Showing posts with label Microfiber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Microfiber. Show all posts

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Review: Tweedle Bugs OS Pocket - CHEAP Diapering Solution

Tweedle Bugs OS Pocket Diaper - $12.95 for a plain color, $16.95 for the cow print

Materials:  The outer material is PUL (the cow print is minky), the inner of the diaper is microfleece (the cow print is suede cloth).  The rise and closure are snaps.  Microfiber insert and doubler.
Fit:  7 - 35 lbs.
How it works:  This Tweedle Bugs Diaper is a One Size Pocket Diaper.  The Tweedle Bugs OS Pocket has openings at the front and back of the diaper for easy stuffing (or removal of insert).  The rise is adjustable through a series of snaps on the front of the diaper and the waist closure is a two snap adjustment on each side.
Thoughts from Amanda:
Aesthetics -  It is so unfortunate that this diaper comes in so few colors.  While having the one cow print available is nice, I wish they would focus on having more solids available first.  There are only 6 solids available: black, white, blue, light blue, green (pale), and yellow (pale).  While they may have chosen these colors for their "gender neutral" friendliness I actually find them to be more geared towards boys.  (Now my oldest is a boy so I don't mind that, but it is unfortunate for moms who would like a cheaper diaper with more variety of colors.)  I find it odd that the snaps on the black diaper are also black, but on the other colors are all white.  

Functionality -  For what the Tweedle Bugs OS Pocket lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in function.  I love the PUL on this diaper as the inside isn't "sticky" like so many PUL diapers are.  It makes sliding the insert into the pocket a breeze!  I also like the pocket opening in the front and the back.  This makes the Tweedle Bugs OS Pocket easy to un-stuff if you have a messy blow out poop at the back.  If I had a qualm with the front opening it would be that you need to tuck the microfleece over the insert.  Otherwise it sticks out of the top.  The microfleece is supposed to stick out the top of the back (although you can tuck it if you prefer).  I love a diaper that has two snaps on each wing.  That makes the adjusting at the waist and thighs so much easier, gives a tighter fit all around, and stops wing droop-age.  The rise on this diaper is should accommodate the weight limits they give from what I can tell.

Durability -  The Tweedle Bugs OS Pocket has held up well to many washings.  The PUL has stayed nice as well as the color, and the inside remains soft.

Availability -  I have found this diaper to be fairly easy to come across unlike the other cheap diapers I have reviewed for you.  Just type it into google and you should find a good number of stores that carry the Tweedle Bugs OS Pocket Diaper.

Of all of the "cheap" diapers I have tried the Tweedle Bugs is by far my favorite one.  I will definitely be holding onto this one.  With that said...I think they can only gain a larger customer base by adding more color and/or print options to their line.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

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.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Review: Thirsties Duo Diaper

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.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Review: SoftBums AI2





SoftBums - Pricing is a little complicated due to varying insert types.  But, a single shell plus one microfiber soaker is $25.95.  A single shell with a bamboo soaker is $30.95.  Basic Packs which are 1 shell, 3 interchangeable soakers, and 1 doubler are:  $36.95 microfiber, $52.95 bamboo.
Materials:  Outer layer PUL, with an inner liner of microfleece, double long snap in soakers made of microfiber with stay dry microfleece on top, or oganic bamboo with either a velour top or stay dry microfleece.  Velcro or snap closure.  OS adjustment through an elastic and toggle system in the legs of the diaper (more on that later).
Fit:  5 - 40 lbs.
How it works:  SoftBums are an AI2 (All In Two) diapering system.  The diaper consists of an outer shell with a PUL outside and microfleece inside for comfort.  The diaper absorbs by the means of a snap in soaker.  This soaker can be taken out when wet or dirty and replaced with a new soaker, allowing the same shell to be used multiple times.  If any poops get on the shell though the shell must be put in the diaper pail to be washed.  Don't attempt to use it again in that situation.  If the shell is slightly damp from pee just lay it out to dry and use another shell or diaper in between uses.

