One reason cloth diapers have come such a long way since birdseye flats and plastic pants is: Stay Dry Lining.  When Fuzzibunz came along with their Microfleece lining, a magical fabric that allowed moisture to go through it and be absorbed into an insert, but that also wicked moisture away from the baby’s bum letting them stay dry, this was a huge break-through! Tereson Dupuy invented the modern cloth diaper with this innovative idea.  I wanted to test these diapers to see if they really felt dry.

As a parent I do get concerned about my children staying in wet diapers.  The downside of cloth diapers is that it is harder to know when they have wet.  There is no “pinch” test for cloth, although it is still effective to a small degree if you really know what you are looking for.  At least if you are using as “stay dry” cloth diaper you can feel good knowing your baby is comfortable, or can you?

Stay Dry lining materials include Microfleece and Suedecloth.  Fuzzibunz is the brand you think of as a cloth diaper that uses microfleece, and bumGenius! is the most popular example of a diaper using suedecloth.

There are many benefits to using a diaper with a stay dry lining, however there are also many pitfalls. It is important when choosing a cloth diaper to understand both and know what challenges you may be facing in the future.

First, what are Microfleece and Suedecloth?

Both materials are synthetic and 100% polyester.  There is a very handy website with descriptions of common diaper materials on Zany-Zebra that I consult often.

In everyday life you see microfleece all the time, just in bulkier forms like Old Navy fleece jackets and scarves.  Suedecloth is also a fabric with many everyday applications, but because it is usually in thicker forms you may not connect the dots.  Suedecloth has a smooth lining and doesn’t pill up.  Microfleece will pill over time.  (depending on the brand, some are better than others)  Piling means the fabric will develop tiny balls after multiple washes, like your favorite sweater.  Suedecloth will stay very smooth over dozens of washes, or more.

With my experiment I wanted to see if, after a baby urinates, the lining really does feel dry to the touch.  And, if one stay dry material did a better job than another.  I also wanted to see if the type of insert or type of diaper made a difference.

I tried testing a few varieties.

• Microfleece All-in-One with a Microfiber Soaker (AMP Stay Dry AIO)
• Microfleece Pocket with Microfiber insert (Happy Heiny’s OS)
• Microfleece topped lay in Microfiber soaker (Softbums Echo)
• Suedecloth All-in-One with Bamboo insert (Ragababe AIO)
• Suedecloth Pocket with Microfiber insert (bumGenius! 4.0)

I also, for kicks, tested a few other types of materials:

Cotton (Gro Via AIO), Bamboo Fleece (Babykicks 3g)  and Bamboo Terry (Yo-Yoo), to see how wet those felt to the touch.

Based on my tests, which are in no way truly scientific, but as good as I could do, I came up with a few conclusions:

• Suedecloth feels drier faster than Microfleece.
• Pockets, due to that space between the insert and the lining, feel drier than sewn in All-in-Ones.  Suedecloth pockets feel drier than Microfleece.
• Pockets also evenly distribute the moisture more to the soaker leaving less chance of feeling wetness in the spot where the urine is left.

That all sounds great, right?  Baby pees and still feels dry.  What’s not to love?

Synthetic liners do have some serious drawbacks.

The biggest: Repelling. Certain laundry detergents and other laundry additives “bond” with that material causing what is commonly referred to as “repelling.”  The soap scum, diaper creams, or fabric softener residue prevents urine from going through the layer of material.  In the worst cases no urine makes it through and it is like the baby is peeing on a plastic sheet.

Even with no repelling, there is still a delay between urinating on the layer of material, and it soaking through it.  I will be doing another video of this, but for now just know that when your baby pees it takes a few seconds for the urine to go through.  It helps when there is compression from their bodies, this will speed up the process.  But, imagine they are laying on their backs and sleeping.  The urine will possibly roll down the diaper before being absorbed.  If they pee very forcefully and a lot is expelled at one time, there might not be enough time for the pee to go through the layer of stay dry material before it finds an escape route.  THIS is why I do not like stay dry diapers for overnight.  There is a higher likelihood that it will leak.  But, then again, I want my baby to be comfortable while in a diaper for 10 hours, so I want the stay dry diapers to work!

A potential drawback of stay dry diapers is that they DO stay dry.  There are parents who would rather their baby’s feel the wetness in order to expedite potty learning.  The common saying is that babies in cloth diapers potty train faster.  I don’t really buy that, but, if a baby does feel the moisture and isn’t a fan, they may be more likely to want to learn to potty versus staying in a wet diaper.

And the last reason stay dry diapers may not be the option for you: they are synthetic.  Any cloth diaper with a PUL outer has synthetic materials, but these don’t always touch the baby.  There are parents who want only organic materials against the skin, and that rules out stay dry liners like Microfleece and Suedecloth.  There are diapers with Bamboo fleece, but testing showed me that they are soft but do not stay dry like the synthetic fleece.  In rare cases, babies actually are allergic or sensitive to the synthetic liners and develop rashes.

