Bum Covered Diapers

2012 Fun Fluffy Trivia Giveaway

2011-12-30T12:09:00.000-06:00

To celebrate the end of 2011 and start 2012 with a little fun, we're hosting a little trivia contest! Two winners will be chosen on January 7, 2012. A $15 gift code and a Palm Tree OneSize diaper cover are up for grabs.

To enter, take a shot at answering any or all of our trivia questions. The answers could be found in our store (http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com), our facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/bumcovereddiapers), or on any of our wholesalers' web pages (AppleCheeks, Knickernappies, Cotton Babies, Planet Wise, Earthly Remedies by Erin, Melissa & Doug).

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Black Friday at Bum Covered Diapers!

2011-11-20T12:27:00.001-06:00

The biggest sale of the year is just days away, and I would love to give you all a sneak preview of our Black Friday specials!

Nov. 25-28:

ALL items will be discounted! (This excludes bumGenius, Flip, and most Econobum)

Here is a hint of what to expect:

AppleCheeks 20% off

Knickernappies 15% off

PlanetWise 10% off

Free package of disposable inserts with any Flip purchase
Econobum Single Packs are Buy 1, Get 1 FREE through Nov. 30th
Melissa & Doug toys 25% off

Tutus 50% off

Plus, get a free diaper or wetbag with every purchase! The retail value of your free gift will depend on the amount of purchase. Use code BLACKBAG or BLACKFLUFF to let us know your preference between the free wetbag or diaper. Free gifts will be chosen from in-stock inventory and we'll either send a gender neutral item or contact you about specific gender requests.

Free Gifts/Purchase Amounts:

Under $50--small PlanetWise wetbag or nighttime fitted diaper

Between $50 and $100-medium PlanetWise wetbag or small Applecheeks wetbag, or sized pocket or AIO diaper

Over $100- large wetbag or small wet/dry bag, or onesize diaper with insert

If you're looking to beat the rush or will be spending the Thanksgiving holiday weekend with family instead of shopping, you can also use code FREESHIP11 to get free shipping in our Etsy store or code GIVETHANKS to receive 25% off one item Nov. 20 through Nov. 28.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BumCoveredDiapers

An Inside Look at BCD

2011-06-03T16:25:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since my last post, so it seems fitting to give a little biography that will partly explain my infrequent appearances. Here is an inside look at some of the people behind the scenes at Bum Covered Diapers.

Melissa

I, Melissa, am the author of every post on the blog to this date. I am a former middle/high school mathematics teacher and now am in the midst of a PhD program in mathematics education. My goal after completing my degree is to become a professor of mathematics education, and to help share my knowledge and passion for teaching mathematics. My school and research work keeps me fairly busy, but I can always find time for my other addictions--cloth diapers and sewing!

Justin

Justin is my co-conspirator, who takes care of a lot of the business behind maintaining our web site and keeping all licensing and tax documents current. He won't claim to know much about our diapering products, but I say he should be an expert after helping to diaper our daughter :)

Morgan

Morgan is my little 2-1/2 year-old helper, who loves to help Mommy sort and pack orders. She also likes to help paint the base coat on orders for custom letters. If you have ordered a set of letters for your little one, you should know how much love, care, and enjoyment this girl puts into painting that base layer!

Morgan has been a cloth baby since she was born (although we started with a mix of sposies and cloth for the first few months) and she, along with her cousin, has tested every product we sell. She's now into trainers, so you can expect to see a growing selection of training pants as we find more brands that we like.

Jane

Grandma Jane makes the terrycloth bibs, receiving blankets, and quilts for our store. She sews sports uniforms for her "other" job, so you can be sure these items are sewn by someone who is very experienced with a sewing machine. All of our handmade items are guaranteed to be high quality and will become favorites of everyone in your family. Jane can make custom name bibs as well!

Arlene

Grandma Arlene makes several handmade items as well, but only the lovie blankets are for sale online. If you're ever in Iowa, stop by Bradley Hall to check out her cute tag balls and blankets! A selection of all our other handmade merchandise, as well as diapers, can be found there too. Arlene is retired and uses her free time to visit and spoil her only grandchild :)

New at Bum Covered Diapers: Featured WAHM products

2011-03-27T18:39:00.000-05:00

Are you a WAHM that lives in the United States and runs a small business? Are you looking for more places to sell your handmade or handsewn baby and toddler products? If I've peaked your interest, keep reading to find out how we might help you!

As our business and facebook fan base has grown, I have had the pleasure of seeing some excellent products sold by other WAHM's like myself. Because I am a full-time graduate student with another part-time job outside of the diaper business I have little time left for sewing or crafting. However, I would love to offer more variety of handmade products like wool dryer balls, longies and covers, baby clothes, doll clothes and toys to our customers. The solution I have come up with will hopefully satisfy myself, customers, and other retailers.

I have decided to open another product category listing on our web store entitled "Featured Handmade WAHM Items." Products in this category will be listed for only a limited time and will offer special sales for the customers at Bum Covered Diapers. Small WAHM retailers will be able to apply to feature their products for 1-2 months in this category. There will be no fee to retailers for listing items in this category. All I ask is that you offer the items at a discount to our customers and that you take care of shipping your items.

Are you interested in being featured? Do you have questions? Send me an email at melissa@bumcovereddiapers.com to apply or to get more information.

Sales galore...it's March Madness!

2011-03-17T13:38:00.001-05:00

Sorry I've been a little absent lately from the blogging world. I promise there is another fun post in the works. In the meantime, I just had to spread the word about some great sales happening right now at Bum Covered Diapers!

Bum Genius

Artist Series 4.0 One Size diapers are on sale all of March: buy 2 for $33.99 or buy 5 for $76.99

Regular 4.0 One Size diapers are on sale March 17-20: 15% off individual diapers and packages

AppleCheeks

Save 10% on any AppleCheeks products you purchase from now until April 14th! We just restocked and have a full line of envelope covers, inserts, flushable liners, storage sacs, and swim diapers.

Planet Wise

Save 15% off your entire order in March or April if you include any Planet Wise products in your purchase! For this discount, you must use code PW15CDC (Have I mentioned that our most recent shipment included some super cute reusable sandwich bags?)

Bum Covered Diapers

For our own handmade items, I also want to make sure to mention that the price of our fitted diaper is going up in April. Currently you can build your own fitted for as little as $6.00 (price range from $6-$9, depending on soaker and lining materials). Now that we have perfected our design, prices will most likely raise to a starting cost of about $9.00 and range up to $13 for the most "fancy" version. We're pretty proud that our "fancy" fitted diaper built with a microfiber soaker and microfleece liner has been rated an A+ and is on the list of best overnight diapers at Biehl Adventures. Click the link to read her list of nighttime diapering solutions.

Also, this Saturday (March 19) will be another one-day sale for us as we host our first diaper party. Online customers can also reap the benefits of the party on that day.

Happy shopping, and enjoy the madness of March!

Winner: Flip Individual

2011-03-02T17:28:00.000-06:00

And the winner of our last giveaway for the Biggest Baby Shower event is...

aperry, who said:

Congratulations! I'll be sending you an email, and our winner has 48 hours to respond.

Winner: Room Decor Giveaway

2011-02-25T13:08:00.000-06:00

And the winner of our room decor giveaway is...skgaff! She says she follows bum covered diapers on facebook :)

Other Giveaways!

2011-02-20T21:15:00.000-06:00

I don't post too much on here about other giveaways, but Lynifer is having a baby giveaway event that I think many of you would love. Open giveaways now include a package from BabyLegs, a soaker from Izzies and Zizzies, an Undercover Mama nursing tank, and more!

Go to http://lynifer.blogspot.com/ and tell her Melissa from Bum Covered Diapers sent you!

Giveaway Winner: Fitted Diaper

2011-02-20T14:38:00.000-06:00

And the winner is...

Lisa said, "I follow your FB page."

Congratulations! I'll send you an email, and you have 48 hours to confirm your winnings with me.

Winner: Little Diva Tutu

2011-02-15T11:06:00.000-06:00

And the winner is

Tara says: "follow bum covered on fb"

Congratulations! I'll be sending Tara an email and she has 48 hours to respond.

Giveaway: Flip Individual CLOSED

2011-02-13T16:28:00.001-06:00

One of our newest brands at Bum Covered Diapers is the Flip system. It only seemed proper to include one of our new items in our giveaways this month, so one lucky reader will win their choice of a Flip Individual package (one cover + one stay-dry insert).

Here is a little information about the Flip system, taken from the Cotton Babies web site:

The Flip™ Diaper System is a flexible, hybrid cloth diapering system that provides options for every occasion. The one-size cover and three choices in absorbent inserts make diapering your baby less expensive, easy and perfect for where-ever, when-ever.

FLIP™ IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3

1. TOSS the used insert in your diaper pail

2. CHOOSE the best insert for the occasion: Stay-Dry, Organic or Disposable

3. REUSE the cover

FLIP WITH STAY-DRY INSERT

A Flip diaper cover used with a Stay-Dry Insert is perfect for overnight & anytime use. Made of 3 ultra-absorbent layers of microfiber and a smooth stay-dry suede cloth that wicks moisture from your baby’s bum. Flip Stay-Dry Inserts work to keep your baby drier, longer.

WANT OPTIONS?

Look for other inserts within the Flip System— each customized to conveniently work within the Flip Cover.

••Organic: Perfect for sensitive skin, overnight, and supporting early potty training.

•Stay-Dry: Perfect for overnight and anytime.

•Disposable: Perfect for travel and convenience.

WASHING INSTRUCTIONS

Before First Use: For cotton products, wash hot (100F/40C) 3-5 times.

Use: Do not use rash creams.

Dirty Storage: Store in dry pail/bin.

Wash: Use laundry tabs if available. Pre-wash cold. Wash hot (100F/40C) with bumGenius detergent. Extra rinse. No laundry additives. Line dry cover. Tumble dry insert. No fabric softeners. Use ¼ cup or 60 mL bleach in the hot wash once per month.

