As Harper grows she is sleeping longer stretches at night, and though she still wakes up to eat we try to avoid having to change her until morning as the process makes her very frustrated and she has a much harder time falling back asleep afterward. Because of this, we’ve actually been on the lookout for a quality nighttime diaper with natural materials and excellent absorption. I was thrilled when I learned we’d be reviewing an organic fitted and organic wool cover from This is Sew Me Organics. The fitted I’m reviewing has a straight stitch edge, but it is also available with a surged edge.

As a WAHM, the founder of This is Sew Me is really passionate about choosing quality materials for the products she offers. She also sells all-in-two diapers, wool longies, and mama pads. I love that her diapers are organic, one of the main reasons I chose cloth is because I feel uneasy about all the chemicals in disposables sitting against my baby’s delicate skin.

With any fitted you can expect an extra step since you’ll need to put the diaper on the baby followed by a cover (unless you’re at home and comfortable going coverless until the fitted becomes damp. I haven’t tried this myself since my baby is not mobile yet and my rug would know she’s wet before I would). I don’t mind the additional step with a well made wool cover, though. It pulls on just like shorts but has a nice stretch to it so I can make sure everything is covered.

This diaper features four rise settings and snaps in place. I noticed (as you’ll see in the video) that this particular diaper appears to have some weak snaps. The top rows fastens just fine, but the somewhat bulkier fold of material that makes up the rise setting Harper needs was a different story. The snaps repeatedly popped open, and when I use this diaper I find myself leaving it at a higher rise (despite the Urkel effect) to avoid the frustration. This is not normal for this diaper, and if you find yourself with this issue you can send the diaper back to have it repaired, so it won’t be a concern.  (editor’s note: I emailed the maker of TISMO and she said that it was a weak snap that probably resulted in not pressing hard enough on the snap press but it would be an easy fix.  It has happened on other diapers before for me, including manufactured “big name” diapers.)

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩✩

At 30.23 for a fitted, I’d say the price is about average for a fitted but the quality is excellent. Sew Me Organics uses 20% bamboo charcoal and 80% organic cotton on the interior and 100% organic cotton on the exterior. I’m always willing to pay a little more for quality materials and good design, and this diaper is no exception.

The wool covers range from 26.20 to 33.25 depending on the size you choose (newborn to XL are available). You can also request to have a soaker layer sewn in for an additional 5 dollars, and to have the wool lanolized and ready to wear for an additional 2 dollars. Based on prices I’ve seen for similar styles, I’d say this is a great price. And I know quite a few busy moms who would be thrilled to pay an extra couple bucks to have the wool lanolized so they don’t have to deal with that time consuming step right away.

Performance ✩✩✩✩✩

This diaper may have spoiled me. I find myself wishing that all my microfiber inserts were magically replaced with charcoal bamboo. I’ve always heard about bamboo being amazing, even before I started talking to people about diapers, but I’d never heard of charcoal bamboo. It’s everything you could want in a fabric. Like wool, it is breathable and antibacterial, it also dries quickly and is soft against your skin. As an added bonus, the porous material is said to adjust to any level of humidity. Living in Florida, I’m soaked with humidity. Anything that promises to cooperate with that is a-ok in my book. I’ve also read that charcoal bamboo has a deodorizing quality. Supposedly the odors are absorbed. I can’t testify to that, in my opinion a pee soaked diaper still smells like pee, no matter what it’s made of. But after a wash cycle it smells fresh as a daisy (Hi. My name’s Lara. And I sniff clean diapers) every time.

The main reason I wish I had more of this stuff is the absorbency. Harper eats a LOT. And she goes through quite a few diapers every day. Just one more reason I am so glad we use cloth. At night, my heavy wetter needs something that is up to the challenge. I’ve yet to meet an all-in-one or a pocket that can handle her. This fitted, however, is amazing. Some mornings I’ll remove her cover and the fitted will barely feel damp on the outside. That’s a lot of absorbency considering some other fitteds will be soggy and practically dripping by sun up. I love knowing that Harper has organic natural materials against her skin, and I love even more that they are wicking moisture away from her body and keeping her happy and dry.

