Tag Archive | "one size"

Bumkins “Stuff-It” One Size Pocket Video and Review

Bumkins “Stuff-It” One Size Pocket Video and Review

I have pretty much avoided the Bumkins line of diapers like the plague. Rarely had I ever heard positive reviews of them. Occasionally a reader would ask if I had reviewed them and I would laugh to myself and say “Of course not.”

It wasn’t until I attended the ABC Kids Expo that I decided I should try them. Bumkins redesigned their line of cloth diapers. I’m not familiar enough with the old line to compare but they added a One Size Cover, Newborn Cover, and a One Size Pocket and discontinued the old styles. My review is for the “Stuff-It” One Size Pocket diaper that I purchased to review when it came to Zulily.com (ref. link).

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ Bumkins diapers use large velcro tabs, much like the tabs seen on the Tots Bots line. These are the same tabs as I what I remember seeing on their old diapers though they certainly could be an improved version, I’m not sure. They cross over on either side and bend back on themselves before washing (or rather, you bend them. IF ONLY they attached themselves before washing!) The best thing going for this diaper is that it has pocket openings on both ends which makes it a sleeve diaper. Sleeve diapers do not need to be unstuffed before washing so you keep your hands dry and clean! Sizing is done with a 3×4 grid of snaps on the rise. There are 3 sizes to choose from and 4 snaps that are horizontal to close when you resize. I found that odd but it doesn’t make resizing difficult at all.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ The list price on the Stuff-it is 16.95 but many websites have it for 14.95. Even though it seems cheaper it does only come with a flimsy microfiber insert that many will find insufficient for their child, though it definitely worked for us since Everett isn’t a heavy wetter. If you add the cost of a hemp or other insert to add or replace then that brings the price back up to most one size pockets.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ Everything worked really well on the diaper for us, even with a flimsy insert. I was worried that the unique, shiny and soft outer fabric would wick but I never had any leaks or wicking.
Fit ✩✩✩ On Everett we had the rise snapped to the middle rise and that worked pretty well even though the legs weren’t as tight as I like. I just don’t see this diaper fitting an infant well with the bulk it has between the legs but since I haven’t tested it on one I can’t say that for sure. I liked that there was a good bit of fabric on top of the velcro which kept the velcro from rubbing his tummy.
Overall: I’m surprised that I liked the diaper as much as I did. We all know that Everett doesn’t wet out of any diapers (or rarely does) so it could be a different story for others. Bumkins has a Dr. Seuss license so you can find a couple unique prints, plus that fabric finish is definitely different.
Where to Buy
Amazon.com (aff. link)

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Incredibum Bamboo Cloth Diaper Video and Review

