finally fuzzibunz

After over a year of trying to add fuzzi bunz diapers to our collection, we have finally achieved success!  FuzziBunz pocket diapers with snaps rather than velcro offer a high-quality, easy to use alternative to disposable diapers. FuzziBunz' ultra soft fleece and trim fit keep baby dry, happy, and healthy.

FuzziBunz is just the newest addition to our line of eco-friendly, cost-effective, adorable and soft cloth diapering collection. Please stop by the shop for a free cloth diapering demonstration any time during store hours.

a big sale at little willow

Stop by Little Willow over Labor Day weekend for big savings!

Save 10-40% on organic baby clothing, baby carriers, and natural toys and gifts.

Receive a free gift with any cloth diaper purchase over $50.

Sale runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 29-31.

Hours:
Friday and Saturday: 11 am - 5pm
Sunday: noon to 4pm
We will be closed on Monday for Labor Day.

Some Cloth Diapering Basics

All-in-ones, pockets, pre-folds, fitteds - these aren't your old school cloth diapers!

Old-fashioned cloth diapering systems consisted of a plain flat diaper pinned at the corners with a scratchy plastic cover. Today's cloth diapers come in a variety of more convenient styles and include adorable prints and colors, soft and cuddly fabrics, and simple and easy diapering solutions. In fact, cloth diapers come in so many varieties that parents who are new to cloth diapering often feel overwhelmed when trying to purchase their initial stash.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, cloth diapers are environmentally friendly, chemical-free, and are less expensive than disposable diapers in the long run. Although many people are reluctant to use cloth diapers due to a fear of additional laundry duties, with the proper cloth diapering set-up, you only have to do 2-3 extra loads of laundry a week.

There is a broad variety of cloth diapers on the market today. Some people enjoy the economical benefits of a pre-fold cotton diaper (a multi-layer cotton rectangle that you fold around the baby's bum and fasten with a Snappi diaper fastener (these have replaced diaper pins) and a water-proof cover. A start-up kit using this system can be purchased for under $100. Additionally, if you're lucky enough to have a cloth diaper service that delivers to your house, you don't even have to deal with the diaper laundry.

A similar solution to the one described above is using an absorbent fitted diaper (similar to a pre-fold but shaped like a diaper rather than a rectangular cloth, and fastens with velcro or snaps) coupled with a waterproof. It's more expensive than pre-folds, but it is a nice solution to add a few fitted diapers to a stash of pre-folds for when you need a quicker diaper change, such as when you're out and about.

And the simplest (though most expensive) solution is the all-in-one diaper. This is a diaper where the absorbent insides is permanently sewn into a waterproof outer cover. This is by far the easiest diaper to use, but it gets expensive when you purchase the small, medium and large sizes. Another complaint heard occasionally is that these diapers take a bit longer to dry.

But by far the most popular system these days is the pocket diaper. These diapers consist of an inner layer of soft fleece, fastened to an outer water-proof layer. The two layers are attached leaving an opening at one end, allowing an absorbent insert to slide into the diaper. These types of diapers are easy to put on, and take a lot of the intimidation out of using cloth diapers for many new parents.

The diapers that are flying off the shelves these days are the one-size pocket diaper by companies such as BumGenius and Happy Heinys. These diapers are designed to fit newborns to toddlers up to 30+ lbs, creating a simple-to-use and very affordable solution. A starter stash of one-size pocket diapers will cost around $400 (24 diapers will last for about 2 days for a newborn), but disposable diapers average around $75 a month, so the cost savings catch up quickly. And if you plan to use the diapers for multiple children, the cost savings go up even more.

There are many benefits to using cloth diapers and not many drawbacks. We're pleased at the increased number of parents that are considering using cloth diapers over the past year as they are environmentally friendly, chemical-free, super soft, and just so darn cute...as illustrated below!



We encourage anyone to stop by Little Willow for a free cloth diapering demonstration. We are currently the only retail store in New Jersey that sells a selection of cloth diapers and offers guidance and suggestions in choosing and using your cloth diapers.

Additional resources:

The Joy of Cloth Diapering - Mothering Magazine

The Real Diaper Association - diaper facts

BumGenius

Happy Heinys

Breastfeeding support group - Aug. 1 - 7

Objectives of World Breastfeeding Week 2008

1. To expand awareness of the need for and the value of providing support to a breastfeeding mother
2. To disseminate updated information about support for breastfeeding mothers
3. To create optimal conditions for the provision of mother support in all circles of support.

WBW homepage: http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/index.htm

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, we are holding a free Breastfeeding Support Group from 5pm - 6pm every day during this event (August 1 - 7). Please join us at Little Willow in Red Bank to share your joys and frustrations, your questions and suggestions about breastfeeding. Expectant mothers are welcome! Babies are invited, too. Father's are welcome as well, if the group is comfortable with it. The breastfeeding groups will be facilitated by Judy Osman, lactation educator and doula. Please contact the shop if you have any questions: 732-889-4808

bumGenius Organic One-size diapers

The bumGenius organic one-size diapers have arrived in the store. This affordable organic diaper allows for organic, natural fibers next to your baby’s bottom. This new "no-stuff" design makes it a snap to use this diaper. The one-size liner is 6 layers and allows for quick drying.


Stop in to see a demo of the new organic bumGenius one-size diaper, or take a look at some of our other brands. We carry Happy Heiny diapers, Kissaluvs, Thirsties, Bummis Super Whisper wrap and more. We carry the largest selection of diapers in New Jersey!

4th of July Hours

We will be closed on Friday, July 4th and will re-open Saturday at 11am to resume our regular hours. Have a great holiday and enjoy the fireworks!

was it only a dream?

I'm pretty sure that three cases of bumGenius 3.0 diapers arrived in the shop earlier in the week. Somehow, there seem to be only 5 pink diapers left on the shelf! What happened!!?? I've never seen diapers fly our of the store so quickly, I'm stunned. I would be happy except...I'm out of diapers...again! Clearly I should have ordered more, but who knew??

Anyway, I'm sorry to anyone who missed this batch. I have multiple cases on order and if you would like me to hold some for you when they arrive, please email me at littlewillowbaby@yahoo.com.