Lil Helper Cloth Diaper Review

Graham was recently given the opportunity to try out his very own Lil Helper Cloth diaper. This is a brand I have been dying to review. The diapers themselves look to be great and from what I have seen from their Facebook page, other reviews etc - look to be a great company. I soon found out that both the diapers and the company aren't just great - they are AMAZING!

About Lil Helper:

Lil Helper Cloth Diapers was founded in 2009 by buddies Mohammed Gandhi and Nader Abu El Samid. Both met in Ryerson University, Toronto while studying for their undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering. Both these nerds also have a master's degree in aerospace, which they occasionally use to impress people. You can read more about these guys here.

Lil Helper Cloth Diapers was born out of an itch to make a better and more affordable cloth diaper. Read their entire story here.

Lil Helper's sole mission is to provide quality products and great customer service. Their mission is further outlined here.

Apart from providing parents with a greener alternative to disposable diapers, Lil Helper also started the Baby Do Good program, which gives a brand 1 brand new cloth diaper to a family in need for every 3 diapers they sell. It is their way of evangelizing parents to sustainable diapering practices.

Since introduction in late 2011- their diapers and quirky humor has been very well received by bloggers and customers alike.

The small team at Lil Helper is continuously striving to improve their products and services. They document their journey on their blog. The blog also serves to give customers a peek into the working of bootstrapped company.


I was sent an Original Cloth Diaper* with a set of Charcoal Bamboo inserts. I just want to say right off the bat - I knew this would be one of the trimmest diaper we own. The outer fabric is a waterproof PUL, that is so soft and squishy. Some of our other diapers seem 'stiff' not this one. Buttery soft.

As you can see, this is a one size diaper. It has a three rise setting and does have cross over snaps on the waist! BIG bonus.

The leg elastic is very soft as well - Graham isn't overly chunky, but he does have chubby thighs. The leg elastic doesn't leave any red marks on him whatsoever.

Each diaper comes with 2 snap in inserts. One smaller, one larger. Lil Helper has three different fabric options for their inserts. Shown below is the Charcoal Bamboo inserts. These bad boys are SUPER thirsty! The small insert is made up of 4 super thirsty layers while the larger one is made with 3. They suggest using these for nighttime and I have to agree. This diaper help up overnight (7 hours of sleep) no wet sheets or wet clothing. If we are using this diaper for daytime use - I only use one insert - so if the cover isn't soiled I use the large insert after!

The inserts snap into place, which I really like. No bunching or moving around in the cover itself.



What I love most about Lil Helper cloth diapers is that I can reuse the cover if it's not soiled. Snap in a fresh insert and you are good to go. I tested this one day while we were out and about. I packed my single diaper cover and both inserts. I'm sold. As long as Graham gets changed within a reasonable amount of time and there is no poop, we can use the cover twice before I toss it into the diaper pail.

Fit - LOVE the fit. Graham is quite long at 28.25 inches (at 6 months) and he is on the smallest rise setting and the snaps are done right up. We have plenty of time left in this diaper.

We love this diaper. I plan on getting a couple more diapers and inserts. They wash so well, and the fit is just great. They hold up against my heavy wetter and are very trim.

You can find Lil Helper Cloth diapers online - they offer an amazing Starter kit for $65.00 Canadian. The kit includes 2 diaper covers with inserts, a wet bag, and some wipes. You could add in a couple more diapers and get free shipping to Canada and US if it's over $79.00. It would make a great baby shower gift for any expectant mama who wants to cloth diaper.

Their other diapers rang anywhere from $19.00 to $24.00 - a great price in my opinion. Be sure to check them out!

Connect with Lil Helper

Facebook

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A BIG thank you to Mohammed and everyone at Lil Helper for allowing Graham to test out and review your awesome diapers. Also, thank you for wanting to make our world a better place and for helping families that are less fortunate. You really are making a difference.