FABRIC CONTENT

Cover Outer: 100% Laminated Polyester

Cover Tabs: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex

Insert Stay-Dry Layer: 100% Polyester

Insert Absorbent Layer: 80% Polyester, 20% Nylon

PACKAGE INCLUDES

1 one-size cover and 1 one-size stay-dry insert

*Fit is approximate and may vary depending on size and shape of your baby. **U.S. and International patents pending. †To look up important information about your diaper, visit myclothdiapers.com and enter the tracking number found on the label. Designed by a mom and conscientiously manufactured in Egypt (cover) and China(insert). bumGenius, Flip & Econobum are brands created by Cotton Babies, Inc.

Entry Requirements:

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

Please leave an email address with every comment so we can contact you.

1. Follow our Blog.

2. Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/bumcovereddiapers)

3. Subscribe to our newsletter (on the left sidebar of our store page)

4. Tell us why you want to try Flip and which insert option is your favorite.

5. Post about this giveaway on your blog or facebook page (leave a link to your post)

6. Enter one of our other open giveaways and tell us which one you entered.

We will choose a winner on March 1st! Good luck!

Giveaway: Room Decor Item CLOSED

2011-02-13T07:09:00.001-06:00

It's week 3 of our Biggest Baby Shower Event, and our third giveaway features more of our custom hand-crafted work. This giveaway is good for one of our custom room decor items. I'll describe each of the choices below and then list the requirements for entry.

Fairy Tale Wall Decor

This is a 10-inch letter, painted in your choice of colors and design. Some I have designed in the past are painted to match themes from fairy tales (hence the name). Others I have done to match nursery themes or just in a colorful design to match a child's bedroom. I'm willing to cater to any reasonable request for colors and designs.

Ribbon Bow Holders

These adorable bow holders are a favorite for little girls! The 6 " wooden letters look great on the wall, and are extremely functional, holding up to 15 bows. You get your choice of letter and ribbon! Match the theme for your child's room, or go with the first letter of their name and favorite colors...you decide!

Name Letters

Put your baby's name on the nursery wall with our 5" beveled letters! We will match any theme and paint custom orders. You choose the color and design.

See our store for more examples of my previous work.

Entry Details: THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!

(For each entry, be sure to leave an email address where I can contact you.)

1. Follow our blog.

2. Like Bum Covered Diapers on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/bumcovereddiapers)

3. Sign up for our newsletter (on our store site in the left sidebar).

4. Post about this giveaway on your blog or facebook page (leave a link to the post)

5. Tell us how your child's room is decorated and what design you would choose if you won.

This giveaway ends on February 24th. Good luck!

A Quest for the Perfect Gift

2011-02-12T18:51:00.000-06:00

I wandered through the baby aisles of my favorite department stores, distracted by tiny sleepers, nifty gadgets, and a huge wall of diapering products. In my first attempt to buy a baby gift I'll admit I was totally overwhelmed by all the cuteness! My first thought was to be sensible and buy some diapers, but the vast array of brands and sizes was enough to give in to my urges to buy an adorable little sleeper instead. For future gifts I learned to seek out the registries first, and as I became a mother myself I got an even better idea of the most usable and precious gifts.

Here are two lists, one with more practical useful gifts and the other with some more creative ideas:

Practical, I think so!

1. Diapers

(Both cloth and disposable options usually list the appropriate weight ranges for the diaper, and you can check out reviews to discover the most popular brands.)

2. Wipes/Wipes Solution

(Again, check the reviews if you're unsure about which brand to buy.)

3. Baby Wash/Lotion/Washcloths/Towels

(Every baby needs to be clean, right? And these are items that a Mommy could use two of if she receives duplicates.)

4. Bibs & Blankets

(Almost enough said...I will say extra large receiving blankets are nicer for swaddling larger babies. Our terrycloth personalized bib is being modeled below by last year's photo contest winner!)

5. Any unfulfilled item off Mommy's registry

(If the Mommy has a specific list of items she needs, she will most likely have created a registry from which you can choose items she will use. Be sure to have the clerk mark the item as "fulfilled" on her registry when you buy it!)

6. Books/Baby Toys

(As far as I'm concerned, a child can NEVER have enough books and could also use a few fun toys! Our Melissa & Doug ring stacker is pictured below.)

7. Gift Cards

(These can be used as the need arises, which can be very helpful.)

More on the Creative Side:

1. A Medical Kit

(Not many new parents think about buying infant medicines until their baby is already sick or fussy. Getting a bottle of Infant Tylenol, a thermometer, saline nasal spray, a "nose-picker" bulb, and gas drops would be a great starter to their medicine cabinet.)

2. Baby/Toddler Music CDs

3. A "Date Night" kit

(Frazzled new parents can always use a baby-sitting coupon, movie tickets, and a gift card to have a nice meal out.)

4. What About Dad?

(Most gifts are intended for baby or sometimes Mommy, but a thoughtful gift for Dad is also always welcome.)

5. Meals On Wheels

(You and a few friends could coordinate a schedule and bring a meal to the house once a day for the first week or two after the baby arrives. This was done for my family after our first child, and I REALLY appreciated the good meals with no effort on my part to cook them.)

6. A Pre-made Scrapbook

(Busy moms don't have much time to put all the photos they take into a scrapbook. Some time for them is definitely saved if they get a gift of a scrapbook with pre-designed pages. The idea is that they can just stick the pictures into a pre-made template. Pre-made pages could include the first birthday, first Christmas, baptism, etc.) f

7. Gift Set with a theme

(We carry Baby Aspen gift sets that are cute, creative, and functional. "Five Little Monkeys" is pictured to the right.)

Giveaway: Build-Your-Own Fitted Diaper! CLOSED

2011-02-05T15:24:00.002-06:00

Build-Your-Own Fitted Diaper

One of our newest products at Bum Covered Diapers is our custom fitted diaper. These fitted diapers are made exactly the way you want them! You get to choose exactly the diaper that works best for your baby, and we'll sew it for you! We will cater to almost any request, even options not listed or pictured on our site! Prices range from $6.00-$9.00, depending on your choices in materials.

These diapers will require a waterproof cover. Plastic pants will do, or PUL covers like AppleCheeks Envelope covers, Thirsties, or Bummis Wraps will work fine. We only have AppleCheeks covers available at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/ at this time but will carry Thirsties covers in the very near future!

Because our pattern is so new, we're offering these diapers at a LOW price. In return, we hope that you would give us your feedback on the style, fit, absorbency, etc.

Outside Print

The outer fabric for our diapers is flannel, and we carry a variety of different prints and solids. See our store for a full selection...I've put a few of our available prints in this article, and I'll search for a special print if you have something else in mind for your order.

Soakers (sewn inside the diaper)

For this option, you have the choice of flannel, terrycloth, or even microfiber for heavy wetters or overnight. With this option prices will vary. Flannel soakers come with the basic $6.00 diaper, and each upgrade is $.75.

Lining Material (against baby's bum):

Here your choice is between flannel or microfleece ($1.50 extra). The microfleece is better for more sensitive bums, because it wicks away moisture.

Want an extra doubler? Just let us know, and we'll make one for you at no extra cost!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED...CONGRATULATIONS, LISA!

Our giveaway this week is a custom fitted diaper to one of our readers! Here's how to enter (Please leave an email address with each entry so we can contact you if you win!):

1. Follow our blog via Google Friend Connect.

2. Follow our facebook page.

3. Post about this giveaway on your own blog or facebook account. (leave a link to your post)

4. Go follow Marine Parents blog! (They hosted another givewaway from us this month, which has since ended.)

5. Tell us which diaper you would build.

We'll pick a winner on February 18th! Good luck!

The Cloth Diaper Foundation: Helping to Keep Babies' Bums Covered!

2011-02-04T21:09:00.000-06:00

This month Bum Covered Diapers is donating 10% of every sale to the Cloth Diaper Foundation, so we thought it would be very fitting to feature this amazing organization!

Run by a small board of directors, this nonprofit organization is "dedicated to helping qualifying families all over the continental United States get a jump start on cloth diapering." This foundation provides much needed help as families try to build a diaper stash.

To be able to assist in this manner, the Cloth Diaper Foundation accepts monetary donations as well as cloth diapers, inserts, and other accessories. Here is a list of items this foundation will accept:

Stained Diapers
AIO/AI2/Pocket/Fitted/Contour/Prefold/Flat/Etc. Diapers
Cloth Trainers (not Gerber or plastic pant trainers)
Inserts/Doublers/Liners
PUL/Fleece/Wool/Nylon (higher quality) Covers
Wipes/Wetbags/Pail Liners/Wool Wash/Lanolin/Wipe Solution
Diaper/Cover Making Fabrics – PUL/Fleece/Hemp/Cotton/Etc.
Diaper Notions – Snaps/Aplix/Elastic/FOE/Size Tags

And here is a list of items NOT ACCEPTABLE for donation:

Gerber Prefolds (polyfil soakers)
Plastic/Rubber/Vinyl pants
Gerber (or other) Padded Training Underwear
Disposable items
Diapers in need of major repair (snap replacements are ok)
Diapers on their last leg

The Cloth Diaper Foundation has a website (http://www.clothdiaperfoundation.org) with a wealth of information available about donations and applications for assistance. This website also provides tutorials for sewing your own diapers and covers!

This website also contains information about cloth diapering, recipient reviews, FAQs, Fundraisers & Sales, and Giveaways. For those of you with facebook accounts, the Cloth Diaper Foundation has a facebook page as well: http://www.facebook.com/clothdiaperfoundation

If you are a mama in need of diapers, or if you need to find a new home for used diapers, we encourage you to contact the staff at the Cloth Diaper Foundation! Let us all do our part to keep those baby bums covered!

Giveaway: Newborn Little Diva Tutu...CLOSED!

2011-01-31T21:57:00.001-06:00

This, the first of 4 giveaways in our Biggest Baby Shower event, is the perfect gift for a little princess! Little Diva tutus have twice the fluff as our Basic tutus, making them stand out a little more. My daughter is at the age where she loves to pretend and play dress-up, and her new Little Diva tutu is one of her favorites when she is in a ballerina or princess mood. Here is a candid picture of my little diva wearing her purple and white tutu.

     These tutus are also beautiful when used as a prop for baby photos. Many mommies would love to receive a fluffy tutu as a gift for their newborn girl to use in professional pictures.

   Little Diva tutus are made from about 50 yards of tulle and have a ribbon closure. The ribbon closure has proven to be a favorite among both mommies and photographers, especially if the tutu needs to be used by several little models in the same portrait session.

   The tutu up for giveaway here is a newborn tutu, made with light pink and white tulle, with a pink satin ribbon closure.