Fit ✩✩✩✩

This diaper fits snugly and Harper seems comfortable in it. As with many fitteds she does need to size up her pants if we’re leaving the house, however the two inserts (each made with three layers of material) snap in and you can remove one of them to reduce the profile if you’re concerned about it. I don’t mind a fluffy butt, especially with a baby that will be learning to stand soon and can anticipate many tumbles. A little extra cushioning doesn’t hurt.

I did notice that Harper gets red indentations from the thigh elastic when I remove the fitted. She doesn’t seem bothered by them at all, and they fade before her next diaper change.

One thing I can’t help but gush about is the prints. My first reaction to reading that these diapers are organic was to assume the materials would be rather simple and boring. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I reviewed an adorable fitted in a print called “scamper yellow” featuring sweet little raccoons amongst wildflowers. I looked over the website and saw dozens of fun choices, most of which are gender neutral but still really eye catching and unique.

Sew Me Organics also offers their wool covers in lovely naturally dyed colors, I couldn’t help eyeing the tie dye.

I love how absorbent these diapers are, and with both inserts and one of their sleek wool covers, I’d consider this a bulletproof nighttime option. I don’t reach for it as much during the day, not because of the bulk but because it’s usually in the wash ready for the next night. I’ve met parents who cloth diaper during the day but switch to disposables at night (because that weird blue gel sucks up everything) and while I’m very do-what-works-best-for-you I still wish they’d give these a try, they practically have super powers.

Where to Buy: This is Sew Me Organics (FYI this is a Canadian Company and so diapers would be shipping from Canada, great if you are Canadian!)

Little Beasties is a WAHM made diaper with a shop on Etsy. They carry beautiful and unique diapers with hidden PUL and fun embroidered designs. The diapers are available with either snaps or touchtape. I’ll be reviewing a snap diaper.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ The snaps on this diaper are strong and secure, it makes changing my wiggly infant so much easier. This pocket diaper comes with a generously sized insert made of three layers of microfiber sandwiched within soft flannel. They come in really fun prints which makes my nightly routine of stuffing diapers more interesting and brings a smile to my baby’s face. The inserts feature a snap down design that bumGenius users will be familiar with, it allows a perfect fit on any rise. The diaper also boasts a very wide opening in the back where you can stuff the insert. I was initially wary when I noted the opening is just a slice in the alova material with a short zig zag stitch at either end, I was concerned the cut might expand from washings and general wear and tear. However, I’ve used this diaper for several weeks in heavy rotation and had no issues whatsoever.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ Prices range from 14.50 to 29.99 depending on the diaper you select. Custom diapers are also a favorite for this WAHM, she says she loves letting customers create their own design. The diaper I’m reviewing sells for 20.99. When I consider the amount of work that goes into embroidering a design, and the added comfort of having a cotton outer over hidden PUL, I’d say this price is more than fair. I’d be especially keen to pay a little more for a diaper with one of my favorite tv shows or video games referenced, so having the custom request option available makes it that much sweeter.

Performance ✩✩✩ I’ll admit, the first two times I used this diaper were a mess. Within minutes of changing her, Harper was soaked and so were her clothes. I checked the insert in case it was human error, but it seemed to be in place correctly (it may have been the insert placement, but I haven’t had this issue since). I considered what I could do differently and realized that while I’d prepped the diaper I had only line dried it. I usually use my clothesline as it saves energy and helps zap bacteria. But as I thought about it, I realized the layer of PUL may need to be heated in the dryer to help seal it. One cycle later and it worked perfectly, no leaks, and no wicking.

Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ Little Beasties has two sets of snaps at the waist and four rise options (three rows of snaps to choose from or you can leave the rise unsnapped for the largest size).  It also has generous leg gussets (a lifesaver for any breastfed baby, I could write a love letter to quality gussets) to help protect your baby from leaks at the thigh. But the best thing about this diaper is the elastic. Not only does it have a wide stretch of elastic across the back to prevent blowouts, the leg elastic is adjustable! The first time I saw this feature I was in awe, having heard complaints from cloth diapering mamas about their little ones having skinny legs or chunky legs and never getting a good fit. The elastic snaps in place on either end, with three size options available. Because it isn’t sewn in, it will be easy to repair if needed.

