Let us point you in the right direction! Check out our cost saving cloth diaper packages!!
http://www.buggiesandbabies.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=197
I recall when I began learning about cloth diapers it was overwhelming and very confusing understanding the different terms and the cloth diaper lingo. What was a pocket, an insert, and a prefold? How may did I need or how do I wash? What did I do with the really dirty diapers? These were just a few of the many, many questions I had when I was pregnant with my 2nd. I wish I had the local resources and support to understand all I needed to get started. Buggies and Babies offers each month two free Cloth Diaper 101 classes a month – we introduce all the different systems, ways to use, how to wash and maintain, and answer your questions as well as clear up any misconceptions you may have. We have attendees who are either new to cloth as well as experience cloth diapering families who come together to support and encourage our cloth diapering ways.
To help families get started with their cloth diapering journey Buggies and Babies has created several cloth diaper packages based on products that are not only great for your budget but also help to make cloth diapering easy! We have packages available for those starting out on baby’s first day or those who want to start with an older baby such as 3 months 1 year or even a toddler. At whichever stage you’re in and based on your budget we have a package for you!
Check out our packages here! Each package will save you 20% off plus the retail prices. We offer as a base prefolds and covers. Prefold diapers are a great choice for cloth diapering because as a 100% natural cotton they are safe against baby’s skin but are also very easy to maintain. I have some prefolds in my stash that are over 2 years with proper cleaning mine have absolutely no stains and are still just as soft and absorbent as they were from day 1. Our packages include covers (also known as wraps), which are used to go over the prefolds – to ensure a dry baby. At each diaper change if there is no stain to the cover or it still feels dry to the touch simply replace the prefold and reuse the same cover. This is why covers and prefolds are easy on the budget – you can reuse the same cover 2 to 3 times.
Additionally you’re able to add extra covers to each package as well as pocket diapers. We also feature an essential add on which includes “essentials” you really need for cloth diapering – cloth diaper safe detergent, cloth diaper safe diaper cream, a diaper pail liner, and a wet bag.
If you’re a local family please visit us during our Cloth Diapering 101 events. We’re happy to answer all your questions and help you feel comfortable with cloth diapering. Every staff member that works at Buggies and Babies cloth diapers so as moms we’re happy to share our experiences and assist you!
Here are several more tips I wish someone had shared with me when I started cloth diapering:
1) Make sure to put on the cloth diaper just right. Putting on a disposable diaper is much different than a cloth diaper. If the cloth diaper is not on right you will have leaking. Also the right fit will ensure the cloth diaper fits until toddler stage, whether you have a petite or above average size baby.
2) Sunning your diapers is the #1 best way to get rid of stains and smells. A clothes hanger rack can hold a load of diapers – just hang your just washed diapers on the rack or on your clothes line and let the UV rays from the sun do its job. Don’t have a yard? UV rays can go through most windows, place the rack along a window and watch the stains disappear.
3) You do not need a lot of cloth diapers – 24 to 30 total is a good amount. Any more you tend to wash less. Any less than you’ll be washing more frequently or need disposables to supplement.
4) Cloth diapering is not expensive. If you buy the right system from quality manufacturers you will not have to invest hundreds! You can cloth diaper full time with quality cloth products for under $200. Our packages are all under $200.
5) There are manufacturers that offer $5 cloth diapers – these can save you money. However many of our customers and friends who have bought these have had many problems with sewing quality, absorbency, and fit. They then have to return or sell then re-buy – at the end of the day they end up paying much more. Stick with vendors whose products are made in the USA or at USA based.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
My Economical Choice of cloth diapering!
I started cloth diapering when I had by 2nd daughter who was born September 2008. I had used many cloth diapering brands and systems with her. Overtime, I found that the most affordable for me were the prefolds and the covers. Fast forward three and half years later, now I have my third baby who I’m cloth diapering and am loving the prefolds and covers again. I was not sure about doing the prefolds at first so I did buy about a dozen XS Fuzzi Bunz which have been great! My son is about 10 pounds (or more) now at 4 weeks old and fits perfectly in the XS Fuzzi Bunz. (SIDE NOTE – my daughter fit in her size Small Fuzzi Bunz until she was 18 months.)
