The End of the Third Annual Flats and Hand Washing Challenge

"I am taking part in the Third Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 400 participants from all over the world!"

Unfortunately I didn't make it to the end of this year's challenge. I completed 5 days. Last year I finished the challenge and continued to hand wash for an additional 2 weeks and continued using flats for another 2 months. I know that I could do it if I had to but fortunately I don't have to.
This challenge has made me seriously consider getting rid of a lot of my stash and sticking to flats if there is ever a baby #2 in my life.
Congratulations to everyone that did complete the challenge. It isn't an easy task.
And now without further ado. The winner of the wool longies is.....
Mommytoreanne!

I also have this crocheted soaker up for sale in my Etsy shop.

Day 6 of the Third Annual Flats and Hand Washing Challenge

 

"I am taking part in the Third Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 400 participants from all over the world!"

Ok I'm out. I am sad to say it but I'm done. BB has been coming down with something. He was up all night coughing to the point of vomiting. I hope it is nothing. He has had a couple of upper respiratory things this year. I have used 3 disposable diapers. I almost feel guilty if I don't hand wash the flats from yesterday. I will see if I get around to it. My dream team (my mom and step sister) are out of town so I am holding down the fort by myself. Which is no easy task when there are still 6 mouths to feed and clean up after.

Today I am hoping to join thousands of others in the March Against Monsanto. This week the Senate rejected a bill that would give States the option to decided if they want to make the labeling of GMO foods mandatory or not. This bill was just to give States the choice. But now they are not even allowed to do that. There is no evidence that GMO's are safe nor are there any long term studies done on their effects on humans. Please join me in Marching against the Godfather of GMO's Monsanto. There will be locations all around the country.
Also don't forget that I am giving away a pair of handmade wool longies. I am not the best seamstress but they are completely functional. Please leave a comment to enter. Good Luck! Winner will be announced Monday!

Day 5 of the Third Annual Flats and Hand Washing Challenge

"I am taking part in the Third Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 400 participants from all over the world!"

After 5 days on this challenge the lessons that I have learned are...
Keeping a regular washing routine is crucial!
Stick to folds you know or be ready for some messy clean-up.
Take it one day at a time.
Second time around is not as fun as the first.


My go to fold from last year. Tutorial here.

This year I am struggling more with the challenge. I am dreading having to wash the diapers today. I am avoiding that job like the plague. But it must be done.
This year I stuck to pad folds. That's it. I know BORING. But I just can't get fancy with the folds when I have a boy that won't stop. Not even for 2 seconds. Last year I was more adventurous with the folds and learned the hard way that the origami fold was not for us.
This year I just am not as motivated as I was last year. Maybe since I already completed the challenge and know I can do it and proved to myself that I have done it. I don't know but I just don't have the same gusto as I did last year. But I am no quitter! I will finish!
Don't forget I am giving away a new pair of homemade wool longies size large- x large. To enter please leave a comment. The winner will be announced Monday.

Day 4 of the Third Annual Flats and Hand Washing Challenge

"I am taking part in the Third Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 400 participants from all over the world!"

This week is flying by. I am half way through this challenge and actually think I may make it to the end. If you had asked me this morning you would have gotten a totally different answer. I was set on quitting this morning. I hadn't gotten to wash yesterday and was faced with a large pile of poopy diapers this morning. My son had a record of 4 poopy diapers in a 24 hour period. We recently switched to raw milk which I think might be causing the increase in poop.
My saving grace I suppose was that the internet wasn't working so I had nothing better to do than wash those darn diapers. LOL.

This is a picture from last year's challenge. My camera is on the fritz :(

I am still not sure if we will make it to the end of the day. I have one dry diaper left and some jersey fabric if I am desperate. I thought I had 16 diapers...turns out I only have 10!
This year I have been washing in the bathtub instead of a 5 gallon bucket like I did last year. I fill the tub enough that the diapers can move freely in the water. Then I add my soap. I have been using dawn just because I keep forgetting to go down into the basement to get my homemade laundry soap. Then the fun part begins. The stomping! I get in the tub and walk all over the diapers squishing out every last bit of dirt. I totally feel as if I should be chanting "crush the grapes" while doing this. BB likes to get in there and help during the rinse cycle. I have found this method more efficient then using my hands. It even is a great way to wring the diapers out.  

Don't forget I am giving away a new pair of homemade wool longies size large- x large. To enter please leave a comment. The winner will be announced Monday.

Here is my post on hand washing from last year's challenge.

Day 3 of the Third Annual Flats and Hand Washing Challenge...Why does it Matter?

"I am taking part in the Third Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 400 participants from all over the world!"

