Showing posts with label craigslist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label craigslist. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Sustainablebabyish Organic Bamboo Fleece Diaper- FAVORITE at Night!

Words cannot express how much I love these diapers, no really!

This is my first go around with cloth diapers.  With my older son, I just never considered it.  This time around I spent a lot of time researching websites and blogs to educate myself on the ins and outs of cloth diapering and finding out which types of diapers people on the Web recommended.  One brand that came up numerous times was Sustainablebabyish or SLOOMB.  Although they are expensive, people LOVE them. And guess what?  I do to!


As most mothers do, I had a nesting stage before my son was born.  I might be a bit of a strange bird because my nesting consisted of hours of research into finding the best diapers for my stash and then the best prices for those diapers.  I am definitely not above buying used diapers and a good chunk of my stash was purchased used off of Craigslist.  In fact, it's kind of funny to admit that I actually drove 3.5 hours away, from Virginia to Delaware to buy a selling her amazing stash for $200.  Here is a little about what was in that stash:

1/2 Package Rockin' Green Cloth Diaper Detergent
1 Trash Can
1 Planet Wise Diaper Pail Liner
1 Prince Lionheart Premium Wipe Warmer
3 Prince Lionheart Ever-Fresh Replacement Pillows
12 Little Comfort One Size Bamboo Cloth Diaper
4 Organic Caboose, Plush Wool Diaper Covers
1 M Polyester Cover
1 M Interlock Woolybums Diaper Cover
Loveybums Wool Jersey Diaper Cover With Snaps
 1 Lovey Bums Wool Cover
12 Disana Cloth/knitted Diapers 100% Organic Cotton Nappys
40 Cloth Wipes
3 Snappi Cloth Diaper Fasteners
12 Small Green Mountain Diaper Prefolds
1 Flip Diaper OS Cover
1 Wee Huggers Diaper Cover
3 Organic Lovey Bums Fitted Diapers
Numerous Organic Cotton and Hemp Doublers

AND THE MOST AMAZING PART OF IT ALL?!

2 Sustainablebabyish Organic Bamboo Fleece Fitted Cloth Diapers



Is there anyone else besides me that thinks I got an amazing deal or am I really bonkers?  At the time I didn't know much about the different diapers and didn't realize how good of a deal I was getting.  If I still had that woman's contact information I think I might have made her my best friend and sent her some more money.  But I digress...more about these awesome diapers.

Now, I do have links for you to purchase these diapers if you so choose in this post.  However, I would not recommend all of the diapers above.  The Little Comforts are one sized and convenient but I find that they really don't hold poo in that well.  The Disana Tie Nappies are beautiful, but once my son was able to roll and wiggle during diaper changes I found that these diapers were not really that practical.  I do still use these diapers, I just wouldn't say I love them as much.

I do highly recommend the Sustainablebabyish Organic Bamboo Fleece Fitted Cloth Diaper though.  I only have two that fit right now and that is the only thing I put my son in at night.  Which of course means that I have to do laundry every other day no matter what.


There are a couple of things to know about these diapers though.

1. They will shrink! The tags on the ones that I purchased used say they are mediums.  The rise measures at 13" and they still fit him at 19 lbs, although they are getting a little small.  You can see from the chart below how much of a shrinkage we're talking about.

Size Chart:

With this information, I thought it would be best to purchase more in the large size so I am not always so locked into doing laundry every other day.  However, when they came I was a bit shocked by how much bigger they were than my old ones.  The new ones also looked and felt nothing like the old ones that I love so much.  The new diapers measured 18" upon arrival but after just one wash they were 16".


The larges are a bit big on us now but I don't think it will be long before they fit him just right.  He's approximately 20 lbs in these pictures.  I'm also guessing they may shrink after a few more prepping washes.



2.  They are pretty stiff.  The stiffness is not really too much of a factor for me, just because I am so amazed by the absorbency of these bad boys and the stiffness does not irritate my son at all. It is true what you read, these will almost stand up on their own in the mornings.  Some people say that Ecover works for them for softening them up but I've never tried it.



I think that the reason people mention the stiffness is because it is such a huge transformation from the buttery soft diaper it once was.  When the diaper arrived it was super soft, the softness fabric I think I've ever came across.  Comparing the new large one to my much loved possibly mediums it really is hard to believe it's the same diaper.  It's hard to tell from the pictures but if I had to make a comparison to help you I would say that over time the diapers are as stiff and as hard as a....well slipper maybe and when they are new they are as soft as a bag of cotton balls.

