Tag Archive | "fleece"

Lollidoo Recycled Outtie Review

Lollidoo is a brand I have had a relationship with for nearly two years.  I first learned about their super awesome diapers made from recycled plastic bottles before going to a conference in Las Vegas.  While there I was able to meet Alison and Melissa, the women behind the brand.  They both made me cry with their dedication to a sustainable world, their commitment to keeping production in the US, and their passion for cloth diapers.  It has been a pleasure reviewing their improved One Size Recycled Outtie.  While it may seem strange using a fleece pocket (or cover) is a great way to get air flowing and it is easier to care for then the even pricier wool covers.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ After using the previous version of this cloth diaper I am really happy with the improvements on the sizing mechanics. Granted, I was using a prototype for my first review. Having the fleece handles on the button make it easy to find. The elastic is thin and not numbered which makes it a bit harder than similar button style elastic sizing one size cloth diapers. I also reviewed the snaps version the first time, and this time I have a velcro diaper. I am liking how I can get a perfect fit around my son’s waist.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ I LOVE Lollidoo as a company and for what they stand for. I can honestly say there are few people in the cloth diaper world that I have met who care more about their impact on the environment and their contribution to US jobs than Alison and Melissa. Unfortunately, those innovations (fleece from recycled plastic bottles, yo!)  will add to the cost of the diaper.  A diaper with inserts runs 28-32 depending on the model and the type of inserts you choose.

Performance ✩✩✩✩ Fleece is surprisingly water resistant. It seems odd that fleece is a layer next to the baby’s skin, meant to be peed through (and thus not “waterproof” but it is also on the outside layer preventing leaks. That outer fleece is much thicker. The diaper worked well for us as long as we had the size correct. Leaks occurred while we were getting the right fit, once that happened it worked great, even for nights. It should be noted that fleece can have Compression Leaks (leaks where the baby is sitting or laying when the insert is saturated) and this isn’t an issue with PUL outer diapers.

Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ This new version fits amazing on Ev, I LOVED how it fit his big thighs and that the fleece was soft on them as well. He is really outgrowing a lot of diapers these days and I have a lot of room left on the rise and legs with this one.

Overall: There are a lot of reasons to love Lollidoo, and their commitment to quality products/environment/fair labor and wages is my number one. I also love the new sizing and the cuteness of these fluffy diapers. The major drawbacks of their fleece pockets come after heavy use. It is important to air dry those diapers because even just drying once in a dryer will start the fleece to pilling. I also had a black diaper to review. This one attracted lint which was noticable and that might annoy others. Function wise there is little to complain about, however.

Where to Buy: Banana Peels Cloth Diapers or Lolliplace.com

Posted in Cloth Diaper Video ReviewComments (0)

Babykicks 3g Review

Babykicks 3g Review

Babykicks has released a newer and improved version of their Bumboo Pocket diaper, now called the 3g.  This diaper shares most of the features with the Bumboo (front stuffing pocket, bamboo fleece lining, fleece gussets, multi-colored coordinating snaps) but has an improved sizing and comes in colors as well.  The insert is still hemp, but has been improved to better fit the 3g.  Babykicks has a few fun videos you might enjoy viewing as well: Babykicks Youtube Channel.  You can also view my previous review of the first version of the Bumboo. I am also hosting a giveaway which end on Jan 10.  Go enter!

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ Since the 3g is still a side snapping diaper, and the diaper itself it still more difficult to stuff than most pockets, I gave it a 3 star.  To adjust the size isn’t that hard (unless you are using the newborn setting, this one takes some practice).  Snapping the side snap first is the easiest way to put on this diaper.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ The 3g is still 18.50, right at the same price point as many other one size diapers.  Plus you get a thirsty hemp insert that is great for overnights.  The fleece is bamboo, another more luxe feature compared to most OS pockets.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ This diaper is very absorbent on both kids.  I preferred using it for my youngest.  On the 3g I didn’t have any leaks on either kid, and the gussets performed wonderfully.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ The fit is improved on this diaper compared to the Bumboo.  This is partially because the insert is shaped to fit the diaper better, and the new contoured front.  Plus, the snaps on waist and rise have been adjusted to fit larger babies.  I found it extremely trim on my youngest son even with the rise snapped down. It looked great on him.  Same for my toddler, but with a different look since it was unsnapped more.
Overall- I like the new 3g more than the previous version.  Now that the diaper comes in colors, including the exclusive chocolate versions carried by Kelly’s Closet, you can get more than just the white with multi colored snaps.  I still think the fleece gussets are the best feature of the diaper.

Where to buy: Kelly’s Closet (including the exclusive chocolate colors) and Amazon.com (eligible for Prime shipping) (affiliate links)

A Babykicks 3g was sent for the purposes of this review.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own and genuine.

