I have had a relationship with Charlene, the inventor and owner of Tiny Tush, for almost as long as my website as been around.  (forever, right?!)  Before I even introduce the diaper I have to say that Charlene is one of the nicest, most caring, compassionate people I have ever had the pleasure of doing business with.  When I put out the call for cloth diapers to send to families in need 2 Christmases ago, she didn’t just send 1 box, she sent 2 gigantic boxes.  And she even wanted to send more.  She does so much for others and her commitment to cloth diapers is a small part of it.  Now that you know a little about Charlene, I will tell you about the new Tiny Tush Elite 1.1.  I reviewed it a year ago, but there have been some exciting improvements!  Now, the rise snaps match the color of the PUL.  This is a biggie for me!  I think matching snaps (or coordinating for funkiness) add to the look of the diaper, whereas white snaps detract.  Also, she added a cross over snap for the smaller waisted infants and newborns and spaced out the tab snaps more.  Everything else is the same.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ The Elite 1.1 still comes in a snapping and velcro version.  The velcro is easy peasy, but since it is a pocket you still need to unstuff the diaper before washing and restuff it.  There is only 1 row of snaps, but 2 on each tab, so a total of 4.  Without hip snaps it is quicker to put on.  The reverse envelope design of the pocket opening prevents poop from getting in the pocket (a huge PITA) but it also makes unstuffing a little harder because you need to open that space and remove it.  There is no chance of just shaking the insert out, so have a cloth wipe handy!

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ The price is still 17.95.  You get 1 large and 1 small microfiber insert (imported) and the pocket diaper (MADE IN THE US).  You also have the option on their website to upgrade inserts to US made, or cotton.  Now the snaps match the PUL, and that to me makes them look more expensive.  This is the same price you pay for most other OS diapers.

Performance ✩✩✩✩ I use these diapers a lot.  Both the new 1.1 and the old version.  That should say something when you take into account how many diapers I have to choose from.  They work great, are absorbent, and are easy to use.  I haven’t really had any leaks with the new 1.1, but with the old version I had a few when Ev was on the smallest rise setting of the velcro version.

Fit ✩✩✩✩ The TT Elite 1.1 still has a 4 step rise system, and will fit babies 7-35 pounds.  Fletcher wears it with 2 snaps exposed (26 pounds, 2 years old) and Ev wears it with 1 set (16 pounds, 4 months).  It isn’t the TRIMMEST pocket, and when it is on the smaller rises sometimes the microfleece leaves peeks out from the top.  Not much I can do to prevent it but that hasn’t caused leaks.  I love that there are cross over snaps, they are great when you need them!

Overall- The new colors are really pretty.  I tested the Seaspray and it is a very nice color.  There are lights and bolds, a great variety.  Having a velcro or snap option is wonderful!  I really like supporting companies like Tiny Tush.  They try hard to keep production in the US, and do so much good in the world.  Plus, they truly listen to feedback (as evidenced by the improvements).

Where to Buy: Tiny Tush

A TT Elite 1.1 was provided for the purposes of this review.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions are 100% my own and genuine.

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!

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?

If you have been reading my blog for a while you probably know that I am a “fan” of bumGenius! products.  I have been using their 3.0′s since my son fit into them (around 12-14 pounds, leak free) and their Elementals (Organic AIO‘s) since I bought a few when he was a couple of months old.  I have reviewed the 3.0 (BG 3.0 Review) and Elemental (Elemental- FMA BG Organic AIO- review) already.  I won’t say I was disappointed when they announced that the 3.0 was being discontinued since I knew the next diaper (I correctly predicted would be called 4.0) would be very similar with a few improvements.  The most obvious improvement they needed to make, improving the hook and loop closure and adding snaps, were both realized.  Bonus improvements: the ability to easily replace elastic and a higher rise.

They also added new colors, which I am not a huge fan of.  I will specifically say I am not a fan of their names.  Why must color names be so confusing?  Case in point:  I ordered 2 bumGenius! 4.0′s to review, one with hook and loop and one in snaps.  I ordered 2 of the new colors: Noodle and Bubble.  I didn’t double check what the colors were.  Bubble= lavender.  Let me ask you, when you think of a bubble, do you think of purple or blue?  Water=blue.  Bubbles=blue.  Also, the color Sweet reminds me of lavender or pink.  That is pale green.  Noodle is the light yellow, which does make sense.  Noodles are yellow, or pale yellow, and this is an accurate description of that color.  I do not like that I need to research the colors, which not all stores have listed with a description or photo (and photos don’t help since the colors are so pale, they all look the same) before I buy.  My son has a purple diaper.  So what?  Wanna fight about it?

