Cloth diapers are SMART for your wallet, SMART for the environment, and SMART for your baby’s bottom. Do they acutally make your baby smarter? Everett thinks so!  (Everett is modeling the Albert print in the bumGenius 4.0)

It was only 3.5 years ago but to me it feels like ages.  I was browsing the message boards and websites dedicated to cloth diapers for information.  I was pregnant and set on using them for my first child.  I found out that a store existed nearby, Jillian’s Drawers, and decided to drag my hubby to touch and feel them.  The internet shouted at me that bumGenius 3.0‘s were the IT brand.  Best rated, Best performance, Best bang for the buck.  They were One Size fits most, easy on and off like a disposable with velcro closures, and economical compared to the cost of disposables.  I was sold.

Teddy in Waiting

I’ll never forget that visit to Jillian’s Drawers.  Never underestimate the importance of seeing a cloth diaper in person.  I chose to purchase a few bumGenius 3.0′s and a couple of Happy Heiny’s.  I took them home and played with them.  I adjusted a bumGenius 3.0 to the smallest rise setting and put it on a teddy bear that sat in the nursery.

I was really proud of that stash of diapers I compiled over my pregnancy, which had 24+ infant prefolds, 12+ preemie prefolds, XS Thirsties covers, 2 Happy Heiny’s, a couple of crummy WAHM diapers that didn’t work at all, and a small treasure of bumGenius 3.0′s in various colors.  I also bought 6 white BG 3.0 seconds from someone locally that were new. In time I added more diapers but those were in my stash before Fletcher was born.

Since that time 3.5 years ago I have tried at least 150 cloth diapers in every size, style, color, print, and closure imaginable.  Many I purchased and many more were sent to be reviewed.  Throughout it all I have kept a large portion of my original stash.

Sitting in my cloth diaper baskets still remain 6 white bumGenius 3.0′s that were converted to snaps 2+ years ago after the velcro gave out (see them here in a video of my stash).  I finally gave up on my first batch of purchased bumGenius Organic AIO‘s (now known as the Elemental) but those lasted me 2.5 years.

Most of you would rightly assume that I never have to buy cloth

Fletcher at 4.5 weeks

diapers.  I don’t.  If I chose to I would have 200+ cloth diapers, probably more.  Instead, I keep my stash at a manageable size.  And it is mostly made up of bumGenius 4.0′s and my old 3.0′s.  I’m not calling them the best diaper ever made, or the prettiest.  They do work great and I like the colors and prints, but there are certainly other diapers that work as well and that have nice colors too.

They just hold a special place in my world as the first cloth diaper I purchased, used, and loved.  I am somewhat of a collector at this point.  Despite having more diapers than I need I just HAD to purchase one of each new color and an Albert print.

I love a lot of other brands but the simplicity, quality, customer service and ethics, and the colors always keep me coming back to buy more.  I also find having many of the same brand is helpful for babysitters and dads.  At least they can learn to use one system reliably and master it, and not have to learn 50+ different diapers.

When I am asked about cloth diapers and prompted to give only one brand to try I usually say bumGenius.  They can be found in most diaper stores and are even in some big box stores online.

PS: If you must know where ALL of those free cloth diapers go that I receive, I send my review diapers to Giving Diapers, Giving Hope, an organization helping families start cloth diapering who otherwise could not afford to.  Every few months I send a giant box of diapers their way.  As a new way to help them get more diapers and make my life easier I have started requiring two diapers for review, one to test and one to film.  Now I can send DOUBLE the diapers their way!!!  