However, a dozen XS Fuzzi Bunz are not enough so I started on my prefolds when my lil guy was 2 weeks. We use the Bumkins Indian Unbleached Cotton Prefolds, which, of course, we carry at Buggies and Babies :) Why Indian Unbleached Cotton versus the other prefold type known as Chinese Unbleached cotton? Because they’re
- soft and very absorbent
- take less washing time to get soft and absorbent
- unbleached cotton because it retains much of their natural cotton and are softer and more durable than bleached prefolds
- bleached prefolds which are white tend to be less absorbent as the bleach weakens the fiber of the cotton
Keep in mind that to get the Indian Unbleached Prefolds ready for cloth diapering you do have to wash/dry the prefolds at least 3 – 5 times. I washed mine with each load of regular clothes laundry rather than washing alone and wasting all that water and energy. Also note that after the many washes and dries the prefolds will shrink to 95% of its original size. Thus, if you’re planning on folding your prefold like a diaper than the infant size is best for a newborn. I will post pics soon! My new camera is acting up on me!
My all time favorite cover is the Thirties Wrap. When I was diapering my daughter over 3 years ago Thirsties did not have the Duo Sizes. I thought the Duo Cover Size 1 would be too big for my newborn but it fits perfectly!
Anway, back to my point, how is this economical? Well in one day I am able to use one Duo Cover for the 10 – 12 changes we do in one day. Here is how the numbers break down:
One Thirsties Cover = $12.75
Two Packages of 6 Infant Size Prefolds is $13.95 x 2 = $27.90
So…for one day of diapering you could do it for only $40.65. If you wanted to have 3 days of worth of covers and prefolds you would be spending about $125. Wow, on a budget someone could spend only $125 for 1 year+ worth of cloth diapers?
Two Packages of 6 Infant Size Prefolds is $13.95 x 2 = $27.90
So…for one day of diapering you could do it for only $40.65. If you wanted to have 3 days of worth of covers and prefolds you would be spending about $125. Wow, on a budget someone could spend only $125 for 1 year+ worth of cloth diapers?
Compare this total to 1 box of disposables which at Costco are about $41 for only a 3 week supply or $710+ for a year supply – OUCH!! For me, switching to cloth was an environmental choice. Of course, I needed to be economical about it as well!! I also love how much cuter cloth diapers are than disposables.
If you do opt for disposables or prefer to do part time cloth then I highly recommend Seventh Generation Cloth Diapers. They do not have any of those artificial absorbent bubble or bead things in their diapers. (What are those things?) I haven’t done too much research on the Seventh Generation Brand but they do seem less harmful than other disposables. What are your thoughts on disposables? Does anyone recommend a particular brand for us parents who may need to do the occasional disposable?
Thursday, November 17, 2011
2011 Holiday Gift Ideas at Buggies and Babies!
Here are just a few Gift giving ideas that you can find at Buggies and Babies! You can always purchase gift certificates which help to make shopping quick and easy!
Personal gift ideas
• Happy Blankie "One to love, one to give." Happy Blankie are cute, animal print blankies and are perfect for little ones! They make fun comfort blankets especially for nap times! The Happy Blankie company was built on their foundation of gifting a blanket to a child in need for every blanket purchased. Not only is this a great way to help another little one but their blankets make wonderful gifts as each are really soft, comfy, and cute! Buggies and Babies will host a Happy Blankie event on Friday November 25, 2011 from 1 pm - 3 pm click here for more details about Happy Blankie
• Designs by Janessa Charm Prints – have your baby’s thumb or toe print engraved forever on a charm that you can gift to a family member or friend. The print kits are only $10 at Buggies and Babies then you forward the mold to Designs by Janessa, select your charm, and Janessa will mail your gift directly to you. Also the price of the kit will be taken off your final charm costs.
• Doodlebug Designs Ceramic plates – these plates will feature your lil one’s hands and/or feet on a plate. You choose the plate size, shape, color as well as the inscription on the plate. You can also include other siblings or your own hands and/or feet. For our Christmas in store event Sunday December 4th 12 – 2 PM Doodlebug Designs will also have holiday ornaments, mugs, picture frames to choose from. These make great personal, timeless keepsakes.
