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Click the link at the top of the page “July Baby Picture Submissions”.

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When you think of diapers today, you generally think of Pampers or some other brand that is extra soft to protect your baby’s skin yet strong enough to hold all the things they are supposed to for a long period of time. However, how much do you know about the history of diapers? What do you know about the diapers used 50 years ago or even 1000? Probably not very much. This article will attempt to shed some light on the history of diapers.

Not too long ago, cloth diapers were the “in” thing. In fact, during the last century, cloth diapers were the best way to handle those accidents by baby until disposable diapers were introduced. Other plastic coverings for cloth diapers were introduced before this. A real disposable diaper was not available until the ‘40s, and even then, they were a luxury that few could afford.

This means that for thousands of years, individuals had to deal with baby bowel movements in other ways. Elizabethan times allowed for a cloth type of diaper, however, it was changed so infrequently that several days worth of waste accumulated. Other ancient diapers consisted of animal skins, moss, linens, leaves, and the like. Some babies in tropical environments never had ancient diapers at all because they were mostly naked!

The history of diapers began a major evolution in the early 1800s. At this time cloth diapers were used, however they were rarely washed but just dried before reapplying. However, individuals started to realize the importance of diapers in protecting furniture, and more importantly, their baby’s skin. Soon, cloth diapers began improving somewhat, as well as the hygiene. The 1940s experienced a bit of revolution, but it would be the ‘60s and ‘70s that saw a major development in disposable diapers.

In the 1950’s, there was another big change in the diaper. Mrs. Hellerman – owner of a diaper service in Milwaukee – went to the Kendall Company, which made Curity® brand diapers, with a new invention. It was a fold that put extra cotton layers in the center of the diaper and made it the right size for most babies. The fold was sewn shut, and the prefolded diaper was born.

The history of diapers only continued to improve throughout the ’80s and ‘90s with new technology, lighter yet more absorbent fabric, and cute designs. Today, diapers are becoming more comfortable, thinner, and environmentally sound. Comparing today’s diapers with ancient diapers, or even cloth diapers, one can see a major difference. Yet diapers still continue to change. The history of diapers looks as if it will continue on forever.

Diaper Timeline:

Ancient Times – Documents show that babies born in ancient times may have used Milkweed leaf wraps, animal skins, and other natural resources. Babies were “wrapped in swaddling bands” (antiquity or strips of linen or wool were wrapped tightly around each limb and then crosswise around the body)in many European societies. Innuits, an Eskimo people, placed moss under sealskin. Native American mothers and Inca mothers in South America packed grass under a diaper cover made of rabbit skin. In warmer tropical climates, babies were mostly naked and mothers tried to anticipate baby’s bowel movements or urinations…this would be called elimination communication today and is still practiced.

Late 1800’s – infants in Europe and North America were wearing the progenitor of the modern diaper. A square or rectangle of linen, cotton flannel, or stockinet was folded into a rectangular shape and held in place with safety pins.

20th Century – In the early part of the century, cloth users were boiling diapers as they became aware of bacteria. During World War II, the increase of working mothers brought the need for the “diaper service”. Fresh cotton diapers would be delivered on an as-needed basis.

The first disposable absorbent pad used as a diaper was probably the one made from unbleached creped cellulose tissue (held in rubber pants) in 1942 by Paulistróm in Sweden. The use of the creped cellulose tissue may have been because cotton had become a strategic material due to the war effort. A few years later in the United States, in 1946, a Westport housewife named Marion Donovan, invented the “Boater”, a waterproof covering for cloth diapers. Her first model of the disposable diaper was a conventional cloth diaper inserted into shower curtain plastic. Marion was granted 4 patents for her designs, including the use of plastic snaps that replaced the traditional and dangerous “safety pins”. In 1950, the prefold diaper was invented by a diaper service owner and produced by Curity. Also in 1950, the Safe-T Di-Dee diaper was invented. The diaper was preformed and was the first pinless, snap-on diaper. It was invented by Sybil Geeslin (Kennedy) who subsequently sold the patent when she needed money to build a house. They were then sold as Keystone Safe-T Di-Dee Diapers and were nationally distributed.

With the 60’s, the disposable diaper evolved quickly. Instead of tissue, a pulp mill was introduced. Using cellulose fibers instead of paper improved the performance of the diaper.

