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Anne from the Modern Hippy Blog! Anne was lucky Comment #58 and she's the winner of our Night Owl print Medium Wet/Dry bag!

Thank you to everyone who participated! There are more great giveaways on the way so if you didn't win this time don't fret!

Make sure to Follow our Blog and Fan us on FaceBook so you'll stay up to date on all the Giveaways and Announcements!

*Anne, please check your email for a notification from us and to claim your prize!

Sales & Stocking Announcements: Featuring some Fabulous Retailers!

2011-02-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

What a great day to announce some of the great sales and stocking announcements around the web by some of our great Leslie's Boutique Retailers!

No Pins Required-No Pins Required has our new and improved Hanging Pails in stock! Perfect for use at daycare or at home! Great alternative to an ordinary diaper pail. Fits up to 36 cloth diapers. Bag made with 2 mil PUL coordinating inner, locking zipper, and nylon color-coordinated tote handle!

No Pins Required also has FREE SHIPPING on orders over $100 and make sure to become their Fan on Facebook for lots more great sales and announcements!

Fluff Envy-Fluff Envy is another of our fabulous retailers! They have a great selection of Leslie's Boutique products and also offer FREE SHIPPING on orders over $35.00!

You can find Fluff Envy on FaceBook as well!

Baby Hope's Cloth Diapers-Baby Hope's Cloth Diapers offers $3.00 Flat Rate Shipping and FREE SHIPPING over $75.00. She also has a great selection of products and superb customer service!

Baby Hope's Cloth Diapers can be found on FaceBook also!

For other great retailer specials and promotions don't forget to view our FaceBook Wall and make sure to show posts by "others" so that you can see all the great announcements and posts by our retailers.

Listen to Leslie: How do I know how many diapers I will need?

2011-02-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

We'd like to introduce you to our new blog series "Listen to Leslie" where the wise and wonderful Leslie will answer reader asked questions and give tips and advice on solving the many diaper dilemmas.

Question: I am so confused! How many diapers do I need if I want to cloth diaper full time?

Leslie's Answer: Hi! Great question! This is a commonly asked question and one that has many answers that can depend upon many different varieties of factors. Many experienced and cloth diaper addicted moms will tell you that you can never have enough diapers in your stash! That's because cloth diapering is not just a necessity, it becomes more like a hobby and sort of addiction. Moms become cloth diaper collectors and users all at the same time. Plus there's nothing cuter than seeing your little ones bum in their newest tie dye print or velour diaper, side-snapping or aplix, fitted, cover, etc. so what reason would you have to ever stop buying them! Right? lol

Seriously though, while you can never have too many, according to some, how many do you really NEED? It's one of the most basic questions and one that must be answered in order for anyone to successfully convert to cloth diapers full time.

First off, how many you need depends a lot on how often you plan to do diaper laundry, how many children you have in diapers, and their ages.

Newborns needs their diaper changed a very frequently, pretty much ALL THE TIME! I wouldn't hesitate to say that you could change a newborn or small baby's diaper up to 12 times a day, maybe more. They might not be filling their diaper at each diaper change but instead are doing a little squirt here or there, enough to warrant a change of diapers every time you turn your back and often as soon as you've finished snapping their onesie back on!

Older babies and toddlers who are gaining more control over their bowel movements seem to begin to hold it more and go less often but in larger quantities than small babies. This means less diaper changes. At the very minimum I'd say you'd still need to count on having at least 6-8 diapers per day to be on the safe side.

So now you're thinking "Multiply the number per day by how many days before washing and...tada! You've found the magic number!" Well it's not always that simple.

One thing you want to keep in mind is that for most, cloth diapering is affordable and desirable because you want to have your stash of diapers to last through potty training and for future children.

If you have exactly the number of diapers that you need to get you through a day then you need to think about the fact that those diapers will be being laundered almost 365 days a year! Cloth diapers are not unlike your clothing, take your favorite shirt for example, a nice and quality made one, and wash it every day or so for 1,2,3 years and it's going to get worn out, there's no way around it. So much so that you probably won't want to wear it anymore, even if it didn't have holes in it.

Basically, the more diapers you have in your cloth diaper rotation means each diaper is getting used less and washed less. This results in a lot less wear and tear on your diapers and they remain in better shape in order for you to be able to sell them, give them away, or save them for use on future babies.

Personally I think it's a good rule of thumb to figure out how many you need to get you through a day or two without washing and then double it. This will ensure that you're diapers won't be getting overused and worn out and you'll have plenty for emergencies like if your washer breaks or you or the baby get sick and you can't tend to your laundry like you normally would.

So have any of you figured out your perfect number of diapers? How many diapers do you have and what are your thoughts on this topic? We'd love to hear from you!

