The moment I saw Seams Geeky diapers I knew one would be mine.  The choices almost all called to me- Mario and Zelda especially.  I went with a Zelda themed diaper because it has the biggest chunk of my game loving heart.  I’ve been working on Skyward Sword ever since I got the game on my birthday.  Gaming with kids…. well….. it is a long process.  Now that I have had the diaper for a while I can give you the review.  There are positives and negatives, just like any diaper.  Sadly, the WAHM behind the diaper is not taking orders currently due to a family emergency and a backlog of orders she is catching up on.  If you must own one you will have to keep an eye out for her shop to open up again for diaper orders.  Her diaper recently won the “Geeky” themed competition on Diaper Wars for her R2D2 diaper.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ Being that the Seams Geeky Pocket Protector only has 2 snaps per tab it is much easier to put on than snapping diapers with many more. You can see in the video that even after wrestling my son it didn’t take long to put on. The stuffing part is the hardest for me, even though I have small hands, it is hard to get the insert in and laying flat. The material lining the diaper is stretchy which does help but being so narrow it means that their included insert has to be folded very thin and still you need to work it to make it flat.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ I love finding new diapers to try and there are SO MANY WAHM’s that it is a never ending journey. Not all WAHM diapers are created equal. The craftsmanship on these is very good, you almost can’t believe they were sewn by hand and not mass produced by a company with expensive equipment. It looks very finished and polished. The embroidery is well done (machine of course) and stitching looks great. The insert is microfiber, nothing fancy, but the prefold like style of it is nicer than a chunkier insert with all the layers together.  They retail for $24.95 plus $4.00 shipping… yes more than a lot of diapers but they have a lot of character.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ This diaper works well during the day but if you are a parent of a heavy wetter then don’t expect to be able to stuff anything beyond the included insert inside. I can just barely get that one inside! You could try other inserts but again, some are made wider than the width of this diaper. I did get one leak while Ev napped in the diaper. I didn’t have any others during our many times using it. My older son demands that his younger brother wear this diaper when it is clean because he is a Zelda fan now too.

Middle rise setting, a little too low

Unsnapped to the largest setting… just right.

Fit ✩✩✩ When this diaper shipped to me it was TINY. Think- newborn diaper tiny. On the smallest setting with the insert perfectly folded and in place this sucker looks practically the size of a Lil’ Joey… it put fear into my heart that, once unsnapped, it would be far too small for my 2+ year old. Even after unsnapping the diaper it looked like a small. With years of experience I didn’t panic since a lot of the times the tightly bunched elastic will stretch enough to fit larger sizes. Still, Ev is working on either the middle or unsnapped size but I don’t know how long he can wear it. The other issue we have had is regarding the lack of “contouring” in the crotch. I love that it is so narrow because it gives moms looking for that style of diaper one more option (from few), however, there is an abrupt move from crotch to waist rather than a gradual curve. This has meant that there is sometimes a gap where the crotch goes to waist since it goes skinny to wide. I tried to get a photo of this in action. It also makes it appear that my son is wearing a codpiece instead of a diaper since the insert can only flatten as far as the width of the crotch so it is poofier than most inserts that have the room to lay flat. I wish I could add in some experience regarding the fit on smaller babies. If you have tried these and have that experience please leave a comment!

Notice the gap?

Overall: As much as I love how these diapers look with the adorable design and color coordinating snaps and their quality, the fit and comfort isn’t there compared to my other diapers. The elastic is very thin and this does lead to more red marks. We have experienced this firsthand. Not all red marks are bad or uncomfortable but I tend to think that, if the diaper is too tight and the elastic is thin, it can be uncomfortable. Please read about red marks here for more. I do appreciate that this brand is catering to moms like myself who do love to outfit their children in fun and geeky diapers. As it turns out, it seems the purpose of the male and female half/half design is so that the tabs can snap to one another as a “snap and wrap” way of rolling a dirty diaper into itself.   I really want to LOVE this diaper but it is just OK. I think with some tweaks to the curve in the crotch and maybe wider leg elastic it could be an amazing diaper. I would still own every design if I could afford it if that says anything about my love for Nintendo and cloth diapers…
Where to Buy Seams Geeky on Etsy (although she is not stocking for a while, check her Facebook page for updates.)