This giveaway is now closed!

How to Throw the Best Baby Shower: Decoration Ideas

2011-01-30T11:14:00.001-06:00

Now that I'm in the stage of adulthood where my friends and family members are adding to their families, I've found myself throwing a few baby showers. The best but most difficult part of shower planning for me has been the decorations. This article will hopefully provide a little inspiration for those of you who have to plan a shower but also have difficulty with decorating ideas.

Diaper Cakes

One decoration I now consider to be an essential item for all baby showers is the diaper cake. Whether using disposable or cloth diapers, new mommies love to have a little help financially in diapering their babies. A diaper cake provides this help but also makes the perfect centerpiece for the gifts table. There are many ways to make these cakes, but here is the method I typically use:

1. For a disposable diaper cake, I buy two packages of size 1 or 2 diapers. I roll them up and tie them individually with a ribbon. For a cloth diaper cake, I use inserts, prefolds, or white onesies/t-shirts. I roll them up similarly and tie them with a ribbon. These will form the "cake" layers.

2. Using a display board for a base, I glue a big cardboard tube or stack cylindrical containers up the center to put my "cake layers" around. I usually make my cake 3 to 4 layers, depending on how many diapers I have or whether my cake is using cloth or disposable diapers. Use your little diaper rolls to stack around the cylinder and form layers. Tie each layer with a big colorful ribbon as you finish. With cloth diaper cakes, I wrap a colorful diaper around a cylindrical container of the right width to form one or two complete alternating layers.

3. I usually put a toy or diapering accessories around the cake and on the top as a cake topper.

Here are a few pictures of diaper cakes I have done and that were done for me in the past:

This diaper cake was done slightly differently, with the diapers unrolled. They are wrapped around the inner cylinder (either formed by a rolled up diaper or a paper towel tube).

This is a cloth diaper cake, with the cloth diapers wrapped around cottage cheese and cool whip containers.

This was a six-layer cake, with layers wide enough to stick toys and accessories on each layer. A marker board made up the base for this cake.

Shower Themes

When decorating for a shower, I usually plan around a theme. I plan table centerpieces, the gift table centerpiece (diaper cake), the cake for eating, and sometimes wall decorations or balloons. Here are a few ideas for themes:

1. "Noah's Ark": You could use stuffed animals as table centerpieces, and have the ark and animals on the cake. Colors for this theme could vary, and balloons could be tied to the animals or placed separately elsewhere.

2. "Baby Booties" or "Baby Blocks": Use booties or blocks as centerpieces on the table and to decorate the cake. Stuff booties with candy for an edible centerpiece. Balloons could also be tied to the filled booties or blocks.

3. "Bun in the Oven": For table centerpieces, have bowls with cinnamon rolls or some kind of sweet rolls as actual edible centerpieces. Or you could use cinnamon-flavored candles. The cake could be circular like a cinnamon roll or could be rectangular and have a picture of an oven door, or a doctor pulling a pan of rolls out of the oven.

4. Sometimes I just use the nursery colors or nursery theme to go with my shower decoration ideas. If it's not meant to be a surprise, you can borrow some accessories from the mommie's nursery to decorate the tables.

Here are a few pictures to give you inspiration:

This last is a picture of an invitation. Often you can get ideas for decorations based on your invitations as well.

Biggest Baby Shower

2011-01-28T23:03:00.000-06:00

In just a few days, we at Bum Covered Diapers will host the biggest event we've done thus far: The Biggest Baby Shower! This event includes special blog posts relating to our baby shower theme, as well as giveaways each week. In conjunction with the blog happenings, our store will feature sales on different items each week that would make suitable gifts for any mama-to-be, and we'll host our first local diaper party for anyone in the Iowa City area! Also, 10% of every purchase during the month will go toward donations to the Cloth Diaper Foundation to help new mommies in need.

Savings for February at Bum Covered Diapers:

All month long $1.99 will ship any order under $50, and all overs over $50 will receive FREE shipping! Also, 10% of every purchase will go to the Cloth Diaper Foundation.

Week 1:

25% off Baby Aspen (These are pre-order items, so allow 2 weeks for delivery.)

Basic Tutus $6.00

Little Diva tutus (twice the tulle, twice the attitude!) $10.00

Diaper Cake Kit $10.00

Week 2:

All diapers, inserts, liners, and wipes are on sale (excluding bumGenius, Flip, and Econobum)

10% off AppleCheeks

15% off Knickernappies

$1.00 off Build-Your-Own Fitted diapers

15% off Planet Wise

Week 3

$7.50 Fairy Tale Wall Decor (10-inch letter)

$5.50 Ribbon Bow Holders

30% off name letters

bibs and blankets $8.50

10% off gift certificates

Week 4:

25% off Melissa & Doug baby toys

15% off nursing pads and mama pads

15% off Planet Wise Sandwich bags & Wet Bags

an extra 10% off clearance items

February 26-28th: Last-chance sale! Everything listed above will be on sale again!

Blog Posts and Giveaways:

Look for two posts each week, one post will be informative, fun, and baby-shower related, the other will be a GIVEAWAY! Stay tuned for these posts, starting on February 1st!

Diaper Party:

For those of you within driving distance of Iowa City, we are also going to put on the biggest and best baby shower for you! This event will be at 3 pm on February 26, and it will be held at my house. We plan to have games, food, prizes, and a diapering demonstration/discussion. Come see what Bum Covered Diapers looks like behind the scene! RSVP to melissa@bumcovereddiapers.com for directions or more information.

Changes at Bum Covered Diapers for 2011!

2011-01-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Bum Covered Diapers!

I hope your 2011 is off to a good start! We have a few things to mention as this year is bringing some changes to our store.

Planet Wise Sandwich bags will be available in our online store within the next week or two. Our initial order was small, so if you don’t get yours before we run out, just email Melissa@bumcovereddiapers.com to make a pre-order. I will make another order for them soon, but I would love to know what styles you prefer. Available prints are already listed on our web site under the “Household Items”category: http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/household-items/planet-wise-reusable-sandwich-bags.html

We also have Flip and Econobum products on order! Once again, if you want a color or insert style that we don’t have initially, just email us (Melissa@bumcovereddiapers.com) to put in a request for your item.

Last, but certainly not least, we have been accepted as a Thirsties retailer! We will be making our first order sometime between now and April, so you are welcome to let us know your requests for items to order. We hope to carry Thirsties covers, Thirsties Duo, Thirsties Fab Fitteds, inserts, and wipes.

Sales for January:

We currently are running a sale on all wet bags and pail liners (through Saturday), so you can "bag your wet stuff" at a discount! Also, we will be having a FREE shipping event the last week in January. Check out our Facebook page for the latest news on sales and featured products.

Have a very happy January!

-Melissa

Bum Covered Diapers

http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com

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A GREEN Resolution

2011-01-04T22:19:00.000-06:00

How to make a GREEN New Year’s Resolution

As the year 2011 approached, I found myself wondering what resolution I could make for the new year. If you are like myself, this is a time to make (and break!) New Year’s resolutions. Here are the top five resolutions I found with a quick Google search:

1. Spend more time with friends and family.

2. Fit in fitness.

3. Tame the bulge.

4. Quit smoking.

5. Enjoy life more.

Most years I make resolutions that are difficult to achieve, and I have limited success keeping the resolutions I make. This year I challenge myself and all of you to make a different (and hopefully more attainable) goal for 2011: to move toward a more GREEN lifestyle. Many of you have probably already taken some steps toward being eco-friendly, but there are probably even more things you could do. Here are a few ideas to help us all make a GREEN New Year’s Resolution:

If you’re not already using cloth diapers with your little one, now is a great time to start! See my blog, http://bumcovereddiapers.blogspot.com or my web store, www.bumcovereddiapers.com to find information and products to help you get started.
Help the environment by using reusable cloth bags at the grocery stores instead of plastic bags. If you do use plastic bags, re-use them or recycle them instead of throwing them away. Did you know Hy-Vee gives you 5 cents back for every reusable bag you use for your purchases? (If this store is not in your area, check to see if your local grocery stores offer this discount.)
Eliminate paper and plastic waste where you can. Have you thought of using real napkins instead of paper? Or using a container for sandwiches instead of a Ziploc bag when you pack your lunch? Also, reusable snack bags are now available at many retailers. I just bought one today from RG Natural Babies online.
Set your heat a few degrees cooler and your air a few degrees warmer to conserve energy.
Replace your old light bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs, and turn off anything that doesn’t need to be on.
See if your energy company will do an energy audit on your house to give you ideas for making your home more efficient.

I hope these tips are helpful to some of you, and that you all have a great year!

-Melissa

Traveling With Cloth Diapers

2010-12-22T23:30:00.000-06:00

As many, including myself, are packing bags and getting ready to travel during this Christmas season, I thought I would compile a list of helpful tips for traveling with babies or toddlers. The first few of these tips will be for cloth-diapering parents.

1. If you're currently using cloth diapers, resist the urge to make a temporary switch to disposables! It's tempting to switch to disposables while traveling (I've even done it myself before), but let me tell you from experience that using cloth away from home is totally doable! If you don't have enough stash to last throughout your trip, I'm sure there will be a washing machine somewhere nearby that you can use. We usually stay with family, and they don't mind me throwing in a load of diapers or training pants while we're there.

2. Be sure to bring your favorite diaper detergent with you! You never know when you'll need to use it. Also, wet bags are a must-have item for me. I bring a Knickernappies doorknob diaper pail, my large Planet Wise wet bag, plus 2 medium wet bags for any daytime outings. I keep clean diapers in my doorknob pail, then start filling the other wet bags with the soiled ones.

3. Put an extra insert in your baby's diaper before going on the road, or use a nighttime diaper to help withstand the trip. I always used a LoopyDo along with a microfiber insert for car trips. Now we're in the potty-training stage and I use Bumbledoo or Super Undies on the road.

4. Make a portable diaper-changing station (diaper pad, a few diapers, wipes, wipes solution, rash cream, etc.) to have easily accessible while driving. You might have to stop a time or two to change, and trust me, it's the worst feeling in the world to know your diaper supplies are buried at the bottom of your trunk!

Here are some tips in general and lessons I've learned about traveling with a baby/toddler:

5. Bring A LOT of clothes! Once you've packed 3 or 4 outfits for every day, pack several more! Don't forget to bring several bibs, burpcloths, and washcloths as well.