*Would you like Leslie to answer some of your questions? Comment here or on our FaceBook Page and we'll feature your question in an upcoming post!

Product Focus: Leslie's Wet/Dry Bags!

2011-02-01T07:18:00.000-08:00

Since one of our fabulous wet/dry bags are the prize for this week's Grab that Bag! Giveaway what better product to focus on!

Our Wet/Dry bags are not your average wetbag, we've taken our own concept and created a wetbag that goes above and beyond the call of duty!

Our Wet/Dry Bags feature:

Larger capacity! Outer front pleated pocket provides you with a double storage space for all those wet/dry items. Perfect for mama pads, cloth wipes and more!
Multiple uses! This wet/dry bag is perfect for taking items to the beach or pool; swimsuits, towels, change of clothes, etc. And can be used for cloth diapering children of all ages. Also work great for adults visiting the gym who want to carry a towel or gloves and return home with your sweaty clothes inside!
Our wet/dry bags are stylish, they won't leak, you can carry them anywhere you go and they're quality made!

Available Sizes:

Medium 13x15"; holds 4-6 wet diapers; holds 4 dry, stuffed diapers*
Large 16x20"; holds 12-15 wet diapers; holds 10 dry, stuffed diapers*

*diaper capacity may vary depending upon the size and style of diapers used.

To see this great bag up close and personal don't forget to check out our YouTube Demo!

For a chance to win one, make sure to check out yesterday's post which is a Grab that Bag Giveaway for a Wet/Dry Bag!

Time to "Grab that Bag!" Enter to win a Medium Wet/Dry Bag! CLOSED

2011-01-31T11:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another Leslie's Weekly Giveaway, Grab that Bag!

This week we're giving away a Medium Wet/Dy Bag in Night Owl Print! This is the same style bag that we featured in our new Youtube Video!

This week's prize:
Our super cool wet/dry bags are a must have diapering accessory, you can locate your nearest wet/dry bag retailer at LesliesBoutique.com!

What are the Guidelines for entry?
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first complete the mandatory entry question or task.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....Becoming a Fan of Leslie's on FaceBook is also recommended so that you'll be extra sure to see the winners announcement.

-Each Giveaway will run until Friday and end at 11:59pm EST.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Saturdays and winner's name also posted on Blog and FaceBook.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination and they will not be replaced. A shipping notice will be sent to the winner.

Mandatory Entry:
Stop by our FaceBook Page and leave a comment on our wall with what types/brands of diapers we'd most likely find in your wetbag if you won it! (Don't forget to come back and comment here that you completed the mandatory entry.)

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry that you qualify for.

Extra methods of entry are:
-*NEW*(3 entries) Share our Youtube Video on FaceBook, Tweet the URL to it, Share it (embed it in a post) on your Blog, etc. (Maximum 3 entries each FaceBook, Blog, Twitter, Forums (not per day)) Comment with the URL to where you shared our video.
-*NEW*(1 entry) Subscribe to the Leslie's Boutique Youtube Channel
-*NEW*(1 entry) Comment on our Youtube Video on Youtube
-(1 entry) Follow the Leslie's Boutique Blog
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/leslieswetbags
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/lesliesboutique
-*NEW*(3 entries) For placing the Leslie's Boutique Animated Blog Banner on your Blog or Website. Comment with the URL where you placed the banner.
-(3 entries) Tweet about the Giveaway, include a link to the giveaway and tag us in the tweet using @leslieswetbags. *Limit one tweet per day*
-(5 entries) Blog about the Giveaway or post to FaceBook. Include a link to the giveaway and also use the giveaway graphic at the top of this post. Comment with a link to the post on your blog or facebook. *Limit one post per person)

Winner of the Leslie's Boutique Pail Liner Giveaway is...Tannis!

2011-01-31T06:30:00.000-08:00

A big congrats to Tannis, lucky comment #148! She is now going to be the proud owner of a Leslie's Boutique Pail Liner!

A big thanks to everyone who entered! We are so please with the response and look forward to sharing many more giveaway opportunities with you. In fact, there will be another "Grab that Bag" Giveaway up on the blog today so keep your eye out for it!

Tannis, please check your email today for a notification from us and to claim your prize!

Leave your review of Leslie's products on Diaperpin!

2011-01-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

Leave your product and retailer reviews on Diaperpin today!

For those of you who may not be familiar with it, Diaperpin is an excellent cloth diapering resource. Full of useful information, articles, forums, reviews and more! They're been around for years and provide quality information that consumers can trust.

What makes Diaperpin so helpful? The amount of quality product and retailer reviews left by real cloth diapering families just like you!

They make leaving your review as easy as 1...2...3! There's no reason not to head on over there and leave a review of the products you own or have tried and make sure to give credit to the retailer with whom you purchased the product.

