Ju-Ju Monkey: The Doo-Do's & Don't-Don'ts of Cloth Diapering

Battling Yeast in Cloth Diapers

2012-02-16T16:02:00.000-05:00

The following post is taken from the Bummis Blog. I am re-posting in hopes that more people can benefit from the information.

Yeast Cell Picture taken from here

Begin post:

Battling Yeast in Cloth Diapers

Yeast. It's one of those things that comes up occasionally in conversations about cloth diapering. Yeast can continue to grow in your diapers and reinfect your child after the rash is gone. Hard to get rid of? Not necessarily. In fact, this latest time that Malina had to deal with yeast in her household, she were able to keep her son in cloth while treating him and the diapers.

Step One: Identify the Problem

Many rashes look alike, so it's not always obvious to figure out what you're dealing with. Yeast often manifests as bright red spots with bumps around them, like moons around a planet. It can look like chicken pox, or pimples, and is often concentrated in the creases and folds of the skin. Yeast often appears after a treatment with antibiotics, since they will kill both the good and the bad bacteria in the body; so if your baby has recently been treated with antibiotics, and has a rash matching the description above, there's a good chance that you're dealing with yeast. That being said, it's important to consult with your health care provider to determine whether that is actually the case.

Step Two: Kill the Yeast!

In order to get rid of yeast, you will have to treat your baby's skin and you'll have to wash any cloth products that have been in contact with the skin (diapers, liners, wipes, towels, changing pads, etc.). It's very important to address both issues in order to fully resolve the problem. Read on:

Part One: The Skin

You will have to apply a diaper cream at every change. You can try a natural cream that is specially formulated to treat yeast. Or, if natural creams don't seem to be working, you may need to use a medicated cream prescribed by a doctor. It's important to use Bio-Soft liners during this time to protect your diapers from the creams you are using, to avoid residue problems. Contrary to what many people think, it is not a good idea to apply powder, as the yeast will feed on the talc in the powder, and it will make the problem worse! You should also try to change your baby's diaper more often, about every couple of hours.

Part Two: The Diapers

To properly rid your diapers, liners, wipes, towels, changing pads, etc. of yeast, you will need to switch to a more rigorous washing routine using oxygenated bleach until your baby's rash disappears, and for five days afterwards, as follows*:

Fill machine with hot water
Add the maximum recommended amount of oxygenated bleach, stir until dissolved
Add diapers etc. and soak for 15 minutes
Wash on hot, with oxy bleach (same quantity as above) + detergent
Rinse well, with lots of water
Dry in the sun if at all possible (it really helps to disinfect), or in the dryer.*Please defer to your diaper manufacturer's recommendations if they differ from these.

Some people choose to use disposable diapers while treating their baby for yeast. If this is what you choose to do, you will still need to complete the routine described above once, and then to put your cloth diapers aside until your baby's rash disappears, and for five days afterwards, to ensure that the yeast is completely gone. If you continue to use cloth diapers, wipes, change pads, etc. while treating your baby, you will need to follow this routine at everywash.

Part Three: Advanced Troubleshooting for Stubborn Problems

If you follow the above routine and you are still unable to get rid of the yeast, you can try chlorine bleach instead of oxygenated bleach. It is much harsher, but much stronger. Follow the same steps, but you can use warm water instead of hot if you wish.

If you have prefolds, you can try boiling them to kill the yeast. We do not recommend boiling any other type of diaper, or any type of wrap, as the elastics and PUL are not likely to stand up well to this intense process!

Alternative or Additional Solutions

Some people swear by grapeseed extract or tea tree oil as remedies for yeast, so you can try one of those instead of oxy bleach if you wish. You will need to use between 20-100 drops each time you wash. You can also make a bum wash solution with grapeseed extract or tea tree oil to help disinfect at each diaper change.

Some people swear by acidophilus as a treatment for yeast infections. If you are breastfeeding, you can take it yourself and it will transfer to your baby through your breastmilk. If not, it can be given directly to your baby. This article is more specific to breastfeeding and thrush, but is also applicable to yeast infections and diapering, and offers acidophilus treatment ideas.

This blog post is the result of a collaborative effort between Malina, Shirley and Maeghan.
Posted 3rd June 2011 by Malina

END POST

Give Big Event: Donate Now and Make a Difference

2011-12-01T21:08:00.001-05:00

I am a member of the Real Diaper Association and strongly suggest you join as well. They are THE resource for advocating for cloth diapers, and they can't do it alone. This is a grassroots effort and they need your support. Give any way you can, whether it be in time, or in money. All donations are tax deductible, so why not! Please join us on December 14, 2011 and make a donation to the Real Diaper Association through Better Giving because beginning 7am Pacific Time on Wednesday and ending 7pm Pacific Time on Thursday), any donation (up to $10,000) will be matched by the San Diego Foundation!

Please read the letter below from the Real Diaper Association
________________________________________________________

Thank you for your continuing support of cloth diapers and cloth diaper education. We are working to grow the Real Diaper Association for you.

This year, support a change in diapers!

We're poised, POISED, I say!!

The public is focused on the environment, on the health of their children, and on their tightening budgets. Cloth diapers have undergone a transformation and the industry is now able to provide realistic, simple solutions to benefit every family.

The Real Diaper Association leads a growing, passionate grassroots movement of parents ready to help other families find and use reusable cloth diapers. We have the research to support our efforts and are making inroads with hospitals, daycares, municipal governments, social service agencies, and pediatricians to change diapering practice to one that is more environmentally and economically feasible. We also work directly with parents via volunteer-led support and outreach groups across the country.

With growing awareness of the downsides of single-use plastics, the public is ready for our message and we are positioned to make a clear, immediate impact on diaper choice.

In order to do so, we need funding. Therefore, we are participating in the San Diego Foundation's giveBIG event on December 14th and 15th.

Here's the great news: For 36 hours (beginning 7am Pacific Time on Wednesday and ending 7pm Pacific Time on Thursday), any donation (up to $10,000) to the Real Diaper Association through Better Giving will be matched by the San Diego Foundation! What a way to make an impact with your money!

Please plan to join me in participating with a year-end donation! And please spread the word by sharing this post with your friends before the event and announcing your donation on the day of the event. Thank you!

Heather McNamara

Executive Director, Real Diaper Association

Every day, parents around the world choose 100% reusable cloth diapers for their children.

The cloth diaper movement is gaining momentum for a number of reasons. People everywhere are looking for ways to reduce waste and toxins in the world our children will inherit. Using 100% reusable cloth diapers helps preserve the planet and demonstrates how individual choices can have a cumulative impact. Reducing household expenses is also a priority for many families.

Please join us as a member today - annual individual membership is still only $25. Your donation is tax-deductible, and membership ensures that we'll be able to continue our grassroots advocacy.

Cynthia Thompson
RDA President

Real Diaper Association Mission Statement: The Real Diaper Association is a collective non-profit organization in which parents and small businesses take the lead in creating a cultural shift to increase the use of simple, reusable cloth diapers. We connect current cloth diapering parents to the long history of cloth diapering. Cloth diapers are real diapers. The Association organizes local advocates and activists for cloth diapers through a member-supported resource center which plans campaigns, trains organizers, distributes educational information, supports local groups, and connects users to the U.S. Cloth Diaper industry. Local Real Diaper Circles reach users face-to-face with knowledge and tools to make cloth diapering accessible and acceptable to U.S. parents, who have the power to change the world one baby at a time.

Review Ju-Ju Monkey for a Chance to win a Moby

2011-11-07T10:49:00.000-05:00

Win a Free Moby! Ju-Ju Monkey will be giving away a Moby wrap to one very lucky reviewer. You may start entering your reviews today. You last day to enter will be December 31, 2011. Winner will be announced New Years Day!