New Color Guide:

Bubble= Light Lavender

Noodle= Light Yellow

Sweet= Light Green

Update: bumGenius has re-released their beloved “Brights” colors and has released a series of prints. You can view all of the new prints by heading to my blog post about theChelsea Perry Tiny Socialite Collection, it includes action shots of them all.

My Review

Ease of Use ✫✫✫✫✫ The 4.0 doesn’t differ from the 3.0 in this regard.  I tell anyone who asks me about a good intro cloth diaper that they should try the 3.0 (now I say 4.0).  It is affordable, durable, easy to use with the hook and loop (and snaps), simple to find the right fit, and easy to take off.  You still need to affix the laundry tabs before washing, and you need to remove the insert.  You will need to restuff the diaper before baby wears it.  Is it easy?  Yes.  Is it as easy as an AIO? No.  Is it worth the extra steps?  Pretty much.  Pockets dry faster than most AIO‘s and are generally cheaper.  I do wish the laundry tabs were closer to the actual tab, so that when I change the baby I could just pinch it closed rather than seek out the tab farther in.  I have to look for it.  Some diapers you don’t need to do this.

Bang for the Buck: ✫✫✫✫ The 4.0 is the same price as the 3.0 was: 17.95.  bumGenius! keeps their prices consistent among retailers.  It is hard to find a “sale” on them.  However, they are worth the investment.  My 3.0′s have lasted for almost 2 years.  I am hopeful that the improved hook and loop will last on the 4.0, and replaceable elastic will also contribute to their life span.  You will see that a few hundred dollars for a stash of 4.0′s will still be far less than the thousands of dollars you would have spent on disposables.

Performance ✫✫✫✫✫ I am going to say that I have had no leaks, no fit issues, nothing with the 4.0.  I was new to cloth when I started with the 3.0 and did experience leaks due to my repelling issues.  I have used these overnight with both inserts and I also had no leaks.  I do prefer fitteds overnight but I was happy to report dry sheets!

Fit ✫✫✫✫ I can at this time only speak to the fit on my toddler.  He is still on the middle rise snap (has been for a very long time) so he has growing room.  In the video you can see a comparison to the 3.0 in terms of the change in rise.  While it isn’t a massive jump I figure it will help increase the time babies can wear these.  He doesn’t get red marks from elastic.  The diapers aren’t terribly bulky with one insert.

Overall- I am very happy with the 4.0, as I was with the 3.0.  Like I said, these are really great for any parents first starting out.  They don’t have bells and whistles like some diapers, and they don’t want to.  You need to start somewhere and learn how to cloth diaper.  These are simple enough to do that.  Not everyone loves microfiber inserts because they can build up the stinkies.  Microfiber is a more affordable insert option, but if you want you can always upgrade to a hemp/cotton/bamboo/zorb insert at a later time.

Where to buy: Pretty much any cloth diaper store.  But, if you want, you can support my blog by buying yours at Kelly’s Closet.

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I purchased (2) bumGenius! 4.0′s to review from Kelly’s Closet.

No Pins Required sponsored this review by sending a diaper (free of charge) and is also sponsoring the giveaway!

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ The Knickernappies is a side snapping diaper, with snapping rise adjustments on the front.  Changing a side snapping diaper takes some getting used to if you haven’t used one before.  Also, the tabs are next to the baby and I kept wanting to put them on top.  Even now I still try on occasion since this is what I was used to.  Stuffing the diaper could sometimes be annoying since the microfiber of the Loopy Do cause friction against the inside of the liner, but it wasn’t impossible… just a minor annoyance.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ So this can be a sticking point.  Most retailers sell this diaper with a choice of microfiber, microterry, or loopy do inserts.  With the lower range inserts the price range is around 20.00.  If you upgrade to the small and large loopy do you can expect to pay around 25.00.  25.00 is on the high end however if you have a very heavy wetter these  inserts are worth the investment.

Performance ✰✰✰✰✰ I don’t have a single complaint about this diaper when it comes to performance.  I used it overnight with the loopy do and never had a leak, and of course using the same insert for daytime had us leak free as well.