Overall:  Little Beasties has some really fun designs and are very well made. They are a little bulkier under clothes than some pocket diapers, but with something this cute you don’t want to cover it up anyway. I feel like this diaper will easily last multiple children and is something special I will reach for again and again.

Where to Buy: Little Beasties on Etsy

Every once in a while I get a chance to review a “nappy” and not a “cloth diaper.”  You are probably thinking, “Aren’t those the exact same thing?” and you would be right.  Except that I get to feel fancier.  Baba+Boo Reusable Nappies are fun little diapers with exclusive prints.  They have a lot of the same features as other brands and could be confused for them, however I have been assured that these diapers were designed and made in an independent factory with all proper testing.  I’ve often warned others of the Made in China brands that have not been tested for chemicals and the factories not audited for humane and safe working conditions.  I just wanted to clarify that in this case these diapers are free and clear.  Whew!  Now that that is out of the way I can move on with the review.

One of the really fun things about the diaper, other than the custom prints, is that they often have a coordinating shirt to go with the print.  I was sent a frog patterned diaper with a frog applique on the shirt.  You know how much cloth diaper moms (nappy mums) love showing off our fluff so when we can get a coordinating set that makes it that much more fun!

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ The easiest part about this diaper is just getting it on and off. There are 3 snaps per tab, and with two of them on the hip that might throw people off (it did me on occasion since usually it is the other way around) but just un-pop those suckers when it is time to change into a new diaper. The most PITA part of this diaper is getting the insert stuffed in. Anyone familiar with my reviews knows that I don’t take kindly to those tiny pocket openings. Mama needs room to stuff! It doesn’t make stuffing the diaper impossible but it is more cumbersome to get the insert straightened out with only a 3 inch opening (plus the stretch). It also makes it harder to just shake out the insert from the pocket opening before washing, which some parents do, but I usually just reach in so for me that didn’t hurt my feelings. The tabs have nice stretch to them and I always think that makes getting a tight fit on the waist easier, so that is worth a mention. And above all, any pocket diaper is easier to put on and use than a 2 part system.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ Their “exclusives” line which is what I am reviewing cost £10.95, or £20.95 for the matching diaper and shirt set. The diaper is about $16 in US and that makes is slightly less expensive than other brand name pockets but with shipping they are more than most people would want to pay in the US.  In the UK that is not a problem and they remain a good price.  4 stars for UK shoppers, but a 2 if we were paying the cost of the diaper and individual shipping to the US, so lets average that to a 3.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ The microfiber inserts that were included were super nice and thick, but not in the “bulky way. I used it in the day with only one insert. For the smallest setting you can fold the insert over if you need to. Overnight we did experience some wicking around the legs. I’m not a huge fan of pockets for overnights in general and prefer natural fibers. I think from what I can tell, that this slicker style of PUL is more prone to the wicking when the diaper is saturated. I could be wrong though. As always, try for yourself and if that is an issue then another diaper for overnight might work best. It didn’t have any wicking issues for normal, daytime use or even at nap time. Because I don’t expect pockets to be the best overnight solution it still gets 4 stars.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ The waist has a lot of room and even with Everett being over 2 he had plenty of snaps left to grow into. Granted, he is now a skinny thing, but that is the point of reference I have. As evident in the video, the fabric under the snaps on the hip might flip up but that doesn’t really affect how the diaper performs. It depends on the build of your child and their position. Everett can wear the diaper on both the medium and large setting, but medium fits best because it rides lower. It does seem big on the small setting but I can’t test it out on a smaller baby to see how it would work/fit.
Overall: I like the novelty of the slick PUL and the custom prints, which are very cute and unique. Plus the option for a matching t-shirt is really fun! These sets could make a great gift to a mom-to-be. The diaper performed well overall in the daytime but it wasn’t the best for overnights. The 2 microfiber inserts are a plus. Here in the US paying the shipping is going to make the diapers pricier so it might not be an option for us just yet unless they start being carried in a store and find distribution here. For anyone reading in the UK you can find them at a much more reasonable rate (of course) and they are definitely worth a try, if nothing else, just for the FUN prints!
Where to Buy Baba+Boo