6. Bring some toys, also easily accessible in the car, for your baby/toddler to play with. Even babies need to be entertained sometimes on the road.

7. For us, pacifier, fuzzy blanket, and glow-worm had to travel with us or we would get no sleep at night. We eventually got smart and left an extra pacifier, blanket, and glow-worm at both of the grandparents' houses after forgetting them a couple of times!

8. Make sure your baby is riding safely in his/her car seat. Here's a great article to read: http://thestir.cafemom.com/baby/108322/9_lifesaving_car_seat_rules

9. During all the holiday excitement, don't forget that your baby/toddler might get anxious around the crowds and strangers. Try to schedule in some quiet time each day.

10. Last tip: Germ-X, Germ-X, Germ-X! The last thing you want is yourself or your baby to catch a bug while you're gone!

If you've got other tips to add, please add them in the comments below! I would love to hear them!

Bye-Bye Build-up! How to Strip Your Diapers

2010-12-12T16:28:00.000-06:00

Some of you may ask, "What in the world is stripping?" No, I'm not turning dirty on this blog! Stripping in cloth diaper terms does mean getting rid of something, but has nothing to do with being naked...

As you use your cloth diapers and wash them over and over, you will start to have a build-up of detergent residue in your diapers. The extra rinse cycles help to eliminate some but not all of this build-up. Also, if you use any rash creams, this residue may start to gunk up your cloth. (I highly recommend using liners with ANY kind of rash cream and then washing them separately from diapers or using disposable liners that you can just toss after use.)

Stripping is the process you will use to "de-gunkify" your diapers (remove the build-up). There are a lot of different ways to strip your cloth diapers. You may want to do a little Internet research before stripping for the first time...after all, every washer and every baby is different, but here is the method I used.

How to Strip Your Diapers

From time to time you may notice your diapers are smelling funky or are starting to have leak issues. This does not mean you aren’t getting them clean…but it does mean that you have some buildup of oils and detergents in the fabric. Have no fear! There is an easy way to fix this problem!

Stripping your Diapers:

Step 1: Wash your diapers like you normally would.

Step 2: Run your diapers through a hot wash with no detergent. You may want to add a drop or two of blue Dawn liquid dish detergent to help break up the oils, or a bit of OxyClean to help with staining, but this is not necessary.

Step 3: Run an extra rinse at the end of your wash cycle (2 or 3 if you added anything to the water in step 2). Then rinse one more time with a little bit of white vinegar to remove all detergent residues from the diaper. Don’t worry! Your diapers won’t smell like vinegar once they’re dry.

Step 4: Rinse 2-4 more times, or until you don’t see any more suds appear. This means you have gotten all of the detergent residue out of your diapers. In case you hadn’t heard, you should only use ¼ to ½ the amount of detergent you would normally use with a load of cloth diapers. This decreases the amount of detergent residue in the diapers. Also, the Free-and-Clear varieties don’t work very well. I would recommend a regular detergent, like All or regular Tide, or you can use a detergent especially made for cloth diapers, such as Rockin’ Green or Country Save.

Step 5: Sunlight is a natural stain killer and germ remover. If you can, sun your diapers outside to dry. If this isn’t possible, dry them in the dryer on a low or medium heat setting. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on drying if you have any doubts about the heat level for drying.

You may need to strip your diapers as often as once a week, but your diapers could last a month until they need stripping. I stripped my own diapers every three weeks, but everyone’s water is different. Everyone’s baby is also different, so use your best judgment about how often to strip.

There are other methods of stripping as well. If this technique does not work for your baby or your water, do some research to find other stripping methods. I recommend checking the online diaper blogs, diaperpin.com, diaperdecisions.com, etc.

BCD Photo Contest Winners

2010-12-11T13:20:00.000-06:00

The votes have been counted, and here's how they went!

1st place overall: Trick or Treat

$25 store credit at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/ +$10 Baby Gap gift card

2nd place: Good to Be Green

$10 store credit at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com + 8x10 seasonal print from the professional gallery of Digital Treasures Photography (Megan Kampen, Ankeny, IA)

Fluff Baby: Boots

Free Knickernappies 2G pocket diaper or bumGenius AIO diaper

Congratulations to our winners! I wish we could give prizes to all contestants...they are all adorable!

Check back with us in June 2011 for details on another photo contest. This one will have a different flavor, with chances to win in the following categories: "People's Choice" (similar to how you voted this time), "Professional's Choice" (I'll have a professional panel of judges consisting of photographers), "Fluff Baby" (judged by a panel of diaper company owners), as well as a "Morgan's Choice" award (judged by my daughter).

Merry Christmas from Bum Covered Diapers!

Vote Here!

2010-11-30T19:55:00.000-06:00

Well, this year's photo gallery is small for our Bum Covered Diapers Photo Contest, but the competition may be fierce! These babies are all adorable! You can vote for your favorite by commenting under this post. Voting is open from December 1st-10th, and winners will be notified on December 11th. When you vote, put the "name" of the baby you like best in your comment. Only one vote per person, please!

Lil' Pumpkin

Diaper Patch Kid

Busy Bee

Good to be Green!

Boots

Happy Camper

Sweet Cheeks

Trick or Treat

Tummy Time

Surprise!

Mr. Serious

Flash Giveaway!

2010-11-26T14:15:00.000-06:00

Sponsors for tomorrow's Facebook Flash Giveaway! In honor of reaching over 500 facebook fans, we're hosting a flash giveaway at 9 pm Central Time on our facebook page. Here are the sponsors:

Bum Covered Diapers (of course!)

Knickernappies

Nellie Bug's Tutus and More

GlassNGifts

Here's how the giveaway event will work. At around 9pm, I will post a facebook status describing an item to be given away and linking to the sponsor's facebook page. You will have 4 minutes to go "like" the sponsor's page, thank them for the giveaway, and then come back and comment under my status post. I will pick a winner via random.org after the time is up. I'll keep posting status updates with prizes until they're gone. It will hopefully be a fun, fast-paced way for you all to see some great companies and get several chances to win a prize!

Again, thank you to all of our sponsors and facebook fans!

Black Friday & Cyber Monday

2010-11-23T14:02:00.000-06:00

T'is the season of SHOPPING, and we at Bum Covered Diapers have some special savings on Black Friday and Cyber Monday to ease the burden on your pocketbook in the Christmas season. Here is a list of our sales for these two days:

FREE shipping (normally a $5 flat rate shipping fee)
30% off Room Decor (name letters, fairy tale wall decor, ribbon bow holders)
30% off Tutus
Bibs and Receiving Blankets 3 for $25.00
10% off AppleCheeks products
15% off Knickernappies products
Buy 5, get 1 free bumGenius OneSize 4.0s and AIOs
15% off Melissa & Doug toys (in-stock and pre-orders)

Plus, each customer will be placed into a drawing for $15 store credit or a free diaper! We'll draw a winner at the end of the business day.

Because this is the season of giving and we've reached the 500-fan mark on our facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/bumcovereddiapers) we're also doing a flash giveaway event on November 27th! See our facebook page or this blog on Black Friday to see a list of prizes and sponsors! Pass the word...this giveaway event is open to EVERYONE!

Happy Holidays, and happy shopping!

Another photo..Get Your Entry In!

2010-11-19T15:56:00.000-06:00

This little guy is modeling a Thirsties Duo diaper in Blackbird design. We will be adding Thirsties products in the very near future, so stay tuned to buy your own Thirsties Duo at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com!

Photo Contest Entries-More Cloth Cuties!

2010-11-17T23:02:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple of very cute contestants whose photos were sent to me today. Both are wearing bumGenius diapers.

Another photo entry...Keep them coming!

2010-11-16T21:32:00.000-06:00

Here's yet another adorable cloth cutie! And our first female contestant! Remember, voting starts December 1st! All entries must be received by November 30th.

Second Photo Entry

2010-11-14T21:57:00.000-06:00

Here's our latest BCD Photo Contest entry! Don't you wish AppleCheeks grew in your backyard too? He looks pretty happy!

Photo Contest Entries

2010-11-14T14:18:00.000-06:00

We've received our first photo this weekend. I thought I would go ahead and post entries as I get them, and at the end of the month I'll put them all together into a post for voting.

Photo Contest--Change of Procedure

2010-11-14T14:09:00.000-06:00

Because of Facebook rules I've recently become aware of, I need to make a change of procedure for our photo contest. Photos for the contest will be displayed on this blog, and voting can be done on the blog or through email (melissa@bumcovereddiapers.com). Apparently running the voting through our facebook page is not allowed. If you submit a photo through our facebook page, I will transfer it to this blog.

If you also are unaware of all the Facebook rules for giveaways or contests, check out this blog entry by Simply Stacie:

http://simplystacie.net/facebook-blog-giveaways-what-is-allowed/

Surfin' Saturdays at Chubby Cheeks Thinks

2010-11-13T21:02:00.000-06:00

Do you like meeting other Moms or learning about free giveaways? Do you have a business and need to recruit more fans? Chubby Cheeks Thinks is doing a Surfin' Saturdays event every Saturday. Check it out here:

http://www.chubbycheeksthinks.com/2010/11/surfin-saturdays-facebook-hop-link-only.html

bumGenius 4.0 Sale!

2010-11-08T15:43:00.000-06:00

Cotton Babies has announced a sale on bumGenius 4.0 diapers! These sales don't happen too often, so take advantage and add to your fluff! Use promo code "BUY5GET1" at checkout to receive a FREE 4.0 onesize diaper with purchase of 5. (Artist series excluded from this promotion.)

BCD Annual Baby Photo Contest

2010-11-04T15:05:00.000-05:00

Photo Contest

We’re now accepting entries for our annual BCD baby photo contest!

Entries accepted until December 1^st!

Submit a photo by email to Melissa@BumCoveredDiapers.com or upload to our facebook wall: http://www.facebook.com/bumcovereddiapers

Requirements for Entry:

· Photos must be taken by the person submitting them

· Babies must be wearing or using one of our products (see our booth at Bradley Hall or www.bumcovereddiapers.com for products we carry)

Then…

Vote for your favorite baby starting December 1^st-10th!