Get ready to hide your wallet because I have 8 of the geekiest and most awesome cloth diapers you have ever seen!  Click the image to visit the store or maker.

Ewok+Cloth Diaper. From Bunzuke Cloth Diapers

A GLOW in the DARK Tron Diaper. You know you want it. From Seams Geeky on Etsy.

Raising a future Redditor? This custom creation is from WeeNotions.co.uk

This one is for all of those Dr. Who fans. Tardis diaper! From ArcticRoseBoutique on Etsy.

Your baby might not be old enough to remember playing Space Invaders but you might! From The Eli Monster

The force is strong with this diaper cover! Star Wars upcycled woolies from Chickadee and Me on Etsy.

Albert print from bumGenius. Available on their trainers, Flip covers, Freetime, Elemental, newborn AIO, and 4.0. *affiliate link

Wee little Super Heros for your little super hero! From Short Rounds Diapers

Want more? See 8 Awesome Nintendo cloth diapers.

Looking for inspiration for gifts this year?  Lucky for you I have collected a few ideas to share with you.  If you are looking for tips on the year’s “hottest” toys (and by “hottest I mean- the toys you will get trampled for on Black Friday at Target for) then skip this post.

For your friends, family, neighbors….

Personalized Ornaments from PersonalizedFree.com have over 1,800 customizable ornaments and an easy shopping interface.  Browse by theme to match the recipient’s interests and then add their name(s).  The best part?  PersonalizedFree.com will be donating 10% of your purchases to my favorite cloth diaper charity- Giving Diapers, Giving Hope.  Use code GDGH at checkout to have your purchase count!

For the New Baby…

Really babies need very little except milk, snuggles, sleep, and clean diapers.  Considering only one of these things can be purchased you know where I’m going with this!  One of my favorite brands also makes the most adorable cloth diapers for newborns.  Orange Diaper Co. has squishy soft, gorgeously crafted newborn cloth diapers in to die for prints.  Sometimes I reconsider not having another baby when I see diapers this cute.  Fluff under the Christmas Tree?  Yes!

For the Non-Walker…

The box from whatever gift you thought was a good idea….just kidding…kind of.  But really and truly this age group is a hard one.  Not yet toddler, yet not baby enough to just sleep all day.  Crinkly paper, boxes, and noise making devices suit these little guys just fine.  But since you are going to buy them gifts regardless consider sturdy and colorful board books.  One of our favorite series is by Leslie Patricelli- author of “No No Yes Yes,” Quiet Loud” and “Yummy Yucky.”  Simple, colorful, and actually somewhat helpful, these books have been a favorite in our home for years.

For the Busy Toddler…

The Wheely Bug is a Rosas Family staple and a toy I suggest to everyone I meet.  Unlike traditional ride on toys, the wheely bug by Prince Lionheart has caster wheels that move in all directions so that the child can turn the toy.  How frustrating are ride-on’s that only go straight?!  These ride-ons aren’t hideous to look at either.  We have 3- the Cow, Bee, and Lady Bug, and they all meander through the home yet I never try to hide them like the other toys.  Fun for toddlers and preschoolers too.  Even I ride them once in a while…

For the Impossible Pre-Schooler…

It is ALL about imagination and pretend play!  For Christmas your precocious pre-schooler might love indulging in some imaginary fun dressed as a super hero, a doctor, or even a bear.  Whatever you choose there are so many stores and WAHM’s making costumes.