 



Please note that I was sent the above mentioned product(s) free of charge to facilitate this review. All opinions are strictly my own and may differ from others. No monetary compensation was exchanged for this review. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Half a Year Gone By

Six months ago, we welcomed a not so little man into this world. Graham was born at home, into the loving arms of his daddy and I. He was five days 'overdue' and weighed in at 9lbs 8 oz. He was so stinkin' cute - we were in love.

That first night was rough. He didn't get squeezed through the birth canal well (I shot him out!) so we were left with a little infant who would nurse like a champ and puke shortly after. That was it for me - in out bed he would rest. Well, six months later - my not so little man is still in our bed and doesn't show any interest in moving any time soon!

Sleep Habits:

We are finally getting into a nap time routine. While I still take a nap with both the boys, Graham has been napping around 9:00 - 9:30 most days for about an hour or so. This is progress for us. He is a lot more happier after this short yet effective nap. We are still bed sharing, but things are a little different now. While I still nurse him to sleep in bed - I don't let him fall fully asleep. Once he's drowsy Chris takes over. He goes in and rocks him to sleep and then Graham sleeps in his playpen till we go to bed. Before hand he would sleep in the middle of our bed no problem - but we've hit a new milestone at an early age so this mama is being VERY careful.


Clothing:

Graham is now wearing 12-18 month sleepers and is wearing 12-24 month onsies and pants. He hasn't grown much since last month, but he seems more comfortable in this size.

Milestones:

Graham can now sit up unassisted. He loves sitting upright. James and Graham now play with the toys on their mat and I love seeing them interact like this. Graham still rolls over to him belly, and is trying to get into a sitting position but I think we have a bot more time till he can do that. This past week and weekend Graham has also shown signs of crawling. He's been getting up into a hand and knee position and rocking. He also has 'Army Crawled' a few times as well. If he sees a toy that is out of reach he does everything he can to get it. I give it maybe two weeks before this child is mobile. I'm hoping longer, but by the way its looking he's going to be moving soon! *Ok so I wrote most of this last night - so I thought I would do a small update - CHECK IT OUT!*

He's crawling!!

He is also cutting a top tooth! I just noticed it yesterday - that would be why he's been fussy and very drooly!

Breastfeeding:

Graham is still EBF - while he has had a taste of this and a taste of that - we haven't started solids yet. Now that we have hit the 6 month mark we will slowly start to introduce veggies and fruit. We are taking the Baby Led Solids approach this time around. If it doesn't work then so be it, but for now we are going to give it a shot. If you have any tips please PLEASE leave me a comment with any tips or tricks! 

Night nursing's - so I've been given some flack for this, but I don't really care. G still gets up at least 4 times a night to nurse. People have said that he's not actually hungry, its more for comfort, but when my little man latches on and gulps down mama's milk - well, don't you think he's hungry??

The past six months have flown by quicker than I ever thought they would. It's just amazing to watch your little one grow and learn new things each day. I am so truly blessed that I am able to stay at home with him and actually get to see it.

Graham,

You are becoming your own little person, and are an amazing little man. Your big brother James adores you and I know you look up to him. Mummy and Daddy are so very lucky to call you our son. We love you so much bud. Happy Half Birthday!
Much love
xoxo

Our Weekend

We are home from our very short trip up to visit my parents. I love visiting them. I'm planning another trip just before the May long weekend - I think the boys and I will go up for a week or so.

Anyways, since it was a short trip we made the most of it. Last year my Mum and Dad took James and I to a little restaurant called The Hitching Post. It's located in Hedley BC - SUPER small town, but they have awesome food. We called and made a reso for 7:00 pm (past Graham's bedtime, but my Dad doesn't get home from work till 5:45 pm) so we all headed off - I was hoping that Graham would be ok for the duration of dinner.

When we got there, there wasn't a lot of people, which was great. The highchairs they had are old school... but Chris got Graham all secured and he was loving it. We ordered our food, and got through a whole dinner out with both of the boys and not one tear was shed... till it was time to go.

Now, I posted about our awful ride up - Graham again was screaming in his seat. Chris finally got him calmed down after about 10 minutes of driving. It was WAY past his bedtime, so I knew it was going to be rough on the way home. Once we got home, I got beds ready and Chris bathed the boys. Graham was so upset he continued to cry in his bath. Poor bugger.