Recent years have brought many “improvements” to disposable diapers. However, in the early 90’s, cloth diaper users remerged with environmental issues concerning the use of disposables. By the late 90’s and the beginning of the next decade, many large cloth diaper manufacturing companies were well established.

In 1995, the Motherease company was formed and began selling by mail order in the US, although the owner (Erika Froese) had been developing and selling her diapers since 1991 (mostly in Canada) and using cloth since 1981. They are one size diapers called Sandies, named after one of her children.

Catherine McDiarmid’s BornToLove.com, a Canadian site, was one of the first major diaper sites to emerge in 1997. BornToLove.com is recognized for its extensive articles on cloth diapers, and is still a great resource to this day.

In 1999, Poochiesâ„¢ and HoneyBoyâ„¢ diapers were developed and became quite popular. HoneyBoy diapers were so popular, in fact, that the owner, Jodi Mack, would often auction off her wares for over $200.00 per diaper. Cuddlebunsâ„¢ Cloth Diapers were introduced to the diapering community in 1999 and were a one-size diaper that could fit babies from infancy to potty training. All three of these diapers brands eventually became available for the general public to sew through cottage licensing, and are now owned by BabyByYou! Also in 1999, Kissaluvs started an online business to sell fitted and contour diapers. These years also saw a tremendous amount of growth in the amount of moms who begin sewing their own diapers.

21st Century:

In 2000, the ever popular Fuzzi Bunz opened an online store selling the Pocket Diaper, as invented by the WAHM owner, Tereson. Originally, they were fleece on the outside and the inside. Later they were made with PUL outers and fleece inners. Both looks were different from what you see today.

Stacinator fleece diaper covers also came out in 2000, and became very popular. This company has since been sold to Happy Heinys.

The phrase “hyena” was also coined around this time, or shortly thereafter, when Kendell from Freshies commented on how all the diapering mamas were so ruthless in their stalking of hard-to-get diapers. She said, in a joking way, that “they’re just like a pack of hyenas, closing in for the kill”….and the term stuck. So now hyena diapers are the hard to get, but much sought after diaper brands available today.

The year 2000 also brought about the Diaper Pin, a web site with cloth diapering articles. It is a place to review all the cloth diaper brands available.

In 2002, Happy Heinys pocket diapers came on the scene, and have proven to be a very popular and reliable cloth pocket diaper.

In 2003, “Wahm Boutique” and “Tuesday Bear” (the first WAHM congos for diapers) and other WAHM items were opened to the public, blazing a trail for WAHM conglomerates of today.

Also in 2003, wool soakers became instantly popular, which resulted in a slew of WAHMs selling hand knit wool covers/soakers. DryBees pocket diapers also hit the scene and quickly became a favorite. In 2004 and 2005, the soakers evolved into wool longies or pants. Both are equally popular today.

2002 and 2003 are also known by many experienced cloth diapers WAHMS as the diaper war years. Larger cloth diaper companies began threatening smaller ones with legal action and accusations of pattern or patent infringement. Motherease threatened legal action as they tried to protect their pattern for the one size diaper, and Fuzzi Bunz threatened legal action to protect their patent on pocket diapers. Many small WAHM diaper makers closed, deciding that the industry was too cutthroat.

In 2004, Karen Fegelman, the owner of Kool Sheep Soakers, figured out how to program a simple shopping-cart system that would not oversell, and that would be super-affordable and easy for a WAHM to use. Hyena Cart was born. It is still used by WAHMS everywhere today as their only method of selling or as a supplement system.
2004 and 2005 were also the host to an explosion of growth in the cloth diapering community. Many new cloth diaper sewing and retail businesses were started. The presence of WAHM congos also saw a tremendous amount of growth.

Also, in 2004 and 2005, designer diapers were the rage. Some more sought after brands can be sold at auction for $200-300.00, with some charity auctions bringing in over $500.00 for cloth diapers. Online forums exploded with cloth diapering communities (MDC taking the lead) and many new web sites dedicated to cloth diaper information. Diaper sewing is a hot pastime and many online resources, patterns, and diaper fabric stores were opened.

Basic Wipes Recipe

• 2 tablespoons baby shampoo or wash
• 2 tablespoons oil (food grade cooking oil – not baby oil or mineral oil )
• 2 cups distilled water

Mix in a jar and then pour over wipes. Store extra solution in the fridge.

