I made two square pillowcase shams for my feather couch fillows about 4 years ago.  I has very little of the fabric and I made the pattern myself just by eyeballing it.  I’m far  from good at sewing and truth be told I am still amazed what I made has been functional.  The only noticeable OOPS was that I didn’t give myself enough fabric to fit over the back and there has always been a giant opening where you can see the pillow.  I have no earthly idea how to sew a button and make a buttonhole.  I tried reading my sewing machine manual and my eyes crossed.  Last week brilliance struck when I remembered the KAM Snap pliers and left over snaps I had after converting a few bumGenius 3.0′s from velcro to snaps.  I also ended up fixing a busted snap on my Hushamok Hammock before Ev was born.  This thing is handy!  I bet if you have used snap pliers for a cloth diaper project you also have some extra laying around!

Here is my 3 minute No Sew Sham Closure.  I know the Ribbit Green isn’t exactly a perfect match but they were left over and I plan on keeping them facing the back of the couch!  

I bet there are even more creative things you can do with your KAM Snap Pliers than just snapping diapers…..  what have you used your snap pliers or snap press for?  I’m looking for more ideas!

My family and I just returned home from a short notice trip to Tampa, Florida.  This was our first plane trip as an entire family since Everett joined us.  I’ve been places with just Everett, and prior to him being born we have taken many plane trips with just Fletcher.  Having two children can certainly make things logistically challenging.  We chose to take 2 car seats and check them, plus luggage for 2 adults, two kids, diaper bag for the plane trip, laptop bag for husband’s work, snacks, and a few toys.

I’ll be talking about why we went to Tampa at a later date, but for now I’d like to list out a few of the tips I use for flying with kids that have been successful.  Flying was the least stressful part of our trip considering we were almost stuck in Orlando, 1.5 hours from our hotel, with no way to rent a car or leave the airport.  LONG STORY, but believe me when I tell you it would make a great new movie in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series…

Tip 1:  Bring a Ring Sling!

Unless you are really keen on back carries a ring sling is the perfect airport carrier.  It can be compacted and rolled into your diaper bag, it works for any age baby, can be used for a hip carry, tummy to tummy, and the kangaroo hold (for younger babies with head support).  Not only is it good to keep your hands free at the airport- it doubles as a nursing cover if you want one, and I even use it to wrap around myself and the baby while they sit in your lap.  Talk about versatile!  Oh….. and if you need to cover the little one or need a makeshift pillow it can do that too.  I love my Soft-Structure Carriers like my Boba but with the buckles and bulk it isn’t quite as convenient at the airport.

I used my ring sling to cover the top of my breast while Ev nursed

Tip 2:  Let em’ Roam

I hate flying with crawling age babies because I am a firm believer in letting them roam while waiting for the plane, whether it be before the first flight or on a layover.  Babies and toddlers can’t grasp the concept of “sitting still” as well as we do, so giving them plenty of exercise before a flight will hopefully “get the wiggles” out enough that they are willing to sit and read books, color, or play a game.  This trip my husband and I took turns walking the aisles of the airport.  At one point my boys started holding hands and walking…. trust me when I tell you that this sight made the day of many travelers and weary pilots.  Everyone that passed let out an “awwwww…”

Roaming the halls

Tip 3:  Find a Safe Play Area

Tip 3 goes right along with Tip 2.  For non mobile and crawling babies, if you can find an airport play area, use it.  If it is disgusting beyond belief then make a judgement call.  Not every airport has a play area though.  I ASSUMED Orlando would have one considering it probably has more pint sized travelers than any other airport in the US but I was wrong.  They did have an arcade and we chose this as our play area… Fletcher got to play some games and even Steven and I got to kill time and play games like air hockey and pinball.  Everett was entertained by the flashing lights and noise.  Win/Win/Win.

Tip 4: Bring Strategic Entertainment

In the past my diaper bag has been packed to max capacity with activities for Fletcher.  I even brought a puppet at one point…. With two boys I had to think in terms of what items they could both share and what would entertain them the longest.  For Fletcher we let him pack his own tiny backpack that he would carry around.  He chose to bring a few tiny trains, a monster truck, a sticker, a lego train, a train book, and a piece of his motorcycle game.  I packed Everett’s 2 favorite board books and some snacks (including pouches which are the perfect airport snack food for both boys).  The final piece of the entertainment puzzle was the iPad.  It is space saving and contains more than enough games to occupy both boys.  We also have a few shows for the really desperate times.  The books for Everett and the tiny trains for Fletcher were the most used.  I read and re-read Quiet, Loud 100 times.  You can also get creative- whn the light was just right we did shadow puppets!

