Best Bottom Cloth Diaper System- New!

Best Bottom cloth diapers are made from some of the best quality PUL I've seen. All Made in the USA too.

The cover is one size fitting from about 7lbs to 35 lbs. The bulk is mitigated with 3 different size inserts to take you from newborn to potty training.

I'd recommend 3 inserts for every 1 cover- so that's 2-3 diaper changes!

Now available to try in our cloth diaper newborn & 15+ lbs rental kits. 

For Best Bottom snap-in inserts, my personal preference is the organic cotton & hemp; however, if you prefer faster drying and aren't as concerned about having natural fibers next to baby's skin the stay dry inserts might be the best for you. You can always try a few and each and then stock up on your faves.

I especially love the gussets on the legs for newborns but really they're nice to have until solid food or even potty training!

Wondering where to buy Best Bottom Diapers? Best Bottom Cloth Diapers are now available at Abby Sprouts' Store in Victoria, BC, Canada or you can order online from our website.

Cute Newborn Cloth Diapers on the Cheap

Cloth Diapering a Newborn is really the best way to go because cloth diapering parents report far less blowouts than disposable diapering parents- who wants to clean liquid poop up at 4am? Of course, cloth diapers are better for the environment, baby's health and your wallet. 

Buying newborn cloth diapers at $20 or $25 each can add up quickly. 24 diapers * $20 = $480. Seems expensive but in the long run you'd still be coming out ahead of disposables when cloth diapering with a 2 size system for over 2 years for cost + health + the environment.

However, there's a way to do newborn cloth diapering less expensively and just as effective. 

Bummis recently came out with the ever popular Newborn pack- it's popular for a reason!

The Bummis Newborn Pack includes: 2 Super Brite Covers with leg gussets + 12 Organic Cotton Prefold Diapers (A Newborn Pack costs $43.95 and 2 packs will be all you need to get into one size diapers).

Another option- Rent your newborn diapers!

Right now, I'm working on putting together a Newborn Rental Kit- which I'm loving because it's like building my own ideal newborn stash without the labour or c-section!

The basics: 

I want to have 24 diapers or more to allow for less laundry 

A few different styles so families can get an idea of what works best for them

So far, my ideal newborn stash aka the rental will be:

A couple All in one cloth diapers for the diaper bag/grandma/sleepless nights

2 AMP All in one diapers for ease of use and good fit 

(I describe these as a cloth version of a disposable)

1 Tots Bots Tini Fit  (5-12 lbs)

Now some fitteds:

2 AMP Small Hemp Fitteds

1 Bamboozle (Size 1 6-18 lbs) Fitted Diaper 

Diaper Covers for the fitted cloth diapers:

1 Super Brite Size Small Diaper Cover

1 Super Whisper Wrap Diaper Cover Size Small

1 Super Snap (basically a 'Super Whisper Wrap' with snaps)

A Bummis Newborn pack:

12- Organic Cotton Prefolds (fit 4-9 lbs)

2- Super Brite Diaper Covers Newborn Size

Pocket Diapers:

3- AMP Small Duo Cloth Diapers

2- Fuzzibunz Perfect Fit Pocket Diaper Size Small

1- AMP All in 2 Cloth Diaper Cover

3- Bamboo Inserts (For use with AMP Duo diapers or All in 2)

4- Two Layer Hemp Inserts (For use with AMP Duo diapers or All in 2)

One-Size Diapers:

1- AMP One-Size Duo Cloth Diaper

1- Tots Bots Easy Fit All in one(8-35 lbs)

1- Fuzzibunz One-Size (8-35 lbs)

Essentials:

FuzziBunz Hanging Diaper Pail (for storing soiled diapers)

Bummis Medium Wet Bag (for storing soiled diapers out and about)

The cost will be about $19/week with a deposit refunded upon return of diapers.