Aloe Vera Wipes Recipe

• 2 cups hot water
• 1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel
• 2 drops Tea Tree Oil

Allow ingredients to cool.

Mix in a jar and then pour over wipes. Store extra solution in the fridge.

Anti-Fungal Baby Wipes

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel
• 1 tablespoon Calendula Oil
• 2 drops Lavender or Chamomile Oil
• 2 drops Tea Tree Oil or Grape Seed Extract

Mix in a jar and then pour over wipes. Store extra solution in the fridge.

This one is great for discouraging yeast diaper rashes because the vinegar and essential oils discourage yeast growth.

Essentially Oils Recipe

• 3 T jojoba oil
• 1tsp tea tree oil
• 1tsp chamomile oil
• 1tsp lavender oil
• 1tsp gernanium oil
• 3/4 cup witch hazel

Mix in a spray bottle and spray wipes. Store extra solution in the fridge.

Is it really possible to buy a stash of one-sized cloth diapers and not buy another one throughout the life of the child?  Is there a cloth diaper that will withstand years of use with multiple children?

Certainly the answer can be yes to both of these questions but there are limitations.

When many families discover cloth diapers saving money is usually on the top of the list.  Who can argue with the stats.  In the first 2 years of a child’s life they will go through about 5,840* disposable diapers.  Multiply that times $0.25 (I looked at a few brands/sizes and took this as an average) and your spending $1460.

Pick any one-sized diaper and you’d hardly come close to a third of that!

So what about the durability of one-sized diapers? Will they break down after 2 years of use?

In my experience, natural fibers like cotton and bamboo do break down much quicker than most would like.  After using my Bum Genius Organic AIOs in heavy rotation for 1-2 years some are starting to show significant wear.  I also had this occur with my Sustainablebabyish bamboo fitteds.  Wear includes holes near the edges and seams.  Are these diapers unusable? Certainly not.  I use the holey pink BG Organic that was originally Paisley’s on Sterling often.

If the one-size diapers you choose contain a microfiber insert, plan on replacing those once a year.  Microfiber tends to lose its absorbency not to mention stink like crazy.  However, with the new detergents on the market like Clean B and Hard Rock an overnight soak has proven to give new life to dead inserts.

Where one-size diapers really hold their value is when you are cloth diapering 2 children.  This can be a huge money, time and resource saver!  We always have an overlap between children where I am cloth diapering 2.  Inevitably, this drives me crazy.  However, having a diaper that I can use for either child reduces my stress a lot.

Are one-size cloth diapers worth it? Yes! Are there good choices and excellent choices? Yes.  But, remember, don’t buy 18 of any diaper without first trying 1!! You really don’t want to deal with the hassle of reselling them all.

After watching my recorded “The Mentalist” from last Thursday I saw the news clip for yet another disposable diaper horror story.  This time San Antonio moms were speaking out about Pampers new Dry Max diapers.

But, don’t worry about a little blood, your baby will have the thinnest diaper evah!

Here are a few quotes from the video below:

“Moisture absorbing gel making them thinner than ever” Um, I’ll take a fluffy butt over bleeding blisters!

“No chemicals in this product that could cause chemical burns” (Bryan McCleary, Pampers spokesperson) Wow, that one made my draw drop.

But, wait, before you think Mr. McCleary is just a talking head, he does have a heart…

“His heart aches for these moms but their claims can’t possibly be true” Oh, Bryan, you are so blinded by the big company. Apparently your “most tested diaper in pampers history” just isn’t going to cut it.

And my personal note to the medical expert Pampers pulled out of their wallet:

Dear Dr. Loiselle, I really am so sad that you have chosen to stand behind this company and make a statement like “with the data I’ve seen I don’t think it’s a possibility that the newer Pampers with Dry Max are causing the chemical burns. It doesn’t make any scientific sense whatsoever.”  Golly.  I’m not sure it gets any better “scientifically” than real results.

Perhaps, I sound jaded. Perhaps.  But, really I am hurting for those moms who are trying to comfort their babies.  You can’t blame the mom.  Most likely she’s never even heard of cloth diapers (besides the “old school” ones).  All the more reason we need to educate moms around us.