I know a lot of people are wondering why did over 400 people from around the world chose to hand wash their flat diapers. What is the big deal? Why does it matter any way? Can't these moms just buy disposable diapers?
Well yes most of us probably can afford regular ol' sposies. Yes most of us probably do have access to a washing machine and dryer. But there are so many people that do not.
The reason why this challenge is so important for many of us... especially me is that it is making me more prepared to help someone that can not help themselves. I now have first hand experience and can tell someone that is struggling to provide for their family that it is possible to keep their children happy, healthy and clean for under $100 dollars! It is possible and I can show you how it is done.
Diapers are not covered by wic or foodstamps. For a family that can not even afford food for their family they need to some how afford diapers. Disposable diapers can add up to several thousand dollars over the course of a child's diapering days. Parents sometimes reuse disposable diapers out of desperation. Flats are definitely the better option.
I have seen this first hand. I spent 2 months in a rural village in Turkey when I first got married. One of my husband's relatives placed some extra tissues in an already used diaper so she could use it again. If this same situation were to arise now I could help her. I could introduce her to the magic of flats.
Helping by doing. We can not expect to help anyone if we have never done it ourselves. How can we promote that flats and hand washing is a viable option if we haven't ever even used a flat or hand washed anything? We can't and that is why it does matter.
Last year when I was in Turkey I used flats for a whole month. I hung them out on the line. I got so many questions from neighbors about my diapers. Be the example for change.

Don't forget I am giving away a new pair of homemade wool longies size large- x large. To enter please leave a comment. The winner will be announced Monday.

Day 2 of the Third Annual Flats and Hand Washing Challenge

 

"I am taking part in the Third Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 400 participants from all over the world!"

Today's topic is: How did I prepare for the challenge?
Fortunately I had everything I needed already. After last year's challenge I invested in some extra flour sack towels from Target to use when we travel. Last July we went to Turkey for a month and I used flats exclusively during that time. The flour sack/ tea towels were almost $5.00 for a 4 pack. I have 2 packs. Seeing how cheap and effective these flats are is really making me regret buying expensive prefolds and pockets.
I also have 6 birdseye flats that I got 2 years ago from GreenMountainDiapers.com and 2 receiving blankets that I am using. So a total of 16 diapers! Not bad.
I have been doubling up since BB is such a heavy wetter lately. But with 16 diapers I can skip a day of washing if I have to.
My only problem is my lack of covers :(.  I needed to retire the Velcro covers I had since BB would not keep them on. So now I am down to only 4 covers. I can make that work.
Don't forget I am giving away a new pair of homemade wool longies size large- x large. To enter please leave a comment. The winner will be announced Monday.  

Third Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge

DirtyDiaperLaundry.com

"I am taking part in the Third Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 400 participants from all over the world!"

This will be my second year participating in the Flats and Hand washing Challenge. I decided to participate once again for the simple reason that I had so much fun last year. Yes I find hand washing diapers covered in poop and pee to be fun! LOL.
Last year my reasons were much more personal. I was poor growing up. I lived 3 years from the age of 6 to the age of 9 without running water. Our well had dried up and my parents could not afford to get it filled. It was hard. But through that experience I became more conscious about water conservation.  For the whole story you can read my post from last year here.
This year will be more challenging than last. First of all my son is 2.5 years old and soaks through everything. I have slowly moved further and further away from cloth diapers and have been much more reliant on disposables. I really need to get back on track with cloth diapering and hope this challenge forces me to do so. My budget and the environment will thank me for that.

Lastly I believe that the more knowledge and experience that I have with diapering on a budget the more I can help people that may be in the same position I was in as a child.
Like last year I will be holding a give away to celebrate the end of the Flats and Hand washing Challenge. This year I will be giving away a new pair of handmade wool longies. I made them from an upcycled thrifted sweater that I felted. They are size large- x large. I am not much of a seamstress so there are some flaws but are totally functional. The waist is elasticized. If you'd like a chance to win these longies please leave a comment. The winner will be announced Monday May 27, 2013.

Cutie Camo Shorties

I have been working on these little shorties for a while now.  This project went into hibernation once I realized that they weren't going to fit BB. I have always have sizing issues when it comes to crochet *sigh*.  After debating frogging these little shorties or not I decided to keep going and finish this project!  I am really happy that I did. They came out great!  I used wool alpaca blend yarn from my stash.  The pattern is Cutie Patootie Pants from the book Little Crochet: Modern Designs for Babies and Toddlers by: Linda Permann
I have these listed in my Etsy shop.

And the Winner is...

