Tag Archive | "all in two"

Swaddlebees Capri Video and Review

This is a review of the Swaddlebees Capri Cover and Insert set. This is a new product from Swaddlebees that was just recently released. The Capri cover comes in Size 1 or Size 2 and each cover has 3 size settings. The Capri inserts are sold in size 1 or 2 and have the option of either microfleece or birdseye cotton next to the baby.
Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ You can find the Capri covers in aplix or velcro. Sizing is done by snapping down the rise and the Capri insert is easily laid into the the gusseted area inside.  An All-in-Two style system isn’t as easy as just changing out a pocket or All-in-One but this system is easier than those that snap into the cover.  The cover can just be used over fitteds or other non waterproof cloth diapers as well.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ Swaddlebees products usually have a higher price tag than other similar cloth diaper products. The Capri cover and inserts are no exception. The Size 1 is 16.95 and the Size 2 is 19.95. Size 1 inserts are 12.95 for 2 and the Size 2 inserts are 15.95 for 2.  Part of the price is due to the diapers being made in the USA where the workers are paid a fair wage compared to many of the very inexpensive Made in China diapers being seen everywhere.  I had these added to my cart and kept taking them out because the price was just too much for me to spend. Luckily I ended up waiting for them to stock at Diaper Junction and I used affiliate credits. The cover is going to last forever- it is impeccably made. Since I wasn’t a huge fan of the inserts I would rather use flats inside and save the money.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ The Capri covers were bulletproof and the PUL wasn’t letting anything through. The inserts were very, very absorbent and stood up to naps and long car trips.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ If I review the Capri alone it fit really well, especially with pad folded flats as inserts. With the Size 2 Inserts and the cover on the smallest rise it was hard to get a good fit at the stomach because the insert made a bubble. I tried folding over the insert in various ways but usually would squish the insert in to prevent bumps at odd places. Also I worry about the comfort where the rise snaps down and how it touches the baby’s legs.
Overall: I certainly prefer the cover to the insert. I did appreciate the ability to choose microfleece or birdseye cotton against the baby’s skin and that the insert dries quickly. The cover looks like it will last through many, many washes and kids. The cover works well as a regular cover and as an All-in-Two system.  You can also get the Capri in the amazing print selection offered by Swaddlebees.
Where to Buy Kelly’s Closet (affiliate) sells the Capri Cover and Capri Inserts

I purchased a Capri cover and insert set using affiliate credits for this review.

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Oeko Popo Batumee Video and Review

Oeko Popo Batumee Video and Review

The Oeko Popo brand is not one I was familiar with before being approached to perform a review. I wasn’t even sure what type of diaper it was until I opened the package. I was pretty surprised by some of the unique features that I found. The design was really cool with a black and white pattern on the tabs and star shaped snaps for the hip snap. The snap in soaker was backed with PUL but in a one of a kind way- right to the bamboo fabric. The leg elastic could be tightened as well.
Ease of Use ✩✩✩ This is one of those diapers that can be intimidating at first. It certainly was for me, not gonna lie. Thank goodness for videos. In this case I referenced the videos from the maker of Oeko Popo and I’m afraid I didn’t do as good of a job as she did. Sizing is easy since it is uses a 3 step snap down rise. If you use this diaper as an AI2 with their inserts then you might want to watch a video. It was hard for me to find a fold that looked comfortable unless I folded it to the front. I might have been doing it wrong, not exactly sure. The maker of Oeko Popo says you don’t have to adjust the leg elastic unless you need to. If you do need to then it is easy to do, you just pull it, but you won’t really know how tight to pull it and might have some trial and error there. To loosen the elastic I also had to watch a video but didn’t find that in time before filming mine. It was hard for me to figure out but I got there eventually.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ The Batumee retails for 24.95. It is made in the USA. It is one of the trimmest diapers I have used and I loved the fit so the price is high but it has many selling points. The snap in inserts retail for 5.95 and that is actually a really good price but the downside is that it is designed for the Batumee and wouldn’t work as well with other diapers.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ Amazing! The soaker was far more absorbent that I expected it to be. Everett wore it for a very long time (a change slipped my mind) and I was afraid of what I would find but that little soaker was totally saturated but the diaper never leaked! It was actually kind of cool to see the urine soaked into the soaker through the back PUL.
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ The fit was really trim and totally conformed to Ev’s shape. He wore the diaper on the middle rise (16 months and 22 pounds) and usually only needed the 1 soaker. The cover would work with other inserts as well. I did have to tighten the leg elastic to where about an inch was hanging out of the casing. It also gets pretty small for a tiny baby.
Overall: The biggest drawback of the diaper is really just how many features it has and learning how to use them. I’m as experienced as they come when it comes to cloth diapers and I had to reference the website and videos often while reviewing it. That being said it performed and fit so well and it impressed me a lot. The Batumee has a lot going for it and is worth a look even if you just need a good cover.
Where to Buy OekoPopo.com