Tip 5:  Let the Kid have the Window

If you have a child with a seat then let them have the window.  It will give them a wall to rest their head if they sleep, and they might like seeing the view.  If they are terrified then you can always switch places and close the window.

Tip 6:  Bring Noise Cancelling Headphones/ Ear Plugs

The first flight with Fletcher had him yelling that he didn’t like the airplane.  In the airport he explained that he thought it was loud.  On our return trip we gave him the noise cancelling headphones and he promptly fell asleep.  If your kid will let you put in ear plugs you can try that too.

Fletcher wearing headphones and sleeping

Tip 7: Forget the Routine

If your life is dictated by naps schedules and set meal and snack times then you may want to lose your watch.  If 12:00 rolls around and you make your child nap at the airport while waiting for the plane then they will be wired and ready to roll once boarding comes.  I always keep them up as long as possible before we board, even if they look like zombies.  This paid off big time when it was time for our second flight on the way home.  By take-off Everett had already passed out on my lap.  Even after napping far later than normal they still went to bed at a reasonable time that night.

Both kids snoozing soundly on me

I’ve learned over the years to care less about the other passengers and just worry with making the trip as easy and enjoyable as possible for my kids. I used to be so tense and stressed if one child cried or yelled that my energy was spent frantically making them stop. Of course crying isn’t good but it is normal, especially during take-off and landing. if you are nursing then putting the baby on the breast during those times will help their ears pop. Older kids can be given a drink or snack to swallow. Bigger kids can have gum if you allow it.

What are your favorite travel tips with children or babies?

I have pretty much avoided the Bumkins line of diapers like the plague. Rarely had I ever heard positive reviews of them. Occasionally a reader would ask if I had reviewed them and I would laugh to myself and say “Of course not.”

It wasn’t until I attended the ABC Kids Expo that I decided I should try them. Bumkins redesigned their line of cloth diapers. I’m not familiar enough with the old line to compare but they added a One Size Cover, Newborn Cover, and a One Size Pocket and discontinued the old styles. My review is for the “Stuff-It” One Size Pocket diaper that I purchased to review when it came to Zulily.com (ref. link).

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ Bumkins diapers use large velcro tabs, much like the tabs seen on the Tots Bots line. These are the same tabs as I what I remember seeing on their old diapers though they certainly could be an improved version, I’m not sure. They cross over on either side and bend back on themselves before washing (or rather, you bend them. IF ONLY they attached themselves before washing!) The best thing going for this diaper is that it has pocket openings on both ends which makes it a sleeve diaper. Sleeve diapers do not need to be unstuffed before washing so you keep your hands dry and clean! Sizing is done with a 3×4 grid of snaps on the rise. There are 3 sizes to choose from and 4 snaps that are horizontal to close when you resize. I found that odd but it doesn’t make resizing difficult at all.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ The list price on the Stuff-it is 16.95 but many websites have it for 14.95. Even though it seems cheaper it does only come with a flimsy microfiber insert that many will find insufficient for their child, though it definitely worked for us since Everett isn’t a heavy wetter. If you add the cost of a hemp or other insert to add or replace then that brings the price back up to most one size pockets.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ Everything worked really well on the diaper for us, even with a flimsy insert. I was worried that the unique, shiny and soft outer fabric would wick but I never had any leaks or wicking.
Fit ✩✩✩ On Everett we had the rise snapped to the middle rise and that worked pretty well even though the legs weren’t as tight as I like. I just don’t see this diaper fitting an infant well with the bulk it has between the legs but since I haven’t tested it on one I can’t say that for sure. I liked that there was a good bit of fabric on top of the velcro which kept the velcro from rubbing his tummy.
Overall: I’m surprised that I liked the diaper as much as I did. We all know that Everett doesn’t wet out of any diapers (or rarely does) so it could be a different story for others. Bumkins has a Dr. Seuss license so you can find a couple unique prints, plus that fabric finish is definitely different.
Where to Buy
Amazon.com (aff. link)

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You’ve been warned- I suck at sewing.  My sewing skills consist of the oh so hard to master squiggly line. I might even be able to stitch in a circle if I concentrate hard enough.  I saw an adorable pillow case sleeping mat on Pinterest and decided that making it was far too hard.  Then I saw the tutorial meant for gals like me that just required stitching 4-5 pillow cases together.  ”I can do that” I thought. And I did. So I’m pretty sure you can do it too.