For the Moms…

I recently stumbled upon an artist on Etsy with some beautiful paintings depicting breastfeeding, bed sharing, and motherly love.  Perhaps the mom in your life would love to hang one of these in her home?  They are stunning.  Find her work here: Katie M. Berggren

For The Dads…

I am always clueless for gifts to buy the men in my life.  Considering time is the most precious thing in our home I like to do gifts that let my husband spend time doing things he enjoys.  Last year I took a trip to the movie theater and purchased a ticket for him and gifted it tied up with a box of theater candy (they sell them at KMart for cheap!).  It is an inexpensive gift that lets him have some alone time.  Since I never watch action movies at home I made sure he got to see the newest one that year.

I have to admit that I am pretty lost myself when it comes to Christmas Shopping!  Still, I wanted to share some personal ideas that have been popular with my family and a special way to help a cause close to my heart when you are looking to buy an ornament for your exchance or for family.  As a bonus you can enter a giveaway sponsored by PersonalizedFree.com and hosted along with other bloggers for a custom ormanent.  Enter via the Rafflecopter below.  Remember, if you order from their website they will donate 10% to Giving Diapers, Giving Hope- an organization that send cloth diapers to families who can’t afford them.  Every baby deserves a clean diaper.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It’s been a while since I have posted a cloth diaper video review. If you are a regular reader you know that my family and I moved and we’ve been working on home renovations. Now that things are slowing down I am happy to finally get a few more videos ready for you! This one is for Greenchild Creations One Size Fitted Cloth Diaper in flannel. I received the diaper a few months ago so I’ve been able to test it thoroughly and figure it out. This diaper is a One Size Fitted that is pretty ingenious in it’s design. There are no snaps, velcro, or ties. The diaper can either be secured by pins or by a snug fitting cover. The wings are VERY generous and overlap on Everett so I’ve been preferring just using a snug cover. The sizing is also fairly unique in that there is a long flap in the front that stuffs into itself to control the rise. How you stuff it will also affect how absorbent the diaper will be. Being flannel means the colorful prints will pill over time but the diaper remains soft over many washes.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ There are several reasons this diaper isn’t the kind you grab in a hurry. I’ve had several moments where I’ve wanted to use it but though… eh…. next time… because it would require more time than my pockets. When you first get the diaper you’ll want to “dry fit” it and decide where the rise should come by trying it on your baby or comparing it side by side to another fitting diaper and folding the rise to that level. Or, if you are like me, just guess what looks right and adjust it when it is on the baby. If you do this method it is easier to go smaller then pull some out to increase the rise rather than leave too much then try to stuff more in when it is on the baby. When you are ready to secure the diaper onto the baby there are a couple of ways to do so. The first would be using diaper pins. The second would be to hold the wings sercurely around the baby’s waist and close a snug fitting diaper cover over the top. I found that my Applecheeks covers worked really great for this.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ I appreciate the thought and design of the diapers however I can’t say it is the most affordable option if you are looking for a flannel fitted with a retail of $12.00. When it comes to buying cloth diapers and looking for the best “bang for the buck” you can find flannel fitteds for less but they might not be made as well as Greenchild Creations. It is definitely less than a brand name pocket diaper and it you need a diaper that should last from newborn to toddler that will last a long time this would fit the bill, just keep in mind that you will also need to purchase covers.  I love supporting WAHM’s for the hard work they put into their products and did enjoy using the diaper.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ The design of these diapers was based on the creator’s need for an absorbent fitted for her own child. Here is where I admit that my son is NOT a super heavy wetter so I could not test the diapers to their advertised limits. I did leave the diaper on, unplanned, for several hours one day when we were out running errands and it was very heavy and soaked. Between the diaper absorbing everything and the awesome cover (Applecheeks) there were no leaks. Overnight the diaper worked for us but again, Everett isn’t a heavy wetter and he often waits to pee until after he wakes up so he never wakes with a sopping wet diaper.
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ The design of these diapers makes it so that it will fit any size baby. The wings and rise are more than generous (although keep in mind the higher the rise the less folded over fabric you have to help with more absorbency, but it is made way longer than you will need with extra fabric to spare). I’ve played with the fit and folded it to a tiny size and it would be great for new babies under a little newborn cover too.
Overall: I do have mixed feelings on the diaper just because I know there are easier systems out there. I like the fabric choice because it doesn’t hold onto stink like microfiber and because it is so trim it washes and dries faster than most diapers. It will fade and pill over many washes and won’t hold onto that “new” look like other fitted fabrics so if you are looking to buy something for a cute print that might not be the best diaper for that. It is a good utilitarian diaper that happens to come in cute prints as a bonus. If you don’t like the idea of pinning or using a cover there is an option to add snaps or aplix for an extra charge when ordering.
Where to Buy Greenchild Creations on Etsy