You may leave the same review of your experience with Ju-Ju Monkey once for each location. You may also leave reviews for multiple products that you have experience with and is located on the Ju-Ju Monkey website.

Review must include at least 3 sentences and be relatevant to what is being reviewed. Reviews that do not make sense or pertain to the item being reviewed will not count.

All Submissions will be reviewed by Ju-Ju Monkey. Submissions that do not comply with these Official Rules or that otherwise contain prohibited, or inappropriate content as determined by Ju-Ju Monkey, in its sole discretion, will be disqualified and will not be considered.

Please read the Terms and Conditions below. By entering this raffle, you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions.

What is in your detergent?

2011-08-30T18:06:00.001-04:00

Ever wonder what the ingredients in your detergent are? Well, we looked at the ingredient list at the back of Rockin Green and deciphered them. So here they are in the order that they are listed:

Sodium Carbonate (also known as washing soda or soda ash) Sodium carbonate is domestically well known for its everyday use as a water softener. It can be extracted from the ashes of many plants. In domestic use, it is used as a water softener during laundry. It competes with the ions magnesium and calcium in hard water and prevents them from bonding with the detergent being used. Without using washing soda, additional detergent is needed to soak up the magnesium and calcium ions.

Sodium Percarbonate It is used in some eco-friendly cleaning products and as a laboratory source of anhydrous hydrogen peroxide. Sodium percarbonate is produced industrially by reaction of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide, followed by crystallization. Sodium percarbonate is an oxidizing agent and ingredient in a number of home and laundry cleaning products, including bleach products such asOxiClean and Tide laundry detergent. It contains no phosphorus or nitrogen. Dissolved in water, it yields a mixture of hydrogen peroxide (which eventually decomposes to water and oxygen) and sodium carbonate ("soda ash")

Natural Chelating Agents: Water is made "hard" by the presence of calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese metal ions. These metal ions interfere with the cleaning ability of detergents. The metal ions act like dirt and "use up" the surfactants, making them unavailable to act on the surface we want to clean.

A chelating agent (pronounced keelating from the Greek word claw) combines itself with these disruptive metal ions in the water. The metal ions are surrounded by the claw-like chelating agent which alters the electronic charge of the metal ions from positive to negative. This makes it impossible for the metal ions to be precipitated with the surfactants. Thus, chelated metal ions remain tied up in solution in a harmless state where they will not use up the surfactants.

Some common chelating agents used in industrial cleaning compounds include phosphates, EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetate), sodium citrate, and zeolite compounds. Household cleaning agents, such as laundry soap, used phosphate type chelating agents heavily in the 1950's and 60's. In the 1970's, phosphate bans were imposed because phosphates entered back into the environment unchanged through sewerage works and caused oxygen depletion in waterways. Luckily, alternative chelating agents like EDTA have been developed as phosphate substitutes. ROCKING GREEN IS PHOSPHATE FREE.

Sodium sulfate: Sodium sulfate is mainly used for the manufacture of detergents and in the Kraft process of paper pulping. About two-thirds of the world's production is from mirabilite, the natural mineral form of the decahydrate, and the remainder from by-products of chemical processes such as hydrochloric acid production. Common use is as filler in powdered home laundry detergents

Biodegradable surfactants: A surfactant is the most important part of any cleaning agent. The word surfactant is short for "Surface Active Agent." In general, they are chemicals that, when dissolved in water or another solvent, orient themselves at the interface (boundary) between the liquid and a solid (the dirt we are removing), and modify the properties of the interface. a surfactant can be considered biodegradable "if the product will break down and decompose into by-products found in nature in a short period of time."

Natural fragrance (if scented): "natural fragrances" could include herbal infusions, tinctures, isolated parts of essential oils, etc

Rockin Green detergent is safe for you and the environment. Rockin' Green is: Dye free, Comes in several yummy scents (an unscented version for sensitive skin), No fillers, No enzymes or optical brighteners, 100% Phosphate free, Vegan, and great for sensitive skin!

Of course, we have no idea what amounts of each are in each bag. We leave that up to the guru's at Rockin Green! My diapers are so soft and are funk-free now that we switched to using Rockin Green for all of our laundry. I even use it in the dishwasher with surprisingly amazing results.

If you like to know other uses and tips for cleaning with Rockin Green, sign up by clicking here.

Charlie Banana Review and Giveaway

2011-08-05T17:36:00.000-04:00

Newly Crunchy Mama of 3 reviewed a Charlie Banana diaper that Ju-Ju Monkey has given her and she is also doing a raffle. Head on over to check it out!

Post-Great Cloth Diaper Change: Lehigh Valley Update

2011-05-21T17:58:00.001-04:00

Sorry that I haven't posted in awhile. I am still playing catch up ever since the Great Cloth Diaper Change.

I must say that Lehigh Valley cloth diapering families are hard core! FOURTY-ONE adult/child pairs showed up in the rain to the Great Cloth Diaper Change in Allentown, Pa . Mind you, this was an OUTDOOR event. So that really takes dedication.

We received confirmation from the Real Diaper Association that our site was approved to be submitted to Guinness World Records(tm). Yay!!! Makes me very happy.

The unofficial stats are as follows:

221 hosts reporting 6363 participants so far!

Australia – 3
Brazil – 43
Costa Rica – 5
Dominican Republic – 5
Germany – 26
Malaysia – 64
Spain – 17
Switzerland – 13
Canada – 912
United Kingdom – 25
United States – 5546

Plus 116 participants from home via the twitter chat!

Stay tuned for my upcoming post, which will compare Fuzzibunz and bumGenius 4.0 diapers to the Charlie Banana diaper!

Until then,
Enjoy the fluff

Who wants to set a world record on EARTH DAY?

2011-02-27T11:54:00.000-05:00

Cloth Diaper Enthusiasts preparing to set Earth Friendly World Record on April 23, 2011

–Amazing Global Response to US initiated Earth Day Celebration

February 16, 2011 – Cloth diapers have come a long way in the past ten years. An event, called the Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011, already creating buzz not only in North America, but all over the world, will take place on Saturday, April 23, 2011 in locations all around the globe. The Great Cloth Diaper Change (http://www.greatclothdiaperchange.com/) will set a world record for the most cloth diapers ever changed simultaneously.

Parents, child birth educators, lactation consultants, pediatricians and environmentally responsible businesses agree that it is not environmentally or financially justified to continue sending billions of disposable diapers to landfills every year where it will take hundreds of years for them to decompose. Heather McNamara, of the Real Diaper Association, says that “our local volunteers are finding growing numbers of parents coming to find out about cloth diapers, whether it be for environmental, financial, or health reasons - - or even because these diapers are just plain cute!” It is the hope of the organizers that this event will be an eye opener and an inspiration for expecting and new parents to use cloth diapers, a more planet friendly alternative that also saves parents substantial money.

Help set a Guinness World Record™! Follow the challenge on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/GreatClothDiaperChange and Twitter www.twitter.com/ClothRecord and, for frequent updates, greatclothdiaperchange.com.

Date and Time is Saturday, April 23 at 9AM Pacific / 12PM Eastern ‐ which means that on a global level some CD enthusiasts will gather and do the diaper change in the middle of the night. Exact information is available on a local level so that all participants, no matter where they live, can find the appropriate location and time.

A multitude of locations will be available for families all over the U.S and around the globe, across the ocean, in Europe, Australia, and the list keeps growing. Parents, care givers, educators, retailers, playgroups, day care centers – anybody can apply to become an organizer and host a location.

Each group/location will have a minimum of 25 participants to count for the record. Each local event will be unique, with many hosts planning fun family activities for parents, friends and older siblings, leading up to the specific “change” time. You won't want to miss the local action in the Lehigh Valley! Organizer, Sara Moore, owner of Ju-JuMonkey.com and organizer of the Lehigh Valley Diaper Circle, are eager to be a part of setting a Guinness World Record and letting the world know that cloth diapering rocks. Families who don’t cloth can participate by buying one diaper per child at the event, or preferably ahead of time at http://www.ju-jumonkey.com/.