When bumGenius announced they would be discontinuing their Deluxe All-in-One with the exception of their XS (now called Newborn), we knew there had to be a replacement in the works. That came a few months ago with the announcement of the Freetime- the new All-in-One that is also a One Size diaper. It features a Suedecloth lining, the same 3×3 One Step Rise adjustment as the bumGenius 4.0 and bumGenius Elemental, and Microfiber soakers that are semi-attached at each end. The new design means less stink issues since the soakers can get cleaner. It is also a more affordable One Size All-in-One option than the Elemental, their Organic One Size cloth diaper.  Please note that I will be updating this review if using it longer changes things. 
Ease of Use ✩✩✩ The Freetime is “all-in-one” in that there are no seperate pieces. However, there is some assembly required before putting it on a baby after it has been washed. The soakers won’t just magically fall into the proper position.  Many options can sometimes mean more complications. No, it isn’t hard- but you do have to decide how to lay your soakers every time you change the diaper, or at least when you fold it after washing. Changing the sizing on the diaper is VERY easy, and like the Elemental, I like this to use between two babies in diapers who might be in different sizes. It is a perfect diaper bag diaper! The hardest thing about the Freetime is if/when your baby does a number 2. I’m going to have to add this diaper to my “worst diapers to spray” list. No matter how you slice it, a soaker is going to try and flop out and into your toilet. If you think your baby is going to poop and you want to use this diaper- do yourself a favor and throw in a fleece or flushable liner- TRUST ME!
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ The Freetime is more expensive than its predecessor but that is because it is more complex and also One Size fits most. I’m pretty sure the creative geniuses at bumGenius took a lot of time and research to develop this diaper too. Just like all of my Cotton Babies products the Freetime is very well made. When you buy a BG product you also get the warranty and customer service behind it. You can now even live chat on their website with qualified and knowledgeable staff to troubleshoot your problems. Yes you can find cheaper AIO‘s, but some people would rather pay more for these little things that really add up!
Performance ✩✩✩✩ I still need to use this diaper longer to really test the performance, and then update it in the future. I haven’t tested it overnight yet. For daytime we haven’t experienced any leaks at all. There are 5 layers of microfiber which is plenty for our needs and would probably even work for nights with my light wetter. My biggest fear is that, since there are basically 3 (or more if you fold the soakers) layers of suedecloth that this could slow down how fast liquid is absorbed, possible contributing to leaks. It might not do that AT ALL, and I need more time to know.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ What can I say? I LOVE the fit. It is pretty identical to the bumGenius 4.0 and we love those as well. I’m kinda a BG girl. They were my first “real” cloth diaper. Ev has plenty of room left on the waist and in the rise. The only thing I noticed was a bit of sag in the middle, maybe because of the weight of the soakers? It didn’t happen every time but I did check and the soakers were not wet when this happened so it wasn’t due to weight from that. I prefer the middle rise snap but I think switching to the largest might help.
Overall: I’m excited about the new addition to the bumGenius family. Now there is a stay dry option in the AIO/OS class. I do think I still prefer my bumGenius 4.0, but for those families who would rather not stuff diapers, the Freetime is a great new solution with the same great quality and fit as the 4.0.
Where to Buy I’d love it if you would support DDL by ordering through one of my affiliates! Kelly’s Closet, Diaper Junction, and Sweet Bottoms are all taking pre-orders for the Freetime and they should be getting them soon!

*I won the diaper from a Twitter chat from CottonBabies and of course had to review it.  

Everybody LOVES a chance to win cloth diapers, right?  This giveaway for a bumGenius 4.0 is sponsored by Kissed by the Moon.

Kissed by the Moon is a newer online store that sells cloth diapers as well as Mama Cloth and even a few adorable toys!  They also offer Free Shipping on orders over 25$!

About:

Kissed by the Moon was created out of a passion for cloth diapering and environmentally-friendly living.  After I began cloth diapering my daughter in 2006, I realized that cloth diapers were not only easy to use and great for our planet, but that they were irresistibly cute and cheaper to use than disposables.

While I had wanted to open an online store for several years, it took me getting pink slipped (I’ve been a middle school teacher for the past seven years) to give me the kick in the rear end I needed to finally pursue my dream.  My devoted husband has been next to me 100% of the way, and together we created Kissed by the Moon.

My family of two children, husband, and two kitties lives in Elk Grove, California, where we enjoy picking produce from our garden, baking, going on bike rides, and spending time together.

Other than selling bumGenius products, Kissed by the Moon sells Bugga Bugga Boutique Snapless Fitteds, Sustainable Babyish Products, and Green Line diapers. It is RARE that a shop sells more than one line of diapers I haven’t reviewed yet!

One thing that struck me as awesome about Kissed by the Moon is their Specials Page. They have listed all of the current sales and other news. If you are shopping make sure to check for coupon codes and deals!  This page also keeps you up tp date on stockings and new products, like the Boingo stocking coming soon!

Kissed by the Moon has generously offered one lucky DDL reader a bumGenius 4.0 in their choice of color/print and closure.   Use the Rafflecopter form to enter this giveaway which ends November 26.  You will need javascript enabled to see the form.

I love the cloth diaper community.  In general, we are a caring group of women (and even men) who are doing good things just by offering reusable diapering options.  If you ask anyone who makes or sells cloth diapers for help they don’t hesitate.