Thoughts from Amanda:
Aesthetics -  SoftBums come in nice bold or soft colors, as well as prints.  They also come in either Aplix closure or snap closure.  The snaps come in cute coordinating colors to the outside of the diaper.  This is a very trim diaper making it great for the diaper bag.  My only qualm would be that the top tends to roll a little bit and expose the microfleece on the wings with the snap version, but that hasn't caused us any problems.

On another side note I am often asked if the knotted elastic and toggles inside of the diaper are annoying for my son as they may seem bulky to others.  But, with the comfy soaker in between my son and the shell he doesn't even notice that they're there.  And the diapers is also left with a very trim look.  I never notice bumps in the front from the knotted elastic or the toggles.

Functionality -  I am in love with this diaper.  But, that doesn't mean it's perfect.  It just works well for me.  Lets talk about the most obvious feature...the snap in soakers.  We'll break this down by section.

SOAKERS:  I like that you have a variety to choose from when purchasing per your baby's needs, and you also have the option to buy a SoftBums package that contains 3 soakers per shell.  That makes this system very convenient to try out.  The soakers come in:  Dry Touch (microfleece top with 2 layers of microfiber-terry for absorption), SUPER Dry Touch (microfleece top with 3 layers of microfiber-terry for absorption), Organic Bamboo Velour (this one will not leave baby with a dry feeling...3 layers of bamboo fleece topped with velour), Dry Touch Organic Bamboo (just replace the velour layer with microfleece for the dry touch feeling).  The doublers are:  Dry Touch - 3 layers of microfiber-terry; Bamboo - 3 layers of Bamboo.  Okay?  Confused?  lol  

The soakers are nice because they are double long so you actually fold them under in the front which will double your absorbency with every use.  So the two layers of microfiber-terry become 4, 3 layers becomes 6, and so on.  Add the doublers and you could end up with 9 layers of absorbency!!!  And all of the soakers are nice and trim even when folded.  I love the variety you have to choose from.  I have the Dry Touch Bamboo and the Bamboo Velour b/c my son is a heavy peer.  I have noticed that the Dry Touch doesn't stay completely dry, but after consulting with some people we came to the conclusion that he must pee very hard and fast not giving the dry layer an opportunity to really work well.  If he peed slower then this wouldn't be happening.  But, it's only a little damp and doesn't bother him.  And the bamboo velour doesn't stay dry at all and that doesn't bother him either.

SHELLS:  The shells are functional but take a bit of practice learning how to use effectively.  I find that the crotch of the shell is very narrow, which is nice but also means you have to check to make sure the soaker is covered by the shell around each leg.  I do a leg check every time I put these diapers on him because if even a little bit of the soaker is sticking out you will have a leak.  That's a bit of an annoyance, but with all of the other great features of this diaper not something that would keep me from using it.  The SoftBums shell is VERY stretchy.  You will need to size this diaper a smidge smaller than your other diapers.  When you pull it up over baby you will see that it has TONS of stretch.  This is a good thing in my opinion because it means the SoftBums will truly last you to potty training.  My biggest qualm about this diaper (which is also something I love about it) is the microfleece inner lining.  This lining is soooo soft, but if your baby poops this diaper will hold onto that smell until washed again.  I find that a sprinkle of Baby Powder helps with that issue.  It's not that the shell is dirty, but that the smell lingers.  

OS ADJUSTMENT:  I will say it right now and I will stand by it.  This is the BEST OS adjustment system ever!!!  Seriously.  Ever.  Softbums uses a very unique internal leg/diaper adjustment system.  At the front of the diaper there is an opening between the PUL and the microfleece.  You will find the two leg elastics knotted together.  If you pull on these and push the diaper shell back you will find two toggles.  One on each side of the diaper.  Now, this will take some practice.  I used another diaper of my son's and laid the SoftBums on top of it to help me find the right sizing.  Press and slide the toggles up or down the elastic making the diaper either smaller or larger as needed.  This diaper gets the smallest I've ever seen and the largest I have ever seen, and has infinite sizes in between.  This is truly a OS diaper.  The toggles will stay in place when washed so there is no need to mess with them again until your baby grows enough to need an adjustment.  

