• home
  • contact
  • hire
    • blog
    • freelance
    • media kit
    • portfolio
    • resumé

lo-wren

muse. mom. maven.

  • Editorial
    • all
    • featured
  • Parenting
    • humor
    • breastfeeding
    • miscarriage
      • experience
      • healing|support
  • freelance
    • portfolio
    • resumé
  • natural living
    • cloth diapering
      • general topics
      • accessories
      • prefolds
      • fitteds
      • pockets
      • ai2s
      • aios
      • wool
      • trainers
    • ideas
    • products
    • recipes
    • events
  • blog series
    • featured WAHMs
    • guest posts
    • what we’re reading
    • sun protection
    • SIDS awareness

MommyCon 2015: Cloth Diapering in DC

2015/08 By Lauren B. Stevens 2 Comments

mommycon-2015

I am finally recovering from the whirlwind weekend in DC, celebrating all things natural parenting at MommyCon 2015. I am struck by how much this amazing convention has grown since its first year! Cloth diapering, breastfeeding, babywearing, oh, MY! The vendors are better, more cloth diaper companies are present, and even more natural products are being showcased. And the babies, the babies! Everywhere I looked there were little ones nestled in their mom and dad’s carriers. Ack, the sweetness!

Save $6 on MommyCon 2015 tickets with promotional code: LOWREN15

As a Smart Bottoms Ambassador, I planned to spend most of my time at MommyCon 2015 working at the booth, talking about Jax & Jill and showing people just how amazing Smart Bottoms products are. I met Van from ‘Lil Tulips, the retailer selling Smart Bottoms at the conference, who was an amazing Smart Bottoms advocate, salesperson, and all around great guy. What I didn’t anticipate was just how popular the Smart Bottoms booth would be — we were slammed all day! Word has gotten out, my friends.

While I was unable to attend any sessions, I’d attended them before and can vouch for the abundance of information to be gleaned from them. MommyCon 2015 was really all about cloth diapers for me.

@smartbottoms is bumping! Come see @firsttimemommn & me! #smartbottomsambassador #mommycondc @mommycon

A photo posted by Lauren Stevens (@lowrenblogs) on Aug 22, 2015 at 7:12am PDT

I finally got to meet Bert, Smart Bottoms’ Marketing Coordinator Extraordinaire and the blogger behind First Time Mom, who I’d “known” for the past three years from being in the same blogging circles and working with businesses she’s worked for. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be able to spend time with people you interact with virtually all year long! Blogging and freelance writing can be incredibly lonely, so it’s a treat to be able to interact with peers at events like this.

#MommyConDC #ClothDiaper Resource Center. Maria from @chgdiapers talking to an attendee.

A photo posted by Lauren Stevens (@lowrenblogs) on Aug 25, 2015 at 5:11am PDT

While Bert and I were located right across from the MommyCon 2015 Cloth Diaper Resource Center, where Kim Rosas (Dirty Diaper Laundry) and Maria Moser (Change-Diapers.com) were talking about all things cloth diapers, I didn’t really get the opportunity to chat with them until the convention was over! We did make a point of getting a group photo, as I’ve been in a blogging group with all of them for the last three years. While I got to spend time with Kim at a blogging conference last summer (Blog University), I’d not had the chance to meet Maria, who I’ve been working with in many capacities for years. These are the things that made MommyCon 2015 incredibly fun for me.

#MommyConDC is a wrap! @chgdiapers @kim_rosas @firsttimemommn @lo-wren @MommyCon @liltulips #clothdiapers

A photo posted by Lauren Stevens (@lowrenblogs) on Aug 22, 2015 at 1:59pm PDT

I got to meet some of my amazing readers, and even “bumped” into an old colleague who is expecting her first child [in a matter of weeks!]. If you’ve not had the chance attend MommyCon, or are on the fence about it, I encourage you to jump in and grab tickets — you won’t regret it! Not only will you get to meet like-minded parents, and sit in on amazing seminars full of resources (and your favorite “personalities” in the natural parenting world), but you’ll get to talk to the people behind some of your favorite products (cloth diapers).