I kept an eye out for cute pillowcases and scored 2 sets of Standard/Queen DKNY pillow cases for 5$ per case ($20.00 total).

Then an even better tutorial popped up in my Pinterest feed the next day!  Woo-hoo!  I used this tutorial from Giggle, Laugh, and Tickle Me Too (weird name…. but good tutorial).

I decided to mix colors on my pillow cases and alternate Blue/Grey/Blue/Grey.  I also swapped so that the openings alternated so the pillows stuff on different sides.

To satisfy the part of me that likes throwing something in a closet I added long ribbons, 1 on each end, so you can tie your pillowcase lounger together when not in use.

Here is my own tutorial where I sprinkle in advice from a COMPLETE novice.  If you already know how to sew your way out of a paper bag then you might want to just skip the “Newbie” advice.

Getting started- Lay our your cases beforehand to decide the order.  Pick two and line them up side by side so that they touch bu do not overlap.

Stitch Choice- Depending on your machine you need to set your stitch to a Zig Zag but make the width at 5.5 and the length of the stitch very tight (I went to 1.0 but the tutorial I used said as tight as possible, however on that setting my machine kept getting stuck and it would stitch all in one place without moving.)  This is basically a “satin stitch” if you are familiar with the terminology.

*** Newbie Caution- I tried starting from the very edge of the pillowcases.  Either it was me or my machine but this caused a giant mess.  By the third case I realized I needed to start with fabric behind my presser foot and started from that point, then turned it around and stitched down from that point to the end.

Stitch your two pillowcases together and keep them from overlapping.  Repeat until all Cases are together.

*** Newbie Caution- This stitch takes forever…  I’d guess it was 20 minutes of just stitching per case.   Keep notice of the movement.  I often found that my stitching would get stuck and it just kept restitching without moving the fabric on.  You might have to pull the fabric to get it moving when the thick stitching gets stuck under the presser foot.  Find a slow speed and stick with it, feel the fabric move, when it stops, act quickly before you have a mound of stitching in one place!

Next: Add ribbons to each end.

Find the middle point at the end of each case.  Rip open the seam to the size of the width of your ribbon.  Turn the case inside out and place the end of the ribbon inside.

Choose a regular zig zag stitch and sew as close as possible to the end of the pillowcase fabric.

Next, use a straight stitch and line it up with the pillowcase stitch so that when you turn it right side out it all lines up.

My husband reminded me to burn the tip of the ribbons to prevent fraying.

Insert your pillows and Ta-da!  Now you have a pretty cozy Lounge/Nap/Landing Pad Mat.  If you fold one pillow under it is perfect for laying on the floor and watching a movie.  Lay it next to a mattress and it becomes a soft landing spot for the kids!  When you are done, tie it up and store it.

Additional Notes:  I was picky about the pillows.  I originally intended to buy the cheapest possible but noticed they would be short and I’d have extra fabric on the sides.  I went with “Extra Firm” for ultra comfort!  This does make it “poofier” and stack higher than the thinner pillows.

Flat next to a Crib Mattress

It also occurred to me that this is going to be a lifesaver when we start transitioning Everett to his bed from co-sleeping with us.  I’ll be laying on it until he gets the hang of things!

I’m addicted to Pinterest- follow me and I’ll follow back!  I like as much inspiration in my feed as possible!

At a BWI Meeting

After attending a BWI (Babywearing International Meeting) and seeing a beautiful and comfortable Wrap Conversion (a wrap-long piece of woven fabric- cut and sewn together to make a Mei Tai) I knew I had to have one.  It seemed like it would solve some problems with comfort for longer time periods.  If you get a Wrap Conversion and keep the wrap straps then you have a wonderful hybrid- the ease of a Soft Structure Carrier (like the Ergo/Boba) and the comfortable and adjustability in the straps of a wrap.