Now a little tip.  When sizing your diaper make it about a 1/2 an inch shorter than your other diapers.  This elastic is super stretchy and you will find it a little too loose in the legs if you don't adjust it smaller.  

TIPS - PUTTING ON THE DIAPER:  The SoftBums system is great but can take a little patience while getting used to it.  I find that it's nice to have the shells already ready to go with one soaker snapped in place.  Lay baby on the diaper and pull up the soaker only first.  Fold it down to double up and make sure that the important areas for absorption are properly covered.  Hold the soaker in place and using your free hand pull up on the SoftBums shell.  Make sure that the soaker stays nice and flat against the shell.  It is easy to get bunching if you're not paying attention.  Pull up tightly and secure in place.  Lastly check the legs to make sure they are fitting snuggly and tuck in any soaker that may be peaking out the sides.  I know it sounds complicated, but with a few tries this takes me no time at all now.  Even on a wiggly 13 month old.

Durability -  This diaper holds up very well to repeated use and washings.  The bamboo inserts will take 6-10 washes to be fully prepped so don't give up on them before then.  I started using mine at three and they did absorb well enough though.  The aplix is nice and strong, and the laundry tabs work beautifully.  Never a diaper chain problem with diaper in the wash.  The snaps are nicely placed and do give you the ability to cross the wings.  The elastic is of a good thickness and very secure.

This is a wonderful diaper and I HIGHLY recommend it.  Not only that but it is made in the USA!  So great.  SoftBums do take a bit of practice, but if you stick with them I think you'll love them as much as I do.  I can't wait to use this system on vacation.  It is going to make being out so much easier.  

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Review: Knickernappies OneSize Disposanot Pocket


Diaper:  Knickernappies OneSize Disposanot Pocket - $19.95 (Diaper, 1 microfiber insert, 1 microfiber doubler); $24.95 if you want to replace the microfiber insert with 2 LoopyDo inserts.
Materials:  Outer layer PUL, with an inner of polyester non-pill fleece, Lastin elastic in the legs and waist, snap side closure, snap OS rise adjustment, 2 options on inserts:
2 microfiber inserts (one regular, one doubler)
2 LoopyDo Inserts
Fit:  8 - 40 lbs.
How it works:  Knickernappies OS Disposanots are a pocket diaper in which inserts are placed inside the diaper between the inner lining and outer PUL to absorb moisture.  The inner fleece lining wicks moisture away from the baby's skin keeping it dry.  If you have a heavy wetter the LoopyDo inserts may be the way to go for you as they are made of microfiber and hemp.  The one size adjustment is on the front.  This diaper has a higher rise allowing you to have an x-small, small, medium, and large setting.  (X-small being snapped not he smallest setting and Large being open all of the way.)  The waist adjustment on these diapers is slightly different in that they are a side snapping diaper.  The wings have the female portion of the snap on them, in two rows, and this wraps across baby's waist.  The front of the diaper has the male snap parts on the sides.  This allows you to pull across the baby's waist and snap tightly on the sides getting a nice fit.  This will also make it harder for older toddler's to pull this diaper off on their own.  (That could be a good or bad thing.)

Thoughts from Amanda:
Aesthetics -  A nice variety of colors available.  Many gender neutral color options.  I like the side snapping action on these, as it gives the front of the diaper a very sleek appearance with fewer snaps.  I wish the OS snaps were the same color as the diaper as it would make the diaper almost seamless in appearance.  

Functionality - There is a very small learning curve with the Knickernappies OS diapers in that you must learn how to adjust evenly on both sides of the waist; otherwise your diaper will look lopsided.  But, that only takes a time or two to get used to.  I LOVE that there are two rows of snaps so I can do the top and bottom row tighter or looser than the other as needed. It makes it a diaper that truly grows with your baby's waist size.  The wings, being tucked in the front of the diaper, make this diaper bulkier INSIDE the diaper.  But, it looks very trim from the outside.  My son doesn't seem to mind the excess fabric at his tummy, and the wings are lined with fleece, so you don't have to worry about scratchy PUL touching the baby's skin.  