The first step is to head over to Diaperpin and click on the "Product Reviews" link. Here you will be presented with categories, click on the category you desire and then choose from the list of products listed by brand. Leslie's Boutique Wetbags can be found in the "Bags" category.

Can't find the brand or product you need? Diaperpin makes it super easy to add a new product.

We need your help! We value each and every review and know that customers rely on your opinion in order to help them decide which products to buy.

Head on over to Diaperpin now and leave your review of Leslies Boutique Wetbags, Pail Liners & Mama Cloth!

Julie

How important are cute diapers, really?

2011-01-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

Are you crazy for cute diapers?

Seems like every week there's a new brand releasing a new print, color or style. But really, how important is it to you that you have the latest and greatest colors and prints on the market? Do you feel like you just have to have one of each in order for your stash to be complete? Or are you more of a function over style type of mama?

I've always been curious as to what mamas are thinking and how deep their addiction to fluff really goes. Personally I've been there. I've owned diapers that were so cute yet barely functional. That's not to say that you can't have the best of both worlds with some brands but sometimes you just know what sort of sacrifice you're making when you purchase a diaper.

And how much are you willing to spend on these divine diapers? I remember when the Goodmama craze began and hand dyed velour diapers were selling at auction for over a hundred dollars each, and they weren't even waterproof! All the mamas drooled but not all were willing to take the plunge. Some even purchased them but never used them, simply owned and adored them for a while and then re-sold them like a hot commodity.

So my inquiring mind would like to know. What's the most you've spent on a diaper? How important is it to you to have cute diapers? Do they really need to be functional and reliable or are you willing to accept that they might only be able to be left on for an hour?

Please share your experience and thoughts, we'd love to see where you all stand on this hot topic!

Julie

Leslie's Pail Liners, A must have diapering accessory!

2011-01-26T06:26:00.000-08:00

Article originally published to KellyWels.com Blog

Pail Liners: They’re not just a luxury, they’re a necessity!

When you’re making the switch to cloth there seem to be a lot of things you need in order to cloth diaper with confidence and with ease. Sometimes there is so much stuff that you need that you end up overlooking some of the most obvious necessities.

Pail Liners can be deceiving, not all things that come in cute packages or prints are luxury items, some are a cloth diapering must have. Leslie’s Boutique Pail Liners are no exception.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that Leslie’s Pail Liners provide you with the best of both worlds, a touch of style in the form of cute prints to meet your needs, combined with quality design, materials and workmanship.

Leslie’s Pail Liners feature,

Designer fabric topped liners provide that extra bit of style to match your babes nursery, bedroom or bathroom. Plus, our fabric disguises that unsightly elastic that can be prone to showing wear and staining.
Convenient handle turns our pail liners into extra large wetbags, doorknob bags, travel totes and more! Just grab and go, it’s that easy!
Large Capacity! (Measure 23x52) Leslie’s pail liners are designed to fit in most standard garbage cans or pails and can hold up to 24+ diapers before needing washing.
Interior fleece pouch designed to perfectly hold your favorite pail freshener like the deodisk, or a few drops of your preferred essential oil. This feature ensures you pail liner will stay fresh smelling and combat those funky odors.
Easy to launder! Simply toss in with your towels and wash or conveniently wash with your cloth diaper laundry. Since our fabric topped liners protect the elastic, you won’t have to worry about aplix from your diapers snagging it and making your pail liner ugly! *Just remember, no fabric-softener!

So don’t forget your Pail Liners ladies! They make cloth diapering so much easier and you won’t have to worry about unnecessary waste in the form of garbage bags for your diaper pail or having to wash out your pail when soiled diapers leak out.

For a list of available colors and prints visit Leslie’s Boutique!

To shop for Pail Liners visit one of our Leslie’s Boutique Authorized Retailers today!

You can also Follow Leslie’s Boutique via

Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/leslieswetbags , on

FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/LesliesBoutique and of course the

Leslie’s Latest Blog http://www.lesliesboutiqueblog.blogspot.com

Check out our Youtube Channel! New Wet/Dry Bag Video just released!

2011-01-25T05:40:00.000-08:00

Enjoy our new video! This video showcases our awesome wet/dry bags. Perfect for cloth diapers, swim lessons, the gym....Functional and quality made, they will last well beyond your cloth diapering years.

Check out our new video and let us know what you think! Isn't it just the coolest?

Share with your friends and enjoy!

*Oh and don't forget to "like" the video and add Leslie's Youtube Channel to your list of favorites!

New Grab that Bag Giveaway! Enter to win a Leslie's Boutique Pail Liner! CLOSED

2011-01-24T07:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another Leslie's Weekly Giveaway, Grab that Bag!

This week we're giving away a Pail Liner in the winners choice of either Boy, Girl or Gender Neutral!

