Cloth Diaper Review- BumGenius 4.0

So I recently purchased a new Bum Genius 4.0 from RG Natural Babies. I can admit that I am not a HUGE fan of one-one size diapers because on my kids, they never seem to fit true to size. When my daughter was a newborn, she wasn't able to wear many diapers that were "one-size" until she got a little meat on her thighs. The diapers just looked plain ridiculous on her! If it was a one size fitted, forget it. There was no way that she could even put her poor little bird legs down with that huge bulk between them! lol

Anyways, I have many of the Bum Genius All-In-Ones, but only had 1 of the Bum Genius 3.0 one size. Curiosity got the best of me when it came to getting the new version, the 4.0. I mean, how much can you really change a diaper? Well, with the new 4.0, you can now get a snap closure for those of you who are not fond of applix. Since my daughter is 1, I prefer the applix because trying to change her diaper is like roping a baby calf! Most of the time her bum is up in the air and she is half twisted, trying to get off the couch. Oh come on, you know you can relate!! Besides being perfect for quick changes, if I want my husband to participate in diapering, snaps confuse him!

Another new feature of the 4.0 diaper is that the velcro is supposedly better. I will see. I know that the velcro that I have on my all-in-ones gets terrible after awhile!

The front panel that sits against baby's belly is also wider, to accomodate bigger babies. This I love! I did notice that feature and that is a plus in my book. My daughter is slightly over 20 lbs at 1 year old, so if this can make it stretch to potty learning, that would be fabulous! That was another downfall of the sizing on one-size diapers. They never seemed wide enough.

There are also new colors: Bubble(light lavendar), Noodle(very light cream) and Sweet(a pale blue). The names are a little "different" and when you see the diapers in person compared to the swatch on the website for the diapers, in my opinion, they don't match. I bought "bubble" and it is the prettiest shade of light purple/lavendar!! I really am in love with the color, though I think I am biased because that is my fave color anyways! "Noodle" is a reaally light cream color. You can definately notice that it is not white. It's more of an ivory maybe. I honestly don't remember what "sweet" looked like. Maybe that's because its a shade of blue and being that I have a girl, I didn't think to look at the blue.

All in all, so far, the diaper is living up to my standards. I only use the 1 insert in it (the snap down one) during the day and its super trim. I do wear a lot of dresses on her though, mainly because it just makes for easy diapering. We are also wearing it on the 2nd rise setting. If you haven't had a chance to check out the diaper yet, please do! I don't think you will be disappointed.

*This review is based on personal opinion, and I was NOT compensated or asked to review this diaper by Bum Genius or Cotton Babies*

Baby Wearing for the Everyday Mom

As a mother of one, I already notice the benefits of wearing Lilly, my little girl. And, as a nanny to three other child, it's even more apparent. Being able to scoop up my daughter and wear her close to me in my Ergo is fabulous. Not only does she love being up high (at least on me since I'm 5' 11"), I am able to do everything I need to while she's hanging out on my back. :) As a woman who is constantly chasing down a child, being able to give my daughter that one one one time is wonderful. The chance for that closeness with mommy is great for her and I don't feel like I'm missing out either. So you ask what the benefits are of wearing your child? Let's talk about it...

The biggest perk, in my opinion, is the closeness I get to her while I'm wearing her. I'm always on the go and love that mommy and me time, especially for the days when she is really fussy and needy and I still have a ton to accomplish. Being able to put her on my chest and see her calm down is an amazing feeling. I love that it comforts her and allows her to feel safe and secure no matter what is going on around us.


Let's talk accomplishing stuff with a child running under your feet, well, as you all know it's nearly impossible. Dishes aren't happening, vacuuming no way, and laundry... That's a joke, well, not anymore. I'm sure I'm not the only mother whose daughter gets into everything in the kitchen, is terrified of the vacuum and loves to play in freshly folded laundry... in a newly made pile on the floor, by my wide smiled child. :)


So, what do I do? I nurse her, give her a snack, and off to cleaning together we go. She loves watching me and being able to see everything that is going on. And since I don't have to worry about what she is getting into, these chores actually get done. I have the time to accomplish all of that and to go about my day with more time to spend with her.


I have found it to be a wonderful addition to the house since beginning to nanny. A double stroller is so heavy and quite large for my Malibu so it's nice to not have to pack one up to go somewhere. I can use a little stroller for the infant and the Ergo for Lilly. I love not have the bulk of a double stroller in the grocery store, or at the park while I'm trying to play with the girls. Plus, there are times where Lilly wants some Mommy time and I'm able to do that with her without taking it away from the other children.