That's not a very good sell I guess, comparing the diaper to a shoe.  BUT I'm telling you I've never been happier with any night-time set-up.  We go 12 hours straight and in the morning the diaper sometimes doesn't even feel wet, the sheets are dry and most importantly my son is dry and rash free.




The diapers come in lots of fun color choices.  When I bought my new ones the natural was all that was in stock.  I'm thinking that it might have been because it was during a time when Kelly's Closet was having a free diaper with purchase sale.

Available Colors:

Berry
Berry
Bing
Bing
Kirsche
Kirsche
Lemon
Lemon
Lilac
Lilac
Mocha
Mocha
Natural
Natural
Peacoat (Dark Navy)
Peacoat (Dark Navy)
Sprout
Sprout
Squash
Squash
Sugar
Sugar
Teal
Teal
















Even with these issues, I have yet to find another diaper that fits as well and absorbs as well.  They are very well made and judging from the used one I have, they hold up extremely well.





If you are struggling with finding a diaper to stand up to long nights and leave your baby dry and rash free in the morning, try these diapers!  I'll admit they do carry a hefty price tag but if you check your local Craigslist or Ebay you might get lucky.  You'll probably also notice that they guys hold their value and you can sell them yourself or you may consider selling them to one of the online diaper vendors that buy back used diapers.  If you look at this piece along with the most important part, THESE diapers work fantastically you will see that these diapers are well worth the investment.  Buy these diapers! I promise you won't regret it.  If you do, let me know and I will buy yours off of you.


Saturday, June 22, 2013

Mission: Make it through baby's first year of life without spending more than $1000

Everyone creates a spreadsheet of baby expenses right?  No...hmm.  Well it has sort of become a hobby of mine and a bit of an obsession.  I knew that I needed stuff, but how much is this "stuff" is really necessary?
The moment you find out you are pregnant it seems like you are overwhelmed with lists of must haves.  It's more than overwhelming.  I knew that what I wished for really needed to be essential and if I didn't receive it as a gift, I needed to find it cheap since I'm currently not working. 

We got away with spending approximately $900 for over $3000 worth of stuff.  This retail value is actually pretty low as I didn't include the retail cost for the clothing that we received as gifts. Below are the basics of how I did it.

1) Most importantly is to embrace the world of used items.  Your children grow up and out of things so very fast.  Thankfully we are moving more towards a culture where thrifting is in so there are many opportunities to find gently used items.

Three of the major online sources for such used items are Craigslist, Ebay, and Freecycle.  You will not believe what some people get rid of for free or for a fraction of the costs for new.  It does take patience but it pays off.

There is an entire world revolving around buying and selling cloth diapers and specialty clothing.  Check out DiaperSwappers or search for specific brand's For Sell or Trade (FSOT) Facebook pages for more online deals on diapers and clothing.

Don't forget to check out your local brick and mortar thrift stores as well as Saturday morning yard sales.  I know that they vary greatly by location, but where we are I've found some great items at Goodwill. 

2) Ask for items on your wish list.  Unfortunately we do not live near our family and friends so I didn't have a baby shower but luckily they still love us and sent us great things!  If I didn't have them I would have purchased the big ticket items used but we did receive some great gifts from my Amazon Baby Registry.

I know that the spreadsheet indicates some major spending on gifts.  Like I said, we are lucky.  There are options though if you if you don't receive gifts.  Many of the items that I received as gifts were also items that I passed up on Freecycle or Craigslist. Also, now into the swing of things, I'm noticing some of the items aren't really necessities after all.  Remember though that searching online can take patience so it's best to start looking well before you need things and to look often.

3) Whenever possible, try to never spend retail prices.  Always buy items greatly reduced and on sale in the stores or better yet, slightly used or new without tags off of Craigslist or at yard sales.

I didn't always follow my own advice but it's good advice nonetheless. 

4) Don't forget to resell your items once you are finished with them.   As my son outgrew his clothes and his diapers I sold them online to recoup some money.  I also sold off multiple outfits and things that I realized I didn't really need.  If you buy used or low cost, it's not impossible to make all of your money back.

Below is the rough spreadsheet I created to keep up with what I thought I needed and the expenses incurred.  We have been blessed with family and friends that showered us with gifts.  If we did not have them obviously expenses would have been more.  I also splurged on organic whenever possible.  Obviously that is a choice and one area where costs could be drastically cut if needed.  

Also, this is the spreadsheet before the baby came.  Looking back I would have moved a few of the "Non-Essentials" to "Essential" category and taken off some things from "Essential".  For example, having a bouncy seat and play mat for the floor was "Essential".  Yes, I could have used the infant carrier but the bouncy seat was much more convenient in the long run.  The play mat also turned out to be one of his favorite activities and he loved to lay and look above at the toys.