Rumpkinz is a WAHM brand with several options but today I am reviewing their One Size Pocket.  It has a minky outer with hidden PUL so the diaper is waterproof.  Rumpkinz cloth diapers are known for their large selection of embroidery designs.  I was sent a Kermit to review.  I’ve seen fun custom diapers with names, teams, and other characters as well.  The only thing that is confusing is how to actually buy their diapers.  I suggest that you follow their facebook page where they post diapers for sale since this seems to be easier than their website.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ Being a pocket diaper you will need to stuff an insert inside before using, and remove it before washing. Each tab has 2 snaps per tab at the end so it is quite easy even for a snapping diaper to get it onto the baby. Resizing the rise is simple with a snap down/up rise, although sometimes that thick minky fabric bunches up. That adds all of 1-3 extra seconds between snapping so I promise it is a miniscule inconvenience and you only need to re-size every few months. It was a simple diaper all around and should work great for any parent.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩✩ Because these diapers are typically auctioned or bid on the prices can vary but they looks to sell for between $17-$20 a piece, which is extremely affordable and is less than I would expect to pay for a diaper of this quality and made with these matierals by a WAHM. I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t pay this price! It is a steal. The only small issue is the insert might not be absorbent enough alone so you might need a different one or to add one.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ I’ve used this diaper a lot because my son asks for it! Overnight with their insert plus a microfiber insert worked great for us and we didn’t have any wicking in the morning. For days I can use the included insert. Ev is not a heavy wetter and I can guess that other babies might need more than the one insert.
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ I actually love how this fits around Everett’s waist. It is a perfect fit and in fact I am tempted to say it fits his waist better than any other diaper I own currently. And even for a minky diaper it isn’t that bulky. It just looks comfortable which is important! The elastic around the legs is wide and so is the elastic on the back, and it is covered in the inner fabric so it is soft and comfortable. As I mention in the video, the thinner the elastic the higher the chance of red marks and potentially painful ones. (More on this in a post about red marks from cloth diapers).
Overall: I’m so happy I got the chance to review these because they work really well for my son and I’m sure will work well for others too. Usually I don’t favor minky diapers but this one is getting a lot of play here, partly because Ev gravitates towards the Kermit and partly because I love how it fits and know it will work for any situation. It’s a great WAHM diaper and worth the hunt to find them.
Where to Buy Rumpkinz on Facebook

As I am nearing the end of my son’s diaper reviewing days these are coming fewer and far between, and I apologize for that.  I’m still really excited to introduce you to a newer brand of WAHM made diapers called Moraki.  This is an AI2/Pocket style diaper that is also One Size and made in California.  Their price is steeper than many OS pockets but keep your eye out for a sale!  You can find them in a variety of prints too.  Their most notable feature is the middle stuffing pocket which allows the insert to agitate out in the wash, keeping your hands dry and clean!  They also have a very nice Fold to Fit insert made from cotton and hemp.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ The Moraki AI2/Pocket diaper can be used as a pocket or AI2 (hence the name.) When using as a pocket you’ll need to stuff your insert in the opening which is very easy thanks to a wide opening so even dads with huge hands won’t have a problem. When used as a pocket the insert doesn’t even need to be removed before washing which I find to be a huge help. For using as an AI2/Cover just lay in your insert or wrap around your prefold/fitted. There are 3 snaps per tab, one on the hip which you can do first to make it easier. The biggest problem I had while putting it on was having the PUL strip in the front that is inside facing the stomach roll out and slip while I was snapping the diaper. This is a very minor issue and I wouldn’t even call it a complaint… just saying.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ You know I love supporting WAHM’s! I do! Still, it can be hard to pay $27 for a diaper (cover only, $31 with insert) when one with the same size/function is much less from mass produced brands, even some made in the USA. I really enjoyed the diaper but I’m not sure I could make myself pay that price. However, if there was a sale I would pay a little less and be happy with my purchase because it works great. If you are using cloth diapers strictly to save money than this wouldn’t be for you. If you love the covers you can use them as AI2‘s and either buy a few inserts or use your own to use this as an AI2 which would be less expensive than buying them to use one time each as pocket diapers.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ We started using this diaper a lot overnight with a microfiber double stuffed inside in conjunction with the hemp/cotton insert included with the diaper. It was very capable and never leaked. For daytime we stuck with the included insert.
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ The fit was perfect on Ev with one rise snap exposed (the next to smallest rise) but he was maxing out the width since the hip snap was at the last snap on each side, meaning that if he were any larger in the waist he would have a male snap digging into his skin. There are hip snap covers available to remedy that but you would need to buy them from someone or potentially make your own. It wasn’t terribly bulky on him in between the legs or overall.
Overall: I’ll be honest and say I really love the diaper, just not the price. It is enough to scare a lot of buyers away, even if it is a WAHM made product. I understand people have to earn a living, I truly do, but it is hard to be competitive with other big brands and WAHMS being at that end of the price. If Moraki is hoping to be a “boutique” and desireable brand then the pricing would make more sense, but I would want to see a little more flair in that case beyond the printed PUL. Beyond the price I found it to be a very well fitting and extremely well made diaper and I absolutely love the way the pocket is made. The opening stays smooth but also allows the insert the agitate out, my favorite feature in any pocket diaper.
Where to Buy: MorakiCloth.com Use coupon NEWYEAR30 for 30% off orders over $20.00 through January 23.