One of the other reasons I wanted a Wrap Conversion Mei Tai (WCMT) was so that I could get a higher back carry.  I love back carries and they are more convenient for many occasions, but Everett hated being so low on my back and getting the view of the color shirt I was wearing.  I would attempt a high back carry in a woven wrap but I’ll admit that I’m not good enough!

I stalked The Baby Wearer’s FSOT for a WCMT.  Anytime one came up for sale it would either have a buckle, be a wrap I didn’t love, or I would love it and I would be too late.  In the meantime I posted my own beloved Beco Butterfly II in Scooters- a Hard to Find print that I stalked for over a year ago for my yet to be born baby Everett.  I love the print, it is still one of my favorites, but the carrier itself wasn’t comfortable enough and it never made it into my rotation.  I knew it was a sought after carrier so I posted it For Trade towards a WCMT and hoped for the best.

Honeycomb-esque Applique on the body

Stars aligned when a Scooters fan offered to trade my BBII towards a Wrap Conversion.  It gets confusing here but somehow this trade was for a brand new custom conversion.  I went for it, ordered the Dolcino Kreta wrap, paid another $100+ for the applique work (and upgraded to a hybrid waist and sweatshirt style hood) and waited.  My end goal was to have the carrier before I left for the ABC Kids Expo.  I needed a carrier I could wear Everett in for many hours at a time and I wanted him on my back.

The carrier made it just in time and I was able to practice with it before the show.  I did get him on my back and we walked around.  It was a very comfortable carrier.  I even carried an entire wooden glider from the basement around to the front of the house with him on my back- I am super woman!

When ABC Kids Came I packed her up and excitedly waited for my chance to wear Everett and show off the most beautiful carrier there.  It was handmade and totally custom to my design.

Instead- I gave myself “busted-arm syndrome” from carrying 20 pounds of baby around for 4 days straight and 6+ hours a day.

Long story short- Ev hated it.  He much preferred to be in a ring sling so I did get to wear him a little on my hip, or I put him in the new Boba 3G on my front.  I even wore him some in the Onya on my back and he enjoyed that the most.  But would he be caught dead in the $300 carrier I had made just for the conference?  Of course not!

That Expo was the hardest few days in recent memory.  There were other factors, not just the carrier.  Everett was overwhelmed and wanted to be held, not “worn.”  In all honesty he isn’t as into being worn as my first son was.  For Everett and I babywearing is a necessity for trips.  A convenience.  For Fletcher and I when he was younger I wore him because he loved it.  I would wear him just to get him to nap, or just for snuggles.  Everett is just not into that kind of babywearing.  I think I am still in denial…

Now I have the most beautiful carrier in the world just sitting in a giant Ikea bag in my coat closet along with my other carriers.  Unlike those other carriers, it never gets pulled out from hiding except every month or two when I decide to give it another chance.  Everett arches and squirms and I take him out.  It pretty much never sees the light of day like my Ring Slings and Soft Structure Carriers.

One day I’m going to ask my husband point blank- are we having another baby?  Because I need to know if I should let this carrier go to a loving home or if I should hoard it for baby #3.  I seriously hate to think that I have something this awesome that I will never get to use!  But after losing my son at Target last week (he ran off and dissapeared in .2 seconds…) it made my ovaries shrivel up so I may no longer be fertile.  For now I have to face facts: I am a Buckle Carrier (usually Boba) kinda girl.

Twitter parties are a fun way to learn more about a topic, win prizes, or just chat with other like minded people in a public forum.  I participate in Twitter Parties often, at least once a week.  Twitter parties have been around for a few years but it can still be confusing for a newbie.

The video above shows you exactly how to log in to Tweetgrid.com and get started.  There are a lot of other tutorials floating around so I will save you the text.  You’ll want to watch the video full screen in order to see the text and get the full effect.

I hope this will get you all initiated in order to join the #GivingHOPE party happening tonight at 9 PM EST.  See you there for fun, prizes, and to learn more about Giving Diapers, Giving Hope.