Vote online here (with a comment on the blog entry titled "Vote Here" starting Dec. 1st) or send votes by email to melissa@bumcovereddiapers.com. We'll have each baby's photo placed in the "Vote Here" blog post, and the photos with the most votes will win! Only one vote per person, please!

Prizes

· 1st Prize: $25 store credit at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/ +$10 Baby Gap gift card

· 2^nd Prize: $10 store credit at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com + 8x10 seasonal print from the professional gallery of Digital Treasures Photography (Megan Kampen, Ankeny, IA)

· Top “Fluff” Baby (must be wearing a reusable diaper in the photo): Free Knickernappies 2G pocket diaper or bumGenius AIO diaper

Last Year’s Winners:

3 Girls Reviews: Win BIG from Nellie Bug's!!

2010-11-04T13:02:00.000-05:00

3 Girls Reviews: Win BIG from Nellie Bug's!!: "Up for grabs, a package of 5 ebooks ($30+ value) that will help you start your own boutique business - or at least help with your crafting h..."

Diaper Hunt Deals

2010-11-01T20:05:00.000-05:00

Have you signed up for the Great Cloth Diaper Hunt yet? If not, I think you should! It's definitely the best internet scavenger hunt I've ever played, and you have a chance to win over $500 in prizes! (Did I mention the top prize is an Apple ipad?) Here's the link to register: http://www.diaperdecisions.com/pages/gcdhreg.php

Be sure to say Bum Covered Diapers sent you!

This is the first year we have sponsored the hunt, and we've got several special deals to help celebrate this November!

Giveaways:

Applecheeks bundle-giveaway is already posted at Chubby Cheeks Thinks blog (click the button on our right sidebar to get to their blog)
Terrycloth bib-giveaway next week on Nellie Bugs Tutus and More facebook page: http://www.facebok.com/nelliebugstutus
bumGenius 4.0 onesize diaper-giveaway as part of the dream package for Fluff Baby Home (click on the button on our right sidebar for more info)
Custom painted name letters-giveaway on our facebook page later this month...stay tuned for pictures of what you could win.

Sales:

All of November: 10% off AppleCheeks products
All of November: half price rental fee for Diaper Trial Packages ($7.99)
All of November: Free fleece liner with every diaper purchase
Nov. 1-6: FREE small Planet Wise Wetbag with purchase of $100 (while supplies last)
Nov. 7-13: 10% off all Knickernappies products
November 9th: FREE microfiber insert with every Knickernappies 2G pocket diaper purchase
Nov 14-20: Surprise gift with every order!
Nov 21-30: 10% off Melissa & Doug preorders, 15% off in-stock toys

(If your memory is as bad as mine, have no fear! I'll post the current specials on the front page of our website, and I'll also put a status on our facebook page letting you know what deals are currently running.)

New Products

2010-10-30T20:31:00.000-05:00

Our followers have spoken! Our latest poll asked which new products you would like to see us carry in our store, and Thirsties was our winner. You can expect Thirsties to be appearing on our site within the next few months. Rockin' Green was a close second, so this line of diaper detergents will be the next new product we add. I anticipate having full stock of products from both companies, as well as increasing our in-stock supply of products from our current wholesalers by late spring or early summer. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to grow as a business!

Great Cloth Diaper Hunt: Are you Ready?

2010-10-23T22:13:00.000-05:00

We are proud to be a sponsor of the November 2011 Great Cloth Diaper Hunt! Have you hunted before? If not, here's how it works:

The Great Cloth Diaper Hunt (GCDH) is a huge internet scavenger hunt running from November 1-30, 2010. During the month, you will get the chance to visit many great websites (many WAHM sites as well as others). You'll follow clues to find a hidden diaper icon within each site. By doing so, you will qualify for 71 random prize drawings, including One Ultimate Grand Prize worth over $500 and a Daily Prize for each day of hunting!

The idea behind the hunt is to introduce consumers to some of the great WAHM businesses that are out in cyberspace, and also to many new products!

Think the hunt is too time-consuming? You are NOT required to find all the icons...just work at your own pace and find as few or as many as you like. Just be sure you register for the hunt so you can be qualified for all the great prizes! You can register by clicking on this link:

http://www.diaperdecisions.com/pages/gcdhreg.php

Also, Diaper Decisions has a facebook page. You can receive updates about registration and sponsorship by becoming a fan of their page. They will also be giving out prizes through the facebook page, as well as running chats with some of the sponsors during the hunt.

When you register for the hunt or become a fan on facebook, be sure to say Bum Covered Diapers sent you!

Diaper Trials, Fitteds, and Flushable Liners!

2010-10-22T20:22:00.000-05:00

We've gotten shipments in from Planet Wise and from AppleCheeks within the last few days. One new item of note is Flushable Liners! If you (or anyone you know) love the idea of using cloth diapers but don't want to deal with the poop, these flushable liners are just the solution for you! You lay these liners inside your reusable diaper, then when the baby poops just dump the liner and poop straight into the toilet and flush! No mess required! Each package comes with 100 liners, and another thing to note is that the liners can be washed and hung to dry if they are not soiled.
We added two additional items today as well: our diaper trial package and custom fitted flannel diapers.

Diaper Trial Package:
Here's how the trial works: You pay the rental fee + deposit, and then get to try the diapers and accessories risk-free for 3 weeks. After your trial period is done you can either return the diapers to us and be refunded your deposit, or keep the diapers and receive a $15 discount on them! (Please wash all diapers before returning them. Diapers must be returned clean and dry for a full refund on your deposit.)
Shipping to you is included in the cost of the trial, but return shipping fees are your responsibility.

Our Cloth Diaper Trial Package includes the following:

--5 diapers (a variety of the diapers we sell, such as One Size, Pocket, AIO, and Envelope diapers by bumGenius, Knickernappies, and AppleCheeks)
--5 inserts
--a medium Planet Wise wet bag
--samples of detergent, wipes solutions, rash cream or wipes
--information guide to cloth diapering

You can find them here: http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/diaper-packages/diaper-trials/cloth-diaper-trial.html

Custom Fitted Flannel Diapers ($7.00-$10.00 depending on soaker type)
These fitted diapers are made with four layers of flannel and a heavy terrycloth or microfiber soaker pad sewn inside. We can create a custom diaper especially for your little one. You choose the color and the soaker material! (The colors and designs pictured give you an idea of the fabric we have, but we can get almost any color or design you request...your choices are in no way limited to what you see here!)

These diapers will require a waterproof cover. Plastic pants will do, or PUL covers like Thirsties, or Bummis Wraps will work fine. We do not have covers available at this time but hope to carry Thirsties covers in the very near future!

Because we are using new patterns to sew these diapers, we're offering them at a LOW price. In return, we hope that you would give us your feedback on the style, fit, absorbency, etc.

Please allow at least 2 weeks for us to sew and ship your custom diaper orders. Larger orders may take longer than 2 weeks to complete.

You can find them here: http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/diapers/fitted-diapers/custom-fitted-diapers.html

Facebook Giveaway

2010-10-18T14:52:00.001-05:00

We're running a giveaway right now on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/bumcoverediapers

If you have an Emma or a Colton (or know of someone with those names), we'll be giving away a set of name letters for both of these names on Friday, Oct. 22nd. Head on over to our facebook page to enter on our wall.

Diaper Trial Package

2010-10-17T14:12:00.000-05:00

Starting October 25th, we'll be offering a new product at Bum Covered Diapers! As a new mommy, I was hesitant to spend a fortune on cloth diapers without knowing how I would like them. I know a lot of other new mom's have similar hesitations, so hopefully this new package will be a way for you to try cloth diapers and discover the kinds you prefer without all the financial risk.
Here's how it will work:

For a small $15 rental fee (+ refundable deposit of $120), you get to try out 5 new diapers (of every style we have), plus a wet bag, wipes, and wipes solution for 21 days. You get to use them, wash them, re-use them, and hopefully fall in love with them over this 3-week period! If you don't like them, you just return them after your trial and get a full refund (via Paypal) of your deposit. If you do like them, we'll refund your rental fee and you keep the diapers at a discount!

Also, from Oct 25th through Nov 20th, your rental fee will be half price...only $7.99.

If you have questions, feel free to comment here or email me: melissa@bumcovereddiapers.com

October News

2010-10-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Bum Covered Diapers!  As the seasons change, we at
Bum Covered Diapers are lookingforward to both the Christmas
season and the Great Cloth Diaper Hunt!Things to note of
importance during the month of October:

Deals: ·Free shipping for all orders over $30 until the end of October.
·We’ll be launching our cloth diaper trial packages in the last week
of October, and the $15.00 rental fee will be half-price until November
20th ($7.99 non-refundable rental fee + deposit that will be refunded if
you decide to return the diapers at the end of your trial)

News:
·Cloth Diaper Trial packages:  check out an article coming soon on our
blog for more information(http://bumcovereddiapers.blogspot.com )
·Great Cloth Diaper Hunt:  We will be a sponsor of the GCDH this year,
and we’ll be offering specialdiscounts and giveaways throughout the
month of November in conjunction with the hunt. Don’t know what
GCDH is?  It’s a huge online scavenger hunt, where you can win a lot of
neat prizes and see many neat WAHM businesses.
Check out http://www.diaperdecisions.com and click on the link for
the Great Cloth Diaper Hunt to find more information. Registration
for hunters opened Friday, and the hunt starts November 1st.

Giveaways: Current giveaways slated:
October 23rd:  AppleCheeks bundle at the blog for Chubby
Cheeks Thinks (http://www.chubbycheeksthinks.com)
November/December:  Wet/Dry bag at It’s Me Melbie
(http://www.itsmemelbie.com) .
Lots of giveaways on our Facebook page during the
month of November as well.

Morgan's Birthday Sale

2010-09-16T21:24:00.000-05:00

Our semi-annual "Pink" sale starts tomorrow (and no, I'm not talking about Victoria's Secret)! In honor of Morgan's birthday, we'll run a special sale Friday through Sunday. Some of the deals...10% off anything PINK, buy any two diapers and get one microfiber insert FREE, plus a few secret sales you'll have to check out tomorrow!

Stopping the Leak

2010-08-28T08:06:00.000-05:00

Do you have trouble with leaky diapers and don't know why? Here are some common causes of leaks and possible solutions.

The "Honeymoon" period: As you brought your bundle of joy home, the first diaper or two worked like a charm. You thought, "Hey, this cloth diapering thing is pretty easy!" Then, only a few short diaper changes later, you started having leak issues...