Say that title 5 times fast.  Go.  I know you did it… so just admit it!  Now that your homework assignment is finished lets move on with today’s video and review for the Tushie Ties Bamboo Velour and Simplicity Typing Prefold.  I first heard about these over a year ago and they very much intrigued me because they are so very unique and they look like a little gift tied onto your baby’s butt.  But as cute as they were I needed to see for myself how well they worked and if tying was more hassle than it was worth.  I reviewed the bamboo velour version myself which is the original.  The idea for a typing prefold came about because bamboo velour does not take a snappi well and so mamas who wanted OBV (organic bamboo velour) prefolds had to learn to pin.  The WAHM behind Tushie Ties created a different solution to the problem and began making and selling these.  Later she added the Simplicity line which is a cotton version and comes at a lower price point.  I have a review of the Simplicity line from Katrina, my contributor who tested the newborn size on her new little one.

Bamboo Velour Tushie Ties One Size (reviewed by me)
Ease of Use ✩✩✩ Now that I have been using the TT for a while I am getting faster at it and pushing the ribbons through the two openings is getting easier and a little more intuitive. That isn’t to say that I started out doing it quickly and there was quite a bit of fumbling around on my part early on. For me the most difficult part was getting the prefold snug around the legs without sagging. I really have to pull the wings around his leg and then tie, and sometimes that can mean him moving and loosening one or both sides and starting over. If you don’t do it very fast that is a real possibility and could be frustrating in the beginning. So yes, there is a learning curve here but there is one for Snappi’s too and a lot of other diapers. This is just a unique style. After you get the hang of it it can be a 4 or even 5 star prefold but to account for a steep learning curve it is a 3 for me.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ Their regular retail price is $15 for the One Size and if you do the math that is almost a brand name pocket diaper with an insert. You would still need a few covers in your rotation too. Bamboo velour is a more expensive material and the diapers are WAHM made in the US and that always increases the price. With these kinds of diapers usually people will buy a few to have and not necessarily buy 2 dozen to make up their stash. It is fun to try new diapers even if they are more than you would normally pay. If you pay attention though they have sales sometimes and have been as low as $7.49 each which is a much better deal!
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ Bamboo Velour is absorbent and has a slight stay dry property (though not nearly as stay dry as microfleece/suedecloth it is more so than cotton) plus it is a natural fiber. Bamboo velour is technically a rayon because of how it is made but still bamboo. As long as you have the diaper on correctly it should work without any leaks. We used it both with a cover and coverless and overnight and never had issues with leaking from fit or from lack of absorbency. I do always say that Ev is not a heavy wetter so while that was the case for us it might not be so for everyone but there are a lot of layers so you should be pretty good.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ I reviewed their One Size prefold which states it fits 8-40 pounds. I can see how it should last to 40 pounds because it has a lot of room left on the rise for my 20 pounder which did add bulk in the front due to folding it over. They offer a newborn size as well. The legs took time to get snug and I did ask for advice from the maker to help get it right. Bamboo velour is a heavy material so there were times the middle sagged by the time I changed his wet diaper despite my best efforts of tying tightly. This can happen with other diapers too and is more related to the style and material. It would be more noticeable without a cover and might lead to a leak but with a cover there shouldn’t be any problems.
Overall: The ribbon is made of grosgrain and ties nice and tight without much worry of coming undone on its own. It is secured to the diaper very well and you shouldn’t worry about it coming off. The holes are stitched all around so there shouldn’t be any fraying as well. From what I can tell the diapers are made really well. For me it just isn’t my favorite style of diaper and wouldn’t be something I would reach for but I have always been a pocket lover or a flats girl. I do think it is adorable and see that there is a good reason for the tying if you really love bamboo velour and prefolds.