This week's prize:
Our gorgeous pail liners are a must have diapering accessory, you can locate your nearest pail liner retailer at LesliesBoutique.com!

What are the Guidelines for entry?
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first complete the mandatory entry question or task.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....Becoming a Fan of Leslie's on FaceBook is also recommended so that you'll be extra sure to see the winners announcement.

-Each Giveaway will run until Friday and end at 11:59pm EST.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Saturdays and winner's name also posted on Blog and FaceBook.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination and they will not be replaced. A shipping notice will be sent to the winner.

Mandatory Entry:
Visit our Fabric Gallery and comment with which print is your favorite!

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry that you qualify for.

Extra methods of entry are:
-(1 entry) Follow the Leslie's Boutique Blog
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/leslieswetbags
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/lesliesboutique
-(3 entries) Tweet about the Giveaway, include a link to the giveaway and tag us in the tweet using @leslieswetbags. *Limit one tweet per day*
-(5 entries) Blog about the Giveaway or post to FaceBook. Include a link to the giveaway and also use the giveaway graphic at the top of this post. Comment with a link to the post on your blog or facebook. *Limit one post per person)

Winners of the (5) Cloth Diaper Care/Advocacy Tags are...

2011-01-24T06:05:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much for all your interest in winning our Cloth Diaper Care Tags! We've chosen (5) Random Winners below

Comment 19, Jenn of The Chronicles of Emery Oliver Blog (notification email sent)
Comment 14, Amanda (no email found, please contact us)
Comment 40, Julia (no email found, please contact us)
Comment 43, Heather (notification email sent)
Comment 25, Sweepstaker of MySweepsLink.com (notification email sent)

Winners you have 7 days to claim your prizes or alternate winners will be chosen in your place.

*To purchase a Cloth Diaper Care Tag please visit No Pins Required, a Leslie's Boutique Retailer.

Remove diaper stains naturally...With the power of the sun!

2011-01-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

If there's one thing that bothers a cloth diapering mama, it's when her diapers get stained! I've seen it time and time again, you get a new diaper you've been waiting to try on your new little one and it never fails, it gets all stained up!

There's no real definitive explanation as to why some families have to battle cloth diaper stains more than others, it just happens. Could be the type of water they use, the detergent, what they eat, what the baby eats or how you store your diapers until laundry day.

Truth is, stains happen and they're nothing to be sad or mad about. While stains can be unsightly the good thing is that they're almost always INSIDE the diaper where they won't be seen by anyone but you and they NEVER affect how the diaper functions. Granted they could affect the resale value of your diapers if you intend on re-selling them when you're done, but for the most part stains are nothing to worry about.

So what should you do to treat stains? Try sunning them out! This is not just some crazy eco, hippie, natural method, it's actually a method that works and it works the best as far as I am concerned.

The best part, you don't even need direct sunlight, which I know is an issue for a lot of parts of the country. UV rays even on cloudy, rainy days can still get the stains out of your diapers.

Recently there was a great post about sunning and stains on the I Love Cloth Diapers Blog titled "Sunning your diapers in the rain!" Heather's informative post and experiment, with pictures, proves the power of mother nature is a force to be reckoned with.

The bottom line is, before you try harsh chemicals or detergents try treating your stains naturally with the uv rays from the sun, it's free! Try starting with 30 minutes and see what your results are. On cloudy days you might need to leave them longer. On freezing cold or snowy days, try sunning them inside on a window sill or on the dashboard of your car!

Do you have an experience with successfully sunning your diapers? We'd love to hear from you! Leave your comments below or post them to our FaceBook Page!

Quick Start Guide to Switching to Cloth Mama Pads!

2011-01-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

This post will give you the rundown, quick, brief and to the point, on how to use cloth mama pads and how easy they really are!

You might think at first that cloth mama pads would be too inconvenient, a chore, and frankly kind of gross. But this is not the case. There are many benefits to using mama cloth besides it just being a "greener" option.

First thing you need to do is purchase some mama pads to try. Not unlike cloth diapers, you might want to purchase a couple of each style, length or thickness just so that you can determine what kind you need and what kind you prefer.

Second, you're going to need a small bag or mama cloth wetbag to keep in your purse, diaperbag or handbag, to store the dirty pads after you change them when you're out and about. Most pads come with a way to fold them up before putting them into your mama cloth bag which makes them less of a mess and more convenient to use.

Third, you need to know how to wash and care for them. Don't leave them in the wetbag too long if you've used some while you're out. If you can, soak them before wash day to loosen any debris and prevent stains. Keeping them soaking until wash day is an option, or you can soak just prior to washing. Plain water works just fine for soaking. If you do not want to soak or do not have anywhere or enough time to soak them, you can simply rinse them.

