Review: Econobum Diapers

When I first decided to try cloth diapers, I didn't want to spend much money to test the waters. Who wants to make a big investment just to have it fall apart? Not me! So after much research, I came across the Econobum Kit by BumGenius. I had my sister pick one up for me, and even saved $10 off the purchase price with a coupon in Metro Parent's Pink & Blue at Modern Natural Baby.

BumGenius is a reputable brand, and often on the more expensive end of the spectrum, so I wondered how they could have possibly put this kit together for such a low price. The kit includes 12 prefolds, 3 white one-size covers, and a wet bag. If you intend on wrapping your baby in the diaper, you may want to invest in some Snappi's.

The wet bag is about 10x12" in size and seems most fitting for a diaper bag. It has a drawstring closure and isn't the most quality, as it's a very lightweight PUL. It serves it's purpose though; I keep my dirty covers in it.

The covers aren't the best out there, but they work. I haven't had a leak, even with messy breastfed blowouts. They too, are a light weight one-ply PUL with snap closures. They are stretchy, and the elastic fits around Lil' L's legs well. Be forewarned that the covers are only single gusseted.

The prefolds in this kit are the best part. They are thick, and super absorbent. They also have horizontal and vertical fold lines sewn in, so the diapers fold better if you are going to use them insert style, as directed on the package. My girl can sleep all night in one with no issue. They are wonderful! In fact, I just found out you can buy just the prefolds from CottonBabies, and I'm tempted to invest in more.

My only gripe with this kit is that putting the diapers on as directed, using the prefold as an insert instead of folded around baby, makes the diapers quite bulky.

Overall, this is a great little starter kit. And if you decide you like cloth, you can have a full stash (by buying two kits for a total of 6 covers and 24 prefolds) for about $120! That's incredible. And if cloth isn't for you (I'm not one to judge), you're only out about $60 bucks, and have some killer new burp/dust rags.

Review: Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap

I purchased this soap from Babies 'R Us last week when I replaced the membranes on my pump. I spend a great deal of time washing bottles, nipples, and pump parts, as I don't have the ability to put my daughter to breast (poor latch/nipple confusion/preemie/long list of issues). 

Before

I was intrigued by the premise of this soap-no scrub, removes residue up to 3 days old, and all you need is 5 minutes of soak time. BLAM! Clean parts! So I followed the directions to the "T". Added 3 pumps of soap to a gallon of water, and left the nipples to sit in the sink. I read Little P a bedtime story, and came back. 

Soaking for 5 minutes in the soapy water

Stories for the night. "We Love Each Other"
and "The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush"

Initally, the nipples weren't so bad, but after they dried, they were cloudy and felt slimy. That's not what clean looks and feels like!

After first wash.

So I washed them AGAIN! Following the same directions. BUT this time, I scrubbed. 

I don't have time in my life with a preschooler and an infant to be messing around testing this soap's claim! 

After second wash with elbow grease

After I scrubbed, they looked wonderful! No slime and crystal clear! But at $8.99 a bottle for only 25 washes, AND having to use the same elbow grease that I usually use with regular dish soap?! I say keep your money. 

I reached out to Medela for comment and reimbursement, but they told me they would only replace the bottle of soap, and not compensate for it's poor ability in any way, after they insisted that I just wasn't following the directions. I'm a LIBRARIAN, people! I assure you, I'm very literate.

Overall, save your money on this soap. Invest in a bottle brush and regular old dish soap (I like Seventh Generation), and do your best not to deal with Medela customer service.

Lots of Changes!

As you may have noticed, Early Literacy Mama, is now CrunchyMama SmartyPants'. It's been a minute since I've posted, but we now have a brand new baby girl! And lots of exciting life changes!

Well...she's not so new anymore...she's three months old! Where has the time gone?!

So what's new? (in life):

In July 2014 we purchased our first home, it was a big step for us, but we finally feel like grown ups.

The weekend we were supposed to move in, I developed severe preecclampsia and had to deliver via emergency c-section. Little L was born at 35 weeks. She's in the NICU in the picture above. 

My husband and my wonderful family moved us into our new home while I was still in the hospital.

One week later, I went on an interview for the Children's Outreach Librarian position at the library I am employed at, and...I got the job!

Oh, and this entire time, I'm still in graduate school! Ha!

Needless to say, I think I've lost my mind in the whirlwind that has been my life. But now that things are settling in a bit, I thought I'd start sharing my new journey with two kids and a revamped lifestyle on my new blog.

What you can expect to find here:

I'll still be focusing on early literacy, as I still have little peanuts and work with more little peanuts on a daily basis. You can still find me on Instagram and Twitter under @EarlyLitMama.

My new lifestyle: going green and controlling what I put in and on my body has dramatically helped my PCOs. In fact, it's what I believe lead me to fall pregnant with my daughter when the doctor's told me I'd never have another baby without assistance.

What I'm doing with a new baby, the second time around. It's true that you learn from your first child, and whoa have I made a 180. I'm doing things with my daughter that I never did with my son: babywearing, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, holistic remedies, eco/diy bodycare, and cooking the "old fashioned way". No, seriously, I make my own bread now peeps! (Yes. I am a little proud of this)

Sibling stories. My sister and I never got along until recently. It took us 20 years! I really hope that my children will have a better relationship that my sis and I, and you can cute sibling stories from time to time.

Much more! I can't tell you all that you'll find, because I can't tell you what the future holds, but I hope you'll join me on my journey! 

Stay crunchy!

-Lisa