• Design Me Chalkboard Cross – these 8.5” x 11” wooden crosses are painted with Black chalkboard paint and include chalk which lets you or child write their own message on the cross. Great for Baby’s 1st Christmas or babies being born or baptized around the holiday time.
• Holiday photo shoot – our family does this every year. It’s a great time of the year to get our family together for a photography session. This year we did it outside my parent’s house in the pouring rain, it was beautiful but COLD! Also the professional pictures make great additions to your holiday greeting cards. We really suggest local photographers Photos by Leyna or Stills by Hill. We've worked with both companies and love their work! Book them soon!
Holiday Gift ideas
• Mud Pie Holiday Attire and accessories are always hit every Holiday season. Their adorable bloomers, tights, legwarmers are to DIE FOR! Also, for Boys the Santa Longalls, knit hats, knit booties, or holiday socks are cool and practical.
• Baby Legs leg warmers are great stocking stuffers and will come in handy during our cold nights. Buggies and Babies carries newborn sizes and one size fits most, which really do fit most (even past 5 years old!)
• Buggies and Babies features many custom made products of local vendors such as custom baby blankets, beanies, booties, hair accessories, and much more! Custom made gifts are always unique and thoughtful gifts
• Ju Ju Be wallets and accessories – such as the Be Quick, Mighty Be, Be Major, Be Light are smart practical bags that are not pricey but will make any Mom very pleased. The Be Quick can be used for light diaper bag essentials (wipes and a couple diapers) or for Moms own personal things (like how I use my Be Quick’s).
• Aden and Anais slumber packs or sleeping bags are a popular gift year round, so, of course you can’t go wrong with their products for Holiday gifts. The muslin weave of Aden and Anais products make their material breathable and provide just the right amount of warmth. If you opt for the Bamboo fabric you’ll get extra softness and comfort. The Aden and Anais cozy sleep sacks are great for bed time – with 4 layers of muslin babies will be sure to sleep soundly and warmly.
Buggies and Babies certainly hopes this guide helps you come up with great gift ideas. Our family, each year, creates a list of who we are giving gifts to, which is sorted by age. This helps me to know which stores I should check out and which gift ideas I can select from. Anything to minimize the time I spend in a busy mall is great for me!
The Otay Ranch Town Center in East Chula Vista will have great Black Friday specials. The mall is also not as crazy busy as other malls so come check us out!
Personal gift ideas
• Happy Blankie "One to love, one to give." Happy Blankie are cute, animal print blankies and are perfect for little ones! They make fun comfort blankets especially for nap times! The Happy Blankie company was built on their foundation of gifting a blanket to a child in need for every blanket purchased. Not only is this a great way to help another little one but their blankets make wonderful gifts as each are really soft, comfy, and cute! Buggies and Babies will host a Happy Blankie event on Friday November 25, 2011 from 1 pm - 3 pm click here for more details about Happy Blankie
• Designs by Janessa Charm Prints – have your baby’s thumb or toe print engraved forever on a charm that you can gift to a family member or friend. The print kits are only $10 at Buggies and Babies then you forward the mold to Designs by Janessa, select your charm, and Janessa will mail your gift directly to you. Also the price of the kit will be taken off your final charm costs.
• Doodlebug Designs Ceramic plates – these plates will feature your lil one’s hands and/or feet on a plate. You choose the plate size, shape, color as well as the inscription on the plate. You can also include other siblings or your own hands and/or feet. For our Christmas in store event Sunday December 4th 12 – 2 PM Doodlebug Designs will also have holiday ornaments, mugs, picture frames to choose from. These make great personal, timeless keepsakes.
• Design Me Chalkboard Cross – these 8.5” x 11” wooden crosses are painted with Black chalkboard paint and include chalk which lets you or child write their own message on the cross. Great for Baby’s 1st Christmas or babies being born or baptized around the holiday time.
• Holiday photo shoot – our family does this every year. It’s a great time of the year to get our family together for a photography session. This year we did it outside my parent’s house in the pouring rain, it was beautiful but COLD! Also the professional pictures make great additions to your holiday greeting cards. We really suggest local photographers Photos by Leyna or Stills by Hill. We've worked with both companies and love their work! Book them soon!