Fit ✰✰✰✰ I don’t prefer side snapping diapers since I find them more difficult to put on my toddler.  That being said, it did fit him very well and has lots of room for height and waist growth.  I imagine this diaper would fit a larger toddler with no problems.

Overall- I know this is a favorite diaper of lots of people and I certainly understand why.  It will fit a baby for a long time, and it is very well made so it should last through 2 children with no problems with proper care.

I first heard of Sweet Pea many months ago when they contacted me to do a review of their One Size Pocket.  I loved that it was very economical!  This time they asked me to review their new All in Three, which consists of a hemp soaker, a microfiber soaker, and a cover.

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ The All in Three by nature is a 2 step process.  You have to take the soaker of choice and snap it in.  In this case you have two anchor points, 1 at the front and 1 at rear of the diaper.  The soaker snaps in those places, making it a total of 4 snaps.  This can be done ahead of time.  But, if you have multiple snap in soakers and use the cover over and over, you would have to snap the soaker in while changing the baby.  Then you close the diaper, with 2 snaps to close.  The scrunchy nature of the soaker can make finding the snaps difficult, but when you know where to look it becomes easier.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ The AI3 retails for 18.95, which is a good Price point for a multi functioning diaper.  Especially considering that it comes with a hemp soaker.  You can buy bamboo from their website as well in addition.

Performance ✰✰✰✰ I would say this is a good system to use for daytime.  While the soaker is absorbent enough, the fact that it just covers the middle strip might not bode as well for nights.  I didn’t test it for overnight for that fact.  Since my son sleeps all night (mostly) I didn’t want to run the risk of him waking up wet.  If you want you can just use the microfiber soaker, or the hemp soaker, or both together.

Fit ✰✰✰ I happened to like the fit on my son.  Though the middle was bulky with the hemp insert, the fit around his legs and back was good.  The tabs cross over in a weird way, most cross over tabs have snaps farther back but these only have the two on each end.   I don’t expect that this will fit a tiny newborn, but if it did I would only use the microfiber stay dry soaker to keep it less bulky.  I do think it will fit a high weight range though.

Overall- I am not a huge fan of All in Twos or Threes since I love my pockets.  If you need a diaper in this category it is a good price point, plus it comes in neat colors.  I like that you can buy a bamboo insert for it as well.

I have been wanting to preform and share this review since last September.  I first saw the Kissaluvs Marvel AIO when I went to the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas.  This diaper was by far my favorite new reveal at the show.  I couldn’t wait for it to become available for consumers and neither could my roomate, Sarah, who own Diaper Daisy.  She was also impressed by the diaper.  We talked about working together for a review and giveaway when it came out, and we did!  Sarah sent one diaper fro me to review, and will be giving a DDL reader one of these diapers!

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ I would LOVE to give this diaper a 5, because it really is, but to a newbie using cloth diapers the snaps might still give you trouble.  If you have used snaps before then this diaper is a breeze.  There are 4 snaps total to affix when changing the baby.  Of course taking the diaper off of the baby is even easier.  No unstuffing or attaching laundry tabs.  Just put it in the pail!  To size the diaper attach 3 snaps in the rise you need.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ For an All in One of this design, one that is quick drying, the price point is pretty darn good.  This diaper retails for 23.00.  The Bum Genius Organic AIO is 25, and the Easy Fit by Bummis is 27.00.  One reason for this is that the materials are not as expensive.  The soaker is microfiber and the lining is microfleece.  However, the diaper is well made and is unique.

Performance ✰✰✰✰✰ So I do love this diaper.  The soaker is absorbent enough for daytime, and for some even nights.  I didn’t need to add an insert, but you can if you need it.  The fit was good, no leaks or gaps.

Fit ✰✰✰✰ I liked the fit of this diaper, on the medium snap it was perfect for my son.  I can’t attest to the newborn setting and what age it starts fitting, or how many pounds it truly lasts until on the unsnapped.  The legs left no red marks, or the back.  I am happy my son has more room for growth in it because it has become a favorite.

Overall- The diaper is pretty awesome.  All of the benefits of a pocket (quick drying, insert getting clean outside of the diaper) but the function and form of an All in One.  There is no stuffing, just pulling or turning the diaper right sided in, depending on your washer’s agitation.  For me, the diaper flipping inside out.  Turning it was  still easier than stuffing.

This review was sponsored by Diapers Etc, who is also hosting a giveaway!

This is a review of the first style of G2 so I am told.  I have no reviewed the newest version so I cannot speak to the improvements, however I am told via the comments that the rise has been improved.

