Fluff Mom Monday

This week I'm excited to introduce Autumn Beck. You may have heard of her awesome cloth diaper blog: All About Cloth Diapers. I know that her blog was a great resource for me back when I was pregnant and researching cloth diapers. Her blog is a wealth of knowledge, and she personally responds to each question she receives on her blog. She has four kids, and here is her cloth diaper story:

Tell us about yourself! What is your name? How many little ones do you have? How long have you used cloth diapers?

Hi! I'm Autumn Beck. My husband and I have been blessed with 4 children and are praying for as many as God blesses us with! We are a Christian homeschooling family. Haley is 7, Haven 5, Paisley 3, and Sterling 9 months. We love camping! One of the pictures is from Lost Maples State Park in mid-November. Sterling was not as excited as us with the hike. And yes, when we camp I take cloth diapers!

I began using cloth diapers in 2005 when my first son was 15 months old. From there I cloth diapered Paisley from birth, as well as our current cloth diapered baby Sterling.

Cloth diapering Haven was extremely easy. I had limited funds and a very limited stash. I did the best with what I had. Along came Paisley and I realized that every baby is different! After all the research I did and trial and error I realized I needed to start a blog to help other families cloth diaper their babies. In 2006 the only place I found cloth diaper information was Diaper Swappers. If you've been there you know finding an answer to a question is like finding a needle in a haystack.

In March 2008, I launched All About Cloth Diapers. I never (never!) imagined that it would be the success it is. I have been blessed with many friendships, advertisers, and of course cloth diapers. I feel that what sets me apart from other cloth diaper blogs is the pure educational content that I provide. All reviews are detailed and honest. It's also very important to me that I answer every question personally that I receive. The comments at the end of every post are as content rich as the post sometimes!

(To the right you will see a picture of Autumn's adorable son, Sterling. What a cutie!!)

What made you decide to use cloth diapers?

My good friend had been using cloth diapers and kept telling me about them. I wasn't that interested and besides when I searched online I was so overwhelmed by the choices. When I changed Haven's diaper one day and saw gel crystals all over him I was convinced. I called up my friend and she told me exactly what to buy.

What was the first cloth diaper you bought? I bought a dozen prefolds and 6 proraps colors covers from granitesmith on ebay. I still recommend her store today!

Tell us about your cloth diaper stash (numbers, sizes, types, brands, etc.):

I managed to survive the hunger/obsession/addiction that all cloth diaper moms experience. Now, with Sterling being my 3rd to cloth diaper I've found my favorites and I stick with it. We have 9 bum genius organics aio, 6 M Sbish bamboo fitteds (the Magic diaper), 2 day packs of Flips stay dry, lots of wool longies (knit, crochet, interlock and recycled), and then my random diapers: rumparooz, anne marie padorie aio, bottom bumpers and thirsties pocket aio, Marvel and a few Kissaluvs.

(Autumn's cloth diaper stash!)

What is your favorite cloth diaper? Why?

That's an easy one: Bum Genius Organics AIO. I have tried dozens of different styles, brands, systems and Bum Genius Organics beats them all. They are the trimmest, most absorbent, best fitting cloth diaper and they're one-size--which I love. The only time I don't use them is on a newborn and at night. I have actually left a Bum Genius Organics on my son for many hours and not had a leak. They are my go-to cloth diaper if we will be in the car for a while or if I know other people will be holding Sterling (wouldn't want a leak on someone else!). Reliability isn't always easy to find in the cloth diapering world. Oh, and in case someone wonders about what body type Bum Genius Organics work best on I say all. Paisley wore them and she was a shorter baby with huge thighs and belly. Sterling is the opposite, he has stick legs and a tiny waist. The fit is perfect on both body types.

Tell us about your wash routine

Prewash cold w/ 3 big squirts of Bac-Out

Cold wash w/ Kirkland's Environmentally friendly detergent

2nd rinse- cold

Dry for 80 minutes on high heat.

Have your friends and family been supportive of your decision?

Yep, I've not experienced a negative reaction yet.

Any challenges with using cloth diapers? What did you do about it?

I am blessed to not be experiencing any problems at this time. However, I have had a child that was sensitive to suede cloth and serging. That was fairly easy to figure out. That same child also developed a nasty rash that was only remedied by using Apple Cider Vinegar.

Daily I receive emails or comments with questions about challenges. I answer these questions promptly and with as much information as I can find and provide in order to offer a solution to parents frustrated beyond belief.

Your best piece of advice for someone new to cloth diapering

Stick with your convictions. When it gets tough (which it will at some point) don't forget why you began cloth diapering. Your child's health doesn't become less important because you are having stink problems. The environment still needs help despite the leaking at night you are frustrated with. Your budget is still tight even when you go on vacation and don't want to take cloth diapers.

Of course on the flip side, don't beat yourself up if you choose to use disposable diapers for a brief time. Make sure that your husband is fine with it and then get back into cloth diapers as soon as you are able. When buying a disposable diaper choose the healthiest you can find. I have a pack of Flip disposable inserts in my closet just in case they're needed.

Your favorite scripture, quote, or anything else that you'd like to add?

Romans 8: 28-30 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Thanks, Autumn! Be sure to visit her cloth diaper blog: All About Cloth Diapers!