But many brands go above and beyond just making and selling cloth diapers.  Many use their diapers to do good things and raise money for chosen charities, or even provide cloth diapers to those in need.  I’d like to list those brands here.  If you are looking to buy cloth diapers and support a good cause, this is a great place to discover new brands to try while feeling good about your purchase.

There are many other companies helping to make the world a better place but these are the ones that immediately came to mind.  If you know of a diaper company doing great things please let me know in the comments.

*please note that my posting does not necessarily mean that I agree with, or support all of the charitable organizations listed.  I do support the brands’ right to support charities of their choosing.

No- I have NOT had a chance to try these diapers yet (before you ask.)  Funny enough, everyone thinks I am in on the ground floor of every breaking cloth diapers release. {I wish!}  bumGenius kept the announcement of the Freetime- their newest One Size All in One with a stay dry lining, and Microfiber Soakers that overlay like petals- completely underground.  I didn’t see it coming!

This diaper has a lot of expectations riding on it, including mine.  I am a lucky duck and get to see them in person when I attend ABC Kids Expo, but they won’t be shipping out until December.

Many retailers, including Diaper Junction, already have pre-orders available!  You can pre-order the bumGenius FreeTime diapers in the standard bumGenius colors as well as the three new additions- Sassy (red), Mirror (teal), and Dazzle (purple) and the new new prints Albert and Lovelace.  The Freetime retails for 19.95 (solid colors) but the new prints will run you 21.95.

bumGenius Freetime Features:

I am beyond excited to try these out, and just a tad jealous of the winner of this Giveaway!

You can enter to win (3) bumGenius Freetime cloth diapers from Diaper Junction.  Winner will choose Boy, Girl, or Gender Neutral for color choices.  Use the form below {you must have javascript enabled}  The diapers will ship to the winner in December once they are in stock at Diaper Junction.

Just as Fashion Week sets the new trends for the next season of clothing and accessories, the ABC Kids Expo taking place Set 23-26 sets the newest trends in Baby Products.

With over 25 Cloth Diaper Exhibitors joining the show this year there will be lots to see.  Usually brands wait until this time of year to unveil their newest products.  Buyers will be at the show placing orders and brands want their newest releases ready for order!

This explains why the biggest brands in cloth diapers are announcing their newest products.  Already we have seen huge announcements from GroVia, bumGenius, and Swaddlebees.  

The trend?  Trainers and Prints.  

GroVia announced their new Trainers called MyChoice.  These are “One Size Fits Most” that have a snap down rise and have the option of two different Flex Side Panels.  The Regular Size fits 1T-3T (18-35+ lbs) and Plus fits 3T-5T (30+ lbs).  You can find the MyChoice with the Regular Flex Size Panels for 18.99.  If you want to add the Plus Size Panels for 3.99.  The panels can be purchased in multi colors but the trainers come in Vanilla and Cloud.  Available Dec 2012 

GroVia also came out with 2 new colors, Cloud (grey) and Surf (teal).  Also available in October.  You can view them in the trainer chart above.

bumGenius already announced recently that they were releasing a trainer that one also be a “One Size Fits Most” Design with replaceable inserts.

Meet the Flip Trainer!

The Flip Trainer has stretchy side panels similar to the bumGenius tabs, replaceable organic cotton inserts so that your toddler can feel when they are wet, and those inserts use touch tape to be secured inside, and can be replaced when wet.  This should save a little money in the Trainer department since you are usually dealing with wet misses.  There is a snap down rise and the trainer should fit toddlers 20-50 pounds!

Rumparooz has a new line of EcoPosh diapers including their Organic Training Pant.

Kissaluvs released their new Pocket Trainer a few months ago but it is still worth mentioning.

I can’t say what is coming but I know of two major brands also releasing Trainers in the near future.

bumGenius also announced new colors and PRINTS!

Lovelace (on left) and Albert (on right)  You can preorder them from Mom’s Milk Boutique and won’t be charged until they are shipping, sometime in December.

Yesterday I also posted about the 6 new prints from Swaddlebees.  These will be available for most of their product line.  You can view them all on my post and even enter to win one of the new prints in a Bluberry Coverall!    Here is a peek:

I also have in my possession a very fashion forward print from Charlie Banana designed by Matthew Langille.  I can’t share it just yet though!  For now check out one of his other designs, these are Swatches.

Thirsties just released their new print, Hoots.

And Sweet Pea also announced an Owl themed Print.

Other recent but not “brand new* prints that have been introduced lately include Bottombumpers, Tiny Tush, AppleCheeks, and itti bitti.