Save $6 on MommyCon 2015 tickets with promotional code: LOWREN15

MommyCon-Montage

While I’ve had experience with most of the products being showcased during the convention, I did discover a brand that I’m really excited about: Re-Play. I’m planning on sharing a little more about this company when I have more time, but I bought a few products and am loving them! All of their tableware is made from recycled milk jugs, my friends – so cool!

Who's coming to see Rachel & Gina this weekend @mommycon?We've got some awesome show specials lined up! Looking forward to meeting our D.C. mommies! #mommycondc

A photo posted by Re-Play (@replayrecycled) on Aug 18, 2015 at 12:05pm PDT

Have you attended a MommyCon event this year? What were some of your favorite takeaways from the conference?

Sharing is Caring! Please share to keep the conversation going:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Google

Filed Under: all, Cloth Diapering, Editorial, events, General Topics, Natural Living, Parenting Tagged With: cloth diapers, mommycon, mommycon 2015, MommyCon DC, natural parenting, natural parenting events, smart bottoms, smart bottoms cloth diapers, smart bottoms jax & jill

Potty Training with Smart Bottoms’ Lil Trainer

2015/07 By Lauren B. Stevens Leave a Comment

I loved using natural fibers to cloth diaper, so I was a little apprehensive when it came time to potty train D. Luckily, Smart Bottoms continues their quality line of organic cotton, made in the USA products with their Lil Trainer.

Made from organic cotton, Smart Bottoms' Lil Trainer features PUL in the wet zone, with an organic cotton insert for added absorbency & protection.

Smart Bottoms sent me a Lil Trainer to try out with D., which is perfect because I get to talk a little about potty training. D. was potty trained at around 22 months old, but I came home from a long weekend away to a little guy who was now afraid to poop on the potty. I’d done a fair share of reading on the topic of potty training, so I knew that pushing the issue was the wrong thing to do. I put him back in diapers and revisited 6 months later, using a technique I had come across. At each diaper change, I asked D. if he wanted a diaper or underwear. After 5 days of asking, D. finally said that he wanted to wear underwear. From that day on, he was using the toilet (although he’s still got his fear of #2).

While D. wore regular underwear most of the time, I had 5 pairs of training pants that I used, and still use, for running errands and road trips — those times when it may take a few minutes to get to a bathroom. I also like to keep a pair of training pants in my purse, just in case (instead of a change of undies). So for us, training pants definitely have a time and a purpose.

smart-bottoms-lil-trainer-3-view

Smart Bottoms Lil Trainers are perfect for the beginning stages of potty training (or errands out) because they provide enough absorbency to contain an accident. Made from organic cotton, the Lil Trainer features Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) in the wet zone, with an organic cotton insert that snaps inside for added absorbency and protection. Made to hold a single “accident,” the Lil Trainer is meant to be changed afterwards. The insert can be used two ways: interchanged with an additional insert after a small accident (reusing the outer) or removing the insert once your little one becomes more adept at using the toilet. Because of the construction, Lil Trainers can be used from start to finish with potty training (and come in adorable prints as well!).

I’ve tested the trainers by putting D. down for his nap in them (he naps for two hours and still needs to wear a diaper) and they worked really well — while D. had thoroughly soaked them, they were only damp on the outside. For added protection, I would put a cover over these trainers if using for nighttime or nap time undies.

smart-bottoms-lil-trainer-3-view

D. is above average height and weighs approximately 37lbs. He’s wearing a size LARGE Lil Trainer in this photo.

Smart Bottoms Lil Trainers fit both snug and soft with their organic cotton inner and encased elastic. While not as bulky as a cloth diaper, these training pants are definitely a little bulkier than underwear — but the added security is well worth it.