The Incredibum brand of diapers was a new one to me. That might be because it was only released in October 2011. The Incredibum is what I consider a “snap-in-one” meaning it is a one time use diaper but instead of it being an All-in-One with layers attached, the layers snap in and are customizable. The soaker pads are made from bamboo with cotton and a small bit of polyester. You can find my review below and watch my video demonstration above.
Ease of Use ✩✩ The Incredibum is not the most complicated diaper I have ever used but it does have a number of size adjustments on the rise, ways to adjust the soaker, and many snaps per tab that give it a pretty high learning curve. There are 4 snaps per tab, but you don’t have to snap them all. In some cases you might not have to do the hip snap so you are down to 2-3. I also had to get used to the position of the snaps on the tab. They aren’t in a place I am used to and would often forget one and have to go back. That only takes an extra few seconds, but it can be kinda annoying when you have an impatient baby. The soakers confused me at first too, and I will admit to still not understanding all of the options. The bamboo soaker snaps into the diaper with 2 snaps on the front and you can snap the other side into the back. You also have an optional snap in booster that snaps in the front. OR you can put this booster in alone when the diaper is set to the smallest setting.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ The diaper retails for 16.85 and can be found at a few retailers. I like that the material is mostly natural fibers (67% bamboo, 23% cotton, and 11% polyester. It is One Size fits most but I have not tried it with a smaller baby so I can’t say if it fits well on an infant or not. It does fit both my 15 month old and my 3 year old on the middle rise snap. It is slightly less than most One Size pocket diapers.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ I tested this diaper in every scenario and it passed. Days were no problem, nights with the booster and main insert were also successful (even with my 3 year old, who has accidents at night), and naps weren’t an issue with just the main insert. This was a good alternative for a fitted and cover at night for us because it is a natural fiber, which in my world, is better. I like natural fibers versus synthetic stay dry fabrics because I feel they give less chances of leaking.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ The diaper fit Everett fine and performed well. I was happy with the absorbency but it just looked a tad bit funny on. I wouldn’t say this is the prettiest diaper ever since there is some gaping in the rise due to only having a rise snap on each side. The diaper fit around his legs and waist well.
Overall: The snaps on the rise and tabs are all white- I prefer the snaps to match or coordinate in a fun way somehow. White snaps aren’t a deal breaker for me but might be for someone. This style of diaper is a favorite for many people. I’m still a pocket girl at heart but it certainly worked well, was absorbent enough, and has a lot of options to it, and is pretty affordable.
Where to Buy Sandbox Lane or other retailers

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Fuzzibunz Elite One Size Cloth Diaper Video and Review

I was able to see the Fuzzibunz Elite One Size for the first time, before it was released to the public, at the ABC Kids Expo. I was happy with many of the improvements, the biggest being that they moved the elastic sizing to the inside of the pocket, which kept it from touching the baby’s skin and prevented you from having to re-stuff it in the slot like the previous version.

What confused me was the addition of something called “Nanotechnology.” When I asked about what this was everyone seemed to have either a different answer, or no clue. Not satisfied and still confused, I emailed after the show. Since then Tereson Dupuy took to her blog to explain it and I am still confused. Here is what she wrote (orginal source here):

“Nanotechnology can mean many different things in many different industries and you likely need to be a chemist to understand it. However, our simple explanation is this:

During the waterproofing of the outer layer of fabric (PUL) on FuzziBunz cloth diapers, there is an extra finishing step which helps the fabric prevent leaks through the leg seams, as well as prevent overall wicking around the waist and legs to the outside of the diaper and clothing. Nanotechnology, which simply means smaller particles or fibers, is used in this finish to better protect the waterproofing of the fabric. Finishes have always been used, however most would wash out within 25 washes. The textile industry has been using this type of technology more and more over the last several years to add durability and performance to fabrics such as the ones used in our FuzziBunz cloth diapers.

What is most important for you to know is that FuzziBunz as a company would never use anything harmful in their products AND the diapers have all passed CPSIA testing for harmful chemicals. The finish that is applied that uses nanotechnology is OKEO-TEX 100 certified for use in baby textiles and this is the highest safety rating it can receive. We are extremely confident in the safety of this process and you should be as well.”

I was told in person that the nanotechnology was sewn in and only to the edges. I am not reviewing this aspect of the diaper because I honestly don’t see it coming into play at all. In a way it reminds me of the “Bifidus Regularis” in Activia. A fancy word for something that may or may not be doing something but that you will likely never know, but it is meant to make you think it is pretty swanky.

Now for my review:
Ease of Use ✩✩✩ I much prefer the sizing of this version of the Fuzzibunz One Size to their old sizing. I never had much of a problem with it but only having to size each leg on one end is nice, and the fact that it is in the pocket and never has to be shoved back into a slot is a plus. Adjusting the size isn’t an exact science. You can look to the guide to see where your child would fit, but might still need to go back in and change things if you notice that the fit doesn’t look right. This is not a diaper you want to use between two different sized children in cloth diapers.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ An Elite Fuzibunz will cost you 19.97 at most retailers, unless you catch it on sale. You do get 2 inserts included, and it is “one size.” However, it doesn’t look like it will last my son all the way until he learns the potty. If you have a whole stash of them you might be in a similar situation and need to buy Large sized diapers which adds to your overall cloth diapering cost. You will get a warranty if you buy them new in case something happens, which is good to have.