Starting January 25 the Giving Diapers, Giving Hope Fundraiser will be open for entries.  The contest will run until February 14 at midnight.  This a Facebook only giveaway that is being hosting within my Fanpage.  As a reminder, GDGH is a wonderful foundation that lends cloth diapers to families in need for the cost of shipping.  They rely on cloth diaper donations and financial contributions to make it all happen.  This fundraiser will provide the majority of their funds for the entire year so we had to make it HUGE!

There are more than $1,700 dollars worth of prizes being given away!  Please join me in thanking all of the sponsors by “liking” their pages.  To enter the giveaway it couldn’t be more simple!  Go to the Tab on my Fanpage or visit the direct link.  Like the pages listed in the Rafflecopter Form.  It is not mandatory to like every single page in order to enter.  The more you like the more entries you get.  However, if you have a specific prize you are really hoping to win please make sure to like the sponsor’s page.  If you don’t like a page you are not eligible to win the prize(s) they sponsored.

Not on Facebook?  You can still enter to win by spreading the word or by making a financial contribution!  You also gain an entry if you attend the Kick-Off Twitter Party on January 25 at 9 PM EST.  RSVP Now for even more prizes!

There is also a referral entry.  Help spread the word by referring friends to the contest.  Let them know to tell us via the “Were you Referred by a Friend?” and leave your name.  If a referral is pulled then you BOTH win a bonus prize!

Don’t you want to see what you can win?  Here is a breakdown of the many, many prizes being offered.  *Please note that the images are not an exact representation.  Sizes, colors, prints, closures, etc maybe be different that pictured.  Please read the text description for the exact prize being offered.

5 bumGenius Elementals in Snaps from NOW Family.  Provided by NOW Family. (ARV $124) One-Size GroVia AIO, One-Size GroVia Shell, Two-pack of GroVia Organic Cotton Soaker Pads, Thirsties Duo Diaper (winner picks size), One-Size GoGreen Pocket Diaper, GroVia Magic Stick, 1 Package of disposable Biosoaker Inserts from Jack be Natural. (ARV $125)

Rainbow Loops Bundle (fitted diapers) in Size Medium (ARV $102.60) provided by Orange Diaper Co.

Incredibum Pack (5 Incredibum OS Diapers, 4 pack of wipes, 4 inserts, 1 large wetbag. Provided by Incredibum
(ARV $100+)

CUSTOM 6 PACK of Bamboo Velour Tushie Ties Tie on Cloth Diapers.  Provided by Tushie Ties. (ARV $90.00+)

SweetBottoms Baby Boutique $100 Gift Certificate.  Provided by Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique.

MEGA PACKAGE including “THE” BALM! Diaper Balm / Skin Repair, Organic, all Natural, Vegan, Cloth Diaper Safe Balm & 1st Aid for Everything Skin, ”THE” BALM! PITS! All Natural, Organic, Soothing Deodorant, ”THE BALM! SANITIZE those HANDS! All Natural, Organic, Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer and MORE! Provided by THE Balm.  (ARV $100)

- 1 FuzziBunz Hanging Diaper Pail, apple green – 1 FuzziBunz Zippered Tote Bag, apple green – 1 Planet Wise Wipe Pouch, bumble dot – 6 Pack of Kissaluvs Premium Organic Wipes – 1 Rockin’ Green Shake It Up Pail Freshener, rage against the raspberries – 1 CJ’s BUTTer Small Stick, pink sugar -1 CJ’s BUTTer Spritz in Pink Sugar. Provided by Modern Cloth (ARV $80+)

BabyKicks Prize Pack: 2- 3g Pocket Diapers (OS Hemp Insert included) 1- Small Hemp Prefold 1- Medium Hemp Prefold 1- 10pack Bamboo Washies  1- Duz-it-All (ARV $78.93) Provided by BabykicksUSA

1 Batumee Diaper, Size 2 (One Size) Scribble Collection 2 Embroidered TCS Diapers, Size 2 (One Size) GN Colors and Embroidery 3 Economy Medium Easyfolds 1 Popo Belt for the Easyfolds. Provided by Oeko Popo (ARV $84.13)

-1 GEN-Y Universal cover (size L). 1 GEN-Y Classic cover (size M), 1 GEN-Y Simplicity cover (size M), and 1 Planetwise Hanging Wet/Dry Bag. Provided by GEN-Y.  (ARV $83)
1 Planet Wise wet bag medium Piccolo Dot print 1 Sigma diaper sprayer 1 Baby Blue Planet Wise pail liner 1 Thirsties wipe pack (neutral print) provided by Abby’s Lane (ARV $75.00)