LetJoy Cloth Diapers are made by a WAHM and can be found through Etsy.com. I really enjoy reviewing Etsy cloth diapers because they always have a lot of style and personality to them. The packaging and included notes were just icing on the cake to a really well made and adorable diaper. When you buy from WAHM’s you often get those special touches not found when buying from an online cloth diaper retailer of manufactured cloth diapers.
Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ The LetJoy Pocket is Sized and comes with two different inserts. You will need to stuff and unstuff the diaper before and after each use, and the entire diaper can only be used once unless you lay the suedecloth topped insert on the lining, in which case you are using it as an All-in-Two. I reviewed the Velcro version and found it very easy to get on and off. She also makes a snap version.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ The price point on this pocket is 15.00 which is a steal for a handmade cloth diaper with a lot of little touches, like the addition of the stitching around the velcro tabs in a fun color. You also get designer fabrics and, in the case of the diapers a reviewed, a soft velour lining. They also make suedecloth lined diapers. PLUS you get two inserts.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ I went against my own rule and tried this diaper overnight and was pleased to find it worked without wicking around the legs or leaks. My son isn’t a heavy wetter. Since the diaper is covered on the outside with a cotton knit there is a chance of wicking but we didn’t have that. I’m not saying it will never happen, but it didn’t to us. I used two inserts for nights and the single insert for daytime.
Fit ✩✩✩ The biggest problem I had with the diaper is probably a result of not having the right size. We had some pretty noticable wing droopage issues with the velcro diaper. He had a LOT of waist left and it would slowly droop down. Had we reviewed the Medium there would have been less. I don’t know if thatw ould have solved the isue completely but it would have been better than what I was dealing with. It isn’t a super trim diaper but for what it is it isn’t that bulky either. The Large was just too big in the rise and waist for Ev but it still fit him enough to be leak free.
Overall: The diaper isn’t perfect but I liked the special touches included. The price is right at 15.00 too. I appreciated the packaging, the email with further instructions about care and wear, and everything about the experience in working with Leticia. I’m sure any customer would be treated with as much care and courtesy as I was, and that is priceless.
Where to Buy: LetJoy cloth diapers on Etsy

The cloth diaper industry is full of Mom run businesses. This Saturday, support your local industries! I’ll be heading out in search of Christmas gifts today and trying to buy local. I’m also hoping to hit a cloth diaper store here in Charlotte where I am visiting family.

Many of us used yesterday to buy our electronic toys for the year from large stores. Today- lets look for our heartfelt gifts from the small businesses in your area. Or, if you can’t shop local choose to support your online WAHM run boutiques and Etsy stores.

Happy Shopping!!!

{email subscribers please click over to see video} After following bebeMellons (mellonplus8) on Twitter for years, it is about time I review one of their diapers! Mary-Ellen is the WAHM behind the diapers, and she has a busy family life as a mom of 8! I enjoyed reading more about her and her shop at Under the Apple Tree.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ Fold over rise One Size cloth diapers might not be as obvious to use as snap down rise cloth diapers, but they are actually easier in many respects. The biggest and obvious advantage is that they easily go between two children of different sizes. Newbies might find the idea of free sizing overwhelming but it isn’t that scary. The insert can be left out or snapped in, and can stay in for washing, in my experience.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ 29.00 is such a hard price to justify, unless you are leaning towards the collecting of cloth diapers and not trying to build a base stash. bebeMellons does offer a more luxiurious diaper; the lining is velvety soft. The outer cotton is decorative, and you can always find a great print that you love. I think most of us know that cloth diapering is part hobby, part necessity. I wouldn’t expect anyone to buy 24 of these, but 1-2 in fun prints is a nice splurge to add some spice to your collection. I also see her using vintage fabrics so you may end up with something one of a kind! When thinking of the high price you also have to consider that the diapers are handmade and use designer fabrics and expensive materials like hemp. And, since you get the newborn contour, that adds a little bang for your buck too.

