Potty training on the go

Declan had to pee. Port-a-potty was nasty. I tried to get him to pee on the tree. He tells me no Mommy trees are for hugging.

Bummis Trainer Review

I almost feel like it's not even worth it to review this trainer. My favorite diaper brands failed me with their trainers. I loved the Bummis whisper wrap. I had 10 I used of my fitted/hemp diapers. I gave them to a woman with 3 boys with confidence she'd live them just as much as I did.  The trainer got a big  F.

First they used the same material as the whisper wrap. Declan screamed at me that this is a diaper and he will pee in it.  He did. Declan wet this trainer. The lining looks like they tried to make it absorbent. Again they failed. The pee wicked off the lining and absorbed right into Declan's shorts.

Second they are huge!!! The leg and the waist seemed OK but the overall size I think I could have worn. I have a lot of trouble getting clothes over them and they cover his belly button. No clue why Bummis would waist their time making this product. They are an awesome wrap company not a cloth diaper company. They should stick to making fabulous wraps and trash this idea all together.

No recommendation here for the Bummis trainers. Total CRAP!

Super Undies trainers review part two

I decided to go with action shots. If your trainee is anything like mine running is his first choice of transportation. These are the pull up version. They are bigger that the pocket sized and not adjustable. Declan had a hard time playing in them. He did a lot of grabbing his duff while running and the brothers and sisters kept helping him pull them up. I don't think it was the waist so much as it was the heaviness of the soaker area. This trainers can absorb pee. I like that that they absorb, I don't like that they fall off. Especially today when Declan hid in the play room and pooped in them. They fell down a bit and when I went to take them off the smooth material allowed the poop the fall right on to my floor. It was awful.

The good news is Declan hardly ever has an accident at preschool. He is able to pull them up and down. I completely forgot I put them on him today. They are really puffy under his clothes. I thought maybe he had an accident and had the Happy Heiny trainers on. I don't think this would be a top choice of trainer in our house.

Super Undies Trainers Review

Very excited to get the Super Undies for review. Before I received them I was told Earthy Crunchy Mama's boys loved them and wanted to keep them. The funny thing is when I pulled them out of the package Declan jumped up and down. My new ones Mom!!!! Followed by running through the house hugging them.

My first impression was this is a unique trainer. It's not made of terry and PUL like the other trainers. It looks and feels like nylon. The elastic around the legs are not covered by fabric. They come in two styles. Big boy undie look a likes and pocket style with the snaps on the back.

The style with snaps and pocket I was excited to try. I keep thinking I'll like pocket trainers since I love my pocket diapers. This trainer after closer inspection doesn't need a liner unlike Happy Heinys that doesn't work with out one. Super Undies inside lining has a thin built in liner.

This is the only real benefit to the pocket. I have a toddler and my only liners are Flip and Joey Bunz. Joey Bunz are thinner and are way too big for the pocket.

We tried the pocket style today at school. When you see the pocket trainer you think the snaps go in the back. The tag and the shape giving you that feeling. It's pretty darn hard to put them on like a diaper when they snap in the back. My thought is maybe this was because they should be pulled on like undies. As you can see once they are on they look weird.

Preschool I think is a little smarter than me. They turned the Super Undies around. The looked normal and fit better. They are gave me a thumbs up for easy use. Declan didn't have an accident so I have no idea how absorbent they are. I can tell you they pill after one wash.

I'll try the Big boy Super undie style tomorrow. Not that I want Declan to have an accident but will share if he does for a better review of these trainers.

Happy Heinys Trainer Review

I love Happy Heinys cloth diapers. Hands down they were my favorite since day one. When I got a chance to review their trainers I was over excited.
Then I got them. They had the tiniest little leg holes
:-( The felt really plastic and I couldn't image my beloved making this product. The pocket in them fit my Joey bunz. Potential is there
They work awesome with a liner. Without a linners not so good. The don't leak at all. However with out a liner they pour the water out.  Nothing about them absorbed any liquid. Another great for night trainer too diaper like for daylight.  Declan loves them. He calls them his turkey butt. This kid cracks me up. School will use they without an a vote either way. Would I recommend them. No, I'm sorry Happy Heinys you disappointed me with your trainers.

Eco Posh and Mother-ease Trainer Review Updates

Eco posh update. Preschool loves them. They are easy to pull up and down. They don't leak every. The drying issues I have from them being so thick are solved by drying them with my towels. The best part is Sonny who occasionally has a night time accident had one while using his and it didn't leak all over the bed. Yay! Eco Posh.

Mother-ease I now understand why preschool is not a fan. We wore them to the park. At the park Declan wet them. He pulled them down and yelled I'm pooping. He wasn't but was really wet. When I pulled them off it was like ringing a sponge all over my pants. I think we will pass on these as the going out trainer. This really bums me out since the only mildly good baby store in the area only carries Mother-ease and Little Beetle. Ugh!