This event is part of a larger (and growing) movement. Participants may contribute $1 (or more) at all North American events to benefit the Real Diaper Association, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to help families across the U.S. and Canada find and use reusable cloth diapers.

______________________________________

How it all started

The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011 was initially the brain child of Judy Aagard of Tiny Tots in California, as a way to show our country and the world that cloth diapers are a real option for today’s families. After initial contacts with Guinness World Records™ she saw the potential to help further enhance the cloth diapering movement, while setting a world record. The response has been above and beyond expectations. It is evident that cloth diapering has a formidable following not just in North America, but truly around the world. What better way to celebrate Earth Day 2011?

Ju-Ju Monkey is still working on the details of our local event. Stay posted for more information to come. If you are not in the Lehigh Valley, check out greatclothdiaperchange.com to find an event near you!

Reusable Swim Diapers

2011-01-19T17:25:00.000-05:00

I know people are eagerly awaiting spring, and with that in mind we thought a raffle would be in order. iPlay has a great line of swimwear with built in swim diapers and we want to know your favorites!

Swimming diapers differ from regular cloth or disposable diapers. Cloth and disposable diapers are designed to be absorbent, but not waterlogged. Swim diapers should fit snugly and securely, but not be tight to the point that it leaves marks. Reusable swim diapers cost much less than disposable swim diapers over all, and come in a variety of styles and colors.

Besides, most of you who have tried disposable swim diapers know, they really are not leak proof. The first time I tried them, we were going to our first pool playdate and I put on a disposable swim diaper at home so I wouldn't have to deal with it when we got there. Needless to say, by the time we reached our destination, my son's diaper, clothes and carseat was soaked.

There are health reasons to use a reusable swim diaper as well. A parent can reduce the risk of spreading of E. coli in public or private swimming pools by always putting your child in a proper swim diaper. Many public pools now require approved swim diapers for babies and toddlers.

The CDC Recommends the following:

Three Steps for All Swimmers
Keep germs from causing recreational water illnesses (RWIs):
Don't swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
Don't swallow the pool water. Avoid getting water in your mouth.
Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.
Three Steps for Parents of Young Kids
Keep germs out of the pool:
Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear "I have to go" may mean that it's too late.
Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside. Germs can spread in and around the pool.
Wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming. Invisible amounts of fecal matter can end up in the pool.

For more information on "Healthy Swimming" behaviors and RWIs, please visit CDC’s Healthy Swimming Recreational Water Illness page.

Now on to the fun stuff:

Winner receives $30 credit good towards any swimwear products available at Ju-Ju Monkey. Winner announced March 1st.

Based on your comments, we will start stocking our store in the next few weeks.

Enter the raffle by any of the following ways:

Like Ju-Ju Monkey on Facebook (1 entry)
Follow Ju-Ju Monkey on Twitter (1 entry)
Post your favorite iPlay swimwear (http://iplaybabywear.com) and size below (2 entries)
Post what other brands of re-usable swim diapers are your favorite (1 entry)
Tweet about this raffle and include "@JuJuMonkeycom " in the description (2 entries)
Post a comment on Facebook and tag us by including "@Ju-Ju Monkey" in your post (2 entries)
Place an order with Ju-Ju Monkey between now and Feb 28, 2011 (10 entries; may only be used once. More than one order will not add entries)

Newborn Diaper Rental

2011-01-18T10:50:00.001-05:00

It has been our experience that the one-size diapers normally do not fit a newborn very well until they have reached at least 10 lbs. Since most people prefer to save money by purchasing one-size diapers, and do not want the added expense of purchasing newborn diapers, we figured a newborn diaper rental program was needed.

With the newborn diaper rental program, you will have the opportunity to cloth diaper your newborn using modern cloth diapers that are just as convenient as disposables. These diapers will provide the perfect fit for the newborn phase (0-4 months/4-12 lbs.)

After those first few months, your baby can easily transition to the ever popular one-size diapers.

What's Included?

30 XS FuzziBunz newborn diapers
30 inserts
free shipping to you
pre-paid shipping return label to send diapers back to Ju-Ju Monkey
washing instructions

Optional: Add wet bags & wipes to any package for an additional $7 per month. An additional $40 is required for a security deposit. This gives you
1 small wet bag with drawstring closure for diapering on-the-go
1 large pail liner wet tote with drawstring closure to store the dirty diapers until wash time.
You also will receive 12 washable wipes.
All can be washed with the diapers.

What's it Cost?

These cloth diapers would cost you $460 if you were to buy them. The cost of renting them is only $50 a month! Compare that to the 3 super packs of Pampers Swaddlers that would be needed and is $99 each month; saving you $49 a month and saving the environment at the same time!

A deposit of $383 is required to cover the retail price of the diapers in the case of loss or damage. Your monthly rental fee will be deducted from the deposit and the balance will be refunded to your credit card 5-7 days after your diapers are returned.

Bonus! If you opt for store credit instead of a refund on your deposit, we will give you and extra 10% back in store credit.

For example, if you rent for the minimum 2 months required. The rental fee is $100 and your deposit was $383. A refund of $283 will be refunded to your credit card. If you choose to have store credit, we will issue store credit of $311. That is an extra $28 to be put towards your diaper stash!

How long can I rent them?

This package is rented for a minimum of 60 days and maximum of 120 days and starts on the day you receive the diapers. (We must receive a signed copy of the "Terms and Conditions" associated with this rental prior to sending the diapers out.)

At the end of your rental period, simply place the diapers in the box you received them in, affix the prepaid postage and drop in the mail.

Can I cancel my rental?

Prior to receiving diapers:

If for any reason you need to cancel your rental, please do so before 14 days (2 weeks) prior to the requested rental start date.

Any cancellations after 14 days of the start date, will be subject to a $10 administration fee.

After you recieve diapers:

Rentals will not be pro-rated. Rental fee will be incurred every 30 days and charged for minimum 60 days. For example, if Customer decides to return diapers at 75 days, Customer will be charged for a 90 day rental.

If you are having any difficulties with cloth diapering, do not hesitate to e-mail Ju-Ju Monkey at info@ju-jumonkey.com. We provide consultation for free to all of our customers. Our goal is to make sure you are successful at diapering your children. We promise to get back to you in a timely fashion.

How do I reserve my rental?