Performance ✩✩✩ My gut feeling is that the minky inserts aren’t as absorbent as the microfiber ones. I typically never have saturated inserts or any leaks, but I did get two leaks on Everett. Unfortunately the FB is so trim in between the legs that it is hard to double stuff, and double stuffing takes away that nice trim look they have. I just learned to make sure I changed him a little sooner in the FB and used it only during the day.

Fit ✩✩✩✩ For now, the FB Elite fits great on Everett. It looks amazing and trim. He has no more slots on the rise and maybe 1 snap on each side. I feel like he will outgrow the waist unless he remains that size (width) until potty learning. Yes, it is entirely possible because he could continue to grow taller but not wider. And before you ask, I double, triple checked that I had the waist sized to the largest setting. I still heistate in saying it will fit him until potty learning unless I see it for myself. In OS diapers, they either get really small and work for newborns/babies (like the Elite) or last until potty learning and older toddlers. It is almost impossible to get both of those fits in a OS. You have to ask yourself what is more important to you when buying, and research.

Overall: It sounds like I didn’t really like the FB Elite, but I actually did. I still prefer their Perfect Size line of diapers to their OS. I am not sold on the change over to Minky inserts, which are supposed to hold less stink and clean easier than microfiber. That is probably true but they lose some of the absorbency. I am also fine without the addition of “nanotechnology” to my cloth diapers. Regular techonology, just sewing them and making them fit well and absorb urine, is fine. Maybe it is preventing wicking, but since I don’t typically have that issue with any of my pocket diapers I wouldn’t be able to compare.  It honestly feels more like a gimmick than an improvement to cloth diapers.  I like that the FB Elite doesn’t leave snaps visible in the rise, one of the biggest benefits of a slotted leg elastic sizing diaper. The improvements to the placement of the sizing was needed and solved that curling elastic that happened to the old version. And finally- I do really love the new color, Spearmint, that I reviewed. It is beautiful in person and one of my all time favorite cloth diaper colors. It is gender neutral!  I actually think this is a top 3 in terms of how I feel the diaper looks and fits my son in the trim department too.

Where to Buy- Kelly’s Closet (affiliate) 

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Smart Snugs One Size Pocket Video and Review

Smart Snugs is a brand I wasn’t familiar with until they contacted me and requesteda review.  I’m really happy they did!  Just from what I have seen so far this is a great diaper for an even better price!

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ While snapping cloth diapers and pockets will take longer than any disposable diaper, once you have stuffed the diaper it is pretty easy to put on the baby. 3 snaps per tab also sounds worse than 2 or 1 but after you have done it a few times it gets really easy. My biggest complaint about the diaper would be how narrow the pocket opening is. I have very small hands so I think some people would have a hard time with it.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩✩ I’m still shocked that the retail for this diaper is only 12.00! It includes the one bamboo/cotton insert. The price is low in part because the diapers are manufactured in China. For some people that is a deal breaker. I don’t think this diaper is going to be great on a newborn but few one size diapers are. I was really happy with how the legs fit on Everett. They have a wider cut, more like briefs than bikinis if you think in terms of underwear. The legs ride lower. So I would bet this works well for chunky legs.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ The cotton and bamboo insert was absorbent enough for our daytime use. For nights I added a bumGenius microfiber doubler in the pocket and this held us over for both kids. (Fletcher still wets at night on occasion.)
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ I really loved how this fit Everett. Some people might not love the way the legs are cut because it isn’t like some of the more well known one size pockets on the market, but it worked for us and we didn’t have any red marks or leaks. The rise snaps do look different than many others in their positions but it doesn’t seem to change how it fits for the middle rise compared to other brands on the middle snap that fit baby Ev.
Overall: For 12.00 I can’t complain about a thing on the Smart Snugs. I also will say that the owner, Samantha, has been great to work with. She was emailing with me promptly and I can only assume she would be willing to do so with any customers needing help. For an inexpensive pocket they also hve rise snaps that match the PUL, something I prefer when I am buying cloth diapers. The diapers carry a 1 year warranty as well. The only thing that bothered me was the narrow opening of the pocket.
Where to Buy Smart Snugs