Everyone slept really well again - and this morning I figured out why my little man has been so fussy... I spied with my little eye a top tooth cutting through! I decided for the car ride home we would give him a dose of Tylenol. He had a slight fever, and I could tell his teeth were bothering him.

We left around 12:45 and by 1:00 both boys were sleeping. Chris just drove. We didn't stop - well Chris stopped but they boys continued to sleep. We made it all the way home without any tears. Graham slept pretty much the entire 3 hour car ride. James woke up about an hour away from home but he was happy and content. I am so so so thankful that they both traveled well back home. I don't know if I could have handled another car ride from hell.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekends!

Just a short car ride...

Ok, its confirmed. Graham HATES his carseat. HATES with with a capital H.

What would normally take us maybe 3 hours took us 4. We made five stops for little Graham. The child would be quiet for a few minutes, then would start to scream.

Our first stop - he pooped. Didn't want to nurse, so back in he went. About 10 minutes later, he was screaming again. We pulled over and checked him again. He was dry, so I tried nursing again. He ate for about five minutes and then got distracted.

Our next stop, he pooped again. I changed him so let him nurse. Again, it was short. Then we hit the highway, and he started to fuss. Then that fussing turned into a full blown meltdown. We found another place to pull over and checked him. This time he was wet. Seriously, we couldn't catch a break. I felt so bad for him. He doesn't like to be wet, I mean who would. So again we changed him and I checked to see if he wanted to nurse.

We carried on, and within 15 minutes - James shouted from the back "Mum! Look! Baby Dam got sick" My poor little man threw up. That's totally my fault. I continued to offer the breast when I probably shouldn't have? I don't know, but he got sick and then was fine. We got o my parents around 8:00 pm

Both of the boys slept great. Graham is his happy self today, and is showing signs of crawling. We witnessed him army crawl yesterday night. He is also getting up on his hands and knees to rock.

Here we go!

Enjoy your weekend!

Well, now that thats over with....

I can get back to blogging!

I've been MIA for a bit - I'm sorry. I've been working on posts, but just haven't posted them yet. I have a new diaper review ready to be shared. I also have a Raincoast Baby review as well.

I'm ashamed about WHY I have been MIA - so I will share... but you have to promise not to laugh!

First off - daily life has become hectic. James has Preschool Tuesday/Thursday, so while he is there I come home to get stuff cleaned - laundry etc. We've had some AWESOME weather here in BC so we have been spending a lot of time outside... once the boys are in bed Chris and I have been catching up on all five seasons of Sons of Anarchy. I know, I know - I  could have been writing a boat load of posts, but SOA is addicting! We are now finished till the Fall - so that means more nighttime blogging!

We are going away this weekend to visit my parents - so I will be bringing my netbook to try and get some blogging done. I need to get Graham's 6 month post ready to go, also my cousin is due at anytime with her first baby. I am REALLY hoping its not this weekend as I want to be there, so if babe decides to come early I will need to rush home.

I also have some Mother's Day gift guide posts in the works. Just waiting to hear back from a few people and then I will get on it!

Lots of fun stuff is on it's way!

Happy Friday - I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Much love
xoxo

Wordless Wednesday

My Favorite Shots of the Week

Thought I would start sharing some of my favorite pictures that I have captured of the boys for the week. Now, some are from last week, but I thought I could start doing this every Friday... what do you think?

I post all my phone photos to Instagram (You can follow me if you'd like...) but most of my camera photos get posted to my personal Facebook page. Here are a few of my favorite shots of the boys this week!

 
 

Wordless Wednesday - When its too quiet....

You KNOW your toddler is up to something...

Note to self: DO NOT! I repeat - DO NOT leave baby powder lying around the bathroom!

That 'A HA' Moment

If there is anything in life I could go back and 're do' it would be school. I disliked school VERY much, but did what I had to do. I didn't get horrible grades, but I didn't do the best to my ability. So after Graduation - College or University were NOT in the cards. Sure, I could go, but I didn't want to.