The pocket is nice and wide.  My husband can easily help me stuff these diapers, and the pocket is also lined with elastic to keep any inserts from slipping up the back.

Knickernappies OS diapers have a VERY high rise on them.  (They remind me of my Tiny Tush Elite OS diapers.)  So, they will last you a LONG time.  With that said, I wouldn't recommend this as a diaper to start in the newborn stage or even the early infant stage with.  It will seem very large on a tiny baby, but once your child is of a good size these will be very trim and comfortable.  I can tell that these will definitely see my 13 month old son into potty training.  

I have heard that these diapers are highly recommended for potty training.  You can set the snaps looser on the side so they act as a pull up.  Or you can snap them tightly so that an "adventurous" toddler cannot pull them off easily on their own.  The plus side to this is that they are flexible for use into the older years of toddlerhood.  The only downside I can see to using this as a training pant is that the fleece inner will keep your child from feeling the sensation of being wet.  

Durability -  After using the Knickernappies OS diapers for about 5 months I can tell you that these are showing NO signs of wear.  The fleece inner isn't pilled at all.  Not even a tiny bit.  The PUL is still vibrant, the elastic in great condition, and the snaps are perfect as well.  It takes a little bit longer to dry when hang drying than diapers that don't have the fleece at the wings, but you need that to keep baby dry.  

All in all I love Knickernappies OS diapers and they are one of my FAVORITE pockets.  I would highly recommend them to any mommy.  And if you plan on using prefolds and fitteds on your newborn for the first few months then these are a great pocket to transition to at about 3-4 months of age.  :)  And just think...it will last you until potty training.  For real!   

Monday, April 5, 2010

Guest Review (Valerie P.): Happy Heinys OS (Aplix)


Diaper:  Happy Heinys One Size - $18.95 (This price includes one large and one small micro fiber insert each)
Materials:  Outer is 100% poly laminated, inner is custom milled fleece. Inserts are micro-fiber.
Fit:  8 - 35 lbs.
How it works:  Happy Heinys are a traditional pocket diaper. The back of the shell is open to allow “stuffing” of inserts. Happy Heinys have traditionally included aplix closures; recently the company released snap closures (though that's not what is being reviewed).



Thoughts from Valerie P.:

Aesthetics -  Happy Heineys have covered the color spectrum. They offer 22 different colors ranging from vibrants to pastels; additionally the company offers several fun prints (ie cow print and silly monkeys). These diapers are cute, no doubt about it – a fun break from the traditional pale blue or yellow offered from other brands.

Functionality - Happy Heinys function basically like any other pocket diaper on the market. Some things to note

Fit:  These diapers are big with a capital LARGE. There is no way this diaper, even snapped to it's smallest setting, would fit my tiny little girl. Even when I used these diapers on my son, up until he was potty-trained, I never needed the largest size. Granted I have small-sized kiddos but at age 2 my son should have been getting close to the large end of the scale. Others I know have used this diaper well past the 35 lbs mark – with multiple inserts. What does this mean for you? Not a good diaper to start on a itty-bitty but an excellent choice if you have larger sized kids, have a late potty-trainer or have a super-heavy wetter. 

Inserts:  Happy Heinys use a specially shaped insert that is tapered in the middle. I assume this is to match the shape of baby. The odd thing is that the diaper itself isn't tapered – not as much as the hourglass shaped insert would imply. Truthfully the “tapered” look on the diaper comes from longer tabs than from a skinnier middle section. Why does this matter? It just seems to make diaper laundry a little more time consuming. 

Tabs:  These diapers have large tabs for a comfy fit for baby. The downside? Chubby toddler hands have a much easier time grabbing and yanking on the tabs than other diapers. If your little one likes to play “Take Off My Diaper” you can expect a naked baby...or worse a yucky mess.