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Blueberry Coverall Video and Review

{email subscribers click over for the video} While I was attending the ABC Kids Expo I used a cloth diaper service. I ran out of the house for the airport in such a hurry that I left half of my diaper covers that I needed in my dryer. I asked a few kind diaper manufacturers at the event if I could get a cover or two. One of the covers I received was the Blueberry Coverall in the new print, Tweet. Oh how I love this print! And, I also love the cover. I had not reviewed it yet so I took the opportunity to do so!
Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ The Blueberry Coverall has a snaps or aplix closure option. If you choose aplix then you will have a very easy on cover over your prefold, fitted, or flats. And even the snapping option only has 4 snaps total, 2 per tab. Sizing is incredibly easy. There are 3 size options, just snap the rise down to the size you need. It is fairly self explanatory what rise setting you will need, just remember you might have to play around with the settings a bit.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩✩ Even though the Blueberry Coverall is priced a bit higher than a few other name brand one size the quality is worth it, especially if you are looking to use these for future children. The aplix is very strong and durable and the PUL is very nice and thick. The prints are so gorgeous in person also.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ I really love this cover and use it as often as I can when it is clean. The gussets are fairly unique and you don’t SEE the second gusset unless you move the top one over. I like the way it is hidden. Everett did test the gussets out with an explosive poop and guess what, they worked like a charm. Thank goodness!
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ Ev is 20 pounds and 1 year old and wears the cover on the middle rise snap, even over the bulkiest fitteds. I find some covers need to be unsnapped over those big fitteds but not this one. I should have lots of room for growth then. I do tell people to be careful with how a cover with Aplix fits because if it goes under the belly there is a risk of tummy rubbing. Snaps would of course not pose this risk.
Overall: I used the cover with flats, prefolds, and fitteds and it worked with them all. The Tweet pattern is just gorgeous and the quality of this cover is obvious when you touch it and see it in person. You can wipe it clean between uses when you need to and it air dries quickly (I handwashed it while out of town.)
Where to Buy Sweetbottoms Baby carries both the Aplix and Snaps Coverall and have Free Shipping on US Orders.*affiliate link

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LUXbutt Organic One Size Video and Review