Now I'm kicking myself. Really kicking myself.

I've been driving myself crazy with the notion that I have nothing to do with the rest of my life. I have my children, and I love being a Stay at Home Mom, but what happens when they go to school?? What then??

About a year and a half after James was born - I considered becoming a Midwife. Chris and I talked about it, but that was it. I knew I couldn't be a Midwife. Not that I couldn't, as in I am not smart enough - it's just not...me. I don't think I can handle that kind of responsibility. I love babies, and I love natural childbirth - so there has to be SOMETHING for me... right?

So where am I going with this?? Well, after some real soul searching, and some encouragement from family and friends, I have decided to take the necessary steps to become a certified DONA Doula!

We've talked about it - and I just never acted. Now I am ready to get on with it. I spoke with a Doula friend and she has pointed me in the right direction. My hope is to enroll in the November class and then we will go from there.

As for the time being, I am going to read anything and everything I can about Doulas and becoming one. Chris thinks this is what I was meant to do - and to be honest, so do I.

I can't wait!!

A Heartfelt Thank You.

Have you ever wanted to thank a person, but never got the chance to do so?

I have - and yesterday I got to tell her just how thankful I was.

Like I said yesterday - my friend Amber and I went to a local baby fair. There were a lot of awesome vendors there! I even won a pair of WarmMuffs for the stroller! (Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a review!)

Anyways, we came up to a table called Flow Baby. It was geared towards Breastfeeding mothers... OH I should mention that I successfully nursed Graham in the Ergo yesterday, as well as nursed in public WITHOUT a cover! I honestly gave myself a pat on the back. I wasn't nervous or anything... it was freeing!

Ok back to my story. I was checking out Flow Baby - they had some awesome Baby/Body butter, lactation cookies, as well as tea featured, but that's not what Flow Baby is ALL about. Flow Baby is a run by a RN - who supports women while breastfeeding. Check out her page and if you are local to me - are pregnant or needs help with breastfeeding check out Flow Baby.

While I was chatting with one of the ladies - I kept thinking to myself  "My goodness. She looks really familiar - but I just can't place her" We chatted about their lactation tea - as you all know I am trying to up my already large supply so I can have a freezer stash. She handed me a pamphlet and I read her name. "Nikki Paxton - RN"

I knew she had to be local - so I asked casually which hospital she worked out of "Oh, Peace Arch"

BAM! it hit me!! I instantly got Goosebumps and started to choke back tears.

It took me a second to get my composure. I looked at her and said "Three years ago - I gave birth to my first born son at Peace Arch. My nurse's name was Nikki...." She looked at me and told me it was her.

CUE THE WATER WORKS

"Well, I just wanted to say thank you so very much for everything you did for me that day" - By this time I was crying. "If it wasn't for you, I don't think my birth would have gone the way it did. You made it something, -  everything that I wanted it to be".

I honestly don't know what came over me. I never got to thank her for all her help and encouragement. I really do think if it wasn't for her, James' birth could have and most likely would have gone a completely different route.

She gave me a big hug, and I explained to her that I never got the chance to thank her. It was something I always wanted to do, but never got the chance.

We chatted a bit more, I bought my tea and off I went.

You see, after James was born - I was put into a small room with other new moms - Nikki only stayed for maybe 30 minutes and then was off helping the next soon to be mother. That was it. While I'm sure, I thanked her a hundred times - it was a thanking that was sincere - but not not right from the heart. Now I know that sounds terrible - but at that time - I was so entranced with my new little bundle that I could of been thanking the janitor for whatever!

To some, this story is just that -  a story. A rambling of words - soon to be forgotten. But to me it's so so so much more than that.

At that time - I was a twenty two year old - soon to be mother. Who was scared shitless of what childbirth was going to be like. Nikki was there for one of the most intimate moments of my life. The day my entire life changed.

She most likely doesn't remember me - or the day James was born. But I do. And I will always be thankful for her and everything she did, not only for me - but for James as well.

Much love
xoxo