I’m not the best at this, which may sound surprising.  Next time the door opens for me to tell someone about cloth diapers I’m going to take that step.  Please join me in this effort.

http://www.kens5.com/home/Mothers-claiming-Pampers-Dry-Max-technology-diapers-causing-chemical-burns-92472284.html

A Cloth Diapering Dictionary
By Becca ⋅ March 20, 2010 ⋅
If you are new to cloth diapering and happen upon one of the many websites that sell cloth diapers, then all the titles, monikers, and nicknames can be quite confusing – I should know! I came into cloth diapering pretty much on my own; there were no brick and mortar diaper stores near me so I had no one to talk to about, and no opportunities to see, these wonderful cloth diapers in person.

A friend gave me three pocket diapers to start my stash and so pockets were all I “knew”. Since it was all I knew, it was all I bought – which was fine because I love pocket diapers, my husband loves them and pocket diapers are pretty wonderful. That said it took me a very long time to decode the other cloth diapering terms.

Happy Heiny’s One Size Pocket Diaper

I’m sure there are many other moms who really want to cloth diaper but don’t have a clue where to start; it is almost as if the cloth diapering world has its own language of sorts. I’d like to make it easier for you so here’s my personal Cloth Diapering Dictionary:
Cloth Diaper Sizing:

One-Size Diapers – One size diapers are diapers that fit a wide range of sizes. Each one size diaper is different in some way, but they all give an average range of weights that their diapers fit. The most common range is 7 to 35 lbs, but some even average around 10 to 40 lbs.

One Size and Sized Cloth Diapers

Many different syles of diapers are available as a one size: fitted diapers, contour diapers, pocket diapers, AI2s (all in twos), AIOs (all in ones); diaper covers can come in one size as well. In general cloth diapers and diaper covers are categorized as one size diapers because of their snap placements. A specific arrangement of snaps are placed descending down the front of the diaper or cover, allowing parents to loosen or cinch up the diaper or diaper cover to make it fit baby.

Diapers such as Fuzzi Bunz or Rocky Mountain Diapers have even more areas to modify the fit with built-in, adjustable, internal leg and waist elastic. Other types of diapers maintain their one size title due to the ability to fold down part of the diaper in the front or the back. Prefold Diapers and Fitted Diapers can also work this way if designed to fit a wide range of sizes.

Sized Diapers — “Sized” Diapers are diapers that come in different sizes; much like disposables you can buy in the store, they come in sizes like XS, S, M, L, and XL. People who buy sized diapers generally like them because they are less bulky than one size diapers. Based on the baby’s size, some parents find it difficult to fit a one size diaper on a tiny newborn, so if your stash is made of all one size diapers, you may want to have a few newborn (XS) cloth diapers in your stash. Several different styles of cloth diapers are available in actual sizes.

Handmade Sized AI0
Different kinds of Cloth Diapers:

All In Ones – All In Ones, also known as AIOs, are most like disposables. They require little to no set up before putting them on your baby. Everything you need is already built into the diaper and there is no need to stuff, snap-in, or lay-in any layers of absorbency.

Handmade – Sized AIO

However, because there is so much absorbency within the diaper itself, they can take longer to dry. Some AIO diapers have fixed this problem with fold-in layers of absorbency, which fold closed while the diaper is on the baby. Because these attached internal absorbent layers are affixed in some manner, they can fold out as well to diminish the drying time.

Handmade AI2

AIOs are ideal for those who are very new to cloth diapering or who are looking for a low maintenance cloth diaper system. I’ve seen AIO diapers in one size, but they tend to be bulky on smaller babies, so most will purchase them in different sizes as baby grows.

Examples of AIO diapers are: Kissaluvs Marvels One Size All In One, Mother-ease All In One Diapers, Bumkins All In Ones, and many more.

On a scale of 1-10 (from economical to expensive), All In Ones are a 9 or 10. Because most AIOs are purchased in varying sizes, you have to buy more of them to cover baby’s diapering needs from birth to potty training. On a scale of 1-10 (from easy to difficult), All In Ones get a 1-2. They are the easiest cloth diaper out there to use.

All In Two (AI2) – AI2s are almost as easy as AIOs. Similar to the AIO with one exception, the absorbent layer either lays in or snaps in. This type of diaper can be found in sized and one size varieties. The drying time is much better with AI2s, but they do require the prep work of putting the insert in before putting the diaper on your baby, and removing the soiled insert before washing.