In the beginning your diapers may leak until you get used to the way they work. Be sure your insert is flat inside the diaper and that you have secured the diaper tightly enough to prevent leaking. Also, some diapers and inserts do not reach full absorbency until after a few uses/washes. Have you dried your diapers in the dryer? Using the dryer to dry diapers (at least for the first time) helps tighten the PUL, which may also help with absorbency.

Use, Rinse, Wash, Repeat (again and again): Now that you are in the swing of diapering, you have gone weeks without a leak issue. But now, all of a sudden, the leak issues have returned.

After some use and washing, your diapers may need to be stripped. Soap residue from washing can build up and reduce the absorbency of your diapers. Here's one method for stripping diapers:
Wash dirty diapers like normal. Then run the diapers through a hot wash cycle with no detergent. Peek in the washer to look for bubbles. Keep running rinse cycles until there are no bubbles. (I usually run about 4 cycles.) This should remove the build-up in your diapers. Also, if no one has told you yet, diaper rash creams can create build-up in the diapers. ESPECIALLY those with zinc oxide! The best solution for rashy babies is to use creams specifically made for cloth diapers...try Mama Roses Naturals, Northern Essences Rash Salve, or Earth Mama Angel Baby creams, among many others. The kinds you can buy at Wal-Mart, like Butt Paste, or Balmex, are NOT safe to use on the diapers. The main reason for this is the gunk they leave in your diapers. Rash cream is extremely hard to get out of diapers, so I recommend using a liner when using creams. Be sure to wash liners separately from diapers if you want to keep from having any absorbency issues.

If your diapers smell like ammonia or are stained, you can put a scoop of OxyClean in when you wash diapers, and then rinse several times. DO NOT USE BLEACH! This will break down your PUL and make diapers leak like a sieve!

"I've stripped my diapers like there's no tomorrow, and STILL I have leaks!": If you have tried everything you can think of to stop leaking and are still having trouble, check your inserts.

The microfiber in your inserts can break down after repeated use, which will decrease your absorbency as well. Try testing your inserts with a cup of water. If it isn't holding enough water, you may need to buy new inserts.

Still have leaking questions? Comment below, and I (or other followers) can try to address them.

Ideas for Expansion of Bum Covered Diapers

2010-08-19T13:08:00.000-05:00

We are constantly trying to make products available that appeal to a majority of our customers' needs and requests. As we slowly expand, several ideas have come to our minds for "the next step." Because we've only been in business a short time, our capital is limited. Of the ideas below, we will only be able to implement one or two right away, and we really want to take your needs into consideration....and we can't read minds, so we would love to have your comments below! Tell us which ideas you like, and let us know what you need for your household.

Idea 1: Because we have such a limited inventory of the brands we carry, we could hold back on expansion and work to increase the supply of products we currently carry. If we already have every type of product you need, this idea will work wonderfully! We are already working on increasing inventory numbers, and we will continue to beef up our supply no matter which move we take in expansion. But if we don't add any new products, we can devote more resources to this effort.

Idea 2: We currently carry OneSize, AIO, and pocket diapers. We don't have any prefolds or fitted diapers, however. A few customers have requested that we add these products to our selection. The brand we most likely would add is Thirsties. I LOVE their wipes and use them every day, so I know you would also love them. I haven't used many fitteds, and I didn't try prefolds at all with baby number 1, so I can't vouch for their covers or diapers. I have seen excellent reviews for these products (especially Thirsties Duo) on other sites. If we add Thirsties, we would most likely add their products in October.

Idea 3: We carry bumGenius products, but we haven't gone so far as to carry Flip or Econobum products. We could stick with the wholesalers we currently have, and expand our Cotton Babies products to include these options. I have never used Flip or Econobum, so I would need to check out the reviews on these products first. We could have these as soon as September.

Idea 4: Because new cloth users are often skeptical, we are thinking about implementing a Diaper Trial system. Here's how it would work: you could purchase a diaper trial (cost of diapers plus trial fee) and try your diapers risk-free for a certain number of weeks. (I'll have to think about how long to let the trial go. Comments are welcome!) If you don't love them, send them back and get a refund for your deposit. You would just be out the trial fee (probably about $15). If you love them, you keep the diapers and are refunded the trial fee. The diaper trial would include several types of diapers and inserts. The problem with implementing this trial right away is that we don't currently carry fitteds and prefolds. We could go ahead and run with the types we have, or we could wait until our selection contains all types of diapers.

Other ideas? Suggestions? Please comment below!

Melissa and Doug Toys

2010-08-10T13:40:00.001-05:00

We have a new product at Bum Covered Diapers! I am excited to announce that we will be carrying a line of Melissa and Doug toys on our site and at our Bradley Hall location. Check out the products we have available now using this link: http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/gift-items/melissa-and-doug-toys.html

We hope to gradually expand our selection in the months before Christmas, and we guarantee that you will LOVE these durable toys for your family!

If you don't know much about this company, here is a little biography posted on their website:

Twenty years ago, we started our company in the garage of the home where Doug grew up — we had to be careful not to disturb Doug's parents who were still living there! Thanks to your support, we've been able to move into a real office down the road, a building that actually has separate ladies and men's bathrooms! Our philosophy has remained the same over the years–to make each and every customer a happy and permanent member of the Melissa & Doug family, while offering products with tremendous value, quality and design. We've always welcomed customer suggestions, and we continually strive to make improvements to our products. We're honored by the faith you place in us and view it as our responsibility to continue to earn your trust in the years to come!

Let us know if you have special requests for toys to carry in our store, and we hope you enjoy the toys as much as our family does!

Top Ten Reasons to Use Cloth Diapers

2010-08-09T14:14:00.001-05:00

Here are some of the best reasons to use cloth diapers for your baby. If you have more reasons, feel free to comment below! Also, if you have been "converted" to cloth, tell us your story!

10. They are CUTE! Cloth diapers can be very fashionable, coming in many colors and styles. (I put a few of my favorites below.) When I put my daughter in a dress, half of the fun is picking out the diaper to wear underneath!

9. They are harder for mischievous toddlers to take off!

8. These are not traditional cloth diapers. No pins involved! With Velcro, snaps, or Snappi fasteners, they are really easy to use.

7. You are being environmentally conscious. Using cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers saves trees and reduces waste in landfills.

6. Do YOU wear plastic/paper underwear every day? I know I would much rather have the soft fabrics that cloth diapers provide!

5. Did you know that cloth diapered babies usually potty-train sooner than babies who wear disposables?

4. They aren’t any messier than disposables!!! A lot of moms steer clear of cloth because of the mess, but today’s cloth diapers really don’t create more mess! The only difference between disposables and cloth is the place you put them when they’re soiled. Instead of the trash, toss them in a washable wetbag or pail liner until wash day. You do have to dump the poop into a toilet first, but did you know you are supposed to do that with disposables too? There is NO SOAKING, NO DUNKING involved with modern cloth diapers.

3. They are convenient and fun for Mom and baby! With all the different kinds of diapers, styles, and colors, you can pick the option that works best for your baby and lifestyle.

2. Did you know that the polyacrylate gel in diapers might possibly cause asthma? Also, chlorine is an ingredient used in making cloth diapers. Sure, this helps keep your baby’s skin dry, but it can also cause rashes and other problems. Do a google search or read this article, and you would be amazed at all the negative effects the use of disposable diapers may have.

1. You can save a lot of money! Using cloth diapers, you could save as much as $2000 per child! Check out http://www.diaperpin.com/calculator/calculator.asp or http://www.diaperdecisions.com/cost_of_cloth_diapers.htm to estimate savings for your situation.

Have questions? Let me know, and I'll be glad to help. Need more diapers or accessories for your stash? Check out our store: http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/ .

That's right, we're giving away another diaper!

2010-08-03T18:22:00.001-05:00

We've partnered with Coupon Mommy of 3 this week for Cloth Diaper Week, and we're offering up an AppleCheeks little bundle (envelope cover and insert) for one lucky winner! Head over to Coupon Mommy of 3's site to check out the details!

Knickernappies: Cloth Diaper Virgins! Answers to all your frequently asked questions.

2010-08-02T21:37:00.000-05:00

Knickernappies: Cloth Diaper Virgins! Answers to all your frequently asked questions.

This is a great article by a military mama who answers all of the classic questions people new to the cloth diapering experience may have.

Cloth Diapering 101: Tools of the Trade

2010-07-31T10:49:00.000-05:00

Types of Diapers
(most definitions from http://www.diaperpin.com/)

Prefolds:

(pictured: prefolds from http://www.jamtots.com/ ) Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that are divided lengthwise in 3 sections. The outer sections usually have a thickness of 4 layers. The middle section can have 6 or 8 layers. This gives pre-folds absorbency where it is needed most, in the middle. You will often see prefolds defined as 4-6-4, 4-8-4 or more rarely 2-4-2. These numbers refer to the layers of cloth in each section from left to right. Pre-folds are the cheapest alternative in diapers. They can be enclosed in a velcro or snap fastened diaper or they can be pinned with safety pins or snappi fasteners.

Fitted diapers:

(pictured: Kissaluvs Fitted diapers, available at http://www.kissaluvs.com/ and other retailers)Fitted diapers resemble disposable diapers. They have a contoured shape and have gathered edges around the legs. Instead of tape, they are fastened with either velcro or snaps. A waterproof diaper cover is necessary when using fitted. Fitted diapers are more expensive than pre-folds ranging from $4 to $11 each. However they are much easier to use. If you purchase those with velcro closures, look for wide velcro strips.

Diaper covers: (Pictured: Thirsties cover available at http://www.diaperjunction.com and other retailers)

Like diapers, covers come in many forms. Like fitted diapers they may be contoured shaped and can fasten with snaps or velcro. Some covers resemble underwear. Either are made of polyester or vinyl to prevent wetness from getting on baby's clothing. These are ideal for covering your child's diaper during the daytime.
For the baby with sensitive skin there are also wool and polar fleece diaper covers. These too may be contoured shaped with snap or velcro fasteners. Others come in "boxer-like" shape. Some prefer these covers for night-time use because they breathe.