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ Applying the diaper on your baby is very easy, as long as it is prestuffed you just need to close 4 snaps, 2 on each tab, around the baby’s waist.  Changing the rise setting requires 3 snaps total, but it is still super easy and you only need to do it every so often.  Stuffing the diaper/ unstuffing will be the most tedious, but this diaper is no harder to stuff than most other pocket diapers.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰ The average cost of a G2 is about 23.00.  This is roughly 5 more than the normal price of a standard pocket diaper.  The G2 has features that are unique and desirable: the channeled inside, the soft micro-chamois, prints, and the interior leg gusset.  However, I don’t expect this diaper will last every child until potty learning.  My son can wear it completely unsnapped, and snapped below it tends to slide down and give him plumber butt no matter how tight I snap it.  He is 50% for his height.

Performance ✰✰✰✰ Even though we had issues with fit I never had leaking.  I never had to use the booster, the regular microfiber soaker was enough for my son who is not a heavy wetter.

Fit ✰✰✰ If you expect your baby to potty learn at a younger age, or if you make tiny babies, then maybe the rise won’t be a problem for you.  The good news is that the diaper should truly fit a newborn because it gets very small.  Bad news, it probably won’t last until potty learning.  I am not sure why the diaper kept giving my son plumber butt, despite me  tightening the snaps it still sagged, but it was fine unsnapped on the butt.  Instead, I had a gap in front I couldn’t get rid of.

Overall- There are plenty of things I really enjoyed about this diaper, like the soft lining and channel inside the diaper, the nice inner gussets, and the selection of colors and prints.  Plus you can choose from aplix and snaps.  However, be aware the fit may not last until potty learning, and you might end up between sizes like my son did.

I contacted Thirsties about reviewing the Duo Diaper.  Of course, I have to keep up with the cloth diaper trends and bring you the newest diapers on video!  I think this one is a great diaper for a video review.  I am able to show you the two part insert and the dual ended pocket.  The color, Meadow, really is great on camera too.  I love this diaper, and I think you will too!  Thirsites is sponsoring a giveaway, which you can enter here.

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰✰ This diaper is easy on and off! With velcro closures it can be put on as simply as a disposable. Having it prestuffed is the best option, so you can just grab it and use it. Stuffing is easy too, thanks to the nice open pocket. When you have a dirty that needs to be tossed in the pail, attach the velcro tabs to their laundry tabs, and toss it (or spray poop, then toss). Snapping the rise up or down only happens once in a blue moon, but that is easy enough too.
Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ Because almost all “one-size” diapers aren’t truly one size, Thirsties has made something very special. Having to buy only 2 “sizes” that have multiple sizes within them, will still save you money if you intend to buy a one size diaper and newborn diapers, and possibly even have to buy toddler diapers if your baby outgrows the one size. Judging by the photos I have seen of youn babies and old in the Duo, I think it will fit a newborn and big toddlers! This diaper is 17.50, the average cost for a regualr pocket one size diaper.
Performance ✰✰✰✰✰ The insert on this diaper really is “thirsty.” And, the hemp has stayed very soft and pliable. Typically, hemp gets crunchy and hard over many washes. Thirsties is the first to have their hemp knitted in the US, and it is quality stuff. Much different from other hemp I have seen. I would actually put this hemp against my son’s skin, unlike any other. Overnight and daytime tests had no leaks.
Fit ✰✰✰✰✰ With more minute adjustments, you have a greater chance of finding a great fit for your baby at any stage. Not completely customizeable to the millimeter, but there are smaller jumps between snap settings, unlike a regular “one-size.” I really like the leg gussets, and the soft binding around the legs, front, and back. I could probably even go to the smallest setting on this diaper, but it fits well enough on the middle snap also. The diaper isn’t SUPER trim, if I know I need to squeeze my son in some jeans I grab a different one, but in general it doesn’t prevent him from wearing much. And fluffy butts are cute!

Overall- I think I like this diaper a lot more than I expected. As I typed my review I realized how great it really is. Thirsties DUO comes in fun colors too. Time will tell how the velcro holds up, it just hasn’t been long enough for me to make that call. But the insert is washing beautifully, and so in the lining. If you are trying to find a way to escape the one size trap that leaves you with no diapers for a newborn, I think investing in some size 1 Duos would be a wise decision. You would have, probably 8-10 months where it would fit your baby!

I was not paid for this review, however the diaper sent was kept.