You can email us at info@ju-jumonkey.com or purchase at our store: Click Here

Newborn Rental Terms and Conditions

Customer will receive 30 extra small Fuzzibunz Perfect Size diapers ; each with 1 micro-fiber insert. A pre-paid shipping return label will also be included.
Customer shall provide a $383 security deposit. This will cover the cost of the diapers, if any damage or loss is incurred. Your deposit consists of the retail cost of the diapers.
Rental fee of $50 will be deducted from Customers security deposit every 30 days.
Add wet bags & wipes to any package an additional $7 per month. An additional $40 is required for a security deposit. This gives you 1 small wet bag with drawstring closure for diapering on-the-go, and 1 large pail liner wet tote with drawstring closure to store the dirty diapers until wash time. You also will receive 12 washable wipes. All can be washed with the diapers.
Diapers will be cleaned and sanitized between rentals by Ju-Ju Monkey, Inc. The materials used in the Rental Program have been used by other babies during this program. The diapers are sanitized between rentals using 120 degree water and 180 deg steam in the sanitize cycle of our HE washer and oxygen bleach. The diapers shall be rotated out of the program after approximately twelve months of use.
Rental period is for a minimum of 60 days and a maximum of 120 days. The rental period begins the day you receive the package, which is determined via shipping tracking number. For Lehigh Valley residents, your diapers will be personally delivered.
Rentals will not be pro-rated. Rental fee will be incurred every 30 days. For example, if Customer decides to return diapers at 75 days, Customer will be charged for a 90 day rental.
Only non-smoking households are eligible for this program. No exceptions. If anyone smokes in your home, including outdoor smokers, you are not eligible for this program.
Customer must follow manufacturers care and washing instructions.
Only cloth diaper safe detergents shall be used by the customer. Some detergent ingredients may coat diaper fabrics, impede absorbency and void product warranties. Check with the product manufacturer before choosing a detergent. Detergents should not contain Natural soaps, Dyes, Perfumes, Enzymes, Softeners, Fabric Enhancers, or Optical Brighteners. Use this link to see what detergents are acceptable: http://detergent.realdiaperindustry.org/
Customer is not responsible for stains and everyday wear of the diapers. However, Customer will be responsible for stains that are a result of using non-approved diaper creams, non-approved detergents and/or not following the proper instructions for diaper storage, wash and general care. If any diapers are found to be defective due to these reasons, the Customer shall be responsible for replacing affected diapers at retail cost.
Customer shall not use diapers until the meconium has passed.
If you are using petroleum jelly for healing of the circumcision or any ointment for treating diaper rash or other skin irritations, Customer is required to use a flushable liner, fleece liner or another means of keeping it from contact with the diaper fabric.
When the rental period is over, the entire package must be returned to Ju-Ju Monkey, Inc on time. On time means, the rental package must be given to the shipping carrier/postmarked on or before the last day of your rental period.
Please save the box the diapers arrived in. A pre-paid shipping return label will be included. Once package is received, affix return label on box and store in a safe location until ready to return diapers. Once Customer is ready to return diapers, place clean dry diapers into box and drop off at United States Post Office.
Please make sure the diapers are returned clean and completely dry.
When your diapers are returned in good standing at the end of your rental term, your refund will be issued. Please allow up to 5 business days following your return for your deposit return to be processed.
If for any reason you need to cancel your rental, you can do so for a full refund as long as it is requested more than 14 days prior to the rental requested start date. Cancellation within 14 days of the rental start date will be subject to a $10 administration fee.
Your rental must be returned on time; there will be a $15 late fee charged against your deposit if your kit is returned late.
Coupons are not valid on diaper rentals.

Sticker Shock over the cost of cloth diapers?

2011-01-01T13:31:00.001-05:00

I know that a lot of people's jaws drop when they hear what just one cloth diaper, or a better word a "re-usable diaper", costs.

On the high end of the spectrum, the very popular FuzziBunz One Size Cloth Diaper is priced at $21.95.

"What? How much? Well, how many do I really need?" is a typical response. Most people are expecting the answer to be around 6.

As most of you who already use re-usable diapers know, you need a good stash to be effiecient. I would say around 30 diapers makes laundry easier and keeps the chance of being stuck with out a diaper to a minimum.

That would mean the investment in cloth diapers would be $21.95 x 30 =$659. Of course, there are more economical ways to cloth diaper, such as pre-folds and covers.

Econobum: Full Kit (3 covers, 12 PFs, 1 Wetbag) costs $48.95 and you would only need 2 of them. So at a minimum investment of $48.95 x 2 = $98 you can get a great start at using re-usable diapers.

For more details on costs, and the debate of disposable vs cloth, please see my previous posts. For this blog entry I wanted to put things in a different perspective.

Your child will use about 10,470 diapers from birth to potty training! That blew my mind when I stopped to think about it. Now if you used disposable diapers, those 10, 470 diapers would have cost you around $4,100.

Already notice that $4,100 is a whole lot more than the $659 you invested in re-usable diapers.

That also means that 1 of your re-usable diapers will be used 349 times! (10,470 diaper changes / 30 diapers)

A disposable diaper will cost you about 39 cents ea. use

A re-usable diaper will cost you 6 cents ea. use, if using a FuzziBunz One Size Cloth Diaper or only 1 cent for a pre-fold!

Any thoughts?

Fuzzibunz on CBS "Eye on Parenting" segment

2010-12-10T16:42:00.000-05:00

Just wanting to give you a quick update on the most recent press FuzziBunz® has received. Tereson was honored In New York this month at the internatioal Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The FuzziBunz One-Size Cloth Diaper was named “Best New Product of the Year,” and FuzziBunz was named “Most Innovative Company of the Year.” You can read the press release HERE.

Holiday Raffle!

2010-12-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

All purchases between now and the end of the month

will be entered in a drawing for a

$25 Ju-Ju Monkey Gift Certificate.

Winner will be picked randomly on January 1st!

Black Friday to Cyber Monday SALE!

2010-11-15T01:04:00.001-05:00

Ju-Ju Monkey is having it's first annual Thanksgiving Weekend Sale!

The Black Friday cloth diaper sales and specials below are good from November 26-29, 2010!

Thursday – Monday Sales & Specials

Fuzzibunz One Size on sale for $12.95
Fuzzibunz Perfect Size on sale for $10.95
Get a FREE Imse Vimse Wet/Dry Bag with purchase of 6 Imse Vimse Diaper Covers or Potty Training Pants
Buy 12 pre-fold diapers and get 12 FREE.
Buy 6 Bumkins All In One Cloth Baby Diapers or Bumkins Diaper Covers and get a FREE Bumkins Bib.
Hands Free Pumping Bustier on sale for $25
Bamboo Belly Bandit on Sale for $55
Buy 5 bumGenius diapers, Get 1 FREE

Thanksgiving Giveaway

On Thanksgiving Thursday, November 25, 2010, the first 20 shoppers will receive a FREE bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Diaper.

Black Friday Giveaway

The day after Thanksgiving, Friday,November 26, 2010, will be our “Black Friday Giveaway”. The first 20 shoppers will receive a FREE Fuzzibunz Perfect Size Diaper.

Saturday & Sunday ONLY!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 and Sunday, November 28, 2010, ALL ORDERS WILL HAVE FREE SHIPPING!! No coupon is needed at check-out to take advantage of this special offer.

Cyber Monday

“Cyber Monday” is November 29, 2010; all shoppers can take an additional $8.00 off orders; no coupon necessary for these savings!

Online Scavenger Hunt

2010-11-10T11:43:00.000-05:00

Ju-Ju Monkey is proud to be a sponsor of the Green Quiz Quest. The Green Quiz Quest is an online scavenger hunt that brings green companies and customers together. The Quest will offer the fun of the Scavenger Hunt with the reward of prizes for Seekers and offer additional traffic and new clients for the Sponsors.

Their goal with the Quest is to help customers find some great new websites that offer everything from “green” products to blogs and informational sites that help them and their families go green and help protect our precious Earth.

The next Green Quiz Quest runs from January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2011. SEEKERS REGISTER HERE!

How it works:

Seekers register a user account on our website. On January 1st the Quest officially begins the riddles on the Seekers Quest page will be unlocked.
To complete the Quest Seekers use the riddles provided and a link to the Sponsors websites and go in search of our Riddle Solved icon.
Once found you simply click the icon it takes you back to our website and logs that icon as found.

They are having Pre-Quest Contests daily between now and then. Try your luck to win free prizes in a fun way!

Buy 5, Get 1 FREE bumGenius

2010-11-07T15:55:00.001-05:00

bumGenius is now offering their buy 5, get 1 FREE sale*, while supplies last. Artist series is not included.

This is a great chance to stock up on bumGenius diapers or put a diaper cake together for a holiday gift. This sale will not last long, so take advantage soon.

Regular price is $104.70. SALE price is $86.90 + FREE SHIPPING!

* No additional discounts apply.