Lastly, there is the matter of the Poop.  I have gone into (probably too much) detail about the different forms of poop and how this relates to cloth diapering.  Suedecloth and Microfleece each have selling points.  Suedecloth is easier to spray off, but microfleece holds those runny breastfeeding poops in better.

I can’t tell you what to choose.  It truly is a matter of personal preference and what will work best for your baby’s needs.  But at least you now know that both materials are comfortable to the baby even after they have a wet diaper in case you can’t change them right away.

What is important to you in a diaper?  Stay dry, organic, easy to spray, etc?

We survived yet another day of driving yesterday.  This leg took us from Hagerstown, MA to Charlotte, NC.  I am so glad we broke up the drive.  It was another successful trip.  No crying, minimal whining, and no diaper catastrophes.

I used the Best Bottoms shell for Fletcher to swim in since I forgot his Swimmi.  He ended up wearing a bumGenius! 4.0 shell with biosoakers.  Everett had a Gro Baby which he used overnight with a biosoaker, and when that shell had some poop in it in the morning we switched to the same Gro Via shell he wore the day before that I washed in the sink and hung to dry overnight.

Both boys used Biosoakers for the entire trip.  I am very impressed.  I have used them before on a plane trip.  I believe not using the stickers helped make things a whole lot easier.  I was using them in the Gro Baby and trying to sticker them on a plane changing table.  Just laying them in was easy and leaves no sticky residue.  They stayed in place just fine.

Other than the biosoakers our trip was made easier by a portable DVD player, Chuggington, and a baby who loves to sleep in his car seat.  Ev slept virtually the entire trip, both days.

As for the hotel, we cosleep so we didn’t need to pack any beds.

And for food, I bring that with me wherever I go.  It is the perfect temperature so no need for bottle warmers.  He also drinks straight from the tap so there are no bottles needed.  I don’t know how people travel with bottles, what a pain!

We will be in NC for 2 weeks with family.  Like I said before, I am using cloth here.  I packed light (by my standards).  I unpacked the diapers and put them in this basket.  Ev’s diapers are on the left, Fletcher’s on the right.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past week, you have seen that many cloth diaper brands have been releasing new prints recently.  And there are more coming!  The ABC Kids Expo begins this weekend.  Lots of cloth diaper manufacturers will be there to show off their newest products.  This means we are going to be hearing even more announcements very soon!  I went last year and had a blast, but I am a little (ok, a lot) pregnant this year and can’t be there!

Here are the ones we know so far, let me know if I have missed any!

bumGenius! unveiled their new Tiny Socialite Collection,  designed my Chelsea Perry.  This is the first in their “Artist Series.”  I think we can safely say this has been the most controversial and polarizing release.  Responses have ranged from love to disgust.  The fact is, if you don’t like it, don’t buy it!  You can see my son modeling the entire collection in a previous post.

The Tiny Socialite Collection

Rumparooz was an earlier release, with two new prints.  Rumparooz has so far been the leader in the print world.  They often have limited prints and they come out with new ones fairly often!

Robotronics

Eco Owl

Gro Via just showed off their new prints that will be available in December.  These prints will grace the AI2/Hybrids and the All-in-One.  Many retailers are open for pre-orders.

Gro Via Prints

Bummis has been busy over the past couple of weeks.  First they released the new prints for the Tots Bots Easy Fits, and most recently, let us in on 2 new prints for their Bummis Super Whisper Wraps.  I have a feeling we will be seeing even more fun stuff soon!

The 6 New Tots Bots Prints!

Rocket

Ladybugs

Thirsties had a low key release of a new print in 2 colors.  Pictured is Baby Bird Blue.  Also comes in lavender.

Baby Bird Blue

*Just added

Happy Heinys has a few new prints.  They have been releasing them on their facebook page, which is where I found the photo!  There are even more new prints on their facebook page.  Ooga Boogas, Circles, and more.

Puppies on tan

Glow in the Dark Skulls on Grey, Owls on White

I am still waiting to see the new prints from Softbums that they released at ABC, and a few others.  I did not add the adorable Weehuggers prints because they are a cotton knit over PUL, not a true PUL print.

Which print is your favorite?!

Do you need to own any (or all) of these?!?  You can always place a pre-order using my affiliate link for Kelly’s Closet! You can support my blog and your fluff addiction, all at the same time!

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

Affiliate links provided

Because I love to do a giveaway with my reviews I asked Kelly’s Closet if they would host one for today.  They want to give one very lucky reader a Gro Via Mini Kit.  This is one Gro Via Shell and 2 Organic Cotton Soakers. (Not the All in One I reviewed today)

Congrats Samantha H.!