- 3 Snap Duo All In One Diapers (closure, size, color/print tbd by winner) – 1 jar of Thirsties Booty Love – 1 6 pack of Fab Wipes Provided by Thirsties(ARV $75.00)

“Try Cloth Diapers package” includes- 1 bumGenius Artist Series, 1 Happy Heiny’s One Size, 1 Wahmies One Size, 1 Fuzzibunz One Size, 1 BabyKicks 3g Pocket Diaper provided by Go Green Baby Co. (ARV $70+)

More Incredible Prizes Including:

1 AppleCheeks Bundle.  Provided by Baby Dickey.

Set of 2 bumGenius Freetimes.  Provided by All About Cloth Diapers.

6 Pack of DiaperRite OS Pocket Diapers with inserts. Winner chooses colors. Provided by Diaper Junction.

4 Hand Knit items from Revel Handmade. Winner chooses items.  Provided by Pamela Dayton.

$25.00 Gift Card to Sandbox Lane.  Provided by Sandbox Lane

$25.00 Gift Certificate to Kelly’s Closet and (1) ones and twos AIO cloth diaper. (1 winner gets GC, 1 winner gets the diaper). Provided by Kelly’s Closet.

3 Pack of Knickernappies Custom Fit Pocket Diapers with Microfiber Inserts in color/size winner’s choice. Provided by Knickernappies.

2 Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom’s Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering book provided by Kelly Wels.

3 100% Organic ‘Lil Monkey Hat (fits newborn-3 months). Winner choses color of trim (pink, blue, or ivory). Provided by Hot Mama Gowns.

Large box of Eco Nuts (360 loads) provided by Eco Nuts.

One-size pocket diaper in the NEW “Bananas For You” Monkey print, which includes a one-size Organic Hemp Fleece insert, and a bamboo doubler. Provided by MoDia Diapers.

Thirsties AIO in Gender neutral color provided by Dearest Diapers.

Sweet Pea AI3 in an owl print. Provided by Sweet Pea Diapers.

3 Wooly Rounds (2 winners, 1 set per person).  Provided by Wooly Rounds.

Scholastic’s Story Book Treasures Sign Language Storytelling Stories 3-DVD Set  provided by The Parent Guide.

Social Media Partners:

These fine blogs are helping spread the word and have made a contribution to the fundraiser.

The Eco Chic
The Eco-Friendly Family
Change-Diapers
Geeky Green Mom
Cloth Diaper Geek
Padded Tush Stats
Boba Blog
All About Cloth Diapers
Baby Dickey