Disposable vs Cloth Costs

2010-10-30T23:25:00.000-04:00

Before we can calculate the costs of either system, we need to know how many diapers a child uses from birth to potty training. The following is a chart details the average number of diapers used per day:

		Diapers/Day
0-1 M	Newborn (6-9 lbs)	11
1 M - 6M	Infant (8-14 lbs)	10
6M-9M	Infant (12-18 lbs)	10
6M-12M	Infant (16-22 lbs)	10
12-18 M	Baby (22-24 lbs)	9
18 M-2 Y	Toddler (24-26 lbs)	7
2-3 Y	Pre-Trainer (26-31 lbs)	6

Next we can determine the costs of using disposables. I used the best price available by buying in bulk and ordering from diapers.com.

For example, Pampers newborn has 30 diapers and costs $11.29. That means each newborn diapers costs $11.29/30 = $0.38. A newborn, using the table above, utilizes 11 diapers a day. For one month, a newborn uses 11 diapers/day multiplied by 30 days equals 330 diapers. Then we can calculate that a newborn uses $124.19 (330 diapers x $0.38).

Price per Pack	$11.29	$24.49	$24.49	$24.49	$24.49
Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Jumbo Pk	Newborn Diapers 30ct.	SIZE 1 76 ct 8-14 lbs	SIZE 2 70 ct 12-18 lbs	SIZE 3 62 ct 16-28 lbs	SIZE 4 52 ct 22-37 lbs
Newborn (6-9 lbs)	$124.19
Infant (8-14 lbs)		$483.36
Infant (12-18 lbs)			$629.74
Infant (16-22 lbs)				$711.00
Baby (22-24 lbs)				$639.90
Toddler (24-26 lbs)				$497.70
Pre-Trainer (26-31 lbs)					$1,017.28
TOTAL COST					$4,103.17

We know that using disposables from birth to potty training costs $4,103.17. Now lets caculate the costs of using cloth diapers. One of the arguments against cloth is the cost of laundering the diapers. Let’s calculate that as well.

· DETERGENT COST: Tide Free and Gentle High Efficiency 2x Concentrated Liquid Detergent, 64-Load, 100-Ounce bottles (Pack of 4) costs $44.00. That is $0.17 a load ($44/4 bottles/64 loads).

· WATER/SEWER CHARGE: The typical front loader uses 25 gals of water per load. If you look at your water bill, the average water/sewer charge is $0.005 per gallon. One load = 25 gal x $0.005 = $.125. If you have well water, this would be zero.

· NATURAL GAS TO HEAT THE WASHER WATER: 20 cu.ft. of natural gas per load@ $.0015 = 3 cents/load

· ELECTRICAL POWER TO RUN YOUR WASHER: 0.44 kwh per load @ 10.65 cents per kWh = 4.7 cents/load

· ELECTRICAL POWER TO RUN YOUR DRYER: 5.76kwh per load @ 10.65 cents per kWh = 61 cents/load

· WASHER DEPRECIATION: A $600 front load washer is estimated to last for 11 years. Based on 8 loads/wk x 572 wks., a washer will wash 4576 loads before having to be replaced. $600 / 4576 loads = 13 cents/load

· DRYER DEPRECIATION: Dryer is estimated to last 13 years and dry 5408 loads. $400 / 4,680 loads = 7.4 cents/load

If we total all these costs, we find out that a load of laundry costs $1.19. The typical cloth diaper enthusiast washes diapers every 3 days. That equals 365 day/year divided by 3 days = 122 loads/year multiplied by 3 years = 365 loads x $1.19 = $434.25.

Now we know the laundry costs of cloth diapering to be $434.25, let’s calculate cloth diaper costs.

		$17.95		$21.95	$19.95	$17.95	$9.95	$48.95
		Fuzzibunz Perfect Size		Fuzzibunz One Size	bumGenius (Artist)	bumGenius	econobum (ea)	econobum (package)
0-1 M	Newborn (6-9 lbs)	X-small
1 M - 6M	Infant (8-14 lbs)			$658.50	$598.50	$538.50	$ 298.50	$122.38
6M-9M	Infant (12-18 lbs)
6M-12M	Infant (16-22 lbs)	Small
12-18 M	Baby (22-24 lbs)	Medium	$484.65
18 M-2 Y	Toddler (24-26 lbs)	Medium
2-3 Y	Pre-Trainer (26-31 lbs)	Large	$323.10
	Laundry Cost		$432.89	$432.89	$432.89	$432.89	$ 432.89	$432.89
	TOTAL COST		$ 1,240.64	$ 1,091.39	$ 1,031.39	$971.39	$ 731.39	$555.27
	Savings over disposables		70%	73%	75%	76%	82%	86%

	2nd Child (Only cost is laundry!)		$432.89	$432.89	$432.89	$432.89	$ 432.89	$432.89
	Additional savings over disposables		89%	89%	89%	89%	89%	89%

In conclusion, the most economical cloth diapering method costs $122.38 in materials + 432.89 for laundry, which totals $555.27. That is a 86% savings over disposables!

The Great Disposable Diaper Debate

2010-10-29T23:21:00.003-04:00

When I first looked into cloth diapering, I automatically knew that it would be better for the environment and save money in the long run. It just seemed absurd to me that anyone would think otherwise.

Then my sister, always playing Devil's Advocate, argued that cloth diapers cost more because you need to consider the electrical, water and sewer costs associated with laundering cloth diapers. Then she went on to point out that the waste water run off from laundering cloth diapers is also bad for the environment.

In any case, I feel that all this is negligible and that cloth diapering is still better than disposables. If you see my earlier blog of Cloth Diaper Savings, I prove that you still save using cloth even when you take into consideration all the laundering costs associated.

Another great resource to read is "The Great Disposable Diaper Debate" which can be found at: http://www.sustainer.org/dhm_archive/index.php?display_article=vn321diapersed

Good night all!

Try cloth diapers: RISK FREE!

2010-10-21T15:23:00.000-04:00

Want to try cloth diapers? Unsure if you can handle the “ick” factor. Already using cloth diapers but want to try another brand or type? Worried that you will spend a lot of money, and decide cloth is not for you? We want hesitant cloth enthusiasts to at least try cloth diapering, so this program has been created just for you!!

Try cloth diapers for 30 days on us. If you decide that cloth is not for you, simply wash and dry any used pieces and return them for store credit. This is your opportunity to find the right cloth diapers for your baby with no risk. Please return the entire product (including free inserts) for store credit and shop our great selection of other products.

Applies to all cloth diapers, training pants, and diaper covers (does not include disposable products).
Please contact us at info@ju-jumonkey.com for a RMA# before returning your items.
Customer is responsible for return shipping costs. We strongly suggest you get Delivery Confirmation and/or Insure your package so it can be tracked. We are not responsible for return packages we do not receive.
Used returns must be postmarked within 30 days of the shipping date and MUST include a copy of the RMA slip, which will be e-mailed to you.
All used returns MUST be clean and free of odors, pet hair, smoke, dirt, rips, tears, and stains.
Please understand that you will receive STORE CREDIT ONLY for returns made under the Buy & Try Program. This allows us to keep the program at 30 days and not a shorter duration. It allows you to try various cloth diapers and decide which brand and style fits your baby best, and return the ones that don’t work. You can use the store credit to buy the diapers you do like, or purchase our other baby care items, such as, skin care products, slings/carriers, or nursing items.
Store credit will be for the purchase price. Original shipping costs will not be reimbursed.
Usually returns are handled within a couple of days of us receiving them, but please do allow up to 2 weeks for processing.
Buy & Try Program does NOT apply to USED items.
Diaper Packages must be returned complete. If package is not complete then full retail charges as if purchased individually will apply.

Dont want store credit? We have another option for you!!!

Try the Buy & Try Diaper trial package. It will only cost $20!

I remember how it felt to start cloth diapering. Overwhelmed by all the choices, no clue where to start and scared I was gonna waste money buying the wrong thing.

The Buy and Try Cloth Diaper Trial was created just for you! It gives you a variety of products to try RISK FREE for 30 days from date of receipt!