I caught wind of a new brand of cloth diapers called LUXbutt on Facebook. Intrigued when I saw their brand, I clicked over. They were being super mysterious about the diaper and revealing more information about it over time, including leaking photos the parts of the diaper. I admit it: I love a good mystery. I found myself checking the page every so often to see if they posted more information. Eventually the entire diaper was pictured. I really liked the simplicity of having a color scheme. For now the LUXbutt cloth diapers come in 3 colors as part of their Chocolate Collection. Milk Chocolat (brown with black snaps), White Chocolate (white with brown snaps), and Dark Chocolat (black with brown snaps). These diapers have somehow managed to be “sexy,” right down to the simple tag on the back.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ The LUXbutt Organic One Size is a snapping diaper, with 3 snaps per tab. Putting it on the baby requires 6 snaps to affix total. Some people find snaps to be more difficult than a velcro diaper but it is just an acquired taste. I would suggest snapping the lowest “hip snap” first then the top two. Sizing the diaper you will be digging into the pocket opening. Towards the back there are two buttons and button hole elastics. The numbers seemed odd to me…. and the elastic was longer than was really needed. I would have liked the numbers to be inserted in a way that made sense and that matched the other side. I did buy a tester diaper so maybe this issue is fixed on the retail versions. You can’t switch easily between two children (I wouldn’t even recommend it, too much trouble) like you could possibly do with a snap down rise.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ Something with the word “lux” in the name isn’t going to be cheap. Or at least, it shouldn’t. The price tag is 24.95 per diaper. Or 21.95 on sale as they are currently. 21.95 I can, and will pay if the diaper is One Size and works well. Maybe even 24.95 if I get free shipping. For now these diapers ship from Canada. The shipping came down in cost recently but you might want to check first before buying 1 diaper because it isn’t very cheap. On the plus side, the lining is organic cotton velour and super soft and the insert is hemp and absorbent so the higher cost does reflect nicer materials.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ We used this diaper during the day and even overnight with only the hemp insert! I can’t believe it worked overnight. Full disclosure that Ev is not a heavy wetter, but still. I was impressed. We got the fit correct just by eyeballing it so there were no gaps or fit issues to contribute to leaks. Usually an elastic sized diaper takes me a few adjustments and I often get a leak in the beginning but not this time. I got lucky.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ I said before that the number arrangement was off in the legs so I woldn’t go by numbers when sizing the diaper. I would compare it to a diaper you already know that fits your baby well, if you have one, and make the rise match that by laying it on top. The velour covered leg elastic and back elastic never left red marks on his chunky thighs or back. I don’t think this diaper is made for larger toddlers, I don’t see it lasting in the wist or rise. I can’t talk from experience yet however.  I do compare the rises and waist to the other slotted leg elastic diapers I have in my possession in the video (Fuzzibunz Elite and Charlie Banana OS).
Overall: I happen to like the diapers quite a bit. Not having a snapdown rise gives the front a cleaner look, but as I said before this does mean it is harder to change sizes. There are very few pocket cloth diapers with natural fibers as the lining. I can only think of a handful (or you can search for “Pocket” and check the “natural fibers” box on my Cloth Diaper Finder). I heard rumors that they will have prints in the future. I like the themed colors also and look forward to seeing what they will have next. Jewels, perhaps?
Where to Buy LUXbutt.com

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GoGreen Champ 2.0 Video and Review