Tushie Ties Simplicity Newborn Size (the economy line, reviewed by Katrina)

Ease of use ✩✩✩✩ I love that this diaper doesn’t require me to carry anything extra around to fasten it, the tie system really simplifies the prefold system in my opinion, if you can tie your shoe you can operate this diaper. There is a small learning curve and the need for a cover so that is why it earns 4 stars.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ Bamboo Velour range from $13.50 – $15.00, and the Cotton Stretch Simplicity line is $7.99. The price is higher than your traditional bleached prefolds, and you will also need to purchase a cover for this diaper. I see it as a bit of a splurge for the bamboo version, but for many the luxurious material and the antibacterial properties make this a steal. The large size range that can be accommodated with prefolds also adds to their value.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ Bamboo Velour is a very absorbent material, which worked well even at night for us and if you need more you can purchase separately an additional soaker.
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ It’s a prefold, so as long as you’ve used it properly even newborn poop stays fairly well contained and I love that since it’s simply a ribbon closure that I do not have to be concerned with the comfort of more restricting closure devices. It’s also quite a trim fit compared to a typical cotton prefold.
Overall: This is a prefold that I feel you could leave with dads and babysitters which is such a bonus to me. This diaper is so cute it will become a photography prop for many families. I am a fan, I’ve used the Tushie Tie, washed it and reused it again that same day I like it so much, and I just bought myself two more!

Where to Buy: http://hyenacart.com/stores/TushieTies/

Green Gene Diapers has a One Size Hybrid Fitted that is perfect for those who love letting their babies run around without a waterproof cover. Learn more by watching the above video and by reading my performance review.  Don’t be scared of the “Ease of Use” rating because what it lacks in that category it makes up for in the others.  Note the update to the Ease of Use category.
Ease of Use ✩✩ While I know there is a whole mess of people who really love hybrid style fitteds (ones with snap in soakers and other add ons) they can certainly up the level of complication. This particular hybrid fitted from Green Genes Diapers has 2 snap in soakers that also need to be folded in and an additional option to stuff an insert (and then un-stuff before washing). And as with most fitteds of this style the diaper has 3 snaps per tab in a row to snap. Then if you need a cover you have that additional diaper to apply on the baby. If you LOVE hybrid fitteds you won’t be phased by these options. Additionally, you don’t HAVE to use a cover around the house and you don’t HAVE to use the snap in inserts. Still, there are a lot of options and this can be time consuming compared to easier diapers like All-in-Ones and confusing to newbies. Please note that after I performed this review the soak style was changed to an easier version with less soaker snapping has now been released.  My reivew still stands for this earlier version but please see their new version as well.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩✩ I actually think the price for this diaper is really great! Usually hybrid fitteds are over $30.00 and this diaper can be purchased for abour $25.00. It uses really absorbent materials. Like any other fitteds you have to consider the additional expense of a cover if you plan on using them.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ I’m really blown away at how that fleece layer works that is inside of the diaper to distribute the liquid through the diaper. I, like many others, enjoy letting my son wear a fitted without a cover around the house for more breathability and to help if he has a rash. In this case he wore this diaper many times coverless and each time I had a hard time knowing when he was wet, unlike most fitteds. It was also absorbent with both inserts, more than I would ever needs even at night, and was even fine with none of the snap in inserts, just one in the pocket.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ You are going to have a hard time putting your baby in typical jeans with these and a cover on. But for nights and going coverless around the house that isn’t even an issue. There is plenty of room around the waist with extra long tabs and the rise has one full step up left for Everett who is 2 years old and 23 pounds.
Overall: I think the price and the unique fleece lining make this diaper worth looking into, especially for people who love letting their babies run around coverless in a fitted. They also offer a newborn version of this diaper! Now that I have experienced this super neat diaper and the liquid distribution I won’t want to use my own fitteds as much!
Where to Buy GreenGenesDiapers.com