To participate, the program fee is $20. A deposit of $150 is required to cover the cost of the products delivered.

Within 30 days you can return the entire order, excluding free gifts (those are yours to keep), and get your $150 deposit refunded. The $20 program fee is not refundable, unless you decide to keep the entire order.

The 30 day trial begins the day it is delivered to your home, NOT the day you placed the order.

If you decide to keep part of the order, you will be refunded $150 less the retail price of the items you kept. For example, if you returned everything except the baby size Snappi fastener, you would be refunded $150 - $5.75 = $144.25.

What items come in the trail package?

* 1 Econobum: Single Pack (1 Diaper Cover/1 Prefold)

* 1 Organic Flannelette Contour Diaper - One Size Fits All

* 2 Diaper Covers (1 Imse Vimse diaper cover & 1 bummis)

* 1 Snappi double pack

* 2 Pocket Diapers (1 Fuzzibunz Perfect Size & 1 bumGenius 4.0)

* 2 All-In-One Diapers (Imse Vimse and/or Oso Cozy depending on availability)

* 1 Wetbag

* FREE Hemp doubler

* FREE Raw Silk Liner

* FREE Flushable Liners (100+ sheets)

* FREE Shipping

You get $200 worth of cloth diapering products for only $150. This equates to 7 complete diapers, which may be enough to diaper for 1 day. The amount of cloth diapers needed depends on the age of your baby. Newborns go through more cloth diapers then an older baby. A good rule of thumb is 10-12 cloth diapers per day multiplied by the number of days between washes.

Notes:

Customer is responsible for the cost of return shipping.
Customer must follow manufacturer washing instructions.
Customer is responsible for lost or damaged diapers/items.
Diapers must be returned clean and odor free.
Return of package must be postmarked within 45 days of receipt in order to receive a refund.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-16T19:18:00.000-04:00

Promo Code! Use "halloween" at checkout to get 10% OFF your entire order. Can be used over and over during the month of October!

Why Hemp?

2010-10-13T17:29:00.002-04:00

Environmentally Sustainable

Unlike cotton, hemp’s vigorous growth characteristic makes it possible to harvest without the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides, or excessive water usage. Hemp also restores nutrients to the soil, which are available to the next crop planted in rotation.

Durable

Hemp has eight times the tensile strength and four times the durability of cotton. Diapers made from hemp fabrics will last longer and stand up to rougher use than cotton. Famous for its strength and durability, hemp has been tested to outlast cotton by a lifespan of 4 times.

Anti-Microbial

Hemp actually repels the growth of bacteria, fungus, mold & mildew which is why you will see much less diaper rash on a baby protected by a layer of hemp.

Breathable

Hemp is more porous than cotton making it breathable and cooler to provide maximum comfort for your baby. Due to it's porous nature, hemp is more absorbent than cotton and can breathe, so it is cool in summer and warm in winter.

Absorbent

Twice as absorbent as cotton, hemp allows for optimal absorbency without the added bulk. Hemp is the solution to bulky looking cloth diaper heiney's!

Soft

New, vigorous, and safe processing has brought soft standards of hemp equal that of cotton. In addition, hemp continues to soften with every wash!

Ju-Ju Monkey is proud to carry Hemp Babies line of fabulous hemp products at an unbeatable price.

PRE-ORDER NOW: bumGenius Artist Series: Tiny Socialite Collection by Chelsea Perry

2010-10-06T19:12:00.000-04:00

Tiny socialite Collection by Chelsea Perry is the first set of prints from the new bumGenius Artist series

This collection of 5 prints are available in the bumGenius 4.0 prints and the bumGenius Organic prints. You can pre-order them now from Ju-Ju Monkey and they will be delivered to you mid November. The bumGenius 4.0 prints will be available in both snaps or hook and loop (like velcro).

The new Artist Series in the bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers will retail for $19.95.

A limited number of Artist Series diapers will also be available in bumGenius Elemental cloth diapers, retailing for $26.95.

bumGenius Artist Series diapers should be laundered in the same manner as your solid color bumGenius diapers. The colors will not run, fade, or wick. Our print material is made in the United States to ensure reliability of the laminate layer.

bumGenius bright colors begin shipping in January 2011.

I am very excited about these diapers! They are very cute and can't see what other new designs will becoming out.

Tell me what you think........

Why is Perfect Size better than One Size?

2010-10-05T23:11:00.000-04:00

Most One-size diapers do not fit baby until 11 lbs. Like one-size-fits-all t-shirts,one-size cloth diapers usually do not fit all newborn babies. They are often not small enough at the legs to fit a newborn, and they almost always cover the umbilical cord, which needs to remain dry and uncovered until it falls off.
Easy to use and adjust just snap on and off
Trimmer fitting than most one size diapers
Snug fit to control leaks
One step diapering system – no adjusting needed
Perfect Size can fit newborns straight from the hospital without added bulk
Can be used as a swim diaper
Fast and easy
Truer more custom fit
May last for several years and several babies as you are not using as long as the one size
Better for heavy wetter’s because there is more crotch room to stuff overnight inserts
At $14.95 you will never see a FuzziBunz this low again! It’s a great time to try them if you have not done so…

Halloween GIVEAWAY!

2010-10-03T22:44:00.000-04:00

One lucky winner will receive a Fuzzibunz Perfect Size cloth diaper!

Take a picture of your little monkey wearing a cloth diaper and costume.
E-mail it to Ju-Ju Monkey at info@ju-jumonkey.com by October 30th.

We will upload the photo to our Facebook page.

We will randomly select a winner on Oct 31st. Winner will be announced on this blog and on our Facebook page.

Participant needs to "Like" our Facebook page in order to be considered. There is no purchase necessary and open to all.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Ju-Ju Monkey and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for this giveaway.

By submitting your photo, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this promotion.

How to Break-In Un-Bleached Diapers

2010-10-03T00:14:00.000-04:00

Because unbleached diapers retain much of their natural cotton oils in the fiber matrix they are softer and more durable than bleached cloth diapers.

Unbleached prefold cloth diapers must be washed at least 2-3 times after you receive them before they become absorbent. Despite the added effort necessary to break in these diapers, they are extremely popular, cost effective and by most accounts well worth it.

Various options available:

1) Boil in a pot of water for 30+ minutes. Rinse. Throw in washer and dryer.

2) Washing the diapers in hot sudsy water and drying them on high heat and repeating as many times as necessary for the diapers to become absorbent. Depending upon the detergent you use and the hardness of your water and the natural variations in cotton materials you may have to wash these up to 5 times before they become fully absorbent. Do not under any circumstance use fabric softener as this causes the fabric to be coated and thus repels moisture.

3) Strip diaper using the blue Original Dawn , found in most Dollar Stores, and hot water. Soak for 30 minutes. If needed, scrub with a brush. Rinse and then wash in wash machine.

4) Order your unbleached diapers from ju-jumonkey.com and add on the break-in service for $3. We will break-in all your unbleached products in your order. That way you can start using them as soon as they arrive :>

You can test the absorbency by making a pocket of the diaper and slowly pouring 1/2 cup of liquid into the diaper. If the water pools and does not soak in fairly quickly, keep washing.

Essential Oil Reference Guide for Children

2010-09-30T13:39:00.001-04:00

Various essential oils have been used medicinally throughout history. Although there is currently a slight dismissive attitude concerning essential oils in pharmacology, the green movement seems to be bringing some re-enlightenment and education. In some applications there is no doubt that in treating certain conditions, particular essential oils have considerable advantages over many over-the-counter drugs.

Please treat essential oils with the same respect you would any drug or chemical. Because they are natural, it does not mean that they are automatically "safe". Do NOT ingest any essential oil with out the guidance of a health care professional. Because of their concentrated nature, essential oils generally should not be applied directly to the skin in an undiluted form. Some can cause severe burns, irritation, provoke an reaction and over time cause liver failure.