The GoGreen Champ 2.0 is one of those cloth diapers that has been requested over and over. I was reluctant to review it because the price seemed too good to be true (at the  time it was 14.95, aparently there was a price increase at some point to 15.95). It was only after seeing so many positive reviews, not just on blogs but from users on message boards and review forums, that I decided I should give it a chance. Leah contacted me to see if I would review the Champ 2.0 and I agreed. She also sent the Adapt-a-Snap™ to try, a device that turns their snapping diaper into an easier (if you think velcro is easy) to put on and off diaper.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ The GoGreen Champ 2.0 is as easy to use as any other snapping diaper that has the same two row, 3 snaps per tab system. When putting on the baby it is easiest to snap the hip snap first and it usually makes for a better fit than snapping the end first and then going backwards. I did notice it took slightly longer for me to put it on because I would always double check that the back and front flap were both laying flat. It takes a little less time to put on when using the Adapt-a-Snap™. If you leave the insert snapped in, depending on the speed and agitation of your washer, it will stay attached so you don’t have to fish for inserts. Even if it comes undone (like it did for me) you also don’t need to unstuff before washing so that makes it as easy to take off as an AIO. I personally removed the tabs on the Adapt-a-Snap™ before washing the diaper since they would have caught on other diapers without laundry tabs. That adds a tiny bit of time on each end of the wash.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩✩ This pocket/sleeve/tongue-style AIO hybrid diaper packs a lot of punch into a 15.95 dollar price point. There seems to be a lot of thought to the design, little things that you see in pricier diapers. The diaper costs less partly because it is made in China. I also felt that the lining wasn’t washing up as soft as other diapers which means it is probably a cheaper variety. It isn’t rough, but doesn’t stay as smooth as bumGenius. The insert is also thinner so if you have a heavy wetter expect to need a doubler of some sort (if you don’t have them already it will add to the overall cost.) For me it is still a great deal when you add the dual gussets, the self-unstuffing option, the fun colorful snaps, and the variety of prints and color combos.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ Because my son is not a heavy wetter, even at night, we were fine with the included microfiber insert. They also sent a doubler but we didn’t need to use it. I only experienced a leak when I tried the diaper overnight on one occasion. I do not usually use pockets at night (my explanation why) so in order to keep dry sheets I decided against trying again. I’m sure others use it double stuffed with great success; it just isn’t in me to try it again!
Fit ✩✩✩✩ I would assume this diaper fits bulky on the low range of babies. It does have a cross over snap but in the video you can see the size of the diaper on the smallest setting which isn’t tiny. However, there is a 4 step-rise so it should fit babies up to 40 pounds. Everett used the diaper on the Medium (with two snaps exposed on the rise) and that worked perfect for him. He never had red marks so it was large enough on his chunky thighs. Using the Adapt-a-Snap™ gives you a tiny bit more waist room too, since the tabs still crossed on Ev.
Overall: I know some buyers object to buying diapers made in China. I feel better about these diapers after emailing with the owner, Leah and learning more about her and her family on their About Us page.  Unlike the Ebay diapers or the VERY cheap Chinese diapers, these are somewhere in between that and the pricier brands and there is a face behind  the brand. Even 15.95 isn’t extremely cheap, but they have a less expensive line that cost 9.99 so in my mind I mixed the two up often. Strictly speaking from how the diaper worked I would definitely give these high marks and suggest them to others. I also have to mention that they do have a line of diapers made by WAHM’s in the US called Mud Butt for GoGreen.
Where to Buy SweetBottoms (Free Shipping in the US all the time, and one of my affiliates) The Adapt-a-Snap™ can be found on the GoGreen Website

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Charlie Banana 2-in-1 One Size (New Version) Video and Review

{email subscribers, click over to see the embedded video}

I have already reviewed the older version of the Charlie Banana 2-in-2 One Size cloth diaper.  Now, the sizing mechanism is new and improved.  Rather than using button hole elastic, the Charlie Banana now uses a sliding adjustment similar to that of a bra.  I LOVE this new update and it is probably the easiest of the elastic sizing cloth diapers out currently.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ I’m going to say it, to date this is the easiest elastic sizing One Size diaper I have tried. The markings to designate size are easy to follow (no need to read what a 5 is) and the adjuster moves easily back and forth. There is no need to dig deep to find the elastic either. Stuffing the pocket isn’t too bad, there is a generous sized opening for 1 or two inserts. You can find disposable inserts for these diapers, making them a hybrid system if you are traveling. They are easy to lay in under the flat pocket flap.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ The Solid Colors run 20.88 and the Prints are 21.88. They are more than many other similar pockets available. I will say that they are made extremely well. The older versions of their diapers that I own are still functioning and looking great after a year of use.

Performance ✩✩✩✩ The inserts included with a Charlie Banana One Size cloth diaper are really thick (not too thick) and are absorbent enough alone for our use. I can use the Large insert with the diaper sized to the Medium and it fits and holds up well. I don’t have a heavy wetter, FYI. I didn’t use this diaper overnight because I don’t like pockets at night. I used fitteds and covers. Nothing personal, I just didn’t take a chance. We didn’t have a single leak with this diaper.

Fit ✩✩✩✩ I tried the larger of the Medium settings on my first try and it was exactly what I needed. Even if I had needed to make an adjustment it wouldn’t have been too difficult. The tabs meet in the middle, and there is a cross over snap if you need it. The diaper has good stretch whe nyou are putting it on the baby and I felt like I got a great fit every time. The hip snap is in a good spot, but since the male snaps are on the tabs if the wearer gets too large for those snaps farther back to be fastened they could touch the skin. I can’t say if this is an issue or not. The One Size doesn’t seem to get as big as their Sized Large diaper, but since many kids never wear a Large it might not be a problem for many parents. It sizes up pretty small, and I used the older OS on my newborn and it did work. The crotch is also narrower than many other brands.