Holiday Gift ideas
• Mud Pie Holiday Attire and accessories are always hit every Holiday season. Their adorable bloomers, tights, legwarmers are to DIE FOR! Also, for Boys the Santa Longalls, knit hats, knit booties, or holiday socks are cool and practical.
• Baby Legs leg warmers are great stocking stuffers and will come in handy during our cold nights. Buggies and Babies carries newborn sizes and one size fits most, which really do fit most (even past 5 years old!)
• Buggies and Babies features many custom made products of local vendors such as custom baby blankets, beanies, booties, hair accessories, and much more! Custom made gifts are always unique and thoughtful gifts
• Ju Ju Be wallets and accessories – such as the Be Quick, Mighty Be, Be Major, Be Light are smart practical bags that are not pricey but will make any Mom very pleased. The Be Quick can be used for light diaper bag essentials (wipes and a couple diapers) or for Moms own personal things (like how I use my Be Quick’s).
• Aden and Anais slumber packs or sleeping bags are a popular gift year round, so, of course you can’t go wrong with their products for Holiday gifts. The muslin weave of Aden and Anais products make their material breathable and provide just the right amount of warmth. If you opt for the Bamboo fabric you’ll get extra softness and comfort. The Aden and Anais cozy sleep sacks are great for bed time – with 4 layers of muslin babies will be sure to sleep soundly and warmly.
Buggies and Babies certainly hopes this guide helps you come up with great gift ideas. Our family, each year, creates a list of who we are giving gifts to, which is sorted by age. This helps me to know which stores I should check out and which gift ideas I can select from. Anything to minimize the time I spend in a busy mall is great for me!
The Otay Ranch Town Center in East Chula Vista will have great Black Friday specials. The mall is also not as crazy busy as other malls so come check us out!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Happy Halloween! My DIY Costume!
This year, now that both our girls our older, we decided to do a theme for our Halloween costumes. In the past our girls were always princesses and my husband and I would put on whatever old clothes we can put together OR not dress up at all. This year we decided on the Toy Story theme – fun! We bought our girls’ costumes last month at a Halloween store. Our 5 year old will be Jessie and our 3 year old is Little Bo Beep – cute! Our girls opted for the female characters, so I do hope others will understand our theme since we don’t have a Woody or Buzz. Maybe we can find Woody and Buzz Light Year costumes for our dogs (although our Lab is a female – oh well!)
For hubby and me, we will be Mr and Mrs Potato Head. Since, I’m 5 months preggo being Mr and Mrs Potato Head seems much more comfortable than doing Ken and Barbie. Anyhow, to save money I decided to make our own costumes. I figured it couldn’t be too hard for me to sew the brown “potato” dress, and the cut outs could also easily be traced and copied. Well, here are the results – our costumes didn’t turn out to bad, right?? I’m excited I finished them – in one day too! It helped big time that my brother is a great artist who helped me trace out the face parts.
For hubby and me, we will be Mr and Mrs Potato Head. Since, I’m 5 months preggo being Mr and Mrs Potato Head seems much more comfortable than doing Ken and Barbie. Anyhow, to save money I decided to make our own costumes. I figured it couldn’t be too hard for me to sew the brown “potato” dress, and the cut outs could also easily be traced and copied. Well, here are the results – our costumes didn’t turn out to bad, right?? I’m excited I finished them – in one day too! It helped big time that my brother is a great artist who helped me trace out the face parts.
Here are the details of what I spent and used to make our costumes:
- 3 yards of brown cotton fabric (I know my dress is darker than the actual Potato Head characters but I liked this color of brown)
- ¼ to ½ yard each of the following felt colors: black, white, red, pink, and purple
- Total spent $24.04 at yardage town
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sign4Baby Classes hosted by Buggies and Babies
Buggies and Babies has had the honor of hosting Sign4Baby classes taught by certified Signing Time instructor, Ms Joann W. since January 2011. Since then, we've enjoyed one 6 week session after another! Sign4Baby is a all-around fun, educational, social, and energetic class. It's a great time to enjoy one-on-one time with your child plus you'll get to meet other families with their little ones. Sign4Baby is intended for babies 5 months to toddlers up to 20 months. This class is designed to build an early communication for your little one and will jump start their verbal skills as well. We offer this class every 6 weeks on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM in our store. For more info on our class visit our website events page under Categories or ask one of our associates whenever you come to visit us at the Otay Ranch Town Center.