You can purchase Smart Bottoms Lil Trainers at major cloth diaper retailers, including Kelly’s Closet.

To find out the latest news from Smart Bottoms, follow them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Pinterest.

 

Sharing is Caring! Please share to keep the conversation going:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Google

Filed Under: Cloth Diapering, General Topics, Natural Living, products, reviews|sponsored, sponsored, trainers Tagged With: lil trainer, smart bottoms, smart bottoms lil trainer, training pant review, training pants

Best Cloth Diapers for Boys

2015/04 By Lauren B. Stevens 113 Comments

My little guy graduated from adorable cloth diapers to underwear last week, which led me to reflect on some of my favorite diapers throughout the years. With almost three years of cloth diapering under my belt, having tried every cloth diaper style, I can say that I definitely have favorites. My disclaimer is that this is my own list of the best cloth diapers for boys, as I’ve not tried every diaper on the market. From flats to all-in-one (AIO) cloth diapers, I’m discussing my picks for the best cloth diapers for boys.

From prefolds to all-in-one (AIO) cloth diapers, these are my picks for the best cloth diapers for boys.

[Read more…]

Sharing is Caring! Please share to keep the conversation going:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Google

Filed Under: AIOs, all, Cloth Diapering, Editorial, General Topics, Natural Living, Prefolds, products Tagged With: AIO, babykicks, Change-Diapers.com, cloth diapers, cloth diapers for boys, flat diapers, geffen baby, hemp, jersey hemp, natural fibers, organic cotton, Padded Tush Stats, Prefolds, smart bottoms, SoftBums, This West Coast Mommy

2015 MommyCon Promo Code & Special Giveaway

2015/03 By Lauren B. Stevens 40 Comments

Looking for my 2017 MommyCon promo code? Use LOWREN17 to save $5 off of each of your tickets! After you purchase your tickets, head over HERE to enter a sweet cloth giveaway!

 

Having attended MommyCon in Philadelphia the first year, I consider myself a MommCon Pro! What makes the 2015 MommyCon events even more exciting is that I am also a Smart Bottoms Cloth Diapers Ambassador, which means that I get to enjoy the convention two-fold; the excitement with the incredible line-up of speakers AND being able to tout the cool limited edition print Smart Bottoms designed just for 2015 MommyCon events. What’s even more exciting is that I’ve been given a 2015 MommyCon promo code to pass ticket savings on to you, my readers: LOWREN15

Use code LOWREN15 to save $5 on your 2015 MommyCon general admission tickets.

[Read more…]

Sharing is Caring! Please share to keep the conversation going:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Google

Filed Under: Cloth Diapering, Editorial, events, General Topics, Giveaways, Natural Living, Parenting Tagged With: #SBDiaperAmbassador, 2015 MommyCon, cloth diapers, discount code, limited edition, MommyCon DC, natural parenting, smart bottoms, smart bottoms cloth diapers

Cloth Diapering: Accessory Must Haves

2015/02 By Lauren B. Stevens 1 Comment

I’ve written a post, filled with accessories you don’t need to cloth diaper, but I want to cover those cloth diapering accessories you can’t have enough of. In other words, if you find a good sale, or come across a great deal, you can buy as much or as many of these items as you can, with absolutely no remorse; trust me, you’ll put them to good use!

These cloth diapering accessories you can't have enough of; if you find a good sale, or come across a great deal, be sure to stock up!

[Read more…]

Sharing is Caring! Please share to keep the conversation going:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Google

Filed Under: Accessories, Cloth Diapering, Editorial, General Topics, Parenting Tagged With: accessories, bamboo, boosters, bummis, cloth diaper safe rash cream, cloth diapering, cloth diapering accessories, cloth diapers, coconut oil, coconut stick, diaper balm, diaper covers, diaper rash cream, earth mama angel baby, Eco Sprout, fitteds, flats, fleece diaper liners, Grandma El's, inserts, natural fibers, organic cotton, Prefolds, smart bottoms, snappi, swim diaper, used cloth diapers, Wonderful Bambino

Smart Bottoms + MommyCon = Limited Edition Print

2015/01 By Lauren B. Stevens 2 Comments

MommyCon

With MommyCon 2015 kicking off in Chicago on February 21st, excitement is brewing! Some of your favorite bloggers and baby biz folks will be in attendance (Dirty Diaper Laundry, The Leaky Boob, Badass Breastfeeder, Baby Guy NYC, and more), offering sessions about everything from Cloth Diapering to Potty Training.