Guest Post: Getting a Cloth Diaper Subsidy going in Victoria, BC

Hello Everyone!   My name is Rachel Aube and I am a local Victoria mom who, like yourself, wants to see a cloth diaper subsidy in place for the CRD. I am hoping to gain the support of local businesses, cloth diaper advocates and families who would benefit from the economic and eco-friendly choice of cloth, and at the same time spread the word about how cloth is better for babies.  Abby Sprouts was one of the first businesses I thought to reach out to, as I know how active Steph is in the Victoria cloth diaper community. We also have the support of the Real Diaper Association and the Real Diaper Industry Association, two very important and established cloth diaper organizations. This lends us a bit of weight when we go to the CRD with our proposal, and we have the entire cloth diaper industry behind us, as well as our local advocates and businesses. It is also one of my goals to ‘roadmap’ our process so others can use our example in their regions to advocate for their own local incentives. We have some very important events happening this weekend, and the opportunity to get the word out about our desire for a subsidy. Thanks to collaboration with City Councilor Philippe Lucas, Victoria City Council has declared April 23rd as Cloth Diaper Day in Victoria, BC. This also coincides with The Great Cloth Diaper Change (Join the facebook event for updates please) Steph is hosting at the Oaklands Community Center. I have already written a press release, and we can use these events, as well as a newly created Facebook page ‘Cloth Diaper Subsidy in Victoria BC’, to get local support for our cause. Here is the basic plan 1) Encourage participation in the Great Cloth Diaper Change locally in Victoria BC. 2) Press release for ‘Cloth Diaper Day’ in Victoria BC advocating for a subsidy 3) Start a petition campaign to advocate for a cloth diaper subsidy in the CRD and promote our Facebook Page ‘Cloth Diaper Subsidy in Victoria BC’. 4) Have a town hall meeting early this summer to collectivize our efforts and lobby the CRD 5) Contact CRD Environment Committee, Heartland Landfill, Solid Waste Reduction Committee and present our plan for a cloth diaper subsidy. There are a variety of subsidies out there, and I have done extensive research on where and which types of subsidies are available. This is important to cite examples of how subsidies are being utilized when we develop our plan. Ideally, the subsidy would be a cash rebate like in most other regions, where you would have to submit the receipts to the CRD for reimbursement. Perhaps the most important part of our plan includes the stipulation that the subsidy is only available if the diapers are purchased in the CRD, thus supporting our local businesses. This is also a great way to ensure that we reduce our carbon footprint and protect baby from potentially unsafe diapers by ordering from overseas or from unknown on-line sources. Although a significant amount of research and preparation has been completed, we need everyone’s support to make this happen. Please be sure to spread the word about our campaign, ‘like’ our Facebook page, and please forward any suggestions or feedback on how we can successfully advocate for a subsidy in the CRD. You can contact me through the Facebook page, or via email at clothdiapersvictoria@yahoo.com Rachel Aube is a WAHM blessed with two boys, aged 3 and 4, and a wonderful husband and father, Sands Falk. Rachel is a University of Victoria graduate, a part-time administrator for the RDIA, and also supports local non-profits Environmental Health Association of BC and The BC School of Art Therapy.     A Note from Steph: We're committed to helping Rachel in whatever way we can and backing her 100% on her endeavor to have a Cloth Diaper Subsidy put into action here in Victoria, BC. Shortly after posting a story on our facebook page, regarding a similar subsidy in a Montreal Borough Rachel contacted me with the details about the Victoria, BC subsidy she has already laid most the ground work for- although I don't know if she saw that! Remember The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011 in Victoria, BC is THIS Saturday!  Please RSVP and get your registrations forms in soon.

Can Funk Rock Save These?

So, we left for Ottawa on the 9th of March.. left a bunch of Abby's diapers in the washer that I wasn't bringing (I'd already resigned myself to having to do a load every day while we were away) and had planned to get my sister (who took care of all your orders while I was away) to toss them in the dryer. No big deal right? Well, I crammed the washer so full that my spin cycle didn't work- actually it's still not working! I told my mom about the diapers but not Jenn, the one with the key- not so smart. 

So fast forward to the 21st when we return after a long day traveling with Abby (she's almost 2) after 2 flights and we come home to no power and a washer full of some seriously stinky diapers- yep it was pretty gross. After I panicked and called hydro to see what was going on with the power and then starting wondering if I'd paid my bill- it turned out the main switch got tripped off. Flick and we had power- phew! 

Now the diapers, I tried washing on hot with extra Rockin Green and then no soap but something just didn't seem right. Then I finally figured out that I crammed it too full and it wasn't spinning. So tried taking half out and washing again but that still didn't work. Now, it was off to the bath tub with Funk Rock in hopes of getting rid of the smell. I used 4ish tablespoons.

