How do you decide how many toys are too many? I am exceptionally lucky to have my husband’s parents as well as my dad and stepmom and my own mom all living just a few minutes away, which can lead to some very sweet gifts as the years pass. I have also received quite a few hand me downs from friends with older babies as well as the treasures we’ve chosen ourselves for special occasions or because we were just so taken with a particular design or idea. But at some point you realize you’re spending more time picking up forgotten toys than actually playing, and start to wonder if it’s time to go through them and find new homes for some of them. It’s always tricky as any toy that ends up in the donate bin instantly becomes a beloved favorite that your little one can’t get enough of, and if you’re anticipating adding another baby to the mix at some point you don’t want to dismiss all your infant appropriate options. How do you decide what stays and what goes? At what point are you comfortable with chaos?
Today I’m reviewing a rather unique and adorable all in one style diaper or “nappy” which has won several awards. Bambino Mio is a UK based company, you may have read Kim’s review on their covers and prefolds a few years back, and today I’ll be reviewing one of their adorable and award winning nappies.
Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ One of the most notable differences of this nappy is the unique features on the insert. There is a flap of material on the end that creates a pocket or mitten, and there are several loops of binding sewn the length of the insert, straight down the middle. These features make it easier than ever to stuff and remove the insert from the stay dry lined chamber. To stuff, you tuck your palm within the pocket at the end of the insert like a mitten and slide your hand into the sleeve of the diaper. To remove, you can delicately seek the first available loop with a single finger (you can wear gloves if you like but this is on the back of the diaper insert and made of a slick material that does not seem to absorb much) and use the tether to withdraw the insert. This diaper allows has a flap to cover the opening, ensuring no microfiber touches baby’s skin which is a huge draw for someone with a chunkier baby who can strain the back interior of her diapers.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩✩ At $21.99 for an all in one diaper, the price is only slightly higher than most big name all in ones. The additional unique features make this well constructed diaper a cinch to use and the charming prints make this diaper a temptation for any cloth user.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ This diaper, or nappy, held up very well with my girls. The insert appears to be thicker than many comparable styles, and while it can take a bit longer to dry (make sure you fully remove the insert before drying) it is very absorbent. For extended use (car trips, naps, and other times where it may not be possible to change as often as you’d like) I do recommend adding a booster, but for everyday use this worked great.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ The Velcro style fasteners and the “poppers” or snaps on this diaper makes it easy and intuitive to get a great fit on this nappy. There are three rise snap options and while the Velcro style strip does not go across the entire front of the diaper and the footprint of the diaper is not as generous in size as some I’m used to, it does still seem to fit a wide variety of sizes. This diaper may work better for smaller or average size babies, but I am able to fasten it on both my chunky nine month old (who wears eighteen month size clothing) and my two and a half year old.
Overall: This diaper is an all in one because the insert is sewn to the diaper, but the stay dry lining is attached like that of a pocket, which will turn away some parents who really don’t like pocket diapers and the required steps to use them. Bambino Mio has done an excellent job making these steps as simple as possible with the built in mitt on the end of the insert and the pull tabs to make removal easier and neater. The stay dry lining can be a big draw for some parents as many babies tend to sleep longer or remain happier if they cannot feel that they are wet. This is a great option for parents looking for a stay dry option using parts they cannot accidentally misplace, and is also a great gift with a variety of fun and gender neutral prints to choose from.
Where to Buy: Bambino Mio USA or My Blossom Baby (on clearance)