Posted in Cloth Diaper Video ReviewComments (2)

Lollidoo Eco Pocket One Size Review

lollidooI first learned about Lollidoo almost a year ago.  Their diaper intrigued me and I wanted very much to review it for this site.  We spoke about a review on email, but it just so happened I would be going to ABC Kids Expo so I got to talk to them in person about their diapers.  Melissa and Alison told me about their company and brought me to tears with their commitment to creating a diaper that was made from recycled materials and could be recycled when it had no life left in it.  Even more impressive was the fact that they hired mostly single mothers, and were paying them a livable and comfortable wage. I was so impressed with the whole company and had a great time chatting them up!

It took a while to get this diaper reviewed, I was originally sent a prototype which in the end differed a bit from the final version, so I was sent that to review as well for the video.

Ease of Use ✰✰✰ The day to day putting on of this diaper isn’t too terribly complicated or difficult.  There are 4 snaps to affix for each change.  However, since fleece is bulky, it can be hard to do the snaps sometimes, especially if you have larger fingers or hands.  Stuffing the diaper is easy because the pocket opening is large, but there were times I had issues getting the insert(s) to lay flat without bunching in the front.  This was more of an insert issue…  you can use whichever insert you want.  Sizing was a little difficult at first because I had to figure out what I was doing.  Once I understood the knot and slot system the only challenge was digging through the cottons to find the elastic whenever I needed to adjust.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰ This is a very unique diaper, not because it is a fleece pocket, because there are others, but because of the materials used to make it and the fair wages paid to their US employees.  The price point is between 30-40 dollars without an insert at most places.  Buying a Lollidoo means you are not only preventing disposable diapers from making their way to the landfill, but also giving plastic bottles a grand and noble new purpose: catching poop.  I also know from talking with Alison and Melissa how important their employees are to them.  They make sure they earn a fair wage so they can support their families, many employees are single mothers.  And quality is very important too.

Performance ✰✰✰✰ I am going to be honest and say I had a few leaks.  It took me 3 adjustments with the elastic to get a fit that worked on my son.  One leak happened overnight, which always stinks!  I should have made sure I had the elastic adjusted correctly with no leaks before I attempted the night test.  Once I found his fit we didn’t have leaking issues anymore, including at night and naps.  Fleece is a great substitute for wool if you don’t want to lanolize or handwash.

Fit ✰✰✰ My time testing the diaper was good once I worked the kinks out.  First be aware that fleece is not trim.  While I was able to fit the diaper under certain pants, he looked pretty funny in them.  It is a good night diaper, so bulk wouldn’t matter then.  And, you could go pants free around the house to show off the cute diaper.  Waist wise, there were lots of snaps to choose from.  The rise does not go as high as I would like.  The fit that worked best for us happened to be the last slot available, meaning there are no more rise adjustments left.  I’m not sure if he will need it or not since the way diapers fit babies changes even on the same setting, but I’m sure other babies would need a higher rise.

Overall- My favorite thing about the diaper is how it is made, and the standards of the company behind it.  It is a diaper that works, and many people swear this is the only diaper they will ever use.  I prefer a trimmer fit so it automatically gets put in the “overnight” category in my house.  This is a great diaper for babies who might have allergies to suedecloth or who need a breathable diaper due to rashes.  I would also suggest never drying this diaper in the dryer, as it can get fuzzy and it won’t look as pretty.

Posted in Cloth Diaper Video ReviewComments (1)

Bummis Organic Cotton Prefold Kit Review

bummisBummis cloth diapers have been around for a long time.  I bought many used ones when I was pregnant, but this was when I was ignorant about cloth diapers.  I didn’t realize that they were more than used, they were abused.  While I could have been ok using them, I bought some other covers instead and gave those away.  I only used them a few times and didn’t have any problems with them, the laundry tabs were just shot.

I was excited to get another opportunity to try Bummis, and this time I was going to get the chance to review the entire iParenting Award winning Organic Cotton Prefold Kit in the Baby (medium, 15-30 lbs) size.  I looked at the regular kit while I was pregnant, and tried talking my husband into it.  Instead I bought all used diapers and less than quality prefolds.  I know now the mistake I made. Cheap doesn’t always equal better, and I wasn’t happy using prefolds.  I switched to pockets and didn’t attempt prefolds again for a long time.

Bummis is also an all around great company.  They manufacture most of their items in Canada and they are a caring company.  When I contacted them about donating a diaper to Fluffy Christmas the response was not, “Ok,” but, “We will donate a Baby size Organic Cotton Prefold kit.”  That kit went to a very deserving family, along with a couple extras.  I can’t wait to get pictures of the baby in a Super Brite!

About Bummis:

Our mission is to make it easy for you to use cloth diapers simply because we think that all babies would love to be wearing them! They are so soft and comfy ….

Cloth diapers are also affordable, easy to use, and super easy to wash.

We manufacture and distribute hard working, functional and great looking products.