Gro Baby AI2

AI2s come in a variety of styles; some are basically diaper covers with flat diapers inside, like the Flip Diapers, and then there are some AI2s like the Gro Baby Diapers with a snap in insert.

Theoretically, many AI2s can be labeled as “diaper covers” even though they come with specialized inserts. However, you can also use prefolds, fitteds, or contour diapers with them.

On a scale from 1-10 (from economical to expensive), these have a wide range; I’d say they’re about a 2-7. Because AI2s are similar to diaper covers, the cover can be used more than once by changing out the insert; this makes them cheaper, on average, than Pocket Diapers or All In Ones. On a scale from 1-10 (from easy to difficult), these are about a 7-8 because they require two steps.

Contour Diapers – Contour Diapers are basically prefolds that contour around baby’s legs in an hourglass shape. Contours usually need to be fastened with diaper pins or a snappi and require a diaper cover. They can be found as a sized diaper and also as a one size.

Some popular contour diapers include: Bumkins One Size Contour Diapers, Kissaluvs Contour Diaper, and Imse Vimse Contour Diaper.

On a scale of 1-10 (from economical to expensive), I’d rate them at about a 3-5 because some of them are just as expensive as their fitted counterparts. On a scale of 1-10 (from easy to difficult), I’d rate them at a 5-6 because, though they usually don’t require folding, they do require pins or a snappi.

Fitted Diapers – Fitted Diapers, also called “Fitteds”, are an amped-up version of the Prefold Diaper. They are basically prefolds that fit your baby and usually attach with Velcro or snaps so you don’t have to use diaper pins or a Snappi.

bumGenius! Fitted

Fitted Diapers come in a variety of different absorbency layers including bamboo, hemp, microfiber, and others. They require a diaper cover. Some popular Fitted Diapers are: BabyKicks One Size Organic Fitted Diapers, Kiwi Pie One Size Bamboo Fitted Diapers, Dream-Eze Organic Fitted Diapers, Mother-ease Sandy’s Fitted Diaper, Kissaluvs Marvels One Size Fitted Diaper, Thirsties Fab Fitted Diaper, and so many more.

On a scale of 1-10 (from economical to expensive), these are about a 4-5. Fitteds are more expensive than prefolds but are still cheaper than their Pocket Diaper and AIO alternatives. On a scale from 1-10 (from easy to difficult), Fitted Diapers are about a 6-7 because you have to put both the Fitted Diaper and a diaper cover on baby when using this style of cloth diaper.

Flat Diapers – Flat Diapers are probably the oldest style of cloth diaper on the market and are very similar to Prefold Diapers, except less layers and more surface area. Flat Diapers require more folding and are folded differently according to the size of your baby. These cloth diapers attach with pins or a snappi and come in different materials.

Flat Diapers require a diaper cover and they usually come in just one size. On a scale of 1-10 (from economical to expensive), I’d rate these at a 1-3. On a scale of 1-10 (from easy to difficult), I’d rate them at a 10.

Hybrid Diapers – Hybrid Diapers are diapers with cloth diaper covers that use either cloth or environmentally-friendly disposable inserts. The Gro Baby One Size Diaperis a hybrid system because you can buy disposable inserts for them in addition to the cloth inserts already included.

Another popular type hybrid diaper is Little gPants. These diapers can be sized or one size. Their price really depends upon you.

If you diaper with disposable inserts full time, then on a scale of 1-10 (from economical to expensive) Hybrid Diapers would rate a 10, because you’d have to continuously buy the inserts. If you use them as AI2 diapers, they are much less expensive (See AI2 up top). If using disposable inserts exclusively, on a scale of 1-10 (from easy to difficult), they would rate a 8-10 because they have two steps; washing is easier when only the cover has to be washed.

Pocket Diapers — Pocket Diapers are almost as easy as AIOs and similar to A12s (All In Twos). Pocket diapers have a pocket or a sleeve to stuff one or more absorbent layers. These diapers require prep work before putting them on your baby, and many of them also require the removal of the absorbent insert before putting the diaper in the wash, however, pocket diapers dry much quicker than other styles of cloth diapers.