Now I just need to get my washer to spin and see if it's worked! (Then repeat for the other half of my huge load)

Part 2:

It worked!

Wish I could say the same for my washer- had to go to make use of the grandparents! 

I used another 3 tbsp of Rockin Green Classic Rockin a 'heavy duty' hot cycle and everything came out smelling clean- with the exception of  couple all in ones I had to soak a second time. Even the AIO's are back in use now- smell free. 

 So glad it worked!

It's our first Anniversary!! A Giveaway, Some Reflection, Making Plans & SALES!

Our first year of business!

 :: Hundreds of New Customers

:: New Friendships

:: Midnight Oil Burnt

:: 1000's of cloth diapers

:: Plenty of Fun Shopping

:: 2 Baby Fairs

:: 7 Community Events

:: Survived

:: 1 Holiday Location 

:: Many Boxes Shipped

:: Abby's another year older!

:: Wooden Toys Rediscovered

:: Local Artisans Supported

:: A little Media Coverage

::  Made in Canada Products Promoted

:: Love the support of our customers

:: Hard Work

:: Thankful

:: Baby Slings Tried On

:: Blocks Stacked

:: Unexpected Turns

Now Let's Celebrate with a GIVEAWAY!!

The Prize is THREE $25 Gift Certificates!

How to enter: Find your favourite product we sell at Abby Sprouts and leave review, so you can help other parents and customers decide if it's right for them. When reviewing a product please consider the build of your child (for cloth diapers) etc and any other details that you think would be helpful. 

Scroll to the bottom of the product listing page and if there is no other reviews click the link that says 'be the first to write a review'.

Once you've left your review come back here and leave a comment.

Thanks for Entering and All your support!

Time for the Sales! 

5% off All Cloth Diapers & Laundry! 

Coupon Code: CD5

10% Off All Baby Carriers 

Coupon Code: BC10

 

 

Eco Friendly Play at 15% Off

 Coupon Code: Toys15

20% Off Nursing Section

Coupon Code: N20

Organic BellaBands on Sale too!

15% Off Natural & Organic Skin Care

Coupon Code: SC15

 Giveaway and Sale End January 27, 2011!

I'm so thankful to have made it through the first year because this was merely a dream before Christmas of '09 when my brother bought me the domain name abbysprouts.com and then it was onwards and upwards. Now I'm loving the online business and most of all the new people and customers I have met and befriended over the last year.

There is still dreaming though- new dreams! A location was never in the stars before but we are quickly out growing our space for storage of all our fantastic products and I really love chatting with customers in person. I'm slowly warming up to the idea of opening up shop, brick and mortar style. I've been having fun perusing real estate listings for now and I have a few dream locations but I'm not sure the rent price tag will cooperate. Abby is getting older way too fast and she'll be begging to go to preschool before I know it I'm sure (seriously where is the pause button?).When the right spot comes up though, I think I'll be ready to jump in just like the online jump!

Don't forget to enjoy the sales and leave a comment after you review your fave product so you have a chance at winning!

 

Holiday Shopping in Victoria, BC at University Heights Shopping Center

Abby Sprouts is at University Heights Shopping Center now until Nov. 24 and then Dec. 6 to Christmas Eve. Please come down and see us in person if you're local! Of course, we are still offering Free Shipping over $49 in Canada and over $99 to the USA. 

Our collection of Eco Friendly Toys, Organic Baby and Childrens Clothing,  Organic Baby Needs including adorable hand knits are all on display. Select Cloth Diapers are there as well and we are more than happy to give you a diaper demo and explain the pros and cons. 

University Heights Shopping Center is located at 3980 Shelbourne St. at the corner of McKenzie Ave. Map it here.

Amber teething necklaces are also on display and a great time to come down and choose your favourite in person.

Some of our Holiday Goodies have already arrived and are going quickly! Keep your eyes out for the top Stocking Stuffers coming soon.

Current 'Staff' Picks

Jenn's Fave:

 

The Green Toys Recycling Truck made from 100% Recycled Milk Jugs!

Steph's Pick:

I love these natural soy Crayons but all the Clementine Art supplies are fantastic.