Durability -  The diaper and insert have held up well over the course of use; I have some Happy Heinys I've used for over eighteen months. My issues are mainly with the fleece inner-lining and the aplix closures. I found the fleece “pilled” over time and started looking old before diaper was actually old. It also wasn't as soft once it pilled. Not a terrible problem but still a bummer. I'm not a fan of aplix closures. Actually that's a lie; I can't stand aplix. It's not designed for the long-haul and for almost $20 a diaper I want something that will last. Happy Heineys aplix closures are no different. The tab closures don't stay on the laundry tabs and tangle in the wash. Over time the tabs lost their “stickiness” and just don't stay closed well. Here's the good news: if your diaper is older than 3 months (and therefore outside the warranty for the aplix) you can send it to Happy Heinys and they will replace the aplix with snaps for FREE! 

Initially I was set to give this diaper a C – not a bad diaper but certainly possessing enough faults to exclude it from my list of “must-haves”. And had Happy Heinys not recently changed some things the grade would have stood. However I'm willing to give them another try – the snap closure version of the diaper is a HUGE improvement and solves my biggest issues with the diaper. Not only does that eliminate aplix but it should also make it more difficult for baby to remove his/her own diaper. I also love the customer service; any company who looks out for my well-being at the expense of their pocket-book will get another shot from me any day. With all this new information taken into consideration I'd have to give this diaper a B+ : functional, super cute prints, adequate durability. What keeps me from giving an A? The price of this diaper is a little high when compared to other diapers I like better. Nonetheless Happy Heinys is definitely a diaper to keep in my stash and use in regular rotation.
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A big thank you to Valerie P. for being our first guest blogger.  Yay!!!  Neither Natalie or me own a Happy Heinys diaper so we are thrilled to have someone come on and review it for us.  Valerie helped me in my journey to cloth diapering, and answered my gazillion questions so I value her opinion greatly.  Thanks, Valerie!  -Amanda-

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Review: FuzziBunz One Size


Materials:  Outer layer PUL, inner layer Fleece, Snaps for closure, buttons inside of the legs for the one size adjustment (I will explain more later on that), one regular sized microfiber insert and one microfiber doubler.
Fit:  7 - 30 + lbs.
How it works:  FuzziBunz One Size Diapers are a pocket diaper in which you place inserts to adjust the level of absorbency.  The rise on this diaper is not adjusted from the outside like most OS diapers.  This diaper's rise is adjusted with the elastic inside of the leg casing of the diaper and secured at each end with buttons.  The elastic is marked with a numbering system to help you adjust the room in the thighs to fit your child better than a diaper that adjusts with snaps on the outside.

Thoughts from Amanda:
Aesthetics -  Very vibrant diapers.  The colors are bright and cheery.  There are 12 colors available for these diapers.  I own yellow and orange and they are like neon...so keep that in mind when looking at the brighter colors.  They do not have prints though if that's what you're looking for.  
Functionality - First off I didn't find that the fleece inner wicked moisture away very well.  My son was damp to the touch each time I used this diaper.  I also find the fleece to be very thin and of poor quality.  The microfiber inserts that it came with also don't seem to absorb very well.  I often found myself replacing them with inserts from other diapers before making the switch to prefolds as inserts in all of my diapers.  (Which I highly recommend if you have a heavy wetter.)  

Regarding fit...I found the waist of this diaper to be even a little loose on my (at the time) 7 1/2 month old.  Now at 9 months I am just moving off of the smallest waist setting.  There is no way that this would fit comfortably on a newborn in my opinion.  This diaper seems to run a little big. I also find the thigh snaps to be placed a little too close to the leg opening.  I have a hard time getting a comfy with those snaps around my sons legs.  There are only 4 snaps to choose from around the thighs and even though the waist has two snaps on each side the thigh snaps seem to pull down on the wings of the diaper creating wing droop anyway.  Annoying!  

As far as adjusting the rise of the diaper.  FuzziBunz provides a handy dandy chart on their website to aid you in figuring out the proper setting for your child.  FuzziBunz utilizes a system in which the elastic inside of the leg casings has button holes and at the front and back of each leg opening there is a button.  You can pull on the elastic to adjust the rise of the diaper by making the leg area smaller or larger.  There are 6 or 7 setting on each end of the leg elastic.  The excess elastic then tucks into a "hideaway hole" in the diaper.  So, for example...my 21 lb., 9 month old son, is on the 3rd hole on the leg elastic.  This can become complicated and can take a while to figure out if your child doesn't fit into the 50% for everything.  (And really...how many of them do?!)  With buttons and snaps this diaper just becomes complicated to figure out at the beginning.