Ease of Use ✰✰✰ The Bummis covers and prefolds can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make them. Because they have a handy panel up front, as shown in the video, you can trifold a prefold and place it in the cover. I would personally use a snappi (or pins for the brave) on babies who have loose stools. If you simply trifold the prefold you might very well have poop leak into the cover, and you will either have to wipe the poop from the cover or use a new one. The kit has 4 covers in the Baby size kit, enough to do 1.5-2 days between washing, and the Infant has 6 covers, which would last about 2 full days between washing. The infant kit comes with 24 prefolds, also enough for 2 days, and the Baby has 18, good for 2 days as well!  Because the covers are velcro, once you have the prefold inside or on the baby, that step is easy peasy. To change, and put in your wet bag for washing, attach velcro laundry tabs.
Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰✰ For around 160 dollars you have enough diapers at your disposal to last you until they change sizes. If you use both kits, in infant and baby size, you will spend roughly 336 dollars. Many babies never need a size large diaper, and the Medium Bummis fit until 30 pounds. I would personally buy travel wet bags, and an extra large wet bag for when you are washing the super fab Bummis wet bag that comes with the kit.
Performance ✰✰✰✰✰ Sometimes the simplest diapering solutions are the best. With the kit you get everything you need. The fleece liners are made from recycled polyester, and the flushable liners really come in handy if you lack a diaper sprayer or when you are out of the house. The prefolds are really absorbent and soft. I even used them for overnight and there were no leaks. My son is sleeping about 12 hours a night now. The covers are nice and thick enough, and I feel that they are substantial. You can’t complain about the nifty, gender neutral patterns the covers come in either.
Fit ✰✰✰✰ The Medium covers and prefolds in the kit fit my son well, with a little room to spare in the cover. Not enough to have a leak, the legs and back were tight enough, but there was enough looseness for more growing. The prefold, when trifolded, fit perfectly inside the cover. Using a snappi, they fit well with the angel fold, which is what I prefer. They aren’t “trim” when compared to an AIO, and you get a booty shelf in the back if you place the prefold in the cover instead of using a snappi.
Overall- There is a reason that expecting moms register for this kit. It has virtually everything you need to cloth diaper, and they don’t skimp on the quality or quantity. Instead of giving you plain covers, you get some of the cutest patterns Bummis make. And, the wet bag can’t even be purchased alone. I used the bag while I was out of town for 2.5 weeks. I never wanted to be without it, so I washed quickly and used a travel wetbag in the meantime. I think I went 4 days without washing once, and I still had more room, but not enough diapers to continue. Plus, I wouldn’t want to. Even after 4 days the smell didn’t seep through, though once I opened the zipper the stink could have knocked you over. Prefolds are diapers that are versatile in fit and use, and they last forever. Since you can hang the covers dry, I don’t see a reason this kit shouldn’t last you through 2, or more, children if you never put those covers in a dryer. To keep your prefold soft, try Ecover fabric softener, the only diaper safe softener! This kit is all kinds of fab!

If you want to enter to win one, go to the giveaway!


I was not compensated to post this review, but the items sent for review were free of charge.

Posted in Cloth Diaper Video ReviewComments (5)

What Kind of Cloth Diapering Mama Are You?

What Kind of Cloth Diapering Mama Are You?

There seems to be a few different categories of cloth diapering moms. They are by no means mutually exclusive, I myself fall into a few, but in varying degrees. These are observations I have made since diving headfirst into many different cloth diapering communities.

1. The Frugal Cloth Mama: This mama cloth diapers to save some green. Her initial interest stemmed from either wanting to save money or NEEDING to save money due to financial distress. This mom may not be concerned with the cutest diapers, but with what works and that she can afford.

T

    This mom most likely uses: prefolds, PUL covers, Fleece Covers, Wool Covers, DIY or WAHM made diapers.

2. The Environmental Mama: This mama decided to cloth diaper because she was concerned about the waste produced by disposables. She is probably worried about the chemicals in the disposables as well, and loves cloth because it keeps her baby’s bum rash free (who doesn’t?)

    This mom most likely uses anything out there, though she may be more likely to pick diapers made from organic fibers like organic bamboo velour fitteds and wool covers.

3. The Fashionable Mom: This mom decided to cloth diaper because she couldn’t resist the amazing array of cute fluff! The patterns, the colors, the styles!!! Who wouldn’t want to cloth diaper with the choices out there today?

    This mom most likely uses fitteds (Goodmamas) and covers or AIO‘s or Pockets in colorful colors and patterns.

4. The Underground Fluff Addict: This mama is in it for the thrill of the hunt. She probably didn’t start cloth diapering to stalk hyena cart but she is hooked now! She will stalk BSRB, Goodmama, Muttaquin, or the other “underground” cloth designers who have limited quantities and numerous fans. This mama may even pay 70.00 for a certain diaper whose print is no longer available. AND this mom probably has matching sets custom made to coordinate with her diapers. This mom is definitely not in cloth diapering to save money!

    This mom most likely uses Goodmama, Muttaquin, Bagshot Row Bamboo, PB and Ellie, Cranky Pants, Sustainable Babyish, and way more than I can name!

Related Posts with Thumbnails

Posted in Cloth DiaperingComments (4)


Please Visit my Wonderful Sponsors!

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Diapers being reviewed…

Little Helper Charcoal Bamboo OS, Little Helper Organic One Size, Diaper Rite One Size, Chelory AIO, Cloth Reverie AIO, Designer Bums
DDLbutton
DDLbutton

DDL Affiliate Partners

KellyWels.com