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Mabu Baby Eco-Diaper Video and Review

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

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Smart Bottoms AI2 Reviews

Smart Bottoms All-in-Two Video and Review

I was given a Smart Bottoms Smart Cover and 2 insert options while attending ABC Kids Expo. I reviewed them over the course of 6 months. Unfortunately I was having some trouble with leaks with the Too Smart PUL backed insert and consulted the company for some advice. It was clear after 6 months that the Smartfold insert worked well and I really liked it, but the system as a whole wasn’t working for my son, who is on the chunky side. I have heard from others using this system that it works great for tall, skinny babies who otherwise have trouble finding diapers tight enough for those chicken legs.
Ease of Use ✩✩✩ All-in-Two’s are notorious for not being “simple” systems when compared side by side to an All-in-One or even a pocket. To make the application of an AI2 faster you can add the desired soaker in before the first change. But, if you are switching out inserts sometimes it can be more time consuming with a wriggly baby. If you are using the prefold you can have some pre-folded so you can just lay them inside.  The Too Smart insert has PUL on the back so it keeps the inside of the cover dry.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩✩ The Smart Cover is 16.00 and comes in Small (5-16 pounds) and Large (16+ pounds). The Too Smart PUL backed insert is 8.00. The Smartfold prefold is 7.00. Their entire line of diaper products is made in the USA. They use organic cotton in the Too Smart insert. The Smartfold uses organic hemp/cotton fleece. I would say the Smartfold is the best value, this little prefold is mega-absorbent and has a variety of uses. I wouldn’t personally pay the 8.00 for the Too Smart insert since it wasn’t my favorite.
Performance ✩✩✩ I was reviewing the cover, the Too Smart insert, and the Smartfold prefold. I have to say that the Smartfold was the standout in the bunch. This prefold/insert is soft and super absorbent. Unlike every other traditional prefold on the market, the Smartfold isn’t stiched down. Instead, there are just a few stitches. As it was explained to me by the creators- this allows liquid to pass all the way around the prefold instead of potentially just the core. The stitching in a prefold isn’t a barrier but it could slow the liquid down from seeping into the side layers. I had a hard time telling if the leaks I had using the Too Smart insert were due to the fit of it and the cover, or just lack of absorbency.
Fit ✩✩ Ev really challenged the design of the diaper, especially the Smart Cover. For us the fit of the cover just wouldn’t work. It is designed for those babies with hard to fit, skinny legs. Well, Ev is not one of those kids. If we snapped the hip snap, even to the loosest setting, the elastic (which is a bit thinner than many brands) would leave some pretty deep red marks. To combat this I would leave the hip snap undone completely. That worked to alleviate the redmarks but contributed to some leaking (or that is my theory) but only with the Too Smart PUL back insert. The insert itself fits into the cover well but because it is designed to have some stiffness I think this allowed for some gaps between it and his body, coupled with the gap from open hip snap, contributed to the 3 times I had pee in my lap! Now, the Smartfold is another story. I LOVE this prefold. It is pretty darn awesome, very absorbent, washes up softly, and fits well into the cover (and other covers as well.)
Overall: Sadly, the Smart Cover and Too Smart (PUL backed insert) didn’t do it for me. These two together challenged me. I emailed with Christy, the creator, and we were troubleshooting, but it just wasn’t working. Another complaint was purely aesthetic- those two together create a “poof” at the front of the diaper where the insert lays under the snaps. The back does have a nice smooth look though. The Smartfold worked so well for me, and did work in the cover without leaking, so this pair did work.
Where to Buy: Smart Bottoms

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Monkey Doodlez Tuck and Go (TAG) Video and Review

