Materials: Outer layer PUL, is a mesh with snaps for attaching the inserts, Velcro closure, one size adjustment on the outside of the diaper, Organic Cotton 6-layer elasticized snap in soaker and booster.
Fit: 8 - 35 lbs.
How it works: GroBaby diapers are a hybrid, or AI2, diaper. This differs from most of the diapers that we have reviewed because each diaper is a shell that has a front and back snap on the inside. An insert snaps into the shell. This allows you to remove an insert from the shell, and to replace it with a new insert thus reusing the same shell multiple times throughout the day. No stuffing of pockets with this diaper, and the inserts supposedly dry faster than an AIO diaper system. GroBaby diapers are a OS diaper with snaps on the outside of the shell. The insert is elastic so it stretches as you "up-size" the diaper. It closes with a hook and loop closure, but unlike other diapers the velcro on the tabs attaches to a soft loop fabric rather than your traditional strip of female velcro on the outside of the diaper.
Thoughts from Amanda:
Aesthetics - The colors are very bold (well, aside from vanilla of course and they have a few prints. However, color selection and print selection is VERY limited. In the end this shouldn't really matter though because you will be reusing shells throughout the day. You may only need 3-4 shells in the beginning (newborn) and fewer possibly as your child grows. So, if you want to look at a variety of cute diapers in your stash this type of system may not be for you. I also found them to be nice and soft.
Aesthetics - The colors are very bold (well, aside from vanilla of course and they have a few prints. However, color selection and print selection is VERY limited. In the end this shouldn't really matter though because you will be reusing shells throughout the day. You may only need 3-4 shells in the beginning (newborn) and fewer possibly as your child grows. So, if you want to look at a variety of cute diapers in your stash this type of system may not be for you. I also found them to be nice and soft.
Functionality - These diapers are HIGHLY functional. The system itself is very user friendly. Prep your shells by snapping in inserts. When it's time to change a diaper simply remove the insert (or shake/rinse off poops first if necessary) throw it into your diaper pail or wet bag and do one of the following:
1) If only a poopy diaper and the poops didn't get on the shell, snap in a new insert and voila...re-diaper the baby and you're done!
2) If the diaper is wet, and it got wet enough that the shell is a smidge damp on the inside, no worries, just remove the insert and toss it in a wet bag or pail. Lay the shell out to dry and it will be ready to use again at the next diaper change. Simply use a new diaper.
I cheated when I was out and about. I reused the shell, and simply wiped it out with a wet wipe. Yeah, sue me. lol But, it sure made being out a lot easier. Just carry a little ziploc of inserts and use the shell your kiddo is wearing. If you're in a runny poop stage though...I'd carry along an extra shell as well though. :)
Now...why this is "The Diaper I Wanted Desperately to Love." I LOVED the GroBaby! Truly I did. I promise. Are you convinced now? Okay...here's where it went wrong for me. It did bother me that the insert got damp and that was touching my kiddo's little bum and private area. Easy enough...toss on a fleece liner. But, for me...it was the fit. There was NO way this was going to make it to 35 lbs. for my kid. And knowing what a big wetter he is, I must say in the end it wouldn't have held up well to his high volume of tinkle either. It appears as though on their website that have added some more heavy duty soakers, but I still think they could have even more absorbency in their soakers. Now, you could add in your own, but that would potentially mess with the snapping system.
Please, please, please keep in mind that my son is a ridiculously heavy peer. I have only met a couple of moms who are dealing with the same wetting issues I am. So, most likely your kiddo is of average wetting and this shouldn't be an issue for you. But, size was the biggie for me. So, I sold them. Part of me regrets it because I could have toyed with it more, but I was desperate at the time. I plan on trying this brand out, plus some newer versions on the market with the same concept with the baby on the way.
Durability - I have read some complaints that the velcro on these wears out, or that the wings start to curl. I never had this problem and the velcro was very sticky. I did have issues with diaper chain in the washer with these. But, they held up very well. The stitching on one of my soakers was pulling away a smidge, but that would have been an easy fix. All in all I highly recommend GroBaby diapers to average size kids and average wetters. :)