Essentials (Must Haves Right Away) Use Cost *Estimaed Retail Where It Was Purchased
Place to Sleep



Bassinet Newborn to sleep in <15 lbs $20.00 $55.00 Craigslist
Co-Sleeper Baby sleeps in bed with us safely $20.00 $68.00 Craigslist
Sleep Bag/Swaddle Blanket (1) Halo Sleep Sack $5.00 $20.00 Craigslist





For Car Rides



Infant Car Seat Received Used From Friend Free $69.00 Gift





Diapering




Lot Purchased From Craigslist ($200) $200.00
Craigslist
Diaper Pail Craigslist Lot ($200)
$10.00 Craigslist
Diaper Pail Liner Craigslist Lot ($200)
$17.00 Craigslist
Medium Wet Bag Craigslist Lot ($200)
$18.00 Craigslist
Cloth Wipes (40) Craigslist Lot ($200)
$30.00 Craigslist
Diaper Covers (Infant) 5 EUC newborn covers $15.00 $48.00 Ebay
Baby Ointment Ointment with Sample Pack Free $17.00 Gift
Newborn Prefolds (9) 5 Organic/4 Unbleached Price Cost w/ Shipping $26.00 $26.00 Green Mountain Diapers
Kushis Small All in Ones (2) Clearance Not sure Price $20.00 $36.84 Babies R Us
Snappi or Pins (need 2) Craigslist Lot ($200)
$7.50 Craigslist
Diaper Covers (5 Small) 6 Thirsties Duo White Covers (Retail $12.25 each) $46.00 $73.50 Ebay
Small Prefolds (12) Craigslist Lot ($200)
$28.00 Craigslist
Kissaluvs Diaper Potion Purchased New $7.95 $7.95 Green Mountain Diapers
Giraffe Swaddlebee Purchased New $16.95 $16.95 Amazon
Dino Swaddlebee Purchased New $19.99 $19.99 Amazon
Kissaluvs Size 0 2 EUC fitted diapers $14.00 $28.00 Craigslist





Clothing



One-piece Sleepers (6-8) 3-6 m (2) Free
Gift
Sleep Gowns Newborn (4) 3-6 m (3) Free
Gift
Scratch Mittens (2 pairs)
$3.00 $6.00 Babies R Us
Newborn Hats (2) JJ Cole Bundle Me and Pack from TJMax $3.00
TJMax
Short Sleeved Onesies (4) 3 m (3) $4.99
TJMax
Long Sleeved Snap Tees Newborn (4)/3 months (4) $14.00
Gift/Carter's
Stretchy Pants (2) Freecycle/Target $4.00
Target
Hoodie Jackets (2) Bought on online at Carters also Goodwill $11.00
Carter's
Socks (4) Newborn Free
Freecycle
Dress Up Outfits (2) 3-6 m (2) Free
Gift
Large Blanket (3)
Free
Gift
Thermal Blankets (3)
$5.00 $21.00 Craigslist
Receiving Blankets (8) 1 Monogrammed/8 Flannel $8.00
Gifts/TJMAX
Bunting Bag (1) One Plush Original/Bundle Me Lite Free $45.00 Gift





Feeding



Breast Pads Purchased with Groupon $4.00 $8.00 Babies R Us
Breast Pads
Free $8.00 Freecycle
Breast Ointment Purchased with Groupon $4.00 $9.00 Babies R Us
Bibs (2-4) Have 6 small/1 burpy bib Free
Gift/Freecycle





Bathing



Hooded Towel Bath Set Included Towels,Sponge,Washcloths Free $39.00 Gift
Wash Cloths (10)
Free
Gift
Baby Wash
$8.00 $9.99 Walgreens
Baby Bath Tub Easier way to bathe baby $5.00 $25.00 Craigslist





Baby Gear



Baby Carrier K'Tan $35.00 $60.00 No Better Deal
Baby Carrier Ergo $45.00 $130.00 Craigslist
Health



Thermometer
Free $11.00 Gift
Nail Clippers/Emery Board/Scissors Using One We Already Have


Pacifiers (2) Purchased with Groupon $2.50 $4.00 Babies R Us
Essentials (Really Nice To Have By 4 Months) Use Cost
Where It Was Purchased
Place to Sleep