Fourth, you wash them! If you've pre-soaked or rinsed them well then they do not necessarily need another rinse, that is up to your judgement. You can simply throw them in the wash with your towels and linens or wash with your family cloth, cloth wipes, etc. Some women even just throw them in with their cloth diapers to wash.

Last, drying. Cloth pads take nearly no time at all to dry. As with cloth diapers you do not need nor should you use fabric softener. If you dry them in the dryer try to take them out when they are ready, leaving them in longer than necessary uses unnecessary electricity and adds wear and tear.

For stains, try sunning them! Peroxide has also been used with some success and has helped reduce the appearance of stains.

So that's it! It's that easy to use mama cloth. Give it a try today!

Julie

Wet Bags and Pail Liners...Do they have special washing instructions?

2011-01-18T06:33:00.000-08:00

If you are new to owning a wet bag or pail liner then the question is sure to come up, how do you wash them? Do they have special needs or instructions? Do I just wash them with my diapers or with my clothing?

Tips for caring for your Wet Bag or Pail Liner:

First thing you should know is that wet bags and pail liners are not just cute little diapering accessories, they're supposed to be functional too, and that means leak-proof.

Leslie's wet bags and pail liners are made from the same waterproof fabrics as most popular cloth diaper brands, this means they should be cared for and washed just the same.

Depending on how many diapers you're washing in a load, you can just throw your wet bag or pail liner right into the wash with them or if you need a pre-rinse cycle with your diapers then you may want to hold off and add the bag to the wash after the rinse, just to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

Keep in mind, if you weren't to wash your wetbag or pail liner in cloth diaper safe detergents, then you run the risk of buildup and odor issues. On top of that, should you then wash your bag WITH your diapers you are taking a chance that the non cloth diaper safe detergent residue contaminating your diapers, causing rash issues, repelling, etc.

Another tip, try not to leave your wet bag or pail liner in the dryer too long. Hang to dry whenever possible and learn how long it takes for them to dry in the dryer so that you can take them out as soon as they are ready. Any unnecessary washing or drying also reduces the life and effectiveness of your product.

Also always check your wet bag. If your diapers didn't stay in it for an extended period of time and they weren't that wet or soiled, your wet bag may not even need to be washed before the next use.

*Is there a question about care and use that you want discussed? Email us or post a comment here and we'll be sure to answer your questions. Thanks for reading!

Julie

New Grab that Bag Giveaway! Enter to win 1 of 5 Cloth Diaper Care Tags! CLOSED

2011-01-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Leslie's Weekly Giveaway, Grab that Bag! This is our second giveaway and this week we'll choose FIVE winners!

Each winner will receive one our of Leslie's Boutique Cloth Diaper Care Tags!

This week's prize:
Each care tag is perfect for use when you're bringing baby to daycare, leaving them with a family member or just for cloth diaper advocacy from LesliesBoutique.com! The back contains a convenient space for your name and a plastic lanyard to make it easy to attach to any wetbag or diaperbag!

What are the Guidelines for entry?
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first complete the mandatory entry question or task.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....Becoming a Fan of Leslie's on FaceBook is also recommended so that you'll be extra sure to see the winners announcement.

-Each Giveaway will run until Friday and end at 11:59pm EST.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Saturdays and winner's name also posted on Blog and FaceBook.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination and they will not be replaced. A shipping notice will be sent to the winner.

Mandatory Entry:
Visit our Retailer Finder and comment with the retailer who is closest to you.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry that you qualify for.

Extra methods of entry are:
-(1 entry) Follow the Leslie's Boutique Blog
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/leslieswetbags
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/lesliesboutique
-(3 entries) Tweet about the Giveaway, include a link to the giveaway and tag us in the tweet using @leslieswetbags. *Limit one tweet per day*
-(5 entries) Blog about the Giveaway or post to FaceBook. Include a link to the giveaway and also use the giveaway graphic at the top of this post. Comment with a link to the post on your blog or facebook. *Limit one post per person)

Winner of our first 'Grab that Bag' Giveaway is...Kristin!

2011-01-15T06:37:00.000-08:00

Time to announce the winner of our first weekly "Grab that Bag!" giveaway! Thank you so much to everyone who entered, to all our new blog followers, and for making the launch of our new weekly giveaways such a success!

According to random.org, out of 444 comments, the lucky commenter was #54! Kristin! Kristin please check your email for the winners announcement and to claim your prize!

Thank you everyone for participating, look for our next giveaway post on Monday!

e-How Video: How to pack a diaper bag for cloth diapering!

2011-01-14T05:52:00.000-08:00

Are you just getting started with cloth diapering? Well packing a diaper bag is one of those things that may not have crossed your mind and trust me, you don't want to leave the house unprepared when your using cloth diapers.

There are many things to think of when packing your bag, diapers, inserts, changing pad, ointment, cloth wipes (pre-moistened or dry), wipe solution, wetbag and more!