As a new mom this past year, I didn't think I would need it, I only have 1 child right? Wrong! Leaving the house was nothing less than terrifying when she was born, everything became different, trying to remember this and that. Well this was so easy to remember and use because she was already on me while I was getting everything else together. It takes up no space in my car and is so convenient for us. I am able to keep Lilly close and prevent her from grabbing a hold of everything in every isle while I'm shopping. Plus, during flu and cold season, that closeness allows me too move quickly and be done in no time, making for less time in a busy supermarket.


I'll admit I was skeptical at first, but now, I love it. I couldn't imagine life without my baby being worn on me. As an owner of a Beco, Ergo, and Moby Wrap, I say give it a shot, you have nothing to lose! Maybe you'll find the love of babywearing as I have!


They are now offering places to rent different styles so that you can learn what you love before purchasing them. Plus, the website will give you the opportunity to learn more about each style and the different perks to each one. Try going to Granola Babies for more information on renting a carrier.

Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week!

Ok, honestly, I think that if you are a breastfeeding mom, it should be celebrated on a daily basis. There is nothing better for baby. Nothing compares to the bond that you get from having your baby placed on your chest for the first time and watching her do the breast crawl. That was probably the most amazing thing I have seen. I gave birth to my 4th child via c-section, so getting her placed on my chest as soon as I got to recovery was important to me, and the hospital knew it and they complied. The nurse was great. She put Emmaleigh on my bare chest and said "Now, you just watch" and Emmaleigh slowly lifted her minutes old head up, and inched her way towards my breast to latch on! That will be forever etched in my mind.

My daughter is now nearly 1 year old, still nursing at least 4 times a day, plus during the night. I am one tired mama! lol I've wanted to quit many times. After taking domperidone to up my supply for a few months, to pumping while I returned to my part time job for a few months. Having my husband feed her with a baby medicine dropper because she was too stubborn to take a bottle- yes, ridiculous!! I think I've drinken more water than anyone should in a lifetime. I've had my fair share of lactation cookies that I honestly don't care if I ever see those things again! But, even with all my problems, I am glad I made it to a year. I've tried to be a witness to those struggling with first time breastfeeding, or those having issues. Lord knows I've had my share of issues as well.

This week marks World Breastfeeding Week. How will you celebrate your breastfeeding experience? I challange you to help a new mom, or give information to a pregnant mom. We need to make a stand for a baby friendly world.
All week I will be posting various breastfeeding topics and information. I hope that it will encourage you to keep breastfeeding, or give you the information you need to make an informed decision during your pregnancy!

Pico De Gallo= Yum!!

I love me some Pico de Gallo!! It's a great break from traditional salsa, and when made right, its sooo refreshing!

My recipe is sorta "add some of this and some of that" but you can adjust it to your taste.

6 medium sized vine ripe tomatoes


about 1 tsp garlic, minced


1-2 small jalapenos (stems removed)


1 small onion, diced fine


1 lime, zested


1 tsp salt (I use sea salt)


cilantro finely chopped


I finely diced the tomatoes. You don't want big hunks. I also tried using a food processor first and it made it too liquidy, same for the Pampered Chef chopper. So I had to hand dice the tomatoes. Add them to a bowl, draining some of the juice if its too watery.

I then used the chopper for the jalapenos, dicing them up small. Last thing you want is a big hunk of pepper on your tongue. Ouch!

The onion I used was a plain white onion. I cut it into small enough pieces to then use with the PC chopper and chopped to my liking. Add to bowl. The lime zest I obtained by grating the lime across my microplane. The microplane the link is not the one that I have, but I was just showing an example in case you were reading and thinking "Micro what?"

I added just a smidge of the lime zest. The lime and the salt counter balance out the peppers and onion, and tame the acidity of the tomatoes.

The garlic I used was actually prepacked in a jar from Aldi. Super cheap, convenient and ready to use! You just use it to taste. You shouldn't taste a bunch of the garlic, but just enough.
Cilantro, oh my, cilantro. If it was normal to marry an herb, I would definately pick cilantro. I cannot explain how much I love its buttery flavor!! You just want to chop enough for color and not to over power.
Mix all of the ingredients gently and refrigerate til ready to use. Pair with your fave tortilla chips!


~Rhiana~