FuzziBunz One Size Pocket Diaper

A great thing about pocket diapers, is you choose the type of absorbency, and also the level of absorbency, your baby needs. These diapers are especially great for night diapering and for heavy wetters.

Some popular pocket diapers include Fuzzi Bunz, bumGenius, Knickernappies, Tweedlebugs, Happy Heinys, and Smartipants.

On a scale from 1-10 (from economical to expensive), pocket diapers are about a 6-8; even though each diaper is about the same price as an AIO, it’s easier to find pocket diapers in a one size. On a scale from 1-10 (from easy to difficult), these are about a 2-3 because they require the extra step of stuffing the insert before wearing, and un-stuffing the insert before washing.

Prefold Diapers – Prefold Diapers are the most common and well-known cloth diaper. Flat with a thicker, more absorbent, panel in the middle, prefolds are usually folded in three before they are put on the baby.

Prefold Diapers

Prefolds usually come in different sizes, but it is possible to use a larger size on your baby and adjust the fold as baby grows. In essence some might consider prefolds a one size diaper.

You fasten prefolds with diaper pins or better yet, snappi diaper fasteners. Prefolds can be found at your local baby store, but the higher, diaper service quality (DSQ) prefold diapers are found online or at your local diaper service.

Prefolds are usually made of 100% cotton, but can also be found in other, absorbent materials like hemp and bamboo. These diapers always require a diaper cover!

On a scale of 1-10 (from economical to expensive), prefold diapers are definitely a 1, and sometimes a 2 or 3 if you buy prefolds made of hemp or bamboo. Prefold Diapers are, by far, the cheapest cloth diapering solution. On the other hand, some think they are also the most “complicated” because they require special folding, as well as pins or a snappi to secure closed. On a scale of 1-10 (from easy to difficult), I’d rate them at a 9 or 10.
Diaper Covers:

Diaper Covers – Diaper Covers are a waterproof outer layer wrapped around a Fitted Diaper, Prefold Diaper, Contour Diaper, or Flat Diaper. Diaper Covers come in a few different materials including PUL (basically a polyester fabric lined with a waterproof layer of plastic), wool, and fleece.

bumGenius! Fitted Diaper and Thirsties Cover

On a scale of 1-10 (from economical to expensive), I’d rate them at a 3-5, or even lower, because you can use the same cover for many diaper changes. On a scale of 1-10 (from easy to difficult), covers themselves are generally very easy to put on, making them about a 2 or 3.

Soakers – Soakers are Wool Diaper Covers; natural, breatheable, and yet amazingly waterproof! I have also heard the term “soaker” used when referring to the absorbent layer of an AIO diaper. Either way, it’s something highly absorbent.
Diapering Accessories:

Diaper Doublers Diaper Doublers are another name for an insert used in conjunction with another insert, but they are usually smaller than regular inserts. Often Diaper Doublers are used for heavy wetters or for night diapering.

Gro Baby Doublers – Hemp Doublers

Inserts Inserts are most popularly used with Pocket Diapers. They are comprised of a couple of layers of extremely absorbent fabric such as cotton, microfiber, hemp, etc…that is stuffed into the sleeve or pocket of the diaper to give it absorbency. The great thing about inserts is you can customize your diaper’s absorbency depending upon which insert you use. In addition, you can lay them inside an AIO if you feel it needs more absorbency, you can use AIOs within some covers as a diapering system, or you can lay them in AI2s.

Microfiber Inserts

Mama Cloth Mama Cloth refers to cloth menstrual pads. There are many different types of mama cloth varieties available, many of them made by the same people who make your favorite diapers!

Wet Bag – Wet Bags are waterproof bags used to hold soiled cloth diapers and/or other wet things (such as bathing suits and towels). A small wet bag can be placed in your diaper bag for short trips, and a larger one can be used instead of, or inside of, a diaper pail. The great thing about wet bags is you can throw them in the wash with whatever cargo they carry. Also, any bad smells stay inside the bag. They are a great, and necessary, cloth diapering accessory to have.

**************

I hope after reading this you feel much better informed about what to buy for your little munchkin. After all, you probably are here and reading because you want the absolute best for your baby. Cloth diapering can offer you that, all the while being easy on the environment and your wallet. So go ahead. Take the plunge. Buy a few different kinds of cloth diapers and see for yourself how wonderful they are. You’ll get hooked on them, I promise you! I certainly have.