Overall: I am over the moon excited about such a stupid smart sizing system. They hit this one out of the park! Charlie Banana One Size cloth diapers might make me a fan of elastic sizing one size diapers again. There are no snaps to be seen on the front which is nice. Their PUL feels nice to the touch, and sturdy. The fleece washes well in my experience. I’m thrilled that I was able to meet Gaelle and the Charlie Banana team; they were all incredibly nice and excited about their new product. The fact that they have been able to get Charlie Banana to many mainstream stores like Babies r Us is amazing. Some people argue that cloth shouldn’t be sold in bog box stores, but it creates awareness that small businesses just can’t match. Great diaper, great quality, cute colors and prints!

Where to Buy: Amazon.com* affiliate link

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The Stupid Smart Ideas from ABC Kids Expo

I made the trip with Everett to the 9th Annual ABC Kids Expo almost 2 weeks ago and I’m still recovering.  This year the event was held in Louisville KY.  I was going to see all of the new cloth diapers and baby carriers, but when time allowed I snuck over to other booths as well.  There were a lot of products that made you scratch your head and say “WHAT?” {see The BabyGuyNYC’s post about the WTF products} and then there were things that were just Stupid Smart.  

If you need a description of what Stupid Smart means I’ll try to put it simply:

Something that is Stupid Smart is an idea so obvious and brilliant that it is stupid no one thought of it sooner.  

Here are my picks for the Stupidest Smartest innovations and new products at ABC Kids Expo.

1. Charlie Banana’s *new* One Size Adjustment System

Charlie Banana used to be have a button hole elastic adjustment system, similar to the Fuzzibunz One Size and Evolution Ion.  If you take a look in the newest Charlie Banana One Size diapers you’ll notice something familiar…..  to size your elastic straps you have what look like bra shoulder strap adjusters.  These slide over the elastic to make it larger or smaller.  Even smarter, to know where to size you want the adjuster to be over the letters for sizing.  If you want a Small, you should have the adjuster over the “S.” {website}

2.  Leslie’s Boutique Wet/Dry Bags with Pleating

This may not be brand new, but this was the first time I had seen the Leslie’s Boutique Wet/Dry Bags.  When I was given the tour and shown the pleating on the Dry portion of the bag I wanted to slap my forehead.  Duh.  I have used other Wet/Dry Bags and have been frustrated by the lack of space in the front portion.  It doesn’t make a lot of sense that I can fit more in the Wet portion than the Dry.  What goes in dirty had to start clean somewhere!  The pleating makes for much more room in the Dry portion, roughly equivalent to the space in the Wet portion. {website} 

 

3.  Boba 3G with Purse Strap

There are a million things I can say about the new Boba 3G.  It now accomodates babies smaller than 15 pounds, has improved foot straps, has the ability to work with their new Messenger diaper bag, and more.  But the feature that excited me the most and made me think, boy that is Stupid Smart, was the Purse Strap.  There is a strap that unsnaps on the shoulder of the Boba.  This is meant to go over your purse or diaper bag strap, then you snap it onto your carrier.

I will say that since using this strap it has limitations.  Heavier bags might make your shoulder strap slide.  A lighter purse or smaller diaper bag is about all I would trust it for.  Still, the idea is great and I do find it handy with the right bags.  Rock on Boba, you guys are always making me love you! {website}

 

4. Sippy Sure- the Medicine Dispensing Sippy Cup

This has nothing to do with cloth diapers, but sometimes a a stupid smart idea deserves attention.  I don’t give my children medicine often at all, but I do know in the cases where they have needed an antibiotic, it can be a chore to have them ingest it.  This cup uses a medicine cup that screws into the lid.  The appropriate measurements are put into the measure cup, and a little watered down juice or other beverage is put into the actual sippy. Small portions of medicine mix with the drink.  You will know exactly how much they have left since the medicine stays in the measured cup.  This might not work for all kids, but I am a fan of the idea.  The mother who invented it used to have to add the medicine to her child’s juice but could never tell how much they had.  Problem solved! {website}

