Review: Kawaii Baby Minky One Size Pocket - CHEAP DIAPERING SOLUTION!!!

*** I want to start this off by pointing out that there are several styles of Kawaii Pocket diapers. Not all are minky.  Most are PUL.  All are OS, except for the Pure & Natural Pocket which goes from 0-15 months.  Some of a PUL barrier at the top.  Some of the minky have bamboo.  And all have different pricing.  The PUL are cheaper than the minky, and if you google them they can be found in bulk packages even cheaper.  I am linking to the site I purchased my diapers from.  I only tried the minky so that is what I am reviewing here.

If you click on the Title of this post it will take you to the Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique page with all of the Kawaii's listed.

Kawaii Baby Minky One Size Pocket - $10.95

Materials:  The outer material is layers of soft minky fabric which is waterproof and breathable.  The closure is available in snaps or velcro depending on the diaper pattern.  The inside is microfleece and it came with 2 microfiber inserts.

Fit:  8 - 44 lbs.

How it works:  Kawaii Minkys are a One Size (OS) pocket diapering system.  The absorbent inserts are placed in the pocket and can be adjusted for your absorption needs.  Snaps the front of the diaper allow the diaper to adjust in the rise for a baby as they grow.  The closure on this diaper is available in either snaps or velcro.

Thoughts from Amanda:

Aesthetics -  The minky diapers are certainly cute.  No doubt about that.  The selection of patterns is limited, but there's something for everyone which is great.  At times it is frustrating that a certain pattern is only available in Velcro or Snaps but not both.  This is the exception though.  And really...I like both types of closures so it was a non-issue for me personally.  Since the prints are really cute I wish the snap rise and closures would match in color.  Also this diaper is really soft.  I mean ridiculously soft to the touch on the outside.  Love that!

Functionality -  This diaper works just as well as any more expensive diaper out there on the market.  The minky is soft, washes well, and is breathable for sure.  It NEVER leaked.  (That was something I was worried about since it didn't have PUL in it at all.)  

I have one major qualm with this diaper, and I seem to be the only person who has noticed this issue or experienced it.  I bought two minky diapers, different prints, but the same style of diaper.  But the rises on each diaper were different.  One was significantly higher than the other. I always had to use one diaper fully unsnapped in the rise, and the other snapped down one setting.  I thought that was odd.  

I also found the waist on the Minky diaper to run smaller than some other popular diapers, so if you have a child with a larger waist I might try a different style of Kawaii.

Durability -  This diaper held up well to many washings.  The minky never looked worn or matted.  It didn't pill on the outside or look "odd" in any way!  I was very impressed by that.  I cannot comment on the Velcro closure as I did not use them.

Availability -  As with most "cheap" diapers this one has limited availability.  I liked that I could buy them in singles at Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique.  The main Kawaii site (http://www.theluvyourbaby.com) sells them mostly in bulk from what I know, and their website can be slow to load.  So, you'll have to do some poking around to find these, but if you're wanting to save some money then it would be worth your time.

Diaper Changing Station Video

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming (Cheap Diapering) to post a video of how my (Amanda's) diaper changing station is set up.  Many new mom's ask me how I organize my diapering area so I'm happy to share.  There are MANY different ways of setting up your area.  But, this is just how I do it.

Hopefully I'll get back to the cheap diapering posts again this weekend for you.  I'm hoping to review the Kawaii's and Tweedle Bugs.

Review: Nubunz Diapers - CHEAP DIAPERING SOLUTION!

While I have been blogging about CDing cheaply I thought it would be nice to review some of the "cheaper" diapers out there for you to consider.  :)

Nubunz Diaper - $9.50 (Currently on sale for $8.00) w/2 inserts, or you can get seconds diapers with inserts for $5.50, seconds without inserts are $3.00.

Materials:  The outer material is PUL with a liner of polyester microfleece.  The closure is available in snaps or velcro (some velcro are rounded tabs and some square).  The inserts are 3 layers each of polyester micro terry cloth.

Fit:  8 - 38 lbs. (as claimed by Nubunz Diapers)

How it works:  Nubunz Diapers are a One Size (OS) pocket diapering system.  The absorbent inserts are placed in the pocket and can be adjusted for your absorption needs.  Snaps on the front of the diaper allow the diaper to adjust in the rise for a baby as they grow.  The closure on this diaper is available in either snaps or velcro.

