Cloth diapering can be overwhelming. There, I said it! When my husband suggested cloth diapering, I thought it was a great idea, for the environment and for our wallets. Then I started researching all of the brands, types, and accessories and was quickly overwhelmed. So let me try to break it down for you as easily as I can. While reading, keep in mind that with all cloth diapers you need two layers. An absorbing layer and a waterproof layer. The absorbing layer will absorb all the pee/poo and the waterproof layer will act as the barrier and stop leaking. Here is the breakdown of the types of cloth diapering:

Prefolds/Covers

One of the most popular types of cloth diapering is the prefold and cover method. This is especially handy when cloth diapering from birth and is probably going to be the cheapest method. A prefold is basically a layered rectangle of cloth that you fold on to your baby and clip with a Snappi (the modern day version of using pins). There are several folds you can use but all are fairly simple. It is called a prefold because it is layered and therefore it is “pre-folded”. The center has more layers than the two sides, which you can see when holding up to the light. You then place a cover over the prefold.

When your baby messes in this diaper, you just replace the prefold, and keep the same cover. You can use the same cover 2-3 times depending on if it gets wet or gets poo on it.  This method is great for newborns because you can fit your baby better. With this method, the absorbing layer is the prefold and the waterproof layer is the cover. One drawback to this method is that the wet prefold will be right on your baby’s bare skin. They do have newborn size diapers, however, they are so expensive and can only be used a few weeks.  If you are going to use prefolds, we recommend having 24 to 30 prefolds and 3 to 4 covers.

Fitteds

Fitteds are like a prefold with a snap or aplix (velcro) closure. These will still require a cover because there is no waterproof layer. The advantage is that you do not have to fold up a prefold to put on your baby, which can get difficult as your baby starts to move around and wiggle more. You just close up the diaper and then place a cover over it to act as the barrier.

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers are very popular. When you open up a pocket diaper you see a pocket on the inside of the diaper. Inside that pocket, you will put what is called an insert. You just put the diaper on your baby and fasten with the aplix or the snaps and you are done!  When your baby pees, the wet will go through the top layer and will be absorbed in to the insert. This means the wet will not be right against your baby’s bare skin, which is the main advantage to pocket diapers. Pocket diapers are considered one size diapers. However, they will not fit a newborn. They are recommended for 8-10 lbs+. They also have a row of snaps that you can use to adjust the size of the diaper so they grow with your baby.

The downfall is when you need to change you baby, you will have to replace the whole diaper. So as you can tell, this method can be a little more expensive. When you purchase a pocket diaper it will come with two inserts. A newborn insert and then an adjustable insert. One of the great things about pocket diapers is that you can adjust the absorbancy as needed. For example, if your child is a heavy nighttime wetter, just put 2 inserts in the pocket for overnights. If going with this method, we recommend having 18 to 20 pocket diapers.

All-in-Ones (AIOs)

All-in-one diapers are just what they sound like. They are the absorbing layer and the waterproof layer all in one diaper. The “inserts” are sewn in. These diapers are popular because they are just like disposables in the way that they are ready to go. Just grab a diaper to change your baby. There is no folding, or stuffing. A downfall to these diapers is that they take longer to dry. Also, if you have a heavy wetter you cannot add to the absorbancy like you can with a pocket diaper or cover.

All-in-Twos (AI2s)

Think of all-in-two diapers like a cover and prefolds. That is pretty much what they are. There are several versions. The Flip system has a prefold that you just place in the cover. The Grovia system has an insert that snaps in to the cover. The advantages and disadvantages to AI2s are the same as listed for the prefolds/covers – when changing you just have to replace the insert or prefold but the wet is still sitting on your baby’s bare skin.

I hope this helped you figure out what type of cloth is best for you. I always had a variety of cloth – pocket diapers and prefolds mostly with a few all in ones. Cloth diapering is awesome and I highly recommend it!

I currently have two cloth diaper giveaways running – both ending on 8/11/2015 – so click below to enter to win:

• Simba & Mama Cloth Diaper
• FuzziBunz Cloth Diaper

Disclosure: Mama Smith’s Review Blog received this item in exchange for her honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% hers.

I am a strong believer that healthy oral care habits are super important. I have been teaching my girls to brush their teeth at least twice a day (sometimes three if they have a sugary snack). My 2.5 year old is still too young for mouth wash, but my 4 year old uses it every day. Both of them even floss! However, just because I have been teaching them this from the moment they had teeth, doesn’t mean it is always easy for me to have them do it. There are fits, there is fighting, sometimes they even want to share toothbrushes (yuck!). But from the moment I opened up our goodies from Firefly, that all seemed to change. Now they beg me to brush their teeth – and my 4 year old couldn’t be more excited to use her Hello Kitty mouthwash.