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

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

The Tots Bots Easy Fit saw an overhaul recently and I have reviewed the newest version (V2). The sizing and funtion remained the same, however the materials were changed and they now offer a snapping version. Changes include a lighter/thinner PUL (waterproof layer), using minky fabric for the absorbent tongue-style soaker, having matching aplix and soakers to the color of the PUL, and offering snaps.  I reviewed their original version back in 2010- you can watch that video to see the differences.

Ease of Use- Snaps ✩✩✩ I wanted to specfically rate the snaps version of this diaper versus the aplix because in the beginning of my testing phase the snaps were hard to close for me. For an unknown reason they didn’t come “out of the box” making a nice, secure “click” and I had to really press them to get them closed. I put some feelers out on my Facebook Fanpage and found many others had this problem. It has become easier over time but I think, since this is a known issue, it should be addressed. Is it a reason not to buy the diaper in snaps? Perhaps… but the snaps always worked. I just want to make sure if anyone is googling “Why are my snaps so hard to close on the Tots Bots Easy Fit?” that they find an answer!
Ease of Use- Velcro ✩✩✩✩✩ The Aplix version is super easy to use as you can tell from my video. The extra large tabs close around the baby’s waist nice and easy. They can overlap when you need them to as well, unlike the snaps version. Sizing the diaper means you only need to snap 2 snaps on the rise rather than the standard of 3. This version seemed to fix a weird issue I had with the previous- the middle of the diaper “tented” up making my son looked like he had a lot more going on. The new ones don’t seem to do this. You will never have to seek out inserts because this is a “tongue style all-in-one” meaning the insert is attached at one end. You can either lay in inside since the minky is perfectly safe against the baby’s skin, or tuck it in the pocket. Be advised that minky has a “grippiness” and in MY washer the inserts rarely washed out when stuffed in the pocket. This was disappointing because that is one of the biggest reasons I love the Easy Fit. I’d love to hear from others about this.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ 23.95 is the retail price of the new Tots Bots Easy Fit diapers. This is about 5 dollars more than the average pocket diaper. For more money you receive a tongue style diaper (no searching for inserts or unstuffing, if that works for you) with minky inserts instead of microfiber, more style (matching aplix/snaps, coordinating minky colors, option for limited edition prints (if you can find them! I’m in love with Three Pigs) and a very trim and attractive diaper. These are also made in Glasgow and Tots Bots is a family company. The diapers are imported and distributed here in the US by Bummis. I would pay this in a heart beat for their print versions… I do think many parents will need to pay extra for a doubler or use one in their stash already since minky isn’t the most absorbent material.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ I have to say that I did have some leaks in this diaper related to not having enough absorbency. The diaper is designed well so I didn’t have fit related leaks. The inserts are minky and if you recall my Fuzzibunz Elite review I realized that minky is not the most absorbent material. It is trim but you might lose some of that if you have to add extra inserts. I definitely wouldn’t use it without extra inserts for naps or long car rides.  The benefit of the minky is that it has a faster drying time.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ The rise settings on the diaper give you 3 different size options. I haven’t used the new version on a newborn but I can test it on Everett and he is 20 months old and 22 pounds. He is in the stage where he can fit unsnapped or on the middle rise. I prefer it snapped to the middle but with the aplix version he has had a tummy rub issue so on that one I have unsnapped the rise to be safe. On the snaps version he can still wear it on the middle rise just fine. He has plenty of room in the waist.
Overall: I wish I could combine my favorite features of the new Tots Bots Easy Fit to the older version. Specifically I would keep the old materials in the soaker and the old PUL (it just felt more sturdy to me and less like I would rip it apart, although I’m certain I couldn’t really do that.) but have the new style with matching aplix/snaps and the newest prints.  I know there are probably plenty of people who will disagree with me and that is completely fine!
Where to Buy Kelly’s Closet and Diaper Junction are affilaite partners of DDL and carry Tots Bots Easy Fits.