Rumparooz released their new line of EcoPosh diapers made from recycled plastic bottles.  They have a One Size fitted, Newborn Fitted, and a Wool Soaker.

Then there are more prints being announced soon by a few other brands!  *hint, one is a DDL advertiser* I can’t wait to see them all at ABC Kids!  I have a feeling I will be updating my Cloth Diaper Finder with at least 30 new products soon!

Which is your favorite new product announcement or print?  

*Some links included are to DDL affiliates.  If you purchase anything through the links I will receive a small percentage, so thank you!

As part of my ongoing series, Introduction to Cloth Diapers, this video and post is dedicated to the easiest cloth diaper: the All-in-One.  The name pretty much explains what an All-in-One is: a one piece diaper that requires no stuffing, no unstuffing, and no assembly before use.

Sounds like a disposable, yes?

The only difference is that you need to wash it and, with velcro cloth diapers, you will need to affix the velcro tabs to their laundry tabs to prevent diaper chains (diapers sticking to one another in the washer or dryer which are a pain in the butt but that also cause more wear and tear to your diapers).

It is pretty easy to see why an AIO (abbreviated form of All-in-One) is an attractive choice for new cloth diapering parents.  Usually when the topic is brought up to the cloth diapering dad-to-be they want the easiest diaper to use; one that is most like a disposable.

All-in-Ones could be called the “gateway drug” of cloth diapers.

Once you see how easy and fun cloth diapering can be with an All-in-One you might want to branch out and try a pocket diaper, or a fitted and cover, or even *gasp* prefolds and covers!

AIO‘s make excellent babysitter, care provider, grandma and grandpa, reluctant Dad, and Daycare diapers.

Potential drawbacks of AIO‘s are:

• Longer drying time for some types
• Proclivity for stink issues cause by microfiber inserts not getting clean enough
• More expensive than most other types.
• Many are sized which will also increase the investment since you have to buy multiple sets.

While other diapers call themselves “All-in-Ones” I am using the truest forms for this video and definition.  Others called AIO‘s are actually Tongue Style Pockets (Kissaluvs Marvel) or Snap-in-Ones (Bottombumpers).  These will be explained later in my series.

You can find the detailed video review of each diaper featured in this video below:

AMP Stay Dry AIO

Ragababe Easy AIO

bumGenius! Elemental

Have questions or suggestions for topics you want covered in my Introduction to Cloth Diapers Series?  Leave a comment!

The next video in my Introduction to Cloth Diaper Series is all about pocket diapers! If you are brand new to cloth diapering the terminology is certainly confusing.

A pocket diaper is any cloth diaper that has a pocket opening. I focused on PUL shells (what is PUL?) with a lining and opening, but they are not limited to just that. There are fleece, wool, and even fitted (non waterproof) varieties as well. Still, the PUL shell with a stay dry lining is the most popular, like bumGenius! 4.0 and Fuzzibunz.

The pocket diaper can have an opening at the back (most common), front, or even in the middle.

Openings can be “hidden,” meaning there is a flap over the opening (ex. bumGenius! 4.0/3.0), completely open at the back (ex. Happy Heiny’s), or the envelope style where they tuck in (ex. Tiny Tush Elite), or they can simply have a slit opening.

Linings include:

Stay Dry- Microfleece or suedecloth. (comprehensive post on stay dry linings here)

Non Stay Dry- Cotton velour, bamboo velour, hemp/cotton, bamboo looped terry, cotton looped terry, bamboo fleece.

Pockets are popular because they are customizable and dry quicker than All-in-Ones but remain convenient.  They are also less expensive than most All-in-Ones.

Most pocket diapers come with microfiber inserts, the same material used commonly for towels to clean cars or mop pads.  It is cheap and absorbent.  You can also find pockets that come with hemp, cotton, bamboo, zorb, and more.

As shown in the video, there are many styles of pockets.  Middle closing with velcro or snaps, side snapping, one size, sized, and even dual size (another video).

The biggest drawback of pockets comes when it is time to wash (unstuffing the diaper to allow the insert to be throughly washed) and restuffing it when the diaper is clean and dry.  A typical load of pockets (15 diapers) will take 5-10 minutes to stuff.  Expect to wash every 1.5-3 days.  I have a continuous motion video of washing and stuffing diapers to give you an idea.

In its most basic form, a pocket is still just a shell with an opening for you to stuff an absorbent insert.  But wow are there a lot of options!