Crib
$110.00 $99.00 Wal-Mart/Gift
Mattress
$180.00 $180.00 Albee Baby
Crib Sheets (2 Super Soft)
Free
Gift
Crib Sheet Organic Cotton $18.00 $18.00 Amazon





For Car Rides



Car Seat For when baby > 20 lbs Free $212.00 Gift
Sun Shades
Free $10.00 Gift





Diapering



Diaper Sprayer Craigslist Lot ($200) $35.00 $59.00 Craigslist
Diaper Bag
Free $32.00 Gift
Changing Pad and 4 Covers
$20.00 $60.00 Craigslist





Clothing



One-piece Sleepers (6-8)
Free
Gift
Hats (2)
Free
Gift
Short Sleeved Onesies (4)
Free
Gift
Long Sleeved Onesies (4)
Free
Gift
Long Sleeved Snap Tees
Free
Gift
Stretchy Pants (2)
Free
Gift
Hoodie Jackets (2)
Free
Gift
Socks (4)
Free
Gift
Dress Up Outfits (2)
Free
Gift





Feeding



Nursing Pillow Positioning Baby/Sitting Baby Up $4.00 $40.00 Goodwill
Breast Pump with Storage Bag Get from insurance if needed Free $47.00 Blue Cross Blue Shield
Milk Storage Containers
Free
Blue Cross Blue Shield
High Chair
Free $70.00 Gift
Gear



Stroller
Free $75.00 Used Gift
Jogging Stroller > 6m
Free $313.00 Gift
Bonus Items (Nice to Have) Use Cost
Where It Was Purchased
Place to Sleep



Crib Skirt Sewn by Friend $20.00 $59.00 Carousel Designs





Diapering



Diaper Changing Pad Skip Hop $1.95 $30.00 Goodwill
2 Disana Wool Covers Purchased New $42.90 $42.90 A Small Green Footprint
Wool Care Bar Purchased New $7.95 $7.95 A Small Green Footprint
Newborn Workhorse Diaper Purchased New $5.50 $5.50 Green Mountain Diapers
Prince Lion Wipes Warmer Craigslist Lot ($200)
$25.00 Craigslist
Prince Lion Wipes Replacement Pillows Craigslist Lot ($200)
$15.00 Craigslist
Sustainablebabish Organic Bamboo Fitted Craigslist Lot ($200)
$50.00 Craigslist
Lovey Bums Diaper Cover Craigslist Lot ($200)
$38.00 Craigslist
Wooly Bottoms Diaper Cover Craigslist Lot ($200)
$23.00 Craigslist
Flip OS Diaper Cover Craigslist Lot ($200)
$13.95 Craigslist
Wee Huggers Diaper Cover Craigslist Lot ($200)
$18.95 Craigslist
Lovey Bums Diaper Cover Craigslist Lot ($200)
$36.00 Craigslist
Lovey Bums Diaper Cover Craigslist Lot ($200)
$22.00 Craigslist





Feeding



Nursing Cover Hooter Hiders Free $18.59 Gift
Gear



Bumbo Helps baby sit upright $1.95 $40.00 Goodwill
Pack N Play Portable sleep space/Play Yard Free $50.00 Freecycle
Pack N Play Fitted Sheet (1)
Free $6.00 Gift
Vulli Giraffe Teether
Free $18.06 Gift
Bouncy Seat
Free $28.79 Gift
3-1 Swing
$10.00 $60.00 Craigslist
Batteries and Charger
$40.00 $40.00 Amazon and Target
Toys Rattles, Teether $34.12 $34.12 Diapers.com
Infant Play Gym
$10.00 $60.00 Craigslist
Plan Wooden Toys 10 Wooden Toys and Instruments $35.00 $150.00





Sold



Sold 3 OS Little Comfort Bamboo Fitted (Diaperswappers)
-$28.31

Sold 3 Packs of Infant Socks (Craigslist)
-$5.00

Sold 2 G Diapers and Disposable Inserts (Craigslist)
-$35.00

Sold G Diapers Cloth Inserts (Craigslist)
-$20.00

Sold Kushies Small All in Ones (2) (Ebay)
-$19.27

Sold 4 Newborn Diaper Cover (Craigslist)
-$15.00

Sold Co-Sleeper (Craigslist)
-$20.00

Sold 3 Thirsties Covers (Craigslist)
-$24.00

Sold Stroller (Craigslist)
-$15.00

Sold 3 Thirsties Diaper Covers (Craigslist)
-$20.00

Sold 30 pieces of newborn clothing (Craigslist)
-$30.00

Sold 2 Newborn Swaddlebees (Diaperswappers)
-$25.00













$887.17 $3,080.53