The Winner of the wool soaker is Amanda from The Fun Mommy .  Congratulations!! Thank you to all who commented and entered. 
I handwashed 2 loads of flats today.  I wanted to handwash all of the flats I used during the challenge even though the challenge is over.  I am now thinking of doing the 30 day challenge but I don't know if I am entirely committed to that idea yet. 
Congratulations to all of the Mama's who participated in the challenge and completed the week.  Kudos to you all.

Day 7 of the Flats and Handwashing Challenge

"I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!"
Today is the last day of the challenge and I am almost sad to see it over.  It was a fun if not stressful week.  This challenge has taught me that there is a way to diaper a child from birth to potty for under $100.  I wish I knew this was possible 2 years ago when I bought hundreds of dollar worth of prefold, covers, and aio's.  I definitely feel more confident teaching people about cloth and hope to become a cloth diaper ambassador of sorts.  If other people only knew how easy it really was all babies would have fluffy bums once again. 
I was initially scared of washing the flats especially while camping but again was surprised at how easy it was.  It wasn't a big deal at all.  By day 6 the washing was just part of my daily routine.  I am happy to have reclaimed the skill of handwashing while so many are losing it.
One last thing that I learned from this challenge and it is has nothing to do with cloth diapers is that if I really commit myself to something I can accomplish what I have set out to do and that makes me incredibly proud of myself!! 
Tomorrow I will annouce the winner of the wool soaker. To enter leave a comment below.

Hanging Handwashed Flats while camping

Day 6 of the Flats and Handwashing Challenge

"I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!"
This is a day late because of my camping trip but I guess better late than never.  Since today we can write about anything I wanted to share my technique for using flats.  I actually think Kim from Dirty Diaper Laundry has now named this the Jo fold but I am not sure.  I like to think that I invented it though.  I have been using this fold for about a year on the rare occasion that I would use a flat.  If you know how to use a prefold than this fold is a piece of cake. 

Size Large Prefold

Right Prefold. Left receiving blanket.

So I used my son's prefolds as a reference and folded the flat into a rectangle roughly the size of the prefold.  I put the part with the most folds in the front for extra absorbency in the wetzone. 

Receiving Blanket

Then I fold the sides in to form a v-shape.  It is easier to lay the baby on top first to make sure it fits well around the legs.  Then just pull the front up and snappy or pin the back wings to the front.  And Ta-dah.  Easy as pie.
Reminder Monday I will be giving away a wool soaker.  To enter please leave a comment below.

Day 5 of the Flats and Handwashing Challenge

"I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!"
So I am about to freak out.  I just wrote my post and before getting to save it my computer did something and poof it is gone :( So I am rewriting everything.  On top of that I am getting ready to go camping.  I am so stressed out about the diapers drying fast enough and having to handwash while camping.  My whole extended family is going and I can't wait for their reaction to me handwashing diapers. 
I originally didn't want to buy anything for the challenge but after the week of weather we had I went out to Target and got myself a set of flour sack towels. The 8 diapers I had just wasn't enough. 
Some tips that I have learned from this experience is that it's better to stick to the folds you know and trust.  I tried the fancy origami fold and it failed miserably.  I tried ironing the diapers yesterday to help them dry and it is not worth the effort.  I still ended up having to wait nearly 12 hours for them to be dry.  The humidity here is 88%.  I can see the moisture in the air!  Despite the fact that I am totally exhausted I do see this as a doable option.  I travel a couple of times a year and now have a way where I can easily cloth diaper.
Anyway I am so tired that I can barely focus enough to write this post.  Forgive me if it's a little all over the place.

Diapers Drying

I want to remind everyone that I am giving away a soaker on Monday to celebrate the end of the challenge. To enter please leave a comment.

Day 4 of the Flats and Handwashing Challenge

Here is my son in the pillowcase turned diaper.  Is it wrong that it's the Little Mermaid?