Firefly is the leader in children’s oral care solutions and offers fun toothbrushes in bright colors, with flashing lights and favorite characters that turn brush time into playtime! We received some pretty amazing Star Wars lightsaber and Hello Kitty toothbrushes that my daughters love. These Ready Go toothbrushes are equipped with a 60 second light-up timer which is great because it helps them know how long they need to brush their teeth for. If you didn’t know, the dentist recommended amount is 1 minute for each row of teeth. The Star Wars toothbrushes feature character voices, flashing lights, and galactic sounds. They are seriously so cool. Firefly also has Marvel toothbrushes – would it be strange if I got one for myself?

The Hello Kitty mouthwash comes in an awesome container that is easy for kids to use. It has a pump and just one or two squirts is enough for my little one. It even comes with a cup and a place to store it so there is pretty much no way you can loose it. And that also means not wasting a tiny paper cup every day – so bad for the environment guys. My 4 year old has a blast using this and my 2.5 year old is counting the days until she learns to spit it out rather than swallow it so she can use it too! Firefly even has travel kits – perfect for taking on trips like Disney (only 71 more days until we go back with the girls!). Banish boring brushing and shop Firefly here.

Firefly – Good. Clean. Fun.

Connect with Firefly on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fireflytoothbrush
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fireflytb
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fireflytoothbrush/

#FanGirlFriday

#TwoBlogsFunGuides

Disclosure: Mama Smith’s Review Blog received this item in exchange for her honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% hers.

I have always hear good things about Mary Kay and their products. I was so excited to be able to try some out recently. Tiffany, the Mary Kay Consultant came over with an array of products for me to look at. I was totally shocked by the amount of everything that Mary Kay sells. I guess I always thought it was a little bit of makeup and a little bit of skin care items – but there is so much more to it! First things first, I love that Mary Kay has a booklet that will tell you what to use in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. I think that this makes it so much easier on people. While you can purchase all of their items separately, you can also buy them in sets which is easier on your wallet and helps complete your regimen.

The skin care sets I want to talk about are the Timewise Miracle set, the Botanical Effects set, the Clear Proof Acne Solutions, and the Timewise Repair Volu-Firm set. I will get in to more detail about the Timewise Miracle Set later on as these are my must haves! The Botanical Effects set is all about eco-friendly. The packaging is gentle on the planet (and easy on your budget). This set includes Cleanse, Hydrate, Freshen, and Mask products. The Clear Proof Acne Solutions is for those that suffer from acne and includes cleansing gel, toner, treatment gel, moisturizer, and a serum! Mary Kay states that you should see a difference in just 7 days! The Timewise Repair set combines extensive research, innovative ingredients, and comprehensive testing to target and reduce the signs of aging. These can even be mixed and matched if need be which I think is great!

My Mary Kay Must Haves

1. Mary Kay Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush: This brush is incredible. It can be used at the sink or in the shower and has two speeds. I have been using it for about two weeks now and my face feels so much cleaner. Mary Kay states that this brush removes makeup 85 percent better than cleansing by hand and I have to agree! It removes residue, dirt, and makeup like a champ! The bristles are soft and easy on the skin as well. If you only purchase one Mary Kay item ever in your life, purchase this one!
2. TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser: This is by far my favorite cleanser that I have ever used. I use it as a part of the the TimeWise Miracle Set and I have seen a huge difference in my skin since starting. It works great and there is a lot in this tube! I was impressed by how little I have to use to get a good cleaning.
3. TimeWise Age-Fighting Moisturizer: This moisturizer is used at the end of my TimeWise routine and I love it. It makes my skin feel nice and soft and I love the smell. My husband loves the smell too. He says that my skin is looking great since starting.
4. TimeWise Day Solution: This solution is used after the Mary Kay TimeWise Cleanser in the mornings. It contains sunscreen (SPF 35) which is awesome and so important to help prevent sun damage. Again, there is a lot of product in this little bottle and I cannot imagine having to replace it before at least six months.
5. TimeWise Night Solution: This stuff is incredible. I can pretty much feel my skin firming up instantly after putting it on. This is used after the cleanser and before the moisturizer at night. I am already seeing a difference after two weeks and cannot wait to see even more of a change in the future!

[Tweet “Thanks to @MarvelGoddess24 I learned all about some #MaryKay Must Haves at MamaSmiths.com! http://wp.me/p5LAai-29I”]

While these are just my favorites from Mary Kay, there are many other items for skin care as well as makeup. The prices are ridiculously reasonable – and Mary Kay products are meant to last you 4 to 6 months (at a minimum) so be sure to factor that in! A little bit goes a long way with these items. Tiffany assures me that Mary Kay is awesome to work for. Everyone gets the same commission so it is not a pyramid scheme type program. This assures that your representative is working just as hard as others. Mary Kay also has a money back guarantee – and the consultants do not lose any of their cut if something needs to returned. To me, this means that Mary Kay stands behind their products – and their representatives!  Mary Kay has been around for more than 50 years – and now I know why!

Shop Mary Kay here.