Update: This brand is no longer in business.
Sheila, the creator of Hiney Lineys, first got in touch with me to ask if I could add her diaper to my directory of Made in the USA (and Canada) diapers. This was the first time I had heard of her diapers so we talked about a review in the future. Well, the future is now! It has been an absolute pleasure working with Sheila. She really has a passion for cloth diapers. The idea behind the Hiney Lineys System intrigued me. The concept of an AI2 with a snap in stay dry liner (versus a lay in fleece liner which can bunch up) made sense to me and I knew there was a demand for this system in the marketplace. I’ve done a video review and my usual written review. I am playing with a new editing software (first video using Final Cut Express) so please forgive the strange aspect ratio. It does look better in HD.
Ease of Use ✩✩✩ The Versa System looks pretty intimidating. Still, I think many people have wanted something exactly like this, a way to reuse a shell while still having a stay dry liner next to the baby. I had to read instructions and study the video before using the system to ensure I was doing it correctly. Actually unsnapping the liney when it was dirty took some fumbling around, because the snaps are under a flap it requires a little forethought. Snapping lineys in is the same situation. I have to study to make sure I have the right side where it should go, and it is easy to get it into position then realize it needs to be flipped. So not exactly a “simple” system but it does work.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ You can buy multiple Liney’s (9.50 for two) to replace inside of your Versa Cover, you’ll need one per change since the liney will always get dirty. You’ll also need your insert of choice, which could be as cheap as Free or 1-2$ each if you are using Flats or Prefolds. Then there is the option of buying the All-in-Lineys with an insert attached (15.50 for two). The Cover alone is 16.75 and is Dual Size so it lasts longer than a Sized cover. You can probably get away with owning as little as 4 covers and 12-18 Lineys and Inserts. Per size you are looking at around 200-250, so around 500-650$ for covering a baby from birth to potty learning exclusively with this system. That is definitely money savings over disposables.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ I only had a leak with this diaper overnight (not always though), so for me it was more of a Daytime diaper. During the day we never had leaks with either the All in Liney or the Liney with my insert of choice (usually a prefold).
Fit ✩✩✩✩ Ev is a big guy and is busting out of the smaller range OS diapers so it doesn’t surprise me that he is on the highest rise of the Toddler Infant Size Versa Cover. (My mistake, I was reviewing the Infant size, not toddler. He should have plenty of room in the Toddler version then!) I’m really hoping he slims down when he crawls. I don’t know that he will grow out of this diaper before potty learning since his body shape will change so drastically but it is a possibility. Waist wise he is VERY close to running out of room. He is high on the growth charts FYI.
Overall: I totally get this system. In fact, it is something I thought of before and wondered why it didn’t exist (it did, I just didn’t know!). A lot of people love pockets and the suedecloth lining but prefer AI2’s for drying or cost reasons. The Hiney Liney System meets those needs. The downside is that it does require more steps in prep and pre-washing. The most frustrating part was removing and replacing inserts. It did get easier as I used them longer but the learning curve can be high. The WAHM behind the diapers is always there to help and she is super sweet. I think if anyone buys this system they should know that Sheila stands behind her products! Before trying the diapers I had a hard time processing everything so don’t feel bad if it is a little confusing at first. Even in my video I trip over explaining it!
Where to buy: HineyLineys.com or EverythingBirth.com
A Hiney Lineys Versa Cover, set of Lineys and set of All in Lineys were provided for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own and genuine.