Thoughts from Amanda:

Aesthetics -  Currently the full price Nubunz Diapers are available in only 8 pastel colors.  (Think bumGenius colors.)  You an get seconds diapers in brighter/bolder colors though while supplies last.  There are no prints available.  They have put a hold on the brighter colors due to some quality issues with them (much like bumGenius had to do recently).  I believe it is a PUL issue that many companies are dealing with.  The snaps are all white...that doesn't matter to me personally.  The velcro is white, unless you get the square tab ones which are sort of a less bulky version of the original Happy Heiny's closure.  With limited supplies of colors, and possibilities of problems with the bolder colors in the seconds section I can only give the aesthetics of the Nubunz diaper a three pin rating.  I will say that I bought mostly seconds diapers though and didn't have any bleeding issues or problems with the quality of the PUL on any of them.

Functionality -  These diapers function like a bumGenius 3.0 for the most part.  They have that top layer of PUL which will stop compression leakage.  LOVE that feature.  And I'm glad it can be found on a "cheap" diaper to boot.  I found the rise to be comparable to the rise of a bumGenius 3.0.  Keep in mind that bumGenius has recently updated to the 4.0 which includes a higher rise.  If your child runs on the average to small side of the scale the rise of the Nubunz should be plenty for you.

My "big" complaint about the Nubunz diaper was the lack of stretch.  The other thing I love about bumGenius is that the area around the velcro tabs is stretchy giving you a tighter fit.  This diaper just didn't have as much "give" to it.  However, when you're only paying $9.50 for a full price on a diaper one can't complain too much.  :)  As far as the rounded velcro tabs v. the square.  I didn't experience any issues with either.  However, I could see how the corner of the PUL could get caught on carpeting while baby is crawling around, or rub on furniture when baby is climbing, and become undone.

Durability -  The Nubunz diaper held up to washing as well as any other diaper I have does.  I honestly can't complain at all.  The velcro was really sticky.  I did get a little nervous when undoing snaps as the snaps would really grip and I didn't want to tear the PUL. I never did, but alas I was nervous.  Although I guess it's nice to know that the snap closures are really closed well.  The PUL held up to washing, and as usual my outers were hung dry the majority of the time.  Another plus...the Nubunz Diaper is constructed in the good ol' USA.  :)  Keep in mind though that people have had problems with the bold colored diapers, and although that hasn't been my experience it is something to consider when purchasing.

Availability -  This is not normally a section I put in a review, but as far as I am aware the Nubunz diaper is only available from Nubunz.  This can be a damper to those who want to shop around.  The price is good on their website and they are efficient about shipping, but if you're looking to buy your diapers all in one spot then this isn't the diaper for you (unless you want a whole stash of Nubunz...which wouldn't be a bad thing.).  Also...they seem to be going through a phase of changing what is available and what not so you will be limited as to what you can find and in what colors.  This can be annoying if you're picky about your diaper colors.

Cost Effective CDing

So...many moms out there are into CDs for the money savings.  Here's the thing no one realizes...they're ridiculously addictive.  :)  Many moms end up not saving a penny because they keep buying and buying cute diapers that they "must have."

As with any "hobby" it's best to go in with a plan.  You can decide to go the cost effective route from the get go:

1)  Use a trial/sampler package.  This will help you to determine what kind of diaper you like best.  Here are a few links to some online stores with trial programs:
http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/products/clothdiapers/tryclothfor10
http://www.giggle-britches.com/trialprogram.html
http://www.momsmilkboutique.com/Cloth_Diaper_Trial_Packages_145_cat.html
http://www.diaperjunction.com/try-cloth-diapers.html

2)  Buy cheap diapers...for newborns (and up if you're braver than I) go the prefold/flats and covers route.  This is the most economical form of diapering for sure.

Fitteds are nice but depending on the brand won't always save you money.  For a good deal on fitted diapers try the package of 12 by Little Lions for $99.

If you are more of a pocket OS person then try:  Kawaii's, Sunbabys', Nubunz, or Tweedle Bugs

3)  Buy used.  You can buy many of the brands you love on swap boards (there's one on BabyCenter), eBay, and even Craigs List, Diaper Swappers, Spots Corner on Hyena Cart.  But, beware...you may not get what you paid for.  Make sure there are a lot of pictures of what you're purchasing and ask questions!  Also be willing to negotiate.