Pocket Diapers:

(pictured: Knickernappies 2G pocket diaper, available at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/diapers/pocket-diapers.html and other retailers)

Pocket diapers are the newest type of diapers to hit the cloth diapering world. The first pocket diaper, Fuzzi Bunz created by Tereson of Mother of Eden in 1998. Pocket diapers are two piece diapering system typically with a piece of fleece that makes up the inner portion of fabric and a waterproof layer that makes up the outermost portion. An absorbent material is placed inside of the two pieces making the whole system act as an all in one system that keeps babies dry.

Inserts: (Pictured are the Knickernappies LoopyDo and microfiber inserts, available at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/ and other retailers)

Inserts are the absorbent piece of a pocket diaper and are placed in the "pocket" of a pocket diaper to keep babies dry. Inserts are made of many materials, with the most common being microfiber and hemp.

All-in-one diapers: (Pictured is the bumGenius 3.0 All-in-one (AIO), available at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/diapers/all-in-one-diapers.html and other retailers)

Also known as AIO's, all-in-ones are fitted diapers that have an outer waterproof layer and a built-in soaker (insert). These are the diapers closest to disposables, and will probably be the easiest to use for parents who are new to cloth.

Liners: (pictured are Bum Covered Fleece Liners, available at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com)
Liners are thin material used between a baby's bottom and the diaper itself. Most liners are used to keep stool away from diapers for easy clean up. Many cloth diaper businesses carry flushable biodegradable liners which are the perect fit for this purchase. As an alternative you can use flat diapers to keep costs down and still keep natural soft fabrics against your baby's skin.
Another type of liner which is fast becoming popular is the polar fleece one. These are thicker than their paper/flat sheet counterparts and are great for keeping the baby's bottom dry.

Early Birds, Listen up!

2010-07-23T20:53:00.000-05:00

I never could wait until Christmas to try to get a sneak peak at what Santa brought, so...in the Christmas spirit of things I started our sale a few hours early! Go ahead and check out the deals. Get them while they last! (We have a limited number of bumGenius discontinued diapers, so definitely shop earlier rather than later!)
I will post the details of our giveaways tomorrow morning on our facebook page, so be sure to check that out as well!

Christmas in July

2010-07-22T12:47:00.000-05:00

Sleigh bells are ringing at Bum Covered Diapers for our Christmas in July sale! Check out our store for these fabulous deals on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25.

Discontinued bumGenius OneSize Diapers and bamboo wipes: 30% off
Applecheeks: 10% off
Knickernappies pocket diapers and inserts: 15% off
bibs and blankets $8.50
Free gifts to the first 5 customers of the sale
2 Giveaways at the end of the sale (check our facebook page Saturday for the entry information).

Bum Genius 3.0 One Size Diapers Discounted!

2010-07-12T21:12:00.000-05:00

The bumGenius 3.0 One Size diapers have been discontinued, which brings you DISCOUNTS on everything we have left in stock! Check them out at www.bumcovereddiapers.com.

Bummed out that your favorite diaper is discontinued?? Don't be! A new 4.0 version will soon be available. You can pre-order now by emailing us at justin@bumcovereddiapers.com or melissa@bumcovereddiapers.com. I also hope to have the product listed for pre-ordering within the next day or two. The new diapers feature even better design and new colors!

New Web Site, New Location, New Products(?)

2010-07-02T07:12:00.000-05:00

We're officially moved to our new location in Iowa, and hopefully business will continue without a hitch. If you previously picked up orders in Kirksville, just let us know. We will still be there occasionally to visit family and could probably bring some products with us.

Also, our new web site is officially open for business! There are still some things that need fixing, so feel free to let us know of any bugs in our new system. We'll be working for awhile in July updating our product descriptions, and making our inventory more customer-friendly. Also, I hope to start a newsletter group soon, so click on the link on our store page (http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com) if you want to join!

Keep checking our blog for details on another one day sale, as well as a few more articles with diapering stories and tips.

New Website!

2010-05-27T20:33:00.000-05:00

We've been working with designers to give Bum Covered Diapers a new look, and we're excited to announce that it's almost ready! To preview the new site, you can still go to our normal web address: http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com . The major design elements on the home page are there (except for a few minor color changes), but the products and shopping cart are not quite ready to go. If you need to place an order in the next few days, just email me at melissa.mcaninch@gmail.com .

This is a busy time in our household, because we are also about to move. Our new location will be in Tiffin, Iowa (about 8 miles west of Iowa City). The move will happen about the end of June, so there may be a short period of time at the end of June where orders will be delayed.

Feel free to leave comments about our new look!

Giveaway: Northern Essences Rash Cream

2010-05-22T12:12:00.000-05:00

We're doing another giveaway today! We'll give away a tub of Northern Essences Rash Cream to one lucky winner. All you have to do is comment here or on our Facebook page with your favorite diapering story. We'll randomly select a winner tonight and post the winner on our Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Kirksville-MO/wwwbumcovereddiaperscom/204288453637?ref=ts

Giveaway today!

2010-05-01T07:41:00.000-05:00

One last deal for our one-day sale today is a giveaway! You can win either a tutu or a bib for your baby today. See our facebook page to win!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Kirksville-MO/wwwbumcovereddiaperscom/204288453637?ref=ts

One Day Sale is Tomorrow!

2010-04-30T20:32:00.001-05:00

Here's a little early scoop on our one-day sale tomorrow!

We'll offer FREE shipping, 10% off Knickernappies, FREE gifts to the first 5 customers...but wait, there's more!

We'll give half-price custom-decorated name letters to the first 5 people who order this product tomorrow.

AND...check the web site tomorrow for one more deal yet to be revealed!

http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com

(All discounts tomorrow will be given via Paypal refund)

One Day Sale

2010-04-25T21:46:00.001-05:00

Here's the news a few of you may be waiting for...another one-day sale! This Saturday, May 1st, will be our next sale day. Here are a couple of the deals you can expect that day:

FREE shipping!
10% Knickernappies discount
FREE gift with purchase for the first 5 customers

More "surprise" deals will be posted on our site on Saturday, so be sure to check it out!

http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com

Knickernappies Photo Contest

2010-04-19T20:27:00.000-05:00

Knickernappies is running a photo contest right now, and you could win FREE diapers! All you have to do to enter is upload a picture of your little cutie wearing his or her Knickernappies diaper. Check out the link to their blog for more details!
http://knickernappies.blogspot.com/2010/04/knickernappies-2nd-annual-photo-contest.html

Don't have a Knickernappies diaper to show off? Well, check out http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/kndiapers.html to get yours.

Swim Diapers and Sales!

2010-04-09T22:01:00.000-05:00

I just posted pictures of the AppleCheeks swim diapers, and I must say they are ADORABLE! Check them out at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/swim.html . I also added our discontinued Eucalyptus and Sailor Blue diapers, as well as some Northern Essence diaper creams and wipes solution to our sale page to give you a few exceptional deals.

Also, it's been awhile since we've had a sale here at Bum Covered Diapers, and our next one day sale is coming soon. Expect discounts on Knickernappies products and Planetwise wet bags, as well as "surprise" specials and giveaways. Stay tuned for more info!

Apple Cheeks Order

2010-04-05T20:53:00.000-05:00

I'm making another order this week for AppleCheeks, so let me know if you want something specific. I plan to order some inserts and swim diapers as well as restocking our current selection of items. We won't order again until sometime in May, though, so definitely comment here or email me (melissa.mcaninch@gmail.com or justin@bumcovereddiapers.com) with your specific requests!

Sale Items

2010-02-21T14:07:00.000-06:00

With the great response to our sale, we are quickly running out of "blue" items! If we're out of stock on anything you want, email us today. We will still honor the sale prices and order it for you.

One and a Half- Day Sale!

2010-02-20T12:08:00.001-06:00

Our new nephew was born yesterday, and to celebrate we are offering several great deals! Now through 7 p.m. Sunday we're running these special savings:

1. Save $10 with any $50 or more purchase! (via Paypal refund)
2. Free shipping on ALL orders over $75!
3. $1.50 off any blue items (diapers, bibs, blankets, etc.... anything that is blue!) (via Paypal refund)
4. One FREE fleece liner with any diaper purchase!
5. FREE gifts to the first 5 customers!

Thanks for supporting Bum Covered Diapers!

One Day Sale

2010-02-11T20:14:00.000-06:00

As promised, I will post a few hints about our upcoming 1-day sale. The sale will be...the day after my new nephew is born! Watch the blog for an announcement. I will post sometime within the next week an announcement of baby C's birth, and the next day will be the sale!

Some hints of the sales are: $10 off purchase of $50 or more, free shipping, 10-50% off select merchandise!

Stay tuned to save big!

Baby Aspen

2010-02-09T11:10:00.001-06:00

Our Baby Aspen page is up and running! Check out our new gift items. To start with, we will be carrying sleep sets, bath sets, blankets, and layette sets. Each gift set has a theme, with an ADORABLE little keepsake gift box to go with it. Your gift will be the hit of the baby shower when an expectant or new mom opens it!

Here is the link to our web site: http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/

There is a photo link on the main page, as well as a tab on the side for gift items.

Bum Genius Coupons

2010-02-02T15:33:00.000-06:00

FYI...Cotton Babies is running an advertising campaign in several magazines during the month of March. There will be discount coupons printed in issues of Pregnancy (on sale 2/16), Pregnancy & Newborn (on sale 2/23) and Mothering (on sale 3/1) magazines. Coupons will be for a FREE bumGenius AIO diaper with purchase of $10 or more or for 10% off purchase of 24 One-Size diapers.

New for February!

2010-01-30T11:22:00.000-06:00

I just finished updating our inventory counts for our new bumGenius products, including a super cute onesie with a pink heart design. Check it out in our clothing section!

Also, new in February...Baby Aspen specialty gift items! I hope to have the web site updated to show these new items by Valentine's Day. A sneak preview of a few items we will carry: "pint of pjs" (sleeper and hat in a very cute gift package!), "The Cow Jumped Over the Moon" (lovie blanket gift set), "Dilly the Duck" (bathtime gift set). I am so excited to carry Baby Aspen products! They make great shower gifts that are sure to be unique and adorable.

By the way...for expectant moms: If you create a registry in February, you can receive some extra discounts on some items in our web store!

New Products and Hot Deals

2010-01-20T21:15:00.000-06:00

Our first Mama Product is here! We now carry Knickernappies washable breast pads for breastfeeding mamas. Look for more new products in the coming months.