When I attended the ABC Kids Expo I was able to chat with a lot of cloth diaper manufacturers in person. In some cases, I also walked away with a new diaper to review. One diaper I walked away with was the Monkey Doodlez TAG (Tuck and Go) shell and their soaker pads. This is an All-in-Two system with a fleece gusset that holds in the Pad. I first started using the shell with a prefold (not tucked into the fleece) when I was using a diaper service in Louisville. At home I have been reviewing the diaper with the soaker pads in place and using it as an AI2.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ I found the Pads to have a higher learning curve when it came to the time it took to get them placed properly compared to a snap in style or lay in style AI2. The long, pointy tabs need to be pushed under the fleece gusset just the right way. You will also need to know that they go in one way only.  The widest part of the pad tucks into the back and the narrowest tucks into the front.  You can’t do it the other way around.  After doing it numerous times I felt I found a good method and got the groove of it. After the Pad is in place the diaper goes on easily thanks to velcro closures. Sizing down or up is easy with the snaps in front also.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩ The covers retails for 14.99 each, and Pads are sold in 3 packs for 29.95. I don’t find this to be a great deal if you are looking to save money wit an AI2 system. If you want an AI2 simply for the space saving, simplicity of it all and not just to save money then you will still come out on top compared to disposables. If you do the math it comes to 15.00 per change, which is slightly less than the average one size pocket diaper.  The covers and pads are well made and the velcro is nice and strong.  The cover price isn’t too bad but the Pads are priced more than I would expect to pay.  I am using the Canadian prices since I had a hard time locating a US retailer.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ There was a lot of thought put into the design of this diaper. I was especially impressed with the channeled design that lets any urine collect and re-absorb into the pad before leaking out. I used one pad and the MD shell overnight and realized it wasn’t absorbent enough. There was a small leak and the pad was saturated completely. I would need a doubler or second pad for overnights.
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ There are 4 sizes available. The small will fit a newborn (they have a few adorable images of their diaper on squishies) and the Large would fit me. I am not lying. While at ABC Kids they brought one out and it was larger than my underwear. For anyone looking for a night time diaper for an older child give these a look. You will need 2 or more pads a night but the sizing is EXTREMELY generous. Ev wears the Medium-Long and has it snapped down. He was way more room in the waist than he needs now. It is a diaper that will last him until potty training for sure. The Pads also come in sizes to ensure the best, trimmest fit in the covers. The fleece covered elastic look so comfortable. Another feature is that there is only microfleece touching the skin. Many AI2‘s have exposed PUL where the soaker doesn’t cover but the TAG doesn’t leave any touching the skin, much like a pocket or AIO.
Overall: The TAG is a great AI2 system for those parents who like the clean surface of a pocket or AIO or for any babies who have a sensitivity to PUL. In the states they aren’t carried in as many retailers as they are in Canada but you can find them. The touch tape used on the tabs is the more plastic kind. It is very strong so pay extra attention to attach them to their laundry tabs. They can cause some real havoc on your other diapers if not. I’m really happy with their sizing options as well; they accommodate a large range including small adults!
Where to Buy Find a retailer on MonkeyDoodlez.com
DDL Readers can use code DiaperLaundry15 at Monkey Doodlezand participating retailers now through the 14th and save 15% on TAG Covers and Pads. *note from MD- their shopping cart is providing strange quotes on shipping but disregard.

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Hiney Lineys Versa Review

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.

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Intro to Cloth Diapers: All-in-Two’s

As part of my (possibly indefinite) Introduction to Cloth Diapers Series I am covering All-in-Two cloth diapers this week.

All-in-Two’s, are waterproof shells (covers) with replaceable inserts.  This definition means you could use virtually any combination of waterprof cover and soaker pads, but there are many cloth diapers designed for this purpose.

Most All-in-Two’s are One Size Fits Most diapers using a snap down rise or Leg Elastic Sizing.  For my video I have shown the Ragababe Organic 2 Step, Best Bottoms, and Gro Baby/ GroVia brands.  These are only a small representation of the brands available.  Since I started blogging 2 years ago when Gro Baby was released the concept has taken off inspiring many similar systems.

The point of an AI2 is to save more money by having to buy fewer “pricey” diapers, and AI2‘s are space savers when going out or traveling.  Many AI2‘s can also be used with disposable inserts.

Pros:

  • Less expensive than a full set of AIO‘s or Pocket Diapers
  • Still Easier to use than flats or prefolds
  • Trim
  • Typically One Size
  • Easy to Use
  • Variety of soakers (inserts) in every material type including organic and stay dry.
  • Can mix and match soakers with shells of multiple brands by laying them inside other systems.  Not all snaps are compatible with one another.