Lil Helper diapers might be a new name to you. They were to me! This line of All-in-Two, One Size cloth diapers has 3 versions: Original, Organic Bamboo, and Charcoal Bamboo. The sizing and configurations of each diaper are the same, only the materials used differ. This is more visible in the video (I hope, though I did make a boo boo and mix soakers, noted in video). The family behind Lil Helper diapers have a wicked sharp sense of humor. I HIGHLY recommend visiting their website where you can see this all throughout, including product descriptions and instructions. It kept me smiling the whole time I read. They also donate 1 diaper per 3 diapers sold and have even sent a shipment to my favorite diaper charity Giving Diapers, Giving Hope. 

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ The diapers in the Lil’ Helper line up all use the same sizing and soaker system across the board. They all have a 3-Step-Rise using snaps. By now this system of sizing is pretty standard and easy to figure out. You just snap down to make smaller, unsnap to make larger. The waist tabs have 3 snaps each, 1 of which secures at the hip. I don’t find this to be too difficult or time consuming but it is definitely more work/time compared to velcro. The soakers snap in. You can either just use one or add a second, smaller doubler for more absorbency. Each snaps in and the smaller one snaps onto the larger soaker. Some people might not like to leave just the larger soaker in without a doubler because the female snaps will be left exposed. I find this annoying but not painful for the baby. I would not leave male snaps exposed on the skin. The best thing is how stretchy the PUL and tabs are. I feel it makes applying the diaper on the baby much easier and gives a better fit.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ The diapers are costlier than many other comparable diapers in their AI2 category. The Original is priced at $20.00, the Organic Bamboo at $23.00 and the Charcoal Bamboo at $26.00. Each diaper includes the two soakers, 1 large and 1 small. The diapers are manufactured in China but are really well made. The PUL is fairly unique because it is light and stretchy. You can find some of the diapers in prints but the Charcoal Bamboo has a brushed, soft finish tin bamboo and only comes in 4 colors. Part of the increase in cost is for a good reason- for every 3 diapers sold Lil Helper donates one diaper to a baby in need. You can read all about their program, “Baby Do Good” on their website.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ I’ve been reviewing these diapers for a good long while. I was especially curious about the Charcoal Bamboo diapers and if that softer, brushed outside material would wick (where moisture travels from the wet soaker inside to the outer layer) so I was testing those heavily. I was thrilled when the Charcoal Bamboo diaper experienced no wicking. None of the diapers had any leaks, even when tested longer time periods. Because Ev isn’t a heavy wetter I didn’t notice one diaper and their inserts performing any better than another diaper in their line.
Fit ✩✩✩ Each diaper in the Lil Helper line is intended to fit babies 7-35 pounds. Everett is 22 pounds and we go back and forth on the rise adjustments depending on if we are using 1 soaker or both of the included soakers. If you use both there is bulk, especially at the front and top of the diaper. When on the middle rise this left an open gap so that is why I unsnap the rise. The rise snaps themselves are positioned a bit lower on the diaper than many other OS diapers.
Overall: Having 2 absorbent inserts included per diaper is helpful. I personally didn’t use this diaper as an All-in-Two but it works easily as a Snap-in-One, but you will do better to use it as an AI2 to get more bang for your buck per shell. The linings on the shells have either microfleece or bamboo and are not “wipe-clean” so you will need to be aware of that. If the shells get wet you will either need a new one or have to let it air out. The snaps were nice and strong. These are larger than the typical KAM snaps most cloth diapers use, and are more like the snaps on GroVia or Smartipants cloth diapers. I am a snaps girl so I love that these come in snapping closures but some people might prefer velcro and so they won’t even consider this line. The Charcoal Bamboo diaper is a cool concept but I haven’t seen the benefits of this material over traditional bamboo, however the grey lining is novel and I love how it looks. After much wear and washing I have noticed that the tag with their adorable logo has faded quite a bit.
Where to Buy LilHelper.ca