Now once I got everything set right, it worked, but it's still not a favorite of mine.  The elastic comes out of the "hideaway holes" in the wash and the elastic curls (which is the nature of elastic that isn't sewn down on the ends).  The buttons don't stay tucked away so the press up against my sons skin.  (He's not uncomfortable but it still bothers me.)  All in all I am just not overly impressed with this diaper.

If I get a chance sometime I'll make a video of this diaper as I think a visual will help you to better understand how this diaper works.

Durability -  The inner fleece of this diaper seems to get thinner and thinner with each washing.  I'm not sure why, as my other fleece lined diapers don't have this problem.  Otherwise this diaper is of good quality.  I like that mine came with extra elastic for the legs incase mine break.  But, I think if mine broke I would cry over it and would probably discontinue use anyway.



*** I know people who swear by this diaper.  They love everything about it.  Which just goes to show...it pays to try different brands which is why a starter pack is such a good idea when starting out.  

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Review: Preston's Pants



Diaper:  Preston's Pants - Pricing varys on the diaper you get.  She offers diapers anywhere from $20.95 - $37.00.  Pricing depends on the style, fabrics, and if you get embroidery. 
Type:  She has several styles. Some are fitteds in Small, Medium, Medium Long, Skinny Large, and Large.  Others are OS.  She also carries Wool Covers.
Materials:  Her diapers vary in materials.  You will want to check out her website for details on what kind of diaper works for you.  I got a PUL outer layer OS pocket diaper, the inner was a printed micro-fleece, and it came with 2 inserts (1 microfiber and 1 hemp).  The elastic in her diapers is Lastin so it is a latex free elastic in the leg casing.
Fit:  7 - 35 + lbs.
How it works:  Preston's Pants are a WHAM snap on fitted or OS pocket diapers.  She has many fabrics and styles.  You just have to check out her website to familiarize yourself with all of the options.  :)


Thoughts from Amanda:

Aesthetics -  Really there is so much variety here that you can't go wrong.  You would be hard pressed to not find a diaper that at Preston's Pockets if you're looking for a wide range of colors, patterns, fabrics, and so on.  The snaps on my diaper (Trains!) were in a contrasting color from the outer PUL.  On my diaper the PUL is a deep blue and the snaps are brown.  The inner liner is a micro-fleece with a train print on it.  I LOVE IT!!!  I know...some of you are thinking...what's the point of having a print inside of the diaper.  You can't see it!  Well to those of you thinking that...I say it is the undergarment mentality.  No one may see my bra, but I know it makes me feel good because it's pretty.  :)  Usually my son is wearing pants over his diapers, but that doesn't mean I don't like to know there is a cutie patootie print there!  



Functionality - These diapers work well with the inserts that are included with them.  The microfiber/hemp combo absorbs well and my son was able to go 2 1/2 hours with this diaper on.  Keep in mind he is a SUPER SOAKER!!!  lol  2 1/2 hours is great for him.  Be sure to prep the hemp though, and to wash it separately from your other diapers to make sure any natural oils are washed out and don't get on your other dipes.  The snaps are in good placement so I can get a nice and secure fit on my son, and the rise on the diaper is of a good height as well.  The micro-fleece inside is of good quality and extremely soft against baby's skin.  It does a fair job of wicking away moisture, but not as great as suedecloth.  (I find that to be the case most times though.)  The Lastin in the leg casings is a nice touch if your child has a latex allergy; however, I find the width to be very thin and I worry that it could be uncomfortable on my sons thighs.  He doesn't have red marks though and doesn't complain so maybe it's just me.  :)  I see the leg Lastin as a potential issue down the road though if his thighs get larger.

Durability -  Great quality.  This diaper has held up well to washing and a turn in the dryer to seal the PUL around the snaps.  We are really enjoying this diaper.  I hope you'll take a chance to check out Preston's Pants.