GroVia’s hybrid diaper system matches our unique one-size cloth shell with an organic cloth Soaker Pad. The perfect solution to on-the-go parenthood, travel-friendly and great for daycare, GroVia’s Hybrid Diapering system gives parents options in convenience without harming our planet.

Need an even more convenient alternative to our cloth Soaker Pad?  Choose our GroVia BioSoaker.  An eco-friendly disposable option that is Oeko-Tex 100 Standard Certified

Kelly’s Closet is giving away 1 Gro Via Mini Kit to a lucky reader!

Mandatory Entry:

(1 entry) Tell me what is your favorite product sold by Kelly’s Closet (cannot be Gro Via/ Gro Baby) 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, “@Diapershops and @KimRosas are giving away a Gro Via Mini Kit! http://94p77.th8.us #clothdiapers (7/5)”  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.

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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) “Like” DiaperShops on Facebook. Leave a comment.

(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

Giveaway ends on July 5. Winner will be chosen using random.org. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn.

The makers of Gro Baby have rebranded and are now called “Gro Via.”  This rebranding has come with improvements to their orginal diaper, the Gro Baby, which now boasts better sizing and laundry tab loops.  They have also launched a new diaper, a side snapping All in One, which I have had the opportunity to review.  I have already reviewed the older versions of the Gro Baby with Aplix and Snaps, and have to say I prefer the snaps.  So, I expected to like this diaper very much.  This is also special since this is my 55th video review, and my very first video review was of  the Gro Baby with Aplix.  That diaper inspired me to do what I do today!

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ There are only 4 snaps to affix with this (and most) side snaping diapers.  You have the ability to snap in closer, or farther from the baby’s thighs depending on the size.  The stretchy tabs make it very easy to get a perfect fit around their legs, reducing a chance of leaks.  There is no fuss when it comes time to wash the diaper.  The soaker can stay on, and the booster can be unsnapped or not, so far leaving it snapped hasn’t caused any trouble for me.  If you are worried about the snap coming undone, unspap before washing.  No stuffing required!

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ The AIO retails for 21.95, which is a great place to be in the AIO organic cotton range.  Still pricer than most pockets, but AIO,s are usually more expensive.  The nice thing is that you can just buy a few for convenience sake and have pockets or AI2‘s make up the majority of your stash.  It is just great to have a few AIO‘s for trips out etc.  I do love the look and feel of the PUL, which is what attracted me to Gro Baby when it first came out.

Performance ✰✰✰✰ So far this diaper has been leak free for me.  There is no stay dry liner which reduces the risk of any repelling, though it can still happen.  Any urine is going to instanty soak in.  The snap in booster helps greatly in absorbency, and the tight fit around the leg has prevented any leg leaks, especially for a side sleeping napper.

Fit ✰✰✰✰ I will be interested to see how this fits a smaller baby and will definitely try on my next diaper tester when he gets here.  The Gro Via AIO is designed to fit children 10-35+ pounds.  By looking at the snap down rise it doesn’t seem like there is much room between them.  I will give you an update once I see for my own eyes.  For now I can only attest to how it fits my own son.  Like most other one size diapers, he is on the middle snap.  The has 2 snaps left on each side to grow.  No red marks on him, and the elastic is covered inside with material so it should be nice and comfy for him

Overall- I LOVE the way this diaper looks on.  It has a nice sleek look due to the sie snaps, and the Gro Via AIO‘s have matching snap colors, something the Gro Baby were lacking.  Especially since Gro Via have larger snaps than most brands, this is a welcome improvement.  The snaps are super strong as well.  In general, I like AIO‘s and pockets more than AI2‘s so I am happy to have the Gro Via style diaper in this version.  I am sure other people are the same and will buy the AIO before the AI2.  I do miss the cute leaf logo of the Gro Baby, but like the placement of this tag much better.This brand is always coming up with something so I can’t wait to see what is next!

Where to Buy: You can only find the Gro Via AIO from Platinum Retailers like my affiliate Kelly’s Closet

This diaper was sent courtesy of Gro Via for the purposes of this review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Image courtesy: Catherine (Flickr)

I can’t believe I did my first video cloth diaper review in April 2009.  Now that I have reviewed over 50 cloth diapers I have established a rating system that is used for every review.  When I first started, however, things were all over the place.  I wrote a lot or a little, and had no rhyme or reason to what I included, much like the videos themselves.

It has been a long time coming that I should go back and revise older reviews to include a new category: Durability. Certain reviews will be edited, when I can, to include  this new category.  Only diapers that I feel I have given a good run will be updated.  If for some reason I did not continue to use the diaper long after the review, I simply won’t update it.  For now, you can see the Durability update on 3 of my first video reviews.

Gro Baby with Aplix Review

bumGenius! Organic All-in-One (with snaps) Review

Smartipants One Size Review