Cons:

  • Depending on the system, liners can get wet after the baby pees.
  • When the baby poops it often soils the cover.
  • Inserts can shift when when baby moves potentially causing a leak.
  • When changing the diaper you need to touch the wet/dirty inserts to remove them (but using a cloth wipe is the best solution)
  • Slightly more time consuming to change than removing a whole diaper, then replacing with a new one.

I have to admit that AI2‘s are not in my favorite list of diapers.  I do see their value as a way to use cloth diapers without spending too much money.  If you wanted to buy 6 one size shells at 17$ each and 24 one size soakers at 8$ a piece you are only spending 300$.

You can learn more about the many types of cloth diapers by watching the other entries in my Intro to Cloth Diaper Series.

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Sprout Change V2.0 Review

Sprout Change V2.0 Review

A few months back I reviewed a new diaper, Sprout Change, and like the idea behind it but had a hard time sizing the diaper.  I noted this in my video review and written review.  When they redesigned the diaper they asked me to give it the once over again.  I am glad I did because the improvements are small but make a huge difference in the user friendliness of the diaper, which is a big deal!

One-size, Custom fit
Fits 5-40+ lbs
Get the right fit, fast
Patent pending, easy size adjustments
Leak-free
Easy
Innovative snap positions, anyone can figure out (daycare friendly!)
No more guessing
Breathable Shell keeps baby rash free
Unbeatable leakproof protection
Seamless gussets for mess-free cleanups
Affordable: Fits your lifestyle and your budget
Fewer Shells means less cost for you, without compromising on quality
Unique Reversible Shell has two colors in one
Prefer side closing or front closing diapers (like disposables)? You get both!
Soft fabrics touch baby, not plastic*
Double layers of PUL make our diapers last years!

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ The New version of the Sprout Change is a vast improvement!  I loved the concept behind the shell was great, but adjusting the waist elastic was very difficult.  The new access point in each tab makes adjustments easier, though it can still be a little tough if you have larger fingers.  Once you have the shell adjusted, you have no guesswork on putting the shell on the baby.  They also have a stay dry microfiber lay in insert that is easier than the other option of a stay dry sock.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩✩  The price for a Sprout Change shell and 1 insert is now 16.95, which seems lower than before according to my first review.  I would definitely pay that much for this diaper, and if you purchased it as a system it would save you even more!

Performance ✩✩✩✩ Getting the perfect size can take some time, so if you have some leaks give it an adjustment.  I prefer the new stay dry microfiber insert.

Fit ✩✩✩✩ I was able to find the best fit for my son by adjusting it on him.  I will warn that if you let go of the elastic it could go into the casing.. then you have to dig it out.  It happened to me!  It is a little strange that there is no elastic at the front of the diaper.  My son side sleeps but if the baby is a tummy sleeper I wonder if this would lead to leaks?  I couldn’t say. *I have recently sized this to the smallest setting and will be testing it on my newborn.

Overall- The new version is so much easier to adjust and I am very happy with the improvements.  The double elastic is slightly frustrating because if they become misaligned it is harder to adjust.  The reversible feature is cool but it means you can’t wipe the shell clean between uses.

Where to Buy: Willowpads.com

I was sent a sample of this product for the purposes of the review.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own.

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Gro Via All in Two (Hybrid) Review

Gro Via All in Two (Hybrid) Review

Kelly’s Closet provided a Gro Via Hybrid for me to make a comparison video for their blog.  But I still wanted write my review and compare the function of the Gro Via to the Gro Baby.  The Gro Baby inspired me to begin doing video reviews.  Since that first video I have done 61 others!  So thanks Kelly’s Closet for the chance to review the Gro Via AI2.

Ease of Use ★★★★ I do find switching the inserts out for a new one to be fairly simple, although depending on the age and wriggliness of your baby it might take longer. More because you are trying to keep them out of trouble than because they are moving, which means you can’t be snapping the soaker in because your hands are tied up. Once the new soaker is in if you have the velcro version of the Gro Via is a very easy application, if you have snaps it is easy too, but you have 4 snaps to affix. The only tough part is closing the laundry tabs and getting underneath those hoops. It is tricky when the aplix is very sticky.

Bang for the Buck ★★★★ Being that the Gro Via is an All in Two you can save a lot of money with this system. Buying 6-10 shells and 20-36 soakers would be all you need, depending on the age of the child.