We've discovered this great quick little video from e-How.com and we wanted to share. Watch as this cloth diapering mom demonstrates how and what to pack in your diaper bag when you're a cloth diaper user.

Write to your congressman today! Fight the CPSIA and help save small businesses.

2011-01-13T07:09:00.001-08:00

You might have heard about the CPSIA and how it's affecting small and handmade businesses everywhere. But you may not know why it is or what it is.

The CPSIA is the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. It was designed to help protect children from harmful toxins and chemicals in cheaply made foreign toys that were being imported to the US by requiring expensive third party testing to be performed on each any every component used in the production of said toys. Although a good idea in theory, the rules and regulations of the CPSIA ended up encompassing more than just foreign made toys. It ended up requiring that all manufacturers of toys, clothes, cloth diapers, etc. to be used by any child under the age of 12 also be required to pay for this testing regardless of their history or track record having been providing quality, safe, handmade goods. The cost of this testing would shut down, and has already shut down, many small businesses.

Now the race is on to have the CPSIA amended and reformed. Small business owners and handcrafters need your support. Help save not only small cloth diaper manufacturers, but many other wahm and family run businesses by printing the letter below and sending it to your local congressperson so that they might take notice.

In support of Small Businesses please use the sample letter below and send to your congressman letting them know how important this issue is and how it will further affect our economy and the livelihood of many small family run businesses.

Sample Letter

From: [your name and address]

To: [your congress person or senator]

Re: The Consumer Product Improvement Act (CPSIA) will result in a drastic deepening of the economic crisis even more

Dear [your congress person or senator],
The economic crisis in our country is distressing to millions of Americans. That is why it concerns me that under the CPSIA, many small business owners will be driven out of business, deepening the crisis. The premise of self reliance and entrepreneurship on which this country was founded is in jeopardy.
Like many people, I was deeply concerned by the dangerous and poisonous toys that large Chinese toy manufacturers have been selling to our families. And, I was pleased that Congress acted quickly to protect America's children by enacting the CPSIA.

However, I am very concerned that the CPSIA's mandates for third party testing and labeling will have a dramatic and negative effect on small businesses whose safety record has always been exemplary. It will devastate small manufacturers and home businesses who create children's products such as clothes, handmade goods and toys for children, beautiful Native American artifacts, children's books, adaptive products for children with disabilities, and classroom and homeschool materials. These small businesses simply cannot afford the $300-$4,000 price tag per product that Third Party testers are charging.

With the economic crisis we find ourselves in, fewer families will be able to afford the higher costs of the goods that remain available. Any company that is able to remain in business will undoubtedly raise prices due to increased compliance costs. Everyone will have to pay more for the remaining available goods, deepening the effects of the economic crisis for millions of families.

I urge you to quickly request the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make some very reasonable exclusions in their interpretation of the law as they continue their rulemaking process. These include exempting books and uncoated fabrics from testing and allowing manufacturers to rely upon testing done by their materials suppliers instead of paying for redundant unit-based testing. I would also like to see an exemption to third party testing requirements for micro-businesses similar to the exemptions granted by the FDA for small producers under the food labeling laws. As the Wall Street Journal wrote, "The Commission needs to implement the rules without putting more companies out of business in an already tenuous economy."
These toy makers, crafters, publishers and small home based businesses have earned and kept the public's trust. They provide jobs for thousands and quality playthings and educational products for hundreds of thousands. Their unique businesses should be protected. Please visit www.handmadetoyalliance.org to learn more about this issue.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[your name] 

*Much thanks to KT Steppers on FaceBook for providing this form letter. Please also repost the content of this post on your blog, tweet about it, post a link to it on facebook, etc. We need your help spreading the word.

For more information on the CPSIA please visit this page located at The Handmade Toy Alliance website.

What were your very first cloth diapers?

2011-01-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to discuss our very first cloth diapers? Can you remember yours? I bet you do!

My very first cloth diapers were a mix of MommysTouch OS and FuzziBunz sz Medium pockets which were all well worn but still in decent shape. I remember when I first decided to try cloth, I was being coached by a couple moms from my 'moms of multiples' message board and one mom said she'd sell me some so that I could try them.

I didn't request photos, I knew and trusted the mom, and I trusted that the price she set was appropriate as well. I remember approaching my husband "Honey, we're about to run out of disposable diapers and I think I'd like to try cloth..." He agreed but when I told him we'd have to buy them he reacted as if he'd thought I was going to make them appear out of thin air! Men! So he ended up agreeing AND understanding, and my cloth diaper addicted friend sent the package.

I checked the mailbox multiple times a day, stalked the mailman, and worried that the package was just NEVER going to get here. That seemed like the longest 3-4 days ever!