Eco Posh Trainers

These trainers hands down are the ones I am most eager to try. Earthy Crunchy Mama I think is the same way.

I got these in the mail late last week. To prep these honeys they recommend you wash them five times. I know your thinking ahhh hemp you have to be kidding me. No these are a bamboo and recycled water bottle blend. I know what the heck. I need stock in this company. This is the most Eco friendly trainer I have yet to use.

They are close to the softest fabric I have felt. I want under ware for me. The only super funky part I had trouble stomaching is the inside liner is brown. I can't find them on line except carried in stores already. I was told they are the same company who makes my beloved Joeybunz. They run about $15 a pair. I am fortunate in receiving two. A medium on Declan who is 30 pounds and a large on Sonny who is just shy of 40 pounds. Both boys have some room.

Declan after our photo shoot took a nap. Three hours. Touching the outside of the trainer it was dry. Inspecting this lining it was soaked. Pulling the trainer off of him nothing dripped on me. Pretty cool.

Sonny I let run wild in his. He climbed trees and rolled in the grass and gave them an awesome durability test. They got dirty but did not snag, pill, ride up or sag. Sonny is potty trained more or less. Has an accident once in a long while if he doesn't go potty before bed. He pulled these up and down like a champ. No trouble at all.

Once Preschool tells me there option of these awesome trainers I will let you know. Think Monday night early Tuesday. I am dying to see how they like them. Yes both boys will be wearing them.

Trainer Reviews Recap, The Cause, and a random gift of Love

Some of my readers may have noticed my blog posts are not coming nearly as often. There are a few things going on that I can point at to blame. One is not fun. I went back to work after 10 weeks off. Two a little more fun.... I am the ultimate Soccer Mom. OK may not ultimate but I have three kids playing this year and me time will be stretched. One of the three has decided she's also going to ref. I think a data card may be in my future to keep up with all I want to share with you. Third. my next review required a lot of prepping and my informant at preschool took vacation. With that said one to more cool things.

Cole and the Crooked Flower is at 42% of there goal of $6500 to be able to self publish a book where every dime goes back to learn more about  Infantile Progressive Scoliosis. This is an amazing cause for a disease that has a cure already and not enough doctors know what to do. Take a look a the closest child to you and imagine them deformed for life when they could have been cured . One dollar helps or even one tweet or Facebook post. Every little bit helps.

I am here to tell those of you who are helping a little everyday thank you! with a random gift of love. If your an Earthy Crunchy Mama fan or a Blended Family of 5 fan all you have to do is express you want to be in this drawing. I will pull a name using random.org Sunday evening 8:59 PM PST and you can choose a trainer I have reviewed this far or a cloth diaper in Earthy Crunchy Mama's store. Or something more grown up like a $15 Starbucks gift card. I just want to say THANK YOU!!! Your help is invaluable.


Here is the trainer review Recap in my current order of favorites and a brief explanation.

Imse Vimse. Nothing water proof included however it doesn't leak easy. It's easy to pull up and down, fits trim,  allows baby to feel the wetness and it's also Preschools favorite.

Kushies training pants. Yes they are puffy. They hold so much pee you wont have to change baby's clothes. I have used these through three boys. They are economical. Preschool gives me a thumbs up. Easy to pull up and down .

KaWaii Baby Training Pant. Economical, puffy but work under clothes, absorbent, prints are a little dated and cut is confusing. No leaks yet. Preschool hasn't complained once.

Charlie Banana training pants. Trim fit. Not very absorbent. Super soft. Preschool is not a huge fan but will use them if the other choices are worse.

Blueberry trainers will catch an accident and then create a mess. I'm getting a 50/50 feeling from preschool with these. I like them at home because Declan knows he's wet. Very cute.

Mother-ease training pants. They probably make an awesome diaper. These trainers would make an awesome diaper. They are huge and super puffy, they are absorbent like no other and preschool hates them.

Little Beetle Learners to me are a waste of money. They look like a diaper with snaps on he sides, never catch an accident and are really expensive. Two thumbs down from me and preschool.

One last bit of info for you.