 

5. BabyZen Flat Folding Stroller

I happen to love strollers, even though I wear my baby.  A good stroller is still worth it’s weight in gold.  And a stroller that fits into a tiny trunk (like my trunk when all seats are up) is pretty remarkable.  The BabyZen folds small and flat enough to fit into the trunk of a Mini Cooper.  But that isn’t why I am including it. The Stupid Smart idea that your stroller should still ROLL while folded, and stay upright, gets major props from this Syracuse dweller.  Often, when a stroller is folded it falls to the {snowy} ground.  It gets dirty, you get dirty, and your car gets dirty.  The BabyZen stays upright when folded and can then be wheeled, while folded and upright.  That is why I lust for one.  Seeing it in person just solidified that love. {website}  

 

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Mo Dia One Size Pocket Video and Review

A few months ago I reviewed the Mo Dia One Size Pocket. My original thoughts on the diaper were pretty positive; it worked great, the design was stylish and unique, and the included hemp fleece soaker was amazing. The downside was the sizing; the waist was a little too small and the rise a little too short. I didn’t expect it to last Everett more than a few more months- how would it last until potty training?

After that review and other customers agreeing with that sentiment the two ladies behin Mo Dia went back to the drawing board. They now have a new pattern for their One Size Pocket that addressed both issues. The sizing is more realistic and more like other OS diapers. I have a video and review for the new Mo Dia. if you would liek to compare to my old review and video you can visit this link.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ The Mo Dia I reviewed is a snapping diaper with 2 snaps on each tab, 4 snaps total to close. The rise, like many other One Size diapers, has a 3 step snapping adjustment. This is only applicable when you need to size up or down so you don’t have to do it for each change. The insert is one long piece of hemp fleece. The simplicity is genius. You fold it to the desired length, and place the most layers folded over where you need them (front for boy/tummy sleeper and middle for girl). The folding does take longer than just using a sized or pre-snapped OS insert which is why it gets 3 stars.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ A Mo Dia runs about 21$ with the hemp insert included. These diapers have a very custom look, even those that aren’t made to order. The snaps usually coordinate well with the fabric options. Some have full PUL outer, some have PUL bodies and cotton knit over PUL tabs, and some are the reverse. Now that the sizing is larger it is even more of a good investment than the previous version.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ I wish I could tell you how much these inserts rock my socks. They look so simple, and they are, but work better than most other included inserts. So, you have to fold them to size… not a HUGE deal. I’ve used this diaper for longer naps and daytime for Everett (10 months old) and nights for my toddler (almost 3) with no leaking or wicking problems. No red marks either!
Fit ✩✩✩✩ When you fix one problem you potentially cause another. The previous Mo Dia sized up nice and tiny and would likely be a good fit for very small babies. Adding more to the rise and width makes it look bulkier. I have not tried it on a new/small baby but I’m just basing on what I have seen. On Everett, who is 20 pounds and 10 months old, he still had one more snap on the rise and a snap on each side for the second snap in on the tab. After that the male end of the snap would touch skin, however I don’t think that is going to happen. And since he is pretty wide I don’t know how many others it would happen to either.  They aren’t the trimmest cloth diaper out there but I don’t mind fluffy.  Just poutting that out there.
Overall: The fact that Mo Dia adjusted their pattern based on user feedback is incredibly awesome and proves how much they care about their product and customers. The new Mo Dia is just as cute but with more growing room. The quality of the diaper is obvious, the stitching is clean and I haven’t seen any loose threads. They come up with the most adorable color and print combinations too!

Where to buy: MoDiaDiapers.com (coming soon!)

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

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