Here's a great review from one of our families who has taken 2 session of the Sign4Baby class with us:
"My daughter and I started attending Joann's Sign4Baby classes at Buggies and Babies when she was 10 months old. I think registering for baby sign language class was one of the best decisions we have made. The weekly classes were so much fun, integrating play, song and learning to sign. My little one loved it, and would always get excited about going every week. During class it seemed as if her attention was focused on learning only part of the time, but when she hit 12 months old, the signs began to flow! She is quite a signing chatterbox! Everything from the usual 'more', 'all done', and 'milk' to fun signs including 'flower', 'monkey', 'butterfly', and 'apple'. One of her favorite activities is pointing to objects or pictures in books, signing the item and having me tell her the word and repeat the sign. She is such a fast learner, so it seems like she is learning a new sign everyday. It's amazing and very exciting watching her and being able to communicate. I am so grateful to Sign4Baby and Buggies and Babies for making this available to our community."
Thursday, January 6, 2011
ERGObaby Carrier Giveaway
We are starting off the new year with an ERGObaby Carrier!! ERGObaby carriers are one of the best carriers available! Buggies and Babies loves the ERGObaby for it's ease of use, comfort, and safety. You will truly save your back and your arms. My mom has used our ERGO to carry our lil one and she was even surprised how simple and safe it was. We can't tell everyone enough how much an ERGO is worth it but hopefully this contest will help spread the word :)
Contest details:
Earn 5 entries for every $25 spent
Earn 1 entry for each of the following:
Join our Facebook page
Follow us on Twitter
Join our Mailing List
Refer a friend to our Facebook page, Twitter account, or Mailing List
When you or friend join any of our social media accounts make sure to comment "I'm entering to win the ERGO" - it'll serve as a reminder for us :)
WE will select one entry on January 17, 2011 Monday. The winner will be notified and will have their choice of a Cranberry, Camel, or Black ERGObaby carrier. If you're not local, we will ship the carrier to you.
Contest ends Sunday January 16 2011 at midnight.
Good luck everyone!!
Contest details:
Earn 5 entries for every $25 spent
Earn 1 entry for each of the following:
Join our Facebook page
Follow us on Twitter
Join our Mailing List
Refer a friend to our Facebook page, Twitter account, or Mailing List
When you or friend join any of our social media accounts make sure to comment "I'm entering to win the ERGO" - it'll serve as a reminder for us :)
WE will select one entry on January 17, 2011 Monday. The winner will be notified and will have their choice of a Cranberry, Camel, or Black ERGObaby carrier. If you're not local, we will ship the carrier to you.
Contest ends Sunday January 16 2011 at midnight.
Good luck everyone!!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Buggies and Babies Birthday!
One year ago this same time, we added a new addition to our family! Our store, Buggies and Babies, was born! Well, a year ago we were known as San Diego Baby Gear Exchange. Just a quick story on our name - we wanted something fun and catchy, but just like when you name your child...it's hard! We went with a web friendly, searchable name and that's how we came up with our former name. However, I wasn't pleased with the name but we had to come up with something fast. A few months later, I thought of our current name but we weren't a 100% sure. Anyhow, we asked our close friend and family and our oldest daughter what they thought. They all voted on Buggies and Babies and so when we moved to our new location this past February we decided it was the right time to make the change.
So, now, a year later our store is triple the size (our 1st space was really small! some of you know!) We carry many more great products and essentials. We are growing slowly for surely and hope we can continue to grow and expand. We love being a part of this community and offering our resources, producs, and experiences with our customers.
If you haven't done so already, please join our mailing list for updates of our products, new products, and upcoming promiations. This month we have a great speical going on in honor our Buggies and Babies 1st birthday!
So, now, a year later our store is triple the size (our 1st space was really small! some of you know!) We carry many more great products and essentials. We are growing slowly for surely and hope we can continue to grow and expand. We love being a part of this community and offering our resources, producs, and experiences with our customers.
If you haven't done so already, please join our mailing list for updates of our products, new products, and upcoming promiations. This month we have a great speical going on in honor our Buggies and Babies 1st birthday!
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