• Earthy Crunchy Mama has a $100 gift card giveaway around Cole and the Crooked Flower. Donations at certain amounts will get you a copy of the book.
• Special LIMITED Offer!: Magnolia Organics Has heard about or project to raise funds for Progressive Infantile Scoliosis and has VERY GENEROUSLY donated 10 organic cotton swaddle blankets (36 x 36 inches) to the first 10 Earthy Crunchy Mamas who donate $15+ to the cause!
• Marysa Jane Pencil Pouches purchased will contribute 100% earning to Cole and the Crooked Flower. Free shipping. Can be pre-ordered through PayPal sonnys.mom@gmail.com let me know what print you like. They are $8.00 Will post prints today 8/6.
• If there is something you would like reviewed and giveaway sponsoring Cole and the Crooked Flower please let me know.
• Looking for women who will review Mom cloths for me. I will supply. Just email me. Thanks!
• Barefoot Books sales go back to Cole and the Crooked flower when bought through this link.

KaWaii Baby Training Pant Review- First Impression

 First impression here is the outside looks like a camo running suit material. The inside is really soft. It washed beautifully. Going into the wash was the same as coming out. Always one of my favorite features when they don't change.

Declan is wearing them at preschool today. His teacher was really excited about this trainer. She likes the big puffy ones. She says he's funny and likes to dance in them. I am actually very excited about these as well but not for the funny dancing. I seem to have better luck with the absorbency with the puffy trainers.

This Declan barely aware in the KaWaii trainer. I think they may be on backwards, I'm not sure because there is no tag on them.

I like the way they fit under his shorts. The puffiness I can't even see. I am excited to see how well or not they work at preschool today.

I got these trainers from Sandbox Lane. I have never heard of this brand before. The story behind this company I found on their Facebook page. It  seems that the person who created them was concerned with what disposable diapers where doing to both earth and babies. They wanted a diaper that was economical with purpose. These trainers and even the cloth diapers are by far the least expensive I have seen. I hope they work out because they would be a good alternative for frugal living parents to help raise their children.

****Preschools impression.

Declan's teacher said he refused to pee today. That his trainers were dry. The funny thing about these trainers is they are so incredibly absorbent Declan can't tell he's wet and you can't really tell unless you press your fingers into the fabric. We went to the pool after I picked him up from school and I still wasn't convinced they were wet even after pressing my fingers in them until we were done swimming and I could smell the urine.

Today at home we tried them again. He has no problems wetting his pants at home. In fact it very rare he will sit on the potty for me. It was this way with all my kids actually. Preschool is usually the first place children learn when Mom works. I think this for two reasons. First other kids are usually training at the same time and that encourages the child. Second they see Mommy as a place to be themselves, were they can pee freely. It's doesn't last forever so keep taking your little one to the potty and give lots of hugs and kisses for trying when they do. Back to the original thought. Declan went pee-pee in his trainer. He did not feel it. So when I grabbed his cute little puffy butt and it felt like it was cold liquid I offered to change him. My head strong toddler did not want to change he likes this one. After I pulled them off and chased him down finally getting in to a diaper he found his sisters flip flop and beamed me in the head. I've learned in the beginning when your little one starts to get stressed from being asked to go potty over and over it's important to give them a break. To me a break means a few hours back in the familiar diaper.

As far as how I would rate this diaper. I like it. I think it's good for long outings, nap and over night so they still know they are wearing big kid undies. I would probably want two of them since I do laundry everyday. I would turn them inside out to wash and dry because of their thickness. I got mine for just over $10 at Sandbox Lane. They are a good value to me. The pints however seem really old school and did not thrill me.



Enter this Giveback/Giveaway for a chance to win this trainer in one of our random drawings. Ends 10/17/11

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Kushies Trainers Review

I am not new to Kushies. I used them to train Joey and Sonny. Back when, it was Kushies or Gerber. I really wanted my last potty learning adventure to be new. Declan is my last baby and a Mom of five this is hard to come to grips with.

Joey called him his exploding pants. At the time I thought it was funny. In truth these trainers hold urine like no other. Joey and Sonny both are heavy wetters. However they are very puffy. They do leak if the urine is held in there for too long. I'm pretty quick about changing my guys.

This photo as gross as it may be is Declan's preschool teacher and I trying to capture just how much liquid these trainers hold. It was like a water ballon.

Declan's teacher has been a wealth of information with these reviews. She gets excited however when I bring the Kushies. I have been using both the Kushies I used on my older sons and the new pretty blue featured up top with Declan. They are easy to pull on and off but sound like a bride's maid dress. They don't always fit in pants with out the puffy coming out the top.

I'm kind of choosing not to give you too much about these trainers until I've met them all. I will let you know they are about $10 each and work well at naps and overnight.

Imse Vimse Trainer Review

Imse Vimse is a Swedish trainer. At first look  I noticed the giraffes. Again I can't wait to show Declan my little giraffe lover. The outside of the trainer the fabric is very soft. The inside feels like a rough washcloth. I am hoping after the first wash it will soften up. Declan being light is prone to rashes.

***

The inside becomes equally as soft. However it shrank.