When the package finally arrived I was ecstatic. The diapers were great, of course at that time I had never had new diapers or inserts so I had nothing to compare them to, but they looked good to me.

I immediately put the boys into the new diapers, I know, I totally should have washed them first but they looked and smelled clean and I was in a hurry to try them. OK, who am I kidding, I was in a hurry to put them in the diapers and take pictures...of course! (The photo I am including in this post is one of the photos from my first day cloth diapering with my very first cloth diapers ever.)

And so began my addiction to cloth diapers. The handful of pocket diapers I had bought lasted me less than a couple hours due to having two babies in cloth and I think I may have washed and dried them 2-3 times that day just so I could keep using them.

So that's it, the next day I was online arranging the details of my next fluffy purchase!

Do you remember your first diapers? Were you instantly addicted like I was? I'd love for you to share your stories and comments.

Sincerely,
Julie

Introducing...Grab that Bag! Leslie's New Weekly Giveaway! Ends 01-14-11 @ Midnight

2011-01-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Leslie's Weekly Giveaway, Grab that Bag! This is the first of what will become our weekly giveaways. You'll have many great opportunities to enter our weekly giveaways and increase your chances of being one of our lucky winners!

This week's prize:
A Medium Size Wetbag in your choice of Boy, Girl or Gender Neutral print courtesy of yours truly, LesliesBoutique.com!

What are the Guidelines for entry?
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first complete the mandatory entry question or task.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....Becoming a Fan of Leslie's on FaceBook is also recommended so that you'll be extra sure to see the winners announcement.

-Each Giveaway will run until Friday and end at 11:59pm EST.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Saturdays and winner's name also posted on Blog and FaceBook.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination and they will not be replaced. A shipping notice will be sent to the winner.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell us what you consider to be the one cloth diapering accessory that you can't live without.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry that you qualify for.

Extra methods of entry are:
-(1 entry) Follow the Leslie's Boutique Blog
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/leslieswetbags
-(1 entry) Follow Leslie's Boutique on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/lesliesboutique
-(3 entries) Tweet about the Giveaway, include a link to the giveaway and tag us in the tweet using @leslieswetbags. *Limit one tweet per day*
-(5 entries) Blog about the Giveaway or post to FaceBook. Include a link to the giveaway and also use the giveaway graphic at the top of this post. Comment with a link to the post on your blog or facebook. *Limit one post per person)

Top 4 Reasons Why Families Choose to Cloth Diaper!

2011-01-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

Families choose to use cloth diapers for a lot of different reasons. What's the most important reason to some may not even be on the list of reasons for others.

Cloth Diapers are cute but...The cuteness factor is not generally one of the reasons to use cloth, it's more of a bonus. Although some families don't even consider cute diapers, they consider diapers for practical reasons regardless of whether they're cute.

The Top 4 Reasons to use cloth are...

1. Health: Ever heard of Dioxin? The EPA calls this carcinogenic toxin "the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals." Banned in most countries but the USA, Dioxin is a biproduct of the production of paper used for disposable diapers and trace amounts of it are found in disposables.

Regarding heat, because disposable diapers are so good at doing what they're supposed to do, which is be left on a baby or child regardless of how full or soiled the diaper for as long as possible without leaking. This means that male babies are left in a diaper filled with a non-breathable gel-like substance that heats with the bodies temperature for extended periods of time which interfere with the scrotums ability to self-cool. This can impact a males reproductive and testicular health.

2. The Environment: Billions and billions of disposable diapers are used each year in the US alone. Estimates for the break down and complete decomposition of a disposable diaper range in the amount of 200-500 years per diaper. Plus, products like the Diaper Genie and others, encapsulate each dirty diaper within a plastic wrapping which is then also put inside your standard garbage bag, further lengthening the decomposition process.

The effects on our environment can and will be devastating, especially considering all the precious and valuable natural resources used in the production of disposables and the caustic effects due to the chemicals produced during their production.

There's no denying that at the rate we produce and dispose of these diapers, the future looks grim.

3. Sensitivity & Rash Issues: Diaper rash and other skin issues definitely make the list of the top reasons why families switch to cloth and other more natural alternatives to disposables. Rashes are all too common and regardless of all the chemicals used in disposables that are meant to keep baby dry, the rashes and issues still plague many families for many reasons.

Chemical-free and composed of soft and natural fibers, cloth diapers come in a variety of styles and materials to suit a families needs. From cotton, to microfiber, hemp and bamboo, white, natural, wool, you name it. There are a variety of options to try and many natural and comfortable ways to diaper babies besides disposables.

4. Financial Reasons: Cloth diapers can save you a ton of money over disposables. Real Diaper Association estimates that it will cost an average family at least $1600 to diaper a single child for two years.