[Read more…]

Sharing is Caring! Please share to keep the conversation going:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Google

Filed Under: Cloth Diapering, Editorial, events, General Topics, Natural Living, Parenting, products Tagged With: cloth diapers, jax & jill, limited edition print, mommycon, mommycon 2015, mommycon chicago, mommycon promo code, smart bottoms, smart bottoms cloth diapers, smart bottoms jax & jill

10,000 Facebook Followers?

2014/12 By Lauren B. Stevens 1 Comment

I am incredibly thankful for all of YOU! I began blogging as The Median Mommy, a new mom wanting to share about natural parenting, life, and…cloth diapering. I never imagined my blog would grow into what it is today, and I couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you!

10000Fans

What began as a way for me to connect to the outside world, from the confines of my home as a stay at home mom, has evolved into a creative outlet, rife with opportunity. As I mark this incredible milestone, I feel incredibly blessed for all of the opportunities that have come my way, and continue to, as a result of my writing. 2014 is winding down, as is my blogging for the year, but for good reason: I hope to announce two exciting writing projects I’m involved in for 2015 (with a little luck and a lot of work, I hope to announce many more!)!

Sharing is Caring! Please share to keep the conversation going:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Google

Filed Under: Editorial, Giveaways, giveaways, sponsored Tagged With: 000 followers, 10, bummis, cloth diapers, facebook, fans, smart bottoms, thank you, thirsties

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

categories

Lauren B. Stevens is a former publishing rep-turned-writer, whose work can be found on ChildVantage, The Huffington Post, Scary Mommy and Care.com, among many other websites. When she's not chasing her precocious preschooler, Lauren pens hilarious and heartwarming stories about her life as a mother, ghostwrites blogs for businesses, and sometimes even finds the time to write a bit of creative non-fiction.
Look for Lauren's published essays in the books listed below:

i’m in these books!

  • SMITHCoverWidget.jpg
  • MMCoverWidget.jpg
  • 3534480-01Motherhood250-1.jpg
  • chicken-soup.jpg
  • SINSA-Cover-Image.jpg
  • PTB6.jpg
  • PTB7.jpg

popular this week…

  • 5 Ways to Repurpose Cloth Diapers
  • Best Cloth Diapers for Boys
  • 5 Reasons to Use All-in-Two (AI2) Cloth Diapering Systems
  • Should I Try to Conceive Directly Following a Miscarriage?

recent posts

  • 4 Things You Can Get to Ensure Car Safety for Your Kids (Without Breaking the Bank)
  • Cyber Security 101: 5 Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe Online
  • 11 Activities To Tire Your Kids And Have Them Begging for Bedtime
  • Chicken Soup for the Soul: Military Families
  • Maximizing Marketplace Savings with Groupon and eBay

Stirrup Queen’s List of Blogs

Stirrup Queen's List of Blogs

archives

Pinterest Favorites

 photo 12UniqueGifts_zps5a66546f.jpg" alt="12-UNIQUE-GIFT-IDEAS" />
 photo 4ReasonstoUseMenstrualCupjpg_zpsb15ca7ba.jpg
 photo StopBreastfeeding_zps6df818b5.jpg
budget-cloth-diapering
 photo MiscarriageBabyLossjpg_zps3a6a4ab8.jpg
 photo PrefoldPinterest_zps43c4cd6e.jpg

Copyright © 2021

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.