I'm having a lot of trouble trying to get Declan to try these trainers on. Again I think it's because they are not colorful even with the cute giraffes on them. Sonny my four year old agreed to show you what they looked like for a hand full of mini marshmallows. Sonny is 35 pounds and thin. I will have to sent these trainers to preschool and see if they can try them on Declan.

****Preschool actually was very impressed. Declan's teacher was nervous because it doesn't feel like it's waterproof. In fact handling them you would never know there is a layer of PUL inside. She told me Declan did great in these. They were easy to get up and down. When he did have an accident the short he was wearing only got a little wet on the area where the outer edge of the trainer rests of his little duff. She then showed me that the trainer was super soaked and may not have leaked at all had he not gone so much. This all was a pleasant surprise to me since I was worried about the shrinkage from the wash. I'll use this one a few more times and give you my final impression.



Enter this Giveback/Giveaway for a chance to win this trainer in one of our random drawings. Ends 10/17/11

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Blueberry Trainers at Preschool Review

This review made me kind of sad. If you remember from my earlier post I love these trainers. Preschool does not. They told me Declan did great all day. Woke up dry at nap and then gave them the look, a croaked smile and said I'm pooping. The teacher said from across the room she saw Declan's pants inflate like a ballon. She took him in the restroom and when pulling his pants and the Blueberry trainer came off of him was like ringing a sponge.

So kind of joking I said. "So these didn't pass the preschool test?" With a reply of Please don't bring them back. I still love the prints and how they worked for us at home. I may just end up buy a few more for when he's less of a wetter and more of a mid trainee.

Blueberry training pants

No wash

Can you say Cute! These by far are the cutest trainers I have seen. Declan chose the print. He's a huge giraffe lover.  They are so soft. The outside feels and looks like underwear, and the inside you can feel is using a waterproof barrier under the thin padding a velor cotton blend lining.  The idea of these trainers is a good one. They are designed to let the toddler feel more grown up wearing undies while giving you the protection for accidents during the day. They do not have a cloth diaper feel to them at all. They are not recommended for naps or over night.

First Wash. Just as soft. Same shape. Declan loves it!

So far I love these. They did not leak or soak through when Declan had an accident. However Declan could feel it and asked to have his undies changed. This is just what I'm looking for. Cuteness One star. Easy to pull up and down One star. Doesn't leak. One star. Washes well. One star. I can't wait to send them to preschool to see if they pass the test there as well.

                                                            



Enter this Giveback/Giveaway for a chance to win this trainer in one of our random drawings. Ends 10/17/11

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Little Beetle Learner Review First Impression

Little Beetle Learner (Organic Cotton Velour Training Pant)

These are Better For Babies, Inc early potty learning training pants. The concept behind this trainer is incredibly appealing to me. They use two layers of  fair trade organic velour cotton, with a third layer tucked into the wet zone no PUL or other waterproofing layer. I search for fair trade and local made products in general to reduce my carbon footprint. However the no PUL does worry me a bit. I'm nervous about the absence of the waterproof layer on a early trainee.

My first impression of the actual trainer in my hand is not the best. They are a very thick trainer, they look like a fancy dress and I am not excited about the snaps on the sides and their placement so close to the edge of the fabric. I may have an irregular one??? I washed the trainer in Eco Sprout detergent that is safe for cloth diapers, free from dyes, brighteners, enzymes, phosphates, & is SLS free. The velour pilled just a little bit. Keep in mind this is my first impression and I have yet to give it a fair chance.

Declan's first impression was excited it was yellow his favorite color. He chose this trainer above the others to try first.` It even was tried on his favorite bunny. He however did call it a diaper and argued that this is not big boy undies.

The Little Beetle purchased is size Medium. 2/3 years 24 - 35+. They seem to run small. I think I should have got a large for my 30 pound 2 1/2 year old. It was hard for me to pull up and down and Declan was not able to at all. As you can see Declan's tummy protruded over the front of them.

Declan did pee in them as I expected. The pee came right through on to his pants and on to the ground. What I wasn't expecting while I was taking these photos Declan went into our bathroom and pooped.  Sonny our four year old came running out saying poop was on Declan's fingers. I walked in the bathroom to look in the potty and stepped in his poop that was on our bathmat. After cleaning his hands and my foot Declan sat on the potty, tooted and peed just alittle more. He got a big hug and a bath.

I'm not sure if you can tell from the photo of the open trainer but the back snaps on the right are a smaller cut than the ones on the right. This make me really think I got on irregular one now. I wonder if the store I got them at will take them back after they have been used.?

Enter this Giveback/Giveaway for a chance to win this trainer in one of our random drawings. Ends 10/17/11

Blended Family of 5: Earthy Cruchy Mama Giveback #Giveaway #ErgoBaby