Performance ✩✩✩ This diaper is very pretty to look at, and best for daytime. Because there is a fold over rise the risk of wicking increases, as does the risk due to the cotton knit outer. I have to admit that this never happened, but for full disclosure, my son isn’t a heavy wetter. It could be great and not wick at all, but I do feel the need to express my concern in that area. I did use it for my toddler on one occasion overnight. He liked it and called it “soft” and we didn’t have any wicking or leaks. He is also not a heavy wetter and potty trained, but occasionally has a small accident at night.

Fit ✩✩✩ My favorite feature of the diaper is that the insert can be used with an itty bitty newborn as a contour. You will need to use it with a newborn size cover, but it is a nice option. I do also appreciate fold over rise diapers for the simplicity, once you understand how to use them. There are limitations, for example, when you just need to fold it over a tiny bit, that isn’t possible due to the snap placement. I can either fold over the rise, or leave unfolded. They both work at this point. Since the crotch is rather wide I wouldn’t personally use this diaper on an 8 lb baby, but you could use the contour insert on them for a bit. I didn’t see any red marks on Ev since the lining was so nice and soft around the legs.

Overall: I appreciate the workmanship behind these diapers; they are extremely well made and there is a lot of attention to detail. The coordinating insert and lining are eye catching and gorgeous, the prints are some that you don’t see other diaper makers use, and it is all put together well. For 29.00 (although if you follow her on Twitter @Mellonplus8 she often releases 10% off coupons, especially on Monday nights.) it is a show diaper, in my opinion. And since it is such a nice looking diaper, it makes a good one. She also sells fitteds, and beautiful wool covers in her shop, as well as other baby items to coordinate with her diapers.

Where to buy: bebeMellons Etsy Shop (more diaper focused) or HyenaCart (more wool focused)

Mo Dia is an Etsy brand that combines stylish designer prints, colorful snap combos, and PUL solid colors to create a gorgeous cloth diaper!  The diapers are made my two Mom’s who obviously have an eye for style!  I would say this is a WAHM diaper but these ladies have day jobs and make diapers, plus they are moms!  They definitely stay busy!

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ Like many snapping diapers, this one has 4 snaps to close, two on each tab.  If you have the velcro version it would go on just like a disposable.  It is a pocket so it has to be stuffed before being used, and unstuffed before being washed.  An added step will be folding the insert before inserting it to the desired size.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ A Mo Dia will run about 20.00, including the hemp insert.  I find that to be a more than fair price factoring in labor, quality materials, and an awesome insert.

Performance ✩✩✩✩ Ev has tested this diaper pretty thoroughly, including overnight.  The hemp insert is very absorbent, one of my favorite features of the diaper.  I underestimated my son and began using the diaper on the smallest setting but after a couple of leaks went to the middle rise and this solved the problem.

Fit ✩✩✩ In the rise the fit was great for my son once we went to the middle setting, and we have room for growth in that setting as well as once the diaper is unsnapped.  Waist wise I think the diaper could use more width.  Now that I have a chunky baby I see how he could outgrow this diaper in the waist at some point.  In the video I show you where the diaper snaps and that the male snap ends would hit skin if done any wider.  If they added an inch or two to the waist that would help.  The waist elastic is a good idea and I am seeing more diapers adopt this design. (FYI, the velcro version would not have this issue)

Overall- The combinations of prints and colors that these women come up with for their diapers are pretty fabulous!  You won’t see diapers like this that are mass produced.  Their velcro tabs look awesome but I haven’t tried them.

