Fifteen months later, things have changed.  Previously top-performing diapers are leaking;  PUL is getting thin and worn; Velcro just doesn’t hold on any more.

In other words, it’s time for a few new [...]]]> When I first started cloth diapering, it was simple.  My all-in-one’s rarely leaked; everything fit well and my stash was performing at its peak.

Fifteen months later, things have changed.  Previously top-performing diapers are leaking;  PUL is getting thin and worn; Velcro just doesn’t hold on any more.

In other words, it’s time for a few new diapers.

When Diapers Etc. offered to let me try a diaper from their extensive selection, I eagerly agreed to try the GroBaby – a diaper I’d been coveting since I reviewed the Dream-Eze diaper from the same company.

If I could do it all over again, I’d load my stash with more GroBabies, that’s for sure.

Things I loved about the GroBaby:

• The color.  I’m not going to lie.  All of the available color options are adorable – bright, modern, very cute.
• The fit.  I love the high leg openings and narrow butt.
• The hook and loop closure isn’t restricted to a strip on the front – it’s the entire front of the diaper.  Much easier to hit your mark when you’ve got a writhing, strong 15 month old bucking bronco on the changing table.
• The snap system that makes them one-size – save $$!
• The shell is reusable so you can pull out the soaker and put a new one in (or use a prefold like I do).

I didn’t like:

• Even with the extra soaker, the GroBaby didn’t last all night for us like my BGs do.  But, she’s a much heavier wetter than she was 9 months ago, so I forgive them.
• They’re a little pricey.  At $25 for one diaper, that can add up – but they’re organic and one-size, two factors that increase the price of any diaper.

GroBaby diapers are available at Diapers Etc. – an online retailer of all things eco-baby.  They carry cloth diapers and accessories, BPA free bottles and feeding gear, cups and pacifiers.  Lots of great stuff at reasonable prices.  A one-stop cloth diapering spot, for sure.

Free stuff alert!

Diapers Etc. are offering one lucky reader a GroBaby diaper in your choice of color – a $25 value!   To enter, you must

• Visit Diapers Etc. and sign up for their email newsletter (scroll down on the lower right of the homepage)

For additional entries:

• Visit Diapers Etc. and tell us your favorite product on the site.
• Comment with which color you’d choose – Kiwi, Mandarin or Blackberry.
• Tweet, blog or update your Facebook status about this giveaway. Comment to let us know with a link.

A total of three entries are possible. One winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents only. Contest is open until March 18, 2010 at 12 p.m. Eastern.

As a result, we’re knee deep in sippy [...]]]> My son now nurses three times a day. The last time is pretty much a comfort thing. What does all this mean? He’s finally getting most of his liquid nourishment from sources other than my boobs. (I say finally cause he’s 16 months old.)

As a result, we’re knee deep in sippy cups around here.  Both my kids have always preferred straw cups and have never quite figured out the regular spout kind.  I use two brands that both have various straw pieces that are seriously the bane of my existence right now.  (Sippy straw cup review to come, trust me.)

Between trying to keep the straws from melting in my dish washer and trying not to lose the multitude of tedious little pieces, I’ve started to wonder why I was glad to cut down on nursing.  My boobs don’t have any interchangeable parts and I don’t have to worry about cleaning them.

Sippy Straw Cleaner sent us one of their nifty sets of cleaners last month and they’ve been a lifesaver.  When I remember to do it, I can quickly clean the straws in the sink.  That way I avoid trying to use the dishwasher with the small parts, which actually doesn’t work all that well anyway.

This is a no-frills product.  It’s basically just a nice little pipe cleaner type device that bends a little and works great with both varieties of straw cups I own.  If you’re using disposable straws, get reusable straws and get to cleaning them with this handle and super inexpensive little tool.  Dudes it costs less than a latte, so get on it.

Free Stuff Alert

Win a Sippy Straw Cleaner of your very own. For a chance to win, you can do one or all or as many as you’d like of the following. Remember to leave an individual comment for each:

1. Visiting the Sippy Straw Cleaner site and tell us something you learned.
2. Follow Sippy Straw Cleaner on Twitter. sippystrawclean) and tweet to friends regarding the
   product.
3. Join the Sippy Straw Facebook Fan Page.
4. Blog, tweet or update your Facebook status about this giveaway.

A total of two entries are possible. One winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents only. Contest is open until March 17, 2010 at 12 p.m. Eastern.

As I’ve written before, I’m a huge fan of soft-soled [...]]]> Remember Nowali Moccasins?  Turns out they’re still being made.  Apparently they’ve pretty much stayed the same since they started out in Sweden in 1950.  A couple of months ago, Nowali sent us a pair of Moccasins in the “Frogs” print for my 15-month-old to try out.

As I’ve written before, I’m a huge fan of soft-soled shoes.  My son has been walking (and now running) since he was eleven months old.  But I still like putting him in soft-soled shoes, especially when we’re inside or out somewhere where he’s going to be in my arms or in a stroller.

The Nowali Moccasins fit him perfectly from the moment I slipped them on.  (We went with the 18M size.)

• Because they’re basically big socks attached to a soft suede sole, they slip on as easily as socks do.
• My son has played in them for hours and has only been able to get them off once, and that took quite a bit of effort.
• The fabric is soft and stretchy, conforming to his pudgy little legs without constricting or leaving marks.
• You can machine wash them!  I love this, because I don’t use these as outdoors shoes but that hasn’t stopped my son from running out the back door and right into a puddle.

Sometimes I pull the sock portion up over his soft pants. If he’s in baby jeans, I pull the sock up underneath.  I LOVE the bright colors.  They seem to match every single outfit I put him in.  (If you’re not a fan of bold colors and stripes, I’d check out a different pattern.)

While the weather is still cool, I’d highly recommend these for little walkers on tile or wood floors.  We use soft-soled shoes and regular shoes and socks, but nothing keeps my son’s feet as warm as the Nowali Moccasins.

At $26 or so, they’re a little pricey for shoes you’ll probably only wear indoors.  However, the machine-washable part makes them reasonable for me, especially if your house is consistently a little chilly in the mornings and evenings and your toddler can’t keep regular socks on.  Our affiliate Amazon.com currently has a bunch of Nowali Moccasins and a few are eligible for Free Super Saver shipping.

Free Stuff Alert

Want to win a pair of Nowali Moccasins?  To enter you MUST:

• Leave a comment here telling us which kind of Nowali Moccasins you love the most.

For extra, optional entries:

• Tell us what YOU wear around the house (on your feet) when it’s cold outside.
• Follow YourMamaReviews on Twitter.  Comment to let us know that you did or already do.
• Tweet, blog or Facebook about this giveaway.  Comment with a link.

A total of two entries are possible. One winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents only. Contest is open until March 9, 2010 at 12 p.m. Eastern.

I’m usually not into super folky/crafty stuff on Etsy.  But Jamie’s store, A [...]]]> I actually bought some of these (a set with birds) last Christmas but I gave them all away.  So technically I’ve used them but I totally want more because I am REALLY BAD at wrapping gifts and these tags make everything look awesomer.

I’m usually not into super folky/crafty stuff on Etsy.  But Jamie’s store, A Forest Frolic, has a wonderful indie sensibility.  Her items are handmade but they don’t look like something on your Grandma’s Christmas tree or like something your preschooler came home with.

Try using these stylish gift tags on a plain brown package or tied to a little “thinking of you” gift or a bottle of wine.  Instant awesomeness!  I’m serious.

Follow Jamie on Twitter and tell her how pretty her stuff is.  You can buy these gift tags and much more at A Forest Frolic on Etsy.