The Mabu Baby Eco-Diaper System is a cloth diaper that was recntly introduced.  It has been called the “Wal-mart” diaper since it is currently carried in select locations. While big box stores have carried familiar brands online most have not carried them in the actual store. The Mabu Baby diapers come in kits with 2 Shells and 2 snap in liners, 2 washable pads, 2 disposable pads, and 5 disposable liners. These can be used as hybrid diapers or an All-in-Two. The idea of Wal-Marts carrying cloth diapers is both frightening and exciting. On one hand you are exposing cloth diapers to a new and huge audience. On the other hand you start introducing cloth diapers to the “big business” world which could pose an economic threat to the many WAHM owned retail stores and diaper brands. As always DDL is here to provide an objective review and show you how the diaper works on video.
Ease of Use ✩✩ AHH! Maybe I am just inept but the after wash assembly of the Mabu Baby had me wondering if I needed a diaper degree. The way the layers folded into themselves, the fact that you can only put the liner in one way, all of these things took a lot of time to assemble for me. For a newbie to cloth it might be a bit overwhelming. It is hard to explain here but after washing/drying everything looks like a big mess. Even with my trained eye it took me longer than most other diapers. Once the liner is snapped into the shell then you just need to take your insert, bi-fold it, and lay in with the stay dry side facing the baby. Then you are all set to place it on the baby. That part is easy!  The Mabu Baby uses hook and loop closures (like velcro) and these mimic the ease of a disposable diaper.  The hooks are plastic like and hard and the loops are soft and flat.  Those familiar with the GroVia brand will notice that this is virtually identical.  The possible problem down the line could be these wearing out or the tabs curling/scratching the baby. Another way they did simplify things is that the sizing mimics that of disposables with the NB,1,2,3/4 options.  I can’t attest to how they align though.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ I was expecting the price to be lower since it is sold at Wal-Mart for now. It is sill going to save parents money on disposables! You can get the starter kit at participating Wal-Marts for 29.95. For informed cloth diapering families they know that there are some better known brands for sale at the various online diaper stores, but there are many families that are cloth curious who will likely purchased the kit to try after seeing it in store.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ Ya know….. this diaper actually worked really really well. I even started using it for my nighttime diaper and used it for both boys. Everett is 14 months and while it would feel heavy each morning it never leaked. Poops were also contained within the entire diaper but the liner never contained the mess without it leaking into the shell. I’m not sure when the liner would really protect the shell from a poop. And with urine you can wipe it clean if desired so the purpose of the liner is only there to be difficult to snap in.
Fit ✩✩✩ According to the Size Chart my son Everett would have been a 3/4 based on his weight. When we got our package in the mail we saw how huge the size 3/4 was. Luckily they also sent the Size 2. It fit him great around the waist and even still fit my 3 year old, though it was a close call. This is why a weight based chart is inaccurate since you can be 40 pounds and 2 years old or 4. The height and build make it fit differently. The diapers appeared bulky in between the legs, like it was saggy but it wasn’t. The butt wasn’t hugely poofy at all, and the profile looks rather slim.
Overall: The diaper is absolutely functional. It is designed for parents who are being exposed to cloth diapers in a different way than most of the current users who are doing a lot of internet research. The packaging is friendly, helpful, and eye catching. It gives you basic information and hopes you will give them a chance. The design isn’t exactly simple and the tangle of shells, liners, and inserts could discourage a cloth diaper newbie if they went in unsure in the first place. I think they were going for simple but it just isn;t working.  The only “simple” aprt is that these only come in white and are only available in hook and loop.  In terms of spraying out the diaper I have decided this is topping my list of Least Favorite Cloth Diapers to Spray.  We had an epic situation that called for a hazmat suit.  If only I had used a liner!

I did actually like the diapers and was surprised by how much (even though this review seems to say otherwise). I think it all comes down to the inserts (which I really liked) and that it fit well and looked comfortable on.

Where to Buy Find a Wal-Mart location

Not me!

Because every other blog that has reviewed the new Onya Carrier has already come up with a clever way to incorporate the brand name into a funny title I decided to keep it simple.  Considering every time I hear the name I then say “All up on-ya” in a male, sexy, deep voice I know how tempting it can be!

I first encountered the Onya at the ABC Kids Expo this past year.  I’ve used a lot of soft structure carriers over the past 3+ years and the SSC is definitely my favorite carrier style.  When I attended the Expo I had my son Everett, who at the time he was 10 months old, so I was planning on babywearing him frequently.  The Onya was one of the carriers I wanted to test out while there.

Before I even go into details about the carrier itself I have to tell you all that the Onya inventor, Diane, is such a nice person.  She really brightened my day!  She explained the various features of the carrier to me and helped me get it on and sized.  We borrowed it for a the evening and returned it the next day.  Just from that time with the carrier I was impressed by it, but more importantly, Everett loved it for the back carry.

When Diane asked if I would like to give it a true review I was totally on board!  I just love trying out new carriers and playing with the buckles and settings!

Once it arrived I didn’t waste anytime.  I unboxed it and pre-adjusted the staps with some guesswork, then tossed Everett onto my back.  Since that day I’ve been using it around the house when he is a bit cranky and needs some mommy closeness and mommy needs to get housework accomplished.  My main use has been at home since the winter cold/snow has kept us from going out as much as we would like.  I have used it out of the house on shopping trips and I even used it outside for a romp in the snow!

Hands down the best thing about this carrier for me has been that the back carry is a bit higher than similar SSC’s.  Everett prefers being worn on the back in the Onya for this reason.  It is pretty obvious that he likes it.  When the baby is younger they are often stuck facing your back.  In the Onya he gets a higher view!