Where to buy: Mo Dia Etsy Store or Z Bears

A Mo Dia was sent for the purposes of the review.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are 100% genuine and my own.

This review and giveaway is part of the New Baby Event Part 2!  Make sure you check out all of the other giveaways

How I came to learn about this company is strange….  I was checking my google alerts for “breastfeeding” and somehow, a blog entry about Knoodle Knits Newborn Knit Hats was included.  I had been searching Etsy high and low for a great and adorable newborn knit hat but I wasn’t having any luck.  When I clicked the link I fell in love with the cuteness!   The hat looked like it would actually fit a newborn, and the tiny little ears were icing on the cake!

I contacted Knoodle Knits to see if we would work together on a review and giveaway.  I was very excited that they accepted!

The hat I received was custom.  I was asked what colors I liked and I threw some out there (grey, green, blue, etc).  She just happened to have some great yarn that would work.  She whipped up a beautiful hat and shipped it to me with time to spare before my little man arrived.

Right after he was born, being held by daddy.

I packed the hat in my birth kit.  I knew we wouldn’t put it on right after the baby was born because I didn’t want to get birth goo on it.  On the day he was born we put a cotton hat on him while he was in the tub with me.  Once we were out and dried off he wore the Knoodle Knits cap.  It fit hit tiny little head so well and looked adorable!

Since that day he has worn the knit cap for almost every outing we have gone on.  I live in a very cold area so even though it might not be too cold where you live, it is here!  I get compliments on it wherever I go.  In fact, I got to name drop on a trip to the mall when a woman asked me if it was handmade.  Etsy is such an amazing website!  It used to be that you could only get handmade items from your grandmother.  Now you can find well made items on Etsy and support men and women right here in the US!

The hat fits him so well and I couldn’t be happier with the quality or the looks.  In fact, I really want another hat on her site so I think I am going to put in an order soon!  You can never have too many hats in Central New York!

And did you know Knoodle Knits also makes wool longies?!   You can find them on their Hyena Cart. You can also find more of their wares on Crunchy Congo!

About Knoodle Knits:

Knoodle Knits is a WAHM business founded by Janet, a retired business teacher, and Christine, a high school art teacher.

After the birth of Christine’s son, the mother/daughter team started knitting various baby items. Friends and family soon expressed an interest in their knit designs, so they decided to start selling their products online.

Knoodle Knits was launched on Hyena Cart in the Fall of 2009 with a line of unique baby hats. The popularity of their baby hats led to requests for hats for children and adults.

In the Spring of 2010 Knoodle Knits expanded their product line once again, this time to include knit longies and shorties from their own unique pattern.

Knoodle Knits is also a licensed seller of the Adorabubble Britches pattern and the Springtime in Hollis Sweater pattern. Additional patterns and garment designs will be offered in the near future.

One lucky DDL Reader will win an adorable Knoodle Knits Hat!

*Custom, winner chooses colors, style, and size-newborn to young child!)

Mandatory Entry:

(1 entry) Visit Knoodle Knits and tell me which item in the shop or gallery you love the most! Leave it as a comment.

For extra entries do any or all of the following.  Leave a comment for each you do.

(1 entry) Follow @KimRosas on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Please tweet, “Enter to win a handmade baby knit hat from @knoodleknits and @KimRosas.  http://yq2mg.th8.us Ends Nov 25”  Leave a comment with a link to your status.

You can tweet once a day for the duration of the contest. Leave a comment with your status for each tweet. 1 entry per day.

(1 Entry) Follow KnoodleKnits on Twitter. Leave a comment.

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(2 entries) Blog about this giveaway and link to it. Post a link in the comment.

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(1 Entry) Go to Dirty Diaper Laundry on Facebook and start a discussion or reply to a discussion.  Tell me what you did. Just leave your comment

A newborn hat was sent for the purposes of this review.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own and genuine!  Giveaway ends on Nov 25. Winner will be chosen using random.org. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn. *Open to US and Canada*