"I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!"
Half of the challenge is focused on handwashing.  I have only done this a couple of times before and never on anything covered in poop and pee so I wasn't sure what to expect.  But to be honest it isn't that bad.  The diapers are getting clean and I'm getting a workout.  After 3 days I think I have found a wash routine that I am comfortable with.
A couple of months ago I started wet pailing soiled diapers and have continued to.  After a nice soak 99% of the poop is off the diaper and all I need to do is dump it down the toilet.  For this challenge I am using a small basin to soak the poopy diapers until I am ready to wash and, a 5 gallon bucket for pee pee diapers and washing.  Once I am ready to wash I dump the dirty water and fill it with cold water and about 2 tbsp. of my homemade laundry soap.  You can find the recipe on one of my favorite blogs Down to Earth. After a good pre wash I dump the water and fill the bucket with the hottest water I can get from the tap and another 2 tbsp. soap.  After a couple of minutes and once I feel the diapers are clean I dump the water again and start my final cold rinse. I dump the water from the final rinse into my basin for soiled diapers so I can conserve some water.  Since I am doing a soak by the time the diapers make it to the wash round the water stays pretty clear.  I am able to wash 5 diapers at a time and so far have only needed to wash once a day.  Today I am going to have to do a second load though because I doubled up diapers twice yesterday.
I am struggling with the drying part of the challenge though.  The weather here has been overcast and rainy.  Everything is taking forever to dry :(
P.S. Today multi-tasking at its best nursing a 20 month old and hand washing diapers at the same time! Also remember that I am having a giveaway to celebrate the end of the challenge. (See side panel for details) Winner will be announced Monday.

Day 3 of the Flats and Handwashing Challenge

"I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!"
Yesterday was tough.  I experienced one of the worst poopy diapers ever.  It actually wasn't so bad but I couldn't get the diaper off quick enough of then my son started crawling all over my bed with the diaper half on.  Let's just say we both had a shower afterward.  In the process the only dry diaper I had got dirty.  I ended up cutting some jersey fabric I had in half and got 2 more diapers to last the rest of the day.  They didn't work that great but I didn't prep them so that could have been the reason. 
The washing isn't really bad at all.  I ended up adding the clothes that got dirty from that most memorable diaper change to my wash bucket.  I used a pocket diaper yesterday with the jersey material that I cut as an insert because my husband was helping change the baby. My husband already thinks I'm crazy when it comes to cloth and this would just prove his point.

2 flats fastened with a snappi

This morning my son's speech therapist was coming so I really didn't want any leaks.  I doubled two flats for maximum absorbency. I don't even know if the fold that I am using is called anything but my method is just to fold it into a rectangle the same size as his prefolds.  If I am using a cover instead of a soaker then I just do a padfold.
Remember I am having a giveaway to celebrate the end of the challenge.  (See side panel for details) To enter leave a comment.  I will announce the winner Monday.

Day 2 of the Flats and Handwashing Challenge

"I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!"
1 day down 6 more to go.  Today's topic is supplies.  I only heard about this challenge Sunday so didn't have much time to prepare. I didn't want to buy additional supplies for the challenge either so I decided to make do with what I have. 
My diaper arsenal for the challenge includes 6 birdseye flats and 2 flannel receiving blankets.  I am nervous that this might not be enough.  It has been rainy and will be the rest of the week.  I have diapers hanging all over the place and as of now only have 2 dry diapers.  Yikes!!! I want to try the iron method to help dry them but worst case scenario I can cut up some fabric I have.  

Yesterday I got the idea of using a flannel pillowcase. It is around the size of a prefold but then I remembered that the diapers can only be 1 layer. So I grabbed my trusty seam ripper and ripped open the seams to make it one layer. I will let you know how that works out.

Here is my diaper caddy that I got at the dollar store a couple months ago.  I have a squirt bottle of water to wet wipes, a spray bottle with Kissaluvs Diaper Lotion Potion in it, snappies, mason jar of coconut oil and a bar of soap with pins stuck in it.  The little pink basket has all of my cloth wipes.  The easiest way to make your own cloth wipes is to cut the sleeve off of a t-shirt.  The material rarely frays and it is already double layered.

I hope everyone is having fun with the challenge!!  To celebrate the end of the challenge I will be having a give away!!  I will be giving away a handmade upcycled wool soaker size newborn/ small.  If you are interested leave a comment daily on each post, one per day.  The winner will be announced Monday.

Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge

"I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry. For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all. You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post. This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!"


Most people might question why would I commit myself to hand washing and using flats when there are easier ways.  I am not living in poverty, I own a washer and dryer and I have every kind of diaper imaginable.  So why.  Well I wasn't always in this position.  When I was growing up we were poor.  Our well dried up when I was 5 or 6 and we lived with out running water for 3 years.  I don't remember much since I was so young but some things I can never forget. Like going to the YMCA once a week to shower or using water from our pool to flush toilets. Times were tough. This happened in a suburban town in America.  For many people around the world this is life everyday.  As a newlywed in rural Turkey the people in the village that we lived in go every summer with limited supplies of water.  We all had to choose between water for our crops or water for ourselves.  Everyday me and my sister-in-law would walk down to the mosque and fill buckets with water and then walk home. 
I want to complete this challenge to prove to myself that no matter what situation I find myself I will be able to take care of my family.