Instead, essential oils should be blended with a vegetable-based "carrier" oil before being applied. Common carrier oils include , almond, hazelnut, grapeseed and olive oil. Depending on use, a suggestion would be to use no more than 3% essential oil.

When buying essential oils, quality is important. To determine the quality of an essential oil, you'll need to be concerned with three crucial characteristics: purity, grade, and integrity, It is best to buy a theraputic grade essential oil. The AFNOR certification is one of the most reliable indicators of essential oil quality. It is a stringent standard that differentiates true therapeutic-grade essential oils from similar (but inferior) Grade A essential oils. For example, Lavender is often made from hybrids and not a true Lavender essential oil. One of these hybrids is known as Lavandin, of which I am allergic. So I read labels very carefully when it comes to Lavender.

You also want to store your essential oils properly to ensure potency. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from any heat source. I like to store my glass bottles in the door of the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will keep for several years. Don't keep in plastic or even jars with plastic bulbs syringes, as some essential oils will dissolve plastic.

The use of essential oils in pregnancy is not recommended because there are not enough published studies to prove they are safe.

It is recommended to only use Chamomile and Lavender on newborns.

For a child that is between 2 months and 5 years you can add Mandarin, Neroli, Dill, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Tangerine, Lemon.

Once a child reaches 5 years you can also add Peppermint, Rosemary, Geranium, Petitgrain and Lime to the list.

Here are some of the properties of these essential oils:

Antibacterial: Bergamot, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cypress, Everlasting, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Patchouli, Palmarosa, Pine, Ravensara, Rose, Sandalwood*, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Basil, Tea Tree

Antiviral: Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Palmarosa, Ravensara, Tea Tree, Thyme, Tarragon

Antifungal: Cedarwood, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lemongrass, Patchouli, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Thyme, Tea Tree, Basil

Antiseptic: Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Thyme, Mandarin, Neroli, Petitgrain

Anti-Inflammatory: Chamomile, Citronella, Everlasting, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Rose, Patchouli, Spearmint, Peppermint, Sandalwood

Anti-Yeast Growth: Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Geranium, Patchouli, Rosemary, Thyme, Tea Tree

Immune Stimulant: Cinnamon, Everlasting, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Ravensara, Rose, Rosemary, Tea Tree

Essential Oils have become very popular with cloth diapering. You can use them as a laundry additive to help disinfect diapers. A popular choice is tea tree oil. Just be careful as some natural oils can cause build-up if used too much. Add one teaspoon per load to disinfect laundry or to prevent transmission of fungal infections. Do not apply directly to diapers. Always follow manufactures care instructions as not to void any warranties.

You can even make your own baby wipes. Here a few of my favorite recipes:

Recipe #1 - Vitamin E/Essential Oil Blend
2 Drops Tea Tree Oil
2 Drops Lavender Oil (DO NOT use synthetic oils. Only pure essential oils)
2 Drops Chamomile Oil
2 Cups Water
1 Vitamin E Cap
Cut open vitamin E caplet and squeeze into the water, and add Tea Tree,Lavendar and Chamomile oils.
Mix well in a spray bottle or your wipes box.
Spritz on wipe before using if in spray bottle. Swish solution around over wipes if using a wipes box.
Recipe #2 - Aloe Vera/Essential Oil

1/4 Cup Aloe Vera Gel
2 Drops Tea Tree Oil
2 Cups Hot Water
Stir or shake until this recipe is well mixed. Don't use until the mixture cools.
Spritz on wipe before using if in spray bottle. Swish solution around over wipes if using a wipes box.

You can use essential oils in your diaper pail. Spray a washcloth or old t-shirt with tea tree oil or lavender and place at the bottom of the pail to control odors. Essential oils are remarkably effective in eliminating odors. Do not put essential oils directly on our cloth diapers or inserts. They may degrade the PUL (waterproof barrier).

You can clean your diaper pail with highly disinfectant grape seed extract, and it will remove all trace of odors.

Hope this gives you some helpful information. Please note that I am not a health care professional or trained in essential oil use. I am just a stay at home mom who has done some research and is sharing what I have learned. Enjoy!

ANNOUNCEMENT!! New Artist Series coming from bumGenius

2010-09-23T15:42:00.000-04:00

Per the cottonbabies blog (http://clothdiapers.blogspot.com/):

Announcing bumGenius Artist Series

The first collection from the new bumGenius "Artist Series" will be released on Tuesday, October 5th. In person previews are available to approved retailers and media at the ABC Kids Expo, October 10-13. Orders begin shipping in November.

The initial details will be shared through a video on October 5th. Please be sure that you have subscribed to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/cottonbabies.

These are the bumGenius prints that everyone has been waiting for! This collection will be released on the bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers. More specifics will be released in the video on October 5th.

Ju-Ju Monkey will be getting them in stock as soon as they become available! I will keep you posted.

Fuzzibunz Perfect Size ON SALE now!

2010-09-23T01:25:00.000-04:00

This is a good time to stock up on Fuzzibunz Perfect Size diapers. They will be on sale through October!

Do you really save with cloth??

2010-09-07T03:52:00.000-04:00

There are three routes when it comes to diapering: using disposables, using a cloth diapering service, and using cloth diapers and laundering at home. There are pros and cons to each, which I will cover in another posting. For now, I just wanted to cover the costs of each and show you that using cloth diapers does save you money.

a. Disposable: Diapering with disposable diapers will cost about $1600 ($66/month) to diaper for three years, excluding the cost of baby wipes.

b. Service: The cost for 40-80 cloth diapers/week averages $21, which equals $3245 for three years, or $90 a month.

c. Cloth Diapers: It is possible to cloth for as low as $300, not including utilities. Ultimate savings is when you re-use your cloth diapers on your 2^nd and 3^rd children. Assumes washing every 3 days. Utilizing 6 covers for the 1^st year, 4 for the 2^nd year, and 3 doublers. All in ones do not require a cover.

	0-1 M	1 M - 12M	12-18 M	18 M-2 Y	2-3 Y	Cost		TOTAL COST
	Newborn	Infant	Baby	Toddler	Pre-Trainer	Material Cost	Utilities (Front Load Washer)
Duration (days)	30	335	182	182	365
Diapers changed/week	80	70	60	50	40
Diapers changed /day	11	10	9	7	6
Cloth Diaper Service price per week [i]	$22.00	$21.50	$21.00	$20.50	$20.00
Cloth Diaper Service price per day	$3.14	$3.07	$3.00	$2.93	$2.86
Pre-Fold and Flat Diapers	$131.42 [ii]	$-	$93.68[iii]	$-	$88.00[iv]	$313.10	$417.75[v]	$730.85
Fitted Cloth Diaper	$547.65ⁱⁱ	$-	$405.85	$-	$88.00	$1,041.50	$417.75	$1,459.25
Pocket Diapers	$626.68 [vi]	$-	$-	$-	$88.00	$714.68	$417.75	$1,132.43
All-in-One	$626.68^v	$-	$-	$-	$88.00	$714.68	$417.75	$1,132.43
Diaper Serviceⁱ	$94.29	$1,028.93	$546.00	$533.00	$1,042.86	$3,245.07		$3,245.07
Disposable Diapers[vii]	$61.21	$598.08	$278.51	$232.09	$372.37	$1,542.26		$1,542.26

Table 01- Total Cloth Diaper Costs

		Duration (days)	Loads of Laundry	Detergent[viii]	Front Loader Water Use (gal)[ix]	Water/ Sewer Charge[x]	Natural gas to heat the washer water [xi]	Front Loader: Electrical power to run your washer[xii]	Electrical power to run your dryer[xiii]	Depreciation[xiv]
0-1 M	Newborn	30	10	$1.72	250	$1.25	$0.30	$0.05	$6.10	$2.04
1 M - 12M	Infant	335	112	$19.19	2,792	$13.96	$3.35	$0.52	$68.12	$22.78
12-18 M	Baby	182	61	$10.43	1,517	$7.58	$1.82	$0.29	$37.01	$12.38
18 M-2 Y	Toddler	182	61	$10.43	1,517	$7.58	$1.82	$0.29	$37.01	$12.38
2-3 Y	Pre-Trainer	365	122	$20.91	3,042	$15.21	$3.65	$0.57	$74.22	$24.82
			365	$62.68		$45.58	$10.94	$1.71	$222.45	$74.39
									Total	$417.75

Table 02-Utility Costs

[i] Cloth Diaper Service price per week (http://www.phillydiaperservice.com/top_faq/about-the-service/how-much-will-the-service-cost.html)

[ii] 3 days x 6 Covers x 3 doublers x 11 changes/day

[iii] 3 days x 6 Covers x 3 doublers x 9 changes/day

[iv] 6 potty training pants. Note that one-size or perfect size diapers can be used and would eliminate this cost.