My next favorite feature would be that the back straps unbuckle and allow for criss crossing when performing a front carry.  Rather than reaching around to clip the chest clip on your own back or having someone do it for you, with the Onya you can buckle each strap easily under each arm.  The comfort level is not compromised- in fact I know many mama’s who prefer a criss cross in the back to a clip.  I don’t think one is better than the other, or haven’t noticed a difference.

The straps are insanely easy to adjust.  They glide throughlike BUTTER.  This is mostly a good thing because no one likes having to tug at a strap when you have one hand on a baby and need to get things adjusted quickly.  The only downside I found was when loosening straps it went from tight to way too loose in a split second because they are so smooth.  I had to condition mysef to pull ever so slightly to prevent it.

The waist belt is padded well and nice and wide which in the world of SSC’s means maximum comfort.  The straps are also adequately padded.  They feel a bit stiff (the straps) however and don’t bend/give as much as some other brands.  This could be something that happens over time when they break in, I just won’t know yet.  I also really appreciate the extra step of having multiple stitch lines through the waist belt and straps since it gives it a quality look.

The buckles match well and just feel downright well made.  When it comes to babywearing you want a carrier that has been well made and is safe.  I felt this was very true of the Onya.  Plus it was under development for over 4 years!  That is mighty impressive.

There is a sleep hood that is hidden.  You will need to just unzip it and pull it out.  I like that it is always there when you need it but hidden away.

The chair/seat thing is pretty cool.  It isn’t something that would make me pick it over any other carrier but having it could be to your advantage.  I see the chair seat as a good option for families who frequent those hole in the wall places that don’t cater to families and don’t have high chairs.  Of course in my life we try to make sure our destinations (like a restaurant) are family friendly.  I personally think if something doesn’t have a high chair then they don’t want a family with kids to be there.  And I don’t like that…

I chose to review the The Cruiser which is the cotton version of the Onya.  It currently comes in two color combinations- Dove Chocolate Chip (White/brown) and Leaf Green/ Umber (Green/brown).  One of the reasons I like the Onya is that the White carrier is very different.  It is a neutral color set and won’t totally clash with anything you own.  It is white though so you might see minor dirt on it more than you would on a typical black/brown carrier.  But I love the risk taking nature of it!  If you are more outdoorsy you might prefer the Outback which is a waterproof version of the carrier.

The Seat Chair gives a “poofy” appearance to the carrier.  You can’t take it out at all so there is not way to reduce the poof.

My chosen method of getting my baby on my back (The Super-Man Toss) is a little more difficult to use with this carrier.  The only way I can explain it is that the seat is deeper than most and I can’t get him as deep in it as I need from this method.  I usually have to get my husband or someone else to push my son deeper into the seat.  I do actually like the deeper seat pocket but since I wear him on my back the most it has given me a hard time!

I am a very petite person.  In the Onya I felt I could have tightened my straps a little more.  Everett wasn’t as snug against my back as I wanted.  I am barely 100 pounds (sometimes not even) so for the vast majority of people this isn’t going to be an issue.

You need to be aware before putting the carrier on, how your straps are tightened.  If you leave the straps loose on the side that faces your back (when doing a back carry) you have to tighten them by pulling away from you, backwards.  It is practically impossible 9at least for me) so after having this happen a few times I finally got the memo and would check each time and tighten that strap all the way.

I have enjoyed, and am still enjoying using the Onya Baby Carrier.  It is so clear how much love and thought went into the design.  Often when a first version of a product is released you can nitpick and find little things that could use improving.  I just can’t complain too much about anything.  One day I’m sure they’ll be able to add more color choices and those things come with time.

You can buy the Onya Baby Carrier through their website or from select retailers.  I’d also love it of you could “Like” Onya Baby on Facebook.  They are always posting wonderful words of babywearing wisdom and sage parenting advice.  

I was just recently introduced to the Incredibum brand.  Their diaper offers bamboo soakr pads, many snap options on the waist, and a 3 step rise adjustment system.  I have a video and review of the diaper already up.

This diaper has turned into a nice alternative to fitteds and covers to suit our overnight diapering needs.

Incredibum has offered to let one lucky DDL reader in on the fun as well by sponsoring a giveaway!  Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  Open to US and Canada and ends 2/3.

a Rafflecopter giveaway