Thanks for all your support!

Giveaway!!!! We've passed 300 "likes" on Facebook- Let's Celebrate!

 

Thank You to Everyone For liking us on Facebook. 

I really appreciate it and love hearing all your feedback!

So, let's get to the giveaway!

There will be 2 Winners!

Each Winner will receive a "Mine (Don't Mess)" T-Shirt & a $10 Gift Certificate to Abby Sprouts.

The winner's T-shirt will be shipped with their GC order.

Ready to enter? Leave a comment telling us what you love about cloth diapering or how you live a little greener.

Leave 1 extra comment for 1 extra entry if you "like" Abby Sprouts on Facebook.

Good Luck!

Comments are moderated so it will appear shortly after your posting.

Why is Buying Made in Canada important?

For me, buying Canadian products is important and I will gladly pay more for the quality. I am always actively searching out made in Canada brands for the shop and I'm happy to say many of our toys, cloth diapers, baby items and more are made in Canada. While not everything can easily be found I think it is important to support Canadian companies who have managed to produce products here.

This Stacking Wooden Toy Boat is proudly handmade in Ontario, Canada

I know we have all heard the consumers drive the demand comment but it is more than true. When I sell out of our made in Canada products, I'm thrilled and order more. The same goes for when I sell out of other items made in China like FuzziBunz. Your buying power is just that- power and believe it or not your purchase makes a difference. 

 Made in BC, Canada

I also hear many people who support local business first which is fantastic as well- I appreciate that! Myself, I feel better about a product that has been made overseas but comes from a Canadian company. 

Made in Manitoba, Canada

Buying Canadian keeps our dollars in our economy. It supports ethical working conditions and fair wage labour.

Made in New Brunswick, Canada

I love finding new made in Canada products! They are out there but you have to look for sure. Most Canadian companies are not running off of huge advertising budgets but with a little time you will seek them out.

Made in Quebec, Canada

Quality and price are always a deciding factor for families and most people when purchasing a new item. Made in Canada can sometimes cost more, not always, but buying less and buying high quality items will make buying Canadian made more affordable. Hopefully you will be sending less items to the landfill too. 

Made in Victoria, BC, Canada

Plus, don't you feel a little patriotic about supporting your local Canadian businesses and supporting the companies that have managed to continue to produce their products in Canada.

Happy Almost Canada Day and Happy Father's Day!

AMP One-Size Duo Cloth Diaper

2 Vancouver Island Baby Fair Tickets to Giveaway!

This weekend Abby Sprouts will be up in Nanaimo at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair Booth #28!!

On Saturday June 5th, I'll be giving a cloth diaper demo for everyone interested!

Here's the blurb from the Vancouver Island Baby Fair Website:

3:00pm - Modern cloth diapering: Benefits & myths plus simple guidelines to help you get started
Considering Cloth Diapers? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Stephanie will show you modern cloth diaper options (no pins!), how to use cloth, how to wash your diapers (it's easy!), and let you try cloth diapers out yourself. Learn answers to common questions, why more parents are choosing cloth, what you need to get started, and some helpful tips and tricks. Come and get the answers you need to make the right diaper choice for your family.

Our last pair of tickets needs be given away before Friday so hurry up and Enter!!

For your First Entry tell me what you are doing to tread a little lighter on the planet. It can be using cloth diapers, composting, going solar... A wise women told me it's all about being on the path to sustainability. So let's hear where you are on the path!

Tickets at the door are Cash only FYI but we will be accepting Visa and MasterCard as well as Cash at our booth #28!

Additional Entries:

Like Abby Sprouts on Facebook 

Follow Abby Sprouts on Twitter

Join Our Newsletter

Follow this Abby Sprouts Blog

Subscribe to the Abby Sprouts Blog 

Tweet this Giveaway Once per day

In order to keep the blog family friendly I moderate all comments so if there is a delay in seeing your comment posted it's just because I haven't checked it yet :)

Leave One Comment for your first mandatory entry and then one for Each Additional Entry!

See you at the Baby Fair this Weekend!

Good Luck!

First Line drying Day for Us

I thought it was so great to finally get the diapers on the line for a little natural sun bleaching action and then it rain. One of those spur of the moment 5 minute pours on an otherwise gorgeous sunny day here  in Victoria, BC. Another load to go up today and I'm hoping that once I hang the diapers the sun will get over here and do it's thing. 