[v] See Table 02

[vi] 3 days x 3 doublers x 11 changes/day

[vii] Pampers Baby Dry Diapers - Extra Large Case 44.99 for 252 at diapers.com or 18 cents each x diapers changes/day

[viii] Tide Free and Gentle High Efficiency 2x Concentrated Liquid Detergent, 64-Load, 100-Ounce bottles (Pack of 4) $44 total or $.17/load

[ix] 25 gal per load for a front loader

[x] .05 cents per gallon

[xi] 20 cu.ft. of natural gas @ $.0015 = 3 cents/load

[xii] 0.44 kwh@ 10.65 cents = 4.7 cents/load

[xiii] 5.76kwh @ 10.65 cents per kWh = 61 cents/load

[xiv] A $600 front load washer is estimated to last for 11 years. Based on 8 loads/wk x 572 wks., a washer will wash 4576 loads before having to be replaced. $600 / 4576 loads = 13 cents/load. Dryer is estimated to last 13 years and dry 5408 loads. $400 / 4,680 loads = 7.4 cents/load.

FuzziBunz One Size Demo

2010-08-17T16:12:00.000-04:00

Mother Owned Eco-Business Mixer

2010-08-14T12:04:00.000-04:00

Please join for the biggest selection of eco-friendly products in one building!

Featured vendors are:

Arbonne
Chartreuse
...Isagenix
Ju-Ju Monkey
L'Bri Pure n' Natural
Melaleuca
Pampered Chef
The Artful Mommy
Thing-A-Ma-Sling
Usborne Children's Books
Wildtree
Zola Goods

PLUS: handmade jewelry, natural baby products, health and business services, and much, much more!

There will be prizes, mystery hostesses and more surprises for all...

LOCATION: Milk and Honey Kids

Apple Tree Plaza 3303 Bath Pike

Bethlehem, PA

TIME: September 9 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Don't Make Poop Soup!

2010-08-09T11:28:00.000-04:00

There are two methods to storing dirty diapers, the wet method and the dry method. I feel the dry method is the easier and safer way to handle dirty diapers.

This method stores uses cloth diapers in a completely dry pail, with standing water, until wash day. I like to shake cloth diapers over the toilet to remove any loose solids before putting them in the dry pail. If you have a diaper sprayer, which is a cloth diapering persons best friend, you can spray any stuck on solids into the toilet. You can also use baking soda, white vinegar, or tea tree oil to help control odors. Baking soda can be sprinkled directly into the pail. Vinegar and essential oils should be sprinkled on a cloth rag to avoid damaging your diapers.

I like the dry pail method because it results in a lighter pail, and is safer storage around small children. Some feel that there is a possibility of more stains, but I haven't had any problems. Just be sure to wash diapers at least every 3 days.

To use a dry cloth diaper pail:

Line your pail with a washable liner
It is optional to sprinkle baking soda, or essential oil in the bottom of the pail
Shake any solids off the diapers into the toilet
On laundry day, empty the pail and toss the liner into the washer
Run a cold rinse
Launder as usual

I will explain the wet pail method, but I think it just makes poop soup! This method stores used cloth diapers in water until washing day. The same additives used for odor control in the dry method can be used here as well. Please do NOT add bleach or laundry detergent to the soaking water. They will cause your diapers to break down faster and also reduce the absorbency of the fabrics. Not the goal of any diaper!

The wet pail acts as a pre-soak and may reduce the amount of stains on your diapers, but the there are many disadvantages. The wet method creates a heavy pail to lug around on wash day, and possible odors from stagnant water if you wait too long to do a wash.

Could you even imagine if it tips over! YUCK! Poop Soup all over the floor! More importantly, it is a potential drowning hazard for small children. If you choose the wet pail method be sure to keep it somewhere away from your little ones and choose a locking lid.

To use the wet pail method:

Fill your pail half to three-quarters full with cold water
Add baking soda, vinegar, or essential oil if desired
Shake any solids off the diapers into the toilet
On laundry day dump the entire pail, water and all, into the washer. Hard to do in a front-loader.
Run a spin cycle to remove the excess water
Launder as usual

You choose which method works best for you. I have found the dry pail method to be mine.

GRAND OPENING!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-27T21:10:00.002-04:00

July 28th is finally here!! Am I ready? No, but I don't think things will ever be 100% perfect...so why not just open the doors....

Your baby's bottom's boutique is finally here to serve YOU! Ju-Ju Monkey is all about the customers. So please don't hesitate to ask questions, email or post comments. I will take the good, bad and even the ugly! If you see an issue with the website or any other part of my business, please feel free to approach me. I want to make things as user friendly as possible.

The website will be constantly changing and new features/information will be added over the next few months.

I am constantly adding new products as they become available, so please check back often. If there is a product you like, and want me to get it....let me know. I am will try my best.

So what are the perks of shopping at Ju-Ju Monkey? Here are just a few:

100% customer satisfaction
Hesitant to try cloth diapers? Check out the Buy and Try Program to experiment with cloth diapers risk free! Details on our web page. (http://ju-jumonkey.com/-strse-template/buyandtryprogram/Page.bok)
If you live in or around the Lehigh Valley, shipping is free.
All orders over $75, not including tax & shipping, will ship standard free of charge.
Someone to support you through out your cloth diapering experience. Experience leaks, improper fits, etc...we will work with you to fix any issues.
Supporting a work at home mom, which I greatly appreciate
Ju-Ju Monkey will provide Cloth Diapering 101 Sessions for you and a group of friends at no cost. Hosts will receive special gifts for hosting. Attendees will receive special discounts for that day, or a promo code to be used at our on-line store. E-mail me at info@ju-jumonkey.com if you are interested.

As promised, here is the 20% store wide discount to be used only on July 28, 2010 (promo code: GrandOpen)

Enjoy your shopping experience.

-Sara

PS- It's also my anniversary...so HAPPY ANNIVERSARY GARY!! Thanks for all the support!

Opening Day is Coming Soon!!

2010-07-06T16:47:00.000-04:00

July 28th is just around the corner..........Stay tuned for a 20% promo code to be used for our GRAND OPENING on July 28, 2010!

The main goal of the company was to share knowledge with, and support, other parents in their endeavors to cloth diaper and be "green".

Ju-Ju Monkey Inc tries its best to offer its customers a unique and growing selection of cloth diapers, accessories, and natural care products.

We proudly offer many products that are manufactured in the U.S.A and make every attempt to use natural and/or green products.

That is why I have personally selected each and every product offered, most of which we have personally enjoyed in our family. Ju-Ju Monkey strives to offer exceptional customer service. If you are not happy, please let us know and we will make every attempt to guarantee your satisfaction.

If you are looking for any specific colors, sizes or other products that we do not have in-stock, please contact us at info@ju-jumonkey.com and we will try our best to get it.