Performance ★★★★ I have had a good experience so far. The soakers are absorbent, and there is the option of adding a booster if you need it. There have been times I have changed him and the insert is SOAKED but no leaks. Works overnight for us but not might for those very heavy wetters. I do enjoy the addition of PUL backing on the soakers. This makes me feel better about using multiple soakers in a row since the shell is not very wet. I don’t have to air the shell out between use.

Fit ★★★★★ The Gro Via has improved the sizing of their diaper compared to the Gro Baby. They have added more rise which has also improved the size of the thighs. While the thighs do still seem on the smaller end compared to some other one size diapers, they work well for my average sized toddler. And they size down really small. I plan on using these for my newborn when he is here.

Overall- I am very happy with the improvements made by Gro Via. They listened to their customers and addressed the issues people were having with the aplix. I had those same issues with the aplix wearing out. At this point it is very stick and I expect the laundry loops will help over time. The PUL backed soakers are brilliant and they make this an easier to use system. Gro Via also make disposable inserts for travel, which, while not as absorbent as a disposable, are better for your baby if you HAVE to use them for travel.

Where to Buy: Kelly’s Closet or
GroVia

Affiliate links provided

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Best Bottoms All in Two Review

One of the most requested reviews lately has been the new Best Bottoms Allin Two.  This diaper was created by Nicki, founder of Nicki’s Diapers.  She has seen a lot of diapers and knows what customers want, so she made her own.  This All in Two answers many concerns.  The cover is very generously sized and fits babies from birth to 35 pounds.  Rather than having a one size fits all insert, which adds bulk to smaller babies, they made affordable sized inserts.  Small inserts fit babies from birth to 14 pounds, Medium inserts fit babies 11-22 pounds, and large inserts fit babies 16-35+ pounds.  They also have inserts of different materials and abosorbency to suit every family’s needs.  I really love this diaper and I think you will too!
P6210006Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ This is a super simple All in Two.  The rise adjustment is very straight forward, and you only have to do that once in a blue moon.  To snap in a new insert there are 2 snaps, one at the front and one at the back of the diaper.  It doesn’t get much easier.  To put on your baby there are a total of 4 snaps, 2 on each tab.  This is very easy, though not as easy as velcro.  If the baby has soiled the cover you toss it in the pail and grab a new one.  If not, you reach for a fresh snap in insert and remove the wet one.
Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰✰ 405 dollars can diaper your baby from birth to potty training!  This is a great deal, especially when you consider these covers are adorable!  I am in love with the colors and  the contrasting binding.  I chose to review the Sherbert one since it was Orange and Blue, Syracuse colors.  The covers run 16.95 alone, and the stay dry insert seen in the video is only 3.75.  You can spend more and upgrade to a hemp/ organic cotton insert for 5.75 or an overnight insert for 6.00.
Performance ✰✰✰✰ I only reviewed the cover and stay dry inserts, not the overnight or hemp/ organic cotton.  For day use this insert was adequate.  I was able to test this diaper out while traveling and noticed that my son did wet through the insert on 2 occasions.  He happened to drink more fluids while we were in Texas, plus on one occasion he was on the plane and I waited too long t o change him.  I would not suggest the stay dry inserts for overnights, but you can buy overnight inserts.  I just didn’t review these so I can only assume these will hold enough.  The covers did very good at holding in messy poo, something else we were lucky enough to experience while traveling.
Fit ✰✰✰✰ I am convinced these will fit an average baby at birth.  Just looking at how small the cover gets, and the fact that it would use a smaller insert, makes me think so.  I will try them on my own newborn in the fall, but I will need to buy some small inserts to do so.  As for the fit on my toddler, it was very good on the third largest setting.  I shoce to get the Large insert based on the size chart, but his rise was more towards the middle.  The large insert stuck out just a tad so I scrunched it in.  It will be great on the unsnapped setting.  No noticeable red marks from the cover, though I think a time or  two I have seen snap imprints from the tabs, but not deep.
Overall- I am not a huge All in Two fan but these have been working great.  I used them for traveling and for the diaper bag and it has saved space both ways.  I think the creator really thought about what customers want and addressed those issues with this diaper.  The ony thing I noticed is that it was hard for me to change him wearing these in odd places, like a car back seat.  He was sweaty and I was trying to get the insert centered and the PUL would not move against his skin.  It took a long time to get it on him and caused me some frustration.  Other than that it has been a pleasure to review and use.
I received a Best Bottoms cover and 3 inserts free of charge for the purposes of this review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own and not influenced by the company.
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