Also, as I promised, Bum Covered Diapers will offer a few HOT deals during the next few weeks in this freezing COLD time of year.
January 21-29th:
$5.00 shipping for all orders under $50, FREE SHIPPING for all orders over $50!
FREE Bum Covered Fleece Liner with each diaper purchase

February (all month):
40% off custom name letters for all gift registries/wish lists with us during the month
Buy 3 Knickernappies or bumGenius diapers, get 1 microfiber insert and 3 fleece liners FREE
ONE DAY SALE (watch the blog or our facebook page for upcoming details)

New Years Thoughts

2010-01-02T11:23:00.000-06:00

Well, 2009 is over. Some may say, "Thank God it's over," and others are sad to see it end. I'm sure 2010 will be an exciting year for Bum Covered Diapers, though. One of my resolutions for this company through the next year is to add more variety of baby products, update the look of our site, and maybe upgrade to a more user-friendly shopping cart and gift registry. Some of the different types of products I plan to add to our store are baby specialty gift items, toys, clothing (onesies, dresses, rompers), and mama products (nursing pads, mama cloths). Are there other things you wish we would carry? Let us know!
I also plan to post different sales and giveaways on this blog every month of 2010, and you can look for us as a sponsor of the Great Cloth Diaper Hunt this spring!

On another New Year's note, check out Coupon Mommy of 2...Now 3's blog for my guest blog post next week. I will be writing about my New Year's resolution challenge to everyone for 2010.

Thank You giveaway extended!

2010-01-01T12:48:00.000-06:00

Coupon Mommy of 2...Now 3's Thank You giveaway has been extended until January 3. Get over there and tell your best diapering blooper for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate at our store! Here's the link: http://couponmommyof2.blogspot.com/2009/12/thank-you-to-my-followers-giveaway.html

Bum Genius

2009-12-26T20:47:00.000-06:00

Our Bum Genius products are here! I'm currently updating the web site to show our new products, so check back Sunday or Monday to see what we have. Also, stay tuned for details on the sale we'll be running in January.

Giveaway!

2009-12-17T19:19:00.000-06:00

There is a contest going on right now, and you just might win! If you have a cloth diapering blooper to share, go to Coupon Mom of 2's blog and post about it.

(http://couponmommyof2.blogspot.com/2009/12/thank-you-to...-my-followers-giveaway.html?showComment=1260982729810#c3745039912858271370) Because Shannon is celebrating over 100 followers, she is going to give a $25 giftcard to our store (http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/) to the best story. We at Bum Covered Diapers are going to judge the entries and help pick the winner. You have until Dec. 31st to become a follower of Shannon's blog and post your entry, so go check it out now!
By the way...even if you don't have diapering stories to share, you should still check out this blog! She has amazing reviews, coupon tips, and giveaways posted all the time!

Black Friday Deals

2009-11-22T22:26:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again! Christmas is definitely one of our favorite holidays, and we're offering some CRAZY deals to show our holiday cheer. We will be offering free shipping on all orders before December 1st, as well as other discounts throughout our web store! Some great deals will be available only on Black Friday, Nov. 27. Check out our web site that day for all the sales, but I'll give a sneak preview in this blog comment today.

-40% off one item of your choice (given by Paypal refund--just leave an order comment about which item you would like this discount. Sorry, the quilts are excluded from this offer.)
-All tutus $6.00! (Check out the pictures on the web site that will be up in time for this sale!)
-free gift with purchase for the first 10 customers of the day
-5-20% discounts on select diapers and accessories

Also, don't forget about our photo contest! You have until November 30th to submit a photo entry of your little cutie!

New Inventory

2009-10-31T21:39:00.000-05:00

Bum Covered Diapers will soon be expanding our inventory. We are currently in the process of adding more brands to our diaper selection, and we would love to hear from you! Which new diaper brands would you love to see on our site? Is there any other product you wish we would carry?

Cloth Cuties

2009-10-10T15:37:00.000-05:00

Our first photo contest is here! Submit your favorite pictures of your children modeling any of our products (diapers, bib, blankets, tutus, etc.), and your cutie could win a cash prize, as well as a spot in a new photo collage at Bradley Hall and in our photo gallery online! Submit your photo by emailing it to justin@bumcovereddiapers.com or melissa.mcaninch@gmail.com between now and November 30, 2009. By submitting your photo, you are giving your consent to display your image at Bradley Hall and/or in a gallery on our web site.

During the week of December 1-7, you may vote for your favorite by emailing us or commenting on this post! Baby #1 is the little boy pictured above, and baby 2 is the little girl pictured right below (or to the right depending on how this post looks on your screen)! Only one vote per person, please! We'll post the entries on our web site and our blog, as well as displaying them at Bradley Hall.

Morgan's Birthday Sale

2009-09-01T19:37:00.001-05:00

Our daughter turns 1 this month, and to celebrate we are offering several deals at www.bumcovereddiapers.com! For all of September you can enjoy savings on the following:

Free shipping on all online orders
Buy three Knickernappies pocket diapers, get the 4th for $11.00
Knickernappies OneSize diapers 5% off
Applecheeks products are 5% off
bibs or receiving blankets 3 for $25

Also, the first 10 orders in September will receive a FREE GIFT!

Knickernappies Make the News

2009-08-30T14:47:00.001-05:00

Check out this article about the owners of Knickernappies! It gives good information about using cloth diapers and a side story about this family from Oregon.

http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/business/19171456-41/story.csp

Cloth Diapering 101: Types of Diapers

2009-08-16T15:39:00.000-05:00

There are many styles of cloth diapers available, and the purpose of this post is to familiarize you with some of the basic types of diapers, as well as comparing/contrasting some different options.

The very most basic type of diaper looks like what our mothers and grandmothers used on us. It is called a prefold, and is fastened into place with diaper pins or a Snappi. The Snappi is a pinless fastener, that is T-shaped with grips on each end. They come in many colors, and are a easy, safer way to diaper your baby using a prefold diaper. Prefolds do require a waterproof cover, which are available through many companies, such as Thirsties and Bummis. The prefold method of diapering is the most economical option.

The next type of diaper to discuss is the fitted diaper. Fitted diapers are usually made out of a very soft, breathable material. They fasten with velcro or snaps instead of pins or Snappis. These diapers are easier to use than the prefolds, but they also require a cover. Also, doublers (1 extra layer) or inserts (multiple layers of absorbency) may be laid inside the diaper for extra absorbency. Because of the extra layers with the cover and inserts, prefolds and fitteds tend to be bulkier.

If you're looking for a diaper that is easier to use and less bulky, all-in-ones (AIOs), pocket diapers, or OneSize diapers are for you.
The AIOs are the closest thing to a disposables and are EASY to use. AIOs come with an insert sewn into the diaper and are fastened with velcro or snaps. No extra work is required before or after using the diaper. They work just like a disposable except for the washing part. There is usually a pocket to place additional inserts for more absorbency, however.
Pocket diapers are almost as easy as the AIOs, but they do not come with an insert sewn in. There will be a pocket (hence the name "pocket diaper") where you may stuff inserts as needed. AIOS and pocket diapers are easy to use, but they come with more cost.
If you are looking for a more economical pocket diaper, look for the OneSize diapers. These diapers are pocket diapers that are adjustable to fit your baby all the way from birth to potty training. Instead of buying bigger diapers as your baby gets bigger, you just have to adjust the snaps to a bigger size. Buying a stash of 15-20 OneSize diapers might be all you need to diaper your baby.

There are varied versions of these diapers available at many stores around the United States and online. Our store (http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/) currently carries pocket diapers and OneSize diapers. As our business grows we hope to expand and carry all other types as well. If there is a certain type of diaper or brand that you wish we carried, let us know! We'll do our best to have some available as soon as possible.

Why Use Cloth

2009-08-11T19:55:00.000-05:00

We started using cloth diapers when Morgan was about a month old. It took awhile for us to quit using a mix of disposables in addition to the cloth, but now I am proud to say that Morgan is a completely cloth girl except on extreme occasions (for instance, when our washer broke a few weeks ago and we had to go a few days without washing clothes). There are a number of reasons why we use cloth diapers, but the biggest two are saving money and saving the environment. I have been asked several times about the mess with cloth diapers. This post is meant to answer questions I have fielded about my experience with cloth. Let me tell you, it's a totally different experience than my mother's cloth diapers! Here are some good reasons to try cloth:

1) They are WAY DIFFERENT than the cloth diapers my mom used with me. There aren't any pins to hold them together, no leaky plastic pants, no soaking buckets for used diapers, and NO MORE MESS THAN DISPOSABLES! The only difference between disposables and cloth is what you do with the soiled diapers. Instead of throwing them in your diaper genie, you throw cloth ones in a diaper pail that is meant for the washing machine. Then you wash them and use them again, over and over. (I just use a standard trash can with a pail liner inside--FYI, Knickernappies doorknob diaper pails can also work to line a trash can.)

2) It saves A LOT of money! We figured we could save as much as $2000 per kid by using cloth diapers. In today's rough economy situation, everyone could use a little extra change in the bank.

3) It saves the environment. Did you know United States consumers throw away about 27.4 billion diapers per year, and each diaper will take at least 200-250 years to decompose?

4) They are CUTE! Cloth diapers today come in several brands with several colors. They look so adorable, you'll want to let your baby's diaper show every day!

Grand Opening Sale

2009-08-10T10:47:00.001-05:00

Bum Covered Diapers is excited to announce it's grand opening online! To celebrate, we are bringing some extra savings for our customers, as well as a giveaway! From August 10-September 10, we will have FREE SHIPPING. Just select the "Free Shipping" option when you go through the checkout. Also, we will be giving away a tutu, a package of Bum Covered Wipes, and a bib. Here's how to win:
(You are only required to do 1 of these things, but every thing you do gives you another chance to win.)

1. Post about the giveaway on your blog and comment below this post with a link to your post.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter and comment below with a link to your post.
3. Every purchase you make at bumcovereddiapers.com gives you another chance to win.

The giveaway winners will be posted here and on our web site on September 11, 2009.

First Post

2009-08-07T23:34:00.000-05:00

This blog will soon become the best place to check for diapering tips, FAQs, etc., as well as discount codes for our store, www.bumcovereddiapers.com! Keep checking the blog for updates!