To cloth diaper a child, a family could invest as little as $300 for the most economical options, up to $1000 for the organic and more natural fiber options.

With the rise of the onesize diapers comes even more savings. Now families can diaper their children with the same size diapers for multiple children and even save them for future children.

On top of the already money saving cloth diapering options comes the fact that cloth diapers, if well maintained, can be re-sold after use to re-coup at least half of your initial investment. Now that's a great reason to cloth diaper if I ever did hear of one!

So that's it in a nutshell, the top reasons why families cloth diaper or why you should consider using cloth diapers. So were these some of your reasons? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a comment. :)

-Julie

*For more detailed facts and information visit the Real Diaper Association website.

Vote for us in the Rockin' Green 2010 Cloth Diaper Awards!

2011-01-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out the ballot for the Rockin Green 2010 Cloth Diaper Awards yet? Well you should! Not only can you vote for your favorite cloth diapering brands and styles, you can vote for your favorite Pail Liner/WetBag and we're one of the nominees!

Simply follow this link Cloth Diaper Awards and cast your vote! Voting ends Friday January 7, 2010.

Here's what Rockin Green has to say about the awards:

Do you ever wonder what’s in everyone’s diaper stash? Do you like finding out about new cloth diapers and products? Do you like FREE stuff? We here at Rockin’ Green have a love (obsession) with all things cloth and wondered what some of your favorite products were for 2010. So…..we decided to create a survey. And to make it even better we are going to do a giveaway along with it!

Here’s all the details:
1. Fill out the Rockin’ Green 2010 Diaper Awards Survey letting us know what ranks #1 in your diaper bag
2. Share the survey link with friends
3. On Friday, January 7th at 5 PM CST we will pick 3 participants to win our “Rockin’ Green 2010 Diaper Award Prize Pack!”

*This will include: a $25 dollar gift certificate good for Rockin’ Green, Funk Rock or anything else in our store. The winner will also receive 2 items from the winners list. So you could win a Fuzzibunz Diaper and a Rumparooz wet bag….or it might be a tub of Grandma El’s and a Bumgenius AIO. The possibilities are endless- and your votes help determine the prize pack!

Wetbags are a cloth diapering mama's best friend!

2011-01-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

After many years in the cloth diapering industry there is one thing I hear over and over again, a wetbag is a moms best friend!

To a new mom and especially a mom new to cloth, the wetbag is most commonly the forgotten accessory. You're at home, you're learning how to use cloth diapers, trying all your options; inserts, fasteners, pockets, laundry tabs...you're feeling frazzled.

Through trial and error you are developing your routine, figuring out what works best for you, what style of diapers you want to use, how to wash, etc.

Next it's time to make your first trip with cloth diapers. You stick some pre-stuffed pockets or your preferred diaper of choice into your diaper bag and you're off!

Fast forward to diaper changing time...You unpack your bag, lay down the baby, get your clean diaper ready and then...You have a smelly poopy diaper in hand and you realize that you have no where to put it. You scan the scene, no baggies, no nothing! It dawns on you, you never bought a wetbag! You thought they were a frivolous accessory, a luxury item not a necessity. What's worse, you may not be using cloth wipes yet so not only do you have no where to store your dirty diapers, you need a separate bag to store your disposable wipes unless there's a garbage nearby.

I'm sure that more of you can relate to this scenario then I can even imagine. Sure you can keep some plastic grocery bags in your car or in your diaper bag but they're ugly, they're not reusable, and they only create more waste. What's worse? When you store your cloth diapers in plastic baggies, they're more likely to be forgotten about, develop mold and mildew and even...get thrown away with the trash by accident!

This is why wetbags are important! Not only are they cute and stylish, they're completely practical and can be washed WITH your cloth diapers! They're a cloth diapering accessory that once you own one, or two or three...you can't live without them!

Our wetbags come in a variety of sizes and prints and can be found in stock and purchased through our great retailers. Want to locate a retailer? Click here and visit our Retailer Page locate a retailer near you!

Welcome to the Leslies' Boutique Blog!

2011-01-03T05:55:00.001-08:00

With the New Year come great New changes! We're starting the new year off by giving the Leslie's Blog a little TLC. We've got some great ideas in the works! Here's just a little taste of what you can expect...

Great articles and content on various topics like Cloth Diapering...of course! Eco-friendly product reviews, Crafting, Going-green, Motherhood, and more.
Retailer and Reader contributed articles sure to be full of useful advice and information.
Sales and New Product Announcements
Introductions and Interviews with our fabulous retailers!
Weekly Product Giveaways

At Leslie's we strive to provide you with quality, stylish, practical products for your family and we're proud of the small businesses whom we consider our friends, that carry our line. We look forward to developing a relationship with all of you through our Blog and FaceBoook and we hope you're excited as we are about what the future might hold.