Government St. Sunday Market in Victoria, BC *First One April 18*

We just found out last night we'll be participating the the Sunday Market from 11am to 4:30pm in downtown Victoria, BC on the 1600 block of Government St. between Pandora and Fisgard.

We're so excited! I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the other participants last night and I think it's going to be a fabulous mix of products and people.

Abby Sprouts will be there to give cloth diaper demos, sell everything that's in stock!, giving exclusive market sales and booking cloth diaper or Abby Sprouts Parties in Victoria or around Vancouver Island too.

Hint Hint: ALL Melissa and Doug Toys are going to be on sale!

AMP Cloth Diapers and Accessories are our Newest Editions to Abby Sprouts

AMP Cloth Diapers arrived a few weeks at Abby Sprouts!

I've had the pleasure of testing out these diapers on Abby myself and what can I say, I love them!

So let's start from the beginning of how these ended up at Abby Sprouts. Another mom recommended them to me and boasted that they were made in Canada. Well I was mostly sold on that. Then I went to place an order with AMP and to my surprise the owner herself was the one I corresponded with. Annie as in AMP (Annie Marie Padorie) was I pleasure to talk to and even packed my order herself. I was in a bit of a rush to these in before one of our cloth diaper parties and they arrived with time to spare!

Did I mention there is a lifetime snap guarantee? The factory is also in their retail store in Winnipeg where Annie can watch over the production herself. Needless to say I was in love with these diapers before they even arrived. 

When the diapers arrived I was actually thrilled. The quality was apparent at first glance. The bamboo inserts are incredibly soft and super trim. The colour coding for inserts makes it easy to differentiate and customize the absorbency your little one needs. Blue for 2 layer hemp, Green for Bamboo, Red for 3 layer hemp and then the microfiber. My favourite so far is the sized pocket diapers and one-size pockets. Lavender is my favourite colour choice so far but we also have a lime and a couple others. I think apricot might be the next one. 

The waist and thigh snaps can be adjusted separately for a custom fit and the soft stretchy elastic gathers are all around the back, thighs and even the front. Inserts do not come with the diapers so you can customize the absorbency and choose your fibers. If you prefer a quick stuff, microfiber is usually your best choice and if you prefer natural fibers with antibacterial properties against your babies skin hemp or bamboo are your best bet. 

So What's an All in 2 and a pocket diaper? How is it a Duo and Why does it work so well?

 The above photo is an AMP Duo being used as an All in 2. The benefits to using an All in 2 style diaper is that you can just change the absorbent insert and reuse the outer cover. You can tuck the insert of your choice under the front pocket opening as well. AMP also makes a AI2 (All in 2) that's not a duo and only $15.50. 

The above photo shows an AMP Duo being stuffed with an insert as a pocket diaper. The pocket opening is at the front but does not slip out or bunch up because of the soft, elastic gathers that hold everything place. The front opening keeps you away from any solids when "un-stuffing" the pocket for washing. The soft fleece keeps baby feeling dry when used as a pocket too. 

The AMP Hemp Fitted Diapers are one of the best quality fitted I have seen. The rainbow coloured surging is adorable too. Made from durable thirsty hemp. They also come with a contoured hemp insert. Super soft, eco-friendly fabric that is far more durable than cotton. A great choice if you plan to cloth diaper more than one baby.

AMP also makes wet bags and pail liners in a wide assortment of colours too.

Leave a comment with your email address, tell us your favourite colour, and we'll send you an exclusive coupon code!

See the colours choices here

FuzziBunz Just Arrived Today!

 

Our FuzziBunz have arrived! 

I just love this lime green one.

 

I love FuzziBunz Truthful advertising too. The one-size is great for your wallet and works well on baby but will be bulkier when they're smaller.

 

 The perfect size fit (most babes only need small and  medium) is more fitted with less bulk but you'll need to buy two sets one of small size and one of medium. 

The adorable prints are too shabby either.

 

Simple sizing chart for snap placement courtesy of FuzziBunz

We're thrilled to be stocking these in beautiful Victoria, BC, Canada but we'll ship worldwide too!