4) If you're like me and you like to try a bunch of different brands without losing too much money then you need to be willing to sell diapers you have.  I never buy a new diaper for my son without selling something out of his stash first.  It's true!  It's my rule.  And although I don't always make back all of the money on a diaper, it's more cost effective than just buying diaper after diaper after diaper.

5)  Start a PIF box with friends (PIF = Pay it Forward).  Throw a diaper in a box, send it to the next person on the list.  They get that diaper and throw in their own, and send it on.  Continue through the list until the box ends up back to you.  :)

CDing can be cost effective, but it can get out of hand quickly if you're not careful.  Set some parameters for yourself...discuss them with your spouse or significant other...and then follow through on your plan.  :)

Review: Thirsties Duo Diaper

Thirsties Duo Diaper - $18.50 for solids, $19.50 for prints

Materials:  The outer material is PUL with a liner of microfleece. The Duo Diaper comes with 2 inserts.  The top insert is microfiber terry and there is a hemp (2 layers if I recall correctly) insert that snaps on to the microfiber.  This diaper comes in aplix and snap closure with a snap down rise adjustment.

Fit:  The Duo Diaper comes in two sizes:  Size 1 fits most babies 6-18 lbs. (0-9 months), Size 2 fits most babies 18-40 lbs. (9-36 months).

How it works:  The Thirsties Duo Diaper is a two size system (Size 1 for younger babies, and size 2 for older babies to potty training) with "one size" adjustments on each size to help your baby grow with the diaper.  The inserts are placed in the pockets.  However, the Thirsties Duo Diaper has a pocket opening at the back and the front so that the inserts can agitate out on their own in the wash.  The front and back pocket openings have elastic on them.  The leg openings have double gussets to help catch any runny poos.

Thoughts from Amanda:

Aesthetics -  The Thirsties Duo Diaper comes in 8 bright colors (although one is pure white) and 4 prints.  I liked that the colors were bold and beautiful and that there is the option of prints, even if they are very limited.  I also like that the binding on this diaper on white (a Thirsties signature) which ties in the Aplix and snaps which are also all white.

Functionality -  There are a couple of areas to address here. The biggest one for me is the fit.  Thirsties has tackled the "One Size" issue by creating a system that involves two sizes.  The Size 1 diaper is meant for "newborns" to 18 lbs.  I did not use a size 1, but I have heard many people say that the diaper didn't quite make it to 18 lbs. on their child.  I find that this depends on the build of your child.  So, take that with a grain of salt.  I used a Size 2 on my son starting at around 19 - 20 lbs.  I found the diaper to be VERY bulky around his waist.  This diaper is supposed to make it to 40 lbs. so I guess that's understandable, and my son is tall and skinny, but I felt as though he was drowning in this diaper whenever I put it on him.  I also find that most parents (or maybe this is just me) who are interested in a "One Size" system don't want to have to purchase 2 different sizes.  That's the whole point of a OS system, isn't it?

I do love that the Duo Diaper has double leg gussets.  If you have a baby who will fit in the size ones and has yet to start solid foods this may be a great diaper for you.  No need to worry about those runny poos leaking out of the legs here.  I also enjoyed that the inserts were microfiber terry and hemp!  Not many diaper companies offer that feature as a standard.  The inserts snap together at the front and the back of the insert making sure there isn't any slipping or sliding which was lovely.  Also having a pocket opening at the front and back of the diaper so the inserts could agitate out is handy (think Smartipants).  I did find that the inserts took longer to dry when snapped together though, so I always took mine out by hand and unsnapped them.  

A tip - When putting in your inserts make sure to place the PUL flap at the front of the diaper over the top of the insert.  This will prevent leaks out of the top of the diaper.  Especially compression leakage if you intend to use this diaper as an overnight solution for a tummy sleeper.

I am giving the Duo Diaper a 4 because although the features themselves are great and worth the money, I just don't love a system that requires me to buy 2 different sizes of diapers.  I am a true "OS" girl at heart.  :)

Durability -  The Duo Diaper held up fabulously to many washings.  The hemp insert was fully absorbent at about 8-10 washes I'd say.  My diaper was aplix as Thirsties had yet to come out with a snap version, and I found the Aplix to be very soft yet wonderfully sticky as well.  Usually that area seems to be a trade off.  I did wish that the tabs were a little bit longer but, they worked well.  

****  I did purchase Thirsties Duo Wraps for my daughter to use as a newborn so I will let you all know how I feel about those (same idea - 2 size system, only covers) when I get to use them.